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How to Choose the Best High Quality Cut Flowers

When you buy a lovely bunch of colorful flowers, you want them to last as long as possible. Here’s how to select the freshest flowers and extend their life once you get them home.

There’s nothing nicer than having a lovely bunch of vividly colored cut flowers to brighten up your home. But the joy these flowers bring can be short-lived if they only survive in your home for a few days.

When selecting the freshest and highest quality cut flowers, there are certain trade secrets that you should be aware of to lengthen the lifespan of these blooms. Below are some tips to help you identify the best quality flowers and keep them alive longer.

Take A Close Look At The Flower Petals

When selecting flowers, it’s far better to buy those with buds that haven’t opened yet rather than those already fully open. The buds will continue to open when you keep the flowers in a vase with water.

Never buy flowers whose petals are faded, transparent, or starting to brown along the edges. This usually means that the flowers are near the end of their life and won’t last very long.

When selecting roses, gently squeeze the rosebud at the base of the petals where it meets the stem. If this part is soft, then the roses are not fresh. However, if it feels firm, you can be assured that the roses are fresh and will last for some time in a vase.

Remember to look inside the blooms and make sure there is no loose pollen or seeds visible. If there are, it indicates that the flowers were cut when they were past their prime.

You also want to ensure that the flower buds are not glistening with droplets of water on them, especially if you’re buying roses. Any water on the buds or petals will quickly rot the blooms.

The only exceptions are hydrangeas and peonies. Hydrangea blooms will thrive when occasionally dunked in water. Likewise, stubborn peony buds will open after being briefly submerged.

Expert Tip: Move your fingers across the undersides of the petals. If you hear a faint rustling sound, then you can be assured that the flowers are fresh.

Inspect The Stems Closely

You want to select flowers with strong, green stems that are not drooping or slimy. Look very closely at the stems to see if there’s any discoloration. This could indicate the presence of bacteria, which means that the stems are starting to break down.

Furthermore, the stems should not be broken or show any signs of rot.

Look At Any Leaves That Are Still Present On The Stems

You should always choose flowers that have healthy, green leaves without any discoloration. If the leaves are looking a little speckled, it could indicate that bacteria are present.

Furthermore, don’t buy flowers that have leaves with holes in them as this indicates that the flowers had been attacked by insects while they were growing. This will shorten the lifespan of your flowers.

Be sure also to inspect the sepals and calyx. This section is just below the flower petals and is often made up of several small green leaf structures. Make sure this is firm, green, and healthy.

How To Keep Your Flowers Fresh After You Get Them Home

There are several things you can do once you get your flowers home to ensure that they’re going to last for the longest possible time. Consider these tips:

By following these tips, you should now know exactly how to select the best high-quality cut flowers as well as how to keep them alive for as long as possible.

How to Create Rustic Centerpieces to Inspire Your Table

Make a warm, inviting environment for guests by incorporating natural elements, the right lighting, and unexpected touches into a perfect centerpiece display. A rustic centerpiece can set the right mood for your event at any budget.

Rustic centerpieces can add a relaxed, cozy touch to an event. As the focal point of the table, centerpieces help set the mood, and a rustic style lets guests know they can feel relaxed and unhurried. You can use found items and upcycled elements to create a warm and inviting scene that pulls together a party or a family dinner.

The term “rustic” might mean different things to different people, but in general, rustic looks incorporate a lot of natural elements that maintain their charming imperfections. Wood, glass jars, and plants often feature in rustic designs. You will also find that rough, natural textiles such as burlap and twine complement this style. Rustic centerpieces can follow a theme or season, or simply showcase the natural beauty of the items used.

Make sure your centerpiece doesn’t interfere with your guests’ dining experience. Tall items can block guests from interacting, and centerpieces that are too large can crowd their place setting. Use sturdy items that won’t break if they are accidentally knocked over. Remember that the centerpiece should add to your guests’ experience, but not dominate it.

