Flower Basics

Bare root roses look dead when they come from the nursery with their brown roots and dormant stem, but if you want an easy and fast way of planting roses without the concern of transplant shock,...

While roses mainly need sun and water, here are a few more points to consider when planting your roses.

Nothing is more important for a rose bush's survival and performance than water. Roses absolutely love water. Here are a few tips to ensure you quench the thirst of the loveliest plants in your...

Georgia adopted the Cherokee Rose as its state flower in 1916. The Cherokee Rose, also called a snow white rose or a Rosier Blanc de Neige, is found growing in the wild and in gardens across the...

A garden is a wonderful thing to witness. It brings joy and satisfaction to those who see it and, in some cases, can even heal those who are ill. Perennials never fail to bring with them each...

Honeysuckle flowers aren't just pretty to look at. They are used in many ways, from an ingredient in medicinal teas to an ingredient in pot-potpourri. To get the benefits from your honeysuckle...

Flowers and plants that are native to the Pacific have been admired and valued for centuries. From California to Washington state, all the way up to Alaska, you can find bold, leafy plants and...

Honeysuckle is a brilliant yellow flower that vines outward and upward onto trees and fences. It attracts many beautiful butterflies, and the occasional hummingbird. The plant can grow as a lush...

The calendula flower, also known as the pot marigold and marigold, is a member of the daisy family. It is regularly appears in flower gardens and also has medicinal qualities.

Many flower gardens will survive with little or no added fertilizers. An added supplement of nutrients will help the garden thrive, increasing the quality and quantity of the flowers and plants....

Azaleas have been called the "royalty of the garden." Related to the popular rhododendron, north American azaleas drop their leaves in the fall along with other deciduous plants. Their famous...

The poinsettia plant is recognized as the Christmas flower. During the holiday season potted poinsettias are readily available at the supermarket and used to help decorate for the holidays. But,...

The peace lily grows under the deep shade of the rain forest canopy. With its shiny, copious, deep-green foliage, the peace lily pushes up long stalks atop which white blossoms unfold. Knowing...

Lantana, part of the Verbenaceae family, is a fast-growing plant that produces small clusters of red and orange blooms. Certain species of Lantana have flowers that are pink and yellow, along with...

Taking care of flowers is a simple procedure but it involves more than you may think. Lilies are among the many flowers commonly found in the home. You have to be extremely careful when handling...

Pompon flowers come in an array of color choices and sizes. It's a fun flower that derives its name from the fact it looks like pompom.

Bird of paradise is one of the most attractive, exotic plants available for the at-home gardener. As the name suggests, this plant develops bright orange and purple blooms that resemble a bird in...

Angel-wing begonias are tropical plants that are part of the fibrous cane begonia group. They have thick upright canes or stems, dangling flowers in a variety of red, white and pink colors, and...

The million bells plant is also known as the Calibrachoa. It strongly resembles a miniature petunia plant in appearance. It blooms heavily from spring to late fall. Million bells can be grown...

Ylang-ylang, the "flower of flowers," has long been used as a relaxing aphrodisiac that hydrates the skin while seducing the senses and driving away bad spirits. In Indonesia, where the tree...

While the White Lupin is sometimes grown for animal fodder, L. polyphyllus and a few other species of Lupins are popular garden perennials that bloom in a bright array of yellows, reds, pinks and...

Rose of Sharon (scientific name Hibiscus syriacus and also known as shrub althea) is a blooming hibiscus shrub that grows 6 to 10 feet tall and is deciduous. Blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue...

The extra seeds left after planting the garden and the seeds saved after harvest can be stored for use in the next growing season. With minimal preparation, seeds can be stored up to 1 year with...

Macrantha bellflowers come from the genus Campanula and are part of the species latifolia. They are a hardy plant that can grow in shade, partial shade or full sunlight.

The calendula flower is part of the marigold family and actually has many meanings and representations. The varied meanings may come from the fact that it has multiple uses as well.

