Butterfly Plants

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan A Vibrant Choice for Your Garden Black Eyed Susan, scientifically known as Rudbeckia hirta, is a vibrant and popular flowering plant native to North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is renowned for its striking golden-yellow petals with a dark brown to black central cone. This distinctive appearance has earned it the common name. These beautiful wildflowers are aesthetically pleasing and hold cultural significance and ecological importance. How to Grow and Care for Black Eyed Susan Plants They typically grow as perennial wildflowers in their native habitat, which stretches from the eastern United States to the Midwest. However, due to their long-lasting and robust nature, they are often cultivated as annuals or perennials in gardens and landscapes. These hardy plants can thrive in various soil types and are drought-tolerant, making them a popular choice for low-maintenance gardens. One of the most attractive features of the black-eyed Susan is their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These insects are drawn to the bright flowers, aiding pollination and supporting local ecosystems. Furthermore, these flowers are known for their versatility, as they can be used in various landscaping settings, from wildflower meadows and cottage gardens to formal flower beds and borders. Black Eyed Susan Flowers Benefits for Pollinators and Landscapes In terms of symbolism, Black Eyed Susan is often associated with encouragement and motivation, symbolizing the strength and determination needed to overcome challenges. They have also found their way into various folk traditions, with some Native American tribes using them for many purposes. In conclusion, the Black-Eyed susan is a visually stunning and ecologically valuable wildflower with a rich cultural history. Its bright, cheery appearance, adaptability, and role in supporting pollinators make it a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you encounter them in the wild or cultivate them in your garden, they are a delightful addition to any landscape, adding beauty and ecological benefits to their surroundings.

Blue Cohosh

Benefits of Blue Cohosh for Gardeners Why It's a Must-Have Plant Native to Missouri, the Blue Cohosh plant can grow to a height of between one and three feet. Its upright, purplish, waxy stems showcase Foliage at their midsections, which start as a smoky blue hue during the spring and transition to a bluish-green hue when they fully mature. How to Grow and Care for Blue Cohosh in Your Garden Leaf clusters will develop near the apex of the stems. These clusters typically comprise three compound leaflets, each further divided into nine subleaflets for maximum Foliage. Each leaflet grows to about two and one-half inches in length and width. These leaves are hairless and toothless, which makes them the perfect background foliage for this plant's flowers and fruit. The Blue Cohosh Has Small, Sweet Flowers Alongside the unique Foliage of the Blue Cohosh, it will be ornamented in the springtime with flowers. These are around half an inch in diameter with six-pointed sepals that appear in a brownish-green to yellowish-green hue. Each flower features six yellow inner stamens with a green ring in the center. When the summer heats up, these flowers will concede to beautifully attractive green berry-like seeds. These seeds are this plant's most visibly desirable part and sit starkly above the leaf canopy. All seeds take on a rich blue color and develop a fleshy outer coating in the late summer. Many viewers will state that the seeds remind them of tiny grapes. As this perennial experiences a thinning in its Foliage later in the year, these seeds provide a necessary ornament for any garden. Blue Cohosh: Ideal Growing Conditions and Soil Requirements The Blue Cohosh plant can be called Caulophyllum Thalictroides, Squaw-Root, Caulophylle Faux-Pigamon, and Papoose-Root. It's a member of the Berberidaceae family and is well-known to grow into a mature, bushy perennial. Its root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, making this plant perfect for growing in various conditions. The sweet nectar in this plant attracts honeybees, its plethora of Foliage attracts caterpillars, and its berries attract woodland birds. This plant is naturally deer and rabbit-resistant.

Blue Flag Iris

Blue Flag Iris A Stunning Addition to Your Garden Blue Flag Iris blooms several violet-blue flowers with yellow-veined sepals. It has a USDA hardiness zone of 3–9. Sturdy stalks support the plant, and sword-like leaves from a basal cluster frame it. The shade of violet-blue can vary. A small amount of white may also be seen around the yellow veins. It grows to about two or three feet tall, and its flowers bloom from May through August. In nature, it is commonly found in meadows, streams, marshes, and swamps. Butterflies and hummingbirds love pollinating the flowers, and people who add them to their gardens like to place them in partial shade or full sun.   How to Grow and Care for Blue Flag Iris Plants In human history, irises have represented power. The three parts of the flower stand for wisdom, courage, and faith. People have used the flowers for medical purposes in the past. Some tribes also made twine out of the outermost fibers of the leaves. Another use of the Blue Flag Iris plant throughout history is creating powdered iris root. People would add this to perfumes and potpourri because it gives off a violet scent. Benefits of Planting Blue Flag Iris in Your Landscape Blue Flag Iris is a marginal aquatic plant that can sit in standing water for up to four inches. They enjoy environments near water sources, such as ponds or lakes. Some people like adding this plant to their pond area because it assists in water filtration. The flowers are typically lighter in color. Western Flag flowers also have a color variation of sky blue and white. These two plants' hardiness zones and heights also differ from the Northern Flag. Southern Flag, hardiness of 5–9, reaches a height of 2–2.5 feet. Western Flag, hardiness of 3–8, is usually 1–1.4 feet tall.