Designing a Centerpiece

There’s no one right way to create a centerpiece, but keeping these considerations in mind can help you design one that looks great:

Theme

Having a theme for your centerpiece is not strictly necessary, but it can be a fun way to customize your table. Your theme could be based on the season, a specific event or holiday, or really anything you like.

When creating a themed centerpiece, remember not to coordinate the elements too much. Rustic centerpieces should be casual and relaxed, not formal. Items should complement each other, but not necessarily match.

Color

Rustic centerpieces often tend more toward a neutral palette, with a lot of brown and green reflecting the natural beauty of plants. However, you can certainly incorporate bright pops of color as well. In general, it is better to stick to one or two accent colors, since too many competing hues can make a centerpiece feel inharmonious.

One great option is to use flowers to lend color to your rustic centerpiece. You can choose a subtle color such as a light pink or lilac, or something more bold like a stunning red. Wildflowers complement this style well, but even traditionally formal flowers like roses can be used if they are arranged in a casual way.

Size and shape

Consider your table size and shape, as well as the seating configuration, to help you plan your centerpiece. Round or square tables typically have a single centerpiece that looks great from all angles. Long rectangular tables might have several centerpieces at intervals or could have one long centerpiece running the length of the table.

Budget

Most of us don’t have an unlimited budget for centerpieces, but luckily, the rustic style can easily incorporate low-cost or free items. You may even be able to find enough items in your home or garden to create a totally free centerpiece. Here are some ideas for elements that can add flair to your table without breaking the bank:

Glass jars and bottles: Remove labels after emptying glass food containers to use them as vases or candle-holders in your centerpiece. You can customize glass containers by wrapping them in twine or burlap. Painting glass containers of different sizes and shapes gives them a balanced look while maintaining dynamic visual interest.
Wood and branches: Gather dry branches or pieces of wood for use in your rustic centerpieces. The addition of wood to a centerpiece lends warmth and texture.
Greenery: You can collect interesting foliage from your yard or garden to use in conjunction with purchased flowers and other elements. It’s a good idea to wash anything you gather from outside before using it on your table, to remove any bugs or dirt. You could also incorporate greenery by using container plants that you already own.
Outdoor elements: Other natural items like acorns, pine cones, and berries can be collected for use in rustic centerpieces.
Ingredients: Use items from your kitchen that coordinate with your centerpiece to set the mood for dinner. It is fun to use actual ingredients from the dishes being served.

Lighting

Consider using your centerpieces as an additional light source for the table. Candles are a classic choice, but fairy lights are also a great option. Not only does lighting make your table look warm and inviting, but diners will also appreciate the additional illumination to see their plates.

Balance

Once you have assembled all the elements for your centerpiece, try several different configurations on your table to see what looks best. The composition of a centerpiece isn’t an exact science, so it may take some experimentation to get it exactly right. Remember to view the centerpieces from seats on all sides of the table so you’ll have the same view as your guests.

Rustic centerpieces should not be overly symmetrical, but they should have a similar weight and distribution of elements. For example, instead of placing two identical candles on either side of the centerpiece, try grouping three of them together. Using odd numbers of items lends more visual interest and informality than using even numbers.

Be Creative and Have Fun

Since rustic centerpieces are unfussy and intentionally imperfect, this is a great opportunity to let your creative side run wild. Try incorporating some unexpected items that will get your guests’ attention. Vegetables, books, or children’s toys, for example, can give your centerpieces a lot of character. Not only that, but they can be great conversation-starters.

A beautiful centerpiece can truly be a work of art, but it is also a temporary one. That allows you a lot of freedom to do something playful and unexpected. Take inspiration from your surroundings and the items you already have, and you may be surprised to find what a wonderful rustic centerpiece you can create!

Flower of the Week: Hybridized Hellebore

Have you ever felt that your winter garden lacks color? You may want to try growing this little fairy called hellebore, whose flowers are beautiful and vibrant and bloom against a backdrop of ice and snow to light up dull corners in your garden. Hellebore has large, ornate sepals that attract insects. Its real flowers are small and dotted among the sepals as if they are smiling calmly in the biting cold wind. Take it home and embrace the elegance of winter.

