Hyacinths Flower

Hyacinth bulbs are planted in the fall and borne in spring. The Victorians revered hyacinths for their sweet, lingering fragrance, and carefully massed them in low beds, planting in rows of one color each.

The loose to dense racemes of strongly fragrant flowers are closely packed with tubular-bell-shaped, single or double flowers.  As well as growing in the ground, colorful hyacinths are excellent for forcing in containers and some are available for early flowering indoors.

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http://www.almanac.com/plant/hyacinths

Poisonous Flowers

Plants form an indispensable part of our diet. However, there are several varieties that contain toxic chemicals, which after ingestion may prove poisonous for to both humans and animals. Take the example of 'Oleander shrubs' which are often grown as an ornamental plants. Its blooms are enlisted as one of the most poisonous flowers in the world. Hence, it is very important for all of us to identify such toxic plants and flowers before we introduce them into our gardens or gift them to loved ones. This Buzzle article lists and discusses some common poisonous flowers that should be kept away from pets and humans.

List of the Most Poisonous Flowers in the World

While laying out a flower garden, you should take note of the poisonous flowers beforehand. This step is even more important if you are a pet owner. With pets, the risk is high even if you train them to not venture near your plants. Listed below are some of the most harmful flowers that may be found in gardens and native flora near you.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/poisonous-flowers.html

Water Flower Names

Flowers hold a significant importance since a very long time. They are a part of every culture and tradition. In Hindu mythology, lord Vishnu is often depicted standing on a lotus flower. In fact, a lot of Hindu religious rituals are incomplete without the presence of flowers. Roman goddesses are also depicted with flowers in their hands. In the Japanese art form called "ikebana", flowers are used to convey spiritual expressions. Numerous poets like William Wordsworth, William Blake, and so on, draw inspiration from flowers to pen their art form. Remember William Wordsworth's "I wandered lonely as a cloud." Flowers have also inspired well-known painters to come up with a host of celebrated paintings. Van Gogh's portrayal of the sunflower series is an excellent piece of flower art work.

The delicacy and beauty associated with these flowers is enchanting, and that is why flowers also make the most amazing gifts ever for friends and family alike. Be it marriage or any other occasion, flower decoration is given the first priority. On birthdays, flowers are simple gift ideas and are loved by everyone. If you pay a visit to someone in the hospital to wish them a speedy recovery, flowers have to accompany you. Flowers are also the most common way to express love.

There are various types of flowers like wild flowers, purple flowers, perennial flowers, Hawaiian flowers, seasonal flowers, wedding flowers, spring flowers, and so on. But water flowers are very rarely known and acknowledged. Water flowers, as the name suggests, are waterborne and are gaining popularity. The new concept of a water wedding (where the couple exchange the wedding vows along a beach shore, in a pool or just by an aquatic setup created mainly for the occasion) requires water flowers to decorate the venue and other things. They look simply beautiful and unique. If you have a pond in your house or really want an aquarium, water flowers are perfect to add to the beauty of the pond or an aquarium.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/water-flower-names.html

Impatiens

The Impatiens' beauty lies in its thin and fine colored petals, which resemble natural silk. They give us a sense of freshness and genuine joy. Also, they can propagate quite fast and easy, so we can adorn plenty of places with them: balconies, window sills, and also our gardens, if we carefully observe certain growing rules.

Impatiens is one of the easiest to grow kind of houseplants. In the Romanian tradition, it is believed that this plant can bring good luck. It is also quite easy to groom and it comes in a variety of splendid colors with different sizes and structures. The name "Impatiens" probably suggests the plant's impatience to grow and bloom.

Impatiens should be planted at the beginning of spring. This can be done using a soil-filled tray for Impatiens seeds. These seeds are covered with a small quantity of soil. The tray is then kept in a warm dark place and when the first plants sprout, the tray is taken into the light but it should still be kept away from sun's direct light. When the new plants develop and get big enough, they are transplanted in pots. We must use big pots because this plant can grow very fast.

Like it has been previously mentioned, Impatiens does not require any special care. Nonetheless, it is necessary to take into account certain factors for this plant's proper care-taking.

