Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast With Potatoes and Carrots

How to Grow and Care Anise Hyssop?

Gardening

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August 7, 2025

As a self-sustainable gardener, I prefer to grow edible plants in my backyard. But ecological role played by ornamental plants can’t be denied.

Flowering plants are known to attract pollinators to the garden that can increase your yield. Apart from this, vibrant blossoms leave a positive impact on your mental health.

Anise hyssop is an herbaceous perennial with blue flowers, which you can grow as an ornamental or an herbal plant.

Not just the appearance Anise hyssop gives similar scent as anise and some compare it with basil.

Depending on the variety you choose to grow, this plant produces blue-lavender to purple flowers that blooms from mid-summer to early fall.

Excellent thing about this herbaceous plant is it has immense benefits.

You can grow to attract pollinators, mitigate pests, as an ornamental plant, use as cut flowers or use it’s leaves to make an herbal tea.

Native to North America and hardy to USDA zones 3-8, Anise hyssop can be grown from seeds or propagated through cuttings.

I’ll shall discuss both ways of growing anise hyssop later in this article. Before that let’s know about the growing requirements of the plant.

Growing Requirements of Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is adaptable plant that requires minimal maintenance while providing beautiful purple-blue flower spikes from midsummer through fall.

Sunlight Requirements: Anise hyssop performs best in full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily) but tolerates partial shade (4-6 hours). In partial shade, plants may become leggier and produce fewer blooms.

Soil Conditions: The plant tolerates a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay loam and even rocky conditions. Good drainage is essential, as anise hyssop is susceptible to root rot in wet soils. It prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil.

Water Requirements: Once established, anise hyssop is drought-tolerant and prefers medium-moist to dry soil conditions. Avoid overwatering or planting in areas prone to flooding, as excess moisture can cause fatal root rot. Water regularly during establishment, then allow soil to dry between waterings.

Temperature: The plant thrives in warm season temperatures between 65-85°F and cannot tolerate frost.

Spacing and Maintenance: Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow. Annual compost application provides sufficient fertilization. The plant self-seeds readily and spreads via rhizomes.

Deadheading promotes continued blooming, while light pruning encourages branching. Plants rarely need staking despite reaching 2-4 feet tall.

How to Grow Anise Hyssop?

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) stands out as one of the most rewarding herbs for both novice and experienced gardeners.

This fragrant, bee-friendly perennial combines ornamental beauty with culinary versatility, making it an excellent addition to herb gardens, pollinator gardens, and mixed borders.

Its licorice-scented foliage and striking flower spikes create visual impact while attracting beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

How to Grow Anise Hyssop Seeds?

Direct Seeding: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date in spring. Scatter seeds on the soil surface without covering them, as anise hyssop seeds require light for germination.

Keep the seedbed consistently moist for 14-21 days until germination occurs. Thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart once they reach 2-3 inches tall.

Indoor Seed Starting: Begin seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seed-starting trays filled with quality potting mix.

Maintain soil temperature at 65-70°F for optimal germination. Provide bright light or supplemental grow lights once seedlings emerge. Transplant outdoors after hardening off for 7-10 days.

Also Read: How to Care for Pansies in Pots?

Propagating Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop propagation offers gardeners two reliable methods to multiply their plants and create new specimens for expanded plantings or sharing with fellow gardeners.

Division Method

Plant Selection and Timing

Choose well-established anise hyssop plants that are at least 2-3 years old with robust root systems and multiple growing crowns.

Spring division (early April to May) is ideal as plants have the entire growing season to establish, while fall division should occur 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost to allow adequate root development.

Division Process

Begin by watering the parent plant thoroughly 24 hours before division to ensure tissues are well-hydrated. Use a sharp spade to cut straight down through the center of the plant while still in the ground, creating sections 4-6 inches wide.

Each division must contain both healthy roots and visible growing shoots or buds. Lift sections carefully, preserving as much root mass as possible. Trim any damaged or broken roots with clean, sharp pruning shears.

Post-Division Care

Plant divisions immediately at the same soil depth as the original plant. Space new divisions 18-24 inches apart in well-prepared soil.

Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture for 3-4 weeks until new growth appears, indicating successful establishment.

Propagating through Stem Cutting

Cutting Selection: In early summer, select healthy, semi-mature stems that are neither too soft nor completely woody.

Avoid flowering stems, as they root less successfully. Take 4-6 inch cuttings in early morning when plants are fully hydrated.

Preparation and Rooting: Remove all leaves from the bottom half of each cutting, leaving 4-6 leaves at the top.

Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel to accelerate root development.

Plant in a well-draining mix of equal parts peat moss and perlite, maintaining consistent moisture and humidity until roots form in 3-4 weeks.

How to Grow Anise Hyssop in Pots?

Anise hyssop adapts exceptionally well to container cultivation, making it perfect for patios, balconies, and small gardens.

Use pots at least 12 inches wide and deep with drainage holes to accommodate the plant’s root system and prevent waterlogging. For optimal growth, choose containers 16-18 inches wide for mature plants or multiple specimens.

Fill containers with high-quality potting mix blended with compost for nutrition and perlite for drainage. Avoid garden soil, which compacts in containers.

Place containers in full sun locations receiving 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily, though partial shade is tolerated.

Container plants require more frequent watering than garden specimens due to faster soil drying. Check moisture daily by inserting your finger 2 inches deep.
Water thoroughly until excess drains from holes, then allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Never let plants sit in waterlogged soil.
Apply diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
In winter, reduce watering and move containers to protected locations in harsh climates. Repot every 2-3 years with fresh growing medium.

Must Read: How to Grow and Care Columbine Plant?

How to Care for Anise Hyssop?

Anise hyssop is remarkably low-maintenance once established, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. This hardy perennial thrives with minimal intervention while providing continuous blooms and aromatic foliage throughout the growing season.

Watering Requirements

Water newly planted anise hyssop regularly for 4-6 weeks until established, then allow soil to dry between waterings. Check moisture 2-3 inches deep before watering. Overwatering causes root rot, the most common mistake.

Container plants need more frequent watering than garden plants but never allow standing water. During hot weather, containers may need daily watering while established garden plants survive on rainfall. Reduce winter watering significantly.

