Rex begonia vine (Cissus discolor), also called tapestry vine, is a colorful tropical vining plant that is native to Southeast Asia. This vine flaunts a similar leaf shape and color as rex begonias plants; however, it is tropical vine that belongs in the grape family (Vitaceae). If a 1-gallon plant is set out mid-June may […]
Archive for the ‘Flower Arranging’ Category
Rex Begonia Vine
Posted by Hugh on April 20th, 2026
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, Cissus discolor (Rex vine), Evergreen, Fertilizing plants, Flower Arranging, Interior (house) Plants, Landscape ideas, Mealy bugs, Mites, mulching, Non-native, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Repotting plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Staking, Summer heat tolerant, Tropical Plants (non-hardy), Vine, watering tips 
No Comments »Tuff Stuff™ Lacecap Hydrangeas
Posted by Hugh on April 7th, 2026
Tuff Stuff™ Mountain Hydrangeas (H. serrata) are a stunning lacecap series of Mountain Hydrangea). This species is indigenous to the cooler mountainous altitudes of Korea and Japan. They produce almost nonstop blooms from early summer right into autumn. Tuff Stuff are exceptionally cold hardy compared to big-leaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Their […]
Posted in acidic soil, acidify soil, Bees and other pollinators, Butterflies, compact shrub, Container garden, container shrub, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Fertilizing plants, Flower Arranging, Flowering, Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, Mountain hydrangea (H. serrata), mulching, Native Plant, Non-native, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Rabbit/deer Protection, Soil drainage, Soil pH, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, winter hardiness No Comments »Baker’s Dozen Of My Favorite Redbuds
Posted by Hugh on March 14th, 2026
Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are small flowering landscape tree. Most varieties grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide, but there are a number of compact patio forms. It is generally a small understory tree that is often found growing beneath taller trees. Redbuds may tolerate full sun to part shade, […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, Deciduous, Deer resistant, Drought tolerant, Fall Garden Interest, Flower Arranging, Landscape ideas, mulching, Native Plant, Native Plant, Planting tips, Propagation(grafting), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Redbud, Small landscape tree, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Baker’s Dozen Of My Favorite RedbudsStachyurus – Early Spring Delight
Posted by Hugh on February 22nd, 2026
Stachyurus (Stachyurus praecox) is a deciduous woodland shrub that makes an eye-catching statement from early to mid-spring when daffodils are in bloom. Flowers appear before the leaves emerge. (USDA 6-8). Floral buds form in autumn and overwinter on the shrub in pendant, catkin-like racemes that hang from the leaf axils. This distinctive chains of yellow […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bees and other pollinators, Breeding Plants, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Flower Arranging, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Propagation (Cuttings), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Staking, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Winter flowering, winter hardiness Comments Off on Stachyurus – Early Spring DelightStunning Midwinter Fire Dogwood
Posted by Hugh on January 22nd, 2026
‘Midwinter Fire Bloodtwig dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a multi-season deciduous shrub that is native to Europe and western Asia. It is an upright, round-topped, spreading, twiggy, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically matures to 8-15 feet tall and as wide. It is native to northern Europe and northwestern Asia (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). ‘Midwinter Fire’ is […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, Attracting birds, Bees and other pollinators, Cornus sanguinea, Deciduous, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Erosion control, Fall Garden Interest, Flower Arranging, Flower arrangments, Flowering, Flowering shrub, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Ornamental bark, Ornamental fruit, Planting tips, Privacy Screen, Propagation (Cuttings), Propagation (dividing), Propagation (layering), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Wildlife attractant, Winter Garden Interest, winter hardiness Comments Off on Stunning Midwinter Fire DogwoodNew Redbuds From Dr. Dennis Werner
Posted by Hugh on January 7th, 2026
Despite his retirement from NC State University, Dr. Werner, the redbud breeder of varieties like ‘Flamethrower’ and ‘Ruby Falls’, has introduced two more new varieties. Both cultivars are the beginning of the new compact redbud series. The two newest redbud releases from NCSU are ‘Pom Poms’ and ‘Amethyst’ are two new compact redbud trees. (Zone […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, Breeding Plants, Cold tolerance, compact tree, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Flower Arranging, Landscape ideas, mulching, Native Plant, Planting tips, Propagation(grafting), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Redbud, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips Comments Off on New Redbuds From Dr. Dennis WernerDaphniphyllum
Posted by Hugh on November 27th, 2025
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 […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bees and other pollinators, Daphniphyllum macrophyllum, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Evergreen, Fall Garden Interest, Flower Arranging, Flowering, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Ornamental fruit, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, Winter Garden Interest, winter hardiness Comments Off on Daphniphyllum‘Jindai’ Japanese Aster
Posted by Hugh on September 23rd, 2025
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 […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, Aster, Attracting birds, Autumn flowering, Bees and other pollinators, Botrytis disease, Butterflies, Deciduous, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Flower Arranging, Flower arrangments, Jindai aster (Aster tataricus), Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Overcrowding, Perennials, Planting tips, Powdery mildew, Propagation (Cuttings), Propagation (dividing), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Staking, Summer heat tolerant, Tatarian aster (Crinitaria), watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on ‘Jindai’ Japanese AsterSummer Planting Combinations At Biltmore
Posted by Hugh on August 30th, 2025
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
Posted in Annuals, Attracting birds, Attracting Butterflies, Bees and other pollinators, Canna lily, Castor bean (Ricinus), Coleus, Cupheas, Flower Arranging, Globe amaranth (Gomphrena), Gourds (Ornamental), Hummingbird, Landscape ideas, mulching, Propagation (Cuttings), Propagation (Seed), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Summer heat tolerant, Uncategorized Comments Off on Summer Planting Combinations At BiltmoreFirecracker Plant (Cuphea)
Posted by Hugh on July 10th, 2025
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 […]
Posted in acidic soil, Annuals, Aphids, Attracting Butterflies, Bee Favorite, Bees and other pollinators, Container garden, Cupheas, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fall Garden Interest, Flower Arranging, Ground cover, Hummingbird, Landscape ideas, mulching, Native Plant, Native Plant, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Thrips, White flies, winter hardiness, Winter Protection Comments Off on Firecracker Plant (Cuphea)
