How to Grow and Care for Bottlebrush

bottlebrush

Callistemon (bottlebrush) is a genus of perennial shrubs with around 50 recognized species. Native to Australia, this plant commonly grows in many regions of the world, both wild and cultivated.  History There is some confusion as to whether Callistemon is a genus in its own right, or whether these perennials should be classified as Melaleuca. … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Cotoneaster

cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a very large genus of flowering shrubs in the rose family. There are cotoneasters that are low-growing, others used for ground cover, as well as some species that will grow as trees up to 10 feet (3.05 m) tall.  Although there are many species in the cotoneaster genus of shrubs, all produce dark-colored … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Colletia

colletia

Colletia is a genus of flowering shrubs with five, spiky species. Native to Southern parts of South America, this plant commonly grows in dry and rocky places. Some species have a unique look and their appearance is relished by gardeners seeking out an out-of-the-ordinary, architectural plant.  These shrubs have a distinct, and unusual succulent-like appearance. … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Coprosma

coprosma

Coprosma is one of the largest genera of flowering shrubs in New Zealand, with about 90 recognized species. The leaves of some species give off a pungent and unpleasant odor when crushed. Coprosma is native to Australia, New Zealand, and countries in the Pacific Ocean.  Species of this perennial shrub, also known as the mirror … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Coral Plant (Jatropha multifida)

coral plant

Coral plant is a species of flowering plant in the Jatropha genus of shrubs, which is native to Mexico and the Caribbean. All parts of the plant, including the milky sap, are poisonous if ingested. The fruits are sweet tasting, but again toxic and dangerous. This perennial has been introduced to parts of South America, … Read more

How to Grow & Care for Calotropis

calotropis

Calotropis is a genus of shrubs commonly referred to as milkweed because of the latex substance discharged by the plant. Native to parts of Africa and Asia, this plant is considered a weed in many places.  Calotropis is a poisonous, flowering plant commonly found on neglected farmland. The two most common forms are known as … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Carissa

carissa

Until recently, the Carissa genus of shrubs contained around 100 recognized species, but many have now been assigned to other genera or simply as a synonym.  Native to tropical parts of Africa, Australia, and Asia, Carissa grows as a shrub or small tree. It has white, star-shaped flowers, followed by plum-like berries that are either … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Candlestick Bush

candlestick bush

Candlestick bush or Senna alata, grows as a small perennial tree or shrub with flowers that are bright yellow, upright racemes, that look like a candlestick.  Native to parts of the tropics,  this plant commonly grows in diverse habitats. It will thrive at elevations of around 1200 m in its native tropics (e.g. South America, … Read more