Soil and Drainage

Anise hyssop tolerates various soil types but requires excellent drainage. It prefers lean, well-draining soil and performs better in poor to average conditions than overly rich soils. Amend heavy clay with compost, perlite, or coarse sand.

Test drainage by digging a 12-inch hole and filling with water—if water remains after 24 hours, improvements are needed. Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch to maintain consistent moisture while preventing water pooling around the crown.

Fertilization and Feeding

Anise hyssop thrives in lean conditions and requires minimal fertilization. Overfertilizing can actually reduce the plant’s essential oil content and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.

For garden plants, apply a thin layer of compost in early spring, which provides gentle, slow-release nutrition.

Container plants may benefit from occasional feeding with diluted liquid seaweed fertilizer or compost tea during the growing season, applied monthly at half-strength.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fragrance.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular pruning maintains plant health and encourages blooming. Cut dormant stems to ground level in early spring. Pinch growing tips at 8-10 inches for bushier growth.

Deadhead spent flowers for continuous blooms, or leave some for seeds and bird food. Cut back to 4-6 inches after first frost, or leave standing for winter interest. Remove damaged growth as needed.

Pest and Disease Management

Anise hyssop is naturally resistant to most pests and diseases when grown in proper conditions. The plant actually repels many garden pests, including flea beetles and cabbage moths, making it valuable as a companion plant.

Potential pest issues include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies, though these are uncommon on healthy plants. Leafhoppers may occasionally cause white or yellow mottling on leaves, but natural predators usually control their populations without intervention.

Disease problems are primarily moisture-related and include root rot, powdery mildew, and fungal leaf spots. These issues are best prevented through proper cultural practices: ensuring excellent drainage, providing good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and not overcrowding plants.

Also Read: How to Grow Celosia – Ultimate Planting Guide

How Tall Does Anise Hyssop Grow?

Anise hyssop typically reaches a mature height of 2-4 feet (60-120 cm), with some varieties growing as tall as 5 feet under optimal conditions.

The plant develops an upright, clumping growth habit with square stems characteristic of the mint family, and most varieties maintain their sturdy form without requiring staking despite their height.

The specific height can vary based on growing conditions, with plants in rich, moist soil often reaching the upper end of this range.

The plant’s spread is generally more modest, ranging from 1-3 feet wide (30-90 cm), though it will gradually expand over time through rhizomes and self-seeding.

For container growing, anise hyssop can be kept more compact through regular pinching and pruning, typically maintaining a height of 24-36 inches when managed this way.

The long flower spikes that top the stems add an additional 4-6 inches to the plant’s overall height during the blooming period from midsummer through fall.

Conclusion

Anise hyssop is an exceptional low-maintenance perennial offering beauty, fragrance, and ecological benefits. This hardy herb thrives in gardens or containers with well-draining soil and minimal watering.

Reaching 2-4 feet tall with purple-blue spikes and licorice-scented foliage, it attracts pollinators while providing continuous blooms and reliable self-seeding performance.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

CDC to disburse delayed funds including for overdose prevention, staffers say : Shots

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August 6, 2025

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CDC to disburse delayed funds including for overdose prevention, staffers say : Shots

Much of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s $9 billion budget has been in limbo.

Ben Hendren/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Ben Hendren/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be able to fully fund the Overdose Data to Action, or OD2A, program ahead of a key budget deadline, according to a CDC senior leader. A second CDC staff member confirmed that “there have been developments and we are likely to have full funding,” although they did not have details on when the funding would become available.

Both spoke to NPR on the condition of anonymity because they fear retribution for speaking to the press without authorization. Some staffers at CDC expressed to NPR that this appeared to be good news, although the funding situation was still fluid and confusing.

NPR reported last month that the Trump administration was withholding $140 million from the OD2A program, which state and local public health departments rely on to lower overdose deaths from fentanyl, methamphetamines and other drugs across the U.S.

Anti-fentanyl sign in Leavenworth, Kansas. Kansas is one of 49 states that face funding delays for a key federal grant program used in the fight against fentanyl overdoses and other substance use.

Previously frozen funding for other CDC programs, including rape and domestic violence prevention, is also getting released, the senior CDC leader said.

Funding, 30 days at a time

The delays were part of a broader issue with funding at the CDC. As NPR reported in June, for months the CDC waited for the $9 billion Congress intended for the agency for fiscal year 2025. In the meantime, it received small amounts of money every 30 days to cover payroll and other limited expenses.

A protestor holds a sign that says "Protect the CDC;" it is shaped like a vaccine syringe.

The senior leader described the process like receiving money “with an eyedropper.”

Without a pot of money to distribute out to various centers and divisions, the CDC couldn’t send out the notice of awards that state and local health departments need to be able to do their work and know they will be reimbursed for it.

“Most state health departments get most of their funding from the feds — in Alabama’s case, we get more than two-thirds of our funding from federal grants, predominantly CDC,” Dr. Scott Harris, who runs Alabama’s health department, told NPR in June.

Deadlines missed

Health departments across the country sounded the alarm as deadlines approached or passed for CDC funding of HIV prevention, cancer registries and overdose prevention programs.

Now, most of those programs across the CDC apparently can continue, including OD2A. Grantees for the OD2A program, who had been told in July they would be receiving only half of their funding, will soon be told they will receive the full amount, according to the senior leader at CDC.

The news comes after advocates had been warning for weeks of the harms that delayed or partial funding to the program could have. If full funding is actually coming, “it’ll be welcome, but it’s not without the toll that it’s already taken,” says Sharon Gilmartin, director of the Safe States Alliance, a national membership association for the field of injury and violence prevention. As an example of the toll, NPR reported on a local health department in North Carolina that laid off staff because of CDC funding delays, only to have the funding come through weeks late without explanation.

“I don’t think anybody will feel confident until they have money in hand,” Gilmartin adds. “And I’ll be honest, I think the concern is that — if this is what we went through this year, even if funding comes through, are we going to be doing this again next year?”

There was no available explanation from the Trump administration or the Office of Management and Budget for the delays or the release of the funding. OMB and the Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to NPR’s request for comment.

