How to Grow and Care for Heliotropes

They are popular and stunning floweringperennialsthanks to their aromatic and delicate old cottage-garden-style flowers. Some gardeners describe the scent of the flowers as vanilla, while others insist they smell like cherry pie. Plant fast-growing heliotropes outdoors in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova This plant is toxic to humans and animals.Learn how to grow these attractive tender perennials in your garden. Heliotropes Care Heliotropes are temperate perennials that are native to the subtropical regions of Peru....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 595 words · Andrew Johnson

How to Grow and Care for Hellebore

Hellebores are among the earliest perennial flowers to bloom, welcoming spring with their rose-like blossoms. In warm locales,Helleborus orientalis(commonly called Lenten rose) can bloom outdoors at Christmastime. In colder zones, hellebores will break through the frozen ground early in the spring. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Their foliage remains attractive into the summer, so they are suitable for splashy, mass plantings. Be aware thatHelleborus niger (commonly called theChristmas rose) andHelleborus orientalisare toxic....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 652 words · James Martin

How to Grow and Care for Hens and Chicks (House Leek)

Thehens and chicksplant, also called house leek, is amat-forming perennial succulentwith fleshy pointed leaves arranged in rosettes. Plant hens and chicks in temperate to warm, dry climates and where there’sfull sunto light shade. The main soil requirement for the plant is that it be well-draining. The Spruce / Kara Riley These plants prefer neutral soil. Water Hens and chicks aredrought-tolerantperennials that can withstand weeks withoutwatering. On average, a plant can use one cup every two weeks or sooner in hot weather conditions....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 577 words · Mark Gonzales

How to Grow and Care for Hibiscus

The largeHibiscusgenus of over 200 species and many more cultivars includesannuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees. All hibiscus flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. The care and growing requirements vary from species to species. The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy Here are the main care requirements for growing hibiscus: Want more gardening tips? Light Hibiscus loves bright conditions. Indoors, hibiscus needs a bright spot near a sunny window. The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 602 words · Kenneth Price

How to Grow and Care for Himalayan Birch

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Looking for a fast-growing tree that offers year-long interest? Himalayan birch,Betula jacquemontii,has a pyramidal shape, with branches that extend upward and open. Yellowish-brown male flowers in 3- to 5-inch drooping catkins appear in the spring. The tree attractspollinatorsand supports the larvae of the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus). Leaves resemble slightly rounded ovate wedges, 2 to 3 inches wide. Plant the tree in cool weather in the spring or fall....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 412 words · Lisa Sweeney

How to Grow and Care for Hindu Rope

Hindu rope thrives in bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and higher humidity levels. Avoid positioning your Hindu rope plant in a window that receives extended exposure to direct afternoon sun. Too much direct sun risks scorching leaves and yellow foliage. The Spruce / Cori Sears Soil Use a fast-draining, light, and airy potting mix. Water it deeply but verify it is growing in a pot with decent drainage holes. In the winter months, reduce watering and pay more attention to the plant’s humidity needs....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 484 words · Steven Smith

How to Grow and Care for Hinoki Cypress

Hailing from southern Japan, it is often used for privacy screens because it’s so tall and dense. It’s famous in Japanese gardens, and its dwarf form can be used as bonsai. It is typically planted in fall or early spring. The Spruce / Adrienne Legault Read on for our care guide. Avoid areas with direct afternoon sun in hot climates because the tree can develop sun scorch. The soil should be porous and well-drained to prevent excess water around the plant....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 436 words · Valerie Singleton

How to Grow and Care for Hollyhock (Alcea)

These perennial or biennial flowering plants grow to 8 feet tall. Hollyhocks prefer full sun and temperate climates but don’t do well in high humidity. Light Plant hollyhocks in full sun but they can survive in partial shade. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova These tall plants can flop in overly shady locations. Soil Grow versatile hollyhocks in any soil key in. This will also promote better air circulation and drainage....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 402 words · Teresa Parker

How to Grow and Care for Holy Basil

The Spruce / Randi Rhoades Holy basil doesnt make your pesto divine. It isnt even the same species of sweetbasilused in your favorite Italian dishes. If you do happen to find holy basil for sale, be sure you have the correct species. Suprabhat Dutta/ Getty Images Either way, the methods of caring for both are similar. Suprabhat Dutta/ Getty Images Light Giving holy basil plenty of sunlight will ensure large healthy leaves....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 241 words · Jennifer Michael

How to Grow and Care for Homalomena

The slow-growing, sometimes aniseed-fragranced, leaves tend to be heart or arrowhead in shape. This is why they get their nicknames of the queen of hearts or the shield plant. Potting mixes that contain peat moss ensure good drainage. LIKIT SUPASAI / Getty Images Be sure to use a pot with large drainage holes. Water Proper watering is vital. Too much moisture makes the plant susceptible toroot rotandyellow leaves, while insufficient moisture causes the leaves to fade....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 371 words · William Fisher

How to Grow and Care for Hong Kong Orchid Tree

Though it is not a true orchid, the shape and rich colors of the flowers are reminiscent oforchids. At 6 inches across, the blooms are twice the size of other orchid tree flowers. Its bright colors and flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Noppharat05081977 / Getty Images Rather than one central trunk it usually forms several main trunks. Light The Hong Kong orchid tree tolerates a range of light conditions....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 242 words · Willie Mitchell

How to Grow and Care for Hoptree

This native shrub is the host plant for the giant swallowtail butterfly. Native to North America, hoptree prefers mild-to-cool climates and average humidity. It thrives in spots that getpartial sunlight. Harsh afternoon sun can scorch its foliage. However, in some locations, hoptree tolerates full sun. But it prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage. Plus, it likes a relativelyneutral soil pH. Water The shadier the conditions, the lower the water needs....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 429 words · Nicholas Ibarra

How to Grow and Care for Horsetail

Similar to ferns, horsetail reproduces through spores and underground rhizomes. Horsetail adapts to many growing conditions and is impervious to diseases and pests. Horsetail is usually planted in early spring, though it will survive planting at almost any time. The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy This fast-growing plant achieves full height within a matter of weeks. If not contained, it can take over quickly. Horsetail is toxic to grazing animals. The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 254 words · Jesse Macias