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Gardening has been a hobby that has developed over the years. What started as cultivation for survival food and daily sustenance has now evolved in the modern world to beautify our homes and have fresh produce to bring to the table.
Especially during this pandemic, honing your green thumb is a worthwhile activity you can start with if you haven’t yet or something you can improve on. If you already have your garden at home, perhaps it’s time to change up your choice of plants or add to your already existing collection of green babies. Here are the five easy-to-grow plants you can add to your home garden:
Table of Contents
1. Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)
Coleus is the perfect addition to your plant collection if you want to try plants with thick and colorful foliage. Sporting leaves with attractive maroon and pink hues; this tropical will be a stunner and add a vibrant vibe to your home garden. Its varieties also extend to leaves with the colors green, red, and yellow.
Planting coleus is easy as 1-2-3 as you can start growing it in three ways: either from seed to soil, from stem cuttings (by water propagation or directly planting in a pot), or transplanting.
For general plant care, coleus thrives best when planted in a partial or fully shaded area, wherever the plant can soak in sunlight. Potting mix is also ideal when planting this, as long as it is moist and in well-drained soil. To know more about growing coleus, you can Click Here for more information.
2. Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)
Contrary to its name, you cannot ever grow impatient with this lovely flowering plant because cultivating it does not need much effort and depth of expertise in gardening. It has been said that this plant has been named as such because its ripe pods could easily burst open from the slightest touch, thus coining its name from the word “impatient.”
Although considered a touch-me-not plant, which contrasts with its irresistible blooms, the impatiens bring forth its beautiful flowers in white, pink, red, purple, and yellow. Therefore, impatiens plants have adorned flowerbeds and home gardens for the longest time, as its blooms are known to be long-lasting and distinct with its brightly-colored flowers.
Growing impatiens doesn’t need to take so much work as it can be cultivated partially to full shade. Hence, it can also be grown in containers on patios or even indoors. It also likes rich, moist but well-draining soil to thrive in. Although non-toxic to humans, be careful with having impatiens near your pets as it can be slightly toxic for them.
3. Sunburst Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var)
If you want to have a reminder of fall or autumn right in your backyard, you might want to consider growing a sunburst honeylocust tree. During the season, as mentioned above, this tree’s foliage turns a bright, pleasing golden yellow that surely will put you in a mood for playing in its leaf pile and having a pumpkin spice treat right after.
Sunburst honeylocust tree growers mostly prefer the plant’s thornless type. This tree is also one of the crowd favorites as it can withstand the elements such as solid winds, pollution, salt, alkaline soils, to name a few. When growing a sunburst honeylocust tree in your backyard, it needs full sun exposure and must be planted in rich, well-drained soil.
4. Golden Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
This ornamental plant is distinct for its bright green leaves with thin dark green stripes with a bamboo-like appearance. The golden Japanese forest grass has adorned parts of gardens like borders and also container gardens. If you want a plant with beautiful foliage, at the same time fast-growing but not invasive, then this is the one for you.
Considered as a low-maintenance plant, the golden Japanese forest grass is ideal for your home as it can be placed indoors in a pot, as it can tolerate being located in a shaded area. Moreover, it is not prone to disease or any pest attack. However, if you wish to plant it in your garden, ensure that the soil is moist but well-drained. Hence, it needs frequent watering.
5. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s ear is classified as part of the mint family. It is widely grown as an ornamental for its “fuzzy” leaves, which are reminiscent of young lamb’s delicate ears. It is also considered a foliage plant, as its leaves have a pretty silver color that would complement your garden well. However, children are the ones who enjoy the plant mostly as it is soft to touch and not toxic.
As lamb’s ear originates from the Middle East, it has evolved to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as drought. However, if you wish to grow it in your home garden, the ideal condition for the plant is that it would be raised in dry to medium moisture and well-drained soil. In addition, for sun exposure, it needs to be under full sunlight.
Takeaway
With proper care, providing the right conditions, and attention, these plants can add value to your home garden and maybe even bring life to your surroundings. But, as they say, one can never have too many plants!
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