Blue Lobelia

How to Grow and Care for Blue Lobelia in Your Garden Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is also called Great Blue Lobelia or Blue Cardinal Flower. It is a striking native wildflower known for its bright blue tubular flowers, which grow densely along tall spikes, creating a dramatic vertical element in the garden. Each flower has two lips: two lobes in the upper lip and three lobes in the lower lip, giving it a unique shape that resembles snapdragons. A native North American perennial, it is known for its appeal to pollinators. Blue Lobelia is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and grows to 2 to 3 feet tall when mature. It forms clumps as it matures. Divide the clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. It flowers from late summer to early fall (August to October), providing late-season color when many other plants have finished blooming. Blue Lobelia requires consistent moisture, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and wetland areas. It is often used to help manage stormwater and reduce runoff in these environments. Blue Lobelia A Stunning Addition to Your Flower Beds Watering It is a moisture-loving plant! Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. It can even handle occasional standing water in areas with wet summers, making it ideal for rain gardens or near water features. Light Requirements Blue Lobelia prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can help protect it from intense sunlight, which can otherwise dry the soil too quickly. Soil This plant thrives in rich, well-drained soil that holds moisture, preferably a slightly acidic to neutral soil. Mulching A 2-3 inch layer of mulch will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilizing Blue Lobelia generally does not require heavy fertilizing. An early spring application of balanced fertilizers can help encourage new growth, especially in nutrient-poor soils. Deadheading and Pruning Remove the spent flowers to extend the blooming period and curb excessive self-seeding if you want to control spread. In late fall, cut back the stems to tidy up the plant for winter. Division Divide the clumps in spring every 2-3 years to maintain plant health, encourage vigor, and prevent overcrowding. Division also helps to manage its spread in the garden. Winter Care Blue Lobelia is hardy in Zones 4-9 and generally doesn't need special winter care. Applying a light layer of mulch after the ground freezes in colder zones can protect the roots from extreme cold.   Why Blue Lobelia is Perfect for Attracting Pollinators Blue Lobelia is a fantastic addition to rain gardens, bog gardens, ponds, and areas with moist soil. The vivid blue flowers are highly decorative and provide a stunning focal point in moist, shady garden areas or native plantings. It's great for naturalized gardens, native plantings, or wildflower meadows, where pollinators are drawn to the nectar hidden deep in the flower tube. It pairs well with complementary plants like yellow Black-eyed Susans or white asters.

Daisy

Daisy Plants: A Timeless Addition to Your Garden Daisy plants are classic flowering perineals that grow best in hardiness zones 4 to 9. They are best planted in early to mid-spring to allow the roots time to establish themselves. Daisy plants have narrow, serrated leaves and flower blooms in various colors, including whites, pinks, purples, and yellows. How to Grow and Care for Vibrant Daisy Flowers Daisy will begin blooming in the summer, and its cold tolerance allows it to continue into fall. As the flowers die off, trim them at the bloom's base to extend the growing season. These plants can grow from 10 inches to several feet tall and must be planted in an area protected from high winds, lest they get blown over—daisies like soil that's well-drained with a sandy consistency. Soil that has too much water will cause fungal diseases and weaken the plant. They are drought tolerant once they start growing but must be watered regularly in their first few seasons. The plants require full sun for optimum growth, and while it will tolerate occasional partial shade, this could stunt the plant's growth. The flower head will wither in the fall, signaling an end to its blooming season. The Best Varieties of Daisies for Your Garden Landscaping The Daisy can be pruned to about an inch or two above the soil line. They reproduce by their root system, and after about 2 to 3 years, they must be divided out to prevent overcrowding. It is best to divide the plant in early spring before the flowers bloom or in late fall after the blooming season. Hardy Planting Zone - Grows best in zones 4 to 9 Bloom Season (if any) - Summer and fall Bloom Color - Whites, pinks, purples, and yellows Height at Maturity - From 10 inches to several feet tall Soil Type Preferred - Well-drained, sandy soil Sun or Shade - Full sun is required

