Medusa’s head is a medusoid euphorbia, a distinctive type of succulent with a rounded central core ringed by a fringe of long, snake-like branches. Hardy in Zones 9 to 12, it grows well in the landscape but also makes an eye-catching houseplant. Learn how to grow and care for Medusa’s head in this guide. Read more now.
Christmas cactus is a relatively trouble-free, easy-care houseplant that puts on a show of abundant tropical blooms during the holiday season. Sometimes you may notice that the segmented stems are no longer green, but purplish-red. Read on to discover what may cause this to happen, and what you can do to prevent it.
If you’re an indoor gardener, there’s a good chance that you have a Christmas cactus that bursts into a profusion of blooms every year. In caring for it, have you ever noticed hair-like growths sprouting from between the stem segments? These are aerial roots. Read on to learn what they can tell us about plant health.
If you are looking for an attractive, low-maintenance succulent for your Zone 9 to 11 garden, or to add to your houseplant collection, consider x Graptosedum ‘Ghosty.’ This hybrid produces yellow star-shaped flowers and trailing rosettes that shade pink and orange in full sun. Learn how to grow ‘Ghosty’ in this guide.
Fast-growing and lush, datura makes a handsome ornamental plant. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers unfurl at dusk, releasing an intense, sweet fragrance. It’s ideal for beds, planters, and moon gardens, but all parts are highly toxic, so plant with care around kids and pets. Learn how to grow datura in this guide.
Crocuses are known for dotting lawns and gardens with vibrant hues of purple, pink, and yellow just when winter seemed it would never end. They’re also famously hardy. But can they survive the most frigid winter temperatures? What if they bloom just before a cold snap or blizzard? Can they grow in snow? Find out now.
Large tropical flowers on tall, sturdy stems, bold and beautiful amaryllis brightens our winter decor with a long flowering time. These long-lived perennials are easily cultivated and can be saved for years of continuous enjoyment. Learn all the necessary steps to force amaryllis indoors in this guide. Read more now.
Milkweed is wonderful for attracting monarch butterflies and other pollinators to the garden, and with minimal winter care, this attractive perennial herb will reemerge from its impressive root system year after year. Ready to learn how to winterize your milkweed plants for a bounty of blooms next season? Read more.
Bright coreopsis flowers provide a sweet, cheerful sight during the summer months, and now they’ve died back. These perennial wildflowers will go dormant through the winter months and return in the spring. But how do you prepare your coreopsis for winter? Learn all about winter care and preparation in this guide.
Gaillardia is an easy-to-grow perennial that puts on a burst of color throughout the summer months. With a few simple preparations, you can set up your plants to survive winter’s chill and come back healthy in springtime. Learn how to care for your blanket flowers during the winter in this guide. Read more now.
If you love succulents, you’ll also want to be sure they’re safe for your cats and dogs. The good news is you don’t have to choose, since plenty of succulents are nontoxic to pets. Decorate with confidence, without worrying when a curious pet takes a nibble. Discover 15 of the best pet-safe succulents in this guide.
Your boysenberry bushes provided tasty sweet-tart berries through the summer, and now they’ve died back. You know they’re going to return in the spring – as long as you can keep them warm this winter. But how do you do that? What steps are involved? Learn everything you need to know in our guide. Read more.
Yucca is a drought-tolerant succulent that thrives in hot climates, making it ideal for water-wise gardens. Perfect for xeriscaping and container gardening, these plants are low-maintenance while adding a dramatic statement to any space. Learn how to grow yucca plants in your landscape with this guide. Read more now.
Marvelously tough and typically unfussy, succulents get a little more needy once hot summer weather subsides and winter returns. From repotting to watering to pest control and more, learn how to steward your succulents through the chillier, darker season of winter. Read more about succulent winter care in our guide.
The bright blooms and rounded leaves of nasturtiums bring cheer to the summer garden. However, these edible annuals don’t do well in the winter chill so to survive the colder months, you’ll need to give them some extra care and protection. Get our top tips on how to care for nasturtiums during winter. Read more now.
Cold weather doesn’t have to put an end to the gardening season. There are plenty of frost-tolerant leafy greens that can be grown easily, well into the winter months. Continue reading for a list of yummy salad greens to grow in cold conditions, as well as some important factors to consider when growing winter greens.
