Charming Flowers

It is not the same as ornamental marigolds of the Tagetes genus grown in vegetable gardens. Calendula is native to Asia and southern Europe and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. Calendula blossoms form a neat ray of petals that gently unfold from a tight bud, opening up to radiate from the center as the…

Fan flower (Scaevola aemula) is an excellent summer annual to grow in hanging baskets, window boxes, containers, or as a bedding plant. Scaevola is best grown in full sun to part shade and does well in hot, dry summers. It prefers medium, well-drained soil that is kept evenly moist, but not wet. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before…

Can be grown indoors or in the garden. Indoors, water freely and fertilize monthly during the growing season. If plants are in pots, move outdoors in summer if desired. In the garden, plumbago likes fertile soil in full sun. If growing on a trellis, tie stems to supports. Protect from strong winds. This evergreen shrub, native to South Africa, has long,…

When growing bachelor buttons, take advantage of their indoor uses as cut or dried flowers. Once the flower is cut, it offers a long-lasting display in cut flower arrangements. This specimen was often worn in lapels of the courting gentleman of days past, hence the common name bachelor button. It’s a vigorous plant commonly found growing among the grain crops in…

Cardinal flower is a brilliant scarlet-colored native wildflower that grows in marshes, stream banks and low woods. Its extremely showy blossoms can be recognized at considerable distance. Few native plants have flowers of such intense color as this common herbaceous perennial. The cardinal flower produces intense red blossoms at a time when many other perennials are declining in the summer heat. This…

A large genus of useful evergreen perennials. Ericas vary in growth habit, from low spreading and ground-cover to taller more bushy plants. A wide range of flower colours are available, from white through to all shades of pink and red to mauve. With careful selection heathers can be used to provide long-lasting colour in the garden, from spring to late…

The Lucky bamboo is an easy to grow plant which can thrive in soil or water. The plant having a name starting with the word“ Lucky” itself is a dead giveaway! Call this “good luck plant” it has opened up a whole new way for people afraid of or who carry the “brown thumb” badge with them, along with adding some green with…

Do you feel your living room looks pale, drab or dull? Want your kids to join you at the dining table for food and some heart-to- heart chats? Then let a croton with its bright yellow, orange, red and even black foliage spruce it up for you. You could always grow the plant in a colourful pot to add to…

This gorgeous variety of palm has flowing and slender green leaves, rendering it the look of a ponytail tied up on a kids head. It has a bulbous trunk that is used to store water, making it apt as an indoor plant collection.  The good news is that they'll put up with a bit of affection like this from time to time…

Your African mask plant prefers a tight fit in its pot so don't repot too often. Humidity is second on the list of necessities for your new houseplant. Alocasia thrives in a moist environment and need plenty of water during active growth. If you’re an indoor plant enthusiast looking for a unique addition to your collection of houseplants, then Alocasia…

Here’s a plant that was around on earth before you and your ancestors were even born! Ferns are counted among one of the oldest species of plants on earth, dating back to prehistoric times. Ferns belong to a group of vascular seeds, that bear neither flowers nor seeds. With alush green canopy of leaves, they provide your house with an ornamental…

These adorable, yet prickly plants are a great indoor addition. If you have children, it is best to keep them high up, since their thorns are small and not so welcoming. Like desert plants, Bunny Ear Cactus is great to adorn dry indoor spaces. They do not require too much maintenance and can be easily taken care of. They are…