American Cranberrybush is native in many of our northern states. Light: Sun to part sun. Soil and water: Good garden soil that is moist, but well-drained. I recommend mulching the area around the bush. Mulching helps keeps the soil at an even temperature and moistness. Hardiness Zone: Zones 2-7. Size: 8-12 ft. tall and wide. I […]
The elderberry is native to most of North America. Our only states where they are not found in the wild are Idaho, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. This bush has been hybridized and often when you buy one, it will be a hybrid which is OK, just be sure it is a hybrid […]
All blueberry plants you buy are hybridized. They will all bloom well, produce good crops of berries, have good fall color, and all have good shapes so require little pruning. Sizes will vary from about 2 ft. tall and wide, to about 7 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Read the plant tags to make […]
Santolina is an herb that makes a wonderful perennial or small shrub, Santolina is not a common plant east of the Rockies – in part because it likes hotter, drier sites. West of the Rockies, it is a lovely addition to many gardens. Its requirements for water are quite low, it loves hot sun, and […]
Fuchsia Fuchsias can be trailing – these are the ones used in hanging baskets and pots. But there are also Fuchsias that are upright. These can also be used in containers or planted right into the ground. If you are buying single plants, check the plant tags for growth habit. Light: This can be tricky […]
Crocosmia is both the botanical and common name for this plant. I find it interesting there seems to be no two-part Latin species name for the ones you buy here in the United States. On plant tags, you will find them called Crocosmia with the variety/cultivar listed next: Crocosmia ‘Fire King’, Crocosmia ‘Citronella”, and Crocosmia […]
Light: Full to part sun. Soil and water: Average garden soil. Likes the soil to be moist to wet but it will tolerate drought conditions. The drier the soil, the less it will spread. Hardiness Zone: 3-9. Size and shape: 3-4 ft. Upright. Does not need to be supported. Bloom period and color. Deadheading: Pink or […]
Attracts hummingbirds! This is a vine which must have vertical support and unless you are in the southern parts of our southern states, either grow it as an annual vine or as a container vine that can be brought in for the fall, winter and early spring. Mandevilla will not tolerate one moment of frost. […]
The botanical name is important because there are two Monardas generally available at garden centers and in online catalogues – both have been hybridized. Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa. Monarda didyma’s common name is Scarlet Bee Balm and this plant is the hummingbird magnet – it is always red. Monarda fistulosa is Wild Bergamot. It […]
Light: Full sun. Soil and Water: Average garden soil, but it must be well-drained. They do not do as well in a rich soil because they will become leggy and then the stems will not be strong and straight – the plants will fall over/flop. They do grow better when mulched. After planting, water deeply […]