Posts By

Melissa Strauss

Melissa is a writer, hobby gardener, beekeeper and homemaker. She can be found working in her extensive pollinator garden, trolling the local nurseries for unique plant specimens, and tending to the many fruit-bearing plants on her property. Melissa hopes to inspire other gardeners to delve into the rich and fulfilling world of pollinator gardening.

A red hibiscus flower, showcasing its vibrant petals and stamens up close, exuding natural beauty and allure. The surrounding lush palm leaves add a touch of freshness, enhancing the flower's charm.

Shrubs

Hibiscus Sizes: How Big Do Hibiscus Shrubs Get?

Curious to know how big your hibiscus shrub is going to get once it reaches maturity? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the typical size of most hibiscus varieties, as well as how big you can expect them to get!

close up of a large orange hibiscus flower with five rounded, overlapping petals that look sort of like a pinwheel. The center of the flower is a deep red. Lush, green foliage grows in the background.

Shrubs

How to Grow and Care For Hibiscus Plants

Thinking about adding hibiscus to your garden this year? These wonderful, easy-care shrubs are certain to brighten up any space and produce some of the largest flowers among perennial shrubs. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about growing hibiscuses, including care and maintenance needs.

A man tightly grips pruning shears in one hand while firmly grasping a branch of a ficus tree with large, vibrant green leaves in the other. With determination, he prepares to sever the branch using the sharp blades of the shears, ensuring a clean cut.

Houseplants

How to Propagate a Ficus Tree in 7 Easy Steps

It is easy to propagate ficus trees by cutting if you have the right materials. By propagating these plants, you can create more ficus trees to plant in your indoor or outdoor garden. In this article, gardening expert Emily Horn shares the exact process you'll need to follow when propagating Ficus trees in just a few simple steps.

A close-up on a potted gardenia plant with lush green leaves and a few yellow, dried leaves. The plant is placed in an orange pot filled with brown soil, contrasting against a clean white background.

Problems

11 Reasons Your Gardenia Has Yellow Leaves

There are many reasons your gardenia plant may have yellow leaves. Many issues that cause this problem can be resolved if promptly addressed. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the most common reasons this happens, and how to fix it when it does!

colocasia

Houseplants

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Colocasia

Looking for a fast-growing, easy-care, tropical showstopper? Colocasia makes a statement in the garden or as a houseplant. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares everything you need to know about growing and caring for Colocasia plants.

Problems

11 Common Problems With Magnolia Trees

Are your magnolia trees looking a little worse for wear? There can be a number of different issues that you run into with these popular trees. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the most common problems you'll run into when growing magnolia trees.

A hand delicately holds a vibrant red hibiscus flower, revealing its yellow pollens. The backdrop showcases the lush green leaves of the plant, with another captivating red bloom nearby. The ground beneath is adorned with neatly trimmed grass.

Shrubs

How to and When to Deadhead Hibiscus Plants

Do your hibiscus flowers need to be deadheaded but you don't know where to start? This process if fairly simple if you follow the right steps. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss outlines exactly how to deadhead your hibiscus plants this season.

A close-up reveals the beauty of a blooming white gardenia flower, its delicate petals glistening with moisture. Behind the flower, the vibrant green leaves stand out, also displaying a moist appearance. In the blurred background, glimpses of other lush green leaves create a serene setting.

Shrubs

How Much and How Often Should You Water Gardenias?

Are you unsure how much or how often you should be watering your gardenias? These garden favorites have beautiful white blooms, but need the right amount of water for proper health. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the proper watering frequency for these popular plants.

Trees

When Do Magnolia Trees Bloom?

Are you wondering when your magnolia trees will start blooming this season and how long those blooms will last? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares when you can expect your magnolias to bloom, and how long their beautiful white flowers will stick around.

Trees

How Much and How Often Should You Water a Magnolia Tree?

Are you unsure of how much water your magnolia tree needs, or how often it should be watered? These popular trees need the right amount of moisture to thrive. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares how much moisture your Magnolias need, and how often you should be watering them.

burros tail succulent

Succulents

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Burros Tail Succulents

Are you looking for a new succulent to add to your indoor or outdoor garden? Burro's Tail succulents make excellent trailing succulents as houseplants and outdoors. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares everything you need to know about the Burro's Tail succulent including their maintenance and care needs.

dracula orchid

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Dracula Orchids

Looking for a unique orchid to add to your plant collection? The dracula orchid is a unique orchid variety that will brighten up your plant collection. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about Dracula Orcids, including their maintenance and care needs!

Trees

Do Magnolias Need Full Sun, Partial Shade, or Full Shade?

Trying to figure out how much sun your magnolia tree needs before putting it in the ground? These popular trees are fairly adaptable, but will thrive in certain growing conditions. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines if your magnolia needs full sun, partial shade, or a fully shaded location to grow well.

Shrubs

How and When to Transplant Hibiscus Plants This Season

Transplanting your hibiscus plant at the right time can be the difference between a successful transplanting and one that failed. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about when to transplant your hibiscus plants, and exactly how to do it.

purple hibiscus

Shrubs

13 Beautiful Types of Purple Hibiscus to Grow This Season

Are you looking for some purple hibiscus to grow in your garden this season? These lovely shrubs make beautiful additions to any garden, but which shade of purple should you pick? In this article, gardening experrt Melissa Strauss shares her favorite purple blooming hibiscus plants to add to your garden this season.