The CDC senior leader describes the release of funding for the agency as a relief. “It’s great we have our apportionment,” they tell NPR.

Some funds frozen

But there’s a new funding challenge. Several dozen specific CDC programs have now had their budget lines frozen at the direction of OMB, according to the senior leader at CDC. The news of the frozen funds was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The frozen programs are mostly in the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, according to the senior leader at CDC.

A list of frozen programs reviewed by NPR includes those that address tobacco use, nutrition, physical activity and obesity, school health, inflammatory bowel disease, excessive alcohol use, chronic disease education and awareness, national diabetes prevention program, oral health, epilepsy and more.

“What does it all mean?”

Funding for five programs at the CDC’s Injury Center was frozen by the OMB as well, including youth violence prevention, adverse childhood experiences, firearm injury, injury control research centers and injury prevention activities. Gilmartin of the Safe States Alliance says it’s hard to understand why these programs were targeted. “I can’t come up with an ideological reason why you would want to cut funding that supports positive early childhood,” for instance, she says.

The senior leader at the CDC says there are some big questions for the OMB and the Trump administration: “How do we interpret all of this? What does it all mean?”

There were whole teams fired during the dramatic reduction in force across HHS in April that appear to have full funding, the senior leader says, such as the Rape Prevention and Education Program.

A worker wheels out the belongings of a fellow employee who was dismissed, outside of the Mary E. Switzer Federal Office Building, which houses offices for the US Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.

Similarly, there are programs with their budget lines frozen by OMB that are fully staffed, and still other priorities set forth in President Trump’s 2026 budget, they say, which leaves the impression that there’s no overarching strategy.

17 of the Best Tillandsia Air Plant Varieties

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August 6, 2025

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17 of the Best Tillandsia Air Plant Varieties

And finally, some Tillandsia species are available in small, medium, and large sizes, so take this into account as you plan your collection.

Now, here are 17 of our favorites and the key physical attributes of each individual species:

1. Aeranthos

Tillandsia aeranthos is a xeric variety with light green leaves that have a silvery cast.

The foliage is pointed and stiff, extending outward from the center to form a rosette. In the brightest light, it may have a purple hue.

A close up horizontal image of T. aeranthos with a bright red and purple flower growing indoors pictured on a soft focus background.

As it grows, the rosette telescopes to heights of six to eight inches.

From this pale and unassuming foliage, stunning blossoms rise on elongated stems, or inflorescences.

With pink-purple bracts and a ring of blue-purple petals, they resemble tiny fuchsia flowers.

2. Albertiana

You’ll recognize that Tillandsia albertiana is a mesic type by its smooth, dark, fleshy leaves. They have a yellow-green hue that may darken toward a purple shade.

A close up vertical image of Tillandsia albertina growing on the branch of a tree.

A key identifying characteristic is its “distichous” foliage pattern. Like that of a fir tree, the leaves are arranged in a repeating pattern of opposing rows.

Mature heights range from two to four inches.

The flowers of this variety have three bright red petals and may last a week.

3. Andreana

Like a small tuft of wispy grass, mesic Tillandsia andreana has narrow, fleshy leaves that are pale green and needle-like.

A close up horizontal image of T. andreana growing on a marble surface, pictured on a soft focus background.

A delicate beauty, it dislikes temperature fluctuations more than most.

Heights range from four to six inches.

The reward for catering to its care is a blush of red followed by the emergence of an upright coral-red flower.

You can find T. andreana plants available from the Ragnaroc Store via Amazon.

4. Brachycaulos

The flat green leaves of xeric Tillandsia brachycaulos are a bright mid-green, and resemble those that emerge from the top of a pineapple.

A close up horizontal image of the bright red foliage and purple flowers of Tillandsia brachycaulos pictured on a soft focus background.

The foliage may have a purple or red cast, and grows in a telescoping fashion to heights of eight to 10 inches.

Upon blooming, the foliage blushes magenta-red, and erect purple blossoms appear.

You can find two- to three-inch T. brachycaulos plants available from Garden in the City via Amazon.

5. Bulbosa

Mesic Tillandsia bulbosa has fleshy, dark green leaves that resemble the squiggly tentacles of an octopus.

A close up horizontal image of a Tillandsia bulbosa growing in a pot indoors.

They protrude from a base that resembles a layered onion, and may reach heights of 8 to 18 inches.

When flowering, the upper leaves turn red, and from their center, a small-statured red bract emerges that contains a purple-petaled blossom.

An unusual feature of this plant is that in the wild, it exists in symbiosis with ants that make their home in its hollow bulb-like stem bases.

Keep this in mind if you give your plants outdoor time in the summer months. They won’t hurt the plant, but may invade your home.

T. Bulbosa

You can find five-packs of T. bulbosa plants available from Garden in the City via Amazon.

6. Butzii

Resembling a little squid, the distinguishing feature of mesic Tillandsia butzii is the mottling on its tentacle-like green leaves.

A close up horizontal image of Tillandsia plants with a wooden mannequin pictured on a white background.

The foliage originates in a rounded bulb-like base and may grow up to 10 inches long.

Like T. bulbosa, it may host ants if placed outdoors.

Red inflorescences open to purple flowers.

You can find six- to nine-inch T. butzii plants available from Ragnaroc via Amazon.

7. Capitata

This type may resemble Tillandsia brachycaulos, with its spider plant-like leaves, but two differentiating characteristics are that this type is xeric, with the classic silvery cast trichomes make, and it blushes peach-pink just before blooming.

A close up horizontal image of a Tillandsia capitata air plant mounted on a piece of wood pictured on a dark soft focus background.

There are a number of T. capitata varieties available, ranging from green to purple. Heights may exceed 10 inches.

At flowering time, the center leaves blush peach before a purple flower emerges from the rosette center.

You can find T. capitata plants from Garden in the City via Amazon.

8. Caput medusae

A xeric variety, Tillandsia caput medusae has silver-gray trichomes on snake-like winding green leaves that resemble the hair of the mythical Medusa.

A close up horizontal image of a Tillandsia caput-medusae air plant mounted on wood pictured on a dark background.

