Unlike the common orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata), this tree’s flowers are sterile and do not produce seed pods that might aggravate allergies or cause litter, nor does it produce any fruits, making it a good choice for public gardens and urban landscaping. It does, however, produce a moderate amount of litter from fallen flowers and leaves later in the season. Its bright colors and flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators....
Joe Pye weeds have thick stems with lance-shaped, serrated dark green leaves that can be up to a foot long. And in the midsummer, tiny mauve or pink-purple flowers bloom in large clusters atop the stems. Although it’s often considered just a roadside week, Joe Pye weed has a sweet vanilla scent that is especially attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, and it has become an increasingly popular plant for native gardens....
When to Plant Plant mint outdoors in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Mint will benefit from springtime rainfall. Selecting a Planting Site When planting mint in the ground, choose a place where it can spread without causing any problems. Mint fares best in a damp, moist area with well-draining soil, but also in a spot that’s in either full sun or part shade. The plant favors fertile soil enriched with compost....
The leaves and unripe fruit of mulberry contain a latex that is mildly toxic to humans. It is important to keep in mind that mulberry trees have very prolific, fast-growing roots. Plant your tree away from important structures such as your foundation, driveway, or garage, and features such as utility, septic, or sewage lines, so you don’t risk the roots damaging vital elements of your property. You should also take the tree’s mature height into consideration and pick a spot where it can be kept relatively free of pruning (which causes it stress) and let it do its job of producing berries and enjoy the many fruits it will offer you....
You can tie the vines to a trellis, lattice, or even a collapsible wooden tepee using string or plant ties to prevent the stems from tangling on the ground. Lifted vines will receive better air circulation, which decreases the likelihood of developing a fungal disease. Light Rhodochitons grow best when exposed to full sunlight. However, providing some dappled shade, particularly during hot summer afternoons, can help prevent leaf burn....
Society garlic’s compact mounds of grassy, arching leaves make it an ideal specimen for the front of a border. Pair with the backdrop of darker foliage such as black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) for contrast. Because society garlic grows so vigorously and stays low to the ground, consider planting it as a groundcover. Keep in mind that the leaves give off a smell of garlic when brushed up against, so unless you like having the smell nearby, plant in a low-traffic area....
Stinging nettle is a fast-growing plant; young plants reach maturity by mid-season when planted in the spring. This plant is mildly toxic to humans and of variable toxicity to pets. If you’re working with a stinging nettle plant in your garden, always wear protective clothing. This includes thick gardening gloves, as well as long sleeves and pants. Avoid touching your face as you work. Light Stinging nettle thrives in full sun conditions but will tolerate some shade....
Easy to grow from plant or seed, sweet alyssum is a cool-season flower that can be set out in early spring once all danger of frost has passed (in frost-free climates, sweet alyssum can also be grown throughout the fall and winter). Most varieties will fade in the heat but bloom again in the fall. It is an invasive plant in California and can grow aggressively in other parts of the United States....
Watermelon is a sprawling, prostate vining plant with large, lobed leaves with a hairy, coarse texture. They bloom with yellow flowers in mid- to late-summer. The deliciously edible fruits with thick rinds grow and ripen quickly for harvest in late summer and early fall. Each plant produces two to four watermelon fruits. Modern watermelon cultivars are categorized into four groups: Picnic melons are jumbo-sized, 15 to 50 pounds.Icebox melons are smaller family-sized fruits, 5 to 15 pounds....
The plants have green stems and foliage. The peppers typically come in red, though they also can be orange, yellow, or chocolate. And they stretch roughly 2 to 4 inches long. A healthy ghost pepper plant can produce up to 100 peppers. Ghost pepper plants are perennial in zones 8 to 11 but can be grown as annuals in cooler climates. They are very slow-growing peppers, requiring around 120 days or more to mature, and they should be planted in the spring....
It isn’t the largest species, typically growing up to 60 to 80 feet tall, but it has a dense canopy and a shallow root system. The tree needs plenty of space, requires mulch to prevent erosion problems, and it isn’t a good choice if you want to grow underneath it. Plant these trees in late spring or early fall, and be aware it can take 10 to 20 years for them to reach their full size....
Shock This is the most common cause of leaf drop, but it can be the hardest to correct. Shock is most often caused by a sudden change in conditions, such as when a houseplant has been enjoying outdoor conditions and is then brought indoors as cold weather approaches. The opposite is also true: an indoor plant taken outdoors for the summer may also experience shock. Shock is usually a response to dramatic changes in temperature, humidity, light levels, or watering habits....
