Viewing comments posted by SongofJoy

Host plant for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly (BST). Even if stripped by the caterpillars, the plant will generally return and produce continued growtht after the cats have left. Drought tolerant.

Easily killed by too much water. Water sparingly during the growing season and cut back to almost no water in the winter. Only water if the plant appears to be shriveled. Protect from sun scald.

Lovely, tall plant with large, pure white flowers. Fairly drought-tolerant and loves the sun. This plant was one of the most delightful surprises in my gardens this year.

Prolific. Excellent mild flavor, relatively disease and trouble-free, long-lasting on the vine and after harvested.

There appears to be some confusion about this plant. Mine came labeled from the grower as Peperomia magnoliifolia 'Rainbow'. It appears that magnoliifolia and obtusifolia are used interchangeably. If it is clusifolia (I'm not saying it isn't), it came mislabeled. I will have to research further. It appears that clusifolia has a more prostrate growth habit and obtusifolia is more of an upright grower.

Thank you for this information.

The leaves on this plant are extremely sensitive to direct sunlight. Do not allow it to experience direct sun even while transporting it in a shopping cart at the time of purchase. If the sun is intense, as little as 4 or 5 minutes will scorch or burn the leaves.

This plant has a conservation status of "Near Threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. While not currently qualified for the threatened status, it may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future.

Numerous species of birds feed on the red ripe fruit of Dogwood trees, swallowing the entire berry. The seeds inside the fruit are undamaged and softened in the digestive process. They are then passed in bird droppings to be scattered and "planted" many places. Other animals such as squirrels eat and destroy the seeds from the center of the fruit and leave the surrounding meat of the fruit untouched.

This plant does not often flower and reseed. It is not a rampant grower and does not get out of control in our location.

The term "Air Plant" is a misnomer. Tillandsias cannot survive on air alone. They need regular misting and occasional fertilizing to keep them alive and at their best.

Although sometimes frowned upon by "serious" gardeners and considered a "child's" plant because it is so easy to grow, this Dracaena makes a beautiful and relatively easy-care houseplant. But it is not foolproof. Mine is still growing and thriving in water after almost two years.

Beautiful red color on a tall coleus. Has shown no sign of disease or insect damage this year.

Thrives in sunny, dry spots. Water as needed. A fast grower with an interesting dark color and leaf shape. Also good in pots.

Quickly becoming one of my favorites. A great plant here in zone 7a. It requires little attention, thrives in the blazing sun and humidity, and isn't picky about soil. Also fairly drought tolerant. Although it can reseed profusely and can be considered invasive under some circumstances, to me it is worth the effort to pull out the extra plants.

Once established, this plant is very difficult to eradicate. It may be considered invasive in some areas.

This is my favorite red rose. In Northern California (zone 7b-8a) it performed beautifully year after year and never failed to give me huge red blooms -- sometimes 5 inches in diameter. Fragrant. Good disease resistance. A simply spectacular rose!

Best as a house plant in most zones. Bright light. Water every 7-14 days during the growing season. During the winter, cut back watering to monthly. Prefers temperatures above 60º and dry indoor conditions. Use rich, organic, fast-draining potting soil.

A relatively rare succulent from South Africa. Large pink flowers in the afternoon in summer. Requires a porous soil that drains quickly. Protect from frost.

A large, vigorous, fast-growing evergreen with a natural conical shape. Dense, rich, thick foliage bronzes slightly in the winter. Accepts a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained conditions. Wind resistant once established and can handle heavy ice and snow loads. May grow up to 3 ft. a year under ideal conditions. Can be pruned.

These plants need a cool, dry rest period in winter and are best managed in pots. Protect plants where frost can occur. They can tolerate extreme heat.