What’s in a Name?
As Juliet said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell asContinue Reading
Category: Horticultural nomenclature
Where did the dandelion go?
A few weeks ago I was doing a little research on a glorious plant well known to all, the dandelion.Continue Reading
When Naming Your Plant Becomes a Headache
Do you love plants, but are a little confused about the different terms used to name them? No problem! Here’sContinue Reading
When Plants are Named for Celebrities
By Larry Hodgson There’s a long history of giving plants a scientific name in honor of an important person. Such aContinue Reading
Identifying a Mystery Tomato
By Larry Hodgson Question: I’ve sent you the photo of the tomatoes that grew in our garden this summer. Can youContinue Reading
What Is an Invasive Plant?
By Larry Hodgson Over the last few months, usually after I’ve published a list of plants for various uses (groundcoversContinue Reading
Geranium or Pelargonium? More than 230 Years of Confusion
By Larry Hodgson For over 230 years now, gardeners have known that their garden geraniums (zonal geraniums, scented geraniums, ivyContinue Reading
How the Potato Got Its Name
By Larry Hodgson Back in the 16th century, two new tubers were introduced into the British Isles at much theContinue Reading
Lavatera No More
Lavatera × clementii ‘Rosea’ is now Malva × clementii ‘Rosea’. Photo: gardenersdream.co.uk Yes, the genus Lavatera is gone, taxonomically speaking at least, and itsContinue Reading
Geranium or Pelargonium: Old Names Die Hard!
Name the mystery plant! Photo: www.crocus.co.uk Quick! What is the name of the plant in the photo above? I’ll bet 9 gardenersContinue Reading