Dwarf Crested Iris

Dwarf Crested Iris: A Stunning Addition to Your Garden The Dwarf Crested Iris is always the star performer in your rock garden, classic beds, or front borders. Additionally, it's a beauty that demands attention wherever it blooms and consistently exceeds your expectations. Excellent is the description for this rare goddess of flowers. How to Grow and Care for Dwarf Crested Iris in Your Landscape If a future flower display that grows more beautiful over time is your goal, this six-inch-high perennial will make all your dreams come true. Shades of blue-violet or white two-inch-wide flowers bloom in orchidlike sprays of profusion on the plant. The falls exhibit fuzzy, yellow crests similar to the tall bearded type. Furthermore, the dense foliage gracefully frames the blossoms in narrow jade-green leaves. The early spring months of March, April, and May release an explosion of plant pastels that can be used to paint any landscape. Rocky slopes and shade-dappled woodlands, bluffs, road banks, and various habitats in zones 5 to 7 are welcome spots for the plant. Acidic, loose, loamy soil provides the foundation for a proliferation of flowers. Add rich compost into the amended, well-drained ground to promote an excellent head start. Like the planting instructions for the tall bearded iris, this one also requires partial exposure of the rhizome to light. Covering all of this root delays bloom time until this part performs a miracle of nature and works the rhizome up and into the light. Extra care in the first planting stages of the Dwarf Crested Iris helps to ensure a mass of bloom. Why Dwarf Crested Iris is Perfect for Low-Maintenance Gardens A vigorous, deer-resistant, low-grower, it provides a tightly woven root system that locks soil in place to combat erosion. Moreover, the blossom fragrance is sweet enough to use in aromatherapy calming lotions and essential oils to enhance a relaxed, healing atmosphere anywhere and anytime. Enjoy a show of iridescent hummingbirds and golden butterflies nestling among the blossoms, sipping the natural nectar. Deciding to include Dwarf Crested Iris for native birds further activates your landscape and brings it to life with changing colors and movement.

Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose: A Versatile and Beautiful Addition to Your Garden Evening Primroses are very showy flowers with unique blooming habits. While yellow is the most common variety, they also come in tones of pink and white. Also known as Oenothera Biennis, Fever Plant, or Suncups, this heat-loving plant is drought-resistant and low-maintenance. How to Grow and Care for Evening Primrose in Your Garden Reaching over two feet tall with a two-foot spread at maturity, this flower derives its name from its unusual blooming habits. This biennial plant opens its flowers around sunset and closes them around noon the next day. A member of the Onagraceae family, this plant's roots penetrate deep into the soil. The Health Benefits of Evening Primrose: A Natural Remedy for Skin and More Native to North America, Evening Primrose has a rosette leaf style at its base. Tall, hairy stems will shoot up and play host to lance-shaped leaves. These stalks will take on a purple hue as they grow. At the stem's apex, you'll find four-petaled cone-shaped flowers that love to bloom in clusters between May and September. Even better, they each emit a gentle, lemony aroma that is pleasant for any home gardener. This fast-growing herbaceous plant makes it the perfect addition to any open landscape area you want to fill. The plant's ability to grow in poor soils makes it ideal for hard-to-grow spots in any garden. This hardy plant is self-seeding and isn't prone to severe diseases or pest infestations. It's deer-resistant and will attract bees, butterflies, and various birds. The Appearance Of The Evening Primrose In late July, the Evening Primrose will transition from flowers to fruit pods. These pods will be filled with close to 1,000 seeds that will be spread around via the wind to repropagate the plant. They are typically about one and a quarter of an inch in size and appear much thicker at their base than at their tip.

