Perennial Plant Articles
Welcome to our on-line plant articles page. Here you will find a series of in-depth articles about an array of wonderful garden perennials from Arisaema to Tricyrtis as well as other topics. Many of these are reprints of articles that we have written for publication in various venues over the years, but several were written specifically for this website. These are not the typical on-line plant articles which are short and fluffy, but instead often go into great detail...you know, the stuff that everyone says is worthless on a website. We think you will find a wealth of information about garden perennials in these articles, and we thank the other authors that have also allowed their work to be republished here.
A Guide to Tricyrtis lasiocarpa, Toad Lilies
Tricyrtis (toad lilies) are a shade-loving perennial in the lily family whose small, but beautiful and intricately designed orchid-like flowers stop people in their tracks. When looking for woodland garden plants...
A Guide to Tricyrtis lasiocarpa, Toad Lilies
Tricyrtis (toad lilies) are a shade-loving perennial in the lily family whose small, but beautiful and intricately designed orchid-like flowers stop people in their tracks. When looking for woodland garden plants...
Add Some Color to Your Garden with Purple Leaf ...
Plant foliage color can help define a garden, as leaves are often bigger, bolder and last longer than blooms do. Add a pop of color to your garden with a...
Add Some Color to Your Garden with Purple Leaf ...
Plant foliage color can help define a garden, as leaves are often bigger, bolder and last longer than blooms do. Add a pop of color to your garden with a...
All About Blue Hosta
Just like with any product or commodity, there is always the desire to “build a better mousetrap”, and hosta breeding is no exception. As long as hostas have been a...
All About Blue Hosta
Just like with any product or commodity, there is always the desire to “build a better mousetrap”, and hosta breeding is no exception. As long as hostas have been a...
Arisaema, Arisaema, Arisaema
I remember being fascinated by these bizarre exotic plants as I roamed the woods as a child in piedmont North Carolina. A spring trek through the woods would find...
Arisaema, Arisaema, Arisaema
I remember being fascinated by these bizarre exotic plants as I roamed the woods as a child in piedmont North Carolina. A spring trek through the woods would find...
Banana Trees - Apeeling Plants for the Garden
'Yes, we have no bananas', is something said by many temperate zone gardeners. Yet it does not have to be so. Some banana trees are hardier than you might think, since...
Banana Trees - Apeeling Plants for the Garden
'Yes, we have no bananas', is something said by many temperate zone gardeners. Yet it does not have to be so. Some banana trees are hardier than you might think, since...
Baptisia - Revenge of the Redneck Lupines
Please forgive me, but I'm in my baptisia phase. Plant lovers understand all about phases...we move from one plant group to another, studying and collecting everything in sight. My love...
Baptisia - Revenge of the Redneck Lupines
Please forgive me, but I'm in my baptisia phase. Plant lovers understand all about phases...we move from one plant group to another, studying and collecting everything in sight. My love...
Big Bold Ferns for the Garden
When it comes to bold statements in the garden, few ferns can compete with the upright stature and immense size of a mature, well-grown Royal Fern or a stunning carpet...
Big Bold Ferns for the Garden
When it comes to bold statements in the garden, few ferns can compete with the upright stature and immense size of a mature, well-grown Royal Fern or a stunning carpet...
Bizarre Plants Only a Mother Could Love
Have you ever seen a plant so bizarre that you thought no one would ever buy it? Many nurserymen have become so convinced that customers want nothing but taxus,...
Bizarre Plants Only a Mother Could Love
Have you ever seen a plant so bizarre that you thought no one would ever buy it? Many nurserymen have become so convinced that customers want nothing but taxus,...
Bold, Beautiful, and Blue: Uniquely Southern Sk...
Most gardeners would probably not think of Skullcaps (Scutellaria) at the top of their list of the most garden-worthy members of the mint family. Many of the species native to...
Bold, Beautiful, and Blue: Uniquely Southern Sk...
Most gardeners would probably not think of Skullcaps (Scutellaria) at the top of their list of the most garden-worthy members of the mint family. Many of the species native to...
Cacti in the Southeast
I guess we've all driven through the countryside, and seen the mounds of prickly pear cactus adorning dilapidated mobile homes, so often used in those tastefully painted tractor tires. We've...
Cacti in the Southeast
I guess we've all driven through the countryside, and seen the mounds of prickly pear cactus adorning dilapidated mobile homes, so often used in those tastefully painted tractor tires. We've...
Canna, Canna, Canna - Growing and Caring for Ca...
Canna lilies are bold, herbaceous, tropical looking perennial plants that are summer bloomers for the south. Cannas have been in and out of fashion many times during their long history, and...
Canna, Canna, Canna - Growing and Caring for Ca...
Canna lilies are bold, herbaceous, tropical looking perennial plants that are summer bloomers for the south. Cannas have been in and out of fashion many times during their long history, and...
