Plants
Aristolochia rotunda
Aristolochia rotunda, also known as European birthwort, is a semi-sprawling, deciduous plant with rounded green leaves and small reddish-purple flowers. Native to Southern Europe, it thrives in open alkaline woodlands and roadsides. This plant is known for its historical use in traditional medicine, although it contains aristolochic acids, which are carcinogenic and nephrotoxic.
Monarda didyma
Monarda didyma, commonly known as bee balm, is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. It features lavender-pink flower clusters that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. The plant's edible petals have a lemon-mint-oregano flavor, and it is tolerant of dry soil conditions. Monarda blooms quickly, providing summer and fall color, and is used both ornamentally and medicinally.
Nymphaea 'Perry's Fire Opal'
Nymphaea 'Perry's Fire Opal' is a member of the Nymphaeaceae family, known for its ornamental aquatic plants. These water lilies provide shade to reduce algae growth and come in tropical and hardy varieties. Hardy types can tolerate cold, while tropical ones need winter protection.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille' is a compact plant introduced in 1927, known for its intense flower colors and strong, sturdy leaves. Although less known than its relative Merveille Sanguine, it offers a striking display with its small stature and vibrant blooms.
Boophone haemanthoides
Boophone haemanthoides is a bulb-forming herb native to Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It features ornamental leaf fans and produces a large umbel of pink flowers. This plant requires a dry summer dormancy period and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Let's Dance Moonlight'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Let's Dance Moonlight' is a versatile hydrangea that blooms on both old and new wood. Its blossom color is influenced by soil pH, and it features sturdy stems that keep flower heads upright. Developed in Michigan, this plant is known for its cold tolerance and suitability for cut and dried flower arrangements.
Catasetum saccatum
Catasetum saccatum is a species of orchid known for its unique and striking appearance.
Nolina cespitifera
Nolina cespitifera is a trunkless clump-forming plant with evergreen leaves that can reach up to 4 feet in length. This drought-tolerant perennial is native to Mexico and is well-suited for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It thrives in sunny locations and is known for its ability to attract insects, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal. Nolina cespitifera's unique form and resilience make it a standout choice for gardeners looking to create a low-maintenance, water-wise landscape.
Carex flacca
Carex flacca is a durable sedge with narrow grey-blue leaves, often used as a groundcover. Native to Europe and North Africa, it thrives in grasslands and salt marshes and has naturalized in eastern North America. This plant is valued for its ornamental qualities and its use in drought-tolerant landscaping.
Epipremnum 'Cebu Blue'
Epipremnum 'Cebu Blue' is a rare houseplant distinguished by its elongated, heart-shaped metallic blue leaves that can climb or trail. It thrives in bright, indirect light and develops fenestrated leaves as it matures. This plant is known for its rapid growth and unique blue-silvery foliage.
Pilea 'Aluminum'
Pilea 'Aluminum' is a tropical plant native to Vietnam, recognized for its green and silver textured foliage. It grows in a shrubby clump up to 12 inches tall, making it an attractive choice for indoor plant collections. Its pet-friendly nature and unique appearance add to its appeal as a houseplant.
Corydalis pallida
Corydalis pallida is a rare perennial with light yellow flowers speckled with brown, blooming in spring. Unlike many corydalis, its foliage remains vibrant through winter. It is well-suited for mass planting in woodland areas, offering a splash of color and texture.
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Gatsby Gal'
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Gatsby Gal' is known for its large, prolific blooms that start pure white and turn pink in fall. The leaves turn burgundy red in cooler temperatures, adding seasonal interest.
Echinodorus 'Reni'
Echinodorus 'Reni' is a striking aquatic plant known for its bold color and contrast, ideal for larger planted aquariums. Originating from South America, it features reddish-brown hues and requires a nutrient-rich substrate. This hardy species grows to a height of 4-15 inches and thrives under high lighting conditions. It is a heavy root feeder and easy to maintain, making it suitable for beginners. The plant's new leaves transition from reddish-brown to deep ruby red, adding vibrant color to any tank.
Muhlenbergia lindheimeri
Muhlenbergia lindheimeri is an ornamental grass native to northern Mexico and Texas. It forms clumps of erect stems with purplish inflorescence and provides graze for cattle and horses. This drought-tolerant grass is effective as a specimen or in mass plantings.
Oncidium sotoanum
Oncidium sotoanum is a small orchid native to Mexico, known for its bright pink to magenta flowers. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a humid environment, making it a beautiful addition to any orchid collection.
Hoya carnosa 'Chelsea'
Hoya carnosa 'Chelsea' is an epiphytic vine known for its clusters of showy pink flowers and glossy green leaves. The star-shaped flowers have deep red coronas and emit a sweet fragrance. This common houseplant thrives in bright indirect light and is easy to care for.
