Pollinator Plants

Creeping Phlox

Creeping Phlox: The Perfect Ground Cover for Vibrant Spring Blooms The Creeping Phlox is a perennial native to the eastern portion of the United States. Also known as Phlox Stolonifera, Moss Phlox, Mountain Phlox, Star Rock Phlox, and Phlox Subulata, this mat-forming plant can be found in a variety of vibrant colors, including variations of white, blue, red, and even purple. It blooms between April and September each year.  How to Grow and Care for Creeping Phlox in Your Garden A member of the Polemoniaceae botanical family, the Creeping Phlox is a semi-evergreen favorite of many landscaping professionals. This plant provides a uniquely colored ground cover that brings a sense of boldness to any area. It is comprised of creeping stems that can grow up to two feet long. Its needle-like foliage is dark green and commonly referred to as mossy.  This herbaceous perennial has a sweet cannabis aroma and is in full bloom during summer and fall. Each flower has five flat petals and reaches a maximum width of around one inch. Each flower sports rounded lobes with distinctive notches. Its flowers tend to grow in clusters. This plant offers a stunning sweep of bright colors that resemble a moss-like carpet. This is a very hardy and low-maintenance plant breed. It's salt, drought, and even deer-resistant. Why Creeping Phlox is a Must-Have for Low-Maintenance Landscaping This attractive perennial is ideally suited for bordering fronts, draping rock walls, and providing erosion control for disturbed slopes. It isn't prone to severe disease or pest infestation problems. Each mat will reach a height of between four and six inches tall. When in full bloom, this plant will attract various butterflies and bees.With an average growth rate, Creeping Phlox can quickly add a field of vibrant color to any garden. Placing multiple color variations next to one another will provide a sea of varying colors for any landscape. This genuinely unique plant will grow out to drape over any surface and take root even between the cracks in a rock wall. It's very versatile and can tolerate all different types of growing conditions.

Milkweed Plant

Why Milkweed Plants Are Essential for Monarch Butterfly Habitats Milkweed Plant is an easy-to-grow plant that is essential for many butterfly gardens. Several characteristics that appeal to gardeners and butterfly watchers alike include its size, flowering time, sturdiness, and natural attraction for butterflies. They are typically found in Zones 3 to 9. It enjoys full sun but can deal with a bit of shade here and there. They usually appear in bunches of strong green stalks that could reach up to 5 feet high but typically 2 to 4 feet. Thanks to the sturdy nature of these stems, there is no need to prop them up; they will stand on their own. The leaves are various shades of green, thick and robust. They grow to about 6 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. It is ideal for planting to place these about 18 inches apart. Additionally, this flower requires no fertilizers and does well in less-than-perfect soil. Their flower pods grow from the top of the flower and are usually found in small groups, producing many flowers at once. The flowers grow to about .75 inches and .4 inches wide. They are generally light to dark pink and let off a lovely, sweet scent. How to Grow and Care for Your Milkweed Plants Fruit pods also grow on Milkweed plants. They are about 4 inches long and shaped like a sphere, with little nubs growing on them. The pods start out green and, as they mature, turn brown. At this stage, they can be used for flower arrangements. Once they dry completely, they will split open. Many seeds can be taken from one pod. Milkweed Plants: The Best Choice for Pollinator Gardens Finally, the Milkweed plant is an ideal and vital flower for Monarch Butterflies. Not only do they eat the leaves, but they also form their chrysalis and mature and hatch on the very same flower.