Cold Hardy Palms for Temperate Gardens
There's something exotic about growing palms in your garden that makes otherwise sane gardeners go through heroic measures to try and keep them alive outside of their natural range. Perhaps...
Cold Hardy Palms for Temperate Gardens
There's something exotic about growing palms in your garden that makes otherwise sane gardeners go through heroic measures to try and keep them alive outside of their natural range. Perhaps...
Cool Colocasias - Elephant Ears for the Garden
Colocasias are tropical looking perennial plants known in the western world as elephant ear plants or taro. Ornamental colocasia (the focus of this article) are important garden plants because they add a bold,...
Cool Colocasias - Elephant Ears for the Garden
Colocasias are tropical looking perennial plants known in the western world as elephant ear plants or taro. Ornamental colocasia (the focus of this article) are important garden plants because they add a bold,...
Crape Murder - Stop! - (Cut the Crap, not the C...
Hideous crimes are being committed all over Texas, some in our own front yards and many right in front of our local businesses. Unfortunately, many have turned a blind eye...
Crape Murder - Stop! - (Cut the Crap, not the C...
Hideous crimes are being committed all over Texas, some in our own front yards and many right in front of our local businesses. Unfortunately, many have turned a blind eye...
Crape Murder - The Unkind Cut
We turn our heads in horror when terrorists behead their captives and we decry depictions of punishment we feel doesn't live up to our ethical obligations toward those we don't...
Crape Murder - The Unkind Cut
We turn our heads in horror when terrorists behead their captives and we decry depictions of punishment we feel doesn't live up to our ethical obligations toward those we don't...
Curcuma longa - Grow Turmeric In Your Garden
To get a tropical look in a warm temperate garden, there is a short list of plants that fit the bill. One of my favorites is the little-known genus Curcuma which...
Curcuma longa - Grow Turmeric In Your Garden
To get a tropical look in a warm temperate garden, there is a short list of plants that fit the bill. One of my favorites is the little-known genus Curcuma which...
Cutting Through the Jungle - Native Plants Myth...
In a 1994 New York Times article, Michael Poulan called them Eco-Nazis. Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh called them environmentalist whackos. What ever you call them, the native plant...
Cutting Through the Jungle - Native Plants Myth...
In a 1994 New York Times article, Michael Poulan called them Eco-Nazis. Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh called them environmentalist whackos. What ever you call them, the native plant...
Cyclamen - Great Hardy Perennials for the Garden
Introduction to Hardy Cyclamen My first encounter with hardy cyclamen was in the garden of the late Rachel Dunham of Cary, NC in the 1960s. I was amazed to see...
Cyclamen - Great Hardy Perennials for the Garden
Introduction to Hardy Cyclamen My first encounter with hardy cyclamen was in the garden of the late Rachel Dunham of Cary, NC in the 1960s. I was amazed to see...
Cypripedium Orchids - Does the Lady Slipper Fit...
Introduction to Lady Slipper Orchids Cypripedium (aka Ladyslipper Orchids) are by far, the showiest and most popular of the hardy terrestrial orchids. There are 48 species total in northern temperate...
Cypripedium Orchids - Does the Lady Slipper Fit...
Introduction to Lady Slipper Orchids Cypripedium (aka Ladyslipper Orchids) are by far, the showiest and most popular of the hardy terrestrial orchids. There are 48 species total in northern temperate...
Dear Deer - We're Closed for Dinner
Our deer-resistant plant list is compiled from results around the country, but we cannot guarantee that your deer will comply... keep in mind deer are like people at a buffet,...
Dear Deer - We're Closed for Dinner
Our deer-resistant plant list is compiled from results around the country, but we cannot guarantee that your deer will comply... keep in mind deer are like people at a buffet,...
Do you know where Venus Flytraps Come From? Not...
When I was a kid, I thought a Venus flytrap really did come from Venus. It looked like an alien with its gaping jaws and spiky fringed "green teeth". Although,...
Do you know where Venus Flytraps Come From? Not...
When I was a kid, I thought a Venus flytrap really did come from Venus. It looked like an alien with its gaping jaws and spiky fringed "green teeth". Although,...
Echinacea Explosion - The Coneflower Chronicles
Introduction to Echinacea - Purple Coneflowers It is not an exaggeration to say that purple coneflower (aka Echinacea purpurea) is the one of the finest native perennials in the U.S. Purple coneflower is...
Echinacea Explosion - The Coneflower Chronicles
Introduction to Echinacea - Purple Coneflowers It is not an exaggeration to say that purple coneflower (aka Echinacea purpurea) is the one of the finest native perennials in the U.S. Purple coneflower is...
Eleven Easy Tips for Growing Hardy Perennial Hi...
Hardy Hibiscus! Mighty Mallow! Although there are hundreds of hibiscus species, only a few dozen are cold hardy here in the southern US. Here at Plant Delights Nursery, we grow several...
Eleven Easy Tips for Growing Hardy Perennial Hi...
