Evoking an island paradise, the flowers of these big plants come in bright colors. There are dozens of colors, plus single- and double-flowered varieties. Many types even have bi-color blooms or other special features like frilly petals. Credit: Marty Baldwin Where to Plant Tropical Hibiscus Select a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. However, cold-weather gardeners may find thathardy hibiscusis a better match for their climates. Before planting nursery-grown plants,amend the soil to be organically richand well-draining....

Tropical milkweed, also called bloodflower, has showy red and orange flowers that attract pollinators. As pretty as it is, tropical milkweed has a few downsides to consider before planting. This plant can also become weedy, reseeding itself prolifically. Credit: Marty Baldwin Here’s what to know if you want to grow tropical milkweed. Milkweed is toxic to humans and petsif ingested so plant it out of reach. Tropical milkweed has a taproot and the younger the plant, the better it will tolerate transplanting....

While we love that this vine is so vigorous, it can become invasive so plant with caution. Once trumpet vines bloom, they can continue their show all summer long. The flowers of this perennial also resemblefoxgloveblooms, leading to another common nickname for the plant, foxglove vine. Credit: Bill Stites Its best to wear gloves and other skin coverings when managing and handling the plant. To manage the growth of your trumpet vine, plant it in a location where it can be controlled....

Tuberous begonias are pretty plants with double blossoms reminiscent of camellia flowers or even mini roses. Tuberous begonias are hardy in the warm climates of Zones 9-11 but still prefer mild summery weather. They also grow well in containers and can make a colorful addition to your houseplant collection. Credit: Kim Cornelison Tuberous begonias feature flowers available in almost every color (except blue and purple). They are monoecious, meaning they bloom with both female and male flowers on the same plant....

Shade-loving tufted hair grass is a native ornamental grass that adds gorgeous texture to the garden. Its rolled or pleated leaves grow in tufts with a stiff, wiry appearance. In spring to midsummer, airy panicles of silver-tinted flower heads appear, offering a cloudlike appearance. Credit: Cynthia Haynes This guide covers how to plant and grow tufted hair grass, which differs from many drought-resistant prairie grasses. Plant tufted hair grass inUSDA Hardiness Zones4 to 8....

Dig, drop, done! Find out how to plant and grow tulips that will light up your garden in spring. Marty Baldwin Nothing says spring like a patch of brightly colored tulips. Credit:Marty Baldwin Tulips arefall-planted bulbs, much like daffodils, alliums, and crocuses. With so many tulip varieties, creating any color design you dream of is possible. Whiletulips are perennials, theyve been bred for hundreds of years to be at their best their first year....

Robert Cardillo Turnips are one of thebest types of root vegetablesto grow in your garden. This annual comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Where to Plant Turnips Plant turnips either in garden beds or large containers. Credit:Robert Cardillo Plant turnip in early spring or late summer to take advantage of cool soil temperatures. For spring plantings: Sow seeds three weeks beforeyour areas last frost date in spring....

With a little imagination, the uniquely shaped flowers look like a turtle about to snap. Turtlehead (Chelonespp.) It also makes pretty cut flowers. Credit: Dean Schoeppner Turtlehead plants are found in beautiful shades of pink and white. Mature stands of these plants can make for a stunning display. They can handle sun but require additional watering. Credit: Dean Schoeppner When planting turtlehead, consider its native woodland habitat. They often grow alongside streams and lakes....

This tropical vine is the only plant in the milkweed family with blue flowers. The sky-blue flowers of tweedia are tiny, but theyll stop you in your tracks. Tweedia is native to South America, namely southern Brazil and Uruguay. It attracts pollinators and makes a striking cut flower. A common cultivar is Heavenly Blue,' which was introduced in the 1980s. Tweedia is toxic to humans and pets. Where to Plant Tweedia Tweedia needs sunfull sunin northern climates and partial shade in southern climates....

Valerian is an easy-to-grow plant that makes a fragrant addition to cottage gardens and perennial borders. Kritsada Panichgul Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal use andfragrant flowers. It’s also known as all-heal, alluding to its historical use as a remedy for numerous ailments. Credit:Kritsada Panichgul This clumping plant with compound leaves and thick, upright stems can reach 6 feet tall. In summer, the tops of the stems are covered in clusters of tiny fragrant blooms....

Find out how to grow vanilla bean orchids to enjoy their gorgeous blooms and edible pods. Vanilla is the seedpod of a particulartype of orchidnative to Central and South America. Where to Plant Vanilla Bean Orchids Vanilla bean orchids can be grown outdoors inZones 1011. Credit:Raquel Lonas / Getty Images In cooler areas, these tropical beauties are primarily grown in greenhouses. Outdoor plants can be grown under trees orprotective awningsthat cast some light shade over the orchids delicate leaves....

Unusual colors in the blooms distinguish this showy summer-flowering shrub. Heres how to grow the unique variety in your garden. BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel Vanilla strawberryhydrangea(Hydrangea paniculataRenhy) was introduced in 2009. Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel Buds open in midsummer into densely clustered white flowers with pinkish centers. The flower heads take on a deeper and richer blush as they age. The unique rosy coloring lasts several weeks and features showy red stems....

This tough plant adds color and texture, but it can become invasive. If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain plant, try variegated ribbon grass. It needs little care while adding color and texture wherever you plant it. Credit: Perry L. Struse Plus, it grows incredibly fast, making it a top choice for filling empty garden space. Variegated ribbon grass is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and adapts to most growing conditions....