Flowers
By:Alexis Adams
African Lily (Agapanthus)
Native of South America, the African Lily is a genus of herbaceous perennials. The plant bloom best in the summer (they prefer full sun and moist soils) and stand between 2-4 feet tall with a spread of 1-2 feet. Their appearance consists of rounded clusters of flowers. The blossoms are tubular shaped with deep green leaves. Though the traditional color is deep violet blue, the flower may come in different hues of pink, white, or violet. African lilies grow in zones of 9 through 11, they can be grown outdoors year-round. The flowers are also commonly disease resistant and have very few pest problems.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
Amaryllis bloom in the spring and summer but are usually forced to bloom early for the holidays. They are native of South and Central America and the Caribbean. It's a perennial flowering plant and has strap- shaped leaves that are green. They reach from 18 -36 inches in height with a green stem with a little hue of purple. The flower ranges in different colors like white, pink or purple. The fruit of the Amaryllis is capsule with a large heavy seed. Amaryllis can be cultivated in the gardens or as indoor plant.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
The Bleeding Heart is herbaceous perennial plant. It originates from Asia and got instantly popular of its beautiful flower and decorative leaves. This flower has a pinkish green stem that can reach 47 inches height and 18 inches in width. Bleeding heart has bluish green compound leaves that consist of three leaflets is deciduous plant. It discards leaves at the end of the summer and develops pink, heart shaped-flowers with small, white, drop-like hanging part on the bottom side. Fruit of bleeding heart is green seed pod filled with black seed. Native Americans used bleeding hearts in treatment of cough, stomach pain, dizziness and insect bites.
Busy Lizzie ( Impatiens)
Busy Lizzie's are native of Northern Hemisphere and tropical regions. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow from 20 to 78 inches tall. The leaves are shiny and mostly alternate but can be opposite at the top of the plant. These flowers bloom in a variety of colors such as pink, red, white, orange, lilac and a range of bicolored types with white stripes. They bloom from the end of spring until the first frost of the winter and grow in zones from 3- 10 and as a perennial in 10.
Carnation (Dianthus)
The Carnation is a herbaceous perennial plant. They are native of Eurasia and can be pink, white, or purple in color. The pedals on the flower are usually clawed or serrated.The Carnation leaves are narrow and stalk less and their color varies from green to grey-blue or purple. Carnations grow big, full blooms on strong, straight stems, the flower usually 2-3 inches wide. They also typically began to bloom in the spring. Zones for carnations vary from 3-4 or 8-9 and are also popular as potted plants because of their long blooming season.
Coneflower(Echinacea)
The Coneflower is a Native American herbaceous perennial plant. They are daisylike flowers with large heads of composite flowers and raised centers with colors including rose, purple, pink, and white. This plant blooms midsummer (prefers full sun) to fall and can be found in moist or dry prairies. The leaves on the flower are usually hairy with a rough texture and most of the time the margins are entire but sometimes can be crenate. Coneflowers can grow up to 1 to 8 feet tall and the zones are 3-9. Butterflies and birds love this flower.
Daffodil(Narcissus)
Daffodils' are short-necked flowers that are sharply angled toward the stem and the leaves are grey-green leaves. The flowers are usually orange, pink, or white and can grown from 6 inches to 3 feet. Daffodil's typically bloom in the spring and require part or full sun. They're native to western Europe and can be found in woods and grassland with zones 3-9.
Dahlia(Dahlia)
Dahlia's are herbaceous plants that are native to Western Europe and prefer full sun. The bloom from July to September.This flower comes in various colors like red, pink, lavender, purple, orange, yellow and white; the flower head is composite. They can grow up to 6 feet and 3 feet wide. In 1963, this plant was listed as Mexico's national flower. They can handle almost any type of weather but for best results grow them in the sun and soil with a lot of organic matter in it.
African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
African Marigold's are annual, perennial, and mostly herbaceous plants. They're native to Mexico and Central America. This plant is often called the Mexican Marigold or Aztec Marigold. Gold, yellow, white, and orange are the most common colors and they have green pinnate leaves. Marigolds can be up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. For best results, full sun coverage is highly recommended. The zones for this plant is 2-11. The good thing about Marigolds is that they need little maintenance.
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)
Flamingo Flower's are herbaceous perennial plants. They're native to Colombia and Ecuador. These plants are noted for their waxy, palette shaped, bright red spathes and dark green foliage. It has drooping dark green leaves with a long stem. Part sun is the best sun availability for best bloom growth and they bloom freely. Flamingo flower grow from 1 to 1/2 feet tall and can be used as houseplants. Zones are 11-12. Anthurium leaves are poisonous, so be sure the be cautious if wanting to plant them and keep soil evenly moisted.
Peruvian Lily(Alstromeria)
Peruvian Lilies are Native to Chile and can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Found in zones 7-10, Peruvian Lillie's come in colors yellow, red, purple, white, or orange. The leaves on the plant are alternately arranged and the blades have smooth edges. They usually bloom in the summertime, in June or July. Full sun exposure produces a great amount of Peruvian lillies but they can tolerate partial shade. The plants are mostly used as cut flowers. Maintenance is medium.
Rose (Rosa)
One of the most common and popular flowers, rose's are a woody perennial plant that is native to Asia, while others originate from Europe, North America and Africa.There are over 100 different species of roses.Wild roses can survive in various habitats, except those associated with extremely cold winters.They can be found in different shades of white, yellow, pink, orange and red colors. Leaves on the flower are alternate and thorns are on the stem. Zones are usually 4-9 and roses can grow from 3 to 20 feet.
Sunflower (Helianthus)
A very well-known and popular plant, sunflowers are native to North America with the exception of some being native to Central America. Sunflowers can grow up to feet tall. They have yellow ray florets but can also come in red, mahogany, or have bicolor rays. Spring is the best time to plant sunflowers. They have two different leave types: alternate or alternate.Young sunflower plants orient their heads toward the sun. Zones are 4-9.
Tulip (Tulipa)
Another common flower is the tulip. There are 75 wild species of tulips. They are native to central Asia and were brought to Europe in the 16th century.These plants live in temperate climate, with cold spring that lasts extended period of time and come and all colors. Tulips are in the shape of a cup and has 3 petals and 3 sepals. Leaves are strap-shaped and covered with wax. They are spirally arranged on the stem and can grow up to 3 feet tall.Tulip do not live long period of time, but they can continue growing even after removing the flower from the ground. Zones are 3-8.
Gerberas daisy (Gerberas)
Gerberas are native to South America, Africa, and Asia. They're herbaceous perennial plants. They bloom in almost every color (except true blues and purples) and produce large flowers on long, thick stems. Gerbera is very popular and widely used as a decorative garden plant or as cut flowers.The prefer full sun and can grow from 6 to 12 inches. Zones are 8-10 feet.