Walking irises (Trimezia spp.) produce bold, eye-catching blue, purple, white, or yellow blossoms, and gradually spread to fill out beds and borders over time. In Zones 10 and 11, these perennials bloom intermittently from spring right through to fall. Learn how to grow and care for walking irises in this guide.
Your delphiniums bloomed splendidly during the summer, and now they’ve died back. You know they’re going to return in the spring, but only if you prepare them for dormancy and keep them warm during the winter. But how do you do that? What steps are involved? Learn everything you need to know in our guide. Read more.
Tropical caladiums are perennial foliage plants that can stay in the ground year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. In colder areas, they grow as annuals. Learn everything you need to know to dig up, cure, and store your favorite caladium corms over the winter months for replanting next spring. Read more now.
Lacinato kale is a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-grow crop that deserves a place in the backyard garden. Also known as Dinosaur or Tuscan kale, this plant has long blueish green leaves that are just as ornamental as they are tasty. Read more to learn how to grow this cruciferous leafy green vegetable.
Lettuce thrives in cool weather, but is frost too much for this leafy green? In this guide, we share the most frost-tolerant lettuce varieties to grow in your garden, along with ways to protect salad greens in freezing temperatures. Avoiding frozen roots is the key to fresh lettuce through fall and into the winter.
If you are growing peonies you’ll need to know how to care for them over the cold winter months. Peony plants require a period of dormancy and chilling hours to bloom again next season. So how do you prepare your plants for winter? Learn all about winter care for peonies in this guide. Read more now.
Banana plants add a dramatic and splashy punch of the tropics to the landscape, but they will succumb to winter’s wrath if they’re not properly cared for. In this article, our experts share several ways to safely overwinter these (mostly) cold-intolerant plants so they are happy and healthy when warmer weather returns.
You’ve enjoyed their vibrant autumn color and now winter is creeping in. But what if you’re not ready to say goodbye to your mums? Rather than tossing them out, our helpful guide will show you how to overwinter your plants so you can enjoy them year after year, from fall prep to spring care. Read more now.
California red firs aren’t the most common conifer in the garden, but they’re one of the most magnificent. They can reach towering heights with bright greenish-blue needles and bold red bark. Whether you’re new to the species or have one that you’re trying to figure out how to care for, this guide can help. Read more now.
When summer ends, gardeners in the south can still grow pretty annuals for fall color. Discover the best choices for borders, cutting gardens, or containers with this list of 11 of the best autumn annuals for southern growers. Our top picks include cheery sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds. Read more now.
Spirea are deciduous ornamental shrubs loaded with beautiful, showy flower clusters in either spring or summer, depending on the variety. These tough, durable, deciduous plants are cold-hardy and able to withstand a variety of harsh seasonal weather conditions. Learn how to care for spirea shrubs in winter in this guide.
There’s nothing better than homemade fresh pesto in the middle of winter. But supermarket basil gets pricey after the summer season, and it can be hard to find. The good news is that there’s a way to keep your garden basil alive throughout even the chilliest winter months. Find out how in our guide. Read more now.
Strawberries are suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10. With the proper winter care, hardy varieties can come back year after year and yield abundant harvests of sweet and juicy berries. Learn how to prepare and protect your strawberry plants during the winter months in this guide. Read more now.
Compact, easy care perennials, primrose and polyanthus are charming winter-busters, providing bright, bold splashes of color very early in the year. These cold-hardy darlings are ideal under deciduous trees or where they receive afternoon shade from hot summer sun. Learn how to grow primrose and polyanthus in this guide.
When autumn leaves put on a spectacular display of browns, oranges, purples, reds, and yellows, do you wonder why they turn such vivid hues? You’re not alone. Ongoing scientific study points to reasons that may or may not tell the whole story. Read on to learn what we know to date about why autumn leaves change color.
Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9 and their flavor is improved by a light frost. But what about if a heavy freeze is in the forecast? Learn how to protect your brussels sprouts and enjoy a fresh winter harvest in this guide. Read more now.
To have healthy, beautiful roses, you need to grow varieties suited to your growing zone. And if you live where the ground freezes during the coldest months of the year, you may have to provide winter protection to get those beauties safely through to spring. Learn how to winterize your roses in this guide.
When your herb garden produces more than you can use fresh, freezing is a great way to preserve their flavor, fragrance, and nutrition. It’s fast, easy, and there’s no specialized equipment needed. Plus, it’s a smart way to reduce food waste. Learn about five of the best ways to freeze herbs in this guide. Read more now.
