AMERICAN GARDENER

Dwarf or small palm trees are compact members of the palm family that are valued for their manageable size and graceful appearance. Unlike towering palms that dominate skylines, these smaller varieties remain relatively short, making them suitable for residential landscapes, patios, and small gardens. Their elegant fronds and tropical look allow gardeners to create a … Read more

Coleus is a genus of annual or perennial herbs or shrubs, sometimes succulent, sometimes with a fleshy or tuberous rootstock, found in the Afro-Eurasia tropics and subtropics.  These plants are popular ornamental plants primarily grown for their beautiful foliage rather than their flowers. Their leaves come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns, including … Read more

Botanical Classification Coleus plants belong to the species Coleus scutellarioides, which is part of the genus Coleus in the family Lamiaceae (the mint family). This family also includes many aromatic herbs and ornamental plants. Coleus was previously classified under the genus Plectranthus but has since been reclassified. The plant is widely cultivated for its colorful … Read more

Botanical Classification Glorybower refers to plants in the genus Clerodendrum, which belongs to the family Lamiaceae (the mint family). This genus includes hundreds of species of shrubs, vines, and small trees known for their striking flowers and ornamental value. One commonly cultivated species is Clerodendrum thomsoniae, often called bleeding-heart vine. The genus is part of … Read more

Botanical Classification Angel’s trumpet belongs to the genus Brugmansia, which is part of the family Solanaceae, commonly known as the nightshade family. Its scientific name is Brugmansia, and it includes several species such as B. suaveolens, B. aurea, and B. arborea. The genus is closely related to Datura, another group of trumpet-shaped flowering plants, but … Read more

Botanical Classification Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, commonly known as the coffee family. The most widely cultivated species is Ixora coccinea. Ixora belongs to the order Gentianales, which includes many tropical and subtropical flowering plants. Members of this genus are prized for their dense clusters of small, tubular flowers … Read more

Botanical Classification Pentas is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, commonly known as the coffee family. The most widely cultivated species is Pentas lanceolata. Pentas belongs to the order Gentianales, which includes many tropical and subtropical flowering plants. Members of this genus are prized for their clusters of star-shaped flowers and their … Read more

Botanical Classification The purple orchid tree is a deciduous to semi-evergreen flowering tree in the genus Bauhinia, which belongs to the family Fabaceae (the legume or pea family). Its scientific name is Bauhinia purpurea. The species is part of the order Fabales, which includes many nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs. Bauhinia species are commonly called orchid … Read more

Botanical Classification The Texas mountain laurel is an evergreen flowering tree in the genus Sophora, belonging to the family Fabaceae (legume or pea family). Its scientific name is Sophora secundiflora. The species is part of the order Fabales, which includes many nitrogen-fixing legumes such as acacias and peas. Despite its common name “laurel,” it is … Read more