Calibrachoa

Characteristics:
Bursting with vibrant hues and an abundance of small, trumpet-like flowers, calibrachoa is a cheerful and low-maintenance addition to gardens and containers. Resembling miniature petunias, these blooms create a cascading effect, adding a lively carpet of color to hanging baskets and borders. Their prolific flowering and versatility in various climates make them a popular choice for gardeners seeking non-stop blossoms.

Fun Facts:
Calibrachoa is often called "Million Bells" due to its profusion of small, bell-shaped flowers that create a striking cascade of color.

Cineraria

Characteristics:
Cineraria is known for blooming in a variety of colors including purple, blue, and lavender, along with its distinguishing Daisy-like petal structure. Its long-lasting blooms can usually be seen starting at the end of Winter and through the end of Spring.

Fun Facts:
Cineraria were first developed by the British Royal Gardens in 1777.

Cosmos

Characteristics:
Cosmos species are native to Mexico. They are annuals with colorful, daisy-like flowers. Part of the Aster family and are related to daisies and sunflowers. Blooming throughout the summer months, they attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Growing easily from seeds, Cosmos even survive in poor soil conditions!

Fun Facts:
Spanish priests grew Cosmos flowers in their gardens. They were so taken by the exquisite, orderly arrangement of the flowers’ petals that they named them Cosmos from the Greek word "kosmos" which refers to the decoration, order, and harmony of the universe.

Dahlia

Characteristics:
Dahlias are tuberous perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America. Dahlias are gorgeous flowers that bloom from midsummer through autumn. They bloom in a rainbow of colors and sizes, ranging from petite 2-inch pompoms to giant 15-inch “dinner plates.” Most varieties reach 4 to 5 feet tall making it popular with gardeners as well as florists.

Fun Facts:
Dahlia is the national flower of Mexico because the plant was first recorded in the country in 1615. The first tubers were sent over to Europe by Spanish settlers.

Delphinium Guinevere

Characteristics:
Delphiniums are widely known for their showy spikes, strong stems, and beautiful flowers. Delphiniums come in several colors, including blue, white and violet. Delphiniums grown in gardens today are usually hybrids, which were develop din the 19th century.

Fun Facts:
Some varieties of Delphiniums can grow up to a whopping 6 feet tall!

Heliotrope

Characteristics:
Heliotrope is a fragrant flowering plant prized for its clusters of tiny, intensely fragrant flowers that range in color from purple and lavender to white. Its lush green foliage provides a lovely contrast to the vibrant blooms, making it a favorite for borders, containers, and cottage gardens.

Fun Facts:
The name "Heliotrope" is derived from the Greek words "helios," meaning sun, and "tropos," meaning turn, referring to the plant's tendency to turn its flowers towards the sun throughout the day.

Heuchera

Characteristics:
Heliotrope is a fragrant flowering plant prized for its clusters of tiny, intensely fragrant flowers that range in color from purple and lavender to white. Its lush green foliage provides a lovely contrast to the vibrant blooms, making it a favorite for borders, containers, and cottage gardens.

Fun Facts:
The name "Heliotrope" is derived from the Greek words "helios," meaning sun, and "tropos," meaning turn, referring to the plant's tendency to turn its flowers towards the sun throughout the day.

HIbiscus

Characteristics:
Hardy Hibiscus are a wonderful addition to the summer garden with their exceptionally large blooms appearing in midsummer and continuing until frost. This compact variety forms a medium-sized bushy mound of dark green leaves. The flowers, which can be 8 inches across come in a variety of colors. Excellent as a specimen in small spaces and in containers.

Fun Facts:
With imposing stature and huge, dramatic, trumpet-shape flowers, hardy hibiscus is seldom overlooked. Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the flowers for nectar.

Hollyhock

Characteristics:
Hollyhocks are tall, stately biennials or short-lived perennials known for their towering spikes of colorful, saucer-shaped flowers. Blooming in shades of pink, red, yellow, white, and purple, they can reach heights of up to 8 feet, making them perfect for the back of garden beds or along fences. Hollyhocks thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

Fun Facts:
Hollyhocks have been cultivated since ancient times and were a favorite in medieval cottage gardens. Their height and beauty often symbolized ambition and the reaching of great heights in Victorian flower language.

