Everyone knows that roses are red (and other colors, too), but so many other flowers come in crimson shades, too! Red is such a bold, romantic color- and it belongs in your yard.

The list below celebrates 11 perennial red flowers that bring vivid color to the garden year after year.

1. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

In spring, wild columbine produces unique, drooping flowers on tall stalks, with bright red spurs jutting upward and sunny yellow centers facing down. Its distinctive foliage makes an attractive groundcover, with deeply lobed leaves that somewhat resemble a rabbit’s paw.

This native of eastern North American woodlands thrives in part shade and moist soil rich in organic matter. It grows best in USDA zones 3-8.

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

The tubular, lipstick-red blossoms of cardinal flower bloom in terminal spikes from late summer into fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. A tall plant, it can reach up to four or five feet high. The shiny, lanceolate leaves have serrated edges and grow from branched stems.

This native wildflower thrives in zones 3-9. It appreciates full sun to part shade and rich, moist to wet soil.

3. Peony (Paeonia hybrids)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Known for their large, showy, ruffled flowers, peonies come in a range of colors, including bold shades of red. This woody to herbaceous perennial grows one to three feet tall, sometimes needing extra support to keep the heavy blossoms erect.

Peonies like deep, well-drained, fertile soils in full sun to part shade and good air circulation. They can be grown in zones 3-8.

4. Crimson Beebalm (Monarda didyma)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Well-loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, crimson beebalm produces tight terminal clusters of scarlet tubular flowers in summer. Its leaves give off a minty fragrance when crushed. Crimson beebalm grows up to four feet tall and readily spreads via underground stolons.

A native of eastern North America, crimson beebalm is hardy in zones 4-9. It thrives in moist soils with good drainage in full sun but will tolerate light shade.

5. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Though coneflower is perhaps best known for having pinkish-purple or yellow petals, some cultivars come in striking red hues. This upright, clumping perennial grows up to three feet tall and feeds butterflies with its nectar and songbirds with its seeds.

Tolerant of drought, heat, light shade, poor soil, and rocky conditions, coneflower thrives in full sun and moist to dry, well-drained soil. It grows best in zones 3-8.

6. Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Scarlet sage blooms continuously throughout the summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with its loose whorls of tubular flowers. It grows one to three feet tall and often self-sows, making it great for mass plantings, borders, and cottage gardens.

Native to the southern US and Mexico, scarlet sage is winter hardy in zones 8-10. It thrives in sandy, fertile soil and full sun to part shade.

7. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

The soft, ferny foliage of yarrow provides a beautiful backdrop to its flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers, which range in color from white to crimson. It has a tendency to spread aggressively in ideal conditions, making it a good choice for a ground cover, naturalized areas, or even a lawn alternative.

Yarrow likes well-drained soil in full sun. It thrives in zones 3-9.

8. Dahlia (Dahila spp.)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Though rather high maintenance, dahlias are worth it for their showy late-season blooms. The numerous cultivars vary widely in bloom shape, color, and size, and the plants can grow anywhere from one to six feet tall.

Dahlias thrive in zones 7-10 in full to part sun and moist, fertile, well-drained soil. To overwinter them in colder regions, dig up the tubers in autumn, dry them, and store them in dry sand or vermiculite at 35 to 45 degrees F.

9. Astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Some varieties of astilbe bloom all season, from late spring into fall. Tall stalks hold the feathery plumes of tiny flowers above attractive, mounded foliage that ranges from dark green to bronze. These lovely plants grow well in borders, containers, woodland gardens, and along ponds and streams.

Astilbe prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil in part shade, though it will tolerate full sun with constant moisture. It thrives in zones 3-9.

10. Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Loved for its large, papery, cup-shaped flowers, oriental poppy blooms in midsummer for a vibrant display before dying back. A rosette of gray-green, finely divided foliage reemerges in fall and persists through winter, finally growing upward again in spring.

Oriental poppy appreciates good drainage and full sun. It does not tolerate heat or humidity well and grows best in zones 3-7.

11. Red Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

Red hibiscus blooms in late summer and early fall, producing large, striking flowers up to six inches across. This stunning plant grows an impressive six to eight feet tall, perfect for back borders, and often attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

This native of marshes and swamps of the southeastern US prefers moist, occasionally wet soil in full to part sun. It thrives in zones 5-9.

Do You Have a Shady Garden? Try One of These 5 Red Shade Perennials

Image credit: Depositphotos.

There are red flowers for every type of garden, whether in full sunlight or shade. A low-light garden doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful flowers- even red ones! Add a few of these striking red perennials that don’t mind the shade.

Options include bleeding hearts and coral bells.

Add a Pop of Color with 11 Showy Annual Red Flowers

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

While perennials certainly have their benefits, the quickest way to get some show-stopping crimson blooms into your garden is to plant annuals. Here are 11 annual red flowers to try. Plant one, or them all, each season to get a quick pop of color! Our favorites include petunias, zinnias, and geraniums.

Read more:

29 Perennials That Multiply Easily and Fill the Empty Garden Spaces

11 Bright Beautiful Yellow Perennials to Add to the Garden

Many flowers are pretty but effervescent, delighting us with their beauty for only a few short weeks each year. While these plants certainly have a place in the garden, sometimes we just want a flower that blooms for a longer period of time.

The following long-lasting annual flowers will ensure you have blooms in the garden all season long. That way we can enjoy them all summer long as we sit on the back porch and appreciate a few slower days (hopefully).

1. Floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

The fluffy, aster-like blooms of floss flower persist from mid-spring until frost, gracing the garden with shades of white, pink, or blue. It forms clumping mounds six inches to a foot tall and grows equally well in containers and beds.

Though moderately drought-tolerant, floss flower appreciates moist, well-drained soil in full sun.

2. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Image credit: Depositphotos.com.

Sweet alyssum produces masses of tiny, white to lavender flowers in spring and fall, though it may slow down in the heat of summer. This low-growing self-sower is excellent for edging, filling in between taller plants, or growing between stepping stones.

Good drainage is essential, in either full sun or part shade. Cutting the plant back in summer will encourage reblooming.

3. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

With their long stems and vivid colors, zinnias make excellent cut flowers in addition to being striking bedding plants. The many species and cultivars available provide a range of sizes, from eight inches to four feet tall, as well as variations in flower appearance.

Zinnias require full sun for the best blooms, and they appreciate well-drained soil and good air circulation. Learn more about growing zinnias.

4. Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

An upright, somewhat bushy, sprawling tropical plant, angelonia needs neither staking nor deadheading. This low-maintenance, long-lasting flower brings cheer with spikes of small, snapdragon-like blooms in shades of white, pink, and blue.

Angelonia has good tolerance to drought, heat, and humidity. For best results, plant it in full sun in moist, well-drained, fertile soil. It may overwinter in USDA zones 9-11.

5. Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

The spherical, clover-like flower heads of globe amaranth bloom from spring into fall and retain their color when dried, so you can continue to enjoy them long after the first frost. Different varieties offer shades of pink, purple, or white and grow from one to two feet tall.

This easygoing plant thrives in well-drained soil in full sun, though it will tolerate partial shade and drought.

6. Spider Flower (Cleome houtteana)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Spider flower is named for the long anthers spreading out from its clusters of white to pink flowers, giving it a unique wispy look. At three to six feet tall, it makes a great back border plant with lower-growing plants in front to provide some extra support and hide any bare lower stems.

Spider flower prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun but will tolerate part shade.

7. Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Though just six to 12 inches tall, annual phlox produces showy clusters of white to red flowers with contrasting eyes. It blooms from spring to early summer and again in the fall. In ideal conditions, it will reseed itself for blooms that return year after year.

This Texas native tolerates drought and thrives in full to part sun and well-drained, preferably sandy, soil.

8. False Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

The tiny, lavender-pink flowers of false heather bloom profusely throughout the summer and until frost. This small, rounded evergreen shrub grows two feet tall and wide and is commonly grown as an annual in zones 9 and colder.

False heather thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates drought, salt, and many soil types.

9. Creeping Zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Also called dwarf sunflower, creeping zinnia has leaves resembling those of a zinnia and cheery yellow blossoms that resemble miniature sunflowers. This mat-forming annual grows to just six inches tall but spreads up to 18 inches wide.

Native to dry, rocky hills of Mexico and Guatemala, creeping zinnia tolerates drought and dry soils. It prefers well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter and full sun.

10. Garden Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

The unique, fiery flowers of garden coreopsis have golden petals that bleed into a reddish base and a reddish-purple center. This North American wildflower does well in mass plantings and as cut flowers, and it will happily reseed.

Garden coreopsis prefers light, sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. It tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil, and it actually performs best when crowded.

Other Annuals That Deserve a Spot in Your Garden for the Summer

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Annuals might need to be replanted every year, but they tend to grow fast and offer diverse colors in the garden. Long-lasting blooms are a great start. Adding other pops of color, like purple and red, can help you achieve the color blend that makes your yard feel like you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix!

Read more

11 Annual Flowers that Attract Bees

These Annual Flowers Will Fill Your Garden With Sweet Scents

Growing native plants is a great way to support pollinators like butterflies and bees, songbirds, and other wildlife. Even the smallest patio garden can provide much-needed habitat for native creatures. And it doesn’t have to be difficult! Many beautiful native wildflowers, such as those listed here, are incredibly easy to grow.

1. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Most of the 300 species of lupine are native to western North America, though a few originate from a region spanning from the Mediterranean down to Tanzania. Hybrids exist as well. In late spring to early summer, its showy spikes of pea-like blossoms bloom in shades of pink, purple, blue, or white.

This herbaceous perennial typically prefers a cooler climate and grows best in USDA zones 4-8. It needs good drainage and full sun to part shade.

2. Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

A unique woodland flower, wild columbine blooms in spring with distinctive downward-facing flowers that feature bright red, upright spurs above a yellow center. Shaped something like a bell or an eagle’s claw, these blossoms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Wild columbine prefers moist, organically rich soil in part shade. It thrives in zones 3-8.

3. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

Named for the dark eye at the center of its golden petals, black-eyed Susan blooms profusely from midsummer until midfall, especially with deadheading. Though a biennial or short-lived perennial, it flowers in its first year. This fast-growing plant reaches two to four feet tall and readily self-sows.

Black-eyed Susans thrive in moist, well-drained soil in full to part sun. This eastern wildflower grows best in zones 3-8.

4. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

The state flower of its namesake, California poppy, sends up vivid orange to creamy white blossoms on tall stalks in spring through midsummer. The silky, cup-shaped flowers wave above mounds of feathery foliage that provide beautiful texture. Deadheading encourages reblooming, but leave some flowers to reseed.

This annual grows best in zones 6-10 and may overwinter in zones 8-10. California poppy tolerates drought and requires well-drained soil in full sun.

5. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

The pinkish-purple, downward-facing petals of purple coneflower open in early summer and continue blooming into fall. These pretty flowers attract pollinators, and the seeds that follow in the brown, domed heads feed songbirds. A self-sowing perennial, purple coneflower grows three to four feet tall and returns year after year.

Purple coneflower is widely adaptable and tolerates a range of soil types and drought. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil and full to part sun in zones 3-8.

6. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

No pollinator garden is complete without milkweed, and swamp milkweed is one of the showiest and easiest to grow. Its clusters of tiny, bright pink flowers begin blooming in early spring and continue into fall for beautiful, season-long color. This striking perennial grows up to five feet tall.

Swamp milkweed grows equally well in full sun and part shade. And though it prefers wet conditions, it will also grow in moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy in zones 3-9.

7. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

Blanket flower produces season-long blooms from spring through late summer. Each large, daisy-like flower has gold-tipped petals with orange-red bases that attach to a reddish center for a striking, fiery display. This herbaceous perennial grows one to three feet tall.

Provided with full sun and good drainage, the blanket flowers will grow happily even in hot, dry conditions. It thrives in zones 3-8.

8. Large-flowered beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Plant large-flowered beardtongue to attract bumblebees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators with its beautiful purple, tubular flowers in late spring and early summer. This perennial grows two feet tall and looks spectacular in mass plantings and meadows.

A versatile, low-maintenance wildflower, large-flowered beardtongue thrives in poor soil, dry conditions, and full sun to part shade. It will grow almost anywhere in zones 3-9.

9. Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

Like blanket flower but an annual, garden coreopsis features long-lasting, bicolor blooms. The notched petals are golden toward the outer edges and red-brown at the base, with reddish-purple centers. Airy, feathery foliage complements the flowers with its own beauty.

Garden coreopsis will grow just about anywhere in zones 2-11. It tolerates poor soil, drought, and heat, though it prefers light, well-drained soil in full sun.

