Embrace Vertical Gardening with Native Plants

Maximizing Space and Beauty

Gardening has evolved beyond traditional horizontal landscapes, venturing into verticality, where plants ascend walls and trellises to create stunning living tapestries. Vertical gardening, a practice that has gained immense popularity in recent years, allows gardeners to transform limited spaces into vibrant and flourishing oases. This innovative approach adds aesthetic value to homes and urban environments and presents a solution for those with constrained areas to cultivate greenery. Two remarkable plants that excel in vertical gardening are the creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) and the European ginger (Asarum europaeum), offering unique beauty and adaptability.

Creeping Phlox: A Cascading Carpet of Color

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), also known as moss phlox or ground phlox, is a low-growing perennial plant native to North America. Renowned for its ability to form dense, colorful mats that cascade over rocks, walls, and barriers, creeping phlox is a versatile gem in vertical gardening. One of the most captivating features of creeping phlox is its vibrant and diverse range of flower colors. From soft pastels like pink, lavender, and white to bolder shades of red, purple, and magenta, these flowers create a stunning visual display that captures attention and instills a sense of tranquility. The dense growth habit of creeping phlox adds depth and dimension to vertical spaces and serves as a natural weed suppressant. Creeping phlox thrives in well-draining soil and prefers full sun to light shade. Its adaptability to various soil types and conditions makes it an excellent candidate for vertical gardening. This plant's low maintenance requirements and resistance to pests and diseases make it a favorite among novice and experienced gardeners. As creeping phlox spreads, it forms a beautiful ground cover that provides visual continuity, connecting different garden elements.

European Ginger: A Lush Carpet in Shade

European ginger (Asarum europaeum) is another exceptional choice for vertical gardening, especially in areas with limited sunlight. Native to Europe, this perennial herbaceous plant thrives in shaded environments and is celebrated for its lush, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that create a dense carpet-like effect. One of the critical advantages of European ginger is its ability to flourish in low-light conditions. Many vertical spaces, such as walls shaded by buildings or trees, receive limited direct sunlight. European ginger's adaptability to shade makes it an ideal candidate for these spaces, bringing life and vibrancy to areas that might otherwise be overlooked. Its unique foliage adds texture and contrast, enriching the visual appeal of vertical gardens. European ginger is relatively low-maintenance, requiring consistently moist soil to thrive. Its ground-hugging growth habit covers vertical surfaces effectively, suppresses weed growth, and helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. The plant's hardiness and resistance to pests make it an attractive choice for those looking to introduce greenery to shaded walls and spaces.

Benefits of Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening offers a plethora of benefits that extend beyond mere aesthetics. Here are some of the advantages that make this gardening approach a compelling choice:

Space Optimization: One of the most prominent benefits of vertical gardening is its ability to maximize space. In urban environments or small yards, where horizontal space is limited, vertical gardens can utilize walls, fences, and other vertical surfaces for planting. This is particularly crucial for individuals who crave greenery but lack sufficient ground space.

Aesthetic Appeal: Vertical gardens are visually striking and can transform plain walls or structures into captivating living artworks. The combination of various plant textures, colors, and forms creates a dynamic and ever-changing display that enhances the overall ambiance of any space.

Improved Air Quality: Plants purify the air naturally, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Vertical gardens contribute to improved air quality by increasing the number of plants within a confined space, thus enhancing oxygen production and reducing pollutants.

Temperature Regulation: Vertical gardens can act as insulators, providing a buffer against extreme temperatures. They can help keep indoor spaces more relaxed in hot weather and provide some degree of warmth in colder months.

Reduced Urban Heat Island Effect: The concentration of buildings and concrete surfaces in urban areas can lead to the "urban heat island" effect, causing higher temperatures. Vertical gardens combat this by providing shade and cooling products, mitigating the impact of heat.

Sound Absorption: Plants can absorb and muffle sound, making vertical gardens valuable in reducing noise pollution in busy urban environments.

Therapeutic Benefits: Gardening, in general, is known to have therapeutic effects on mental well-being. Vertical gardens, with their accessibility and manageable size, offer a convenient way for people to engage in gardening, even in limited spaces.

Biodiversity Support: Vertical gardens attract pollinators, birds, and insects, contributing to local biodiversity and creating micro-ecosystems within urban settings.

Vertical gardening is a captivating and practical approach to cultivating greenery, even in confined spaces. Plants like creeping phlox and European ginger exemplify the versatility and beauty that vertical gardening can bring. Whether adorning walls with cascading colors or turning shaded corners into lush retreats, these plants demonstrate the potential to create living works of art that enhance our surroundings. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the numerous benefits of vertical gardening, from space optimization to improved air quality, underscore its significance in modern horticulture. As urbanization continues to shape our landscapes, vertical gardening is a testament to our ingenuity and connection to the natural world.