Hydrangea

Characteristics:
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs renowned for their large, showy clusters of flowers that bloom in an array of colors, including pink, blue, purple, and white. Their blooms can change color depending on soil pH, adding to their allure, and they are valued for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings.

Fun Facts:
Some hydrangea species, such as Hydrangea macrophylla, have the fascinating ability to change flower color based on soil pH. In acidic soil, they produce blue flowers, while in alkaline soil, they bloom pink. Additionally, hydrangeas have a long history of symbolism, representing gratitude, abundance, and heartfelt emotions in various cultures.

Hydrangea Paniculata

Characteristics:
Hydrangea paniculata, commonly known as Panicle Hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub distinguished by its large, conical flower clusters that start off creamy white and gradually turn pink as they mature, often aging to a rosy hue in late summer. This hardy and vigorous plant is prized for its extended blooming season, lasting from mid-summer through fall, and its upright habit, which makes it a standout in borders or as a specimen plant.

Fun Facts:
Hydrangea paniculata flowers are excellent for cut arrangements and can be dried for long-lasting indoor decorations, retaining their color and shape even after drying. Additionally, this species is relatively tolerant of pruning and shaping, allowing for creative landscaping designs and maintenance.

Ivy Geranium

Characteristics:
Ivy Geranium, scientifically known as Pelargonium peltatum, is a trailing perennial prized for its lush, ivy-like foliage and profusion of vibrant, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. With its cascading habit, Ivy Geraniums are perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes, adding a splash of color and texture to any garden space.

Fun Facts:
Ivy Geraniums are not true geraniums but are instead members of the Pelargonium genus. They are native to South Africa and are named after the Greek word "pelargos," meaning stork, due to the shape of their seedpods resembling a stork's bill.

Japanese Anemone

Characteristics:
Japanese Anemone, scientifically known as Anemone hupehensis, is an elegant perennial prized for its graceful, nodding flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. These charming flowers come in shades of pink, white, or mauve, and are held above attractive, deeply lobed foliage, adding beauty and interest to shady borders and woodland gardens.

Fun Facts:
Despite their delicate appearance, Japanese Anemones are quite resilient and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and sandy soils. Additionally, Japanese Anemones are known to spread through underground rhizomes, so be mindful of their spreading habit when planting them in the garden.

Myrtle Topiary

Characteristics:
Myrtle Topiary, featuring small, glossy evergreen leaves and a compact, sculpted form, is a classic choice for adding elegance and structure to gardens and indoor spaces. These meticulously pruned plants can be shaped into various geometric forms, such as cones, spheres, or spirals, creating a sophisticated focal point in any setting.

Fun Facts:
Myrtle, also known as Myrtus, has a long history of cultural significance and has been associated with love, peace, and prosperity in various traditions and folklore. In ancient Greece and Rome, wreaths made from myrtle branches were worn during weddings and festivals as symbols of love and fertility.

New Guinea Impatiens

Characteristics:
Offering a tropical flair with their large, striking blossoms, New Guinea impatiens thrive in partial to full shade. These flowers showcase a dazzling array of colors, including brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples, often accompanied by variegated foliage. Their ability to thrive in less sunny conditions makes them a valuable choice for shaded gardens, bringing a touch of exuberance to areas that might otherwise lack color.

Fun Facts:
Unlike traditional impatiens, New Guinea Impatiens can tolerate more sunlight, making them a favorite for brightening up sunnier spots in the garden where other impatiens might fade.

Nicotiana

Characteristics:
Nicotiana, commonly known as Flowering Tobacco, is a graceful annual or short-lived perennial known for its star-shaped, tubular flowers and sweet evening fragrance. Blooming in shades of white, pink, red, and green, it adds elegance to garden beds and borders. Nicotiana thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Fun Facts:
While related to the tobacco plant used in cigarettes, ornamental Nicotiana is grown purely for its beauty and scent. Its fragrant blooms become most aromatic at dusk, attracting nighttime pollinators like moths.