Hardy Hibiscus! Mighty Mallow! Although there are hundreds of hibiscus species, only a few dozen are cold hardy here in the southern US. Here at Plant Delights Nursery, we grow several...
Ex-Situ Conservation at Plant Delights Nursery
Back in the early 2000s, I printed out every exchange from the International Bulb Society email list that discussed the bulb genus, hymenocallis (spider lilies). Most conversations originated with Victor...
Ex-Situ Conservation at Plant Delights Nursery
Back in the early 2000s, I printed out every exchange from the International Bulb Society email list that discussed the bulb genus, hymenocallis (spider lilies). Most conversations originated with Victor...
Gardening in the Shade
Although I grew up in wooded areas most of my life (not abandoned or anything like those tarzan stories), I have always taken gardening in the shade for granted. My first...
Gardening in the Shade
Although I grew up in wooded areas most of my life (not abandoned or anything like those tarzan stories), I have always taken gardening in the shade for granted. My first...
Growing Dryland Ferns in Humid Climates
It seems that almost every fern fanatic I talk with has the same opinion of dryland ferns—they’re fascinating but frustratingly difficult to grow. In my 30+ years of growing a...
Growing Dryland Ferns in Humid Climates
It seems that almost every fern fanatic I talk with has the same opinion of dryland ferns—they’re fascinating but frustratingly difficult to grow. In my 30+ years of growing a...
Hardy Orchids in the Garden
Introduction to Hardy Orchids for the Perennial Garden Everybody knows and loves the exotic, tropical orchids (e.g., phalaenopsis, and cattleya), but wouldn't it be nice to have an orchid that...
Hardy Orchids in the Garden
Introduction to Hardy Orchids for the Perennial Garden Everybody knows and loves the exotic, tropical orchids (e.g., phalaenopsis, and cattleya), but wouldn't it be nice to have an orchid that...
Hardy Palms - Cold Weather Survival Report
We have recently been planting more hardy palms in our new display beds, and since our collection is getting larger, thought it might be of interest to let folks know...
Hardy Palms - Cold Weather Survival Report
We have recently been planting more hardy palms in our new display beds, and since our collection is getting larger, thought it might be of interest to let folks know...
Hedychium - A Hardy Ginger Plant for the Garden
Introduction to Hedychium (Hardy Ginger Plants) I'll never forget my first encounter as a preteen with Hedychium coronarium, when my dad took me to the garden of a local gardener,...
Hedychium - A Hardy Ginger Plant for the Garden
Introduction to Hedychium (Hardy Ginger Plants) I'll never forget my first encounter as a preteen with Hedychium coronarium, when my dad took me to the garden of a local gardener,...
Hellebores - A Rose is a Rose except when it's ...
Most folks don't typically think of winter as a great garden season...especially if you migrated here from the more northern gardening hinterlands. In Raleigh, however, winter is usually filled with...
Hellebores - A Rose is a Rose except when it's ...
Most folks don't typically think of winter as a great garden season...especially if you migrated here from the more northern gardening hinterlands. In Raleigh, however, winter is usually filled with...
Hellebores: Winter Hardy Shade Perennials for t...
Quick Helleborus Tips Check out our Hellebores production video. The best time to shop for Hellebores is in February and March when the selection is largest and the plants are in...
Hellebores: Winter Hardy Shade Perennials for t...
Quick Helleborus Tips Check out our Hellebores production video. The best time to shop for Hellebores is in February and March when the selection is largest and the plants are in...
History of Plant Hardiness Zone Maps
See also our notes on how we assign hardiness zones to plants here at Plant Delights Nursery and also take a look at our zone by zone plant buyers guide....
History of Plant Hardiness Zone Maps
See also our notes on how we assign hardiness zones to plants here at Plant Delights Nursery and also take a look at our zone by zone plant buyers guide....
Hosta Breeders and Other Strangers
When I made the decision to begin hybridizing hostas direct, several factors entered into my decision. Was there significant room for improvement in the genus Hosta? Was there a shortage...
Hosta Breeders and Other Strangers
When I made the decision to begin hybridizing hostas direct, several factors entered into my decision. Was there significant room for improvement in the genus Hosta? Was there a shortage...
Hosta Breeding Program at Plant Delights Nursery
A Question and Answer Session with Tony Avent and Clyde Crockett, Editor, regarding Plant Delights Nursery Hosta breeding program. Clyde - Questions, aka Q's and Tony - Anwers, aka A's...
Hosta Breeding Program at Plant Delights Nursery
A Question and Answer Session with Tony Avent and Clyde Crockett, Editor, regarding Plant Delights Nursery Hosta breeding program. Clyde - Questions, aka Q's and Tony - Anwers, aka A's...
Hosta Introductions and Breeding by Paul Aden
Without a doubt, the late Paul Aden of Baldwin, NY is the king of commercial hostas. Regardless of whether Aden bred the hosta, or acquired it from others, Aden knew...
