Malathion has been used in the U.S. since 1956 to keep mosquitoes away. If application follows the recommended rate and safety precautions, malathion kills mosquitoes without posing unreasonable danger.
Lilacs are deciduous flowering shrubs in the Syringa genus. They range in size from 3 to 20 feet in height, and produce flowers in a variety of colors including purple, white, pink and yellow. They grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sunlight, and are hardy and long-living plant
Ivies can be grown in the garden or in containers, and in general, they are easy to grow plants that require little care to flourish. Some ivy varieties are variegated with a yellow color and your plant may be perfectly fine. However, if your ivy is not supposed to be yellow, then any of several rea
Hibiscus trees grow in a moderate environment, which makes them good houseplants for almost any climate. You can keep a hibiscus tree outside if it does not freeze in your area. If it does freeze, your hibiscus tree can live inside all year round, or can live outdoors when it is warm and indoors whe
The Confederate rose, which is also called Hibiscus mutabilis, is not actually a member of the rose family of plants. It is a medium- to large-sized hibiscus shrub with elongated green leaves and pink flower blossoms. The plant is native to China, but thrives in many regions of the southern U.S. whe
Shady gardens can be a challenge for homeowners who like bright flowers or showy variegated leaves on plants. Silver nettle vine (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), also known as yellow archangel, is a winner on both counts. The green and silver 1- to 3-inch long leaves shimmer in even the darkest corners of
Lilacs (Syringa L.) are flowering woody plants often associated with their light purple flowers. They can grow anywhere from 6 to 32 feet tall depending on the species and are often revered for their scent. Lilacs are angiosperms, meaning that they reproduce with seeds, using a relatively complex pr
Plants are unique in that they're able to convert light energy into chemical energy to power their growth. However, plants absorb visible light according to their need for specific colors of light within visible light. For example, plants need the blue light found in visible light far more than they
Aphids are a pesky pest for any gardener. Aphids can rapidly take over a greenhouse because they are able to reproduce so quickly, making it hard to get rid of an infestation. Aphids suck the sap out of plants, which results in growth problems and curling leaves. Although there are about 30 differen
Bay is actually a small tree known as the bay laurel, which can be planted indoors. Valued for its culinary uses, bay is native to the Mediterranean. The edible bay is Laurus nobilis; other bay trees may be toxic. Bay is seldom planted from seed, as seedlings can be difficult to start for the home g
Photinia, also known as chokeberry, is a genus of large evergreen shrubs that belong to the rose family. Photinia is a fast-growing, large-scale shrub that can reach 25 to 30 feet at maturity, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Generally speaking, maintenance requirements for the
Basil's leaves give many classic Mediterranean dishes their sweet, fresh taste. The herb sits on window sills across America, ready for cooks to rip off a few leaves to add flavor to a range of dishes. Most people throw away basil stems and flowers, once leaves are stripped. While they're not as use
Drying your flowers is an excellent way to enjoy the blooms long after their short life. Although drying is a relatively simple process, there are a few important tips to follow. Most notably, be careful when drying flowers after they have been in water.
Enjoy fresh strawberries all year long with indoor plants.Strawberry image by Sujit Mahapatra from Fotolia.comFew things signal the arrival of summer like fresh strawberries from the berry patch. Like other types of berries, strawberries produce seeds that grow readily in many climates,...
A well-drained soil results in healthier plants.Jacqueline Veissid/Stockbyte/Getty ImagesSoil type is defined by texture, and texture is defined by the composition of clay, silt and sand within the soil. A clay soil then is primarily composed of clay particles, with silt and sand present...
Yucca louisianensis--Gulf Coast yucca--is a shrub in the agave family native to Louisiana, eastern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. One of the many yuccas available to gardeners, Gulf Coast yucca is favored for its pale green, spiky leaves and its tall, candelabra-type flower stalks.
Hydrophytic plants are plants that either grow in water or in soil that is at least periodically devoid of oxygen as a result of containing a significant amount of water. Typically found in wetlands, hydrophytic plants form a vital part of that ecosystem, providing food and habitat for a number of
Perennials come in a variety of colors and shapes include blue stars.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty ImagesPerennials come in a great variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Perennials will not bloom the first year they are planted but will bloom every year afterwards. The blooming period...
While ants can oftentimes be beneficial for your lawn and garden, they may also pose a danger to pets, children or anyone who may fall into their ant bed habitats. In addition, if ants take up residence next to your house, they may find their way inside and infest your kitchen or other areas. The on