Trumpet Vine

How to Grow and Care for Trumpet Vine: Tips for a Vibrant Garden The Trumpet Vine, often called trumpet creeper, loves lean soil and drains well. This beautiful plant can grow up to 40 feet tall with a structure to climb on. It uses suckers produced by underground runners to attach itself to almost any surface. A single vine can spread to be more than 10 feet wide. The Best Growing Conditions for Trumpet Vine in Your Landscape This plant produces beautiful leaves that are shiny, dark green on top, and dull green underneath. Each leaf, which can be up to 15 inches long, produces seven to ten 10-foot leaflets with serrated edges. The leaves turn yellow in the autumn. Plant Trumpet Vine in the full sun so that it produces flowers. The scarlet or orange flowers have a trumpet shape and can be up to 3 inches long. Blooms typically appear in the early summer and last until fall. If this plant does not get enough sun, it will still thrive but not produce flowers. After the flowers fade, the plant produces bean-like seedpods that can be up to 5 inches long. If left on the plant, these seedpods will eventually split open, releasing the seeds inside. If they land in the right spot, you can have another plant. Attract Hummingbirds with Trumpet Vine: A Stunning Addition to Your Garden If left without a structure to climb, then the Trumpet Vine will use its suckers to spread across the ground. Using this vine as a ground cover can be very useful if you need to stop erosion. When left to crawl across the ground, the plant can also be very useful in camouflaging unsightly debris, such as a rock pile. Hardy Planting Zone- 3 to 9 Bloom Season (if any) - Summer Bloom Color – Orange, scarlet Height at Maturity –Up to 40 feet tall Soil Type Preferred- Lean well-drained soil Sun or Shade-Full sun

Butterfly Milkweed

The Best Growing Tips for Butterfly Milkweed in Your Garden The Butterfly Milkweed plant is certainly one of the most beautiful wildflowers in North America. Its beauty comes not only from its appearance but also from its fragrance. The plant that most people think of is A. Syriaca or the common plant. The Butterfly Milkweed blooms out in a star-spangled banner-type display. At the top of the stem is a myriad of tiny flowers colored in a watercolor-like light purple. They also bloom in most other colors of the spectrum. The plant is blooming in yellow, orange, green, and pink. To propagate themselves, these plants develop a seed pod that dries and then splits open to spread hundreds of seeds in the fall. How Butterfly Milkweed Attracts Pollinators and Benefits Your Garden Depending on the type of plant, it can grow from 2 to 5 feet in height. It grows in zones 3 to 9. This plant attracts the usual pollinating insects, such as bees, hummingbirds, and especially Monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies love this plant because it is their main food source and also supplies a secure place for the female to spread her eggs, mostly on the underside of the leaves. These plants are fast spreading, giving them plenty of room in your garden. They like from 6 to 8 hours of sunshine. A good place in the garden is where they are protected from the wind so that you can control the spread of the seeds. This helps prevent the plant from taking over your garden. This also provides a haven for the Monarchs. Caring for Butterfly Milkweed A Complete Guide to Healthy Plants Most Butterfly Milkweed plants do well in just about any soil. The exception is the Swamp weed, which requires moist and humus soil. Plant them in a well-cultivated flowerbed that has been worked to a fine mix. Add the recommended amount of fertilizer for an average soil mix. There is no genuine special care for the soil. Sow the seeds and tamp the soil. Water the flower bed and wait.

Purple Coneflower

Why Purple Coneflower Is the Perfect Addition to Your Garden The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a dazzling perennial plant celebrated for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties. Its striking cone-shaped center, surrounded by a burst of purple, pink, or lavender petals, is beautiful. These long-lasting flowers bloom in the summer and grace North American prairies, meadows, and gardens with their beauty. This plant is an exceptional addition to gardens, as they have both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. In warmer zones, they have an extended growing season, allowing for more blooms. They can handle hot summers but may need occasional watering during droughts. Full sun is ideal, but Purple Coneflowers can tolerate partial shade. Purple Coneflowers are cherished for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Goldfinches and other songbirds will all seek out this plant's nourishing seeds.  How to Grow and Care for Purple Coneflower Plants Purple Coneflowers are widely used in landscaping due to their bold, colorful blooms. They are popular in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Due to their ability to propagate quickly, they are commonly used as a bordering plant. A great cool-tone addition to any household garden, this robust plant will grow up to four feet tall and spread between one and a half and two feet wide. A healthy plant can showcase between 25 and 50 prominent flowerheads during its blooming season each year.  As they are native to North America, Purple Coneflowers help restore native plant habitats and support local ecosystems. Benefits of Purple Coneflower for Pollinators and Garden Beauty Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators find the flowers particularly attractive. The seed heads provide food for birds, especially goldfinches. Low-Maintenance Purple Coneflowers are low-maintenance and resilient plants, making them a favorite for both experienced and novice gardeners.  Water regularly until the plants are well established (typically the first growing season). Afterward, they are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Deadheading throughout the summer encourages continuous flowering. In late fall or early winter, you can cut the plant back to ground level or leave the seed heads for winter interest and wildlife. Seeds, division, or cuttings can propagate them. The roots and leaves of Echinacea have traditionally been used in herbal medicine. The most well-known medicinal use of Echinacea is its role in boosting immunity, and reducing the duration and effect of colds, flu, and other infections. Some studies suggest that Echinacea has anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat conditions such as skin irritations.

