Mandevilla is a flowering vine native to Central and South America. Its dazzling, trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy green foliage make it a favorite for gardens, landscapes, and containers. The plant flourishes in Southern California’s Mediterranean climate,...
“Old roses tend to be stable, long-lived, and sturdy, especially when grown from cuttings. Many show a strong resistance to black spot and other diseases. The unforgettable ‘true rose’ fragrance is not found in the modern hybrids. Old roses have an...
Roses are one of the best medicinal and culinary plants. If used for these purposes, they should be grown organically. Toxic pesticides and other chemicals will compromise their medicinal and food value. Spraying the plants with synthetic poisons is a bad idea if you...
Beautiful and fragrant, the rose is the most beloved flower in the US. It’s also our national flower. Roses come in many varieties and grow in all 50 states. Here, we offer descriptions of and care for the most popular types. Patented Rose Most new roses are...
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergerera x buckleyi) originated in the jungles of Brazil, where it grows on tree branches. Although happy on trees, it’s equally content in pots. It looks glorious in hanging baskets or footed pots, where its graceful branching habit is...
There are many good fall choices for gardeners in Southern California, although the temperature, moisture or the lack thereof, wind, and soil may be challenging. Flower colors and vegetable flavor are better for fall crops because of cooler temperatures during...