This week, we’re bringing the heat with ideas to add exotic flair to your tropical garden, capturing that vacation vibe at home. We’ve also got tips on lavender care, dorm and office friendly tropical plants, and even an English garden tour for those who like it a bit cooler. Ready to turn your outdoor (or indoor) space into a slice of paradise?
Here’s a native perennial that looks like it belongs in a lower latitude. Huge, brightly colored, dinner-plate-sized flowers bloom on plants that are cold hardy down to Zone 3 (yes, 3!) If you’re in the mood for a tropical vacation, plant a few rose mallows and pretend! Pictured: Summerific® ‘Holy Grail’,with 8- to 9-inch deep red flowers and nearly black foliage. Photo by: Proven Winners.
You might also like rose of Sharon, another hardy hibiscus for Zones 5-9.
Step into the tropics in this garden designed by Lauren Hall-Behrens. See how she created a lush retreat in her own backyard and find out why she chose to emphasize foliage over flowers. Pictured: A stone-studded gravel pathway leads you through contrasting colors and textures. Photo by: Claire Takacs.
August 4-10, 2024
Not many flowers can say they have a whole week named after them, but these can—and they’ve earned it! Join us in celebrating these native perennials during Summerific Week, August 4-10, 2024.
Summerific® hibiscus plants have massive flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall, providing an important late-season food source for native bees. These amazing plants give you top-to-bottom flower coverage along their stems, and all they ask for in return is plenty of sun and water, and a little elbow room—even though most only grow 3.5 to 4 feet tall.
Share your Summerific photos on Instagram (now through August 10) with the hashtag #summerificweek for a chance to win prizes including merchandise and gift certificates from Proven Winners.
Mid-to-late summer, just after blooms fade, is prime time for lavender pruning. This essential trim shapes plants, controls growth, and promotes future flowering. Timing varies by variety, so watch your lavender’s bloom cycle. Learn how & when to prune your lavender correctly to ensure lush, healthy plants year-round.
PLUS, check out our new video: How to Prune Lavender: A Beginner’s Guide
Heading back to school soon? Bring a bit of the tropics with you! Many popular houseplants are actually tropical plants in disguise. Perfect for dorms or classrooms, these compact plants add a splash of paradise to any small space. They’re easy to care for and give you a daily dose of green therapy.
GARDEN TRAVEL
May 19-27, 2025
ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT
Tropics not your cup of tea? Try an English garden tour! Art in Bloom Garden Tours invites you to see Britain’s best blooms! Their May 2025 tour showcases England’s famous gardens at their peak, from grand estates to the Chelsea Flower Show. They’ve even sprinkled in some London sightseeing. It’s the perfect spring escape for garden lovers who prefer a milder climate. Ready to trade sunscreen for tea time? Get more info and grab your spot while you can!
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