Thus, the soil must be mixed with peat and it must also be properly fertilized. They don't like it if we use sand for the mixture. Impatiens prefers indirect lighting so it is best kept in a well-aired place (although it is high-temperature resistant, it feels best up to 20°C) and not far from the sun's light.

Impatiens also needs enough water, or if not, it may wither too fast and then die. One careless day is enough to create such disaster for the poor plant. These plants must also have a moist soil at any time, and mulch is compulsory for its care. The idea is that their soil must be permanently moistened. As long as their soil remains moistened, that is enough. It's good to add some liquid fertilizers to the water in summertime, because summer isn't the best season for this plant.

The propagation of this plant should best take place during summer, between the months of June-September. There are also many other things to be taken into account regarding their care.

Thus, too much sun can make this plant wither, so it's best to put in a shady spot where it can get about half or less of sunlight every day. Being less strong, the morning sun is the best for Impatiens.

Also, one should bear in mind that these plants don't come in all colors, only in some of them. Thus, there isn't any blue or yellow Impatiens, but there colors still can range from white to pink, salmon, orange, red, and so on. Some flowers are even bi-colored.

Still, from this plant species comes a new type of Impatiens called "New Guinea Impatiens." This type can take more sun than the usual kind but however, they still don't tolerate full sun. They look great in containers and on borders. As far as color and water preferences are concerned, they are the same as in the case of ordinary Impatiens. Nonetheless, they can be very good landscape plants if we provide them with moistened soil and some shade from the sun during the day. It can keep on blooming until the very first frost comes.

Another interesting fact about Impatiens is that they are edible plants. However, they are not so flavored and are not used too often in the kitchen, like most culinary flowers are.

Although they are mild perennials, Impatiens can be grown annually. Their means of propagation is by seeds or cuttings. Cuttings are the most efficient method of propagation. If you keep the soil moist and make the cuttings at regular intervals, you can fill plenty of space with these gorgeous little flowers. On the contrary, seeds can be very picky about growing conditions, and because of that the probability of plant propagation through seeding is quite low.

Enjoy them if you already have them, if not, take a close look at them next time and you'll fall in love with these delicate flowers!
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/impatiens.html

Caring for Zinnia Flowers

Originally from Mexico, zinnias are annual flowering plants that are now found all over Latin America and southern United States, preferring to grow in dry landscapes. The light green leaves of the plant do not bear a stalk, and can be oval or linear. The flowers, arranged in a single row or rounded in shape, are borne on a long, thin stem, and come in all colors, ranging from red, orange, pink, lavender, yellow, and even chartreuse. With over 20 species, the most popularly cultivated variety is zinnia elegans. The plant can grow as tall as one meter, and has lanceolate leaves which are abrasive to touch. Being showy, they are ideal for growing in flowerbeds, in window boxes on window sills, and even hanging flower pots.