Golden Rod

How to Grow and Care for Golden Rod in Your Garden The Golden Rod plant is an herbaceous perennial defined by its bright yet small and dense clusters of yellow flowers. These beautiful blooms sit atop the tall green stems from July through September. Native to North America, Mexico, and Eurasia, these plants are commonly found in woodlands, meadows, prairies, swamps, and gardens. Golden Rod: The Perfect Plant for Adding Color and Texture This perennial is simple to grow and will flourish in various conditions. It's drought-tolerant and possesses attractive nectar alongside tasty seeds that will attract an array of curious bees, butterflies, and birds. Part of the Aster botanical family, this plant is resistant to deer. It's also not prone to any serious diseases or insect problems. The Plant will extend up to a size of between three and seven feet and a width of six to eight feet. Depending on the specific species, this plant may have one or multiple wooden stems erecting from its roots. The stems tend to be very rigid and smooth to the touch. Along its stems, this herbaceous plant alternates dark green leaves between two and a half and three and a half inches long by one-half to one inch wide. These leaves are typically serrated and can be smooth or hairy. This plant gives off a light anise or licorice aroma. Why Golden Rod is an Ideal Choice for Pollinator Gardens Golden Rod produces clusters of flowers at its peak throughout the summer and fall months. Each specific bloom has five ray flowers measuring less than a quarter of an inch. These disk flowers have a total width of around one-third an inch, making them relatively minuscule.Golden Rod loves to grow in clusters, making it the perfect plant for bordering gardens, walkways, and much more. Its invigorating yellow burst of color can provide a great contrast against dark green foliage. Due to its height, this herbaceous plant is commonly chosen by homeowners as an attractive backdrop for household gardens. With its lovely, sweet scent, it can also make the perfect potted patio plant.

Jewelweed

The Benefits of Growing Jewelweed in Your Garden Jewelweed, scientifically known as Impatiens capensis and Impatiens pallida, is a fascinating and versatile plant commonly found in North America. It is renowned for its unique properties and has been used for various purposes for centuries. How to Care for Jewelweed Essential Tips for Thriving Plants One of the most striking features of Jewelweed is its appearance. It typically grows in moist, shaded areas and can reach heights up to five feet. The plant's leaves are oval-shaped and have serrated edges, while its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers come in shades of orange and yellow.  It is often called "touch-me-not" due to its intriguing seed pods that explode upon the slightest touch, scattering seeds in all directions. Jewelweed A Natural Remedy for Skin Irritations and Allergies In conclusion, Jewelweed is a remarkable plant known for its vibrant appearance, unique seed dispersal mechanism, and historical use as a natural remedy for skin irritations. While its effectiveness in treating various skin conditions is still a subject of ongoing research, it holds a special place in traditional herbal medicine and natural remedies.

Larkspur

Larkspur A Beautiful Addition to Your Garden for Vibrant Blooms The Larkspur plant is recognizable thanks to its airy, towering spikes of beautiful blossoms. While the most commonly found hue of these soaring beauties is blue, they also can be found in violet, white, red, yellow, and pink varieties. At full maturity, the traditional species of this plant can reach up to nine feet or more, while more modern versions will reach a maximum height of around four feet. A member of the Ranunculaceae family, this flower's regal spikes are long-lasting, even after they've been cut. The plant can be found in annuals, biennials, and perennials. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, this graceful plant can be called Delphinium, Lark's Claw, Knight's Spur, Consolida Ajacis, and Lark's Heel. One of the most significant attributes that set the Larkspur aside from the rest is how its petals mature. You'll see this plant flower in late spring to late summer. They grow together to create a hollow-like pocket. This pocket will have between two and five spurs near its apex. Each flower will possess a black or white center, known as a bee.  How to Grow Larkspur Tips for Thriving Flowers in Your Garden Its leaves are unique in size and style. This plant usually has between three and seven lobed palmate leaves, with lobes that vary in number and size depending on the individual plant species. Its deep green, soft, fern-like foliage provides the perfect backdrop for summertime blooms.  Larkspur Care Guide Ensuring Healthy Growth and Stunning Blossoms Larkspur plant is known to be deer and drought-resistant. It's low-maintenance, making it the perfect colorful addition to any household garden. This herbaceous plant will surely attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the year's warmer months. Many landscapers will use this versatile plant for garden edging, backdrops, and walkways. Its horizontal prowess, combined with its gorgeous hues, makes it one-of-a-kind in the horticultural world.