Creeping Phlox - TN Nursery

Creeping Phlox

The Creeping Phlox is a low-growing perennial plant with small, vibrant pink flowers that form a dense carpet-like display in spring. It forms a beautiful, lush pink carpet array of blooms and is an excellent spreading groundcover plant that will control weeds and overgrowth near hillsides and banks you can not maintain. Due to its numerous benefits and aesthetic appeal, it is a popular and versatile plant used in landscaping.  The creeping phlox is a solid option for those who want to add gorgeous color to their yard. This plant, also known as the mountain type, moss type, and moss pink, is native to the central and eastern United States, and its beauty makes it a popular option for gardens around the globe. What are the benefits of adding this vibrant plant to your yard or garden? Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) Has Brilliant Colors Creeping Phlox's flowers are stunning, with colors ranging from pale blue, white, and pink to bright violet. Each flower has five hardy petals, but some have six petals. The plants bloom through the spring and summer, providing lasting color for approximately one month. As an evergreen perennial, the plant remains green throughout the year. It can brighten up an otherwise dull, dreary yard in the peak of the cold weather season. Creeping Phlox Is A Filler Plant This plant grows five inches tall and up to 13 inches in diameter. In addition to the expanse of a single plant, the plant proliferates. Many use its beauty as an alternative to grass or a filler in their more extensive gardens. Because of its short height, it does not need to be cut back like grass and other ground cover. Weeds increase and can make your yard look poorly maintained in a matter of weeks. The plant is dense with tightly clustered leaves. When in bloom, the flowers blanket the tops of the plants. Because of its unique traits, the plant prevents or minimizes weed growth. As a result, your gardens can continue to look fabulous without needing to devote hours of your valuable time to pulling weeds regularly. Creeping Phlox Helps With Soil Erosion Prevention  Grass generally only thrives on ledges and steep banks, making your grounds look barren and subject to erosion. The creeping phlox, however, thrives in these areas. Its presence can dramatically reduce the damaging effects of erosion while enhancing aesthetics. It is well-suited for providing immediate and long-term benefits to your property. Where to plant creeping phlox It thrives in drainage and bright light. It wants somewhere it'll spread easily and turn into a carpet in spring.  Is creeping phlox a shade or sun plant?  To flower, creeping phlox needs full sun, six hours or so. The plant can tolerate shade but not for long because it will hurt its growth.  How long does creeping phlox last Creeping phlox is a perennial that returns every year. It blooms for 2-4 weeks in the spring and it's evergreen so you can have it for year round ground cover.  Does creeping phlox grow fast?  Creeping phlox starts quickly and spreads into a mound of foliage and flowers. When properly managed and under the right conditions, it can cover a lot of land in just a few seasons.  How to maintain creeping phlox Creeping phlox is easy-care, but it does need to be pruned once the flowers are faded. Install it in moist place and water it in summer.

Tall Phlox - TN Nursery

Tall Phlox

Tall Phlox is a perennial plant valued for its upright growth habit, showy clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers, and attractiveness to pollinators. It is a popular choice in gardens and borders and is often used in landscaping for its numerous benefits. Here are some advantages of incorporating them into your landscape design. Known for its vibrant colors, this flower is a popular addition to many home gardens. Native to North America, this stunning plant can grow in many different environments. Your garden can liven up flower beds and walkway borders during the warmer months of the year. Enjoy Tall Phlox (Phlox paniculata) in Your Flower Beds As a perennial, this stunning plant will return year after year. Known as a favorite among beginning gardeners, this flower can be used in many parts of your garden. You can find this flower in landscapes and along slopes. It is often tucked into garden beds. While it is famous as a landscape plant, many people also grow it for its potential as a cut flower. Discover Green Leaves and Fragrant Flowers With Tall Phlox Because of its growth habits, you never struggle to see them. This upright flower typically grows about 3 feet in height. If you need a shorter option for your gardening beds, some cultivars grow only 2 feet tall. Beloved by pollinators, it is a common addition to butterfly and hummingbird gardens. Once the flowers start blooming, you can enjoy having them throughout the summer. Tall Phlox Come In A Rainbow of Colors You don’t have to limit yourself to just one when picking a color. Depending on the cultivar, you can find Tall Phlox in just about any shade you can think of. While it is trendy in shades of blue and purple, it can also be found in pink, orange, and white hues. Besides its stunning flowers, Tall Phlox is also recognizable because of its dark green foliage. When the fragrant florets arrive, they form flower heads that are about 5 to 6 inches in size. If you are short on space, these flowers can grow well in planters. Whether you want to include them in your flower beds or a container garden, there are many ways to incorporate this stunningly beautiful flower into your garden. What are the best conditions for growing Tall Phlox  Phlox can grow best in locations where it receives full sunlight and shade as well. It prefers soils that are well-drained and have organic matter. By consistently providing the plant with ample moisture during the dry season, it will develop lush blooms and have healthy growth.  When does Tall Phlox bloom  Tall phlox blooms from around mid-summer to early fall; it provides a burst of color when many other perennial plants are done flowering. The flowers are long-lasting and thus suitable to decorate any landscape in the garden.  How can I keep Tall Phlox healthy and vigorous  Deadheading needs to be done on a regular basis to ensure that the plant keeps blooming, and also help prevent self-seeding. Provide adequate water and good airflow to help prevent powdery mildew.  Can tall phlox attract pollinators?  Tall phlox attracts bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. The plants have sweet-scented flowers that not only complement the beauty of your garden but also support local ecosystems.  Is Tall Phlox suitable for cut flower arrangements  Tall phlox's tall stems with bright colors make it ideal for cut flower arrangements. They can be plast for days in a vase and bring qualities of elegance and charm indoors.

