Carson's Nurseries

Sisyrinchium spp. Don't let the name fool you—Blue-eyed Grass isn't actually a grass! This charming native perennial is a member of the iris family, producing delicate star-shaped blooms that brighten the garden each spring. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for borders, pathways, rock gardens, and naturalized landscapes, adding pops of color without taking over. Why We Like It Blue-eyed Grass may be small, but it packs plenty of charm. Its bright blue flowers app

Oakleaf Hydrangea & Smooth Hydrangea Hydrangeas are among the most loved flowering shrubs in the landscape, but did you know Missouri is home to beautiful native hydrangeas? This week we're featuring two outstanding native species that offer months of blooms, support wildlife, and provide lasting beauty in the landscape. Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia Why We Like It Oakleaf Hydrangea is one of the hardest-working native shrubs you can plant. From its oversized white

When most people think of native plants, they picture colorful wildflowers. But Missouri is also home to two incredible native evergreens that provide beauty and wildlife habitat all year long. This week we're highlighting two trees that thrive in the Ozarks and make outstanding additions to home landscapes. Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana One of Missouri's toughest native trees, Eastern Red Cedar can be found growing almost anywhere—from rocky hillsides to open fields

If you've walked through our native plant section lately, you've probably noticed one thing—yellow. Some of Missouri's toughest and most beneficial native plants are putting on their summer display right now. From towering prairie giants to fragrant wildflowers and dependable pollinator favorites, these three species provide months of color while supporting butterflies, bees, and birds. Let's meet three of our favorite yellow bloomers. Compass Plant Silphium laciniatum The ta

When planting container-grown plants, it's easy to focus on digging the perfect hole and choosing the right location. But one of the most important steps happens before the plant ever goes into the ground: checking the root ball. In this week's How-To Friday, Luke demonstrates how root pruning can encourage healthier root development and improve the long-term success of your plants. What Are Circling Roots? Plants that spend time growing in containers often develop roots that

If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen them. Hostas with giant peacock feathers growing out of the center.Neon blue leaves.Plants that look like they belong in a fantasy movie. We've been getting questions about these lately, so let's clear things up. The short answer? They're not real. The Truth About "Peacock Hostas" The images being shared online are AI-generated or heavily edited. There are no hostas that grow peacock feathers.There are no h

Have you ever spotted an insect on one of your plants and immediately reached for an insecticide? Before you spray, take a closer look. Not every insect in your landscape is a pest. In fact, many insects found throughout Missouri are actually helping your garden by controlling harmful pests or pollinating flowers. Beneficial Predators Some insects work behind the scenes by feeding on common garden pests like aphids, mites, caterpillars, and other insects that can damage your

Every summer, bagworms begin appearing throughout southwest Missouri, especially on evergreens like arborvitae, junipers, and cedars. Right now, many are still small—around ½ inch long—which makes this one of the best times to catch them before they can cause significant damage. What Are Bagworms? Bagworms are caterpillars that build protective bags around themselves using silk and pieces of the plant they're feeding on. These bags help camouflage them, making them easy to ov

If you're looking for a native shrub that checks all the boxes, Elderberry is hard to beat. This fast-growing native shrub produces beautiful white flower clusters in late spring and early summer, followed by dark berries later in the season. It's a favorite among pollinators, birds, and gardeners alike, making it one of the most rewarding native shrubs you can add to your landscape. Whether you're creating a privacy screen, stabilizing a slope, or simply adding wildlife valu

If you're looking for a shrub that works hard all year long, Ninebark deserves a spot on your list. Native to much of North America, Ninebark is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that offers colorful foliage, spring flowers, and year-round landscape interest. Whether you're planting a privacy screen, stabilizing a slope, or simply adding contrast to your garden, Ninebark is one of the most versatile native shrubs you can grow. At Carson's, we carry several beautiful varieties wi

As monarch butterflies begin their journey through Missouri, now is a great time to think about the plants that help support them along the way. This week's Native Plant Spotlight features two native garden favorites: Coneflower (Echinacea) and Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa). Both provide valuable resources for pollinators, thrive in our region, and bring lasting color to the landscape. Whether you're creating a pollinator garden, adding native plants to an existing bed,

A beautiful landscape shouldn't disappear when the sun goes down. Landscape lighting is one of the most effective ways to enhance curb appeal, improve safety, and extend the enjoyment of your outdoor spaces well into the evening. We're excited to announce that Carson's Nurseries now carries professional-grade landscape lighting from Brilliance, including fixtures from their Black Diamond line. Why Landscape Lighting? Landscape lighting does much more than simply brighten your

This week's Native Plant Spotlight features St. John's-wort, a highly adaptable shrub that delivers bright spring blooms, dependable texture, and exceptional durability in the landscape. If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that can handle difficult sites while providing season-long interest, St. John's-wort deserves a closer look. Why We Like It St. John's-wort is one of those plants that quietly gets the job done. It tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, re

Many perennial flowers benefit from occasional pruning and deadheading throughout the growing season. Not only does this keep plants looking tidy, but it can also encourage additional blooms and healthier growth. In this week's How-To Friday, Katie shares a few simple pruning techniques for some of the most common perennial flowers found in Missouri landscapes. Understanding Plant Families Different perennials respond differently to pruning. Plants in the mint family, includi

When customers ask us what the most important factor is for plant success, the answer is almost always the same: Water. Whether you're planting a tree, shrub, perennial, or annual, your new plant has one major challenge after it leaves the nursery: establishing roots. When a plant is first installed, its roots are confined to the root ball. Even if rain falls nearby or your lawn sprinklers run regularly, that doesn't necessarily mean enough water is reaching the roots where i

Every year on June 5, people around the world celebrate World Environment Day by taking time to appreciate and care for the places we call home. At Carson's, we believe protecting the environment doesn't always require big changes. Often, the most meaningful impact comes from small actions repeated over time. Planting a tree, adding native plants to your landscape, creating habitat for pollinators, conserving water, or simply spending time outdoors can all contribute to a hea

Looking for a reason to get creative, learn something new, or enjoy a fun night out this month? We've got several exciting events planned throughout June at Carson's Greenhouse & Gifts. Whether you're a plant lover, a crafter, a home cook, or a friendly competitor, there's something for everyone. Windowsill Flavor Station Workshop 📅 Saturday, June 13 | 1:00 PM💲 $30 per person Create your own edible windowsill herb garden with Linda from Carson's Greenhouse & Gifts. During t

Tyler and Shenandoah Switchgrass Welcome to our first Native Plant Spotlight! Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting native plants and native cultivars that perform well in southwest Missouri landscapes. This week's spotlight is Shenandoah Switchgrass, one of our favorite ornamental grasses for adding color, texture, and year-round interest. Why We Like It Shenandoah Switchgrass is a cultivar of our native switchgrass that was selected for its hardiness and exceptional

Native plants are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers throughout the Ozarks—and for good reason. Native plants are adapted to our region's climate and growing conditions, making them valuable additions to landscapes of all sizes. Many provide seasonal interest, support pollinators and wildlife, and thrive with minimal intervention once established. At Carson's Nurseries, we've recently expanded our native plant offerings with de

We’ve made wholesale easier at Carson’s Nurseries. Our new wholesale portal is now live, giving approved wholesale customers easier access to pricing, availability, and wholesale resources online. As we continue growing our wholesale department, we’re also excited to welcome Libby Thater as our Wholesale Sales Representative, working alongside Pat to better serve wholesale customers throughout Southwest Missouri and surrounding areas. The Carson’s Wholesale Portal is designed