Growth is telescoping with laterally spreading foliage, and heights range from six to eight inches.

During flowering, you’ll see a pink blush at the center of the plant first, followed by red/yellow bracts that open to purple/white blossoms.

Like T. bulbosa, ants may make their home in the base of this plant, so be aware of this if you give it time outdoors.

You can find Medusa available from the Air Plant Shop Store via Amazon.

9. Chiapensis

Tillandsia chiapensis is a xeric species with rosettes of arching to curly, trichome-covered light-green foliage that may blush to purple.

A close up horizontal image of a Tillandsia chiapensis mounted on a small piece of wood isolated on a white background.

Heights vary widely, from two to 12 inches.

When in bloom, pale pink quill-like spikes with purple flowers rise from the center.

10. Concolor

Xeric Tillandsia concolor boasts light green to yellow trichome-covered leaves that resemble those of a spider plant. They are noteworthy for their firmness.

A close up horizontal image of Tillandsia concolor growing on a wire frame pictured on a soft focus background.

Heights are between seven and nine inches.

At blooming time, the foliage blushes red and green quill-like spikes rise from the center to reveal magenta blooms.

More adaptable than some, it can handle bright light to shade.

You can find T. concolor in packs of three available from the Air Plant Shop Store via Amazon.

11. Cyanea

T. cyanea is a mesic variety with a cluster of medium green, spider-like leaves.

A close up horizontal image of a Tillandsia cyanea with a bright pink and purple flower spike, pictured on a soft focus background.

Heights range from eight to 10 inches.

Plants produce a hot pink quill-like spike with three-petaled purple-blue flowers on its edges.

This plant has roots that are able to take up nourishment, and unlike other species, it also thrives in potting soil.

You can find T. cyanea in four-inch pots available from Ragnaroc via Amazon.

12. Didisticha

Tillandsia didisticha is a xeric type with stiff, arching gray-green foliage in the shape of a loose rosette.

A close up horizontal image of Tillandsia didisticha growing in a small metal holder pictured on a soft focus background.

This is a large variety that can reach 12 inches tall.

The flower is a salmon-colored inflorescence with tiny white blossoms.

13. Funckiana

T. funckiana is a xeric type that looks like a cluster of light green balsam fir needles coated with a light dusting of snow.

A close up horizontal image of Tillandsia funckiana with bright orange tips pictured on a white background.

Soft to the touch, it may wind or stretch upright, to a length of about eight inches.

Its flower is a long red tubular blossom that gracefully emerges at the tip of the narrow leaves.

14. Ionantha

The rosettes of xeric Tillandsia ionantha aka sky plants, start out silver-green and change in shade to take on red tones at bloom time.

A close up vertical image of the bright foliage of an indoor air plant pictured on a soft focus background.

This type has a petite stature, reaching mature heights of one to three inches.

When the tubular purple blossoms burst from the rosette’s red center, the effect of green, red, and purple creates a miniature horticultural tapestry.

Find T. ionatha from the Air Plant Shop Store available via Amazon.

Learn more about growing sky plants here.

15. Recurvata

Tillandsia recurvata, aka small ball moss, is a rounded xeric type with narrow silver-green leaves that resemble the twigs in an intricate bird’s nest.

A close up horizontal image of Spanish ball moss growing on the side of a tree.

In the brightest light, the foliage may have a reddish cast.

Mature heights reach six to 12 inches.

The flower is a rather nondescript spike of green to red, on a green inflorescence.

16. Usneoides

Also known as Spanish moss, Tillandsia usneoides is a xeric variety that is unique in that it grows in a downward direction, clinging and hanging from host surfaces in the wild.

A close up vertical image of Tillansia usenoides aka Spanish moss growing from the branch of a tree pictured on a soft focus background.

Like a mass of tangled gray-green hair, foliage may exceed 20 feet in length.

The flowers are brown and nondescript, but they have a pleasant nighttime fragrance.

17. Xerographica

With its trichome-covered spring green foliage, xeric Tillandsia xerographica is one of the largest, sturdiest, longest living air plants.

Its wide leaves are deeply curled in a compact, rounded form.

A close up horizontal image of a large Tillandsia xerographica mounted on a tree surrounded by other epiphytes.

It’s a pleasant home companion that can withstand both direct and indirect sunlight, sometimes growing as large as three feet wide and twenty-four inches tall over a lifetime of twenty years or more.

Flowering consists of a green inflorescence up to 15 inches tall, with red and green coloration.

Learn more about growing xerographica air plants here.

Get Creative with Collectible Tillandsia

Tillandsia are very versatile plants. In USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11, they grow well outdoors, and in all zones, they make easy-care houseplants.

In addition, with a little dab of floral glue, available from Amazon, they make eclectic wearable accessories and gift-wrapping decorations. And while they don’t require soil, they do need water, so keep that in mind as you imagine the possibilities.

A close up horizontal image of two air plants in metal holders pictured on a soft focus background.

And finally, plants grown indoors don’t get the nutrients they would get if they were in their natural habitat. You can provide supplemental nutrition with fertilizer.

A product you may like is this air plant fertilizer from Cute Farms via Amazon. Mix it per package instructions, for a monthly dunk or soak.

Choose your favorites and get started. There are so many to collect, I know you’re going to have fun!

And for more information about growing air plants and epiphytes, add these to your reading list next:

Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast With Potatoes and Carrots

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August 6, 2025

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Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast With Potatoes and Carrots

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Easiest Fluffy High-Protein Pancakes (Blender-Friendly!)

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August 5, 2025

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Easiest Fluffy High-Protein Pancakes (Blender-Friendly!)

With a houseful of kids I’m always hunting for easy breakfast ideas. It needs to be high protein, fast, and something the kids will love too. My go-to is usually eggs, but sometimes you can only eat so many eggs.

We’ve tried plenty of breakfast recipes over the years and some have been more of a hit than others.

That’s where these high-protein oat pancakes come in. You make these pancakes in a blender (hello, easy cleanup). Plus they’re packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized and feeling full. Oats are naturally gluten-free so they’re great for anyone avoiding gluten.

