Creeping zinnia is normally planted from potted nursery starts in the spring after the threat of frost has passed, though it is also easy to grow from seed. Like most true annuals, it is a fast-growing plant that will flower in its first season—about 10 weeks after seeds are planted. Creeping zinnia is often planted in spring from potted nursery plants after the soil has fully warmed in the spring and nighttime temperatures are reliably above 50 degrees Fahrenheit....

The genus Pentas, species lanceolata, belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which includes other beloved ornamentals like gardenias, as well as plants with economic importance like coffee. You may see pentas described on plant tags by the common names star flower, Egyptian star flower, or star cluster. You can grow pentas anywhere as an annual; in growing zones 9 and warmer the plants may even perennialize. Many gardeners choose penta transplants to start in the garden, but you can try planting fresh pentas seed saved from last year’s flowers, or start softwood cuttings taken early in the growing season....

The Endless Summer bloom habit provides flowers from spring through to late summer. With its rounded growth habit and dense, broadly ovate green leaves, it is the perfect flowering shrub for foundation plantings, containers, perennial flower borders, and anywhere in your landscape where you want colorful blooms. Hydrangeas are toxic to humans and dogs, cats, and horses. Light Endless Summer hydrangeas grow best in partial sun. A location that receives morning sun and dappled afternoon shade is ideal....

Fragrant sumac will not win all the awards for the most beautiful shrub, but it is not unattractive, especially in the fall when its foliage becomes colorful and bright red berries are produced. It excels throughout the year in its ability to sustain pollinators and wildlife, control erosion, and have almost zero serious pests and disease issues. A native with these traits makes planting fragrant sumac a no-brainer in a place that might need some erosion control or just some fall interest....

Goldenrod can be planted in the fall or spring, either from potted nursery starts or seeds. Some cultivars grow rapidly and can spread aggressively. Goldenrods will reach full size in just a couple of months. Light Goldenrod craves full sun for optimal flowering. The plant will tolerate a bit of shade, though a shady location can reduce its blooms. Soil Goldenrod is not overly picky about soil but it must be well-drained with a pH in the acidic-to-neutral range....

Hoptree leaves are composed of three ovate leaflets that are a glossy dark green color before turning to greenish-yellow or golden in the fall. The shrub’s bark is a reddish-brown to gray-brown color. In the late spring, clusters of small greenish-white flowers appear, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. But overall, the plant is grown for its foliage. The shrub’s flowers, along with its foliage and bark when crushed, give off a musky, slightly lemony odor....

The size of the Japanese maple differs by variety and cultivar. It can range from a shrub to a small tree. The shape is usually round or vase-like. It may also have a weeping shape. The Japanese maple tree is renowned for its striking foliage. The leaves have five to nine palmate lobes. They may come in green or red (or both). In the fall, the leaves will turn to brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, or purple....

As with many deciduous shrubs, spring is the best time to plant Korean spice viburnum, as this gives the plant plenty of time to develop a good root system before winter. Like most viburnums, this is a relatively slow grower, adding 1 to 2 feet per year until it reaches its mature size of about 6 feet. Some cultivars are shorter plants, but these are even slower growing, still requiring at least three years to reach their mature size and begin producing flowers....

Onions should be planted in the spring, and they have a moderate growth rate. They can be planted from seeds, transplants (seedlings that have just sprouted), or sets (small onion bulbs that are about to begin their second, final year of growth). Note that onions are toxic to pets due to their chemical compounds, so be mindful about where you plant them. Onion seeds are usually started indoors approximately six weeks prior to the outdoor soil temperature being around 50 degrees Fahrenheit....

Also known as the radiator plant, peperomia is neither as striking as begonias nor as hardy as dracaena, which might account for their relatively low profile in the world of houseplants. But peperomia might have all the features you’re looking for in a good indoor plant: They tolerate a range of growing conditions, sport interesting foliage, and stay relatively small. Light Peperomia does not need lots of sun and generally prefers to grow in partial shade....

During the first growing season, keep new plants well-watered with one to two inches of water per week if rainfall is insufficient. Red Currant Care Established shrubs do not require much maintenance; they are tough and forgiving but be careful not to damage the shallow roots when weeding. Light Red currants need full sun at least for half of the day. In warmer climates, they do best with full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon, as intense sunlight can burn the leaves....

These plants grow at a moderate pace and can take a few years to reach blooming maturity when started from seed. They are best planted in the spring or fall from potted nursery plants or root divisions. Be aware that Solomon’s seal contains cardiac glycosid chemicals, which are mildly toxic to humans and animals. The berries contain the highest concentration of these toxins. Solomon’s seal does not require deadheading (removing spent blooms)....

Strawberry Vanilla™ is normally planted as a potted nursery specimen in early fall or spring. Like most Hydrangea paniculata cultivars, it is a fast-growing plant that often achieves full size within a year. This is a shrub that blooms on new growth, so prune it in late winter or early spring. It usually grows best as a multi-stem shrub, but you can also create a tree-like appearance by selecting a central leader and pruning off the other stems....

Weeping katsura is a fast-growing tree that should be planted in the fall. Don’t be surprised if it does not look like a weeping tree from the start. It will initially take on a pyramidal form before rounding out. Its pendulous branches fan out before sweeping the ground. Light Plant the tree in a location with dappled sun, full sun, or partial shade. Soil The weeping katsura will grow best in a rich, well-drained soil....

The species is not without merit; it is somewhat attractive, mostly due to the tomentose underside of its leaves, which along with its bark, gives the tree its name, white poplar. (Tomentose means a leaf covered with dense hairs!) The leaves appear white to be white on the bottom. It can be useful as an erosion deterrent in hilly areas near water, especially near coastal areas that might be affected by salt water, because the species has a high salt tolerance....

You should plant the peanut butter tree in spring in a spot that receives full to partial sun. Opt for a location that doesn’t draw heavy drainage from rain, as your plant can develop root rot in overly wet soil. Since these plants are usually drought-tolerant, they don’t require much watering. Light The peanut butter tree does best with full sun, but in hotter areas, some afternoon shade can help keep the flowers from wilting too fast in midsummer....

Like most cucumber plants, white wonder is planted after the last frost in spring. The vining foliage grows rapidly, and the fruit is ready to harvest about two months after the planting date. White Wonder Cucumber Care Light As with most vegetables, white wonder cucumbers require full sun for best production. At least six hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal. Stunted growth may be an indication that your white wonder cucumbers are not receiving enough light....

Identifying a Root-Bound Plant Before you buy a plant, turn the plant over and examine the bottom of the container. If you see roots poking through the drainage holes, chances are good that the specimen is root-bound (the condition is sometimes known as being pot-bound). Severely root-bound plants may even be hard to remove from the pot since the roots can be firmly entwined through the drainage holes. It is also perfectly fine to inspect the root ball by sliding the entire plant out of its container....