Pansies and Johnny-Jump-Ups
Pansies — and related Johnny-jump-ups — are charming, small, cool-weather flowers. They come in many colors, with a variety of markings and flower sizes. Height/Spread Pansies are compact, not more...
Author: Karen Russ
Coleus
Coleus plants (Coleus scutellarioides) are prized for their colorful foliage, which may combine shades of green, yellow, pink, red, rust, and maroon. New introductions of this popular summer annual...
Begonia
For beautiful foliage and a constant display of color throughout the season, grow begonias. Height/Spread While most begonias will be between 8 inches and 2 feet tall, growth habits will vary widely...
Bromeliads
The bromeliad family is large and varied. Its two best-known members, pineapples and Spanish moss, give an idea of the diversity of this group of plants. Most bromeliads are easy to grow either...
Virginia Sweetspire
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is one of the most brilliant shrubs of the fall garden. Native from New Jersey to eastern Texas, it thrives throughout South Carolina. While it thrives in moist...
Herbs
Most herbs are easy to grow. Many are drought-tolerant, do not need very fertile soil, and are naturally resistant to insects and diseases. The word herb has many definitions, but practically...
Plants that Tolerate Drought
These plants are drought tolerant once established. All plants need water while establishing their root system and during periods of extended drought. Root establishment can take from one to several...
Selecting a Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are available from a variety of sources, such as garden centers, nurseries, local retail lots and, choose-and-cut tree farms. Tips on how to select a fresh tree, as well as...
Holiday Decorating With Fresh Greenery
Decorating the house with fresh greenery is one of the oldest winter holiday traditions. Evergreens have been a part of winter festivals since ancient times. Evergreens are used to represent...
Oleander
Oleanders (Nerium oleander) are distinctive and beautiful, large, flowering shrubs that thrive with little care. They are very heat and drought-tolerant once established, and will grow especially...
Hosta
Hostas are easy-to-grow, shade-tolerant perennials grown mainly for their beautiful foliage. Height/Spread The size of hostas varies greatly. The largest measures 4 feet in height with 20-inch-long...
Growing Perennials
Herbaceous perennials generally live for three or more seasons, but usually the tops die back to the ground each fall. The crown and roots of the plant resume growth in spring. A few perennials are...