AMERICAN GARDENER

Currants are small, tart berries that belong to the Ribes genus, encompassing a range of species known for their culinary and nutritional value. They come in several colors, including black, red, white, and pink, each with distinct flavors. Black currants are particularly renowned for their high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, while red and … Read more

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) is a genus of deciduous shrubs known for their unique, ribbon-like flowers that bloom during the late winter to early spring, a time when few other plants are in flower. These plants are native to North America and parts of Asia, and they are celebrated for their ability to bring color and … Read more

Shrubs with red leaves add a dramatic and vibrant touch to landscapes, providing year-round or seasonal color that can change with the seasons. These plants can have foliage that ranges from deep burgundy to bright scarlet, offering a striking contrast or complement to other garden elements. Their leaves might maintain their red hue consistently or … Read more

Shrubs with red berries in winter are a garden’s jewel when most other plants have shed their leaves or flowers. These vibrant berries not only offer a striking contrast against the often-muted winter landscape but also serve as an essential food source for birds and other wildlife during the colder months. The red hue of … Read more

Shrubs with green flowers offer a unique aesthetic in garden landscapes, bringing a subtle, serene quality with their understated blooms. These plants can range from the soft, lime-green shades to deeper, almost chartreuse tones, adding a cool, calming presence among more vibrant garden colors. Their flowers might not attract attention as readily as brighter hues … Read more

Shrubs with thorns offer a unique blend of beauty and practicality in landscaping. These plants, often characterized by their sharp spines, serve as natural deterrents against unwanted intruders, whether they be animals or humans. The thorns can vary from small prickles to long, menacing spikes, providing an effective barrier around properties or as protective borders … Read more

The Summersweet shrub, scientifically known as Clethra alnifolia, belongs to the Clethraceae family. It is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves during winter. The species name “alnifolia” refers to the leaves, which resemble those of alder trees (genus Alnus). This plant is part of a genus that includes several species, most of which … Read more

Pilea cadierei, commonly known as the Aluminum Plant or Watermelon Pilea, belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is part of the genus Pilea, which includes numerous species of small herbaceous plants. The specific epithet “cadierei” honors the French botanist Léo Marie Joseph Frédéric Cadière, who specialized in the flora of Indochina. This plant is a … Read more

The Cranberry Bush is scientifically named Viburnum trilobum, though it is often treated as a variety or subspecies of Viburnum opulus, specifically Viburnum opulus var. americanum or Viburnum opulus subsp. trilobum. It belongs to the Adoxaceae family, previously classified under Caprifoliaceae, which includes other well-known plants like elderberries and honeysuckles. This deciduous shrub is characterized … Read more

Russian Sage is scientifically known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, though it has been reclassified more recently under the genus Salvia as Salvia yangii. This reclassification was based on genetic studies showing its close relationship with other members of the Salvia genus in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. The species name atriplicifolia refers to the shape of its … Read more