10. White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

True to its name, the white turtlehead has dense spikes of white, two-lipped flowers that resemble a turtle head. This erect, clump-forming perennial blooms midsummer into fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, among other pollinators.

White turtlehead thrives in moist to wet, organically rich soil and full sun to partial shade. It grows best in zones 3-8.

11. Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Towering up to nine feet tall, the compass plant blooms prolifically in summer with sunny yellow, sunflower-like flowers. This perennial wildflower gets its common name from the tendency of its leaves to point north and south.

Compass plants grow in zones 3-8 and prefer moist, well-drained soil in full sun.

12. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

A unique species of milkweed, butterfly weed, produces striking orange flower clusters throughout the summer. This clump-forming perennial grows one to three feet tall and freely self-sows, though removing the unripe seed pods can prevent this if desired.

Tolerant of drought and poor soil, butterfly weed thrives in full sun and dry to medium, well-drained soil. It grows best in zones 3-9.

Read more:

8 Wildflower Gardening Ideas to Build a Colorful Yard

23 Wildflowers That Grow Themselves and Attract Pollinators

Often chosen for the texture and autumn interest they add to the garden, ornamental grasses have many virtues. Some are tall, towering over most other garden plants, and serve as a visual anchor or a privacy screen. Others form low mounds, tucked in among bright flowers to add softness to the landscape. As you decide which of the numerous types of grasses to add to your garden, also consider companion plants for ornamental grasses.

But first, the grass itself. Native grasses, such as muhly, tufted hair, and blue grama grass, are an excellent choice. With their incredibly deep root systems, native grasses provide erosion control, water filtration, and soil aeration. Many native butterfly larvae feed on native grasses, as do other beneficial insects and songbirds. Native grasses also provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, insects, and other small animals.

In contrast, many non-native ornamental grasses may become weedy and difficult to control, and some have even been declared invasive in certain areas of the country. If you choose to plant a nonnative ornamental grass, confirm first that it is not considered invasive in your state.

Now, what to plant with your beautiful native ornamental grasses?

Companion Plants for Ornamental Grasses

Image credit: Depositphotos

Late-blooming flowers are an obvious and popular choice for ornamental grass companions, as most ornamental grasses bloom in late summer to early fall. This pairing creates a stunning autumn display. However, you may also want to consider providing year-round interest. Some spring flowers will provide beauty early in the growing season before the grasses come into their own. At the same time, a couple of evergreens or winter berry bushes will offer winter interest.

Keep in mind the size and shape of the ornamental grasses you choose. Create balance with different heights and growing habits, and do not bury smaller plants behind taller ones.

1. Black Chokeberry (Aroniamelanocarpa)

Image credit: Depositphotos

Black chokeberry is a wonderfully versatile deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. In late spring, it produces lovely clusters of white flowers. Purple to black berries appear in late summer, and the foliage turns a brilliant red in fall. Its three-season interest makes it a great companion for ornamental grasses, offering spring flowers as the grass emerges and complementing the late-season florescence of the grass with its foliage and berries.

Black chokeberry thrives in USDA zones 3-8 and full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, from shallow and rocky to boggy.

2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover

Blooming midsummer through fall, black-eyed Susans are their showiest about the same time that most ornamental grasses come into their own. Their golden-yellow flowers with brown centers attract butterflies and other pollinators, and the seed heads feed goldfinches in the fall. This native short-lived perennial grows two to four feet high, making it a good match for medium to tall grasses.

Plant black-eyed Susans in full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. They thrive in zones 3-8.

3. False sunflower (Heliopsishelianthoides)

Image credit: Depositphotos

Like the black-eyed Susan, false sunflower blooms midsummer through fall, with sunny yellow flowers attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its seed heads also provide food for songbirds in the fall. Some cultivars, like the ‘Tuscan Sun,’ form a dense but tidy, mounded clump that contrasts nicely with erect ornamental grasses of the same height or taller. False sunflowers grow three to five feet tall and are native to central and eastern North America.

Easy to please, false sunflowers flourish in zones 3-9 and tolerate most soil types, though they prefer moist, well-drained soils and full sun.

4. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache spp.)

Image credit: Depositphotos

A showy, long-blooming perennial hummingbird mint produces fragrant spikes of flowers in shades ranging from red to blue all summer. Most species are native to North America. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and the plant exhibits excellent resistance to rabbits and deer.

Hummingbird mint requires full sun and well-drained soil but tolerates drought and heat. It thrives in zones 5-10.

5. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochiumpurpureum)

Image credit: Depositphotos

Joe Pye weed is another native perennial that adds to the autumnal beauty of ornamental grasses. This erect, clump-forming plant grows as tall as seven feet. Large, domed terminal clusters of pink, vanilla-scented flowers bloom midsummer into fall and are especially attractive to butterflies.

An easy plant to grow, Joe Pye weed is happiest in full to partial sun and average soils with medium moisture. It grows best in zones 4-9.

6. Petunias (Petunia spp.)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover

The abundantly common and wonderfully vibrant petunia is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an annual flowering to pair with ornamental grasses. Petunias can be used to fill in gaps between perennials that have yet to fill out or to create stunning low-growing masses of bright color from spring until frost. Choose from compact or spreading varieties, small or large blooms, and numerous hues, including bicolor. See more ideas for using petunias in your landscape.

Petunias tolerate various conditions but perform best in full sun and well-draining soil.

7. Prairie Zinnia (Zinnia grandiflora)

Image credit: Andrey Zharkikh

Wild zinnia, Rocky Mountain zinnia, prairie zinnia — whatever you want to call it, this little wildflower produces stunning bright yellow blossoms throughout most of the summer. A dense, mounding annual to perennial reaching just eight inches tall and wide, it pairs well with short to medium ornamental grasses.

Native to the southwestern United States, prairie zinnia thrives in zones 4-8 and is widely adaptable. This rugged little plant tolerates extreme heat, cold, rocky soils, and windy conditions. Plant it in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

8. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover

A native prairie wildflower, purple coneflower is a natural choice for an ornamental grass companion. Its cone-shaped flowers with brown centers and pinkish-purple petals draw in butterflies and other pollinators from early summer into mid-fall. They look equally beautiful against a vibrant green backdrop or straw-colored autumn grasses. Leave the seed heads for winter interest and feed songbirds. An erect herbaceous perennial, purple coneflower averages three to four feet tall.

