Geranium
Ivy and common geraniums make superb bed, border and pot plants because they bloom throughout the garden season. The trailing stems of ivy geranium make it particularly effective in window boxes and hanging baskets or as a flowering ground cover. ... [... more]
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Phlox
Moss phlox stays green year-round in mild climates. It forms dense mats of foliage 6 inches high and is often used as a ground cover. Tiny needle-like leaves cover its stems, and it flowers profusely. The many varieties of moss phlox offer a wide ... [... more]
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Hibiscus
Space plants about 3 feet apart. When setting out plants place the crowns, or tops of the root structures, 3 to 4 inches beneath the soil. To start new plants from seeds, sow early in spring; the new plants will produce only a few flowers the ... [... more]
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Acanthus (Bear's Breeches) Acanthus Mollis, A. Spinosus
The large, distinctive leaves of this plant were immortalized in the Fifth Century B.C. in the design for the capital of the classic Greek Corinthian column. The lustrous, dark green leaves are up to a foot wide and two feet long, and the lush ... [... more]
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Artemisia, Woodworm (Artemisia)
Artemisias are valued for their silvery-white foliage. You'll creamy-colored flowers that are prized mainly for their fragrance from mid- to late summer. The frosted, fine textured leaves of artemisias blend well with coarser-leaved plants such ... [... more]
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Aruncus (Aruncus Dioicus)
This majestic perennial grows up to 7 feet tall. Ornamental sprays of tiny white flowers bloom briefly but spectacularly for two weeks in early summer. Its native environment is the semishade of woodland clearings and it is most attractive in ... [... more]
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Astilbe (Astilbe Arendsii)
Astilbes do well in zones 4-9. Prepare the soil by enriching it with organic matter. If the soil is moist and rich in phosphorous you'll have tough, brilliantly colored, and pest-free plants. Set plants 15 to 18 inches apart. You'll need to water ... [... more]
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Balloon Flower (Chinese Bellflower)
Watch for drab spots in the garden in late summer, and plan to plant balloon flowers where needed Balloon Flower (Chinese Bellflower) - Garden Basics - Flower - Perennial Showy buds and blossoms mix well with fine textured foliage perennials > ... [... more]
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Bearded Iris
Apply a thin layer of compost around the base of plants each spring, leaving the rhizome (fleshy root) exposed. As flowers fade, cut back the flower stalks to the base of the plant. To encourage a second bloom on reblooming varieties, promptly ... [... more]
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Bee Balm
Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 1 to 2 feet apart. Prepare garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant's ... [... more]
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Bergenia (Bergenia Cordifolia)
Bergenias can be grown in Zones 4-10 except in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. They thrive in almost any soil in full sun or light shade, although they prefer light shade in hot areas. They tolerate a wide range of moisture conditions, growing ... [... more]
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Bishop's Weed (Aegopodium)
Plant in spring, setting plants 6 to 12 inches apart. New plants are propagated by dividing old ones in early spring while dormant, or in early fall when the season's growth has matured. Aegopodium is an aggressive grower best used by itself to ... [... more]
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