Daphniphyllum macropodium is a rounded understory broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to forested lands in Japan, Korea and China. Daphniphyllum, aka “false daphne”, is recognized for its attractive foliage and unique flowering habit. It stands out for its bold rhododendron-like leaveage. It typically grows to 15-25 feet tall in cultivation; add on 5-10 feet if plant […]
Archive for the ‘Propagation (Cuttings)’ Category
Growing Hoyas
Hoyas, also called wax plant, porcelain flower, honey plant, common waxflower, are an Asian native plant (epiphyte) with fragrant, low-maintenance with lovely flowers that grow in a ball-shaped cluster. These low-maintenance plants produce woody stems with waxy evergreen leaves. Hoyas have become hugely popular among house plant collectors and available at most retail garden centers, box stores, and […]
‘Jindai’ Japanese Aster
Tatarian aster (Crinitaria tataricus) / (Aster tataricus) is an herbaceous perennial wildflower indigenous to eastern Europe, Siberia, and Mongolia (USDA hardiness zones 3-9). Its stiff sturdy stems support showy abundant flower clusters comprised of 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, with deep lavender to blue rays and yellow centers. The flat-topped clusters add late season color […]
Summer Planting Combinations At Biltmore
On a recent visit (8/27/25) to the fabulous Biltmore Estates* Walled Garden near the Greenhouse Conservatory were some wonderful colorful plant combinations: *Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina
Native Hypericums
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum spp.) is a genus of about 400 species of annuals, perennials or shrubs which are noted for producing showy bright yellow flowers with a central mass of bright yellow stamens. Hordes of bee species love hypericum flowers. In midsummer, this U.S. native produces yellow flowers with distinctive clusters of puffball of stamens […]
Firecracker Plant (Cuphea)
Planting Cupheas should set off fireworks in your summer flower garden. Cupheas are dependable, low-maintenance flowers that easily cope with the heat and humidity of the South. They’re exceptionally long blooming, attract bees, wasps, butterflies and hummingbirds like magnets, and are versatile enough for container plantings or in-ground beds. (See list below). Currently, the most […]
Growing Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical Hibiscus(es) (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) are a non-hardy group from southeast Asia. They require temperatures above 50°F year-round (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9–12) and will likely be injured at temps below 35°F. They are evergreen cousins of the very hardy deciduous shrub group —Althea (H. syriacus) and herbaceous perennial favorites like Rose Mallow (H. moscheutos) and […]
Gauras For Summer Flower Power
Lots of TN, VA, and KY gardeners don’t know Gauras, a tough beautiful Texas native perennial that performs equally well in our area. After countless trips to Biltmore Estates and the NC Arboretum in Asheville, I have gained an appreciation for its long summer blooming habit. Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri) is a low-maintenance perennial native to […]
Fertile Lacecap Smooth Hydrangeas
Smooth hydrangea or wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is an open widely branched deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3-6 feet. Tree forms frequently grow to 10-20 feet and higher over 25 years or more. This U.S. native hydrangea is indigenous from New York to Florida and west to Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and Louisiana. (USDA hardiness […]

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