Tolerant of drought, heat, humidity, and partial shade, the purple coneflower can easily grow in a range of conditions in zones 3-8. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained loam.

9. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Image credit: Depositphotos

The varieties of salvia range from fragrant culinary sage to ornamental plants with tall spikes of red, white, or purple flowers. Many of them bloom throughout summer and into fall, providing color both before and during the bloom time of most grasses. The vibrant, tubular flowers provide nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Salvias typically appreciate full sun and well-drained soil with high organic content, and they tolerate drought, salt, and partial shade. With so many species and cultivars, the growing zone varies.

10. Sedum (Sedum spp., Hylotelephium spp.)

Image credit: Backyard Garden Lover

Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent herbaceous perennial with fleshy leaves that may be flat or rounded. While low-growing sedums make excellent groundcover and container plants, the taller varieties pair beautifully with ornamental grasses. Look for late-blooming sedums that will flower in concert with the grasses for a stunning fall display.

Known for their heat and drought tolerance, sedums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, often growing well in zones 3-9.

11. Winterberry Holly (Ilexverticillata)

Image credit: Depositphotos

A slow-growing deciduous shrub or tree, winterberry holly grows three to 15 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. It is best known for the bright red berries that ripen in the fall and provide vibrant color in the winter. It offers a brilliant contrast to the beautiful but muted hues of ornamental grasses late in the season. Though the spring flowers are insignificant, winterberry holly attracts pollinators and provides food for birds.

Plant winterberry holly in moist, acidic soil with good drainage. It grows well in shade or sun and tolerates drought, heat, and soil compaction. It thrives in zones 3-9.

Ornamental grasses are a beautiful addition to the flower garden, and they really shine when paired with the right companion plants. Plus, a grouping of native grasses and wildflowers will have butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and songbirds, bringing additional delight to your garden.

Read more

9 Invasive Ornamental Grasses That’ll Take Over Your Lawn

9 Ornamental Grasses Garden Ideas To Add Texture And Movement To Your Yard

Whether they grow in the sun or shade, perennial yellow flowers bring a golden ray of sunshine to the garden. And since they grow back year after year, you don’t have to worry about replanting them every spring to enjoy their beautiful blooms.

Want more bursts of yellow in your garden? Check out these 11 lovely perennial options.

1. Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The disc-shaped flowers of tickseed typically have eight yellow petals, often notched at the tips, and bloom in spring or early summer. Some species feature a striking reddish band around the eye. With many cultivars and species available, the plants may have anything from ovate to fine, airy foliage.

Most varieties of this native wildflower tolerate drought, heat, and humidity. They typically prefer moist to dry soil with good drainage in full sun and grow in USDA zones 4-9.

2. Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Shrubby, mounding Jerusalem sage grows two to four feet tall and three to five feet wide. From late spring to late summer, the drooping tubular flowers bloom in tiered spikes, somewhat like snapdragons. The soft, wooly, gray-green leaves remain evergreen in regions with mild winters.

A native of the Mediterranean region, Jerusalem sage grows in zones 5-10. It performs best in full sun and dry to moist, well-drained soil.

3. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

From midsummer into fall, black-eyed Susan sends up its characteristic golden-rayed flowers with dark centers. These stunning blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators, and the seed heads feed songbirds in fall.

Black-eyed Susan thrives in moist, well-drained soil in full to part sun. It is hardy in zones 3-8.

4. Leopard’s Bane (Doronicum spp.)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

The bright, daisy-like flowers of leopard’s bane bloom on sturdy stems in spring and make wonderful cut flowers. With 38 species available, some characteristics will vary, with heights ranging from under one foot to as tall as four feet. The leaves are typically heart-shaped and serrated.

Intolerant of heat and humidity, leopard’s bane grows best in zones 4-7, though it may be treated as an annual in warmer areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in part shade.

5. Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma nubigenum)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

In spring, small, narrow-petaled flowers cover the low-growing hardy ice plant. Its thick, fleshy, bright green leaves provide interest year-round, taking on a reddish tinge in the colder months. At just three inches tall, this spreading plant makes an excellent ground cover for rock gardens.

Hardy ice plant grows best in zones 6-9 in full to part sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates drought and salt.

6. Yarrow (Achillea spp.)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The dense, flat-topped flower clusters of yarrow bloom in summer above soft, ferny foliage. These long-lasting flowers work equally well in fresh and dried arrangements, and the fragrant foliage retains its scent when dried.

A hardy plant, yarrow tolerates drought, heat, humidity, and poor soils. It grows in zones 3-9 and requires good drainage and full to part sun.

7. Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Basket-of-gold produces masses of spring flowers that look beautiful cascading over a stone wall. Underneath the blooms is a low, spreading mound of velvety, gray-green leaves that remain attractive long after the flowers fade.

For best results, plant basket-of-gold in full sun and average to sandy soil with good drainage. It is hardy in zones 3-7.

8. Sneezeweed (Helenium spp.)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

The sunny petals of sneezeweed each have three lobes, giving them the appearance of a duck’s foot, and often point downward to create a cone-shaped flower. This North American wildflower grows one to three feet tall with alternate, lanceolate leaves.

Sneezeweed grows in zones 3-9 and prefers full sun and rich, moist soil with good drainage.

9. Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Towering up to eight feet tall, the swamp sunflower makes for a stunning back border or meadow plant, though shorter cultivars are also available. Its daisy-like flowers bloom in mid- or late summer and continue into fall, attracting both pollinators and songbirds.

This native wildflower thrives in zones 5-9 and prefers moist to wet soil in full sun.

10. Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

A cactus native to eastern North America, eastern prickly pear produces lovely yellow flowers, sometimes with reddish centers, in early spring to early summer. It has flattened, segmented, often spiny stems that grow in sprawling clumps up to a foot tall.

Eastern prickly pear thrives in sandy or rocky soils and requires full sun and excellent drainage. It grows in zones 4-9.

11. Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Also called narrow-leaf evening primrose, sundrops is a day-blooming member of the evening primrose family. Though short-lived, the cup-shaped flowers bloom in succession throughout spring and summer. This plant grows just over a foot tall and spreads rapidly without becoming aggressive.

Sundrops grow best in dry, well-drained soil in full sun. This native flower is hardy in zones 4-8 and may retain a rosette of purplish-green leaves through the winter in southern areas.

