The four species that belong to the section Oyama of the genus Magnolia–M. sieboldii, M. globosa, M. wilsonii, and M. sinensis–share a set of traits that makes them easy to recognize (if not to distinguish from one another). All are relatively small-growing deciduous trees native eastern Asia that bear white, rounded, nodding or pendent flowers, opening from egg-shaped buds in late spring or early summer after the foliage has appeared…

While there’s no such thing as an ugly Oriental poppy flower, there are wide differences in height and habit among the various cultivars, not to mention color, which ranges from the familiar scarlets and vermilions to orange, pink, salmon, white, and even a rather liverish purple.

Scarlet avens (Geum coccineum) has bright red flowers and interesting leaves.

Henry’s lily (Lilium henryi) is an easy-to-grow, late-blooming lily.

‘Lemon Queen’ is a dazzling perennial sunflower that blooms in late summer.

The rare Chilean blue crocus is a collector’s item.

Iris cycloglossa is a hardy bulb with blue flowers and a spicy scent.

‘Leonard Messel’ is a tough magnolia tree with purple buds and copious pink flowers.

Although the primary function of a plant’s roots is to take up moisture and nutrients and to anchor the plant in the soil, roots also have adventitious buds on their surface that, under the right conditions, can give rise to new plants. Here are the steps to follow and some appropriate perennials.

With its deep green, undivided pinnae (a pinna is the primary division or "leaflet" of a frond), Christmas fern falls toward the bold end of the fern spectrum . . .