Most likely native to Southeast Asia, colocasia (Colocasia esculenta, Zones 7b–12) is used by many gardeners for its large, tropical-looking foliage. This plant also has a long history of being used in cooking. Visitors to Hawaii are often treated to poi, a starchy Polynesian edible food paste made from its rootlike corm. Common names of colocasias include taro, eddo, dasheen, and elephant’s ear. Elephant’s ear is the most commonly used common name, but that can be confusing because plants called elephant’s ear come from several different genera, including Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma, all of which are members of the arum family (Araceae). While there are several different species of colocasia, cultivars and hybrids of Colocasia esculenta are the main ones you will find being sold in garden centers to home gardeners.
The Best Plants For USDA Zone 6
28.06.2023 - 08:59 / southernliving.com
Cold winters, warm summers, and a mid-length growing season mean plenty of planting options for USDA Zone 6. From bulbs like crocus and daffodils to woody shrubs like the azalea, the floral offerings for Zone 6 are top notch. But knowing when to plant, when to prune, and when to throw in the towel for a less finnicky flower (looking at you, rose) is key. Here we’ve listed some of the best plants to grow in USDA Zone 6 along with information to help you determine if it’s the right pick for your yard.
01of 13Herbaceous Perennial: Astilbe (Astilbe Japonica)These shade-loving perennials grow in clump-like formations. They feature fern-like leaves and feathery plumes in shades ranging from white to burgundy that appear in late spring and early summer. Astilbe require rich, moist soil, and can stand a little sunlight in more northern locations. They can be planted in either the spring or fall, but you’ll want to avoid summer planting. If plants start to get too full or you want to plant more, you can divide existing mature plants as they spread quickly and easily. They like deep watering every week. Mulch in the spring with organic bark mulch to help maintain appropriate soil moisture levels. Deadheading is not essential though you can opt to do so after flowers fade to keep the plant looking tidy. Prune to the ground in the fall to reduce chance of disease and other concerns.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 Bloom/Foliage Color: white, pink, red/burgundy Light Requirements: partial to full shade Soil Requirements: moist, well drained Water Requirements: heavy watering every week 02of 13Woody Shrub: Azalea (Rhododendron)Azaleas come in many varieties and are native to the United States and Asia. They are typically between six- to
The Best Colocasias to Add Tropical Flair to Your Summer Garden
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This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Each gardening location has unique en
The Best Types Of Garden Beans To Grow In The South
It’s hardly a meal in the South without green beans on the table! Fortunately, the common garden bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, even if it’s your first garden. Sometimes called snap beans, garden beans are inexpensive seeds and fast growers, with some types ready in as little as 50 days. They’ll produce bumper crops so you’ll have plenty of green beans to cook fresh, freeze or pickle. With top picks fromAll-American Selections (AAS), which trials seed performance for home gardeners, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, extension services at Clemson University, North Carolina State University, Louisiana State University, University of Georgia, and University of Kentucky, here are the best types of beans to grow in the South:
How to Buy Best Poinsettias | Poinsettia Buying Guide
Poinsettias spell holiday spirit like no other plant. With vibrant seasonal colors, they are one of the easiest ways to decorate your home during the Christmas season. However, to get the best specimens, you need to consider many things, and to help you out, we bring you a guide on How to Buy the Best Poinsettias!
17 of the Best Wisteria Varieties
Quick! Picture a wisteria vine. I bet you conjured up something with lilac flowers on long racemes. Maybe you even imagined an aggressive woody vine that will try to take over your garden.Forget all that.While yo
9 of the Best Pomegranate Varieties to Grow at Home
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11 of the Best Light Meters for Houseplants and Indoor Gardening
You may have heard that a light meter is an incredibly helpful tool to keep your houseplants happy or to assist you in attaining indoor gardening excellence – almost like a magic wand!But these tools come with a variety of features and are availa
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When you think about xerophytic or drought-adapted plants, you might immediately picture a saguaro cactus and other similar species, and you’re not wrong – but there are so many more, and a lot of them are colorful flowers, useful herbs, and beautiful trees.We link to vendors to help you find relevant products.
15 of the Best Italian Eggplant Varieties
Eggplant, Solanum melongena, is suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10.It prefers full sun and organically-ric
Verbena Growing Tips for Warm Zones
Verbena is a genus containing about 250 species, many of which also simply go by “verbena” in common parlance, or if we’re lucky, something like the highly specific “purple verbena.”When I saw that my colleague here at Garden
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Life feels like a nonstop grind of weighing different options, doesn’t it?“Creamy or crunchy?” “Denim or khaki?” “Do I tell them how I