Peacock jasmine, also known as the "Pikake" plant, is known primarily for the flowers it produces. These flowers are the traditional blooms that make up authentic Hawaiian leis, and gardeners...

Flowers offer one of the easiest ways to identify plants. Determining the number of flower parts is the first step toward positive identification. Many flowers with seven or more petals are part...

Being able to tell which species of roses is in your garden can help you maintain the bush for years to come. Feeding and sunlight are different for each individual species, as are pruning methods...

Fresh flowers can brighten up any room. Having them last as long as possible often makes you feel like you are enjoying nature's beauty year-round. Knowing the proper technique to preserve freshly...

The blue daisy, categorized as a perennial, is a beautiful flower that can be planted in any type of garden and still coordinate with the plants around it. Blue daisies should be spread out among...

Coleus come in different varieties, but they all can be started from seed. Plants that are started from seed will be ready to plant outside by June 1, if they are started indoors by January 31. If...

The scent of linden flowers brings to mind outdoor markets in the French countryside of Provence. Popular for delicate, star-shaped blooms and strongly sweet perfume, linden flowers are easy to...

The bird-of-paradise, also known as Strelitzia reginae or "crane flower," is a perennial evergreen plant that is native to southern Africa. Bird-of-paradise flowers are colorful blooms that...

Calibrachoa, more commonly known as "Million Bells," are a continually blooming flower that gardeners often use to edge borders. They can also be planted in hanging baskets and patio containers to...

The black-eyed Susan is a wildflower that can thrive in almost any soil condition. When transplanting, taking careful steps to provide extra nutrients and favorable conditions will ensure that the...

Geraniums are a hardy flower that can add a splash of color indoors during a long winter. One particular geranium that thrives indoors is the Martha Washington (sometimes referred to as Lady...

Bird of Paradise plants (Strelitzia reginae) are considered easy to grow and almost never suffer from attack by disease or pests. They produce brilliant orange and blue flowers on tall stalks,...

Garden fresh flowers have the ability to brighten a room, or bring to joy to someone for a special occasion. The problem with cut flowers is that they wilt quickly and often die well before they...

The Bird of Paradise is a unique colorful flower that is native to South Africa. It gets its name because it resembles a brightly colored bird flying through the air. They can be grown indoors...

Freeze-drying flowers, or lyophilization, is an ideal method for preserving flowers. The original color, shape and size are maintained, keeping the flower's natural look, unlike other methods such...

You can install a simple drip irrigation system that waters your outdoor plants when you're away from home. Attaching the system to a timer and setting the timer frees you from finding a garden...

Begonias are beautiful flowers that can be planted indoors or out in your garden in the yard. Their vibrant colors and simple upkeep make them excellent additions anywhere. They are also easily...

Gardeners with their own greenhouses can escape winter and anticipate greener days to come when they sow new plants. Seeds can be planted from February to April. This gives them a jump start on...

Rose of Sharon, sometimes called althea, is a blooming, deciduous hibiscus shrub that grows 6 to 10 feet tall. With its shiny, dark leaves and single or double blooms (about 3 inches across) in...

Rhododendrons are a beautiful group of flowers that encompass many types and styles. Each different rhododendron requires a specific method of pruning and care. To take your rhododendrons to the...

The lipstick rasta hoya plant is native to the rain forests of Malaysia. The vines of the plant appear as dreadlocked hair from a distance, and the blooms resemble a tube of red lipstick when they...

Citronella geranium plants have been credited with the ability to repel mosquitoes. While this has not been proven, this plant does have a beautiful bloom that looks stunning in flower arrangements.

Petunias are flowering ornamentals that are welcome and vibrant additions to flower beds, window boxes, hanging baskets and standard planters. As annuals, they cannot survive a freeze because the...

With large, multi-colored leaves and showy flowers, cannas are a tropical plant that can be grown nearly anywhere in the United States. In warm areas, cannas are an abundant perennial, and in cool...

If you live in a drought area or want to green up your yard, a drip irrigation system will keep your flowers watered throughout the summer heat while conserving water and ultimately lowering your...