Fluffy Protein Pancakes

So, how can oats make a pancake that’s fluffy, light, and not dense? The trick is to blend the oats into a fine flour first. This step is key to achieving that perfect pancake texture, while still getting the fiber and benefits of whole oats. Plus, by using whey protein powder, these pancakes are high in protein. I always feel better when I focus on a protein rich breakfast and my blood sugar stays more stable.

And did I mention how easy this recipe is? You literally just toss everything into the blender, blend it up, and cook. No fuss, no mess. In just a few minutes, you’ll have fluffy, protein-packed pancakes that will leave you wondering why you ever bothered with the boxed stuff.

Fluffy Oat Protein Pancake Recipe

This easy recipe is a snap to make. Just throw all of the ingredients in the blender for a fast breakfast.

Preheat the griddle or skillet over medium heat.
Add the rolled oats to your blender. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until they turn into a fine, flour-like consistency.
Add the rest of the ingredients and blend for about 30 seconds or until the batter is smooth and well-combined. If the batter is too thick, you can add a splash of any kind of milk to adjust the consistency.
Lightly grease the skillet or griddle with some oil or butter.
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Fluffy Oat Protein Pancake Recipe

Amount Per Serving (3 pancakes)

Calories 411
Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Trans Fat 0.01g

Polyunsaturated Fat 3g

Monounsaturated Fat 8g

Cholesterol 202mg67%

Sodium 131mg6%

Potassium 963mg28%

Carbohydrates 43g14%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 26g52%

Vitamin A 240IU5%

Vitamin C 0.02mg0%

Calcium 451mg45%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Store any leftovers in the fridge for 2–3 days or freeze flat between parchment paper for future breakfasts.

If you avoid oats or are lower carb, there is a way to adjust this to be oat free as well. The texture isn’t quite as good and it must be cooked on medium-low heat or it will stick. However, it does work and still has a lot of protein!

Protein Options: You can use any flavorless or vanilla whey protein. Plant-based protein may work, but it may alter texture and taste.
Oat Substitution: Use pre-ground oat flour to save time.
Collagen: Optional, but adds extra protein and health benefits.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt and a plant-based protein to make it dairy-free.

My kids absolutely devour these whenever I serve them! They’re also easy enough for the kids to make on their own. Some of our favorite toppings are maple syrup or raw honey, fresh berries, or vanilla Greek yogurt. They’re so light and fluffy, yet full of protein to keep everyone satisfied long after breakfast.

What are your favorite pancake toppings? Leave a comment and let us know!

Kim’s Garden Before and After in Rhode Island

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August 5, 2025

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Kim’s Garden Before and After in Rhode Island

Hi GPODers!

Last year we were introduced to Kim Arcand’s garden in Rhode Island for the first time (check out that submission here: “Pandemic Gardeners” Four Years on in Rhode Island). As the title suggests, the garden was in its fourth season and already looking fabulous. A year later, the beauty is only increasing. In today’s submission, Kim included gorgeous photos from the growing season so far this year, as well as some interesting “before” photos that highlight the extent of the transformation.

Our garden is in its fifth year now, in Rhode Island, Zone 6b. With pretty deep shade, acidic soil, rocky areas, and some erosion issues from our location up on a hill, my husband John and I have had a long learning curve (and will forever have, as that’s gardening life). We had a drought and some deep cold temperatures over the winter, so we lost more plants than I would have liked, and I thought it was going to be a rough-looking garden. But with a very wet late spring, the area rebounded from the drought and the garden has filled out substantially. We’ve had the best luck with hydrangeas, hostas, Japanese maples, heucheras, boxwoods, astilbe, lamium, etc., as you’d expect in this type of garden. I’m looking to tuck plants in some of the empty spots and hoping to add some additional ground covers, and experiment with more native plants as we can. And, of course, we can never have too many hydrangeas in New England! Here are some looks at the various rooms’ progression/changes.

Our garden entryway’s view is the area along the HH Wall—hostas and hydrangeas under a canopy of trees.

Next is a closeup of the pond. I find photographing the garden well harder than the gardening itself. The photos never look as good as it feels.

And here is that space during the construction process. A small selection of plants has now transformed this corner into a lush haven of tranquility.

Then over to the back right is the deep shade garden, in a keyhole shape. The hostas thrive there and have really expanded this year.

Back in 2020 this section of the garden started as a very different palette of plants before Kim decided that a lovely variety of hostas was the best option for this shady corner.

Next, there is a back fence wall connecting the deep shade area to the secret garden.

I included the inner patio region of the secret garden and multiple shots around it.

And that same area of Kim’s secret garden in 2020—incredible to see how much the plants have grown in.

Most every morning I’m in the secret garden, after I have coffee, to deadhead, water, fuss, and just enjoy and meander. It’s my favorite spot. It gets more sun than most of the rest of the yard, so the flowers do well there.

Lastly, the view from the patio showcasing Kim’s secret slice of paradise. Various hydrangeas planted both in the ground and in containers allow Kim to control the pH and aluminum levels in the soil, giving her a gorgeous variety of bloom colors. While a shady garden means plenty of planting obstacles, it has allowed Kim to create a diverse array of garden rooms that still manage to fit together.

Thank you so much for this incredible update on your garden, as well as the “before” photos that offer so much more insight on your hard work and planting process. It is always inspiring to see the vision a gardener has for a space and watch that vision unfold with each new growing season.

Do you have any before and after photos of your garden? Whether you started a garden from scratch recently, like Kim and her husband, or transformed a neglected corner of your landscape last spring, we would love to see your garden transformations. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.

We want to see YOUR garden!

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

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Teen suicide is on the decline, new federal data shows : Shots

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August 4, 2025

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Teen suicide is on the decline, new federal data shows : Shots

New federal statistics suggest a decline in rates of suicidal thoughts and behavior among teens.

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Mary Long/Getty Images

A new federal report finds that the percentage of adults with suicidal thoughts and attempts remained about the same between 2021 and 2024.

But the analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health did offer some good news: Over that same time period, depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teens declined.