Rich Gardening Varieties

The rich gardening varieties of hellebore are a major reason why the plant is so popular worldwide. Through constant hybridization, horticulturists have cultivated varieties with richer colors and more complex patterns, satisfying the preferences of various groups of enthusiasts. For example, there are the simple ‘Anna Red’, whose sepals are fuchsia, ‘First Dance’, whose sepals are yellow with purple-patterned margins, ‘Flower Girl’, whose sepals are white with pink ruffles, and more! Choose from many rich selections; there’s sure to be one for you.

Watch Out for Toxicity

Don’t let your guard down around hellebore simply because it is beautiful; the entire plant is toxic. Direct contact with it can cause irritation to our skin, and consuming it can cause adverse reactions such as emesis, diarrhea, and even disturbance to our nervous system. Pets can also incur similar symptoms from consuming hellebore, and although it tastes bad and pets don’t eat it in large quantities, we should still take precautions.

Legends about Hellebore

Hellebore is also called Christmas Rose. Legend has it that after the birth of Jesus, people went to Bethlehem to send congratulations. Among them, there was a shepherd who was too poor to buy a gift. Out of sorrow, he couldn’t help but shed tears. His tears fell into the snow and produced a beautiful flower. As a result, hellebore was born.

However, the toxicity of hellebore casts a mysterious shadow upon the flower. Some legends claim that hellebore was a necessary ingredient for medieval wizards to summon demons, and the prefix “Hell-” at the beginning of its genus name Helleborus adds to this horror association. There is even a singer who has released an album featuring religion and darkness, with the album title named after this mysterious and deadly winter flower.

How do I Grow Hellebore Well?

Hellebore is best grown in loose, fertile, well-drained soil. It prefers shade and can be planted under big trees to avoid direct summer sunlight. It does not require much moisture, and any soil works well as long as it’s not too dry or damp. If there is no need to collect seeds, you can cut back wilted flowers after blooming to reduce nutrient loss. Be aware that hellebore is toxic, so wear gloves while pruning.

Size: 10-60 cm (4-24 in) tall

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8, hardiness varies by varieties

Light: Half sun to shade

Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly alkaline

Bloom time: Winter or spring

Flower of the Week: Poinsettia

If you take an occasional stroll through streets or botanical gardens in the harsh cold of winter, you may stumble upon a heartwarming splash of red – a striking effect exclusive to poinsettias. Known as the “Christmas flower”, poinsettia has emerald green leaves and fiery red bracts, perfectly matching the Christmas spirit. Also remarkable are its lovely flowers, yellow in color and hidden among the bracts. Not only can you enjoy its beauty in the streets, but you can also grow it at home to brighten your winter landscape.

Viewing Map

To appreciate the brilliant colors of poinsettias, the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. is worth a visit.

In the early 20th century, Albert Ecke immigrated to the United States from Germany and started a career cultivating poinsettias. The family business expanded rapidly in the hands of his sons and grandsons, gifting the world a large selection of exceptional never-before-seen poinsettia cultivars.

Nowadays, you can lay eyes on numerous, gorgeous poinsettia varieties in the United States Botanic Garden, including pink ‘Peppermint Ruffles’, peach ‘Autumn Leaves’, and the ‘Jingle Bell’ with its pink-spotted bracts. Every year in late fall, poinsettias bloom one after another in the garden and stay in full bloom throughout winter. If you wish, you can arrange a trip to check them out during the Christmas holiday.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico

Legend has it that the association of poinsettia and Christmas began in 16th century Mexico, where a girl was too poor to buy a gift for Jesus’ birthday celebration. She was inspired by an angel to collect wildflower seeds and plant them by the church where the celebration would be held. From these seeds, poinsettias germinated and bloomed.

