How to Grow and Care for Firebush (Hamelia patens)

firebush

The firebush or Hamelia patens is a perennial shrub that is native to Florida and to other regions in both the Tropics and the Subtropics of America. As well as firebush, this plant is also commonly referred to as hummingbird bush, scarlet bush, and redhead.  This perennial plant can grow as a shrub or small … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles)

flowering quince

Flowering quince, (Chaenomeles) is a genus of shrubs with three recognized species. Native to Eastern Asia, this plant is a member of the rose family.  Chaenomeles speciosa is the species most commonly referred to as flowering quince. This thorny perennial is grown primarily as an ornamental plant due to its showy red/pink colored flowers.  Flowering … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Firethorn

firethorn

Known just as well as pyracantha, firethorn is a very tough and resilient shrub that will thrive with minimal care, once it is established. Firethorn is grown for its evergreen foliage and berries. Although it produces clusters of small white flowers in the Spring, these smell unpleasant. Firethorn is primarily cultivated for the masses of … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Firespike

firespike

Firespike is a perennial that is particularly showy, bearing upright panicles of vivid red flowers.  In warmer regions, the flowers appear almost year-round.  It is grown as a container plant in cooler regions, where it can be brought indoors during the cooler months. Firespike is native to the southern regions of North America and is … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Forsythia

forsythia

Forsythia is a genus of shrubs that belong to the olive family, with several recognized species and many cultivars and hybrids that vary in size and shape. Native to Asia, forsythia is a deciduous shrub that is commonly cultivated in gardens.  This perennial, also known as golden bells, is prized as an ornamental for its … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Witch Alder (Fothergilla)

witch alder

Fothergilla is a small genus of shrubs with few recognized species. Native to the southeastern states in North America, this plant commonly grows in swamps and wet woodland regions.  This perennial, also known as the witch alder, is a small deciduous shrub. The two types, of fothergilla that are the best known are F. gardenia … Read more

How to Grow & Care for Buttonbush

buttonbush

Buttonbush is a flowering plant in the Cephalanthus genus of shrubs. About six species in this genus are commonly referred to as buttonbush. Native to parts of North America, this plant commonly grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree.  History In the mid-1700s, buttonbush was introduced commercially for beekeepers.  The shrub, or small tree, … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Golden Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus)

golden euonymus

Golden euonymus is an evergreen shrub that has variegated foliage and brightens up a hedge or border with its golden, yellow-edged leaves.  Native to parts of Asia, this plant is commonly known also as the Japanese spindle tree.  This variegated perennial is grown as an ornamental plant for its striking, evergreen foliage. It can develop … Read more

How to Grow and Care for Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)

butchers broom

A species in the Ruscus genus, this is a low-growing, evergreen shrub. Butcher’s broom has become a widespread and popular garden plant. This perennial, with insignificant, greenish-white flowers, has attractive autumn berries which are bright red.  History This plant’s rather unusual name originates from its former use. The Ruscus shrub bears stiff, flat branches that … Read more