Boxwood has long been a cornerstone of southern gardens, especially on historic estates in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. They are ideal for formal gardens with their dense growth habit that allows them to be pruned into hedges, rounded shrubs, and topiaries. Today, more than 90 species and 260 cultivars of boxwood are available. Littleleaf, Japanese, American (including English), Korean, and...
Blooming in spring, woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), a native wildflower, attracts pollinators to the shade garden. Butterflies, bees, and moths visit it for nectar and pollen. It blooms as other...
The fragrant blooms of sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) give this flower its name. This cool-season annual is known for its profusion of white flowers. There are also lavender, pink, and purple...
One of my favorite late winter blooming shrubs is Winter Hazel (Corylopsis spicata). It is a deciduous shrub that flowers in my Upstate garden in late February to early March. The fragrant flowers...
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) are perennial bulbs known for their large, showy flowers. They are most often sold in the fall for forcing to bloom indoors in late fall and winter, especially in time for...
Brighten up a shady area in the garden with the colorful flowers and silvery foliage of lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.). It pairs well with hellebores, hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts, and other shade...
Coastal Region – Brad Fowler Many plants can benefit from being pruned in late winter, but it is very important to check specific pruning requirements for each plant. Additionally, use correct...
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is one tough plant, as its common name implies. It can grow in deep shade, is deer resistant, and can withstand drought. If that wasn’t enough, it can also...
Ornamental grasses are known for the foliage and texture they bring to the sunny garden. Grass-like plants called Japanese sedges can replicate that texture in the shade garden. Both Carex...
Every fall, I look forward to the flowers of Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) blooming next to the creek that runs through my neighborhood. The blue flowers resemble the annual flower,...
Finding a plant that attracts hummingbirds, blooms until frost, and grows well in shade can be challenging. Turk’s Cap, Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii, fits that bill. Turk’s Cap is native to...
As the weather cools, consider planting snapdragons, Antirrhinum majus, for fall color. They can be paired with pansies, violas, and ornamental cabbage or kale. While they don’t bloom during the...