The leaves of poinsettias are believed to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, while the red color symbolizes Jesus’ blood left behind from his crucifixion. Since the 17th century, Mexicans have celebrated Christmas with poinsettias, a tradition that has since spread throughout the world and continues to this day.

A Name in Memory of a Dignitary

In 1834, German botanist Johann Friedrich Klotzsch first described a species called Euphorbia pulcherrima and set that as its scientific name. Poinsettia, the name commonly used in English, was created in memory of a dignitary.

Pionsett is the last name of American diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US Minister to Mexico after the founding of the Republic of Mexico. He had a keen interest in natural science and was committed to exchanging plants between the United States and Mexico to strengthen relations between the two countries. It was he who first brought the poinsettia, which is native to Mexico, to the United States.

Watch Out for Toxicity

Don’t let your guard down around poinsettias simply because they are beautiful. Although it’s not deadly, its sap is irritative to our skin and eyes, and consuming it can cause nausea, emesis, diarrhea, and other adverse reactions. Therefore, try to place it somewhere high to prevent children and pets from making contact with it.

How do I Grow Poinsettia Well?

Poinsettia prefers warm environments but is vulnerable to pests and diseases. Therefore, it requires a certain amount of effort and care. As long as you meet its preferred conditions of light and moisture you can count on creating a fiery and cheerful winter holiday spirit by Christmas.

Poinsettia prefers loose, well-drained, loamy soil. Usually, it can be placed by a window to receive bright, scattered light. Wait until the soil is dry before watering it. In winter, cold prevention measures should be taken to keep it warm, and artificial light should be avoided at night so that it can bloom. Poinsettia is susceptible to pests and diseases such as grey mold, spider mites, etc., so pay attention to daily ventilation and keep the environment from becoming too wet.

Size: 10-60 cm (4-24 in) tall

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12

Light: Full sun to half sun

Soil: Loose, well-drained loamy soil

Bloom time: Winter

Flower of the Week: Bush Lily

To add blossoms that are warm and bright to your yard’s dreary winter landscape, the bush lily is definitely a good choice. This type of rhizocarpous plant that originated from South Africa has dark green leaves and red-orange flowers. When the flowers bloom, they can turn your yard into a colorful oil painting. This plant has the feature of a solid skin and is easy to take care of. It has the characteristics of being suitable for both indoors and outdoors and is a favorite of many gardeners.

Different kaffir lilies

Bush lilies originated in the forests of South Africa. It is a perennial rhizocarpous plant in the Clivia genus of Amaryllidaceae. Although bush lilies do not have many varieties and the whole Clivia genus only has 6 types of plants, this does not affect the beauty of the varieties of plants in its genus. For example, Clivia miniata and Clivia nobilis have received the garden award of the Royal Horticultural Society of the UK.

Clivia nobilis that has draping flowers

Among all varieties, bush lilies are among the most commonly grown and have the most genetic varieties. Flowers can be vibrantly colorful and range from orange to yellow, buttery to pink, and more. There is a wide application for bush lilies. Other than being an outstanding indoor plant, it can also be used in cut-flower arrangements or for edging plants.

The kaffir lily in the Eastern Culture

In the mid-19th century, when kaffir lilies were brought from Europe to Japan, Professor Okubo from the Tokyo University of Science translated the plant Clivia nobilis as “noble lily”, based on the specific epithet “nobilis“. “Nobilis” means a person with a high personal quality characteristic and this corresponds to the appearance of the lilies, as they are solemn and elegant. When this name was brought to China, due to the traditional Chinese “Ru” culture that promotes noble characteristics, the kaffir lily quickly became popular among the Chinese and became a common ornamental plant in their libraries.

The kaffir lily is also the city flower of Changchun, China. Changchun is a well-known cultivation base for kaffir lilies in Asia. Every year, a kaffir lily festival is held in Changchun. In this expo, there are quite a few valuable rare species. For example, a kaffir lily worth 6 million dollars was presented in 2011.

Be careful, it is poisonous!