Read more:

22 Perennials That Grow Well, Spread Fast, and Behave

17 Perennials That Can Replace Fertilizer Reliant Grass in Your Lawn

Succulents come in wide unique varieties and can be so much fun to grow. Not so much fun? A mealybug infestation!

These nasty little insects attack succulents indoors and outdoors and can quickly spread from one plant to another if left unchecked. Learn how to get rid of mealybugs on succulents easily and effectively without harming your plants.

What are mealybugs?

Image credit: Depositphotos.

As always, you want to properly identify the pest before taking action to control it. In this case, mealybugs are tiny, soft-bodied, sapsucking insects closely related to scale insects. There are hundreds of species of mealybugs, though only some of them attack succulents, and they all look essentially the same to the naked eye. Mealybugs prefer warm, humid environments and most often infest houseplants and greenhouses, though in warmer climates, they can cause significant damage outdoors as well.

Signs of mealybug damage

Because they are so small and succulents have so many crevices to hide in, mealybugs may go unnoticed until their first batch of eggs hatches and the infestation becomes larger. The most obvious sign will be a fluffy white wax that looks cottony. This holds the egg masses; some species also cover themselves in the wax.

With a heavy infestation, you may see waxy excretions called honeydew and, of course, damage to the plant itself. Leaves may turn yellow and eventually fall off the plant. New growth can appear stunted.

How to Get Rid of Mealybugs on Succulents

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Heavy infestations of mealybugs are more damaging and harder to control, especially since they are likely to spread to other plants at this stage. Take action immediately if you notice even the smallest sign of mealybugs on a succulent. Mealybugs are much easier to eradicate at an early stage, and you can prevent them from spreading.

1. Isolate the infested succulent

Even if you do not have the time to treat a succulent infested with mealybugs right away, separate it from all other plants immediately. Put it in a room with no other plants, or if you don’t have a room without plants, keep it as far away from other plants as possible. This will prevent the mealybugs from spreading. Of course, this is more difficult if the plant is in the ground. In this case, treat the infestation as soon as possible.

2. Treat the infested succulent

The safest, most effective way to get rid of mealybugs on succulents is to spray them with 70% isopropyl alcohol. In other words, rubbing alcohol! Fill a small spray bottle with the rubbing alcohol and spray all of the mealybugs and egg masses. You can also use a cotton swab to dab it on if you prefer.

But wait, won’t the alcohol damage the plant? Actually, no! Rubbing alcohol is completely safe to apply to succulents and will cause no burning or other damage to the leaves. Just make sure to use 70% isopropyl alcohol and not a higher percentage. Bonus: Rubbing alcohol is safe to use around pets and kids, too.

You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil instead, but some gardeners have experienced these burning their succulents, especially if the solution is too highly concentrated. Though natural, these pesticides can also harm beneficial insects in addition to the target pest, so apply them carefully.

3. Monitor the infested succulent

Keep the succulent isolated for a week or so and check for mealybugs daily, reapplying isopropyl alcohol as necessary. A single application may be enough to take out a light infestation of mealybugs, but heavier infestations might need several applications. Keep an eye on any plants that had been near the infested succulent as well, in case mealybugs had spread to any of them.

How to Prevent Mealybugs on Succulents

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The first step to preventing any pest or disease is to encourage healthy growth. For succulents, this starts with a well-draining succulent soil mix and a pot with a drainage hole. Then, going forward, take care not to overwater. Minimize feeding if mealybugs become a problem, as they are attracted to high levels of nitrogen. Too much water and fertilizer can also lead to softer leaves, which mealybugs also find attractive.

When you water your succulents, look them over carefully for mealybugs (and any other pests or diseases), and immediately follow the steps listed above for any that show signs of mealybugs. Thoroughly examine any new plants you bring home before taking them into the house or greenhouse to make sure you don’t accidentally introduce mealybugs that way.

If you frequently struggle with mealybugs, keep a small spray bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol near your succulents. Then, when you see mealybugs, you have the alcohol ready to spray on them.

Mealybugs are a disheartening sight, but you don’t have to throw out your succulents if they become infested. A simple application of rubbing alcohol can help save your beloved plants!

Learn More About Growing Succulents

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Are you looking to add more succulents to your garden or indoor space? Try purple succulents, pink succulents, or these beautiful flowering varieties.

Succulents are a fun, beautiful way to add natural color to your space. You now have an idea for how to help them keep thriving as you add more to your space.

Read more:

27 Succulent Varieties That Look Amazing at Home

How to Grow Succulents Indoors

Many types of flowers will bring butterflies to the garden, but these beautiful insects find some plants more attractive than others. What a joy they are to watch when they are around!

Fill your planters and beds with beautiful, nectar-rich annual flowers that attract butterflies, and enjoy not only stunning blooms but friendly pollinators as well.

1. Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens aristosa)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

In late summer and into early fall, tickseed sunflower produces numerous sunny yellow flowers held individually on long stems. The plant grows two to four feet tall with attractive pinnately compound leaves with sharply toothed margins.

Native to woodland edges, marshes, and wet meadows in eastern North America, tickseed sunflower prefers full sun to light shade and moist, well-drained soil.

2. Garden Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

A beautiful bicolor native wildflower, garden coreopsis has flowers with reddish-purple centers that bleed into the base of golden yellow petals. It provides an important source of nectar for native bees as well as butterflies and looks especially stunning in massed plantings.

This drought-tolerant plant requires excellent drainage and full sun. It will happily reseed onto bare ground, though deadheading will prevent this and encourage reblooming.

3. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)

Image Credit: Donald Hampton, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

Another striking bicolor wildflower, blanket flower, has fiery blooms with red centers and petals that fade from orange-red at the base to bright yellow at the edges. It bloomsfrom summer into fall, feeding butterflies with its nectar and then songbirds with its seeds.

Blanket flower thrives in moist, well-drained soil in full sun, though it will tolerate light shade. This hardy plant also tolerates heat, drought, and salt.

4. Firebush (Hamelia patens)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Actually a tropical shrub, firebush is grown as an annual in most of the US. Its showy, tubular, orange to red flowers bloom in terminal clusters in summer, attracting butterflies as well as hummingbirds and sphinx moths.

This heat-loving, drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is winter hardy in USDA zones 9 and 10.

5. Sunflower (Helianthus spp.)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

With more than 150 species and numerous cultivars, sunflowers come in a range of heights, flower size, and warm-hued colors. Before the seeds form and feed songbirds and chipmunks, the nectar-filled flowers attract the attention of butterflies and bees.