Redbud Tree

Why the Redbud Tree is Perfect for Your Garden Beauty and Benefits The graceful redbud tree, or Cercis Canadensis, is a harbinger of spring with its racemes of pink-violet flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, it is now a familiar sight in the southern United States. It is also related to the pea, and its flowers resemble pea flowers. It does best in warmer climates, so it is appropriate for hardiness zones 6 to 9, where the lowest winter temperature is never under -5 degrees Fahrenheit.  How to Care for Your Redbud Tree Essential Tips for Healthy Growth It is a small deciduous type that grows from 15 to 25 feet tall. It has a round, 15 to 25-foot round made of zigzagging twigs. Some grow as tall as 50 feet, though in the wild, it’s often an understory that grows in the partial shade of taller ones. It has several trunks and many branches and is heart-shaped, with alternate leaves that are 3 to 5 inches long. The margins are entire, which means there are no indentations or leaflets. They are smooth on top and glaucous beneath and have palmate veins. At first, the leaves are an attractive bronzy red, then lush green in the summer, and finally, shades of yellow or light brown in the fall. These colors ensure that the leaf is showy for most of the year. Redbud Trees grow best in fertile, alkaline soil, though they do well in sandy, clayey, or loamy soil. They prefer the soil's pH to be between 6.0 and 8.0 and need good drainage, though they can tolerate periods of dryness. They flourish in full or indirect sunlight and need medium watering. They can tolerate deer and pollution and can be planted near black walnuts. Black walnuts release a poison that often kills other plants near them. The Redbud Tree A Vibrant Addition to Your Landscape This Season Their breathtaking beauty is because the flowers appear well before the foliage. They are a stunning pink-violet or rosy-purple and arrive in great masses over old growth. About 3/4 of an inch long, they grow straight from the stems, branches, and even the trunk. They have fused sepals and five petals and are edible. This is one of the first to bloom in the south. The bloom season is usually from March to April, but they can bloom as early as February in warmer areas. The blossoms attract bees and other pollinators struggling to find nectar so early in the season. When the flowers fade, they are replaced by long 4-inch long seed pods. These pods, which are deep purple, are mature in the summer but can be seen on them into the winter. The pods resembled a weaver’s shuttle, or kerkis to the Greeks. This gave its genus name. When the pods split open, the seeds are eaten by birds The redbud tree is easy to take care of and needs a bit of pruning and fertilizer in the spring.

Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose: A Versatile and Beautiful Addition to Your Garden Evening Primroses are very showy flowers with unique blooming habits. While yellow is the most common variety, they also come in tones of pink and white. Also known as Oenothera Biennis, Fever Plant, or Suncups, this heat-loving plant is drought-resistant and low-maintenance. How to Grow and Care for Evening Primrose in Your Garden Reaching over two feet tall with a two-foot spread at maturity, this flower derives its name from its unusual blooming habits. This biennial plant opens its flowers around sunset and closes them around noon the next day. A member of the Onagraceae family, this plant's roots penetrate deep into the soil. The Health Benefits of Evening Primrose: A Natural Remedy for Skin and More Native to North America, Evening Primrose has a rosette leaf style at its base. Tall, hairy stems will shoot up and play host to lance-shaped leaves. These stalks will take on a purple hue as they grow. At the stem's apex, you'll find four-petaled cone-shaped flowers that love to bloom in clusters between May and September. Even better, they each emit a gentle, lemony aroma that is pleasant for any home gardener. This fast-growing herbaceous plant makes it the perfect addition to any open landscape area you want to fill. The plant's ability to grow in poor soils makes it ideal for hard-to-grow spots in any garden. This hardy plant is self-seeding and isn't prone to severe diseases or pest infestations. It's deer-resistant and will attract bees, butterflies, and various birds. The Appearance Of The Evening Primrose In late July, the Evening Primrose will transition from flowers to fruit pods. These pods will be filled with close to 1,000 seeds that will be spread around via the wind to repropagate the plant. They are typically about one and a quarter of an inch in size and appear much thicker at their base than at their tip.

Solomon's Seal Plant

Solomon's Seal Plant A Beautiful Addition to Shaded Gardens Solomon's Seal Plant is a hardy perennial that produces subtle white blooms in the spring and summer months. When fully matured, it can reach a height of up to six feet. This shade-loving perennial possesses gently arching stems that are dark green. By the formal name of Polygonatum Biflorum, this herbaceous flower can be a great addition to any shade garden. This deer-resistant flower yields many tiny flowers that take on the shape of a bell. These one-inch pendant flowers will hang down in pairs from an arching, unbranched stem. Each stem will host ten or more pairs of flowers. These fragrant blooms will smell refreshingly like lilies. As the summer turns into fall, the Solomon's Seal Plant will drop their lovely bell-shaped flowers and replace them with non-edible berries. How to Grow and Care for Solomon's Seal Plant in Your Garden These berries will be blue-to-black and attract wildlife like birds and squirrels that forage. This flower's long, four-inch leaves will transition into an attractive yellow color during the autumn months. This long-living perennial is a favorite for many home gardens as it adds depth and contrast. These dense colonies of arching stems are highly tolerant of many adverse conditions. They pair well with ferns in any home garden. Native to the eastern region of North America, this deciduous flower is well-known to be a great pollinator for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This perennial is often used to prevent soil erosion in unstabilized areas. Benefits of Solomon's Seal Plant Ideal for Woodland and Shade Gardens Solomon's Seal plant will flourish in large colonies and is easygreen thumbs. These thick and fleshy flowers get their name fr rhizomes with rounded scars. These scars appear to resemble two inverted triangles, the known symbol of King Solomon.

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan A Vibrant Choice for Your Garden Black Eyed Susan, scientifically known as Rudbeckia hirta, is a vibrant and popular flowering plant native to North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is renowned for its striking golden-yellow petals with a dark brown to black central cone. This distinctive appearance has earned it the common name. These beautiful wildflowers are aesthetically pleasing and hold cultural significance and ecological importance. How to Grow and Care for Black Eyed Susan Plants They typically grow as perennial wildflowers in their native habitat, which stretches from the eastern United States to the Midwest. However, due to their long-lasting and robust nature, they are often cultivated as annuals or perennials in gardens and landscapes. These hardy plants can thrive in various soil types and are drought-tolerant, making them a popular choice for low-maintenance gardens. One of the most attractive features of the black-eyed Susan is their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These insects are drawn to the bright flowers, aiding pollination and supporting local ecosystems. Furthermore, these flowers are known for their versatility, as they can be used in various landscaping settings, from wildflower meadows and cottage gardens to formal flower beds and borders. Black Eyed Susan Flowers Benefits for Pollinators and Landscapes In terms of symbolism, Black Eyed Susan is often associated with encouragement and motivation, symbolizing the strength and determination needed to overcome challenges. They have also found their way into various folk traditions, with some Native American tribes using them for many purposes. In conclusion, the Black-Eyed susan is a visually stunning and ecologically valuable wildflower with a rich cultural history. Its bright, cheery appearance, adaptability, and role in supporting pollinators make it a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you encounter them in the wild or cultivate them in your garden, they are a delightful addition to any landscape, adding beauty and ecological benefits to their surroundings.