“I think it’s very promising, and we’re very hopeful about it,” says Jill Harkavy-Friedman, senior vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

This is the first annual report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since the entire team of scientists in charge of the survey was fired this year by the Trump administration. The federal government has been doing this annual survey for decades. It currently interviews over 70,000 people 12 years and older in households across the United States.

These habits can cut the risk of depression in half, a new study finds

The new report shows that the prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts in 12-to-17-year-olds fell from nearly 13% in 2021 to 10% in 2024. And the prevalence of suicide attempts by teens also fell slightly — from 3.6% to 2.7%.

Suicide is complex and influenced by a whole host of risk factors, including untreated mental illness, prolonged stress, isolation and access to lethal means such as firearms and medications. The new report doesn’t delve into the potential causes for the improvement in teens in recent years. But one reason might be that more teens are opening up to others about their suicidal thoughts, says Harkavy-Friedman. She pointed to a suicide prevention program run by her organization called Talk Saves Lives, which educates people about the warning signs of suicide.

“Not keeping it inside and just sharing with someone that you’re struggling can be helpful,” she says.

To Prevent Pregnancy-Related Depression, At-Risk Women Advised To Get Counseling

Besides, she adds, more teens have been seeking help and finding it.

“More and more kids are getting connected with treatment. And those treatments are specific for suicide and suicide prevention.”

The report also found that the share of teens with an episode of major depression in the past year fell during this time — from 21% to 15%. But only about 60% of teens with a recent episode of depression got treatment.

How to talk — and listen — to a teen with mental health struggles

And 2.6 million teens still had thoughts of suicide in 2024, notes Hannah Wesolowski, chief of advocacy with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“That’s 1 in 10 kids, which is still far too high in this country,” she adds. “So we’re making progress, but we’re not making progress fast enough.”

The report also found that 700,000 adolescents did attempt suicide in the past year.

Treating Teen Depression Might Improve Mental Health Of Parents, Too

Wesolowski notes that access to mental health care remains challenging for Americans, partly due to high out-of-pocket costs, a shortage of mental health care providers and lack of culturally competent care for different racial and ethnic groups.

According to the new report, while there was a slight increase in the number of adults getting mental health treatment, nearly half of adults with mental illness had trouble accessing treatment.

Disappearing data

Wesolowski notes something missing in the new report compared with previous years.

“This report does not break out prevalence or treatment rates by race or ethnicity, which it has in the past,” she says.

“The 2023 report, like in previous years, provided breakdowns by race and ethnicity,” KFF researcher Heather Saunders wrote NPR in an email.

“Removing these data limits our ability to track behavioral health trends and any differences in access to care,” she noted.

Saunders and her colleagues have used that data in the past to understand differences in prevalence of mental illness and serious mental illness in different racial and ethnic groups.

The survey reports from past years, for example, have been key to identifying the recent increase in suicide rates among Black youth, explains Wesolowski.

“Are we making progress on that?” she says. “Without that prevalence data and really looking at the data by demographics, we’re going to maybe not spend our resources in the right way.”

Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson at the Department of Health and Human Services, told NPR in an email that the demographic data including race and ethnicity will be published in a forthcoming report.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., notes Wesolowski. As the new report notes, suicide claimed more than 49,000 lives in 2023.

“We are putting a lot of money into suicide prevention and mental health services. But the need is so great that we know we need to do more,” says Wesolowski, “that this isn’t enough.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can dial or text 988 and be connected to help.

How to Care for Pansies in Pots?

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August 4, 2025

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When all your summer plants started to fizzle out in some way, it’s time to start planting pansies in the fall to go through winter.

Renowned for its vibrant coloured blooms and heart shaped leaves, pansies add charm to your backyard garden especially in cool months.

Pansies are annual flowering plants that thrives in cool temperatures, making them ideal for planting in early fall or late winter.

It’s easy to grow pansies in pots or garden beds.

As the plant can’t tolerate extreme heat, it’s recommended to grow pansies in partial shade with rich soil.

To have a successful blooming period, you must take proper care of pansies, which include adequate watering, well-drained soil, balanced fertilizer and shading from extreme sunlight.

Mulching and removing faded blooms encourage lushy growth and continuous flowering throughout the blooming season.

Can I Grow Pansies in Pot?

Yes, you can plant pansies in container or pots, planters, and window boxes.

Their compact size and shallow root system make them perfect for container cultivation, allowing you to enjoy their colorful blooms on patios, balconies, or doorsteps.

Potted pansies must be planted in pots with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots.
Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix and position your containers where they’ll receive 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
In warmer climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from heat stress.

Though potted pansies require regular watering, you shouldn’t overwater them as it can result in root rot.

During cooler months, check the soil moisture every few days, as potted plants dry out faster than garden beds. With proper drainage, quality soil, and regular care, potted pansies will have a successful blooming period.

Also Read: How to Grow and Care Columbine Plant?

Best Container for Pansies

Pansies’ compact size, shallow roots, and cold tolerance make them perfect for containers. Growing pansies in pots offers better control over soil, drainage, and placement than traditional garden beds.

While pansies thrive in various containers, drainage is critical—they’re sensitive to waterlogging and develop root rot without adequate holes.

While pansies can grow in tiny containers like teacups, smaller pots require more frequent watering, sometimes multiple times daily in sunny or windy locations. For easier maintenance, opt for larger containers that retain moisture longer and provide more root space for healthy growth.

Avoid porous materials like unglazed ceramic in freeze-thaw conditions, as they crack. Choose weather-resistant materials for outdoor winter displays.

Planting Your Pansies

Plant pansies in fall (October) for best results, allowing root establishment before winter. Spring planting should occur early while temperatures stay cool.

Water seedlings beforehand to reduce transplant stress. Gently separate roots when removing from containers and plant at original depth with crowns above soil level.

Space plants adequately for air circulation, leaving few inches between them. Containers allow closer spacing than garden beds but still require proper ventilation to prevent disease.

Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil and eliminate air pockets around roots.

How to Care for Pansies in Pots?

Most crucial aspect of growing pansies is taking care of them. Without minimal care you won’t be able to have a healthy plant.

Below mentioned are detail Pansies plant caring tips.

