This genus of carrion flowers contains just 20 species of tender, dwarf succulent plants. They are primarily native to the deserts of Africa, more specifically to East and South Africa, which includes widespread desert habitat. It prefers very fast draining raised rocky locations, which rarely retain much moisture but boulders offer protection from direct afternoon exposure.

All carrion flowers share the look and smell of a kill to draw flies, their primary pollinator. Smaller forms such as...

This genus of carrion flowers contains just 20 species of tender, dwarf succulent plants. They are primarily native to the deserts of Africa, more specifically to East and South Africa, which includes widespread desert habitat. It prefers very fast draining raised rocky locations, which rarely retain much moisture but boulders offer protection from direct afternoon exposure.

All carrion flowers share the look and smell of a kill to draw flies, their primary pollinator. Smaller forms such as...

(Borzicactus)

This South American genus contains just six species of columnar cacti. They are mountain cacti native to the high Andes where they thrive in extremes of temperature and drought. They are specific to parts of this range in southern Peru, northern Chile, southern Bolivia, and northern Argentina.

The species are characterized as low shrubs with cylindrical stems covered in dense, white hairs. These provide protection from high UV light at altitude and insulation from cold. Branching is minimal...

(Old-Man-of-the-Andes)

Old Man of the Andes is a striking cylindrical cactus due to its coat of dirty blond coarse hairs that covers its entire length. These hairs help protect and shade its green skin from both intense high altitude sunlight and the occasional cold snap. The species is native to Bolivia, Peru and northern Argentina where it is found on rocky cliffs at high elevations of the Andes and other mountain ranges. In cultivation it is rare to see more than a single stem, but in the wild these cacti will branch...

(Hybrid Round-leaved Oregano)

This truly magnificent perennial cousin of culinary oregano, ‘Kent Beauty,’ is an exceptional container plant when grown all by itself. It is the result of crossing Oregano rotundifolium of Turkey and Armenia with the little known Oregano scabrum. This bushy, trailing perennial produces wiry stems bearing small, oval, blue-green leaves that are quite attractive in their own right. Though not particularly aromatic, they retain some oregano fragrance.

Prized for its bloom, ‘Kent...

(Greek Oregano)

Greek oregano is a brighter, spicier version of its relative, common oregano. This tough herbaceous perennial spreads vigorously via rhizomes. In fact, it can become quite weedy if not regularly maintained. It is a favorite herb for Mediterranean kitchen gardens and is typically used to flavor vegetables, meat, fish and poultry.

The upright stems of this clump-forming plant are lined with small, highly fragrant, oval, hairy leaves that are medium to deep green. The strong oregano fragrance...

(Smooth Oregano)

Grown as a lovely garden ornamental and a fragrant herb, smooth oregano is a clump forming herbaceous perennial that offers large clusters of small lavender-pink flowers in summer. This sun-loving Turkish native is moderately hardy and tough. It forms clumps that spread by rhizomes, so it does require division every two to three years.

The tall, sprawling, reddish purple stems of this pretty subshrub are lined with small, elliptical, deep green leaves that are fragrant when crushed. It is considered...

(Smooth Oregano)

It’s no wonder this pretty ornamental oregano is so popular; ‘Herrenhausen’ has dense, vibrant lavender-pink flower clusters that shine against its deep green and burgundy-purple leaves. The flowers are supported by reddish purple bracts that continue to look pretty after blooming. This cultivar is named for the baroque Herrenhausen Gardens located in Hanover, Germany, the capital of Lower Saxony.

Grown as a lovely garden ornamental and a fragrant herb, smooth oregano is a clump forming herbaceous...

(Smooth Oregano)

Clusters of pretty lavender purple flowers distinguish the attractive ornamental oregano, ‘Hopley’s.’ Sometimes called ‘Hopley's Purple’, it offers clusters of lavender-pink flower with purplish green bracts that offer interest even after the flowers have stopped blooming. It has an upright, clump-forming habit and is said to be less winter hardy than other cultivars.

Grown as a lovely garden ornamental and a fragrant herb, smooth oregano is a clump forming herbaceous perennial subshrub. It is...

(Smooth Oregano)

Elongated, somewhat drooping clusters of bright rosy lavender bracts and flowers distinguish this exceptionally beautiful smooth oregano. Its colorful summer blooms rise from strong, upright reddish purple stems for added appeal.

Grown as a lovely garden ornamental and a fragrant herb, smooth oregano is a clump forming herbaceous perennial subshrub. It is considered a subshrub because it is semi-woody where hardy. Turkish in origin, it is resilient and easy to grow. Its sprawling stems are lined...