Hosta Introductions and Breeding by Paul Aden
Without a doubt, the late Paul Aden of Baldwin, NY is the king of commercial hostas. Regardless of whether Aden bred the hosta, or acquired it from others, Aden knew...
Hosta Myths - Tony's Top Ten
Hosta Myth 1 - If you fertilize Hostas they will turn green. Reality - We see many consumers that still believe this. Obviously, this was perpetuated when H. 'Undulata' was...
Hosta Myths - Tony's Top Ten
Hosta Myth 1 - If you fertilize Hostas they will turn green. Reality - We see many consumers that still believe this. Obviously, this was perpetuated when H. 'Undulata' was...
Hosta, Hosta, Hosta
IN THE BEGINNING My early recollection was growing up in the mid 1960's with hostas in our garden. It didn't seem to matter how many times I road my bicycle through...
Hosta, Hosta, Hosta
IN THE BEGINNING My early recollection was growing up in the mid 1960's with hostas in our garden. It didn't seem to matter how many times I road my bicycle through...
Hostas - The Fragrant Kind
Wouldn't it be nice if all of the flowers in our gardens were fragrant? At one time, fragrance was a very important element in the garden, but then things changed....
Hostas - The Fragrant Kind
Wouldn't it be nice if all of the flowers in our gardens were fragrant? At one time, fragrance was a very important element in the garden, but then things changed....
Hostas for Warm Climates
Hostas are a genus of plants that seemingly everyone wants to grow... even those who don't live in a good climate for them to thrive. As a general rule, Hostas...
Hostas for Warm Climates
Hostas are a genus of plants that seemingly everyone wants to grow... even those who don't live in a good climate for them to thrive. As a general rule, Hostas...
How Do I Overwinter My Hardy Tropical Plants?
Musa 'Siam Ruby' If you are growing banana trees that aren’t winter hardy in your climate, you have three good options for overwintering them. The first is to pot your...
How Do I Overwinter My Hardy Tropical Plants?
Musa 'Siam Ruby' If you are growing banana trees that aren’t winter hardy in your climate, you have three good options for overwintering them. The first is to pot your...
How to Build a Butterfly Garden
Echinacea 'Rainbow Marcella' PP 28,573 Who doesn't love a garden that is adorned with beautifully painted butterflies? Design your butterfly garden with us! This article is the second in a...
How to Build a Butterfly Garden
Echinacea 'Rainbow Marcella' PP 28,573 Who doesn't love a garden that is adorned with beautifully painted butterflies? Design your butterfly garden with us! This article is the second in a...
How to Build a Pitcher Plant Bog
How to Build a Pitcher Plant Bog This technique was designed and perfected by the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We would like to give a special thanks to Ron Determann at...
How to Build a Pitcher Plant Bog
How to Build a Pitcher Plant Bog This technique was designed and perfected by the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We would like to give a special thanks to Ron Determann at...
How to Grow Amorphophallus titanum
Plant Delights Nursery is one of the few mail order nurseries in the country that sells Amorphophallus titanum, the Titan Arum / Corpse flower, aka the largest inflorescence in the...
How to Grow Amorphophallus titanum
Plant Delights Nursery is one of the few mail order nurseries in the country that sells Amorphophallus titanum, the Titan Arum / Corpse flower, aka the largest inflorescence in the...
Hummingbirds in the Garden
I have always loved hummingbirds but my relationship with them changed dramatically in 2014. This was the year that I decided to take the plunge and focus an entire episode...
Hummingbirds in the Garden
I have always loved hummingbirds but my relationship with them changed dramatically in 2014. This was the year that I decided to take the plunge and focus an entire episode...
If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Garden
Do you find it curious that North Carolina has the reputation in most gardening circles as the land of azaleas and camellias? Folks travel from destinations around the country to...
If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Garden
Do you find it curious that North Carolina has the reputation in most gardening circles as the land of azaleas and camellias? Folks travel from destinations around the country to...
Introduction to Sarracenia - The Pitcher Plant
Pitcher plants are the largest group of carnivorous plants and Sarracenia is one of the largest pitcher plant genera. Sarracenia is an easy-to-grow US native plant, perfect for most gardens. Sarracenias are...
Introduction to Sarracenia - The Pitcher Plant
Pitcher plants are the largest group of carnivorous plants and Sarracenia is one of the largest pitcher plant genera. Sarracenia is an easy-to-grow US native plant, perfect for most gardens. Sarracenias are...
Leaves that Light Up the Garden - Variegated Pl...
Yuck...as one visitor described a variegated plant. When I asked why, he likened using variegated plants to trying to match plaids with stripes...hmmm. Variegated plants suffer from the outdated belief...
Leaves that Light Up the Garden - Variegated Pl...
Yuck...as one visitor described a variegated plant. When I asked why, he likened using variegated plants to trying to match plaids with stripes...hmmm. Variegated plants suffer from the outdated belief...
