Houseplant Care Guides
Practical, real-home plant care — watering, light, propagation, pests, and seasonal advice, reviewed by experienced indoor gardeners.
Russian Vine – Polygonum Baldschuanicum
Polygonum baldschuanicum, or Russian vine, is about the fastest-growing climber in captivity. It can put on 4.9m (16ft) in a season, and cover a small house in a couple of summers.
Sidalcea
There is something quite distinct about a plant which carries its flowers in spikes, and this is particularly so in the case of the sidalcea, which produces its colour just as the delphiniums are…
Tamarix Tamarisk
Tamarix is indigenous in the wastelands of southwest Europe, Mediterranean regions and Asia, and comprises about 90 species, of which only a few are sufficiently winter-hardy for this part of the…
Ceropegia
These plants are found in tropical and southern Africa. Their fleshy stems may be leafy or without leaves. The twining species are pretty plants with tuberous roots.
Peruvian Lily – Alstroemeria
For home decoration and for market-growers there is no more valuable cut flower than the more commonly called Peruvian Lily, named after the Swedish botanist, Baron Alstroemer.
How to Set Up Houseplant Window Displays
One of the difficulties with window displays often is the problem of deciding for whom the display is intended – the owner or the man in the street looking in.
Althea – Hollyhock
Tall, stately hollyhocks are classic cottage garden flowers. Available in a wide range of colours, these hardy perennials and biennials make a beautiful background plant for a display of summer…
Omphalodes Navelwort, Blue-Eyed Mary
PROPAGATION: Divide clumps in spring. O. missouriensis is an exception – sow seeds under glass in spring.
Modern Shrub Roses
Myriad varieties of enduring colour Whether on their own or among complementary species, modem shrub roses can set the summer-time tone of a whole garden, or give detailed interest near a patio or…