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ is a hybrid cultivar with a robust, pearlescent gray-green rosette and bell-like coral flowers on gracefully arching stems. It’s suited to cultivation in Zones 9 to 12 and also makes a striking houseplant. Learn how to grow and care for this charming succulent in this guide. Read more now.
For a desert or dry garden, cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia spp.) is hard to beat for visual interest, offering architectural, branching shapes, striking colors, and bold blossoms that can rival those of wild roses. Just take care around the spines. Learn how to plant and grow these striking cacti in this guide. Read more.
Many common plants in our gardens have the potential to harm. But sometimes, the risk is overblown. Should you avoid things like yew and datura altogether? Only if you have little kids or curious puppies? Or just exercise caution? Learn which plants to watch for, especially if you have kids or pets, in this guide.
Low-maintenance, water-wise succulents are popular houseplants, but did you know that you can also cultivate them outdoors in the garden? Read on to discover species suited to your USDA Hardiness Zone and create eye-catching arrangements that display the varied forms, colors, and textures of these quirky desert plants.
Sedum is a genus of flowering succulents, also known as stonecrop. Species and cultivars are available for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10. Heights vary from three-inch ground covers to 24-inch bed and border specimens, and bloom times range from summer to fall. Read on for 31 of our favorite varieties of sedum for the home landscape.
The Christmas cactus is a rainforest plant that’s easy to grow at home in indirect sunlight and well-draining potting medium. Did you know that you can encourage it to bloom every holiday season with a few simple steps to mimic the natural dormancy process? Read on for instructions, and get set for a profusion of flowers.
Gardening is awesome in autumn, but do you know the best time to plant your favorite crops? Learn about important factors such as the first frost date, days to maturity, soil temperature, and more. This handy guide makes it easy for you to work out the ideal time to sow or transplant your fall garden plants. Read more.
You can grow green beans to harvest in autumn, and the tips from our guide will improve your odds of success. Fall-grown beans need more time to grow, protection from harsh temperatures, and a carefully-selected planting site. Learn to grow a bumper crop of fresh beans for tailgates and fall festivals in this guide.
Powder puff cactus grows in Zones 9 to 11 or as a houseplant. Its stems have spring-to-summer crowns of white, yellow, or pink funnel-shaped blossoms. A mounding growth habit and prolific offsetting make for an attractive low-profile display. Learn how to grow and care for powder puff cactus in this guide. Read more now.
While many plants, with their beautifully colored flowers, shine brightly in spring and summer, others really come alive in autumn. We put together a list of our favorite woody shrubs that add spectacular fall color to the landscape with their leaves, stems, or flowers. Discover 15 of our favorites in this guide.
If you can’t imagine winter without heaps of fresh herbs to use in the kitchen, we get it. A sprig of fresh basil or chives makes all the difference, improving and adding flavor to homemade meals. Read more to learn about growing herbs in greenhouses so you don’t have to be without, even at the coldest time of year.
Huckleberries pack more flavor than closely related blueberries and the plants are pretty enough to be grown as ornamentals in the garden. You don’t see these plants too often because they require some special skills, but the reward is well worth the extra effort. Learn how to plant and grow huckleberries in this guide.
When you feel that glorious, chilly nip in the air, you know it’s time for fall shrub planting. Head to the garden store, make some selections, find the shovel in the back of the toolshed, and give your bushes a tremendous head start so they’ll reward you beautifully come springtime. Learn how to plant shrubs in autumn.
Gentians are alpine darlings, tough and hardy mat-forming perennials with dazzling, true-blue flowers that shine in borders, containers, and rock gardens. Spring or fall flowering, they thrive in mild summers but need protection from hot, intense sun. Learn how to grow gentian wildflowers in this guide. Read more now.
Living in a cold climate doesn’t have to mean you can’t enjoy vivid colors in your garden. Learn how to select the best flowering annuals suitable for colder growing zones, and with minimal effort you can dazzle your neighbors with vibrant displays of color throughout the growing season. Read more now.
Looking for an easy way to get an early start to the spring season? Why not try planting next year’s seeds in the fall? With minimal effort this autumn, you can get a head start on next season with a healthier, heartier crop. Read on to learn how to pre-seed the vegetable garden this fall for an early spring harvest.
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of color, texture, and interest in the garden. Here are 15 cool-weather perennials that can invigorate your landscape with vivid blossoms and foliage as the days start to grow shorter. Extend the growing season with your new autumn favorites in this guide. Read more now.