Marsh Hibiscus

Why Marsh Hibiscus is a Stunning Addition to Your Garden Marsh Hibiscus, scientifically known as palustris, is a stunning perennial plant native to North America, particularly in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. This vibrant species belongs to the Malvaceae family and is commonly called the Swamp Rose Mallow. It is renowned for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in wetland habitats, adding color to swamps and other saturated areas. Standing tall and majestic, they can reach heights of up to 7 feet (about 2.1 meters). Its growth is characterized by a sturdy, erect stem covered in deep green, lance-shaped leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the plant's eye-catching blossoms. These leaves are often deeply lobed, giving them an attractive, palmate appearance. Growing and Caring for Marsh Hibiscus Tips for Success Their true highlight is their exquisite flowers, which typically bloom mid to late summer. These large, trumpet-shaped blooms can measure 4 to 6 inches across. They come in shades of pink, ranging from pale pastels to vibrant magentas, with a dark crimson center that contrasts dramatically. Each flower boasts a prominent pistil surrounded by a ring of showy stamens, making it a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Besides their visual appeal, Marsh Hibiscus plays a crucial ecological role in wetland ecosystems. Their nectar-rich flowers provide a vital food source for pollinators, while their dense growth helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Furthermore, they offer shelter and nesting sites for various wildlife species. How Marsh Hibiscus Attracts Pollinators to Your Landscape Cultivating them in gardens and landscapes can be rewarding for those with suitable wet or soggy areas. While they thrive in moist soil and full sun, they can also tolerate some shade. Regular watering is essential to mimic their natural habitat, and they respond well to pruning in late winter. Overall, the Marsh Hibiscus is a captivating and ecologically valuable plant that showcases the beauty and resilience of native North American flora, making it a popular choice for both garden enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Milkweed Plant

Why Milkweed Plants Are Essential for Monarch Butterfly Habitats Milkweed Plant is an easy-to-grow plant that is essential for many butterfly gardens. Several characteristics that appeal to gardeners and butterfly watchers alike include its size, flowering time, sturdiness, and natural attraction for butterflies. They are typically found in Zones 3 to 9. It enjoys full sun but can deal with a bit of shade here and there. They usually appear in bunches of strong green stalks that could reach up to 5 feet high but typically 2 to 4 feet. Thanks to the sturdy nature of these stems, there is no need to prop them up; they will stand on their own. The leaves are various shades of green, thick and robust. They grow to about 6 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. It is ideal for planting to place these about 18 inches apart. Additionally, this flower requires no fertilizers and does well in less-than-perfect soil. Their flower pods grow from the top of the flower and are usually found in small groups, producing many flowers at once. The flowers grow to about .75 inches and .4 inches wide. They are generally light to dark pink and let off a lovely, sweet scent. How to Grow and Care for Your Milkweed Plants Fruit pods also grow on Milkweed plants. They are about 4 inches long and shaped like a sphere, with little nubs growing on them. The pods start out green and, as they mature, turn brown. At this stage, they can be used for flower arrangements. Once they dry completely, they will split open. Many seeds can be taken from one pod. Milkweed Plants: The Best Choice for Pollinator Gardens Finally, the Milkweed plant is an ideal and vital flower for Monarch Butterflies. Not only do they eat the leaves, but they also form their chrysalis and mature and hatch on the very same flower.

Miracle Grow Plant Fertilizer Packet

Enhance your plant's growth Enhance your plant's growth and vibrance up to 400% with these miracle grow super fertilizer packets. One packet can fertilize up to 3 perennials, ferns, or vines and use one packet per tree or shrub. Enhance your plants' growth, vitality, and vibrance with our Miracle Grow Plant Fertilizer Packet. Our scientifically formulated fertilizer provides essential nutrients for healthy and thriving plants. Give your garden the boost it needs with just one packet.

Monarda Bee Balm

Monarda Bee Balm A Must-Have for Pollinator Gardens The Monarda Bee Balm is a North American perennial that thrives in woodland areas. It is a genus of blooming plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. Common plant names include Oswego, bergamot, and horsemint. The plants thrive in the sun and well-drained, moist soil. However, they produce fewer flowers and spread horizontally when grown in partial shade. A mature plant is 24 to 48 inches high and 12 inches wide. It does well in rich, wet soil with a pH range of 6.5 and grows best in hardiness zones 4 to 9.  How to Grow and Care for Monarda Bee Balm in Your Garden The Monarda Bee Balm has an open flower shaped like a daisy with tube-shaped petals in the gloom of purple, white, red, and pink. There are fifteen kinds and over fifty different plant cultivars grown in gardens, while some are found in the wild. Their plant's flowering period is from July to August. The Monarda Bee Balm, which is indigenous to North America, got its botanical name from Nicholas Mornadez, a Spanish physician who was the first to discover and define the plant in the 16th century. Early American settlers called it Oswego since the Oswego Indians were using it. Currently, Bergamot is also referred to as Scarlet. Why Monarda Bee Balm Attracts Pollinators and Benefits Your Garden • All pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds, also prefer the plant. • It contains high concentrations of thymol, a potent antiseptic found in mouthwash. Hardy Planting Zones- 4-9 Sun or Shade – Part Shade to Total Sun Mature Height - 3-4' Mature Width- 2-3' Bloom Season – Late Summer Gardener Status- Beginner Soil Type- any moist soil

