Genus Aloe for the Garden
Karen Aloes are succulents in the Asphodelaceae family that also includes daylily (Hemerocallis), red hot poker (Kniphofia), and foxtail lily (Eremurus) The genus includes over 500 species in that are native…
Plant Profile: Burning Bush (Kochia scoparia tricophylla aka Brassia scoparia tricophylla)
Also known as summer cypress, this this half-hardy annual often grown as a shrub is native to central and southern Europe and Asia and was introduced into the US in…
Plant Profile: Western Sand Cherry (Prunus besseyi)
This deciduous suckering, spreading shrub is native to the Northern Great Plains from Manitoba to Wyoming and Colorado, east to Minnesota and Kansas where it grows on sandy hills, rocky…
Plant Profile: Thorny Eleagnus (Eleagnus pungens)’Variegata’
This vine-like sprawling evergreen shrub, also known as thorny olive, spiny oleaster, and silverthorn is native to China and Japan. It is a member of the oleaster family, Eleagnaceae, that…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Herbaceous Annuals and Perennials Grown for Foliage
Foliage can add both texture and color to the landscape to create a mood and enrich the visual quality of the garden. Leaves may be glossy, matte, large, small, leathery,…
Drought Tolerant Plants: Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are versitile and can soften the look of a garden as well as give a naturalistic feel. They are valued for their different textures and colors and the…
Plant Profile: White Rock Rose (Cistus x hybridus aka C. corbariensis)
White rock rose is a dense evergreen shrub native to southern Europe resulting from a natural cross between C. salviifolius and C. populifolius. It is a member of the Cistaceae,…
Plant Profile: Sea Dahlia (Coreopsis maritima aka Leptosyne maritima)
Also known as beach coreopsis, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the aster family, Asteraceeae, that also includes daisy, sunflower, and lettuce. It is native to coastal areas of…
Plant Profile: Tree Wormwood (Artemisia arborescens)
Also known as old woman, this tender everygreen shrub is native to the Mediterranean where it grows in rocky areas along the coasts of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece.…
Five Flowering Perennials for Coastal Gardens
Coastal gardens present plants with two major problems: wind and salt spray. The wind not only dries out the plant but also dries the soil. In addition it can shred…