Pearly everlastingis an underappreciated North American native herb that deserves to be planted more often in gardens and landscapes. This easy-care perennial features lance-shape gray-green foliage that forms an attractive mound from spring all the way to autumn. Its long-lasting white flowers dry well, making them perfect for crafts projects. You should also consider pearly everlasting for your butterfly or pollinator garden. Many species of pollinators love its flowers, and it acts as a host plant for painted lady butterflies....

Growing peas in your garden is a snap with these must-know planting, care, and harvesting tips. It’s no wonder why peas(Pisum sativum)are so popular. You’ve Got Tons of Choices Peas are annuals with hundreds of varieties. Credit:Bob Stefko Theyre divided into several categories, including bush and vining types. Sweet peas(Lathyrus odoratus) are a different plant altogether. Where to Plant Peas Plant peas directly in garden beds or containers. Credit:Dana Gallagher...

This Southern native makes a beautiful shade tree that will produce edible nuts in the right place. The pecan is one of Americas favorite nuts and the official state tree of Texas. In fact, the intentional planting of pecan trees has only been happening for less than 200 years. Credit:Skapie777 / Getty Images You will also need to grow these stately trees in groups for proper pollination and more reliable yields....

Learn to care for these beautiful cottage-style blooms. Penstemons are lovely additions to the garden. With a rainbow of colors and hundreds of species to choose from, they are remarkable in their diversity. Credit: The Wilde Project Penstemons aretough perennialsthat stand up to intense growing conditions. The blooms look stunning in a garden setting and make a wonderful addition to acut flower arrangement. Along with their bright blooms, many penstemon varieties also have colorful foliage to add to the mix....

These pollinator-attracting plants bring butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to your garden. Pentas(Pentas lanceolata)is one of thebest pollinator-attracting plantsaround. It blooms all summer long, even during the hottest weather conditions. Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova The blooms come in shades of pink, white, red, and lavender. Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the root ball. Wait to plant in spring until after the last frost. Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova...

Peony is a classic garden perennial with many gorgeous colors and forms. With proper care, its lovely blooms will return to your landscape each spring. There are many types of peonies, each with unique growth habits, flower shapes, and colors. Credit: Blaine Moats Where to Plant Peony Spring-blooming peonies are wonderful specimen plants. Plant your peony inwell-draining soilandfull sunwhere it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily....

Sometimes referred to as baby rubber plant, peperomia is a commonly grown, low-maintenance houseplant. The genus of peperomia includes over 1,000 species presently recorded. There is bound to be at least one that would grow well in your home. Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova Wide-Ranging Foliage Types Grown for their foliage, peperomias are varied in their appearance. In general, they feature thick, fleshy leaves that store water. Ripple peperomias, one of the more popular species, have puckered and ruffled foliage....

Trade in your grass lawn or groundcover plants for low maintenance and colorful perennial peanuts. They’re related to the more well-knownedible peanut(Arachis hypogea). you’ve got the option to overseed them with ryegrass to keep a green look through the winter. Credit:fadfebrian / Getty Images Their mat-forming nature makes them ideal for stabilizing erosion-prone areas like hillsides and damp locations. Places with nutrient-poor, sandy soils are not a problem because these peanut plants can produce their own nitrogen....

These reliable perennials will put on a long-lasting show of blooms in your garden. Salvias are known to put on a spectacular show with hundreds of blooms at a time. More tenderperennial salviasmay have a spread-out bloom period (and bloom more sparsely overall). Credit: Peter Krumhardt Where to Plant Perennial Salvia Salvias grow best in spots with ample sunlight and well-draining soil. When planting your salvias, allow plenty of room for the plants to grow....

You might have guessed by the name, but full sunlight is a must for this perennial. While not quite as large as its annual cousin, the perennial sunflower(Helianthusspp.) makes up for what it lacks in size with tons of blooms in late summer and fall. Credit: David Speer The foliage differs among many of the sunflower species. These plants don’t branch except at the flowering tips, creating an extremely soft and airy texture....

It seems like every garden has a tricky dark corner where no grass will grow and perennials fizzle out. They’re favorites in shade perennial gardens as well as rock gardens. The tough-as-nails plant can will sprawl and look increasingly lush year after year without needing much care. Credit: Jay Wilde Periwinkle prefers slightly acidic soil that drains well. If the soil is heavy or needs other amendments, add them before planting....

When you want loads of colorful blooms all summer long, it’s tough to beat these easy-care annuals. One of the most popular annuals, petunias add mountains of color to garden beds and containers. Most petunias available nowadays are hybrids, but new varieties come out every year in novel designs. Credit: Justin Hancock The blossom size selection is quite diverse as well. Plant petunias in closely spaced groups or drifts for the best visual effect....

A philodendron is the perfect houseplant for new plant owners. Philodendrons are possibly the easiest houseplants it’s possible for you to grow. Whether you choose upright or trailing/climbing types, they are perfectly happy in a home setting. Credit: Dean Schoeppner Even beginner gardeners are usually successful at growing these plants. Philodendrons are extremely low maintenance and can sit idle for long periods. The most common varieties of philodendrons are the climbing punch in....