Oriental Poppy

Characteristics:
Oriental Poppies grow a mound of leaves that are hairy and finely dissected in Spring. They gather energy and bloom in early to mid-summer. They are available in a variety of colors including pink, white, and red. After flowering, the foliage will die away entirely, a property that allows their survival in the summer drought of central Asia.

Fun Facts:
The red poppy became synonymous with the fallen troops during the First World War — and has remained a symbol of their sacrifice ever since.

Petunia

Characteristics:
Petunias are popular annuals known for their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers and long blooming season. Available in nearly every color, including bicolors and patterns, they grow well in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets. Petunias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from spring until the first frost.

Fun Facts:
Petunias are part of the nightshade family, making them relatives of tomatoes and potatoes! Some varieties even have a subtle, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening.

Primrose

Characteristics:
A low growing plant with dark green leaves and umbrels of flowers that typically blossom on top of sturdy stalks. Primrose is a Spring blooming flower that can be found in a variety of different colors and hybrids.

Fun Facts:
These are typically one of the first flowers to bloom in the Spring and are favored by butterflies for their nectar.

Rose Imposter

Characteristics:
Rose 'The Imposter' is a unique shrub rose known for its distinctive, multi-petaled flowers that closely resemble peonies. This variety boasts a lush, romantic bloom with a soft, creamy yellow hue that gradually fades to white at the edges, creating a captivating display in any garden. The plant itself is robust and bushy, with glossy, dark green foliage that provides a striking contrast to its soft, voluminous flowers.

Fun Facts:
Rose 'The Imposter' was named for its peony-like flowers, which can easily fool an onlooker at first glance, making it a playful addition to any rose garden. Additionally, this variety is known for its exceptional disease resistance, particularly to rust and black spot, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking the beauty of roses without the usual care challenges.

Rose Simplicity

Characteristics:
Rose 'Simplicity' is a type of floribunda rose known for its abundant clusters of blooms, ease of care, and resistance to diseases. It showcases semi-double to double flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white, blooming from late spring until frost. This rose variety is appreciated for its compact growth habit, making it an excellent choice for borders, low hedges, and containers.

Fun Facts:
The 'Simplicity' rose was specifically bred to offer the beauty of traditional roses with a simpler care regimen, appealing to both novice and experienced gardeners. Its disease resistance, particularly to rust and powdery mildew, makes it a durable choice for a variety of garden settings. Additionally, 'Simplicity' roses are known for their continuous blooming ability, providing a long season of color and fragrance in the garden.

Tuberous Begonia

Characteristics:
Begonias are versatile, eye-catching plants known for their vibrant flowers and ornamental foliage. They come in a variety of forms—wax, tuberous, rhizomatous—with blooms in shades of red, pink, orange, white, and yellow. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, begonias thrive in well-drained soil and partial shade.

Fun Facts:
There are over 1,800 species of begonias, making them one of the largest flowering plant genera in the world! Some varieties are even grown just for their striking, patterned leaves rather than their flowers.

Verbena

Characteristics:
Verbena is a vibrant, low-growing perennial or annual known for its clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for ground cover, hanging baskets, and garden borders. Verbena blooms continuously throughout the warmer months, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Fun Facts:
Verbena has long been associated with magical and healing properties in folklore—sometimes called “holy herb” or “herb of enchantment” and was believed to bring protection and luck!

Zinnia

Characteristics:
Zinnia is native to Mexico, South America and southwestern parts of USA. Zinnia produces single flower head on top of the flowering stem. The flowers have a range of appearances, from a single row of petals to a dome shape. Flowers of zinnia can be white, yellow, orange, pink, red, lilac, purple or multi-colored.

Fun Facts:
Zinnia is named after Johann Gottfried Zinn, famous German botanist who first described this plant.