Annual Phlox - TN Nursery

Annual Phlox

Annual Phlox blooms in spring, summer, and fall, making this perennial so popular. It also has a long blooming season in the fall and stays blooming for weeks. This delightful flowering plant brings robust color and charm to any landscaping project. As an annual plant, it completes its life cycle within a single growing season, but its attributes make it a popular choice for gardeners year after year. Let's explore why this annual is a fantastic addition to your landscape. Annual Phlox is a long-blooming and easy-to-grow plant known for its diverse and colorful blooms. With cheerful shades of lavender, pink, white, and red, these plants are among the favorites for all types of gardens and landscaping situations. These flowers are native to North America and commonly found in Texas, California, Alabama, Arkansas, and as far north as Minnesota. The Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii) is a Low Growing Blooming Ground Cover Plant Their blooming season starts in spring and continues until the hot summer; however, they bloom again in fall. If you opt for a pollinator garden, they are ideal companion plantings that attract early pollinators with their sweet scent and vibrant blooms. By choosing them, you can support biodiversity and the local ecosystem. Whether you are an experienced flower farmer or have found a new passion for planting vibrant blooms in your garden, order your annual phlox plants from TN Nursery. Add these plants to your garden to enhance its aesthetic appeal and enjoy the beautiful, sweet scent in the air. Features of Annual Phlox The annual phlox plant has a subtle, sweet scent similar to honey or melon. The fragrance and vibrant blooms attract early pollinators to feed on nectar and collect pollen, ultimately supporting the ecosystem's health. Under ideal conditions, the plant can grow 6 to 18 inches tall. Annual Phlox Loves Well Draining Soil The plants can thrive in most garden soil but bloom best in well-drained soil and full sun with moderate watering required. Make sure to plant it in a large pot with a drainage hole. The plants are known for their reputation for being easy to grow and care for, making them an ideal option for new and experienced gardeners. Add Color To Your Garden With Annual Phlox You can buy starter phlox plants for sale from TN Nursery and plant them in your beautiful garden. The plants also support companion planting, which means you can plant them alongside other sun-loving plants such as Yarrow, Bee Balm, and Orange Daylily to enhance your garden’s appearance. What Are Annual Phlox   Annual phlox is an easy-to-grow plant that produces flowers with shades of pink, red, white, and purple. It has become popular among gardeners because it is easy to grow and will add vivid colors of bloom to gardens and pots.  Where does Annual Phlox thrive best  This plant grows best in areas that receive full sun and is well suited to borders or pots. Even though it thrives in areas of full sunlight, it can grow well in partially shaded environments.  How long does it take for Annual Phlox to bloom  Annual phlox usually sets flower within 8-10 weeks of planting meaning it is one of the fastest flowering perennials. It has a long flowering period, hence bright flowers in summer and early fall season.  Is annual phlox easy to care for?  Annual phlox is not very demanding. It only needs moderate watering and deadheading to encourage it to rebloom. It is a hardy plant that grows well in various conditions, making it a good one for beginners in gardening.  Can Annual Phlox attract pollinators Annual phlox is a quick favorite of bees and butterflies; therefore, it is perfect for pollinator gardens. Also, its flowers produce a pleasant fragrance to the surroundings.

