For two years, Digitalis purpurea ‘Monstrosa’ is a peloric foxglove that appeared within a self-sown patch in my garden. Let’s see what pelorism is. Peloria derives from both new Latin and from the Greek word pelōros, meaning “monstrous”. Pelorism in Digitalis refers to the occurrence of flowers with radial symmetry instead

On this Valentine’s Day, I’m thrilled to share with you a source of joy and beauty in my life: my vibrant red peonies. The stunning flowers of red peonies, with their lush petals and radiant color, have been a cherished part of my spring garden for years. Paeonia ‘Highlight’ Red

Among perennials, few blooms captivate the eye of visitors quite like the Papaver orientale, commonly known as the Oriental poppy. With their cup-shaped flowers bearing striking colors and delicate petals, this perennial has found its place in gardens around the globe, adding bursts of vibrancy and charm. Three stunning cultivars of oriental

Welcome, fellow garden enthusiasts, to the third part of our journey through the intricate world of botany for gardeners. Within the challenges of gardening and plant collecting, understanding the distinctions between botanical varieties and cultivars is crucial for selecting plants and knowing their origins. In this blog post, I’ll talk

Tree peonies, also called woody peonies, are plants with breathtaking flowers that immediately capture the attention of visitors in my peony garden. While these magnificent flowering shrubs are often associated with slightly warmer climates, their ability to thrive in colder regions adds an extra layer of colors in mixed borders.

Iris pallida, commonly named sweet iris, is less known than Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) and bearded iris (Iris germanica). However, sweet iris enthralls gardeners with the unique charm of its fragrant lavender-blue flowers. Let’s look at why it does. Origins Iris pallida belongs to the Iridaceae family. The species’ name,

As an amateur gardener, my goal extends beyond mere cultivation. As a dedicated plant collector—peonies being a particular favorite among many—I find immense fascination in understanding the botanical families that define and connect my plants. In this blog post, I will introduce the intricate relationships that bind ornamental and edible

Welcome back, peony enthusiasts! More Itoh peonies from my garden! If you’re captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of Itoh peonies, you’re in for a delightful treat. I have previously explored the splendor of these horticultural marvels—aptly dubbed the best of two worlds, combining the hardiness of herbaceous peonies with the

The world of botany is a rich tapestry woven with the threads of exploration, discovery, and the fascinating stories of the individuals who dedicated their lives to understanding the plant kingdom. One intriguing aspect of this botanical journey is the association of names with genus and species. Each plant bears

With their vibrant colors and elegant forms, the tulips have captivated people for centuries and their enduring appeal continues to make them cherished spring blooms. Tulips have evolved from the humble origins of the genus Tulipa in Central Asia to the more than 3,000 registered cultivars available, each with its

Eremurus, also called foxtail lilies, are clump-forming perennials native to the arid grasslands of Afghanistan and Iran. In their natural habitat, they thrive in rocky slopes and meadows, making it a sight to behold amidst the rugged landscape. They are relatively cold tolerant if grown in very well-drained soil and

The colorful world of fall foliage in peonies is worth discovering while you are preparing them for the upcoming winter. As summer fades and the air turns crisper, nature’s paintbrush transforms the landscape in my area into a mesmerizing spectacle of reds, oranges, and yellows. While many associate these vibrant

Two years ago, I noticed a strange mottling on the leaves of one of my cherished hostas. Last year, it became worrisome and I started asking myself: could it be infected with HVX? If you’re a shade gardener who grows hostas, it’s important to be aware of the HVX virus.

What if I told you that you can enjoy the beauty of bearded irises not just once, but multiple times a year? Thanks to reblooming bearded irises, a remarkable subset of this beloved plant species, this is entirely possible. In my USDA Hardiness Zone 5, where winter temperatures can be

Sometimes, the most wonderful things in life come as unexpected gifts. Such was the case when a dear friend surprised me two years ago with a swamp rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), also called hardy hibiscus. What followed was a delightful journey of rediscovery and wonder, especially considering that I had tried