Soil Requirements

Quality potting soil is essential for container pansy success. Never use heavy garden soil—select light, all-purpose potting mix with organic matter instead. Ideal soil should be well-draining yet moisture-retentive, with pH 6.0-6.5.

Choose mixes containing slow-release fertilizer for steady nutrition. Enhance with worm castings or compost for added nutrients.

When filling containers, leave 1-2 inches below the rim to create a water basin, preventing soil washout and making watering more efficient.

Watering Requirements of Pansies

Proper watering is crucial for container pansy success.

Pansies need consistent moisture but are extremely sensitive to waterlogged conditions. The key is maintaining soil that’s always moist but never soggy. This delicate balance requires attention and adjustment based on weather conditions.

Container-grown plants dry out faster than those in garden beds, making regular monitoring essential. Check soil moisture daily by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

During active growing seasons, potted pansies need watering once or twice daily, depending on weather conditions. Sunny or windy locations require more frequent watering than cooler, shadier spots.
Use rainwater when possible; let tap water sit overnight to dissipate chlorine. Water early morning to reduce disease risk. Apply water slowly until it drains from bottom holes, ensuring complete root zone moisture.
Watch for overwatering signs: yellowing leaves, soft stems, or fungal growth. Underwatered pansies wilt with brittle leaves. Use saucers but empty regularly to prevent standing water.

Check this: How to Grow Celosia?

Fertilizing Pansies

While pansies are relatively frugal regarding nutrient requirements, container plants need regular fertilization because potting soil lacks the natural nutrient cycling found in garden beds.

The enclosed growing environment means nutrients wash away with each watering, making supplemental feeding essential for optimal blooms.

Use balanced fertilizers with equal NPK ratios like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 for best results. These provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, supporting foliage growth and flower production.
Slow-Release Fertilizers: Mix granular fertilizer into potting soil before planting or apply to surfaces. Products like Osmocote provide steady nutrition for months.
Liquid Fertilizers: Apply water-soluble fertilizers every 2-3 weeks during active growth. Fish emulsion offers organic nutrition, while Miracle-Gro provides synthetic convenience. Water plants before applying to prevent root burn.
Organic Options: Blood meal, worm castings, and compost provide gentle, long-lasting nutrition while improving soil structure.

Begin fertilizing one week after planting. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during active seasons, reducing frequency in summer heat. Always water thoroughly after application and monitor for over-fertilization signs.

Light and Temperature Requirements

Pansies perform best in full sun to partial shade, requiring 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.

Morning sun is particularly beneficial, as it helps dry dew from leaves and reduces disease risk. In warmer climates, afternoon shade can protect plants from heat stress while still providing adequate light for blooming.

Position containers where they’ll receive appropriate light throughout the day.

Remember that light conditions change with seasons, so you may need to relocate containers as the sun’s angle shifts. Too much shade reduces flower number and size while making plants leggy and weak.

Temperature

One of pansies’ greatest assets is their remarkable cold tolerance. These hardy plants can withstand temperatures as low as 15°F, making them ideal for year-round container displays in many regions. However, if temperatures are forecast to drop below 15°F, bring containers indoors temporarily.

During summer heat, pansies struggle and often stop blooming when temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.

In hot climates, move containers to locations with morning sun and afternoon shade, or replace pansies with heat-tolerant annuals for summer months.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular deadheading extends blooming periods and keeps plants tidy by preventing seed formation.

Remove faded flowers by cutting stems back to the next set of leaves, not just flower heads. This pinching technique promotes bushier growth with more flowering stems.

Check plants every few days during peak seasons, as most varieties benefit from regular deadheading.

If pansies become leggy or stretched, pinch back overly long stems to encourage bushier growth. This is particularly important in containers where compact, full plants are more attractive.

Don’t be afraid to trim pansies back significantly; they recover quickly and often produce more flowers after pruning.

Pest and Disease Management

While pansies are generally pest-resistant, container plants face specific challenges. Aphids are the most common pest, appearing on new growth in spring. Several species attack pansies, including green peach and violet aphids. These insects multiply rapidly, making early detection crucial.

Spider mites become problematic during hot, dry weather, causing tiny pinpricks on leaves that become brown spots. Severe infestations produce webbing and leaf death.

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings by planting nearby attractive flowers. Queen Anne’s lace effectively draws natural predators.

For immediate control, use insecticidal soap sprays weekly. These gentle treatments control soft-bodied insects without harming beneficials. Food-grade diatomaceous earth also controls aphids naturally.

Most diseases result from excessive moisture or poor air circulation. Prevent fungal problems by watering at soil level, ensuring adequate plant spacing, and providing good air circulation.

Slugs and snails feed nightly, leaving irregular holes and slimy trails. Check containers regularly and remove hidden mollusks.

Potted Pansies Caring Tips

1. Fall Planting: Fall is ideal planting time for pansy containers. After planting, maintain consistent moisture and begin regular fertilizing. Reduce watering frequency as temperatures cool but keep soil from drying completely.

2. Winter Protection: Before hard freezes, water deeply and consider covering containers or moving them to protected areas like unheated garages during extremely cold weather.

3. Spring Revival: When spring arrives, give overwintered pansies thorough watering and resume fertilizing. Deadhead winter-damaged flowers and assess plant health. Plant new pansies early while temperatures stay cool.

4. Peak Growing Season: As daylight increases and temperatures warm, pansies experience growth surges. Maintain consistent care routines and enjoy peak bloom displays during this period.

5. Summer Heat Management: When temperatures consistently exceed 80°F, pansies become stressed and stop flowering. Transition to heat-tolerant summer annuals or move containers to cooler, shadier locations.

6. Cold-Hardy Varieties: Some pansy varieties are bred for enhanced cold tolerance and can survive harsh winters better. Research varieties suited to your climate zone for reliable winter performance.

7. Container Insulation: During extreme cold, insulate containers with burlap or bubble wrap to prevent root damage. Move containers to ground level and group them together for mutual protection.

8. Winter Maintenance: Check soil moisture periodically and water lightly if very dry. Remove dead foliage to prevent disease. Watch for new growth as days lengthen.

9. Common Problems: Poor blooming usually indicates insufficient light, heat, or nutrition. Wilting in watered plants suggests root problems from overwatering. Overcrowded containers reduce flowering and need plant thinning.