Bush lily belongs to Amaryllidaceae. Almost all plants of Amaryllidaceae are poisonous, including the bush lily. It contains a small amount of a poisonous substance, lycorine. Accidental ingestion of it can cause nausea, vomiting and other poisoning symptoms. Eating a large amount can even cause central nervous system numbness. Therefore, try to these lilies at a place where pets and children cannot reach. When you are doing plant division or cutting off the flower, try to wear gloves.

Will I be able to plant bush lily well?

Bush lily is often an indoor ornamental plant. It is easy to grow them inside. Bush lilies like warm and dispersed light, so you can put them next to a bright window. It is necessary to regularly water them, but they do not like soil that is too dry or too wet. During their hibernation period in fall or winter, they do not need watering. You can also plant bush lily outdoors in soil that drains well. They are suited to be planted under trees where there is shade.

Bush lilies can produce relatively large seeds after blooming. If you collect them and plant them in warm moist soil suitable for cultivation, they will return you dazzling flowers in 3-4 years.

Size: 2 feet in height

Hardiness: USDA zones 10 to 11 (depends on species)

Sunlight: partial sun

Soil: average and well-drained

Bloom time: late winter

Flower of the Week: African Violet

As seasons change, flowers of various kinds come and go, but there is one little floral fairy that keeps blooming all year round indoors. That is the African violet. However, African violets are not related to violets at all. With delicate looks and rich colors, African violet can bloom throughout the whole year, adding eye-catching delight to the indoor life.

Place of Interest

To view African violet’s raw, intense beauty, why not check out its original birthplace in eastern Africa? The Amani Nature Reserve, located in the Usambara mountains in northeastern Tanzania, is an 83-square-kilometer habitat many varieties of wild African violets call home.

German colonists invaded the Usambara mountains in the late 19th Century. They brought economic crops, like tea and coffee, and set up a nature reserve in the forest to provide water and lumber. Nowadays, the Amani Nature Reserve is purer and more natural. Setting foot inside, you can almost feel the touch of moist sea breezes coming from the Indian Ocean, and your eyes will light up at the sight of sporadic purple blossoms glimmering in the endless green woods.

October and November are the best time of year to travel here and look for African violets. It’s the beginning of the rainy season, but you can follow the lead of your local guide through the forests and canyons for a lovely encounter with vigorously thriving native African violets.

From the Discovery to Gaining Popularity

In 1892, Baron Walter, a German colonial officer, first discovered African violet in the Usambara mountains and gave its seeds to his botany-enthusiast father as a gift. Hence, when the African violet was officially recognized as a new species, Baron Walter and his father’s last name, Saint Paul-Illaire, was adopted by botanists to name the plant’s genus Saintpaulia.

In 1894, the African violet was introduced to America. A grand African violet convention was held in Atlanta in 1946, and the African Violet Society of America was founded at the same time, marking the start of this beautiful flowers’ rise to popularity in the US.

Today, we enjoy a rich line of African violet varieties produced through years of cultivation, all with delightful names, such as Snow Prince (with white petals), Pink Miracle (with pink petals), Diana (with blue petals), etc.

Inspiring Artistic Creations

The discovery of African violets happened little more than a century ago, but its gorgeous look and rich connotations have inspired many artists for numerous creations.

Taiwanese writer Daren Liu had an encounter with African violets in a florist’s shop and was attracted by their beautiful flowers. He dived into horticulture and built his own garden in New York. His collection of essays, Inside and Outside My Garden, tells the story of his 20 years of romance with floral gardens, beginning with African violets.

In 2019, an independent Iranian film called African Violet was released in theaters. Based on the true story of her aunt, director Mona Zandi told a warm-hearted story about a trivial life with bright tones. The leading girl in the film holds African violet in her hands many times to symbolize her love as a wife and mother.

Can I Grow African Violets Well?

African violets have specific requirements for temperatures and need a little bit of care to have their preferred conditions of light, soil, moisture, etc. satisfied.

