The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) has a commanding presence. Its arching, gray-green, waxy fronds can reach more than 10 feet long, forming a stately crown at the top of the tree. Panicles of pale yellow flowers generally appear in the spring. And they give way to the edible oblong fruits (the dates) that begin as green and then typically turn to brown […]
A Compact Tree With Beautiful Blooms and Lush Foliage The Acoma crape myrtle is a hybrid variety of the Lagerstroemia, most frequently known by its common name the crape (or crepe) myrtle. This particular variety only attains a height of up to 10 to 15 feet or so and is frequently reported as staying small in size and being more shrub-like […]
With various colors and shapes, these popular flowers can brighten your garden African daisies (Osteospermum spp.) look a lot like common daisies, with petals radiating around a center disk. They are even members of the Asteraceae family, along with Shasta daisies and zinnias. But their vivid coloring is not at all like the classic daisy. In fact, when African daisies were first introduced to the […]
Wax begonias are a widely loved little plant. This versatile type of begonia can be used as an annual in colder climates, a perennial in warmer climates, and even as a houseplant on your desk. They sport glossy, waxy-looking leaves that can be either green, bronze, or maroon. Their flowers can be found in white, pink, or red. Not only are they […]
Tough, low-maintenance, and pest-free, Vinca minor (commonly known as periwinkle) has pretty broadleaf foliage and flowers that thrive in the sun or shade. It is also useful for providing ground cover and is known for its creeping habit. Periwinkle can come back every year as a perennial when planted in warmer climates but is an annual in cooler regions. Vinca minor vines most commonly put out […]
There are over 500 species in the Viola genus, including annuals, perennials, and even subshrubs. Collectively, they are known as violas, though individual distinctive garden types are usually called pansies (Viola x wittrockiana), Johnny-jump-ups (Viola tricolor), or violets (Viola sorolia and others). As a group, viola flowers include both pure species types and many hundreds of hybrids and cultivars in all shades of the rainbow. […]