Purple Coneflower

Why Purple Coneflower Is the Perfect Addition to Your Garden The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a dazzling perennial plant celebrated for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties. Its striking cone-shaped center, surrounded by a burst of purple, pink, or lavender petals, is beautiful. These long-lasting flowers bloom in the summer and grace North American prairies, meadows, and gardens with their beauty. This plant is an exceptional addition to gardens, as they have both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. In warmer zones, they have an extended growing season, allowing for more blooms. They can handle hot summers but may need occasional watering during droughts. Full sun is ideal, but Purple Coneflowers can tolerate partial shade. Purple Coneflowers are cherished for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Goldfinches and other songbirds will all seek out this plant's nourishing seeds.  How to Grow and Care for Purple Coneflower Plants Purple Coneflowers are widely used in landscaping due to their bold, colorful blooms. They are popular in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Due to their ability to propagate quickly, they are commonly used as a bordering plant. A great cool-tone addition to any household garden, this robust plant will grow up to four feet tall and spread between one and a half and two feet wide. A healthy plant can showcase between 25 and 50 prominent flowerheads during its blooming season each year.  As they are native to North America, Purple Coneflowers help restore native plant habitats and support local ecosystems. Benefits of Purple Coneflower for Pollinators and Garden Beauty Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators find the flowers particularly attractive. The seed heads provide food for birds, especially goldfinches. Low-Maintenance Purple Coneflowers are low-maintenance and resilient plants, making them a favorite for both experienced and novice gardeners.  Water regularly until the plants are well established (typically the first growing season). Afterward, they are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Deadheading throughout the summer encourages continuous flowering. In late fall or early winter, you can cut the plant back to ground level or leave the seed heads for winter interest and wildlife. Seeds, division, or cuttings can propagate them. The roots and leaves of Echinacea have traditionally been used in herbal medicine. The most well-known medicinal use of Echinacea is its role in boosting immunity, and reducing the duration and effect of colds, flu, and other infections. Some studies suggest that Echinacea has anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat conditions such as skin irritations.

Rue Anemone

Discover the Beauty and Benefits of Rue Anemone in Your Garden The Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides or Anemonella thalictroides) is a delicate, perennial wildflower. It's native to woodlands in eastern North America. It's often found blooming in early spring, carpeting forest floors with its dainty white or pale pink flowers from March to May. Utterly charming in a shady corner of a garden, it offers a gently colorful influence in a woodsy setting. It usually grows 4 to 9 inches tall. The flowers are small, with 5-10 petal-like sepals (true petals are absent), typically white or light pink. Native to North America, it evokes images of days when wildflowers flourished everywhere. At 6 to 10 inches in height, each plant needs about an equal amount of space. While delicate and fragile in appearance, the plant can resist spring frosts. It is easy to grow and requires only an average amount of water and maintenance. It takes time to rest in the summer after a showy performance in the earlier months.  How to Care for Rue Anemone Essential Tips for a Thriving Plant Rue Anemone thrives in partial to full shade. It’s ideal for woodland gardens or shaded areas of your yard.  A spot under a tree helps the plant receive the dappled sun that allows it to thrive. The leaves' decaying organic material enriches the soil and enhances growing conditions.  Mulching helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and resembles its natural leaf-litter habitat. It’s relatively a low-maintenance plant if you provide the right conditions. Why Rue Anemone is Perfect for Woodland Gardens and Shady Areas Rue anemone is most commonly used to divide mature plants. This is best done in the fall or early spring. Dig up the plant, carefully separate the tuberous roots, and replant them in your desired location. Rue Anemone can be grown from seed, but germination can be slow and requires stratification (cold treatment) to mimic natural winter conditions.