Native to eastern Africa, African violets prefer a warm climate; around 20°C is best. It likes bright, scattered light and needs to avoid direct sunlight. In daily care, it can be placed by the window. It will grow vigorously in loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, which should be kept from being too damp to prevent root rot. Carefully cared for indoors over time, African violets can bloom all year round.

Size: 10-30 cm (4-12 in) tall

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 11-12

Light: Bright, scattered light

Soil: Loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Blooming time: All year round

7 Herbs That Grow Well in Containers

Looking for fragrant herbs to grow at home and spice up your cooking? Need to save space? Find a list here of 7 herbs that you can grow in small containers at home on your window sill.

Apple mint

Apple mint is a member of the mint family that is typically grown for cooking or used as ground cover (protecting soil from erosion). In the kitchen, this herb can be used as a key ingredient in apple mint jelly, mint tea, salads, or as a garnish. This plant also makes an attractive and fragrant addition to a kitchen garden.

Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a herbaceous plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Slightly spicy to the taste, Chives are commonly used to flavor foods throughout the globe (especially in Europe). In gardens, the growing plants can act as pest repellents.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb with pale flowers and evergreen leaves. It gives off a distinctive scent and is used in cooking as well as in the making of scented perfumes, soaps, and candles. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region where evidence of its use by humans dates back at least 7000 years.

Basil

Basil is a species of mint plant native to Asia and Africa. It is a popular houseplant, and thrives when it receives plenty of regular sun and water. This plant is also easy to transfer from one soil environment to another. The edible Basil leaves can be eaten fresh or dried with pizza, salads, soups, teas, and many other dishes.

Garden thyme

While best known for culinary purposes, Garden thyme has historically seen use in embalming rituals and as incense. In the kitchen, it most often ends up as a flavoring herb or brewed in tea. Garden thyme was gifted to warriors in the Middle Ages because it was supposed to spur courage and energy.

Oregano

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a herbaceous perennial plant closely related to marjoram. Ancient Greeks and Romans considered it a symbol of happiness. It is one of the most popular spice herbs, used in various cuisines all over the world. Oregano oil can be derived from the plant as well. Unfortunately, legal action has been required to stop suppliers of the oil from falsely claiming unproven health benefits.

Parsley

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is one of the world’s most popular herbs and is used extensively in the cuisines of the USA, Europe, and The Middle East. It is a nutritious ingredient that adds flavor to the famous parsley sauce and texture and aroma to soups and stews. It is also used raw as a garnish. In the garden, Parsley attracts swallowtail butterflies and bees to its flowers, and birds feed on its seeds.

10 Common Species of Christmas Trees

There is nothing better than a Christmas tree to set off the festive atmosphere, but have you ever wondered what kind of tree a Christmas tree is? Norway spruce is considered to be the original tree, but because of the place of origin, a variety of similar conifers are also used all over the world. Here are the most common ones:

Norway spruce

The fastest-growing of all spruces, the Norway spruce (Picea abies) makes for a good roosting spot for owls and hawks. Its wood is used for paper, construction lumber, and musical instruments, and its needles can be used to brew spruce beer. It is also a popular choice for Christmas trees.

Silver fir

Silver fir (Abies alba) is a large evergreen conifer that will grow from 135 to 165 feet tall. It has large, flat needles and produces big pine cones. Native to Europe, its pyramid shape makes it perfect for use as a Christmas tree. Grows in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.

Caucasian fir

As its name implies, the Caucasian fir (Abies nordmanniana) is native to the Caucasus Mountains spanning Europe and Asia. This cold weather lover typically grows to about 50 feet tall (and can reach 200 feet), but much younger specimens are often grown and taken home as Christmas trees.

Noble fir

A. procera is a large evergreen tree up to 70 m tall and 2 m in trunk diameter, rarely to 90 m tall and 2.7 m in diameter, with a narrow conic crown. The bark on young trees is smooth and gray with resin blisters, becoming red-brown, rough and fissured on old trees.