How to Plant Zinnias
Zinnias are grown directly from seeds, and even reseed themselves every year. The best time to sow the seeds is late spring. They need abundant sunshine to grow, and will refuse to germinate if the ground is cool! The blooming season generally lasts from mid-summer to fall. At the first sign of frost, these plants wither and die.
Whether you have chosen a window box or a flowerbed, make sure the soil you use drains well, is very fertile, and enriched with humus.
With a rake, dig the soil a bit to aerate it well, and sow the seeds with a gap of one inch between them. Then smooth the soil over so that the seeds are buried a quarter of an inch deep into the ground.
To get that perfect and beautiful flower garden, plant three different varieties in the flowerbed or your garden, beginning with the tall ones at the back, the medium-sized ones in the middle rows, and the smallest variety (dwarf zinnias) in the front rows.
Water the area well, gently enough so the water does not splash around dislodging the seeds from their places.
The seeds will sprout the first shoots in a week's time, so keep an eye out on your garden/window box. Just make sure you water them daily and keep the soil moist and not let it go dry and develop cracks, especially since it is receiving so much sun. You will soon notice the shoots developing into plants and the blooms appearing as the climate gets hotter, usually after a period of two months.
How to Care for Zinnias
Your plant needs enough room to grow optimally and produce vibrant blossoms. Once the plants have sprouted, pluck out extra saplings such that you leave a gap of at least a foot between two adjacent saplings.
When the first blooms begin to appear, fertilize the plants. Apply as per the instructions on the packet. It is advisable to fertilize twice during the season, using the same amount of fertilizer for each application.
Water thrice a week. These plants do not need too much water and prefer dry soil, and are fairly drought-resistant. But do not let the stems, flowers, and leaves get wet. This can lead to rot and fungal diseases. Irrigate with a steady trickle at the base of the plant, taking care not to upheave the soil. The soil should retain its moisture at all times, but should not be waterlogged, as excess water can cause root rot.
A layer of mulch at the base of the plant will help the soil to retain the moisture and hamper the growth of weeds as well. Uproot the weeds on a regular basis without harming the plants, so that these plants are not deprived of nutrients from the soil.
Deadhead the plant regularly. Discarding the expired flowers will foster new buds and extend the blooming period.
Use a garden stake or a sturdy stick to support plants and flowers that have grown tall. Insert it firmly into the ground and secure the stem and the stick together with a twine.
As with other plants, zinnias are also susceptible to diseases like bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, and fungal spots. Avoid wetting the foliage to keep infections at bay. If you notice infected plants, pull them out or snip off the infected parts. Fungicides can be sprayed to control the growth of disease. Also check for overcrowding - pull out extra plants which will also reduce moisture buildup and promote circulation of air among the existing ones.
Pests can also cause harm to your flowers, and some notorious ones include aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, tomato worms, and spider mites. These insects will chew through the leaves, though they spare the flowers. Unless the situation gets out of control, avoid spraying pesticides. Butterflies frequent zinnias often, so spraying pesticides will harm these little creatures as well.
Under favorable conditions, zinnias will grow quickly and thrive without requiring too much maintenance. These are one of the most popular flowering plants favored by gardeners and grown in butterfly gardens because of their ability to attract butterflies and birds. Commonly used in flower arrangements, they do not stay fresh for too long after they have been plucked. Plant zinnia seeds in spring, and watch your garden turn into a riot of colors in a matter of months.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/caring-for-zinnia-flowers.html

Hawaiian Flower Names

Hawaii is known for its flora and fauna, and is synonymous with beautiful, picturesque, exotic flowers which are considered to be an integral part of Hawaiian culture. The locals welcome you with the leis flower or a garland of orchid or plumeria, which indeed is a beautiful, touching, and unforgettable gesture.

A mild soothing fragrance and bright colors give Hawaiian flowers an aesthetic appeal and is one of the reasons why Hawaii is called a tropical paradise. The official state flower of Hawaii is not the orchid or plumeria, as most of us would assume, but the yellow hibiscus, also known as the pua aloalo.

Let us take a look at some more exotic flowers along with their names that are native to the Islands of Aloha.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hawaiian-flower-names.html

Flower Canna

Botanical name: Canna x generalis

Plant type: Flower

USDA Hardiness Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11

Sun exposure: Full Sun

Soil type: Any, Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Flower color: Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, White

Bloom time: Summer, Fall

Cannas are among the most colorful summer bulbs—as flamboyant as their tropical American ancestry—with ruffled spikes tapering to refined buds.

These perennials come in a vast variety of color and boast immense, often-veined, paddle-shaped leaves and sheathing leafstalks in shades of green or bronze.

With their great reedy canes and palmy foliage, cannas would be magnificent even if they never bloomed. However, they keep blossoming from late spring or early summer to frost.

Turn-of-the-century gardeners so loved cannas that they grew them from seed but this isn't easy; better to leave propagation to experts and buy the tubers.

