Scientific Name: Dianthus Caryophyllus

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Common names: Carnation, Divine flower, Clove pink, Gilly Flower

Colour: Various


Native of the Eurasia, Carnations; the most popular garden plant is one among some 300 species of annual, biennial and perennial herbs in the genus Dianthus. There are hundreds of more hybrid varieties. Dianthus in Greek means 'Flower of Zeus' or Divine flower.

Carnations will grow from 2" to 3 feet high, most garden varieties grow 10 to 20 inches tall. The plants have grayish-green foliage and fragrant, semi-double rosy, purple or white flowers. There are many hybrid varieties in a variety of colours and sizes with no fragrance. They bloom mainly during cool times of the year, especially early winter. They are great plants to grow in gardens and can be used as cut-flowers. If properly treated, carnations will last up to a month.

Planting

Carnations require fertile, slightly alkaline, neutral, well-drained soil and 4-5 hours of full sun each day. They should be planted 12-18 inches apart. Propagation can be done by seeds, cuttings, layering or division.

Seeds can be sowed, 1/8 inch deep in a well drained mix in spring or early summer. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet. Mist spray occasionally and keep it moist. The seeds will germinate in 2 to 3 weeks. Transplant in pots or on the ground when large enough to handle and the plants will bloom in 6 - 9 months or a year.

Cuttings can be taken off any carnation, but the best shoot come from cuttings off a year-old plant after it has bloomed. In fact, the flower stem is often the only place where a carnation will form a stalk long enough to take a cutting from. It is best to take carnation cuttings in early Fall. They will root at the swollen node hidden beneath each leaf. Cut at an angle just below a node, and trim off the top, leaving 1 node for roots at the bottom and one at the top for the growth to come out of. Poke into well-drained soil in pots or in a seedling tray.

Layering is the easiest way to propagate carnations and the plant will do this themselves once mature. Observing a mature clump of carnations, seek out sturdy stems pointing away from the centre of the clump. If you look at the bottoms of these stems they will often be rooted, and if they are not yet, you can promote rooting by bending them down to touch the soil. Keep them pinned down with a rock, a stick, or whatever else. Cut off any flowers that are growing on that particular stem. Within a few weeks you will see your new plant rooting. Once the roots seem 4 to 5 inches long, cut this new plant away from the mother plant and repot in well-drained soil.

They can also be propagated by division. Dig up the whole non productive clump of an old plant. Gently and carefully separate the plant segments with your hands or gardening fork. Replant each new division in a well drained mix and keep it moist.

Care

Carnations need some hours of full sun each day and should be kept moist. Avoid over-watering as it may tend to turn the foliage yellow. For continued blooming feed lightly every 6 to 8 weeks with an all-purpose (10-10-10) liquid fertilizer. Spent flowers should be removed promptly to promote continued blooming.

What is Bonsai?

Bonsaiconsists of trees or bushes, and some types of perennial herbs found in fieldsor mountains, which are artistically planted in small pots or containers,occasionally in combination with rocks of many forms, so as to reproduce in miniature the lordly appearance of large aged trees or landscapes such as those found in nature. Hence they are quite different from ordinary potted plant whose primarypurpose is the enjoyment of their leaves and blossoms.

History of Bonsai:

The art of bonsai originates with the Chinese, but the Japanese who were lovers of gardening have contributed much to the art form we now know. It may be considered the highest form of horticulture as a hobby. In fact bonsai of the best kind can be fully appreciated, much as paintings or sculptures, for their elegance as a plastic art. Even if such heights cannot be attained, the pleasure of growing bonsai is unique and its decorative purpose both in garden and indoors make it an art that yields lasting enjoyment.


Planting a Bonsai

Bonsai requires from the maintainer utmost patience and care. The plant placed in a pot filled with soil should be such that water drains according to the plants’ needs. The pots required for such a task are specially available with holes made at the sides and/or base to drain the left over water. Stagnant water in the pot not only inhibits the proper growth of most plants, it may even prove fatal to the plant. Over time the pot will become choked with roots rendering the plant unable to breathe. At this stage, the vital transplanting process takes place.

The transplanting of the plant from the old pot to the new one is the key to its proper maintenance and quite easily the most difficult part of maintaining a bonsai. The repotting involves pruning the plant roots (which are at the time overgrown) and trimming the branches, keeping in mind the overall harmony of the plant, and finally the plant is placed in fresh soil.

