Long-loved, and often long-lived, old-fashioned plants are just as nice now as they were when they were first planted. Often called “heirlooms,” these classic plants should be treated as such — family treasures passed down through generations. Whatever you call them, one thing all they have in common is that they’re easy to care for and aren't prone to pest problems.
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Clear up name confusion with heirloom flowers
It’s fun to hear the different common names many old-fashioned heirloom plants go by. While some say “bachelor’s button,” others know the same plant as “cornflower” or “ragged sailor.” Thankfully, we can rely on the botanical names to figure out what we’re talking about. Unless you know someone already growing the old-fashioned plants you want, you’ll probably have to start your own. Some can be a challenge to find at the garden center but each of the plants profiled here has an online source. Now let's take a look at some classic old favorites.
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