Planting

• Exotic, tropical creatures, cannas need lots of sunshine and fertile, moist soil but you don't have to pamper them.
• Cannas can be started in the house in small pots if your gardening season is short.
• Where not hardy, plant outdoors in early summer—around the same time you'd put in tomato plants.
• To plant, loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.
• Dig a hole 2 to 3 inches deep and set the rhizome in the hole, eyes up.
• Cover with soil and tamp firmly. Water thoroughly.
• Space rhizomes 1 to 4 feet apart.
• If you grow from seed, note that the germination rate is low and the seeds need to be filed or given an acid bath to break down their hard coat.

Care

• Cannas do best with a good supply of water, so water the plants during the summer if the rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Water freely in a dry spell.
• Keep a thin layer of mulch around cannas to help retain moisture as well.
• Stake tall varieties if needed.
• As flowers fade, deadhead to promote continued flowering.
• Cut each stem to ground after bloom.
• After autumn frost blackens the foliage, remove the stems and leaves, and lift the rhizomes for winter storage. Store in barely-moist peat or leaf mold in frost-free conditions. Space rhizomes so that they are not touching.
• In the deep South, let cannas grow without moving them, until the clumps grow very matted. Every 3 to 4 years in the winter, dig up the clumps, separate the roots, and plant them in well-enriched soil.
• Some gardeners as low as zone 7 have reported that their cannas are getting through the winter without being dug up; just be sure to protect the tubers with a heavy layer of mulch.

Pests

• Slugs, snails, spider mites, and caterpillars may be problems.
• Rust, fungal leaf spot, and bacterial blight are common.
• Bean yellow mosaic and tomato spotted wilt viruses can occur.

Harvest/Storage

• If you are storing cannas over the winter, store in a dry place at 45 to 50 degrees F. Don't let them dry out; sprinkle the sand or soil around them, if necessary.
• In the spring, cut the tubers apart with a sharp knife so that each piece contains one eye on a substantial piece of rootstock.

Recommended Varieties

• Dwarf cannas stay under 3 feet tall and are easy to fit into our downsized modern gardens. The 2-1/2-foot-tall 'Picasso' is a yellow-flowered dwarf peppered with freckles.
• Standard varieties grow 4 to 6 feet tall and need a 20- to 24-inch circle for each hand-size rhizome. 'The President' is  is red, 'Yellow King Humbert' spotless, 'Rosamond Cole' orange-edged gold, and 'City of Portland' salmon pink.
• Many gardeners love the spectacular, drought-tolerant varieties that reach heights of over 6 feet. One gem is the rich, deep pink 'Los Angeles', which has a large floret and opens out so that you can see the face.
• 'Bengal Tiger' is stunning even when it's not blooming with green-and-yellow-striped, maroon-edged leaves and bright-orange flowers.

Wit & Wisdom

Flowers are words which even a babe may understand.
–Arthur Cleveland Coxe, American poet (1818-96)

bay   http://www.almanac.com/plant/cannas

Rudbeckia hirta and other species

Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta and other species

Plant type: Flower

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun

Flower color: Red, Orange, Yellow

Bloom time: Summer, Fall

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are native to North America and one of the most popular wildflowers grown. They tend to blanket open fields, often surprising the passer-by with their golden-yellow beauty.

Members of the sunflower family, the "black eye" is named for the dark brown-purple centers of its daisy-like flower heads. The plants can grow to over 3 feet tall, with leaves of 6 inches, stalks over 8 inches long and flower diameter of 2 to 3 inches.

Butterflies, bees and a variety of insects are attracted to the flowers for the nectar. As they drink the nectar, they move pollen from one plant to another, causing it to grow fruits and seeds that can move about easily with the wind.

These plants bloom from June to October. Note that they can be territorial in that they tend to squash out other flowers growing near them.

Black-eyed Susans are good for cut flowers; they also work well for borders or in containers.

Planting

• Black-eyed Susans when the soil temperature has reached 70 degrees F for best seed germination. In many parts of North America, the planting period is March to May. The flower will flower June to September. Germination takes 7 to 30 days.
• Plant seeds in moist, well-drained soil.
• These hearty flowers really enjoy the Sun. They prefer full sun, though they'll grow in partial sun.
• Sow by seed in loosely covered soil.
• It's best if soil is fertile (not poor) though they can tolerate tough conditions.
• Black-eyed Susans generally grow between 1 and 3 feet tall (though they can grow taller) and can spread between 12 to 18 inches, so plant seeds closer to prevent lots of spreading or plant further apart to make a nice border.