Appying golden anti rust on the background In two or three weeks time, the pruned roots sprout anew. The branches of the bonsai are rejuvenated and new branches appear. The bonsai grower, keeping in mind the shape of the tree, regularly prunes the nips of the tree buds.

Bonsai are living plants. To ensure adequate photosynthesis they are raised out of doors in broad sunlight. Watering, also, is essential. Accepted practice for watering bonsai is to water the plant when the soil dries out but the watering pattern is to be varied as per the seasons.

Since bonsai are living plants, they need nourishing fertilizer as well as drinking water. After repotting, they should be given small amounts of oil cake every month and bone manure every two or three weeks. Pesticides are used to help check the harmful insects that affect the growth of certain bonsai verities.

Scientific Name: Zinnia Elegans


Family: Asteraceae


Common names: Zinnia, Ommon zinnia, Garden zinnia

Flowering Period: May-August

Colour: Red, yellow, orange, pink, rose, lavender, white or mulicoloured


Native to Mexico and Central America, Zinnias are old garden favorites. There are two main types of zinnia, garden, spreading and crosses between the two. This annual plant will grow between 6 and 40 inches in height with single and double blossoms. Garden Zinnia has solitary daisy like flower heads on long stems and bristly oval shaped leaves. There are a lot of varieties of about 20 species with bright colours like lavender, orange, pink, purple, red, rose, salmon, white, yellow, even green etc in different sizes. Zinnias can be used as borders, in pots and containers or as background plants and are excellent fresh cut flowers which may last a week or more.

Propagation and Care

Zinnias are easily grown in evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun but in very hot climate it may benefit from light afternoon shade. Zinnias generally grow well in warm climates.

The propagation is through seeds. Seeds can be sown directly in the ground and it will germinate in one to two weeks. To encourage quick growth and best performance, enrich the soil with compost and transplant in ground 30cm apart according to variety or in pots. Zinnias are sensitive to root disturbance, so be especially careful when transplanting. If the taproot is disturbed, the double flowers may revert to single forms. The plants may also self-seed in the garden and some varieties are available from nurseries. Successive sowing every couple of weeks beginning from April through early July will ensure continuous flowering till winter. Most zinnias will bloom around three months to bloom from seed.

If growth is slow or leaves look pale green, fertilize with a soluble or controlled release fertilizer. Pinch young plants when they are 4-6inches high to promote compact, bushy growth. Good air circulation helps prevent onset of fungal leaf diseases. Deadhead spent flowers weekly if possible to promote additional bloom and maintain plant appearance. Mildew is a common problem for zinnias in rainy or humid climates which causes powdery white spores on the leaves drawing out moisture. It can be controlled by spraying a solution of 1/2tsp baking soda in 2quarts of water and a few drops of liquid soap.

Scientific Name: Centaurea cyanus

Family: Composite

Common names: Bachelor's Button, Cornflower

Flowering Period: June-July


Colour: Blue, White, Pink, Purple, Red


A native to Europe, this annual plant is now found through out the world. The multi-stemmed plant grows up to 1-3 feet with grayish green foliage and yields many flowers through out the summer. The flowers commonly seen in blue are small about 1 to 1 1/2 inches across with petals flaring out. Leaves covered with small white hairs have a gray- green appearance. The blooms are excellent for dry flower arrangements as they retain their colour when dried.

Planting

The plants are propagated through seeds. The seeds germinate better if they have been kept in refrigerator for few days before sowing. Seeds can be sown indoors in pots or outdoors in September- October or in March- April. The seeds take about one and a half weeks to germinate. Seedlings can be transplanted 12 inches apart in the garden in a mixture of soil and organic mix. The plant prefers full sun in various soil types for best results. These flowers usually self-sow and come back from year to year.

Scientific Name: Tagetes spp.

Family: Asteraceae

Common names: Marigold

Colour: Varied


Marigold is a fast growing annual herb which grows to almost 6-12" tall and produce single, semi double, fluffy double or crested flowers, depending on the species and variety. The pinnate leaves with toothed, lance-shaped leaflets are aromatic. This bushy plant with around 20 to 30 species, have a long flowering period and the colours range from orange, yellow, gold, cream to apricot. French Marigold (large flower heads) and African Marigold (small flower heads) are the two common species. They are often used as a bedding plant, as well as for edging, backgrounds, and as cut flowers. Marigold is a common garden plant found throughout the world.