Red Cardinal Flower

How to Grow and Care for Red Cardinal Flower in Your Garden The Red Cardinal Flower is an American wildflower native to the midwestern region, including Michigan and Wisconsin. Lobelia blooms are tall perennials that flourish in USDA hardy planting zones 1 through 10.  The Best Conditions for Red Cardinal Flower to Thrive Tall spikes of splendid red, trumpet-formed blooms transcend the dull green foliage. Each bloom has three spreading lower petals and two upper petals assembled into a tube at the base. Erect verdant stems, frequently in groups, with racemes of blossoms looking like flaring red spires. They add a beautiful, bright touch of color to any landscape or floral garden. They are deer and rabbit-resistant yet attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Attract Hummingbirds with Red Cardinal Flower: A Vibrant Garden Addition Developing cardinal blossoms sprout amid summer and, in some cases, into fall. Many insects have a hard time following the long necks of Red Cardinal Flower, so cardinal blossoms rely upon hummingbirds for preparation. Cardinal blossoms develop best in areas with morning sun and evening shade, aside from cool zones requiring full sun. They also require clammy, ripe soil and perform best, considering organic matter is incorporated into the dirt before planting. The mature height of the Red Cardinal Flower is typically 24 to 48 inches. The seeds must be planted indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the late frost in delinquent winter. You can transfer the blossom seedlings outside four weeks after you planted them in the fitting plate, picking a zone with full sun or incomplete shade and rich, loamy, and ideally wet soil. For best results, place a 2-to 3-inch layer of natural mulch around the blossoms and water consistently, keeping the dirt continually sodden for the bloom amid the developing season. The bloom is not dry-season tolerant and performs best with continuously wet soil.

Lily Pads

Top Benefits of Adding Lily Pads to Your Pond or Water Garden Lily pads, scientifically known as "Nymphaea," are aquatic plants belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae. They are widely recognized for their iconic round, flat leaves that float on the surface of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. These fascinating plants have captured people's imaginations for centuries due to their unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal. Lily pads are primarily found in freshwater habitats worldwide, with the majority of species inhabiting tropical and temperate regions. Their leaves are characterized by their circular or heart-shaped appearance, which allows them to float effortlessly on the water's surface. The undersides of these leaves contain tiny hairs that help trap air, providing buoyancy and allowing the lily pads to stay afloat. Their primary function is to provide shade and protection for aquatic creatures living beneath them. They are essential habitats for marine organisms, including fish, insects, frogs, and microorganisms. The shade they provide helps regulate water temperature and reduces the growth of algae, which can be beneficial for maintaining water quality in aquatic ecosystems. How to Care for Lily Pads for Vibrant Growth and Longevity They come in various colors, like white, pink, and yellow. These fragrant flowers often emerge above the water's surface on tall stalks and are pollinated by insects like bees and beetles. After pollination, the flowers give way to fruit-containing seeds, which can help in the propagation and dispersal of lily pad plants. In some cultures, they hold symbolic significance. For example, in ancient Egypt, they were associated with rebirth and the cycle of life due to their ability to rise from the muddy depths of ponds to produce stunning flowers. Transform Your Water Garden with Beautiful Lily Pads In conclusion, they are remarkable aquatic plants that play a vital role in the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. Their unique structure, floating leaves, and beautiful flowers make them a fascinating subject of study and inspiration for artists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Blanket Flower