Salvia guaranitica
Salvia guaranitica is a perennial subshrub with deep blue flowers that bloom all summer long. It thrives in full sun to bright shade and grows well in wet to average moisture soils. This plant is highly favored by hummingbirds and is generally avoided by deer and rabbits, making it a vibrant and low-maintenance addition to gardens.
Indigofera heterantha
Indigofera heterantha is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant purple, pea-like flowers that bloom in summer. This hardy plant, native to the northwest Himalayas, can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F. It features pinnate leaves with up to 21 grey-green leaflets and can grow up to 7 feet long. The shrub is drought-tolerant and can become herbaceous in colder climates. It has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The plant's seeds have traditional uses in treating gastrointestinal issues. Its open branches and mimosa-like leaves add a unique texture to gardens.
Phragmipedium pearcei
Phragmipedium pearcei is a captivating orchid species native to the Andean regions of South America, from Ecuador to northern Peru. It features small, striking flowers with a distinctive pouch-like structure, typically green to yellowish-green with fine veining. This orchid thrives in cool to intermediate temperatures and prefers high humidity with indirect, dappled light. Consistent moisture and well-draining media are essential for its growth, and regular fertilization encourages blooming. Its unique floral structure and adaptability to specific conditions make it a fascinating addition to orchid collections.
Hoya carnosa 'Wilbur Graves'
Hoya carnosa 'Wilbur Graves' is a trailing or twining plant with generous splashes of silver variegation. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires the soil to dry slightly before watering. Optimal humidity is around 50% or more.
Lactuca sativa
Lactuca sativa is a deep-red, mini-romaine lettuce known for its compact size and ease of growth. It features uniform leaves and is resistant to several diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. This lettuce is part of a mix that includes butterhead, leaf, and romaine varieties, offering a rich, buttery flavor and a tender green heart. It is heat tolerant, slow to bolt, and can be harvested young for baby greens. The plant grows to about 12 inches tall and is ideal for container gardening or as a decorative border in flower beds. Its bronze-red leaves and cold tolerance make it suitable for fall planting. This French heirloom, also known as Merveille de Quatre Saisons, has a history dating back to the 1800s and is appreciated for its succulent sweetness and crisp texture.
Hoya hainanensis
Hoya hainanensis is a tropical epiphyte from Vietnam, featuring showy foliage with light green color and dark green veins. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil surface is dry. This plant has a trailing or twining growth habit, making it suitable for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant.
Origanum majorana
Origanum majorana, commonly known as marjoram, is a perennial herb with a milder yet more complex flavor than oregano. It is a popular ingredient in German sausage and herb breads, adding a unique taste to culinary dishes. This plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a resilient choice for gardeners. Origanum majorana is typically grown as an annual in USDA zones 9 and 10. Its ability to withstand various environmental conditions makes it a versatile addition to any herb garden. This plant is a great option for those looking to add a touch of flavor to their cooking.
Monstera siltepecana
Monstera siltepecana is a vining plant native to southern Mexico and Central America, known for its silver venation in immature foliage. As it matures, the leaves develop holes, making it a popular choice for terrariums.
Begonia 'Helen Teupel'
Begonia 'Helen Teupel' is a classic rex begonia hybrid created in 1928 in Germany. It features maroon leaves with pink and silver blotches and red leaf petioles with red hairs. Known for its cleft margin and pointed tip, this begonia is easier to grow than other rex hybrids, making it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.
Ancistrochilus rothschildianus
Ancistrochilus rothschildianus is an epiphytic orchid native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. It features deep maroon flowers with white and yellow markings and requires high humidity and bright, filtered light.
Rosa 'Meipoten'
This compact ground-cover rose has deep green, glossy foliage and clusters of blushing pink flowers with a slight fragrance, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
Dietes bicolor
Dietes bicolor is a clump-forming perennial from South Africa, known for its long, sword-like evergreen leaves and pale yellow flowers with dark purple spots. This plant is often used in public gardens and commercial landscapes due to its hardiness and ability to form large clumps if left undisturbed. It blooms in spring and summer and is very drought-tolerant, preferring dappled shade to full sun. Its striking flowers and robust nature make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.
Taxiphyllum alternans
Taxiphyllum alternans, commonly known as Taiwan Moss, is a versatile aquatic plant that thrives when attached to rocks, stones, or driftwood. It features dense, green growth and has medium growth rates. This moss is easy to attach using fishing line or cotton thread and does not require CO2, making it suitable for a variety of aquarium setups. It can grow emerged and prefers medium to high lighting conditions.