Meatballs, Save Them for Spaghetti
From neighborhood to neighborhood, from state to state, and from sea to shining sea, our country is blighted by the green meatball syndrome. Since America was founded, early residents went...
Meatballs, Save Them for Spaghetti
From neighborhood to neighborhood, from state to state, and from sea to shining sea, our country is blighted by the green meatball syndrome. Since America was founded, early residents went...
Mesmerizing Mangaves - A Star is Born
How many people are fortunate enough to be part of a plant breeding project that creates an entirely new genus of plant, that subsequently rocks the horticultural world? Such is...
Mesmerizing Mangaves - A Star is Born
How many people are fortunate enough to be part of a plant breeding project that creates an entirely new genus of plant, that subsequently rocks the horticultural world? Such is...
Name that Plant - The Misuse of Trademarks in H...
When is a plant name not a plant name? The sad answer is more often than not in our current world, where marketing comes first and accuracy second. The current...
Name that Plant - The Misuse of Trademarks in H...
When is a plant name not a plant name? The sad answer is more often than not in our current world, where marketing comes first and accuracy second. The current...
Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Concerns about P...
In recent weeks we’ve seen a parade of media reports and commentary regarding neonicotinoid insecticides and their potential impact on bees. Many of these stories provide important information for us...
Neonicotinoid Insecticides and Concerns about P...
In recent weeks we’ve seen a parade of media reports and commentary regarding neonicotinoid insecticides and their potential impact on bees. Many of these stories provide important information for us...
Neonics in the Nursery
The use of medicines for plants, and, in particular, insecticides is a complicated one and, as environmentalists and plant lovers, we struggle daily making decisions for the benefit of the...
Neonics in the Nursery
The use of medicines for plants, and, in particular, insecticides is a complicated one and, as environmentalists and plant lovers, we struggle daily making decisions for the benefit of the...
Organi-size Your Garden
Have you ever wondered why those plants that you gave up for dead, and threw on the compost pile, magically come back to life and grow to monstrous proportions...thriving without...
Organi-size Your Garden
Have you ever wondered why those plants that you gave up for dead, and threw on the compost pile, magically come back to life and grow to monstrous proportions...thriving without...
Ornamental Grasses in the Garden
Color, dramatic shapes, ethereal textures, movement, sound, winter-interest, wildlife habitat and wildlife food; all of these and more are what ornamental grasses add to a garden. The visual aspects of...
Ornamental Grasses in the Garden
Color, dramatic shapes, ethereal textures, movement, sound, winter-interest, wildlife habitat and wildlife food; all of these and more are what ornamental grasses add to a garden. The visual aspects of...
Perennial Salvia Plants - Ornamental Sages for ...
Few plant genera offer the amazing diversity and ornamental potential found in the genus Salvia. These members of the Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae) family are first cousins to Nepeta (Catmint), Mentha...
Perennial Salvia Plants - Ornamental Sages for ...
Few plant genera offer the amazing diversity and ornamental potential found in the genus Salvia. These members of the Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae) family are first cousins to Nepeta (Catmint), Mentha...
Plant Profile: Adiantum (Maidenhair Fern)
We have long been fascinated by the simple beauty of maidenhair ferns as well as their amazing worldwide distribution. Often, the same species which are native in the US, are...
Plant Profile: Adiantum (Maidenhair Fern)
We have long been fascinated by the simple beauty of maidenhair ferns as well as their amazing worldwide distribution. Often, the same species which are native in the US, are...
Plant Profile: Arachniodes (Spider Ferns, Brist...
Arachniodes (Spider Ferns, Bristle Ferns) It’s hard to look at an Arachniodes and think…well, there’s another typical fern. We became fascinated with the genus after growing the yellow variegated Arachniodes...
Plant Profile: Arachniodes (Spider Ferns, Brist...
Arachniodes (Spider Ferns, Bristle Ferns) It’s hard to look at an Arachniodes and think…well, there’s another typical fern. We became fascinated with the genus after growing the yellow variegated Arachniodes...
Plant Profile: Athyrium - Lady Ferns for the Wo...
The genus Athyrium is a cosmopolitan group with worldwide distribution. They are commonly called lady ferns. The genus has about 180 species. They are usually easy to grow and dependable....
Plant Profile: Athyrium - Lady Ferns for the Wo...
The genus Athyrium is a cosmopolitan group with worldwide distribution. They are commonly called lady ferns. The genus has about 180 species. They are usually easy to grow and dependable....
Plant Profile: Cyrtomium (Holly Ferns)
Cyrtomium, commonly known as holly fern, is a small group of 36 species that are native to Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Only four species are commonly available to gardeners, Cyrtomium...
Plant Profile: Cyrtomium (Holly Ferns)
Cyrtomium, commonly known as holly fern, is a small group of 36 species that are native to Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Only four species are commonly available to gardeners, Cyrtomium...
Plant Profile: Danae racemosa (Poet's Laurel)
How could you not love a plant with the name poet's laurel? The genus danae has a long history in Greek and Roman culture representing praise for a victory or...