Planting

Marigolds can be easily grown in all climates and require a well drained soil and good sunlight. It can propagate or multiply from seeds or tender cuttings. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden anytime except winter or they can be started indoors for earlier blooms. Space the plants 8-16 inches apart depending on the variety. The plants will spread out and become bushy. Water deeply and regularly, especially in hot weather. It can be grown in an informal border on the ground or in pots in a equal mixture of sand, soil and compost. Mulching (spreading a mixture of wet leaves to enrich the soil) between plants will help to conserve moisture. If given an early start, they will bloom throughout summer and autumn.

Care

Marigolds does not need specific care. They are rarely disturbed by insects or diseases and can tolerate dry conditions and full sun. Pinch young plants to promote bushy growth. Deadheading of spent flowers and faded leaves greatly enhances the plant's appearance during flowering. If growing as cut flowers, pinch out terminal buds to encourage laterals. Water well during dry weather. The plant can be kept indoor during heavy rains as too much water will wilt the plant.

Scientific Name: Impatiens Balsamina

Family: Balsaminaceae

Common names: Balsam, Garden Balsam, Lady Slipper

Colour: Varied


Native to Southeast Asia, this erect, sparsely-branched, tender annual plant is a species of impatiens. These plants which grows upto 18inches tall have thick-juicy stems and medium spiky edged light green leaves. Flowers can be single or double around 2 inches diameter, bloom singly or in small clusters from the leaf axils, close to the stem and the colour ranges from white, pink, rose, red, violet, bicolour etc.

Propagation and Care

Balsams can easily grown in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to half shade. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden and it will sprout in one to two weeks or they can be started indoors in small pots to stall full growth and make them more compact and for earlier blooms. The plants may self-seed in the garden. Enrich the soil with compost and transplant in ground 12 to 14 inches apart or in pots. After transplanting the plants may wilt for a day or two. They develop good root systems and may be transplanted even in full bloom, but afterwards they should be well watered.

They can be planted as borders or low hedges. For balsams, there is no serious insect or disease problems. For bushier growth, pinch back young plants and water regularly. Remove weak shoots which form at the base of the plants. Plants with three or four shoots bloom better than those with many shoots. Balsam does not tolerate wet or cold weather. They can be placed indoors during heavy rains.

Scientific Name: Impatiens Wallerana

Family: Balsaminaceae

Common names: Common Impatiens, Busy Lizzy, touch-me-not, jewel weed

Flowering Season: May until early frost, throughout summer

Colour: Multicolor


Impatiens, one of the popular flowerbed plants is the most dependable summer annual. It is a native to the tropical forests of East Africa. These plants have thick stems and leaves are usually medium green, but sometimes dark green or reddish green, and with variegated forms. The flowers most widely available come in a number of colours from red, salmon, orange, pink, white etc. They are also seen in bicolours and double flowering forms. They are sometimes known as Touch-me-nots. The 2-inch flower blooms from May until early frost.

Propagation and Care

Impatiens is an easy-to-grow plant from seed or cuttings. They are moderately difficult to grow from seed. Seed are sown in a mixture of sand, loam and organic matter (cow dung) in equal proportion. Seeds will germinate in one to two weeks.

Cuttings, can be planted anytime (preferably not in rainy season), in the same medium as that of the seed on the ground or in a polyethylene plastic bag and later replanted. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost. For bushier growth, pinch back young plants. Water when the top 2-inch layer of soil is dry. Keep moist but well drained; too much water will wilt the plant. Fertilize monthly with a general fertilizer. Grows best in part to full shade not direct sun. The plant grows up to of 10 to 14 inches in height. Pinch back as needed if plants become leggy or overgrown, as they will in climates with long summers.

Scientific Name: Callistephus Chinensis

Family: Asteraceae

Common names: Aster, China Aster

Flowering Period: August-September

Colour: Various


The family Asteraceae have an estimated 1,150 genera and a huge number of species seen almost all over the world originating from North America, Europe, China etc. The large China Asters are the most common form grown by florists and gardeners. Native to Asia, this lovely flowering annual is worth the little extra effort it takes for growing. It has a wide array of varieties and the height ranges from 6 inches to 3 feet.

Most species of Aster are perennial and generally bloom in August. They have daisy-like or star-like flower heads (4-6" in diameter) with a yellow center on leafy, often tall, stems. Their colors vary from white to creamy yellow, pink, blue, red and purple. They do well in beds, borders or pots and are a favorite as cut flowers because of their longevity.


