I have kept a massive Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) on my balcony for over eight years. I can tell you this South African native is one of the most forgiving, beautiful, and versatile succulents you can own. Known by many names, including Elephant Food, Dwarf Jade, or Spekboom, this plant has gained massive popularity over…
The butterfly bush, also known as Buddleja or Buddleia, is one of the most beloved flowering shrubs in gardens worldwide. This is because of their long flowering period and intoxicating fragrance that attracts hundreds of swallowtails, painted ladies, and hummingbirds. This plant was first discovered in China by the French missionary and botanist Père Armand…
Weigela is one of the most beloved flowering shrubs in gardens worldwide. With its arching branches covered in trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, it offers weeks of vibrant color from late spring into early summer. Many modern cultivars rebloom until frost. This plant belongs to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It’s a deciduous flowering…
The Little Devil ninebark is one of the most popular compact shrubs on the market today. When I first saw it in full burgundy glory at a local nursery a few years ago, I instantly understood why gardeners call it “the little black dress of the landscape.” This dark foliage plant looks good with everything…
Walk past a rhododendron in bloom and you’ll never forget it. Large clusters (called trusses) of funnel- or bell-shaped flowers appear at the tips of the branches in spring. Each flower usually has five petals, and many have freckles or a colored blotch in the throat. The leaves are typically evergreen, leathery, and dark green….
The Christmas cactus, scientifically known as Schlumbergera bridgessii, isn’t a typical desert-dwelling succulent. Native to the misty rainforests of Brazil, they are adapted to environments where moisture hangs heavy in the air. They don’t root in soil but grow as epiphytes on trees and rocks. They draw moisture from the humid air and occasional rain….
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are more than just houseplants. They’re resilient companions that purify the air, making our homes safe. But when those iconic white “flowers” start blackening, it signals a cry for help. Before we understand why this happens, let’s start by getting to know your plant a little better. Peace lilies don’t have true…
I still remember the lush, green, beautiful Christmas cactus my grandmother gave me. But one crisp morning, I woke up to a heartbreaking sight. Several of its glossy segments had turned a sickly yellow. Panic set in. Was it dying? Had I failed this heirloom plant? Yellowing in a Christmas cactus isn’t always a death…
As the holiday season approaches, many of us turn our eyes to the vibrant beauty of the Christmas cactus. This isn’t your typical desert-dwelling succulent. It’s a tropical gem that brings a splash of color to our homes and gardens during the coldest days of the year. Native to the shady, humid rainforests of Brazil,…
The prickly pear cactus, scientifically known as Opuntia, is a remarkable plant that has captured the imagination of gardeners across the United States. With its flat, paddle-shaped pads and vibrant fruits, it stands as a symbol of resilience in arid landscapes. Originating from Mexico and Central America, prickly pears have low water needs—often requiring irrigation…