Are you wondering what to do with your end-of-season surplus of green and ripe red tomatoes? Some can be kept in boxed storage to continue to ripen and enjoy fresh. But for a bumper harvest, long-term preservation is often needed. Find all the details on how to store your homegrown tomatoes right here. Read more now.
The Mammillaria genus contains almost 200 species of flowering cylindrical and globular cacti with protuberances and straight or hooked spines. They’re suited to Zones 9 to 11, make easy-care houseplants, and pair well with other desert succulents. Learn how to grow and care for mammillaria in this guide. Read more now.
Rutabagas are a sweet, nutty cross between a turnip and a cabbage. Grown for their large golden roots with purple-tinged skin, they take about 90 days to mature. Give them full sun, loose well-draining soil, and consistent moisture for the best results. Learn how to plant and grow rutabagas in this guide. Read more now.
Sweet irises have attractive, variegated leaves, and lavender-colored flowers that are so fragrant they’re used in some of the finest perfumes in the world. Despite their elegant appearance, they’re tough and adaptable, thriving in all kinds of conditions. Learn how to grow Iris pallida in this guide. Read more now.
As summer starts to wane and harvest season comes to a close, do you wish you could extend the growing season? Luckily, many cool-weather crops are well-suited for growing in fall gardens. In this guide, we cover 19 of our favorite cold-tolerant crops to keep your garden productive throughout autumn. Read more now.
Lovely as roses are, they are prone to disease, and knowing what to do early on is key to protecting the health of your plants. Our guide describes the common rose diseases you are most likely to encounter and offers effective treatment plans for each. Check out our solutions to your roses’ woes now in this guide.
Spiderworts are gorgeous, low maintenance houseplants and they are available in some stunning varieties. With a variety of color combinations, and solid or variegated foliage, these tropical foliage plants liven up the indoor landscape. Discover 9 of the best spiderwort varieties and choose your favorites. Read more now.
Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) forms a low, silvery carpet of felted foliage, topped with a heavy flush of small white flowers in late spring and early summer. This tough, drought-tolerant perennial is perfect for rock gardens, slopes, and dry walls. Learn how to grow and care for snow-in-summer in this guide.
Turning one succulent into a whole collection is easier than you might think. Create an enchanting low-maintenance array of colors, shapes, and textures by purchasing one of each of your favorites, and propagating the rest yourself. Learn how to propagate succulents in five easy steps in this guide. Read more now.
Bat flower (Tacca chantrieri) produces blooms with deep purple-black bracts shaped like bat wings and long, whisker-like bracteoles trailing beneath. Native to Southeast Asian rainforests, this species thrives in shade to dappled light and humus-rich, evenly moist soil. Learn how to grow bat flower in this guide.
Certain species of hydrangea have the unique ability to change color from blue to pink and vice versa. With a bit of patience and diligent application of certain soil amendments, you can encourage your hydrangea flowers to change color. Learn why hydrangeas change color and how you can do it at home in this guide.
English holly puts the jolly in holiday decor. The cheery red berries brighten early winter landscapes and sustain songbirds, while the evergreen foliage is a must in wreaths and cut arrangements. Read more now to learn how to grow this Christmas holly as a tree or trained shrub, from transplanting to pest control.
Vines like Chinese wisteria and evergreen Boston ivy may give a home a stately and elegant appearance. However, one can’t help but wonder if their winding ways are secretly causing damage to a home’s outer surfaces, like shingles and siding. Before you plant, read on to learn how vines may affect your home’s facade.
Carrots, and cabbage, and collards, oh my! Fall is here and it’s time to head back to the garden to plant your autumn vegetable crops. For a bountiful harvest from your fall veggie patch, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll need before you sow your seeds and transplant your seedlings. Ready to learn more? Read on!
Growing your own figs is highly rewarding and delicious, with standard size or miniature Ficus carica trees easily cultivated in a full sun location. But to avoid fruits that split or spoil as they ripen, you need the right cultivar for your climate. Learn about 13 of the best fig tree varieties in this guide. Read more.
German bearded irises produce ruffled, richly colored blooms with velvety “beards” and flower forms ranging from classic solids to dramatic bicolors. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, returning year after year with minimal fuss. Learn how to grow and care for German bearded irises in this guide. Read more.