Propagation

Asters need fertile, sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. The propagation is through seeds. Before sowing, sterilize the seeds with organic mercuric compounds to prevent stem rot and damping-off. For sowing of seeds, it is best to use a shallow flat. Add one-forth well rotted manure and enough sand to the soil to prevent the soil from becoming hard.

Fill the flat half or two-thirds full, water thoroughly, and finish filling with soil just moist enough to handle nicely. Sow the seed in rows 2 inches apart, cover with fine sand and press firmly. The wet soil in the bottom will furnish enough moisture so that the boxes will not have to be sprinkled until after the seedlings are up.

The seeds will germinate in a little over a week. As soon as several true leaves have grown, the seedlings should-be transplanted. Use rich soil in the bottom of the flats and ordinary soil above as further protection against disease. Set the seedlings 3 to 9 inches apart depending on the variety. The plants will grow to a height of 6-10 inches to 3 feet and a width of 6-18 inches.


Care

Since they are prone to wilt disease, virus diseases, foot rot, root rot, and aphids, avoid planting in the same location year after year. Pinch off faded flowers and yellowing foliage regularly to encourage new blooms. Shading plants prevents injury from the tarnished plant bug and yellows. If plants are badly diseased, burn them and stop growing China-asters for a few years. Water well in dry weather.

Scientific Name: Pentas Lanceolata

Family: Rubiaceae


Common names: Egyptian Star Cluster, Star flower


Flowering Season: Throughout the year

Colour: Pink, White, Magenta, Red, Lavender, Salmon, Purple


Pentas Lanceolata, native to Northeastern Africa and Egypt are a favourite of home gardeners and landscapers. This tropical plant comes in different varieties; larger specimens are erect shrubs with woody stems while smaller plants are low mounds, considered herbaceous .

This perennial with dark lush green, lance-shaped 3 to 5 inch long hairy deep veined leaves and star shaped small flowers in round clusters may grow upright to about 3 feet height depending on its variety. Flowers can be seen in white, lavender, purple, red and pink in single and double shades. In warm weather, the plant grows fast and stays in bloom constantly.

In cold weather, it can be treated as an annual and replanted every spring. It is an ideal container plant and can also be used as beds, borders or grown indoors in a sunny room.

Propagation and Care

Pentas Lanceolata are easily grown in medium wet and well-drained organically rich, fertile soils in part shade to full sun. Usually the propagation of Pentas is from stem cutting. It may also be grown from seed started indoors approximately 8-10 weeks before last frost date.

Water regularly during the growing season. Keep soil moist and fertilize every two weeks.Pentas are usually highly tolerant of heat, soil conditions and pests, and requires little maintenance. But it may be disturbed by aphids and spider mites.

Whiteflies can be particularly troublesome in indoor plants. This bushy plant blooms year round and yields better blooms in full sun.  Keep the plant bushy and shapely by pinching off the tips of stems and retaining its size to 12 to 18 inches tall.

Scientific Name: Nerium Oleander


Family: Apocynaceae


Common names: Oleander, Kaner

Flowering Season: April-September

Colour: Red, White, Pink, Light Yellow


Oleander is a large fast growing evergreen shrub, native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. This plant with glossy, 4 to 10 inch long narrow dark green leaves and funnel-shaped flower clusters, single or double can reach 3 to 20 feet tall.

There are different varieties with varying heights and flowers in some varieties are delightfully fragrant. This dense plant which flowers abcan be used as borders, hedges, backgrounds and tall screens. Dwarf varieties are suitable for container
gardens.

Propagation and Care

Oleander is an easy growing plant in most conditions, especially in dry warm climates. It grows well in average, medium wet soils in full sun to part shade. The shrub can be trained or pruned to a single or multi stemmed tree.

Propagation is through vegetative cuttings. This species commonly produces many side shoots which can be replanted in their own pots in a standard mix of well drained sand and peat. In the ground, the plant can be spaced 5-9feet apart depending on its variety.

When in growth water often and allow plants to remain moist. When not actively growing, water plants sparingly and allow to dry out between watering. Yellowing of new leaves indicates over watering. Fertilize regularly during the growing period.

Prune the tips of young plants to help stimulate the production of new branches and prune grown plants to control size and shape. Promptly deadhead spent blooms to prevent formation of non-ornamental seed pods. No serious insect or disease problems.

