Fountaingrass encompasses a wide variety of landscape grasses in thePennisetumgenus. These ornamental grasses are beloved for their soft shape, sprawling nature, and fuzzy plumes. The grass grows as a perennial within its designatedUSDA plant hardiness zones. Outside of those zones, gardeners use it as an annual. The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral. Plant fountaingrass alongside more compact plants, which will allow its size and sprawl to take center stage....

Four oclock flowers blossom profusely and emit a lovely fragrance all summer. The night-blooming perennial is a must for moon gardens. Four oclock flowers boast fragrant, tubular-shaped blooms in various colors and patterns. Credit: David Speer Sometimes, blossoms of different shades appear on the same plant. However, their most special trait is their daily blooming cycle. In the late afternoon, around 4 p.m. (hence the name), these showy flowers open up....

This classic garden favorite adds towers of graceful blooms to beds and borders. )is a classic garden favorite known for its towers of blooms. Most foxglove plants are biennials. Credit: Rick Taylor In the second year, they send up beautiful spikes of blooms, (which hummingbirds love). Foxglove plants die when they finish blooming for the season. A few foxgloves aretrue perennials, blooming each year. Credit: Rick Taylor Be careful where you plant foxglove....

Also called love-lies-bleeding, this annual plant looks especially pretty in dried flower arrangements. They makebeautiful additions to cut flower arrangements. This guide explains how to grow foxtail amaranth in your own garden. Credit:Laurie Black Use thisbold annualto add afocal point to containersand as standouts in the middle or back of garden beds. The plants grow quickly as soon as daytime temperatures regularly reach 70F. These quick-growers will bloom within eight weeks after sowing....

Create your own tropical oasis with foxtail palmthriving in sunshine and humidityor propagate one indoors. A well-grown tree can have massive fronds up to 12 feet long. It produces clusters of colorful red fruits, which add to its ornamental appeal. Denny Schrock. It comes in single-trunk and multi-trunk varieties. Its quick growth means you could enjoy a good-sized tree in just a few years. Select a location that receives full sun and has fertile, well-draining, sandy soil....

Double-flowered hybrids provide an even showier display. This characteristic makes freesiawonderful for arrangements. Soil and Water Freesia grows best in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. After planting, water them only sparingly; overwatering can lead to rotting. Once they start sprouting, water moderately in the absence of rain to keep the soil lightly moist. Once the summer heat sets in, freesia will go dormant and should not be watered any longer....

Count on this annual to churn out colorful flowers all summer long. A garden favorite for their brightly colored flowers, French marigolds are easy to grow and care for. These heat-loving annuals last the entire growing season, blooming awayuntil frost. Doug Hetherington . French marigolds typically come inwarm oranges, yellows, and reds. Some varieties have a single row of petals, while others have pompon-like, petal-packed double blooms. Plus, it seems like a new marigold shade or petal throw in is introduced each year....

Fritillary and crown imperial are magnificent as stand-alone bulbs you’re free to’t missfritillariaplanted in a spring garden. Fritillaria are toxic to humans and pets. Where to Plant Fritillaria Fritillaria demands full sun and exceptionally well-drained soil. Crown imperial willgive your garden a tropical lookin midspring. Lofty crown imperial stands 3 to 4 feet tall and pairs well singly with the emerging foliage of perennials. Plant it in groups of three for a bold focal point....

Few flowers offer such an interesting form and variety of hues as fuchsia. The two different-color sets of petals that make up the intricate blooms aren’t all petals. Instead, the four outer “petals” are actually sepals. Credit: Robert Cardillo These protect the inner parts of the flowers from damage. Once the sepals open, the actual petals are revealed. There are usually four petals inside, often a deeppurple color. Credit: Robert Cardillo...

This cottage-garden annual adds tropical flair to garden beds and containers. Some garden balsam varieties offer single flowers with speckled centers. Where to Plant Garden Balsam Plant garden balsam in partial shade for the best blooms. Credit: Marty Baldwin It will tolerate full sun as long as it gets plenty of water or some shade in the afternoon. Plant it in rich, well-draining soil. It takes about 60 days from sowing the seed to the first blooms....

Peter Krumhardt Gardenias(Gardenia jasminoides) are knownand grownfor their creamy white blooms and intoxicating fragrance. Where to Plant Gardenia The quality of your soil is key to success when growing gardenias. To thrive, gardenias need well-drained, rich, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Credit:Peter Krumhardt Gardenias also prefer full sun but benefit from having a respite in the afternoon shadeespecially in very hot climates. Plant them near patios or in east-facing garden spots where they will avoid getting scorched....

Garlic chives begin flowering in late summer when many garden plants start to look bedraggled. The flowers have a sweet scent and are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. They are also a handsome addition to flower or perennial beds. How and When to Plant Garlic Chives Garlic chives are commonly grown from seed. Plants should be spaced 6 inches apart. Garlic Chives Care Tips Once established, garlic chives are notably heat-, cold-, and drought-tolerant....

This perennial is also known as burning bush for the highly flammable oil it produces. It does well in northern climates with cool nights and tolerates light shade. Gas plants like to be left alone to grow, and dont like to be disturbed once planted. Credit: Susan Gilmore The pink varieties often feature darker or red colors along the veins, creating feather-like patterns. Another common name for the gas plant is burning bush....