For the best blooms, plant sunflowers in full sun. They also tend to prefer moist soil with good drainage.

6. Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Jewelweed gets its name from the way water beads up and forms sparkling droplets on the leaves. From early summer until frost, it produces yellow to orange, cornucopia-shaped flowers with reddish dots. The seed capsules that follow burst open when touched, giving the plant its other name, touch-me-not.

This native woodland flower appreciates a shady site with rich, moist to wet soil.

7. Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Annual phlox has showy clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades ranging from white to red, with a contrasting center eye. It blooms from spring into early summer and sometimes again in the fall, and it can reseed in ideal conditions.

Native to Texas, annual phlox prefers sandy soil but will tolerate most soils with good drainage. It thrives in full sun and part shade.

8. Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Blooming continuously from early summer until first frost, scarlet sage produces loose spikes of bright red, tubular flowers that both hummingbirds and butterflies find attractive. It grows one to three feet tall and often self-sows.

Scarlet sage grows best in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Native to Mexico and the southern US, it can overwinter in zones 8-10 but is grown as an annual elsewhere.

9. Lemon Beebalm (Monarda citriodora)

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Each flowering stalk of lemon beebalm holds two to six interrupted clusters of lavender to white, tubular flowers, with greenish to purple leafy bracts at the base of each cluster. True to its name, the plant gives off a lemony fragrance.

Another southern wildflower, lemon beebalm, prefers full sun and good drainage. It readily reseeds under good conditions.

10. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Many vegetable gardeners know that cheerful, bright zinnias attract pollinators. The blooms come in a range of vivid hues, and numerous cultivars mean numerous plant heights and flower shapes. They bloom all season long and make great cut flowers.

Zinnias are easy to grow in just about any location with good drainage and full sun. Check out my tips for gorgeous zinnias.

11 Other Gorgeous Flowers To Attract Butterflies

Image credit: Depositphotos.

Butterflies flitting around the flower garden are a beautiful scene! You can attract them with their favorite food. Here are 11 flowers that butterflies love! The list includes:

• Asters (Symphotrichum)
• Black-eyed Susan(Rudbeckia)
• Bee balm(Monarda)
• Butterfly bush(Buddleia)
• Blazing star(Liatris)
• Catmint(Nepeta)
• False indigo(Baptisia)
• Coneflower(Echinacea)
• Goldenrod(Solidago)
• Lavender(Lavandula)
• Milkweed, Butterfly weed(Asclepias)
• Sage(Salvia)

By adding flowers that butterflies love, you are doing your garden a favor to help it thrive and sing.

Wildflower gardens come in many shapes and sizes, from lush meadows to tidy flower beds. In addition to beautiful, bright colors, wildflowers offer many benefits, such as attracting pollinators and providing wildlife habitat.

Native wildflowers also tend to require less care than many other garden plants, as they are well-adapted to your soil and climate. Check out these wildflower garden ideas to learn how to incorporate these beautiful plants into your outdoor space.

Wildflower Garden Ideas- 1. Make a Meadow

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Wildflower meadows provide a great low-maintenance alternative to unused lawns. Not only do meadows require less mowing, but all those flowers also look much prettier than plain grass!

Make sure the location you choose for your wildflower meadow receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. It could be that the back corner of your yard that no one ever sets foot on, part of a field, or the strip along your driveway … the possibilities are almost endless!

Choose a good mix of wildflower seeds to ensure lots of colorful blooms throughout the growing season. After the first year of regular watering and occasional light weeding, you will have very little to do other than mow once per year and pull up particularly aggressive weeds.

2. Build a Beautiful Border

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Don’t have a lot of space? Use wildflowers to create a colorful border along a fence, the back of a flower bed, or the edge of your yard. Choose one type of flower for a uniform appearance, or opt for a variety of vibrant colors and unique textures.

Tall species liven up fence lines, while lower-growing varieties look great along pathways.

If you scatter a stone in a seed mix, the plants will grow thick and lush, crowding out most weeds. For a tidier appearance, you can instead plant seedlings and use a thick layer of mulch for weed suppression. Note that many wildflowers self-sow and spread, so if you want to keep things neat and orderly, look for non-spreading varieties.

3. Create a Cottage Garden

Image Credit: Shutterstock

People often talk about wildflower gardens and cottage gardens as separate entities, but the two really fit together nicely. As mentioned above, many wildflowers self-sow, making them perfect for the informal appearance of cottage gardens. You’ll want an eclectic mix of bright colors and different textures, so tuck in as many plants as you want but keep in mind that the spreading flowers will fill in the gaps over time!

4. Mix and Match

Image credit: YAY Images.

Of course, you don’t have to dedicate a whole garden to wildflowers. You can easily incorporate wildflowers into any garden, regardless of the theme you have chosen. Columbines beautifully complement ferns and hostas in shade gardens, and black-eyed Susans and coneflowers look lovely in sunny flower beds.

A wildflower border (see above) can be used alongside other plants and works especially well when paired with a vegetable garden, as the wildflowers will attract pollinators and other beneficial insects.

5. Pick the Proper Plants

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

As with any garden, pay attention to the existing landscape before deciding which flowers to plant. Many wildflowers prefer full sun, while others tolerate partial shade, and some even thrive in it.

Soil type, and especially moisture content, is also important. Is your yard dry and rocky, soggy, or somewhere in between? Some of the most popular wildflowers thrive in well-draining soil, but there are plenty of species that do well in rocky or moist conditions as well.

6. Love Local

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The easiest, most beneficial way to plant a wildflower garden might be right under your nose: choose native plants! While planting US natives is great, wildflowers that grow naturally in your specific region are even better. They will be adapted to your soil type and rainfall patterns, thus requiring less soil preparation and watering than nonnative varieties.

Research which plants are native to your state, or look for wildflower seed mixes tailored to your region. You might even be able to find a local native plant sale or two in the spring!

7. Put in a Path

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A meandering path through your wildflower garden will allow you to wander through your flowers and enjoy them from multiple angles. For a meadow, it can be as simple as a mown path or more structured, like a wooden boardwalk. Rustic pavers or stepping stones would fit nicely into a cottage-style garden.

8. Woo Wildlife

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Simply planting wildflowers will attract wildlife, of course, but you can also do more to encourage songbirds and other creatures to visit your garden. Place a toad home in the mulch for your slug-eating friends and set a birdbath in a ring of tall flowers for the birds. Birdhouses, bat boxes, and bee hotels are also great additions!