Aphids, mites, bacterial gall and scale may be a problem. Black deformed flowers, splitting branches etc are the symptoms. Infected parts of plant must be cut away and disinfected with a solution of equal mix of bleach and water. Remove and destroy any leaves damaged by leaf spot. Caterpillars may chew on the foliage.

Oleanders have a tendency to become leggy and should be pruned as needed to maintain a nice shape. By removing suckers at the base of the plant, and leaving just a few stems, oleander can be formed into very attractive small trees.

Note : All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Plant saps can cause allergic skin reactions in some people so always use gloves while tending them. Smoke from burning plant material can also be quite toxic.

Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera.

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Common names: Chinese Arrowroot, Lotus Bean, Sacred Lotus

Best Season: March to May (planting)

Colour: White, Pink


Lotus, known as flower of purity is the National Flower of India. This water plant is very easy to grow. Flowers in pink and white, have a large number of petals and large circular thick leaves.

The leaves are sometimes, and the flowers always, raised above the water surface. This beautiful and fragrant flower blooms only for one day. Lotus is considered sacred by the Hindus and the Buddhists.

Planting

Lotus can be planted in tanks around 2 1/2 feet deep. Make a mixture of compost, cow dung and sand. Spread a layer of 3 inches thickness at the bottom of the tank.

Sunlight is a must for the lotus plant to flower. So tanks should be placed where there is plenty of sunlight. The best time to plant is from March to May.

Usually tubers or bulbs are used for planting, seeds can also be used to make new seedlings. Tuber should be planted at 2inches depth inside the sand compost mixture in the tank.

Fill the tank with water at a level of 6-8 inches above the tuber. As the plant grows you can fill the tank with more water. You can grow fish in the tank to control pests.

Scientific Name: Jasminum Officinale

Family: Oleaceae

Common names: Poets Jasmine, Common White Jasmine

Flowering Season: April to September

Colour: White


Jasmine or Jessamine, the sweet -scented white flowers belongs to the genus Jasminum. It is an evergreen semi-vining shrub native to tropical areas of southeast Asia, Africa and Australia. This seasonal plant contains about 150 species. Flowers are about 1 inch and plant height is about 6 or 8 feet or 10 to 15 feet if grown as a vine. The oval rich green leaves have five to nine leaflets, each up to 2½ inches long.

Grown all over the world for its fragrance, Jasmine flowers are used to flavour jasmine tea and other herbal or black teas. The flower oil extracted from the two species Jasminum Officinale and Grandiflorum is used in high-grade perfumes and cosmetics, such as creams, oils, soaps, and shampoos.

In Asia, flowers are stringed together to make garlands. The flowers of one of the double varieties are held sacred to Lord Vishnu and are used as votive offerings in Hindu religious ceremonies. Several types of jasmine are used as ornamental plants.

Propagation and Planting

Jasmine is propagated by cuttings of nearly ripe wood in summer. Cuttings are planted in 3-inch pots within 4 weeks, then to 6-inches when pot is becoming filled with roots. The potting soil should consist of 2 parts peat moss or cow dung to 2 parts loam to 1 part sand. Keep the soil moist but well drained for optimum growth. When growth slows in winter, hold back on watering. If planted on the ground, set them at least 8 feet apart to help them bush out.

Jasmine can be grown as a wine or a shrub. Frequent pruning is required to grow it as a shrub of desired size. Pruning also helps keep an abundance of flowers, since flowers are produced on new wood. When grown as a vine, its arching branches have to be supported on a mesh or trellis.

Jasmine can be produced on almost any soil type, with sufficient water supply and intermediate to warm temperatures. It grows in full sun to partial shade. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer. The common jasmine grows at the rate 12 to 24 inches a year.

Seeds don't need stratifying, and can be planted immediately. Full production begins after grafting in the second year. Flowers are picked in the early morning, since they are the most fragrant at daybreak. When in flower a single plant will strongly scent an entire room or patio on a still summer's eve.

Scientific Name: Ixora coccinea

Family: Rubiaceae

Common names: Flame of the Woods, Jungle Flame, Jungle Geranium

Flowering Season: Rainy season

Colour: Red, White, Pink, yellow


Ixora is a common flowering shrub said to be a native of Asia. There are about 400 species of Ixora and its flowers look delightful in gardens. They differ in leaf size, plant height, flower size and flower color. This plant which blooms throughout the year is easy to grow.