Care

• Check your plants regularly to see if they need watering. Make sure they don't dry out.
• Divide perennial types every 3 to 4 years to ensure healthy plants and to prevent excessive spreading.
• Be sure to remove faded/dead flowers to prolong blooming.
• You can cut back black-eyed Susans after they flower and a second, smaller bloom may occur in late fall.

Pests

•  These plants are susceptible to powdery mildew fungi, so begin an organic antifungal program if the lower leaves turn brown and twisted.
• Slugs and snails
• Aphids
• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Smut
• Leaf spots

Harvest/Storage

After the first season, black-eyed susans can reseed themselves!

Recommended Varieties

• Becky Mixed, which offers a variety of colors for your garden, such as lemon-yellow, golden-yellow, dark red, and reddish-brown.
• Sonora, which has bright yellow flowers.
• Toto, which is a dwarf type and ideal for containers.

Special Features

• Attracts Butterflies

bay 

http://www.almanac.com/plant/black-eyed-susans

Astilbe Flower

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• Botanical name: Astilbe
• Plant type: Flower
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• Sun exposure: Part Sun, Shade
• Soil type: Loamy
• Flower color: Red, Pink, White
• Bloom time: Spring, Summer
• Astilbe is a perennial with beautiful, showy flowers atop glossy, fern–like foliage. Its flower clusters vary in size from 6 inches to 2 feet and its height varies from 6 inches to 5 feet, depending on the type.
• Astilbe may look delicate but they are tough. They are easy to grow and will live a long time in your garden.
• If you have a shady area, try astilbes to add color!
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• Planting

• Astilbes prefer a site that receives light to moderate shade; they will burn in full sun.
• Astilbes prefer soils that provide average to slightly below average moisture. Make sure your soil drains well and does not puddle or get water-logged in rain. Amend soil with peat moss, perlite and course sand to improve the drainage. 
• You can plant astilbe seeds, but they are short–lived and difficult to germinate. It is easier to plant the divisions from other astilbe plants.
• Plant the divisions in the spring or fall about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the type.
• If you are planting bare-root plants, make sure the holes are twice as wide as the plants and 4 to 6 inches deep. Place the plants so that the roots are fanned slightly and pointing downwards, with the crown planted 1 to 2 inches below the ground level. Cover the roots with soil and press firmly.
• Make sure to plant the divisions in consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Dry soil can be fatal to your plants.
• To prolong the foliage, provide shade from hot afternoon sun. Astilbes can grow in deep shade but will not flower as much.
• Care
• Remember to regularly check your astilbes to make sure they are moist. Water accordingly if rain does not occur. It's best to water deeply when you water (not everyday sprinkling).
• Astilbes spread quickly and form broad clumps. Their crowns often rise above the soil as they grow, so make sure to cover them with humus-rich soil or lift and replant the clumps.
• Your astilbes will benefit from a balanced organic fertilizer applied in the spring.
• Be sure to divide the overgrown clumps every 3 to 4 years in the spring. You can either replant the divisions immediately or put them in pots to be planted out in the early summer when they are re-established.
• Astilbe do fine as cutting flowers if you wish to clip some blooms to bring inside.
• Removing the flower heads will not promote continued flowering. 
• After blooming has finished for the season, feel free to clip off any spent flower stems. Your astilbes will continue to provide attractive foliage until fall.
• After the first frost, the leaves may yellow; trim leaves if you wish and fresh growth will come next spring.
• Pests
• Tarnished plant bug
• Powdery mildew
• Bacterial leaf spots
• Recommended Varieties
• Fanal, for its dark green foliage and dark crimson flowers
• Irrlicht, for its dark green foliage and elegant white flowers
• Venus, for its bright green foliage and bright pink flowers
• Special Features
• Attracts Butterflies

bay

http://www.almanac.com/plant/astilbe