Whether you have space for just a few wildflowers or a whole meadow of them, I hope you choose to add these beneficial beauties to your garden. You will get to enjoy not only their bright colors but also the butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, songbirds, and other lovely friends that they attract.

Justifying adding new greenery to your home is easy when you consider the air quality benefits. While all plants perform this task on some level, some are particularly efficient at it and do well in indoor spaces.

Let’s look at the best indoor house plants for clean air to help you breathe easily in your house.

10 Best Indoor House Plants for Clean Air

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In 1989, NASA published a now-famous study suggesting that houseplants can purify the air, removing toxic volatile organic compounds like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. More recent research suggests that beneficial microbes in the soil in which the plants are potted play an important role in cleaning the air, too.

With the majority of Americans spending most of their time indoors (up to 90 percent!), indoor air quality is important. Many common household products contribute to indoor air pollution, especially aerosols and other sprays, as well as new furniture, flooring, and paint. Outdoor pollution can also seep in.

When selecting houseplants for cleaner air, choose bigger, leafier plants, as greater surface area means more purifying power, according to former NASA scientist Dr. Bill Wolverton. He also recommends at least two medium to large plants per 100 square feet; more, smaller plants will also do the trick.

According to Wolverton and the 1989 NASA study, here are 10 of the best indoor houseplants for clean air:

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Also known as the butterfly palm or yellow palm, the areca palm consistently ranks among the best indoor plants for removing toxins from the air. It also acts as a natural humidifier — a bonus for those of us who feel parched during the dry winter months — and is not toxic to humans, dogs, or cats, making it a great option for pet owners and parents of young children.

Areca palms prefer indirect sunlight and tolerate low-light conditions. As tropical plants, they require significant amounts of water, though make sure the soil surface dries out between waterings. Although slow growers, areca palms can eventually reach a height of about six or seven feet and have a lifespan of up to 10 years.

2. Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A multi-stemmed tree, the lady palm can grow to 14 feet if left unchecked, though careful pruning will keep it to a suitable indoor height that doesn’t take over all your other plants and decor.

It prefers indirect sunlight, and the soil should be kept constantly moist but not wet, as waterlogged soil will cause root rot. Among the airborne toxins it filters are trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene, and toluene. The broadleaf lady palm is safe for dogs and cats.

3. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The unique, glossy rubber plant excels in the removal of formaldehyde, a toxin commonly released by furnishings and building materials.

It grows quickly, reaching a slender height of nine feet in ideal conditions, though pruning will keep it shorter and slightly bushier. Although the rubber plant does not produce striking flowers, its young leaves grow from a colorful, often red, sheath.

Unfortunately, it does have a milky sap that can cause skin irritation or, if swallowed, gastrointestinal issues for both humans and pets. Place in indirect light and water deeply when the top inch of soil dries out.

4. Dracaena (Dracaena dermensis,D. fragrans,D. marginata)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

There are wide varieties of dracaena, at least three of which make it onto lists of air-purifying houseplants. I’ve clumped them together here since they are often referred to by their genus (Dracaena), though common names of these three species include corn plant, Janet Craig plant, and dragon tree.

The corn plant and Janet Craig plant have similar appearances with sword-shaped, dark green leaves about two feet long, though corn plants often come in variegated varieties. The leaves of the dragon tree, on the other hand, have reddish or purplish edges and grow at the top of slender canes.

All varieties are easy to care for, tolerating low light and short dry periods. For the happiest plants, water well when the top inch of the soil becomes dry, and keep in indirect light. Dracaena is toxic to dogs and cats.

5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Though an aggressively invasive garden plant, English ivy makes an excellent low-maintenance houseplant. Allow the vines to trail along a shelf or cascade from a hanging basket.

Variegated varieties should be placed in average to bright indirect light for the best color, though solid green leaves will tolerate darker locations. Keep the soil moist but not wet, as English ivy does not like to be dry. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans.

6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “bostoniensis”)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Though one of the most effective air-purifying houseplants, the Boston fern can be a bit tricky to care for. Place your Boston fern in bright indirect sunlight away from drafts and in a location with high humidity, such as a bathroom, or mist it regularly.

Be careful to never overwater it. When the soil feels dry, add room-temperature water until it is damp but not sodden. Over time, a Boston fern can grow to three feet high and six feet wide. Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and humans.

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One of the most popular houseplants, the peace lily is also fairly unique in that it is one of the few plants that commonly bloom indoors. It has proven to be especially effective in removing airborne alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde.

Although peace lilies tolerate darker locations, bright indirect light will encourage the growth of tall, white flowers. The plant will tell you when it needs to be watered — when the leaves begin to droop, water thoroughly, being careful to discard any water left standing in the saucer. Size depends on the variety, though most will grow to a maximum of 18 inches tall and wide. Peace lilies are mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and humans.

8. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In addition to being one of the most popular houseplants, golden pothos also ranks among the easiest to care for.

It will hold onto its variegation even in poor light and can tolerate erratic watering better than many other plants. Avoid direct sunlight and overwatering; a good weekly soaking is usually sufficient.

Like ivy, golden pothos is a creeping, trailing plant perfect for hanging baskets or the top of tall bookshelves. The growing speed depends on the variety and light conditions, and the vines will get pretty long unless pruned back. Place cuttings (stripped of all but the top few leaves) in moist potting soil to easily propagate new plants! Pruning will also encourage new growth for a fuller, healthier-looking plant.

Golden pothos is mildly toxic to humans, dogs, and cats.

9. Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Another easy-to-grow houseplant, the snake plant has tall, spiky leaves that contrast nicely with the tumbling form of golden pothos.

Snake plants prefer bright light with at least some direct sun, though they will tolerate lower light conditions. Water moderately throughout the warmer months but less in the winter. Depending on the specific variety, they can grow as tall as three to five feet, though they do grow slowly, especially in poor light.

Snake plants do contain irritating saponins that can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats, dogs, and humans.

10. Florist’s chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A common garden plant, chrysanthemums can also be bought as a compact houseplant, known as a pot or florist’s mum. They filter at least five different air pollutants but are typically discarded after their six- to eight-week flowering period, due to the difficulty in getting them to bloom again.

The easiest way to encourage another batch of showy flowers is to plant the chrysanthemum outdoors once it finishes blooming, as long as you avoid putting them out in cold winter conditions.