Growing Blanket Flower Tips for Vibrant, Low-Maintenance Blooms The blanket flower (Gaillardia), also known as Gaillardia pulchella or Indian Blanket, is a brightly colored, hardy perennial plant native to North and South America. It is part of the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers and daisies. The name "blanket flower" comes from its vibrant, blanket-like appearance, with red, yellow, and orange hues resembling traditional Native American blankets. Why Blanket Flower Is Perfect for Pollinator-Friendly Gardens The flowers are daisy-like, with large, showy, multicolored petals, often red at the center and fading into yellow at the tips. The central disk can be reddish-brown or yellow. It blooms from late spring to early fall, producing abundant flowers lasting throughout the summer. Caring for Blanket Flower A Hardy Perennial for Any Landscape Blanket flowers are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10, but they are adaptable to both cooler and warmer regions. In colder regions, blanket flowers may behave as short-lived perennials or need to be grown annually. They are relatively cold-tolerant but may benefit from winter protection, such as mulch. In warmer climates, blanket flowers perform as perennials, often blooming profusely throughout the summer and fall. Blanket flowers are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun. They are often used in xeriscaping, low-maintenance gardens, or places with hot, dry summers.  They attract pollinators with their nectar-rich flowers and provide a valuable food source throughout their blooming season.

Old Fashion Snowball

How to Care for Your Old Fashion Snowball Shrub for Stunning Blooms Old Fashion Snowball, scientifically known as Viburnum opulus 'Roseum,' is a classic and beloved ornamental shrub cherished for its stunning, globe-shaped clusters of white flowers and rich history in gardens. This deciduous shrub is a member of the Adoxaceae family and is native to Europe, North America, and Asia. It is commonly called the Snowball Bush due to its striking resemblance to a cluster of snowballs, especially when in full bloom. Old Fashion Snowball: A Timeless Addition to Your Garden One of the shrub's standout features is its large, round flower heads, reaching 8 inches in diameter. These flower heads comprise numerous tiny, individual flowers that appear in spring to early summer. Initially, they have a greenish tint, but as they mature, they turn pure white, creating a spectacular visual display in the garden. The fragrance of the flowers is subtle but pleasant, adding to the shrub's charm. The shrub usually grows to 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters) with a similar spread. Its attractive, dark green, three-lobed leaves provide a lovely backdrop to the snowball-like blooms. The foliage may turn red in the fall, adding to its seasonal interest. Why Old Fashion Snowball Shrubs Thrive in Your Landscape Old Fashion Snowball is relatively low-maintenance and adaptable to various soil types, although it thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils. For optimal flowering, it prefers full to partial sun exposure. Pruning can be done after the flowering season to maintain shape and encourage new growth. The Old Fashion Snowball Viburnum is a focal point in gardens, as a hedge or screen, or on mixed borders. Its timeless beauty and ease of cultivation have made it a favorite in gardens for generations, and it continues to be a popular option for those looking to add a hint of classic elegance to their outdoor spaces. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, this viburnum is sure to captivate with its timeless charm and stunning blossoms.

Larkspur

Larkspur A Beautiful Addition to Your Garden for Vibrant Blooms The Larkspur plant is recognizable thanks to its airy, towering spikes of beautiful blossoms. While the most commonly found hue of these soaring beauties is blue, they also can be found in violet, white, red, yellow, and pink varieties. At full maturity, the traditional species of this plant can reach up to nine feet or more, while more modern versions will reach a maximum height of around four feet. A member of the Ranunculaceae family, this flower's regal spikes are long-lasting, even after they've been cut. The plant can be found in annuals, biennials, and perennials. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, this graceful plant can be called Delphinium, Lark's Claw, Knight's Spur, Consolida Ajacis, and Lark's Heel. One of the most significant attributes that set the Larkspur aside from the rest is how its petals mature. You'll see this plant flower in late spring to late summer. They grow together to create a hollow-like pocket. This pocket will have between two and five spurs near its apex. Each flower will possess a black or white center, known as a bee.  How to Grow Larkspur Tips for Thriving Flowers in Your Garden Its leaves are unique in size and style. This plant usually has between three and seven lobed palmate leaves, with lobes that vary in number and size depending on the individual plant species. Its deep green, soft, fern-like foliage provides the perfect backdrop for summertime blooms.  Larkspur Care Guide Ensuring Healthy Growth and Stunning Blossoms Larkspur plant is known to be deer and drought-resistant. It's low-maintenance, making it the perfect colorful addition to any household garden. This herbaceous plant will surely attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the year's warmer months. Many landscapers will use this versatile plant for garden edging, backdrops, and walkways. Its horizontal prowess, combined with its gorgeous hues, makes it one-of-a-kind in the horticultural world.

