African violets, also known as Saintpaulias, are associated with motherhood, and are a traditional gift to Mom for Mother’s Day. They’re also popular for Valentine’s Day and for Easter. But what are African violets? Are there different species or varieties, and what might those be? Are they all blue or purple? Is there a best … Read more
Named for their bottle brush-shaped flowers, this plant can grow as a bottle brush tree or a shrub. Originating in Australia, there are around 50 species of bottle brush plants, each one with a slightly different growth pattern. Great attractors of pollinators, the bottle brush tree is a close relative of the paperbark melaleuca. It’s such … Read more
The showy and stunning blooms of the tiger lilly flower are well worth the effort, and for good reason. Originating in Asia, tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium, also called Lilium tigrinum) is a popular ornamental plant that’s become widespread internationally. It’s even become naturalized in parts of the United States, and can be widely seen throughout … Read more
In shades of white, pink, red, purple and blue, phlox is an incredibly popular, brilliantly-flowered ornamental plant. Whether it’s creeping phlox spreading out to become a beautiful ground cover, or a mounding phlox plant in the garden, these delicate flowers are definitely a sight to behold. The term “phlox” originates with the Greek word for … Read more
Often the first thing to bloom in the spring, the pussy willow is a popular addition to ornamental gardens. Its flowers, or “catkins”, are fluffy little blooms which resemble tiny little cats. Used as a decoration as part of the lunar new year in China, it is believed to bring prosperity throughout the coming year. … Read more