“Streptocarpus” is an awful plant name, suggestive of sore throats and other maladies that can only be cured by antibiotics. In reality, if a plant lover is infected with a yen for streptocarpus, the malady may prove to be long-lasting and pleasant. Streptocarpus is commonly known as “Cape primrose”, a much better name that invokes … Read more
As I bring some of the geraniums inside, and consign others to death at the hands of the Frost God, I have to stop and consider the miraculous nature of these ubiquitous plants. The bright, fluffy-headed, tender perennials that we call “geraniums” are actually members of the Pelargonium species. When we fill our window boxes … Read more
Every year I put off the inevitable—bringing houseplants indoors after their long summer vacation outside. I would like to think that my procrastination is motivated by a desire for the plants to soak up sunshine for as long as possible. Really though, I fear that my indoor spaces will be inundated by a high tide … Read more
My daughter loves a new plant—especially a tropical plant. Because of her I grow rambunctious cannas, lovely plumbago, ornamental ginger and tropical hibiscus. Now we have added a new member to the domestic plant family—Mexican petunia, known variously as Ruellia brittoniana, Ruellia simplex, Ruellia tweediana and Ruellia spectabilis. That is a lot of Latin names … Read more
Cold, rainy days on the edge of spring are a big challenge. My gardener’s heart wants to be outside, clearing debris, uncovering the green shoots and pruning the roses. Common sense says that the beds are muddy, the leaves and debris are wet, and the return on garden effort will be minimal. I could clean … Read more