Plant Profile: Danae racemosa (Poet's Laurel)
How could you not love a plant with the name poet's laurel? The genus danae has a long history in Greek and Roman culture representing praise for a victory or...
Plant Profile: Dryopteris - Wood Fern
Dryopteris (aka wood ferns or male ferns) represent the largest group of garden-worthy ferns. The genus has a cosmopolitan range with perhaps as many as 400 species that are usually...
Plant Profile: Dryopteris - Wood Fern
Dryopteris (aka wood ferns or male ferns) represent the largest group of garden-worthy ferns. The genus has a cosmopolitan range with perhaps as many as 400 species that are usually...
Plant Profile: Edgeworthia chrysantha
I'll always remember the day I first spotted my first Edgeworthia, tucked beside the narrow, dark, windy path that use to take you beside the old lath house at the...
Plant Profile: Edgeworthia chrysantha
I'll always remember the day I first spotted my first Edgeworthia, tucked beside the narrow, dark, windy path that use to take you beside the old lath house at the...
Plant Profile: Epimedium (Fairy Wings)
Introduction to Fairy Flowers Epimediums are exotic little plants known by several common names such as fairy wings, bishop's hat, and my personal favorite, horny goat weed. In Asian cultures,...
Plant Profile: Epimedium (Fairy Wings)
Introduction to Fairy Flowers Epimediums are exotic little plants known by several common names such as fairy wings, bishop's hat, and my personal favorite, horny goat weed. In Asian cultures,...
Plant Profile: Matteuccia struthiopteris 'The K...
As I traveled through much of the northeastern United States, I was always struck by the amazing masses of the native (Canada south to Northern Virginia) Ostrich fern, which usually...
Plant Profile: Matteuccia struthiopteris 'The K...
As I traveled through much of the northeastern United States, I was always struck by the amazing masses of the native (Canada south to Northern Virginia) Ostrich fern, which usually...
Plant Profile: Mountain Mints (Pycnanthemum)
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that one of the most powerful plants we can include in the landscape to support a nearly unimaginable amount of pollinators are...
Plant Profile: Mountain Mints (Pycnanthemum)
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that one of the most powerful plants we can include in the landscape to support a nearly unimaginable amount of pollinators are...
Plant Profile: Paesia, Sitobolium, and Microlepia
Here at Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level Botanic Garden, we are always trialing ferns that we feel are under-represented in the nursery trade. Below are a few of our...
Plant Profile: Paesia, Sitobolium, and Microlepia
Here at Plant Delights Nursery and Juniper Level Botanic Garden, we are always trialing ferns that we feel are under-represented in the nursery trade. Below are a few of our...
Plant Profile: Pink Muhly Grass
Vast swaths of pink clouds have become customary in the Southeastern landscapes of the United States, they’ve even been utilized by some states in their interstate plantings. Pink muhly grass...
Plant Profile: Pink Muhly Grass
Vast swaths of pink clouds have become customary in the Southeastern landscapes of the United States, they’ve even been utilized by some states in their interstate plantings. Pink muhly grass...
Plant Profile: Polypodium, Pleopeltis, and Phle...
Recent molecular work has indicated that this formerly much more diverse genus needed to be split into numerous segregate genera. The most important of these now close relatives that are...
Plant Profile: Polypodium, Pleopeltis, and Phle...
Recent molecular work has indicated that this formerly much more diverse genus needed to be split into numerous segregate genera. The most important of these now close relatives that are...
Plant Profile: Polystichum - Shield Ferns
Ferns in genus Polystichum are commonly called shield ferns because of their indusia (which is a flap that covers the clusters of spores) that is attached like an umbrella or...
Plant Profile: Polystichum - Shield Ferns
Ferns in genus Polystichum are commonly called shield ferns because of their indusia (which is a flap that covers the clusters of spores) that is attached like an umbrella or...
Plant Profile: Sabal minor (Scrub Palmetto palm)
Certain plants, like the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, never get the respect they deserve, and a classic example is our NC native scrub palm, Sabal minor. Perhaps it is the...
Plant Profile: Sabal minor (Scrub Palmetto palm)
Certain plants, like the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, never get the respect they deserve, and a classic example is our NC native scrub palm, Sabal minor. Perhaps it is the...
Plant Profile: Solidago (Goldenrod)
Goldenrod, the name conjures images of yellow-tinted roadside ditches extending for miles and for many the runny nose and watery eyes resulting from hay fever. Unfortunately for goldenrod (the genus...
Plant Profile: Solidago (Goldenrod)
Goldenrod, the name conjures images of yellow-tinted roadside ditches extending for miles and for many the runny nose and watery eyes resulting from hay fever. Unfortunately for goldenrod (the genus...
Plant Profile: Spigelia marilandica (Indian Pink)
Spigelia marilandica is another of those great southeast native plants (NJ south to Florida and west to Texas) that few people have grown or even heard about. In the wild,...