Tropical popcorn cassia has terminal clusters of bold yellow blossoms and upright stems that provide garden beds with a dynamic backdrop. A sun-loving perennial in Zones 9 to 11, this fast-growing species is suited to annual cultivation in Zones that freeze. Learn how to grow and care for popcorn cassia in this guide.
Ash trees offer feathery foliage and a range of sizes, from towering shade trees over 100 feet tall to compact types under 15 feet, making them adaptable to many landscapes. But the emerald ash borer has devastated populations across North America. Learn how to grow and care for ash trees in this guide. Read more now.
Japanese irises produce big, ruffled blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, making a dramatic statement in the landscape. They thrive in soggy, low-lying spots where other perennials struggle and also shine as specimens or as a backdrop for shorter plants. Learn how to grow Japanese irises in this guide.
Gasteraloe succulents form speckled, fleshy rosettes and make easy, low-maintenance houseplants. This hybrid of Gasteria and Aloe species tolerates low light and needs only occasional watering, making it a good choice for beginners and succulent experts alike. Learn how to grow gasteraloe in this guide. Read more now.
Tower of jewels, Echium wildpretii, is a biennial suited to cultivation in Zones 9 to 11. It is prized for its stunning display of deep pink to red flower cones above a rosette of silvery foliage. Cultural requirements include full sun and cool, dry air. Learn more about this fascinating species in this guide. Read more.
Fussy indoors, weeping figs are hardy outside. But keeping them – and yourself – happy requires planting them in the right spot. Near sidewalks, plumbing, or pools, they can spell disaster. You can have a beautiful evergreen that works equally well in the landscape as it does as a hedge or topiary. Read more.
When growing dragon fruit (or pitayas) at home, you have options. Do you want to grow small sweet yellow fruits, big tangy red-fleshed ones, or something in between? Choose the best cultivars for your growing conditions – and your taste buds. Ready to learn about 11 of the best dragon fruit varieties? Read more now.
Heliotropes charm with clusters of fragrant purple, blue, or white flowers, with a fragrance often compared to vanilla or cherry pie. These sun-loving annuals or tender perennials attract butterflies and bees while filling the air with sweetness. Learn how to grow and care for heliotropes in this guide. Read more now.
Elephant bush, also known as spekboom, is a low-maintenance, succulent houseplant that is available in different leaf colors, sizes, and growth habits. From trailing to upright, variegated to bright yellow, there are wonderful options to choose from. Discover 11 of the best types of elephant bush in this guide. Read more.
Aloe vera adds natural beauty to the home, offering medicinal properties as an added benefit for healing cuts and scrapes. But did you know there are many different species and cultivars of aloe? Discover 13 of the best aloe varieties to add to your houseplant collection or succulent garden in this guide. Read more now.
Astilbes provide a range of color options for the shade garden, and they look lovely when planted in tight groups. They offer a range of sizes and bloom times, appearing any time from late spring to late summer and provide reliable interest and appeal to your landscape. Discover 15 favorite astilbe varieties in our guide.
Anemones are easy to care for and produce long-lasting, bright flowers, some are daisy-like while others resemble poppies. Depending on the variety, they flower in spring, summer, and fall, can be planted in sun or light shade, and make wonderful cut flowers. Learn about 15 of the best anemone varieties now.
Sedums are a group of durable, gorgeous plants with very low maintenance requirements. Coming in both low and upright forms, stonecrop is versatile in the landscape, whether as specimen plantings or a complementary ground cover. They’ll even attract friendly pollinators! Read on to learn how to grow them for yourself.
For a truly carefree, evergreen ground cover, check out creeping juniper. These plants are perfect for rock gardens or xeriscaping and they come in a wide range of options, including dwarf or full-size with green, yellow, gold, or blue foliage. Learn how to choose, plant, and care for these elegant little creepers.
Have you ever wanted to grow your own apricot trees? What better time than now? Growing these stone fruits at home means a rare treat: apricots that you can eat the same day you pick them. Or, use your harvested fruits for everything from cooking and baking to canning and drying. Ready to get growing? Read more now.
Don’t say goodbye to spring flowers like lilacs, clematis, and magnolias once they start to fade away as summer approaches. These 19 reliable plants will rebloom for a second (or even third or fourth) showing of blossoms in the same growing season. Learn more about flowers that will rebloom in this guide.
Creeping phlox is a low-maintenance, easygoing perennial that provides perfect ground cover, with stunning flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. Suitable for cultivation in Zones 3 to 9, it’s ideal for rockeries, slopes, and xeriscapes. Learn how to grow and care for creeping phlox in this guide. Read more.
