Learn how to grow sword fern, a North American native with a big garden presence. Sword fern(Polystichum munitum)adds instant lushness toshade gardens. It is perfect for a shaded backyard, north-facing courtyard, or shady patio. Credit: Laurie Black Sword fern fronds stand through winter with a few fading or dying back. This large, sculptural perennial is an evergreen with a big garden presence inUSDA Zones59. Where to Plant Sword Fern Sword fern grows best in shade....

This large native tree with high wildlife value is best planted in a natural setting. On the upside, sycamore is an attractive, fast-growingshade treethat withstands air pollution. It has a rounded, open, wide-spreading form, and massive branches. The exfoliating bark is visible from a distance, lending it special winter interest. Sycamores produce distinctive spiked seed balls that persist on the tree through the winter. Sycamore is native to North America and serves as a food source for wildlife....

you could Grow This Iconic Annual Wildflower in Your Own Yard. The plant reseeds vigorously so you might count on Texas bluebonnet to provide color year after year. It can even be planted in large containers. Whether you plant a drift of Texas bluebonnets or combine them with other wildflowers, their bloom is spectacular. Broadcast about 8 to 10 seeds per square foot and gently rake them in. Soil contact is important; however, the seeds should not be covered with more than 1/8 inch soil....

This drought-tolerant native shrub with hibiscus-like flowers blooms for months on end. A native shrub beloved by pollinators as well as gardeners, Texas rock rose is carefree and versatile. Its hibiscus-like pink- to rose-colored flowers bejewel the shrubby perennial from midsummer through fall. It provides months of easy-care color even in droughts and high temperatures. Texas rock rose is commonly a short-lived shrub. It generally grows well in one location for three to six years before it dies out....

One of its more apt names is barometer bush. This shrub reacts to increased humidity before and after rainfall by blooming seemingly out of nowhere. Although it will grow in a shady location, it wont thrive. Credit:Denny Schrock Consider the fully grown size of the plant when choosing a site. Allowing enough space for it to mature into a healthy specimen is vital. Texas sage resents wet soil. Credit: Amy Haskell...

This fast-growing water plant is a standout in ponds and rain gardens. Thaliais a fast-growing water plant perfect for ponds and rain gardens. The violet-purple flowers last for weeks. Grow these attractive plants outside year-round inUSDA plant hardiness Zones611. Thalia Care Tips Established thalia plants require little maintenance when their needs are met. Soil and Water Thalia plants prefer damp or wet, organically rich loam or clay soil. Drainage is not a concern, as the plants are unbothered by frequent standing water....

This low-maintenance native perennial has beautiful blue flowers that resemble small stars. Threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) will be the star of your beds and borders for three seasons. Great places areperennial border gardens, around patios and decks, and native habitat gardens. Credit: Marty Baldwin Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with the original soil. Gently tamp it down and water it immediately. Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart....

This pretty and flavorful herb garden staple can double as a low-growing groundcover. This tough and ruggedperennialoften forms dense mats of foliage that are topped with attractive blossoms. Some low-growing thyme varieties can be used as a lawn substitute. Credit:Peter Krumhardt Many cooks plant thyme near the kitchen so they can easily snip a stem or two when cooking. Thyme also makes a good container plant. Let the key in of thyme be your guide on where to plant it....

Toad lilies bring flair to any fall garden. The flowers usually come in whites, yellows, purples, or soft pinks. Many variegated varieties oftoad lilyfeaturegold foliage with specklesor edges of another color. Credit: JANET MESIC-MACKIE Toad lilies are still a relatively recent introduction to the U.S. garden world. They do best when mostly in the shade, especially where it’s hot. How and When to Plant Toad Lily Plant toad lilies in the spring for fall blooming....

Learn how to plant, grow, and harvest tomatillos for your next batch of salsa verde. Most tomatillo fruits are light green, but some varieties can also be purple or yellow when they ripen. Here’s how to grow tomatillos in your garden. Credit:Kindra Clineff Where to Plant Tomatillos Plant perennial tomatillos in an area that receives lots of sunshine. These fast-growing plants likewell-draining soilwith plenty of compost mixed in. Except for the ripe fruit, all parts of the tomatillo are toxic when consumed....

These long-stemmed plants can be grown as groundcovers or houseplants. This tough tropical plant can have trailing or upright stems andcolorful foliage. Many of the light-foliage varieties have dark purple undersides, which creates a dramatic effect. Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel Though not the main reason they are grown, many varieties produce small flowers that grace the attractive foliage. Most often these three-petal blossoms are pink, purple, or white and typically at the stem tips....

Arterra / Getty Boasting edible fruit and large thorns, trifoliate orange is a hardy citrus for cold regions. The fruit ripens in fall and can be juiced for use in beverages. The pulp can beused for jam. Credit:Arterra / Getty Trifoliate orange is a four-season plant. Trifoliate orange can reseed prolifically and invade woodlands, forest edges, fence rows, and urban green spaces. Trifoliate orange is an identified aggressive species in many nearby states....

This native woodland perennial is easily recognized by its symmetrical flowers. Trillium is a genus of spring-blooming wildflowers in the lily family. The flowers sit either directly on top of the foliage (sessile) or on a short stalk. The leaves and sepals also come in groups of three. The foliage of several species is mottled. Trillium is toxic to humans and pets. This is a low-growing plant so select a spot where you’re able to enjoy its spring blossoms....