Serbian spruce

It is a medium-sized evergreen tree growing to 20 m tall, exceptionally 40 m, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 m. The shoots are buff-brown, and densely pubescent (hairy). The leaves are needle-like, 10-20 mm long, flattened in cross-section, dark blue-green above, and blue-white below.

Scots pine

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a native Eurasian pine plant that grows on nutrient-poor, dry, rocky soils. Given the name, it should come as no surprise that Scots pine is the national tree of Scotland. It is also important within the forestry industry due to its use for wood pulp and timber.

Douglas fir

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a tree native to North America. It is an evergreen conifer well-studied by botanists. Douglas fir grows well in acidic or neutral soils. It is a dominant species in the forests of the United States Pacific Northwest region. Commercially, it is used for timber.

Balsam fir

Did you know that your last Christmas tree could have been a Balsam fir? A common choice during the holidays, the Balsam fir is native to North America and Canada and is well adapted to colder climates. The bark on young trees is smooth and grey. It contains resin blisters which often spray when rupture, and then become rough and fissured areas of the bark.

Fraser's fir

Fraser’s fir is commercially farmed for use as Christmas trees in the United States; it is in fact the most popular tree for this use in the industry. The soft fragrant pine needles make the evergreen tree a good choice in gardens designed for the blind.

Grand Fir

Grand Fir (Abies grandis) is a towering evergreen tree native to the American Pacific Northwest. The softwood lumber is useful for papermaking and the citrusy foliage scent makes Abies grandis a popular choice as a Christmas tree. The tallest recorded specimen in the wild is 81.4 m tall!

Low-Maintenance Succulent Plants to Grow

Are you a person who loves to grow plants, wasn’t gifted with a “green thumb”, or just doesn’t have a lot of extra time to garden? Succulents are the ideal choice for you! Not only are they effortless to care for, but they aren’t nearly as thirsty or hungry as other plants! Below is a low-maintenance succulent list to get you started!

Coppertone sedum

The Coppertone sedum is a small, succulent plant with a light green or orange appearance. It grows best in sunny environments. Originally native to Mexico, the Coppertone sedum has spread around the world as a windowsill plant, and is especially popular in the Canary Islands and Italy.

Foxtail agave

Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is an agave species native to the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Foxtail agave is a popular ornamental species in gardens in subtropical climates. This species grows best in loamy soil protected from direct sunlight. This species may die if it is exposed to prolonged periods of frost.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent species native to the Arabian Peninsula. The thick leaves are filled with gooey flesh that stores water for survival in its native desert territories. Aloe vera has become a popular houseplant and is also incorporated into a wide range of cosmetics and skin-care products.

Flaming katy

Flaming katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) originates from Madagascar and has been a popular houseplant since the 1930s. Unlike most other succulents that are grown for their interesting leaves, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is valued for the colorful flowerheads it produces in autumn and winter. This is the reason it is commonly gifted during holidays, earning it another name – Christmas kalanchoe. It is toxic to pets.

Common houseleek

“Sempervivum” means “always living” in Latin. Adapted to droughts, baking sun, and cold winters of their native south European mountains, the Common houseleek can truly live through almost anything. It has been grown for centuries on roofs of European houses as it was believed to deter lightning strikes. Young houseleeks grow around the mother plant, earning it the alternative name “Hens and Chicks.”

String of pearls

String of pearls is a succulent vine that looks like its common name, with small bubbles or pearls growing along its length. The String of pearls blooms with white flowers that have brightly colored stamens and a fragrance similar to cinnamon. With its cascading tendrils, the String of pearls makes a wonderful display in a hanging basket.

Ghost plant

Ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) is a succulent native to the Mexican state of Tamaulipas and commonly grown as a houseplant or a garden plant. It features ornamental trailing rosettes that turn yellow-pink when grown in a sunny spot or greenish-to-bluish-grey in the shade. It is sometimes confused with another succulent, Echeveria.

