Growing plants in pots and containers is not difficult. One of the first decisions to make when growing plants in pots and containers is the type of container that will work best for the plant and the place you want to grow it. There are many choices of container materials — terra-cotta/clay, plastic, and fiberglass are the most popular, but you can also use containers made of fabric, wood, ceramic, resin, metal, glass, and cement. With so many types of planting pots available, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are best suited for your needs. this guide aims to make your decision eas ..read more

Nerium oleander – commonly called oleander – is a flowering shrub with a dense, bushy habit native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant in warm-region gardens and landscapes due to its beautiful flowers and evergreen foliage. Oleander is well-suited for warm and dry climates. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and is relatively low-maintenance once established. Oleander is drought-tolerant once established. Oleander plants thrive in full sun, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per ..read more

Dryopteris is a genus of ferns commonly known as wood ferns. These plants are characterized by their leathery, lance-shaped fronds that arise from a central crown. They typically have a symmetrical growth habit and can range in size from small clumping ferns to large, tree-like specimens. Dryopteris ferns that can be grown in a shaded or partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil. Dryopteris ferns are typically found in moist woodland habitats, where they thrive in rich, well-draining soil. They are known for their tolerance to a variety of light conditions, from full shade to da ..read more

Nepeta, also known as catnip or catmint, is a hardy perennial plant that is relatively easy to grow. Nepeta is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a bushy plant with gray-green leaves that have a pungent aroma when crushed. Nepeta produces small, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in spikes during the summer months. Nepeta can be grown as an attractive informal low hedge or as a border or bed edgling. It is known for its ability to attract cats. Cats are attracted to the scent of nepetalactone, a volatile compound found in the leaves and stems of Nepeta. When cats ..read more

Cheiranthus, commonly known as wallflowers, are perennial plants that are relatively easy to grow. Cherianthus bears showy, terminal spikes of bright, sweet fragrant flowers adding a pop of color to the garden. Cherianthus is a great cut flower than can be enjoyed indoors. It also attracts butterflies and pollinators to the garden. Cherianthus are small to medium-sized plants with woody stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters at the top of the stem and come in a variety of colors, including shades of yellow, orange, pink, purple, and red. The flowers h ..read more

Callistephus–commonly called China asters–are big frilly flowers in shades of red, pink, white, lavender-blue, and purple. Low-growing asters can be used as edging, taller ones of cutting. China asters bloom from late summer to frost. China asters belong to one of two distinct genera of plants both of which are members of the daisy family. China asters are annuals; the second group is hardy asters, also called Michaelmas Daisies (see separate article). China aster, Callistephs chinensis, is a lush and spectacular annual. The plants grow from 12 to 30 inches (30-76cm) tall and are much-branched ..read more

Vinca rosea (Catharanthus) is a colorful evergreen groundcover with colorful white and pink flowers. Vinca rosea is a perennial usually treated as an annual. It is sometimes called Madagascar periwinkle, but it should not be confused with the evergreen groundcover called vinca or periwinkle. Catharanthus is a good ground cover choice for summer an autumn in hot climates. It thrives in dry or humid heat. Plants can grow 1 to 2 feet tall. Leaves are deep glossy green and the flowers are 1.5 inches across and phlox like. Colors include pure white, white with rose or red eye, blush pink, clear cot ..read more

Chinese forget-me-not, botanical name Cynoglossum, bears pendents of sky-blue, sometimes white, or pale pink flowers in late summer. Chinese-forget-me-not is a slow-growing upright and somewhat bushy annual or biennial. Cynoglossums include about 55 species of annuals, biennials, and short-lived perennials. The sprays of small tubular to funnel-shaped flowers resemble forget-me-nots.Cynoglossums often have hairy or bristly leaves and stems. Place Cynoglossum midway in the flower bed or border. Cynoglossum amabile, Chinese Forget-me-notGet to know Cynoglossum Plant type: Annual Growing Zones a ..read more

Diascia–commonly called twinspur–produces spikes of pink to lilac flowers above heart-shaped tapering leaves from summer to fall. Twinspur is a great choice for growing in pots or the front of sunny beds or in containers. Diascia has erect or sprawling stems and racemes of tubular flowers with five lobes or ‘petals.’ The bottom lobe is flared and larger than the others. The two upper lobes have backward-pointing spurs–thus the common name twinspurs. Diascia will grow easily in average, well-drained soil. Grow Diascia in full sun except in hot summer regions where it is best placed in afternoon ..read more

Texas Bluebonnet, Lupinus texensis, bears blue, pealike flowers in midsummer. Flowers are borne on long, graceful spikes from 1 to 3 feet tall. Bluebonnets are a good fit for meadows and long drives. They quickly reseed and naturalize. Texas Bluebonnets Get to know Texas Bluebonnet Plant type: Cool-season annual Growing Zones and range: 2-11 Hardiness: Best in cool weather Height and width: 10” to 12” tall and wide Flowers: Pea-like blooms Bloom time: Spring and summer Uses: Wildflower gardens, meadows, along roads Common name: Texas Bluebonnet Botanical name: Lupinus texensis Origin: Grassla ..read more