Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): Facts And How To Grow

Rose of Sharon, (Hibiscus syriacus, or Althaea syriaca), shrub or small tree, in the hibiscus, or mallow, family (Malvaceae), widely planted as an ornamental for its showy flowers. It native to south China and Taiwan but widely introduced elsewhere, including much of Europe and North America. It was given the epithet syriacus because it had been collected from gardens … Read more

Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)

Echinocactus grusonii, known as the golden barrel cactus, golden ball or mother-in-law’s cushion, is a species of barrel cactus which is endemic to east-central Mexico. It is found near Mesa de León in the state of Querétaro, and in the state of Hidalgo. The Golden Barrel Cactus features spherical shape and golden-yellow spines. When mature, it … Read more

Lilac Tree: Facts, Varieties & How To Grow

The lilac tree, scientifically known as Syringa, is a member of the Oleaceae family and comprises about 20 to 25 species of flowering woody plants. Lilacs are beloved for their fragrant, colorful blooms and are often found in gardens, parks, and landscapes around the world. Lilacs are native to the temperate regions of Europe and … Read more

Creeping Thyme: How to Grow & Landscaping Ideas

Thymus serpyllum, commonly called wild thyme, creeping thyme or mother-of-thyme, is a hairy, prostrate, creeping, woody-based perennial which is primarily grown as an ornamental ground cover. It is native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. The leaves of creeping thyme are typically oval-shaped and arranged oppositely along the stems. They are small, measuring approximately … Read more

Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x leylandii)

The Leyland cypress (× Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a popular type of cypress within the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It is a hybrid species created by crossing the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and the Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis). The tree was first cultivated in the mid-20th century and has since become widely planted for its rapid growth … Read more

Bald Cypress (Taxodium Distichum)

The bald cypress is a native tree to the southeastern United States that grows in the Mississippi Valley drainage basin, along the Gulf Coast, and up the coastal plain to the mid-Atlantic states. Bald cypresses are well-adapted to wet conditions along riverbanks and swamps. They are also found in dry areas and are frequently planted … Read more

Italian or Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens) 

What is Italian Cypress? Cupressus sempervirens, the Mediterranean cypress, is a narrow, columnar species of cypress native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Iran. Its upright branches are covered with green to bluish scale-like leaves held in short flat sprays. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family. The term “Italian” in its common name reflects its … Read more

Sticks on Fire plant (Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’)

The plant known scientifically as Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ is a variant of the Euphorbia tirucalli species. Indigenous to Madagascar and certain regions in Southern Africa, this species thrives in arid environments, particularly in savannas, where it is commonly utilized for cattle fodder and as hedging. Its cultivation has expanded to various tropical areas, … Read more

Virginia Creeper Vine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a deciduous woody vine and a member of the grape family (Vitaceae). It is known for its vigorous growth, attractive foliage, and ability to climb and cover structures. Virginia creeper grows along the ground in woodlands, often growing up trees or telephone poles on woodland borders, or in open areas … Read more

The Yellow Elder (Tecoma stans)

Description The Yellow Elder (Tecoma stans) is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. It is a tropical shrub or small tree, also known as Trumpetflower, Yellow Bells, and Yellow Trumpetbush. It is native to the Americas (Caribbean, Central, and South America). The shrub is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant … Read more