AMERICAN GARDENER

Ruellia simplex, the Mexican petunia, Mexican bluebell or Britton’s wild petunia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae that is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It has become a widespread invasive plant in Florida, where it was likely introduced as an ornamental before 1933, as well as in the eastern Mediterranean, South Asia and other parts of the eastern … Read more

The two types of lantana commonly grown in cultivated landscapes are trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis) and shrub lantana (L. camara). Trailing lantana grows 18 to 24 inches tall with a spread of up to 4 feet. Shrub lantana grows up to 4 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 3 feet.  Lantana camara is … Read more

Bluebells are a quintessential British wildflower. They are a genus of bulbous, perennial herbs with bell-shaped flowers that are often violet-blue but can also be white or pink. Bell-shaped or tubular, drooping to one side of the flowering stem. Each flower has six petals that curl back slightly at the tips. Flowers are borne on one … Read more

Calendula is a genus of about 25 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae that are often known as marigolds. They are native to Europe, North Africa, Macaronesia and West Asia, and have their center of diversity in the Mediterranean Region. Typically bright yellow to deep orange, sometimes with two-toned … Read more

Wisteria is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. The genus includes four species of woody twining vines that are native to China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, southern Canada, the Eastern United States, and north of Iran. They were later introduced to France, Germany and various other countries in Europe. Some species are … Read more

Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, native to and widespread throughout most of temperate Europe. It has also naturalized in parts of North America, as well as some other temperate regions. It has also naturalized in parts of North America, as well as some other temperate regions. … Read more

Aconitum, also known as aconite, monkshood, wolfsbane, leopard’s bane, devil’s helmet, or blue rocket, is a genus of over 250 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. The name “aconitum” is derived from the Greek word “akon,” which means dart or javelin, possibly referring to the plant’s historical use as a poison on … Read more

Nymphaeaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly called water lilies. They live as rhizomatous aquatic herbs in temperate and tropical climates around the world. The family contains five genera with about 70 known species. They thrive in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving bodies of water, where they provide ecological and aesthetic benefits. Most species of … Read more

Pond plants are essential components of both natural and artificial water bodies, contributing significantly to their health, aesthetic appeal, and biological diversity. They can be categorized into several types based on where they grow in relation to the water level: submerged, floating, marginal, and emergent. Each category serves a unique purpose in the pond ecosystem, … Read more

Aquatic plants add more than just aesthetic value to bodies of water; they play a vital role in creating a balanced ecosystem. Aquatic plants help keep the water cool and act as a food source for wildlife. Aquatic plants exhibit specific adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in water-based environments. Stems are often … Read more