Chrysanthemums require bright light and frequent watering, so place your plant in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. They don’t grow much as a houseplant, typically retaining the size at which they are bought, about 12 inches.

Unfortunately, chrysanthemums are toxic to humans and most pets.

FAQs About Air-Purifying Indoor Plants

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Can houseplants really clean the air?

This has become a much-disputed question in recent years, and it really comes down to this: houseplantsdo remove airborne toxins, but their effectiveness as air filters is inconclusive, mostly due to the amount of air circulation in most homes. In many modern homes, the air completely turns over about once every hour, giving any houseplants little time to clean the air before it swaps with air from outside.

However, Dr. Bill Wolverton still advocates for houseplants as a viable means to filter air pollutants, especially when paired with an air filter or a special Plant Air Purifier planter. Whether or not plants work effectively as air filters, other studies have shown that houseplants help alleviate stress and make us feel happier.

How do plants purify the air?

Plants help purify the air in two ways.

1. First, the leaves absorb certain organic chemicals and then metabolize and convert them into usable products like sugars and amino acids through a process called “metabolic breakdown.”
2. Second, microbes in the root zone also break down these volatile organic chemicals. When plants transpire, they pull oxygen as well as other substances down to the roots, where microbes convert these substances into food and energy.

How many plants do you need to purify a room?

Wolverton recommends two or more good-sized houseplants for every 100 square feet (assuming average ceiling height). However, Michael Waring, co-author of a recent houseplant study, suggests that with the amount of air circulation in the average home, you might need as many as 10 plants in each square foot to make a noticeable difference. That’s a lot of plants!

Which plants are safe for pets and children?

From the list above, the following plants are nontoxic and thus safe to have around children, cats, and dogs:

• areca palm
• broadleaf lady palm
• Boston fern

Others are only mildly toxic, irritating, but not severe reactions (see the main list for details). The ASPCA has a searchable database on its website where you can look up the toxicity of more than 1,000 plants for dogs, cats, and horses.

Add Some Greenery and Breathe Freely

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Whether or not houseplants effectively clean the air in our homes and workplaces, they certainly add a bit of cheer to a room and may even help us feel less stressed during long days spent indoors. Set a new plant on the windowsill or in that lonely corner and take a deep, appreciative breath.

Lavender simple syrup imparts a wonderful floral flavor to your favorite beverages. With just three ingredients and three steps, you can easily make your own to impress guests, pamper yourself, or give as gifts.

Once you learn how to make lavender simple syrup, your fridge might never be without it again.

What is lavender simple syrup?

Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.

At its most basic, simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving granulated sugar in water. Because the sugar is already dissolved, granulated sugar can be used to sweeten cold drinks without all of the sugar ending up in the bottom of the cup. An extra step of infusing lavender in the sugar water turns it into lavender simple syrup. Of course, simple syrup can be made with other flavors as well.

Ways to use lavender simple syrup

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Lavender simple syrup can be used to sweeten and flavor many drinks — both alcoholic and nonalcoholic — as well as baked goods and other foods. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• hot or iced coffee
• hot or iced tea
• lavender latte
• lavender lemonade
• lavender soda
• lavender martini
• lavender champagne cocktail
• lavender buttercream frosting
• lavender scone glaze
• vanilla ice cream syrup
• pancake or waffle syrup

You’ll want to make it a bit thicker to use lavender simple syrup as a dessert topping or breakfast syrup. Double the sugar in the recipe for a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio rather than 1:1.

For lavender-flavored frosting or glaze, replace some of the liquid in the icing recipe with lavender simple syrup — you’ll need to experiment a bit to get the amount of lavender flavor you want.

Best lavender for simple syrup

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Most lavender simple syrup recipes call for dried lavender buds, but you can use fresh if you prefer. The important thing is to use culinary-grade lavender, which essentially means that the lavender has been produced and processed specifically for use in the kitchen.

Food co-ops and other specialty stores often carry it (check the bulk section!), or you can find it online. If using lavender from your own garden, make sure it has not been sprayed with chemicals, and use clean tools to harvest it and remove the buds.

The best variety of lavender to use for simple syrup will depend largely on personal taste. Still, the most popular culinary varieties tend to belong to the English lavender (L. angustifolia) group:

• Hidcote Blue
• Royal Velvet
• Munstead
• Buena Vista
• Folgate

How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup

Image Credit: Backyard Garden Lover.

This recipe makes about one and a quarter cups of simple syrup, but it can easily be doubled, tripled, or halved if you want to make a larger or smaller batch. You can also vary the amount of lavender or the length of steeping time to adjust the strength of the lavender flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Continue simmering and stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 20 minutes to 1 hour or until the flavor is to your liking.
3. Pour the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a glass jar or bottle.

How to store lavender simple syrup

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Store lavender simple syrup in an airtight glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you’ve made more than you think you’ll use in that timeframe, freeze extra syrup in a straight-sided glass container (such as a half-pint or wide-mouthed pint jar), leaving an inch of headspace. Note that because of the high sugar content, it likely will not freeze solid.

Why isn’t my lavender simple syrup purple?

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Lavender simple syrup is naturally a golden brown or amber color, not purple. Since it will likely be mixed into drinks or other food, the color really doesn’t matter. But if you want your lavender simple syrup to be purple, add two drops of red and one drop of blue food coloring (or whatever combination works to get the shade you want). I recommend using natural food dye.

Alternatively, you can use blueberries to color the syrup. Add four to six blueberries, fresh or frozen, along with the rest of the ingredients in step one. Such a small amount of berries shouldn’t change the flavor profile of your lavender syrup.

Variations for Extra Flavor

Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Just about any sugar can be used to make simple syrup, including raw sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even honey. Just keep in mind that each type of sugar has a different flavor.

Add a cup of washed blueberries (fresh or frozen) to the ingredients in step one to make blueberry lavender syrup. Simmer the mixture for five to seven minutes, mashing the blueberries to help them disintegrate.

Add rosemary to complement the lavender, or replace the lavender entirely with rosemary, mint, elderflower, or another herb to make a different-flavored syrup.

Double the amount of sugar to make a thicker syrup to pour over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or ice cream.

As its name suggests, lavender simple syrup is incredibly simple to make! It also has many delicious uses and variations for flavoring and sweetening drinks, desserts, and even breakfast. So what are you waiting for? Make a batch and see what a wonderful condiment lavender simple syrup is.