Just as our nation is a melting pot of people from cultures around the world, our gardens are equally diverse.
Plants from every continent (except Antarctica) form the rich palette from which we create our gardens.
They represent the cultures from many lands and intermingle with native plants to make our gardens unique, beautiful and useful.
Knowing a bit of "plant geography" can be valuable to a gardener. If you know the country or region of origin of a plant, it offers clues as to how grow it well. A Mexican marigold, for example, will likely thrive is a hot, sunny spot.
This is just a small sample of the vast array of ornamental and edible plants and their origins. Some have been cultivated since pre-history, so it's sometimes difficult to pinpoint exact areas of origin. Plants have also "migrated" around the world and become an integral part of regional culture even though they're not native.
Eggplant, for example, was first cultivated in southern Asia but it's a culinary staple in France, Italy and Japan.
- Peony--China
- Hosta--Japan
- Basil--India
- Eggplant--Southern Asia
- Sweet potato--Central America
- Peppers--Caribbean region
- Tall Verbena--Argentina
- Ice plant--South Africa
- Geranium--Africa
- Vinca--Madagascar
- Elephant Ear (Taro)--Hawaii
- Marigold--Mexico
- Cordyline--New Zealand
- Millet--Central Africa
- Coleus--South Pacific region
