Outdoor Plants

Columnar Cactus Identification: Best Images + A Tested and True Tool

Columnar Cactus Identification: Best Images + A Tested and True Tool

You can easily identify a Columnar cactus from other types due to its cylindrical appearance, but various types of Columnar cactus identification may be difficult. They belong to several cacti genera such as Cylindropuntia, Stenocereus, Opuntia, Fouquieria, etc.  To identify a Columnar cactus, you can search its picture among a gallery of cylindrical cacti or let a plant identifier do it for you.  Here, I provided an almost comprehensive collection of Columnar cacti images and names. I also introduce one of the best free online tools that will help you with your Columnar cactus identification. Columnar cacti are beautiful plants…
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Plants Similar to Azaleas: 5 Flowering Plants You May Mistake with Azaleas

Plants Similar to Azaleas: 5 Flowering Plants You May Mistake with Azaleas

Some plants are similar to Azaleas, and people may confuse them with Azaleas. Some have leaves similar to Azaleas and some have similar blooms. Pieris floribunda (Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub), Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus), Pieris japonica (Andromeda), and Azaleas share similar leaves, however, Camellias and Azaleas have almost similar flowers. Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant and want to tell you about the plants that are similar to Azaleas. I provided a list of them with their images in the following. I will tell you how to identify Azalea's lookalikes and distinguish them. Come on don’t waste our time…
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3 Japanese Crape Myrtle Varieties: The Best for 2025

3 Japanese Crape Myrtle Varieties: The Best for 2025

Japanese Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia fauriei), also known as Lagerstroemia subcostata var. fauriei, is a stunning species renowned for its exquisite beauty and versatility in landscapes. Native to Japan, I truly admire this plant for its elegant blooms, smooth bark, and vibrant fall colour. Japanese Crape Myrtle Varieties are stunning. Yeah, what makes this species even more fascinating is the variety of cultivars available, each offering a range of flower colours, sizes, and growth habits. These qualities make Japanese Crape Myrtle an excellent choice for small and large gardens. Here are some of my favourite and most beautiful varieties, along with…
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California Fruit Tree Identification

California Fruit Tree Identification

If California fruit tree identification is your challenge, join me in this post to help you identify them with their images. Keep reading. As you know, California is famous for its large fruit crop cultivation. It is due to its diverse climate that ranges from Mediterranean along the coast to arid inland. So, you may find a wide variety of fruit trees to thrive in California. So, California is a major producer of fruits not only for the United States but also for the world; however, do you know what the most common fruit trees in California are? Let’s identify…
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20 Outdoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs: The Best Pet-Friendly Outdoor Plants

20 Outdoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs: The Best Pet-Friendly Outdoor Plants

To create a pet-friendly garden, read this article to find a comprehensive list of outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs in various groups based on their care requirements, size, and appearance. Keep reading. Cats and dogs are very playful; they like to play with plants and sometimes nibble them, but are all the plants in your garden safe for them? Some of the lovely ornamental plants in your garden are toxic to your cats and dogs. Do you know them? In this article, first, I provide you with a list of 20 pet-friendly outdoor plants. Then, to make it…
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12 Stunning Mophead Hydrangea Varieties for 2025

12 Stunning Mophead Hydrangea Varieties for 2025

I absolutely love mophead hydrangea varieties! These stunning plants, scientifically known as Hydrangea macrophylla, are famous for their large, round clusters of flowers that resemble a mop—hence the name "mophead." The flowers are usually made up of smaller florets, and their colour can range from blue to pink, purple, or even white, depending on the soil's pH. They're one of my favourite types of hydrangeas because of their dramatic, showy blooms that make a garden truly stand out. Key Features of My Mophead Hydrangeas: Flower Clusters: The most distinctive feature is the large, ball-shaped flower clusters. They often have a…
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5 Admirable Dwarf Crape Myrtle Varieties: Add Elegant to your Small Garden

5 Admirable Dwarf Crape Myrtle Varieties: Add Elegant to your Small Garden

Crape Myrtle with its incredible blooms is often considered a cheaper alternative to Hydrangea. Here are five of my favourite dwarf crape myrtle varieties based on compact size, vibrant flowers, and overall aesthetic appeal. Each one brings something unique in terms of colour, size, and hardiness, making them well-suited for smaller gardens or as ornamental shrubs:   Velma's Royal Delight: Dwarf Crape Myrtle    I love Velma's Royal Delight for its striking dark purple flowers and compact growth habit. The bold colour contrast makes it a standout, especially in smaller gardens. Size: Typically grows to about 3-4 feet tall and…
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3 Vigorous Climbing Hydrangea Varieties for 2025

3 Vigorous Climbing Hydrangea Varieties for 2025

Climbing hydrangea varieties such as Hydrangea anomala, Hydrangea seemannii, and Hydrangea serratifolia can work perfectly to cover outbuildings or brighten up shady house walls. Hydrangea anomala subsp. Petiolaris is the most popular and well-known climbing hydrangea; however, Hydrangea seemannii and Hydrangea serratifolia are less known. Why? Keep reading. Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant, here is all you must know about climbing hydrangea varieties. After reading my post, you can select your garden, yard, or landscape best. For example, Hydrangea anomala and Hydrangea serratifolia can grow in USDA zones 5-9, but Hydrangea seemannii has a tropical origin and is best in warm, humid climates with no freezing temperatures. Keep reading to learn…
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Top 4 Red Hydrangea Varieties that You Cann’t Missed Them

Top 4 Red Hydrangea Varieties that You Cann’t Missed Them

If you’re looking for red hydrangeas, you're in luck! While hydrangeas are often known for their blue, pink, or white blooms, several varieties produce beautiful, rich red flowers. Here are four of the best red hydrangea varieties that I absolutely love: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Fire Light' Type: Bigleaf Hydrangea Why I Love It: 'Fire Light' stands out with its deep red to dark pink flowers, which intensify to a fiery red as they age—especially in cooler climates. The plant has a compact, sturdy growth habit, making it perfect for small to medium-sized gardens. Bloom Time: Late summer to fall. Height: 3–5…
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7 Cheaper Alternatives to Hydrangea: Adorn your Garden while Saving Your Money

Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant. In this post, I provided a list of cheaper alternatives to Hydrangea including Spirea, Elderberry, Cotoneaster, Weigela, Butterfly Bush, Abelia, and Rose of Sharon. Here, you can see their images and price range. I will also give you tips for caring for them which will help you choose the best according to your garden conditions. Let’s get going. Factors Affecting the Price of the Alternatives to Hydrangea It is difficult for me to give you the exact price of cheaper alternatives to Hydrangea because their prices are involved with different factors such as: Size: Larger plants generally cost more. Variety:…
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