Archives: Plants

Cerastium tomentosum, commonly called snow-in-summer, is a low, mat-forming perennial in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae) prized for its silvery, tomentose foliage and profuse, starry white flowers. Typically 10–15 cm tall, it spreads readily to form a dense, weed-suppressing carpet that cascades beautifully over walls and edging. In late spring to early summer, plants are smothered in bloom, creating a striking “snow” effect against gray-green leaves. Native to rocky, often calcareous slopes of southern and central Europe, it excels in lean, very well-drained soils and is notably drought-tolerant once established. Semi-evergreen in mild winters, it can thin or brown in hot, humid summers but rebounds when conditions cool. Its rapid spread makes it excellent for rock gardens, gravel beds, and sunny slopes, though occasional shearing after flowering keeps it compact and curbs self-seeding. Avoid overly rich or wet soils, which cause floppy growth and rot. Easy to grow, resilient, and low-maintenance, it provides long-lasting texture and a brilliant seasonal display.

Hypericum perforatum is a hardy, rhizomatous perennial herb prized for its bright, starry yellow blooms and dotted, translucent leaves that appear “perforated” when held to the light. Plants typically reach 30–90 cm tall, with opposite, narrow leaves and clusters of five-petaled flowers bearing numerous prominent stamens from late spring through summer. Native to Europe and parts of Western Asia and North Africa, it has naturalized widely and can become invasive in disturbed sites. It thrives in well-drained, low-fertility soils and full sun, tolerating drought once established. Historically, it has been used as an herbal remedy, though it can interact with medications and cause photosensitivity. In gardens or containers, it is valued for resilience, pollinator support, and long bloom. Control spread by deadheading and limiting root expansion. Provide sharp drainage to avoid winter wet, and prune annually to maintain compact growth. In containers, occasional light feeding and periodic division keep plants vigorous.

Zea mays, commonly known as corn, is a tall, warm-season annual grass in the family Poaceae and one of the world’s most important cereal crops. Domesticated from teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) in southern Mexico roughly 9,000 years ago, it exhibits C4 photosynthesis and rapid growth. Plants typically reach 1.5-3 m tall, with jointed culms, broad, linear leaves, and a fibrous root system reinforced by brace roots. It is monoecious: the terminal tassel bears pollen-producing florets, while female inflorescences (ears) develop on leaf axils and are enclosed by husks; wind carries pollen to silks for kernel set. Thousands of cultivars exist—field, sweet, popcorn, and specialty types—adapted to diverse climates and day lengths. Maize thrives in full sun, fertile, well-drained loams, and requires ample moisture and nitrogen to maximize yield. Beyond grain, it is grown for silage, fresh eating, and industrial uses, making it an agronomic cornerstone across temperate and tropical regions.

Lamium galeobdolon, commonly called yellow archangel, is a rhizomatous, semi-evergreen perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) valued as a vigorous groundcover for shade. Native to Europe and western Asia, it creeps by stolons, forming dense mats of nettle-like, serrated leaves, often handsomely marbled with silver in ornamental cultivars. In mid-spring to early summer, whorls of hooded, yellow, nectar-rich flowers appear at the leaf nodes, attracting bumblebees and other pollinators. It thrives in woodland conditions—humus-rich, well-drained soils with consistent moisture and dappled light—but adapts to a range of soils, including slightly alkaline sites. Deer and rabbits typically avoid its aromatic foliage. While excellent for stabilizing slopes and filling dry shade, it can spread aggressively beyond intended areas, especially variegated forms, and is considered invasive in parts of North America. Use responsibly by containing roots and removing escaped patches near natural areas. Durable, low-maintenance, and cold-hardy, it provides year-round texture and spring color in shaded gardens.

Vinca major, commonly called greater periwinkle, is a vigorous evergreen trailing perennial widely used as a shade-tolerant groundcover. It forms long, rooting stolons that carpet the soil, with glossy, leathery, ovate leaves 4–9 cm long, often with ciliate margins. In spring and early summer it produces showy, five-lobed, periwinkle-blue to violet flowers 4–5 cm across; sporadic blooms may follow in mild weather. Plants reach 30–50 cm tall, spreading meters over time, suppressing weeds and stabilizing slopes. It thrives in humus-rich, well-drained soils but tolerates a range of textures, pH, and brief drought once established. While valued for erosion control and low-maintenance plantings under trees, V. major can become invasive in favorable climates, especially where winters are mild and shade is abundant, displacing native understory flora. Pruning or edging is often required to confine it. Numerous cultivars exist, including variegated selections prized for brighter shade gardens. Handle with care: all parts contain vinca alkaloids and are toxic if ingested.

