Many specialty plants are available to choose from during the holidays, so here are a few suggestions to help you choose the right plant for the gardener on your shopping list. Beginning gardeners can have success with several blooming plants including African Violets and Amaryllis. African Violet is a small plant with fuzzy, dark green or variegated leaves and clusters of flowers. The flowers may have a single layer of petals or multiple layers, with flower colors including white, pink, lavender, purple and bi-color. They thrive in any bright window and require little care other than occasional watering.
Flower color ranges from white to red.
They are grown from large bulbs, and frequently gift packages that include the bulb, pot and soil media can be purchased together. Choose the largest bulb you can find to ensure the most flower stalks possible. Put the bulb in the soil, with half the bulb above ground and water. It's that simple. Intermediate gardeners would enjoy growing a hibiscus.