Plant Profile: Spigelia marilandica (Indian Pink)
Spigelia marilandica is another of those great southeast native plants (NJ south to Florida and west to Texas) that few people have grown or even heard about. In the wild,...
Plant Profile: Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick'
Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick' Stokes Aster, named after the early 19th century Scottish, botanist Jonathan Stokes, is a wonderful perennial that area gardeners have grown for years, never realizing it...
Plant Profile: Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick'
Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick' Stokes Aster, named after the early 19th century Scottish, botanist Jonathan Stokes, is a wonderful perennial that area gardeners have grown for years, never realizing it...
Plant Profile: Thelypteris (Maiden Ferns)
A huge group of ferns known collectively as Maiden Ferns have traditionally belonged in the genus Thelypteris. Most of the species are confined to the tropics but there are a...
Plant Profile: Thelypteris (Maiden Ferns)
A huge group of ferns known collectively as Maiden Ferns have traditionally belonged in the genus Thelypteris. Most of the species are confined to the tropics but there are a...
Plant Profile: Tongue and Ribbon Ferns
Some of the most distinctive and different-looking ferns for our woodland gardens are these strap-leaved ferns that differ from the “typical” fern in having a simple (not divided) frond. They...
Plant Profile: Tongue and Ribbon Ferns
Some of the most distinctive and different-looking ferns for our woodland gardens are these strap-leaved ferns that differ from the “typical” fern in having a simple (not divided) frond. They...
Plant Profile: Viola pedata (Bird's-Foot Violet)
At some time in most gardeners’ life, they become enchanted with violets…some with well-behaving violets and others with the less stellar members of the violet clan. For me, violets have...
Plant Profile: Viola pedata (Bird's-Foot Violet)
At some time in most gardeners’ life, they become enchanted with violets…some with well-behaving violets and others with the less stellar members of the violet clan. For me, violets have...
Plant Profile: Zingiber mioga (Myoga Ginger)
Finding tall, tropical-looking perennials for the woodland garden is difficult. Finding tropical-looking perennials for the woodland garden that are winter hardy and edible is nearly impossible... Zingiber mioga, aka myoga...not to...
Plant Profile: Zingiber mioga (Myoga Ginger)
Finding tall, tropical-looking perennials for the woodland garden is difficult. Finding tropical-looking perennials for the woodland garden that are winter hardy and edible is nearly impossible... Zingiber mioga, aka myoga...not to...
Plants That Pass the Sniff Test
Successful garden design involves more than sight. A great garden is a sensory experience of sight, sound, touch, and smell. Most gardeners know the overwhelming cheap perfume scents offered by...
Plants That Pass the Sniff Test
Successful garden design involves more than sight. A great garden is a sensory experience of sight, sound, touch, and smell. Most gardeners know the overwhelming cheap perfume scents offered by...
Pulmonaria - The World of Lungworts
There are few plants quite as interesting in the spring woodland garden as the pulmonarias (lungworts). Pulmonaria are an excellent bold-textured woodland perennial that contrasts well with other early season...
Pulmonaria - The World of Lungworts
There are few plants quite as interesting in the spring woodland garden as the pulmonarias (lungworts). Pulmonaria are an excellent bold-textured woodland perennial that contrasts well with other early season...
Ringing the Coral Bells - The Heuchera Story
Introduction to Coral Bells The genus Heuchera (coral bells), and its intergeneric hybrid x heucherella (foamy bells), are enchanting woodland plants, grown primarily for their evergreen foliage. Although, many also offer...
Ringing the Coral Bells - The Heuchera Story
Introduction to Coral Bells The genus Heuchera (coral bells), and its intergeneric hybrid x heucherella (foamy bells), are enchanting woodland plants, grown primarily for their evergreen foliage. Although, many also offer...
Seven Easy Tips for Growing Yucca Plants
The Yucca plant is a widely popular evergreen, drought tolerant garden perennial. This US native plant has many species and varieties that grow well in our gardens (e.g., Yucca aloifolia, Yucca...
Seven Easy Tips for Growing Yucca Plants
The Yucca plant is a widely popular evergreen, drought tolerant garden perennial. This US native plant has many species and varieties that grow well in our gardens (e.g., Yucca aloifolia, Yucca...
So You Want to Start a Mail Order Perennial Nur...
Tony's book, So You Want to Start a Nursery, published by Timber Press (www.timberpress.com), is now available from booksellers everywhere! Why Mail Order? Many folks looking to break into the...
So You Want to Start a Mail Order Perennial Nur...
Tony's book, So You Want to Start a Nursery, published by Timber Press (www.timberpress.com), is now available from booksellers everywhere! Why Mail Order? Many folks looking to break into the...
Soils and Garden Soil Preparation
The most important factor in growing a hosta is owning a hosta ...we are all well aware of the tough nature of a hosta plant. The most important factor in...
