How to grow Echinacea Echinacea (ek-in-ay-se-a) From the Greek echinos, hedgehog, referring to the whorl of prickly, pointed bracts close beneath the flower head (Compositae). A genus of two North American species of hardy herbaceousperennial plants. Echinacea plants E. angustifolia […]

How to grow Helianthus Helianthus (hel-ee-an-thus) From the Greek helios, the sun, anthos, a flower. (Compositae). Sunflower. A genus of tall, coarse-growing plants, annuals and perennials, gross feeders which dominate the border in which they are planted. H. annuus, the […]

How to grow Callirrhoe (kal-ir-ho-ee) Named after Callirhoe, one of the Greek goddesses (Malvaceae). Poppy mallow. This North American genus has both annual and perennial species. The flowers are saucer shaped and of red hues, which are brilliant in sunshine. […]

How to grow Helichrysum Helichrysum (hel-ee-kry-sum) From the Greek hellos, the sun, chrysos, gold, referring to the yellow flowers of some species. (Compositae). Everlasting flower, Immortelle flower. A large genus of plants ranging from alpines to shrubs, bearing daisy-like flowers. […]

How to grow Heliopsis Heliopsis (he-le-op-sis) From the Greek helios, the sun, opsis, like, referring to the flowers (Compositae). Orange sunflower. Hardy herbaceous perennials resembling sunflowers, good border plants, especially since the more recent introduction of several good forms ; […]

How to Grow Lychnis Lychnis (lik-nis) From the Greek lychnos, a lamp, alluding to the brilliantly-coloured flowers (Caryophyllaceae). This small genus from the north temperate zone of the Old World contains some good herbaceous perennials and one good hardy annual. […]

Mustard and Cress This is a practical, easy-to-grow salad crop which may be grown throughout the year provided that a temperature of 50-60°F (10-16°C) is given. Cress takes a little longer to germinate than mustard, so cress seeds must be […]

How to grow Catananche (kat-an-an-kee) From the Greek katananke, a strong incentive, referring to its use in love potions (Compositae). A small genus of annuals or perennials of which C. caerulea is the only species likely to be found in […]

How to grow Eryngium From the ancient Greek name eryngeon, the meaning of which is obscure (Urnbelliferae). A genus of over 200 species of hardy and nearly hardy perennial herbaceous plants, some with thistle-like leaves. Some species are seaside plants […]

How to grow Helxine Helxine (helks-in-e) Derivation uncertain. Possibly from the ancient Greek name for pellitory, a related plant, or from the Latin helix, ivy, since the plant creeps ( Urticaceae). Baby s tears. A genus of a single species […]