European Ginger - TN Nursery

European Ginger

European Ginger is a low-growing ground cover plant that has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and produces small, inconspicuous brownish-purple flowers nestled among its dense, carpet-like foliage. It is a charming and versatile plant with several landscaping benefits. This evergreen perennial herb is native to Europe and is valued for its exotic appearance, low-maintenance nature, and various practical applications in garden design. The European Ginger creates a pleasant aesthetic while helping keep insects and other pests away. This plant grows low to the ground and is typically used to cover barren areas or protect gardens or other areas you want to keep free of bugs or animals. The European Ginger (Asarum europaeum) Makes A Great Border Plant When grown in favorable conditions, it can grow over a foot tall. Its green leaves have a leathery texture that can add diversity to your yard or garden. The plant can be a garden border to add natural charm to your property. The green leaves may retain their color depending on the climate in your area. European Ginger Spreads Slowly  While this plant tends to spread relatively slowly but grows steadily, given enough space, you can get it to grow even faster by separating the roots into separate areas of your yard or garden to get them to propagate quickly. As a general rule, as long as it is planted in the right spot, you won't have to worry about it growing properly after putting roots into the ground. European Ginger Will Not Get Diseases  One of the key benefits of this European Ginger is that it won't succumb to disease. Furthermore, aside from slugs or snails, it isn't eaten by other insects or animals, and in numerous instances, it can attract butterflies and other attractive creatures to your property. It is worth noting that harm can be done to the plant if you prune it in the late fall or winter, as the remaining leaves can be vulnerable to burn. Ideally, you will prune it during the summer or early fall to allow the plant to bounce back before colder weather sets in. How is European Ginger Unique?  It's popular for its heart-shaped glossy leaves that grow into a year-round groundcover. It is a small-growing shrub, so you can use it in shade of a backyard garden.  Where should I plant European Ginger in my garden?  It grows best in partially shaded or shaded areas with good, draining, fertile soil. It thrives well when planted beneath trees, near pathways, and in woodland gardens.  How do I Care For European Ginger European ginger requires watering only once a week. Place a layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil. You can do a little pruning to keep it neat.  Is European ginger a good companion plant? Yes! European ginger has dense foliage that helps suppress weeds and complements ferns, hostas, and other shade-tolerant plants.  Can I grow European Ginger in containers  European ginger can easily be grown in containers and therefore, ideal for patios or small growing areas. Ensure the container has well-drained soils and the plant is placed in the right amount of shade.

Wild Ginger - TN Nursery

Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and unique, reddish-brown, tubular flowers often hidden beneath the foliage, typically found in shaded woodlands. It is a beautiful, versatile groundcover perennial that can be a valuable addition to landscaping. Here are some of its attributes and benefits when used in landscaping. Wild ginger is a plant that many may need to be made aware of. An ideal addition to a lawn that needs some variety in terms of the types and sizes of plants, there are plenty of reasons to start growing this plant where you live. Let's take a look at what it has to offer and how it might benefit your space. Wild Ginger (Asarum) Acts As a Larger Groundcover This plant is the perfect groundcover for those who want something that's a bit larger and can blend in seamlessly with their much smaller and much larger plants. Its heart-shaped leaves can extend up to eight inches tall, helping it seamlessly blend in throughout areas where smaller flowers feel disjointed in contrast with their much taller counterparts. If you have an area where you're having trouble growing grass or want something different, this plant will do! Wild Ginger Attracts Unique Pollinators This plant's flowers do not bloom toward the top. Instead, the jug-like flowers grow near the bottom of the plant. As a result, this attracts pollinators like ants and flies that you wouldn't usually think of as benefitting your garden. If you have other forms of ground cover or smaller plants that may need extra support, this plant could be an excellent addition to attract the pollinators your other plants aren't bringing in. Wild Ginger Is A Great Groundcover For Shady Areas Groundcover is a great way to reduce the number of weeds in your garden or yard. Because ground cover takes up the bulk of the planted space, it's much harder for weeds to take root and begin spreading. Should some weeds manage to start growing, they're much easier to pluck out. This plant is perfect if you want to reduce weeds and have something intentionally growing in your space. Reduces Soil Erosion With Wild Ginger Wild Ginger root systems spread across the space and keep soil in place, reducing soil erosion and ensuring that your soil retains its beneficial qualities. It also protects the roots of nearby plants, which is essential if you're looking to create a robust, beautiful garden. How To Identify Wild Ginger  Wild ginger is easily recognized by its heart-shaped leaves. It has small, inconspicuous brownish-purple flowers that are formed near the ground level and may not be noticed because of the foliage.  Where Does Wild Ginger Grow Best  Wild ginger grows best in shaded woodland environments with moist, well-drained soils with organic matter.  How Does Wild Ginger Reproduce  Wild ginger is propagated by rhizomes and creates a ground cover gradually. It can also spread through seeds but mainly reproduce through rhizomes.  How fast do Wild Ginger plants grow  Wild ginger grows slowly. But once it's established, it all add up to make a habitual ground cover that doesn't need frequent care. How Ginger And Wild Ginger Are Different  Ginger is derived from the rhizomes of a tropical species called Zingiber officinale, also called a ginger spice. Wild ginger is Asarum genus, and it is more preferred as an ornamental plant and as a ground cover.

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