Soils and Garden Soil Preparation
The most important factor in growing a hosta is owning a hosta ...we are all well aware of the tough nature of a hosta plant. The most important factor in...
The Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush) is a wonderful shrub with large, fragrant, colorful flowers that attract a flutter of butterflies into your summer garden. Butterfly Bushes are extremely easy to grow and...
The Butterfly Bush
Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush) is a wonderful shrub with large, fragrant, colorful flowers that attract a flutter of butterflies into your summer garden. Butterfly Bushes are extremely easy to grow and...
The Expert Guide to Pteris Ferns
The genus name Pteris is derived from the Greek “pteron”, meaning wing or feather and referring to the fact that this fern, like many others, has fronds that roughly resemble...
The Expert Guide to Pteris Ferns
The genus name Pteris is derived from the Greek “pteron”, meaning wing or feather and referring to the fact that this fern, like many others, has fronds that roughly resemble...
The Myth of Hosta Originator's Stock
Hosta collectors have long heard of the term Originator's Stock and how it is seemingly better and worth more money than non-originator's stock. The only problem is that Originator’s Stock...
The Myth of Hosta Originator's Stock
Hosta collectors have long heard of the term Originator's Stock and how it is seemingly better and worth more money than non-originator's stock. The only problem is that Originator’s Stock...
The Top 25 Butterfly Plants
When it comes to the perfect butterfly plants and flowers for hosting butterflies, gardeners have a plethora of choices and we want to help you select the best plants that...
The Top 25 Butterfly Plants
When it comes to the perfect butterfly plants and flowers for hosting butterflies, gardeners have a plethora of choices and we want to help you select the best plants that...
The Top 6 Coolest Blue Salvia for the Garden
Blue flowers are highly sought after for their rarity in nature but also for their ethereal beauty. Blue flowers signify peace, coolness and sadness, and people find blue flowers soothing to...
The Top 6 Coolest Blue Salvia for the Garden
Blue flowers are highly sought after for their rarity in nature but also for their ethereal beauty. Blue flowers signify peace, coolness and sadness, and people find blue flowers soothing to...
The Top Hummingbird Attracting Plants for Your ...
Hummingbirds and other pollinators play an integral role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and are an essential part of not only plant reproduction but also of insuring genetic diversity in native...
The Top Hummingbird Attracting Plants for Your ...
Hummingbirds and other pollinators play an integral role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and are an essential part of not only plant reproduction but also of insuring genetic diversity in native...
Tiarella - A Crown in the Garden
Introduction to Tiarella (Foam Flowers) The genus tiarella is a charming, shade-loving foliage plant for the woodland gardens. Tiarellas produce sprays of small, attractive flowers on top of a short...
Tiarella - A Crown in the Garden
Introduction to Tiarella (Foam Flowers) The genus tiarella is a charming, shade-loving foliage plant for the woodland gardens. Tiarellas produce sprays of small, attractive flowers on top of a short...
Tips on Shopping from an Online Nursery
It is easy to order plants from online plant nurseries. Here at Plant Delights Nursery, we want to help you understand the mail order plant catalog industry so you can...
Tips on Shopping from an Online Nursery
It is easy to order plants from online plant nurseries. Here at Plant Delights Nursery, we want to help you understand the mail order plant catalog industry so you can...
Top Tips for Growing Sedum Stonecrop the Right Way
Sedum (Stonecrop) is an easy to grow group of succulents that look great in the summer and autumn garden. Here at Plant Delights Nursery, we have been growing sedum plants...
Top Tips for Growing Sedum Stonecrop the Right Way
Sedum (Stonecrop) is an easy to grow group of succulents that look great in the summer and autumn garden. Here at Plant Delights Nursery, we have been growing sedum plants...
What to Plant and Why: All Natives are Not Crea...
Like most issues, there isn’t a simple answer to the question of what we should plant. I’ve spent over 30 years working to protect natural communities and rare native plants...
What to Plant and Why: All Natives are Not Crea...
Like most issues, there isn’t a simple answer to the question of what we should plant. I’ve spent over 30 years working to protect natural communities and rare native plants...
When Should I Plant My Plants?
There are plenty of myths related to gardening, especially when it comes to best planting times. Some gardeners say fall, others say winter, but your garden gut says to plant...
When Should I Plant My Plants?
There are plenty of myths related to gardening, especially when it comes to best planting times. Some gardeners say fall, others say winter, but your garden gut says to plant...
Woodwardia and Associated Species
The genus Woodwardia, also known as chain fern, is named after British botanist Thomas J. Woodward (1745-1820). Woodwardia has traditionally been used as a “catch all” genus for ferns in...
Woodwardia and Associated Species
The genus Woodwardia, also known as chain fern, is named after British botanist Thomas J. Woodward (1745-1820). Woodwardia has traditionally been used as a “catch all” genus for ferns in...
We also have a series of short plant advertisements and marketing articles for beginning gardeners published by Plant Delights nursery over the last few years. Click here to see them.