Conclusion

Caring for pansies in pots brings months of colorful blooms to outdoor spaces. These resilient flowers thrive with proper drainage, quality soil, consistent moisture, and appropriate nutrition.

Success requires understanding their preferences for cool weather and bright light while avoiding overwatering and excessive heat.

Outstanding container pansies need attention to detail: appropriate containers, consistent watering, regular fertilization, and routine deadheading.

With proper care, potted pansies provide reliable fall-through-spring color, creating beautiful displays that enhance patios, balconies, and entryways throughout cooler months.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

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23 of the Best Variegated Shrubs for Your Landscape

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23 of the Best Variegated Shrubs for Your Landscape

16. Leucothoe

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Girard’s Rainbow’ is an evergreen with foliage splashed in cream, green, pink, and red, for an eclectic look in Zones 5 to 9.

Red leaf petioles add to the cacophony of color, and in spring, pendant clusters of tiny white, bell-shaped blossoms grace the arching branches of this mounding bush.

‘Girard’s Rainbow’ prefers shady locations with some sun, where it grows to a mature height and width of three to five feet.

‘Girard’s Rainbow’

Best uses include mass plantings in foundation and perimeter borders, as well as ornamental specimens.

You can find ‘Girard’s Rainbow’ available at Nature Hills Nursery.

17. Lilac

Variegated lilac, Syringa vulgaris ‘Aucubaefolia,’ has medium green leaves splashed with yellow, for an unexpected twist on this plant’s typical green foliage in Zones 3 to 7.

A close up vertical image of the bright purple flowers of Syringa vulgaris ‘Aucubaefolia’ growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background. — *Syringa vulgaris* ‘Aucubaefolia.’ Photo by Хомелка, Wikimedia Commons, via CC BY-SA 4.0.

In spring, with its fragrant lavender-blue blossoms in full swing, it’s a heady attraction.

In full sun locations, it can reach a mature height and width of 10 feet, for a commanding presence.

Allow it to fill out, or prune it like a small tree. Plant en masse if you have the space, or as a standalone focal point.

You can learn more about how to grow lilacs in this guide.

18. Lily of the Valley Shrub

While pieris is an evergreen landscape staple, particularly in formal settings, the variegated variety, Pieris japonica ‘Variegata,’ is somewhat more playful and attention seeking with creamy white margins on its spear-shaped foliage.

A close up horizontal image of Pieris japonica ‘Variegata’ growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

At home in full sun to part shade, it does best in Zones 6 to 9, where its compact height and width of three to five feet offer versatility.

Best uses include mass plantings, friendly hedges, and potted or garden focal specimens. Plants generally don’t appeal to foraging deer.

Learn about Pieris japonica care here.

19. Oleander

Variegated oleander, Nerium oleander ‘Variegata,’ is a tropical evergreen that has spear-shaped medium green leaves with irregular cream-colored margins.

It grows in Zones 9 to 11, and has fragrant clusters of bright pink flowers from summer into fall.

This is an upright plant with a rounded shape that grows to impressive heights of 10 to 18 feet and widths of 10 to 15 feet. With artful pruning, you can shape it like a tree if desired.

Nerium oleander ‘Variegata’

Group several for privacy screening, or plant individually. Tolerance of drought, poor soil, and pollution are above average.

Find variegated oleander plants available from Southern Living via Walmart.

20. Rose of Sharon

The deciduous white-tipped, blue-green foliage of rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Sugar Tip,’ does indeed appear to have been dipped ever so slightly into confectioner’s sugar.

And to round out the confection, it has flouncy pink double-petal flowers that bloom in summer.

Best in locations with part sun in Zones 5 to 9. ‘Sugar Tip’ has mature heights of five to six feet, and a spread of four to six feet.

A close up of the bright pink flowers of Hibiscus syriacus 'Sugar Tip' growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

‘Sugar Tip’ Rose of Sharon

Use as a mid-story mass planting, privacy hedge, or specimen in mixed cottage garden beds.

You can find ‘Sugar Tip’ rose of Sharon starter plants available from Burpee.

21. Spirea

Spirea is a powerhouse in the landscape, and this variegated cultivar, Spiraea japonica Double Play ® Painted Lady® ‘Minspi,’ is no exception.

With vibrant foliage splashed by a euphoric artist in cream, yellow, and medium green, it never fails to dazzle in Zones 4 to 8.

And as if that weren’t enough, in addition to the foliar highlights, there are fuzzy magenta spring blooms for bright color and rich texture.

At home in full sun to part shade, it’s two- to three-foot height and width render it a top selection for gardening in small spaces. It is also noteworthy for its deer and drought resistance.

Learn how to grow spirea in your garden here.

22. Weigela

Deciduous Weigela florida ‘My Monet’ has bright green leaves with irregular cream margins accented by pink.

It is especially attractive from spring into summer, when a profusion of trumpet-shaped pink flowers appears.

Perfect for full sun locations in Zones 4 to 6, it is a low-profile plant with mature heights and widths of 12 to 18 inches.

Weigela florida ‘My Monet’

Best uses include beds, borders, and containers, both grouped and alone. This plant is noteworthy for its deer resistance.

Find ‘My Monet’ plants in #2 containers available from Nature Hills.

23. Yucca

Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’ has vertical leaves with dark green margins and creamy yellow centers that are stemless and sword-like, for a bold structural statement.

It is a tropical evergreen for Zones 4 to 10.

The foliage is approximately three feet tall with an equal spread. In summer, a stalk rises five feet or more, and produces a panicle of bell-shaped, cream-colored blossoms.

Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’

Resistant to cold, drought, heat, and humidity, as well as deer and rabbits, this is a hardy water-wise shrub that is appropriate for both xeriscaping and container gardening.

Find plants in one-quart and #2 containers available from Nature Hills Nursery.

Learn more about growing yucca plants here.

A Stylish Staple

As you can see, there are quite a few variegated shrubs.

As the mid-story workhorses of the garden, as well as standalone full size and compact specimens, their varied hues are sure to increase the visual appeal of your landscape.