Plant Profile: Bell Agapanthus (Agapanthus campanulatus)
Karen Also known as African bluebell, this deciduous clump-forming perennial is native to South Africa where it grows in the moist soils of grasslands, slopes, valley bottoms and cliffs. It is…
Plant Profile: Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)
Karen Meyers Also called upright prairie coneflower and Mexican hat, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is native to much of North American where it grows in prairies, plains, and disturbed areas. It is…
Plant Profile: Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides)
Native to the woodlands of Europe, Turkey and the Caucasus, this bushy evergreen herbaceous perennial is a member of the spurge family, Euphorbaceae, that also includes rubber plant, croton, and…
Weeds and Their Control: Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum)
Foxtail barley is a short-lived cool season perennial and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes corn, bamboo, and rice. It is also known by several other…
Book Review: Eat Your Flowers
Eat Your Flowers by Loria Stern is a culinary adventure that combines flavors and aesthetics. Although the title uses the word “Flowers” the book actually includes all botanicals from flowers…
Plant Profile: Alstromeomeria ligtu Hybrids
The Alstromoemeria ligtu hybrids are the result of a cross between closely related genera, A. haemantha and various subpecies of A. ligtu, all tender perennials native to Chile. They grow…
Plant Profile: Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum)
This clump forming herbaceous perennial is native to the rocky limestone soils of alpine areas in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. It is a member of the aster family,…
Plant Profile: Stiff Twinspur (Diascia rigescens)
Also called bride’s saddle, this spreading, semi-evergreen, tender perennial is a native of South Africa where it grows in damp places on grassy mountain slopes or in full sun in…
Plant Profile: Parrot Lily (Alstroemeria psittacina aka A. pulchella)
Parrot lily is a clump-forming, tuberous perennial native to southern Brazil, northern Argentina and north-eastern Paraguay. It grows 2-3′ tall and is evergreen in mild climates. The lanceolate leaves are…
Plant Profile: Dotted Gayfeather (Liatris punctata)
Also known as dotted blazingstar and narrow-leaves blazingstar, this herbaceous perennial is native to the central plains of the US from Canada to northern Mexico. It is a member of…