1. Oxalis triangularis
Oxalis triangularis, more commonly known as purple shamrocks, is an easy-care flowering houseplant and garden addition that thrives in low-light conditions. Perfect as both ground cover and an edger or front borderer in any bordered garden beds, blooming spring or summer, producing trumpet-shaped five-petalled blooms of purple, pink, or white color depending on which variety is grown.
Like any plant, Oxalis needs the proper amount of light and water to remain healthy. While it tolerates low light environments like shade or being under trees, bright indirect sunlight keeps its vibrant colors looking their best. Though hardy enough for outdoor climate zones 6-11, this hardy plant prefers long-term houseplant cultivation in more relaxed indoor environments with lower temperatures.
Oxalis doesn’t need repotting as frequently, but every few years, it can benefit from being moved into a fresh container with a well-draining soil mix. Repotting is straightforward – remove its entire rootball from its old container and replant it into another one with the new, well-draining mix.
One of the biggest mistakes people make with their oxalis plants is failing to provide adequate lighting. If your plant appears leggy or sparse, chances are it’s not receiving enough illumination. Try moving its pot somewhere with direct or medium sunlight – it will soon rebloom into lush growth again and become much fuller! Just be wary not to expose its leaves too quickly in direct sunlight; signs that this has happened include dry and crispy edges on its leaves.
2. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are one of the most beloved houseplants, beloved by gardeners of all abilities and non-gardeners alike. Not only are their blooms stunningly beautiful, but their leaves purify our air, too – not to mention being easy to care for! These elegant flowers make great additions to dark areas within homes and office or hospital settings.
Peace Lilies often tolerate low light conditions without producing flowers, yet still look lush and healthy. However, if their foliage begins to turn brown or yellow and leggy over time, it could indicate that they’re not getting enough light; adding an overhead light source or table lamp might help, or moving closer may also work to your advantage.
As soon as spring and summer arrive, feed your Peace Lilies an organic houseplant food tailored explicitly for indoor plants – this will encourage them to bloom again!
If you decide to report your Peace Lily, be mindful that only one or two pot sizes up are necessary – too much space can cause their leaves to droop!
Repotting requires carefully disentangling roots to separate them before transplanting them in a container filled with Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix.
Introducing Peace Lilies gradually to brighter conditions can prevent burn-off. Their leaves may drop suddenly from too much light exposure, gradually increasing their exposure. They’re also known for being dramatic in watering; when their needs arise, they’ll show it by drooping and dropping leaves.
3. Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis), commonly known as Lily of the Valley (LOV), is one of the first flowers to bloom each spring and makes an excellent ground cover plant in meadow gardens, cottage gardens, or woodland settings. LoV can even tolerate partial shade under established shrubs! LOV spreads quickly – often outshaded by nearby plants – while its foliage remains attractive.
Like many orchid family plants, lily of the valley flowers are toxic if eaten and should be stored away from children and pets. When consumed, they contain toxins that cause stomach aches, blurred vision, heart problems, and drowsiness; in severe cases, this toxicity may even result in death.
Christian tradition holds that the lily of the valley represents humility and purity, making it a popular choice for bridal bouquets. Legend has it that it began life from Mary and Eve’s tears after they were driven out of Eden; today, it serves as Finland’s national flower and is popular in Britain as sympathy and funeral bouquets.
Lily of the Valley rhizomes can be purchased online or at garden centers and usually thrive when planted in the fall. Choose a location in partial to full shade with plenty of rich compost or well-rotted manure before watering thoroughly – being careful not to get any on its leaves to prevent fungus problems from forming! Once established, this perennial requires minimal upkeep – simply spreading some mulch or aged manure as late fall maintenance.
4. Lily of the Nile
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus and hybrids with it) is a summer-blooming perennial that adds color and attracts pollinators, making an excellent addition to gardens in USDA zones 9-11. Native to southern Africa, this species grows upright clumps from fleshy rhizomes that produce short tuberous roots – perfect for pollinators!
These perennials thrive in full sun and require minimal shading. They thrive in sandy, loamy soil or clay enriched with composted organic matter, are drought tolerant but bloom best when planted near water features or ponds, and even thrive in containers.
Agapanthus plants can be propagated easily by separating their rhizomes in late winter or early spring. Seed propagation can also be achieved, though this requires more extraordinary patience and care in its execution.
Once you have your rhizomes, plant them in full sun, where they will receive at least six hours of daily sunshine. Some cultivars are cold hardier than others, so choose one appropriate to your climate. For instance, ‘Blue Heaven’ is an award-winning blue-flowered hybrid that produces eighty flowers per cluster and was given the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit award.
“Northern Star” lily is another hardy species, producing pure white trumpet-shaped blooms up to 76 cm tall. A hybrid between African lilies and Purple Cloud varieties, it makes an excellent choice for areas subject to frost damage but which still require mild winter protection.
5. Sunflower
Sunflowers have long been considered an icon of Americana, but did you know they follow the sun throughout their daily journey? Sunflowers are unique amongst flowers in that they physically turn towards sunlight throughout their daily journey — this phenomenon is known as heliotropism.
Sunflowers may be well known, with their classic yellow petals and deep brown centers, but did you know they come in a range of other colors, too? Yellow and burgundy varieties are two more commonly seen types; red and orange sunflowers add some flair. Sunflowers are easy to grow and make an eye-catching focal point or backdrop in any garden; plus, their seeds can provide food for birds in feeder areas. After your flowers fade away, harvest the roots using this simple method: cut off each head, place them in a paper bag, and hang them in a dark and warm location until dry enough. Once done, you can roast or consume them like pumpkin/squash seeds.
Sunflowers thrive best in sunny locations with long, warm summers; beds, borders, or containers all work fine if planted appropriately with good drainage; too much water can cause their leaves to turn yellow, and over-compacted roots can hinder their development.
The large petals of a sunflower attract bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators like honeybees and bumblebees to its pollen-laden anthers; when these insects visit, they collect pollen from its male parts (known as anthers) before moving it onto its female parts ( known as stigmas) where it fertilizes and helps produce seeds.
