Chinese Lantern
A spreading herbaceous perennial, also known as Alkekengi officinarum, grown for papery orange-red husks resembling miniature lanterns. Challenging in Phoenix because it prefers cooler summers. Special Features Showy orange-red husks persist after foliage declines and are excellent for dried arrangements. Problems & Solutions Phoenix heat can cause scorching and poor performance; provide afternoon shade, mulch, […]
Variegated Shell Ginger
Tropical rhizomatous perennial grown for bold, strap-like leaves striped in yellow and green. Marginal in the low desert: it needs deep or filtered shade, wind protection, and consistent moisture, and foliage burns easily in dry heat and freezes to the ground in hard frost. Special Features Bold yellow-and-green variegated foliage; fragrant shell-shaped flowers when mature; […]