If you’re looking to add some zing to your fall garden, look no further than the daikon radish. With white roots that can weigh over a pound, these large radishes are low maintenance and easy to grow. While they are widely grown and used in parts of Asia, they can be grown elsewhere. Read more now.
Baboon flowers (Babiana nervosa) are spring-blooming South African natives with spikes of fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and yellow. These citrus-scented cormous perennials are ideal for rockeries, cottage gardens, and containers. Learn how to grow baboon flowers in this guide. Read more now.
Gryphon begonia is a shade-loving tropical hybrid prized for its glossy, silver-streaked green foliage with red undersides. The strikingly variegated leaves measure up to 10 inches across for a substantial annual, houseplant, or Zone 8 to 10 perennial. Learn how to grow and care for showy Gryphon begonia in this guide.
Creeping Jenny aka moneywort is a fast-growing, colorful, and lush ground cover in areas with moist soil such as bog margins, creek banks, and pond fringes. Its spread can become aggressive if left unchecked, but its a charming addition to pots and planters. Learn how to grow creeping Jenny in this guide. Read more now.
For an attractive indoor hanging plant, choose a variety of asparagus fern. Appreciated for its delicate and feathery leaves, this vigorous grower is easy to maintain and adds soft green color and textural interest to your indoor decor. Learn how to plant and grow this South African beauty. Read more now.
If you love the blossoms and fruits of the beautiful elderberry but don’t have space in the garden, why not grow it in containers instead? Elderberry is a vigorous grower and will thrive in pots as long as you keep a few tips in mind. Learn how to grow and care for elderberry shrubs in containers. Read more now.
You may think of dandelions as invasive weeds, but did you know that the greens, flowers, and roots are edible? Delicious and nutritious, leaves can be added to salads, flowers made into a tea, and the roots can be used as a coffee substitute. Learn how to cultivate and harvest dandelions in this guide. Read more now.
Learn everything you need to know about how to grow the majestic olive tree, a large plant that makes a dramatic landscape statement while providing delicious fruit that’s suitable for preserving in brine, oil, or water, or for pressing to make a flavorful oil that’s beloved by cooks around the world. Read more now.
Wild violets might be more subtle than their showier cultivated cousins, but they are every bit as charming. These wild little bloomers shine in purple, pink, white, and yellow, and will add easygoing color and whimsy to your garden, as well as edible blooms. Learn how to grow wild violets in this guide. Read more now.
Herbs make powerful companion plants, and not just in your vegetable patch. With strong aromas and tastes, their pest-repelling, beneficial insect-attracting, and other benefits can extend to fellow herbs as well. Learn which ones do well planted near each other, and which don’t enjoy each other’s company.
Asian persimmons are different from any other type of fruit out there, with a complex flavor all their own, and the trees are relatively problem-free in the garden. If you’re ready to plant your own or you’re looking for tips to keep your existing tree healthy, read our guide now for expert growing advice.
With nearly 600 known species of passionflowers, there is a lot of variety out there, from plants with massive red blossoms to those with petite purple ones. You can find vines that produce long, banana-shaped fruits and others with the familiar egg shape. From the rare to the common, we share some of the best options.
Chocolate cosmos flowers have velvety maroon petals that infuse late-day summer sunshine with the fragrance of chocolate. The species grows as a perennial in Zones 9 to 11 and can be enjoyed as an annual in cooler regions, lifting and storing the tubers at season’s end. Learn how to grow chocolate cosmos in this guide.
Ornamental fountain grass is hardy in Zones 4-10. A low-maintenance option with year-round appeal in some areas, Pennisetum plants have finely textured blades and an elegant, mounding form. Their tapering foliage and flower plumes add all-season interest, the perfect easy-care addition to your home landscape. Read more.
Lewisia, also called bitterroot or cliff maids, is a small succulent native to the rocky mountains and outcroppings of western North America. It forms a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves topped with bright flowers in pink, yellow, orange, purple, and white in spring and early summer. Learn how to grow lewisia in this guide.
Looking for tropical herbs and spices to grow in the garden? Take a look at our selection of warming rhizomes, flavorful leaves, and spicy seeds and fruits – these options are delicious additions to the homegrown spice rack. Keep reading to discover 15 different tropical herbs and spices you can grow in the backyard.