The flowers are found in a wide range of colours. Plants are of two types- large; with height around 1 meter and dwarf or miniature plants. Miniature ones have small leaves and are bushy. Ixora flowers last well when picked and put into a vase with water, making an attractive home arrangement.

Planting

Miniature types can be grown in pots and the large ones on the ground. Take a mixture of sand, cow dung with equal quantity and fill this mixture in a polythene bag. Plant 6 inch length stems in the mixture. Although it grows in any climate the best time to grow is in the rainy season.

The sap lings can be replanted into pots with 1feet radius filled with a mixture of 2 parts gravel, 1part soil and one part dried cow dung powder. Manure like 100g oilseed extracts (Neem) and 100g Bone meal can be used for 1 feet mixture. When you plant on the ground, dig 8 inch wide holes, put the above said mixture and plant the saplings.

Plants will grow and flower in shade, but most ixoras do best in full sun, acid soil and well drained moist organic mix. Water once every day. Keep adding 2tsp of a mixture of cow dung, bone meal and oilseed extract once every two months for best results. Always use acid forming fertilizers.

Scientific Name: Hydrangea macrophylla

Family: Hydrangeaceae

Common names: French hydrangea, Big leaf, Snowball and Japanese Hydrangea


Flowering Period: Summer

Colour: Blue, Dark Purple, white, Green, Pink


Hydrangea is a shrub with large, medium to dark green, luxuriant foliage with round ball shaped cluster of flowers. These shrubs are easy to grow and flowers well in areas with mild winters. A native of Japan and Korea, the shrub has many varieties and hybrids.

One of the remarkable characteristics is that the same plant can produce both pink and blue flowers depending on the ph factor or the aluminum content of the soil-blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. The blooms stay long as cut flowers.

Planting

The shrub can be propagated using cuttings which easily grows roots or through dividing from old established plants. It can also be propagated by layering. Remove one inch wide ring of outer bark from the middle section of a stem of a hydrangea plant.

Bend and insert this section of the stem in the soil. Let the upper tip of the stem 6-12 inches remain uncovered with soil. Roots will start growing from the part of the stem under the soil and the plant will be ready to be replanted within 6 months.

Hydrangea's can be replanted on the ground in a mass or even in a large container in a mixture of composted organic leaf matter and soil, 8-10 inches thick. The top of the root should be in level with the surface of the soil and should be watered thoroughly.

It grows well in rich moist but well drained soil. Partial shade to light sun gives the best results. The plants gets established 4-8 weeks after transplanting. After that several light application of a complete fertilizer is good during its growing months.

Prune the stems and flowers heads and as soon as they begin to fade for splendid foliage, but avoid pruning after August when the flower buds begin to form. Pruning in late summer can reduce flowering in the next season.

Scientific Name: Galphimia Glauca


Family: Malpighiaceae

Common names: Golden Thyrallis, Gold Shower, Rain of Gold

Flowering Season: Throughout the year

Colour: Bright yellow


Native to the tropical areas extending from Mexico to Guatemala, Thyrallis makes a great background plant for perennial beds. This evergreen tropical shrub which grow to a height of 4 to 6 feet has a dense amount of foliage and slender stems covered with red hairs.

The short-stalked, ovate to elliptic, glossy 1 to 2 inch leaves are light green in colour and the small 3/4 inch wide yellow flowers are held in clusters at the stem tips. Flowers are followed by three part seed capsule. This plant is excellent for low hedges and can also be used as borders and in pots.

Propagation and Care

Thryallis are easy growing plants and blooms almost all year around. It is easily grown in fertile, medium wet, well drained soil in bright sunlight to part shade. Grows best in bright sunlight and can be trimmed into compact shapes.

The propagation is through seeds and also by stem cuttings taken in summer. Seeds are sown or cuttings can be inserted in sandy soil. Enrich the soil with compost and transplant in ground 4 to 6 feet apart or in pots. Water regularly and fertilizer can be added for best results.

Thryallis does not need specific care and there is no serious insect or disease problems. The plants grow more wild in shady areas. Occasionally remove leggy stems to keep the plant from looking unruly.

The only problem is its vulnerability to cold conditions. But thryallis grows so fast and blooms through out the year, that it is worth using it as an annual in cold conditions and replanted in the garden
in spring after last frost date.