Jade plant

Looking like a miniature fairytale tree, Jade plant is one of the world’s most popular succulents. Native to southern regions of Africa, it is well adapted to the dry warm air of modern homes. It grows slowly but lives for so long that plants get passed from generation to generation. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and even mildly toxic to humans.

Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus is a flowering plant that blooms around Christmastime. It has bright colors and a large number of flowers, creating a rich and cheerful holiday vibe. Its flowers are terminal on stalk apexes and have a long flowering season of up to 3 months. The flowers are multi-colored, usually purple, white, orange, and bright red. Its stalk is also peculiarly shaped like a crab leg.

Elephant bush

Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra) is a succulent native to South Africa, easily recognized by its small, rounded green leaves and crimson stems. This cute semi-evergreen succulent is cultivated as an ornamental, most commonly in xeriscaping, and as a bonsai plant.

11 Winter-Blooming Plants

Just because winter has arrived, it doesn’t mean your garden needs to go into hibernation! These 12 winter-blooming beauties won’t be hunkering down for a long winter nap; they’ll be growing and blooming, ready to brighten up your garden even on the darkest of winter days.

Snowdrop

A herald of spring, the Snowdrop grows up to around 7-15 cm tall. Sprouting from bulbs, the drooping bell-shaped white flowers are accompanied by two slender, erect leaves. These flowers have been noted throughout history, with references going as far back as the fourth century.

Wintersweet

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) is an Asian shrub or tree that is occasionally confused for allspice, though the two are not related. The pale yellow flowers of this vigorous tree bloom from winter and emit a pleasant, recognizable fragrance that makes them welcome in gardens.

Winter aconite

Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is a flowering plant in the buttercup family and is found in woodland areas in Europe. Both its common name and its scientific specific epithet recognize it as an early blooming plant and a spring ephemeral that remains dormant through much of the year. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and other animals.

Japanese apricot

The blooms of Japanese apricot are the sign of an upcoming spring in China. They bloom in late winter on bare branches, often appearing under a blanket of snow. The tree has an important cultural significance in East Asia, while its sweet, edible fruit has various culinary uses. Many varieties of Prunus mume are cultivated worldwide as ornamental trees.

Stinking hellebore

Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) is an evergreen perennial that can grow to 2 feet tall. It blooms from winter to spring with clusters of fragrant, yellowish green, cup-shaped flowers. Attractive light green foliage and flowers grow in a weeping form. Leaves have an unpleasant smell when crushed giving this plant the name Stinking hellebore. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil in a semi-shady location.

Winter heath

Both the foliage and the flowers of Winter heath (Erica carnea) add welcome color to a winter garden. It is suited to borders, containers, rock gardens, and banks and will bloom profusely throughout the winter. Extremely hardy, it will even bloom beneath the snow and become visible only when the snow melts.

Christmas cactus

Loquat

The Loquat is an evergreen tree that bears delicious fruit, which share its name. Its origins lie in China, but the tree has since been introduced to a variety of locations across Asia, southern Europe, and North America. The fruit is generally eaten raw, mixed into fruit salads, or turned into jam. The seeds, however, should not be eaten. In Italy, Loquat is used to make nespolino liqueur.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel was used quite commonly in the 20th century for locating water sources. The practice, called dowsing or water witching, is still occasionally used. In dowsing, a forked stick of Witch hazel is held perpendicular to the ground and moved slowly over it. The belief is that when a water source is directly under the stick, it will dip or jump.

Persian cyclamen

Persian cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a flowering herbaceous perennial native to Turkey, Israel, northern Africa and some Greek islands. The Persian cyclamen root can be combined with lime and added to lakes in order to stun fish. This method of fishing is banned in many jurisdictions.

Winter jasmine

Originally from China, Winter jasmine is prized for its wispy branches and early blooming, bright yellow flowers. This shrub spreads easily; when the branches touch the ground, they will grow roots and form a new shrub. This makes it a great choice for ground cover on banks and it will trellis easily.