7 Flowers That Look Like Thistles But Won’t Take Over Your Garden

Thistles often get a bad rap as invasive weeds that can quickly take over a garden. While some types of thistles do fit that description, there are many thistle-like flowers that provide wildlife benefits without becoming a nuisance These thistle lookalikes add unique textures and colors to the garden. Their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators while … Read more

orange lily with black spots

The Beautiful and Bold Orange Tiger Lily The tiger lily, with its vibrant orange petals covered in dark spots, is one of the most eye-catching flowers you can grow. This hardy perennial thrives in gardens across much of North America. Its summertime blooms add a pop of color and act as a magnet for hummingbirds … Read more

Keeping Your Dianthus Safe: Choosing Varieties Resistant to Deer and Rabbits

Dianthus, commonly known as carnations or pinks, are popular flowering plants grown for their ruffled, colorful blooms and clove-like fragrance. However, many gardeners struggle to keep these prized plants safe from voracious deer and rabbits that can demolish a garden. Fortunately, certain varieties of dianthus possess natural resistance to these hungry herbivores. Read on to … Read more

‘Jeana’ Phlox Named 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year

The Perennial Plant Association has announced ‘Jeana’ phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’) as the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year. This coveted award is given annually to a perennial judged to be a superior plant for widespread use based on its multiple appealing attributes. About the Perennial Plant Association The Perennial Plant Association is a trade … Read more

12 Flowers That Look Like Chrysanthemums

With their bold, bright blooms, chrysanthemums are a staple in fall gardens and flower arrangements. But did you know there are many other flowers that closely resemble the familiar “mum”? From daisies to asters, let’s explore 12 beauties that could easily be mistaken for chrysanthemums. Shasta Daisy The classic perennial Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) … Read more

The Wide Spectrum of Pansy Colors

Pansies are beloved cool weather annuals that add vibrant pops of color to gardens, containers and landscapes. Often described as “the face flower” due to their blotches and markings, pansies come in a remarkably broad array of hues. From rich jewel tones to pastel shades, pansies exhibit incredible diversity in their coloring. When selecting pansy … Read more

Pretty but Problematic: Flowers That Resemble Phlox

Phlox are iconic flowering perennials loved for their dense, colorful blooms However, some look-alike flowers actually aren’t phlox at all One in particular is an invasive plant that can threaten natural habitats. Learning to identify key differences helps avoid mistakes. The Issue of Look-Alike Flowers Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a popular border plant grown … Read more

Perennial Flowers for the Vegetable Garden: 12 Beautiful Choices to Attract Pollinators and Deter Pests

Adding perennial flowers to your vegetable garden can provide multiple benefits beyond just visual appeal. With their ability to return year after year, perennials establish a stable framework in the garden and continue providing ecological services over time. From attracting pollinators to deterring pests, read on to discover 12 of the best perennial flowers to … Read more