Black Cohosh Plant

Black Cohosh Plant A Natural Beauty for Your Shade Garden Black Cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa, is a native North American plant. It is part of the daffodil and buttercup family and is a fast-growing plant that thrives in a variety of well-drained soil types. It is a beautiful flower that can adorn gardens and natural areas around your home. Black cohosh does best in zones 4-9 and is fairly drought tolerant. How to Grow and Care for the Black Cohosh Plant The flower can grow anywhere between 12-24 inches tall. It blossoms during June, July, and August and lasts three weeks. The Black Cohosh flowers don't have petals. Instead, they look like a cluster of white pearls. They also resemble a large candle that stands out nicely among summer blooms. They hold their color longer than other shade plants. Its stem is narrow and smooth and divides into three parts as it grows. Its flowers have an unusual smell that some might say is unpleasant. It repels insects like bees, gnats, and flies. In the past, the root was used to treat snakebites. It's also pollinator and deer-resistant. One stalk can contain dozens of these peal-like flowers. As it grows, it takes on a shade of green that gives it a unique appearance, though it tends to fall off shortly after the flowers bloom. It is usually found in shaded to partially shaded areas, but it can also grow in full sun. The Benefits of Adding Black Cohosh to Your Landscape The Black Cohosh plant not only looks great in the yard but can also be used medicinally. This unique plant extract is believed to help with inflammation and work as a sedative. Women have been known to use it to help with painful menstrual symptoms and relax the uterus muscles. It can also be used to lessen cough spasms that come with bronchitis and pneumonia.

Blazing Star

Blazing Star A Stunning Native Wildflower for Vibrant Gardens Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), also known as Gayfeather or Dense Blazing Star, is a beautiful perennial plant known for its tall, spiky flower clusters that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Planting bare root Blazing Star is a great way to add vibrant color and texture to your garden. Here’s how to plant and care for them: Characteristics Family: Asteraceae Height: Typically grows 2-4 feet tall Flowers: Purple, pink, or white, arranged in dense spikes Leaves: Narrow, grass-like leaves How to Grow and Care for Blazing Star in Your Landscape Timing: Plant bare root Blazing Stars in early spring or fall. Location: Choose a sunny location. Blazing Stars thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. They prefer sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Preparation: Soak the bare roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them. Planting Depth: Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Plant with the crown just below the soil surface. Spacing: Space plants about 12-15 inches apart to allow for growth. Care and Maintenance Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are established. Once established, Blazing Stars are relatively drought-tolerant. Mulching: Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilizing: Generally, Blazing Stars do not require much fertilization. If desired, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early spring. Benefits Aesthetic: Adds striking vertical interest and vibrant color to garden beds and borders. Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care. Potential Issues Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew or rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Overwatering: Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot and other water-related problems. Blazing Star Benefits Pollinator Magnet and Low-Maintenance Beauty Flower Beds and Borders: Adds height and color to mixed flower beds and borders. Wildflower Gardens: Ideal for naturalized and prairie-style gardens. Cut Flowers: Excellent for cut flower arrangements due to their long-lasting blooms. Blazing Star blooms from July to August, which makes it ideal because many spring and early summer bloomers tend to look quite drab after their early blooming period.Many people love to grow three or four in a decorative pot. An excellent garden idea is to make a complete path of the plants in your backyard using decorative pots. Another advantage to the plants is that if you have a lot of deer around, they tend not to be interested in eating these plants.