The common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) has skyward stems smothered in giant 5-inch hibiscus-like blossoms that carry a whimsical zeal of times past. Beyond the impressive dramatic height of 5 to 12 feet is Hollyhock’s magical| Blooming Backyard
In my mind, I’ve always associated hollyhocks with summer holidays at the beach. Even this year, my beach vacation was punctuated with oooh-ing! and aaaah-ing! over the majestic hollyhock torches that were dotted around the| Blooming Backyard
Extravagant in bountiful blossoms, Echinacea is an herbaceous perennial prized for being strong and beautiful. An easy-going, bee and butterfly magnet, Echinacea is on the must-grow list of gorgeous native perennials. Echinacea, or coneflower, has| Blooming Backyard
This North American native flowering herb is a must-have in the wildlife garden, cottage garden, herb garden, and veggie garden. For full summer splendor, Bee Balm loves rich, moist soil in full sun. Bee Balm’s| Blooming Backyard
What are short-lived perennials and how to keep them blooming longer. Plus the 10 most popular short-lived perennial flowers for your garden.| Blooming Backyard
What perennials should you cut back in the fall? Start with these 12 plants that need a good fall pruning.| Blooming Backyard
Back when I first started gardening and had no idea what a biennial plant meant, I was foolish enough to trust the information on the garden center plant tags without hesitation. That’s how I ended| Blooming Backyard
You know how, when you’re learning a foreign language, there’s a list of words and expressions that you start with first. You learn to say “hello” and “thank you” and “have a nice day” and| Blooming Backyard
Hummingbirds are a celebration of environmental stewardship with every iridescent feather. Plants that provide flower nectar, as well as safe perching and nesting spots are surefire ways to attract hummingbirds to the garden. Increase hummingbird| Blooming Backyard
The secrets to fantastical towers of cascading tubular bell-shaped foxgloves are not as mystical as they may appear. These natives of Europe, Asia, and North Africa are mostly biennials, meaning they live for just two| Blooming Backyard
If there’s a plant that goes well with everything, it’s Verbena bonariensis. And if you don't know what plant I’m talking about, that’s precisely the point. Verbena bonariensis (also known as purple vervain or tall| Blooming Backyard
The first few times I saw real anemones, they were elegantly tucked into bridal bouquets. With their slender stems and marshmallow-like blooms, anemones looked as fragile as they did elegant. This must have been why| Blooming Backyard