Echium vulgare, commonly called viper’s bugloss, is a hardy biennial or short-lived perennial valued for its striking spires of vivid blue, funnel-shaped flowers with protruding crimson stamens. Plants form a coarse, bristly rosette in the first year and send up flowering stems in the second, typically 30–90 cm tall, sometimes taller on lean, well-drained soils. Buds open pink and quickly turn blue, creating a two-tone effect that attracts a wide range of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. Native to much of Europe and western Asia, it has naturalized widely in temperate regions, thriving in dry, poor, often calcareous soils. The entire plant is rough with stiff, irritant hairs, and tissues contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, making it unpalatable and potentially toxic if ingested. Its deep taproot confers drought tolerance and helps it succeed on disturbed sites. In gardens, it offers a long bloom season, architectural texture, and excellent wildlife value with minimal care, provided it has full sun and sharp drainage.

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, commonly called California lilac or blueblossom, is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub native to the Pacific coast. It forms dense mounds or small trees 6–20 feet tall, with glossy, dark green leaves and abundant, honey-scented clusters of sky- to deep-blue flowers in spring to early summer. Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, it provides vital nectar early in the dry season. This species thrives in lean, well-drained soils and coastal conditions, tolerating salt spray and windy sites. Like many Ceanothus, it forms actinorhizal associations that fix nitrogen, allowing excellent performance without fertilizer. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant and generally resents summer irrigation, especially in heavy soils. Best in Mediterranean climates with dry summers and mild, wet winters, it suits slopes, dry borders, and wildlife gardens. Prune lightly after bloom to maintain shape; avoid cutting into old wood, which does not resprout reliably.

Albizia julibrissin, commonly called Persian silk tree, is a fast-growing, deciduous ornamental prized for its fern-like, bipinnate foliage and silky, fragrant pink flowers that appear in summer. The leaves exhibit nyctinasty, folding at night and during rain. Mature trees typically reach 6–12 m tall with a broad, umbrella-like canopy and smooth gray-brown bark. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, followed by flat, brown seed pods persisting into winter. Native from Iran through the Himalayas to China, Korea, and Japan, it has naturalized widely in warm-temperate regions. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating heat, drought, and urban conditions once established. However, it can be invasive in some areas and is susceptible to mimosa wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), especially in poorly drained sites. Cultivars vary in cold tolerance and leaf color. In containers or small gardens, regular pruning helps maintain shape and manage size, while good air circulation and drainage reduce disease pressure.

Phlox paniculata, commonly called garden phlox, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial prized for its large, fragrant flower heads that bloom from mid to late summer into early fall. Erect, sturdy stems reach 60–120 cm (2–4 ft) and carry opposite, lanceolate leaves. Dense terminal panicles display tubular, five-petaled flowers in a wide palette—white, pink, lavender, magenta, bicolors, and eye-zoned forms—highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Native to the eastern United States, it thrives in fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soils and benefits from good air circulation. Modern cultivars have improved powdery mildew resistance, a common issue in humid or poorly ventilated sites. In borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings, garden phlox offers dependable height, color, and fragrance during the summer lull between early perennials and fall asters. Deadheading encourages rebloom and cleaner habit, while periodic division rejuvenates vigor. It performs best with consistent moisture, full sun in cooler climates, and some afternoon shade where summers are hot.

Iberis sempervirens, commonly known as evergreen candytuft, is a low, mounding, woody-based perennial in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Native to rocky, calcareous slopes of southern Europe, it forms compact cushions of narrow, glossy, dark-green leaves that remain through winter in mild climates. In spring, flattened clusters of pure white, four-petaled flowers blanket the foliage, creating a striking, snow-like display for several weeks while attracting bees and other pollinators. Plants typically reach 15–25 cm tall and 30–60 cm wide, making them ideal for edging, rock gardens, wall crevices, and cascading over raised beds. Excellent drainage is essential; the species thrives in lean, neutral to alkaline soils and becomes drought tolerant once established. Light shearing after bloom promotes tighter growth and occasional rebloom. Evergreen candytuft is long-lived when sited correctly, but dislikes heavy, waterlogged substrates or intense summer humidity. Numerous cultivars offer enhanced floral density or improved habit, yet all share a strong preference for full sun and dry footing.