Fairy moss, also called water fern is not moss but a free-floating aquatic fern. It provides a habitat and food for fishkoi and goldfish like to nibble on the fairy weed fronds. Fairy moss is a perennial in warm climates and is grown as an annual in cooler climates. In the fall, the deciduous foliage turns reddish-purple. It wont grow well in water bodies with strong currents as its tender fronds get damaged....
False lupine, also called Carolina lupine, is native to the Southeast. Flowers are followed by brown seedpods nestled in the upright, grayish-green foliage. False lupine is a favorite among pollinators. Note: This plant was formerly known asThermopsis caroliniana.It is sometimes still sold under that name. Place seeds in a lightly raked bed and cover at a depth of 14-inch. Keep soil moist throughout the germination period. Set out container-grown plants in the spring after the threat of frost has passed or in early fall....
This perennial produces tons of bright yellow flowers in summer. False sunflower is more compact (so less likely to flop) than the real deal. Many varieties grow 3-5 feet tall, while some smaller varieties are less than 2 feet tall. Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff In most specimens, each flower comprises a single row of golden petals around a darker yellow center eye. (That’s why this plant is often called ox eye.)...
The plants will often hold onto the plumes past fall, which adds wonderful winter interest to a garden. The seed heads also look great in cut-flower arrangements. The plant does not have any specific requirements in terms of soil quality or texture. Bryan E. McCay. It grows in moderately acidic to alkaline soil. This tall ornamental grass adds a stunning vertical architectural element to any landscape, even in winter. Place the grass in the hole and backfill it with soil....
This woody shrub brings color and interest to desert gardens. Feathery cassiais an evergreen shrub with fine leaves and branches that boast a silver-gray tone. This Australian native looks particularly striking when planted in groups of three to five specimens. Prickly pear cactus with yellow flowers.Credit: Christer Fredriksson/Getty Images Space several plants about 6 fee apart. Dig a hole twice as wide as the nursery container and just as deep....
All three have feathery fronds similar to dill and a pronounced anise or licorice smell and flavor. It is a short-lived perennial native but mostly grown as an annual in cooler climates. The bulbs of Florence fennel have a crunchy texture similar to celery and are eaten raw or cooked. you’re able to also give it a spot in your herb garden. The fern-like foliage and upright growth habit create a soft green backdrop in a perennial garden....
This small, grass-like plant looks like a fiber-optic lamp. Often found growing in wet or peaty areas near the sea, fiber-optic grass is a cosmopolitan grass. Although it looks like a grass, fiber-optic grass is an evergreen species in the sedge family. The flowers are cone-shaped and start out as white or silver, eventually turning tan or brown. It has a slow to moderate growth rate. Fiber-optic grass is toxic to humans and pets....
The 850 species span a wide range of looks. Gardeners inZones 10-11can grow ficus trees outdoors year-round. Those in cooler zones grow them in containers that can be moved indoors when frost nears or as houseplants. Credit: Dean Schoeppner Some varieties can tolerate the chilly temperatures in Zones 6-9 with a lot of help. Ficus sap is toxic to pets. A sun-dappled yard or one with other trees that shield it from some sunlight is ideal....
Filbert shrubs, also called hazel and hazelnuts, are great companions for spring-flowering bulbs. All the shrubs in theCorylusgenus produce edible nuts. Both the common hazel and the filbert are native to Europe and Asia. Credit: Denny Schrock Where to Plant Filbert Plant filbert shrubs in USDA Zones 4-9. The plant grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. Spread a 3- to 4-inch-thick layer of bark mulcharound the plants to create a large, nearly maintenance-free bed....
Learn how to grow this succulent with color-changing stems in fiery shades of red and orange. The firestick plant(Euphorbia tirucalli)is a colorful tropical succulent. The more sun the plant receives, the brighter the colors become. Credit: Edward Golich In most areas of the country, the firestick plant is grown as a houseplant. In dry, frost-free climates, it can be grown outdoors as a dense hedge or small tree. Like all members of theEuphorbiagenus, the firestick plant is toxic to humans and pets....
Add sizzle to the spring garden and drama to autumn with these beautiful native shrubs. Flame azalea(Rhododendron calendulaceum)is among the most spectacularNorth American native shrubsyou can grow. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Credit:kellyvandellen / Getty Images Flame azaleas common name refers to the resemblance of its colorful, upright flower buds to candle flames. Use these tips to grow flame azaleas in your garden. Amend heavy soil withorganic matterand adjust thepH to 4....
This perennial with sky-blue flowers blooms through dry and hot summers. Dont let the frothy beauty of this tufted plant fool you. Each five-petal blue flower lasts only one day: opening in the morning but dropping petals by late afternoon. Flax grows as a large carpet of color in its native environments of Europe and Asia. A seed packet containing about 400 seeds covers roughly 80 square feet. Tamp down the soil so the seeds have soil contact, do not cover them....
The flax lily has a lot of different colors and looks to choose from for this pretty perennial. Flax lily offers many different options offoliage textures and colors. Other varieties boast stunning burgundy-blue foliage with a gray cast. Credit: Denny Schrock Several species have ornamental berries as well. The berries are bright blue and found in clusters hanging above the foliage. Hardy in Zones 8-11, flax lily is a warm-weather plant that also grows well indoors....
