Overwintering Salvia and Angelonia in Cold Climates

In regions where winter nights drop below freezing (Zone 8 or colder), Salvia microphylla and Angelonia are grown as annuals. They cannot survive outdoors unprotected. Options: Treat as annuals: Replace each spring. Sal

Identifying a Mystery Flower: "Lollipop" Description

A reader describes a plant over a foot tall with large red blossoms and foliage resembling poppy or pea leaves, called lollipop by the grower. Without a photo, identification is guesswork. Lollipop is a common name appli

Why Potted Annuals Stop Blooming: Geraniums, Lobelia, Pansies

When flowering annuals in pots produce lush foliage but no blooms, the causes vary by plant: Geraniums need 4–5 hours of direct sun. Too much intense heat can also reduce flowering. They bloom best when slightly pot-bou

Controlling Pests on Marigolds Without Chemicals

If something is eating your marigolds, the damage is often from slugs, earwigs, or beetles—not a mysterious disease. A simple, low-toxicity approach: scatter mothballs around the plants. Their strong odor repels many pes

When to Prune Lilacs for Maximum Blooms

Lilacs set flower buds soon after blooming, so timing is critical. Prune within 30 days after flowers fade to avoid removing next years buds. Fall pruning sacrifices spring flowers. On a 3-year-old bush with a single tal

Transforming a Gravel Area into a Shade Garden with Deer Resistance

Converting a gravel-covered swing set area into a flower garden requires soil preparation, especially under trees. First, assess the soil: squeeze a moist handful—if it crumbles, its sandy/gravelly; if it holds a ball, i

Reviving Non-Blooming Hibiscus After a Move

If your potted hibiscus stopped blooming after relocating—even to a similar climate—it may be reacting to stress or nutrient imbalance. Avoid heavy pruning; instead, feed with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer l

Rooting Impatiens Cuttings in Water: A Simple Test

Impatiens are typically propagated from seed for efficiency, but rooting cuttings in water is possible and easy to try. Simply snip a 4–6 inch stem tip, remove lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water on a bright w

Best Flowering Vines for Shady Trellises in Containers

Creating a lush, colorful trellis in a shady spot is challenging, especially with annual vines in pots. An east-facing porch shaded by a large maple may only receive an hour of morning and evening sun—insufficient for mo

Why Impatiens Self-Seed Far From the Original Bed

Discovering impatiens popping up 10 feet from where you planted them can be a delightful surprise. These annuals are prolific self-seeders, but their germination depends heavily on spring rainfall. A wet April and May of

Harvesting and Storing Nasturtium Seeds for Next Season

If youve noticed pea-sized green pods on your nasturtiums at seasons end, those are seed pods. To save them for spring planting, allow the pods to dry on the plant until they turn brown and split open. Collect the seeds

Troubleshooting Yellowing Marigolds in Containers

Marigolds are beloved for their bright blooms, but they can quickly decline if their root environment isnt right. A common scenario: a newly potted marigold thrives for a month, then foliage yellows and dries, flowers wi

How to Prune Overgrown Hibiscus Shrubs for Healthier Growth

If youre tackling a seasonal landscape overhaul and facing towering hibiscus shrubs that have stretched to 6–8 feet, proper pruning is essential. The best time to trim hibiscus is in the fall, before new buds form. This

Growing Salpiglossis (Painted Tongue): Seed Germination Tips and Cool-Climate Culture

Germination Requirements: Darkness and Warmth Seeds need 70–75°F and complete darkness to germinate. Cover trays with foil or black plastic. Light is required immediately after sprouting. Transplanting and Pinching for

Overwintering Garden Mums: Cutting Back, Mulching, and Propagation

Keeping Fall Mums Alive: Winter Protection and Propagation Techniques Garden mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are perennials in most zones, but survival depends on hardiness type and winter care. Hardy mums return reliabl

Growing Lavender in Georgia: Soil, Sun, and Pruning Secrets

Lavender Success in the Southeast: Drainage, pH, and Pruning Are Everything Lavender thrives in Georgias heat but demands specific conditions. Master these, and youll enjoy years of fragrant harvests. Non-Negotiable Req

Flowering Annuals for Heavy Shade in Northern South Carolina

Shade Annuals for the Carolinas: Reliable Color in Deep Shade Heavy shade limits flowering annual options, but several performers deliver consistent color. Focus on impatiens and begonias for flowers; supplement with fol

Mosquito Control: Why Plants Don't Work and What Actually Does

Debunking Mosquito-Repellent Plants: Effective Larval Control for Standing Water Despite popular claims, no plants provide meaningful mosquito protection. Citronella-scented plants (citronella grass, scented geraniums) d

Annuals for Damp Shade: Plants That Thrive Near Water Spigots

Moisture-Loving Annuals for Part-Shade Areas with Consistent Dampness A perpetually damp spot near a water spigot isnt a problem—its an opportunity. Many beautiful annuals flourish in consistently moist (not waterlogged)

Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia): Care Guide for Hanging Baskets

Identifying and Growing Thunbergia alata: The Charming Black-Eyed Susan Vine Those mystery hanging baskets with trailing vines and gold-to-pale-yellow flowers with dark centers? Theyre almost certainly Thunbergia alata—B