Love Letters To Our Most Beloved Plants

Whitney Laritson | February 14, 2026

It’s true, nature is a hopeless romantic at heart.

From heart-shaped petals to classic roses, the timeless beauty of nature has long left us captivated by cupid’s favorite color palette or an irresistible aroma – it is simply always, love at first sight.

That’s why this Valentine’s Day, we want to show a little love back to the plants that have always shown their love for us! Follow along as we write love letters to our favorite plants:

Roses, You Have Our Hearts
We Wouldn’t Be Here Without You Hydrangeas
How Could We Forget Flowering Cherry Trees?
We Love You Fruit Trees & Bushes
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Roses, You Have Our Hearts

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - William Shakespeare.

No matter the name, our Roses, in the words of Shakespeare, still smell just as sweet. This perfectly resembles the captivating hold that you, Roses, have on us at NatureHills.com.

From your vibrant, sunny yellows and showstopping pinks to your deep purples and moody blues, it isn’t the color or name alone that keeps us in your embrace. It is your timeless and classic beauty that beholds gardens and floral arrangements hung in suspenseful admiration.

Whether in carefully placed bushes of a mixed garden or ever so gracefully climbing the walls of our homes, your very growth moves delicately with the presence of the sun and the moisture of the rainfall. As we tenderly clip your thorns to capture and showcase your beauty for our lifetime’s greatest events, there is not truly one thing of note that the presence of a rose is not perfect for.

We Love You Endlessly,

Nature Hills Nursery

We Wouldn’t Be Here Without You, Hydrangeas

Endless Summer Blushing Bride Bigleaf Hydrangea

"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you... I could walk through my garden forever." - Alfred Lord Tennyson.

To imagine a garden full of your endless beauty and color would be as timeless and classic as the act of walking itself. Hydrangeas, your perfectly varying petals and shapes, emulate the abundance and joy that your complex depths permit to the growth of NatureHills.com.

From down into your roots to up in your blooms, the influence of your boldness ever changes with the very acidity of your foundation. The mixture of your soil gives life below our feet just so that we may see a mere change in your hues.

The very shape of your petals mimics that of the cherished butterflies, paling in comparison to many of our other garden flourishes. To simply be in awe of you is to enjoy a lifetime of bated breath.

Yours Truly,

Nature Hills Nursery

How Could We Forget Flowering Cherry Trees?

"Flowers enshrine my heart between their petals; that’s why my heart beats love them so much." - Munia Khan.

Flowering Cherry Trees, what could we write to you that hasn’t already been written? Words as rich as your timelessness and as charming as your grace seem to escape us. The greatest words ever written in the name of love have been sculpted beneath your branches and stimulated by your sweet scent.

Falling in sync with the flowering of your blooms is the opening of our hearts in anticipation of the love that has yet to come. Your fragrance, an overwhelming reminder that with the changing season of Spring, is the opportunity to start anew.

Whether love is first emerging or it simply has been lost, your presence persistently reminds me of the hope in which love blooms.

Affectionately Always,

Nature Hills Nursery

We Love You Fruit Trees & Bushes

“A life without love is like a tree without fruit.” - Stephen King

Oh! To be in suspense of you! Season after season, we wait longingly for the harvest of your limbs, anticipating the very taste of your fruit. With the months passing in between, we carefully watch over you, pruning your limbs to strengthen your roots.

In the ways that your bounty fills our souls with the nectars of the Gods, we lovingly tend to your asking for more. Through your soil, through the sunshine, and through the tender caresses of our affection, we patiently wait for our next dance with you. A waiting so grand and fulfilling, to know the love that is returned by the very love that we have given.

While there are many great loves to be had and many great loves to be lost, there is no greater love than that which is returned. As we give unto you, we also delightfully receive. So generous and kind are your lemons, oranges, and more. A fruit for every season, simply asking for a little more tenderness so that we may receive a little more care.

Forevermore,

Nature Hills Nursery

Happy Valentine’s Day!

So maybe Nature Hills is a little bit of a hopeless romantic too ... we can’t help but join in on the x’s and o’s that are Valentine’s Day when the above beauties of nature exist.

Maybe our love letters will fall into place next to the most famous and sought-after feelings, or maybe they will stay hidden from the world, only to express their words to those they were truly written for.

Happy Valentine’s Day from NatureHills.com!

Keeping Your Love Growing With the Help of Plant Sentry™

In the words of Victor Hugo, “Life is the flower for which love is the honey.”

Here at NatureHills.com & Plant Sentry™, there is truly nothing sweeter than a healthy plant. That’s why Plant Sentry™ safeguards every plant found on NatureHills.com by checking for up-to-date compliance against invasive pests and diseases.

We do the dirty work, so you can keep loving your garden. That’s Plant Sentry™ protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my favorite garden plants when grown in containers versus in the ground?

Container-grown plants dry out significantly faster than those in the ground and typically need watering every 1 to 3 days during warm months, while in-ground plants generally thrive with deep watering once or twice per week depending on your climate zone and soil type. A good rule of thumb is to water containers until it drains freely from the bottom, ensuring roots are fully saturated rather than just surface-damp. For in-ground plants, aim to deliver about 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation, adjusting upward in hotter zones like 8 through 11. Always check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches into the soil before watering, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and discourage fungal issues.

How do I match the right sunlight conditions to the plants I love most in my landscape?

Matching sunlight to your plants starts with observing how many hours of direct sun your planting area receives each day. Full sun plants like roses thrive with 6 or more hours of direct sunlight, while hydrangeas are more flexible and can perform beautifully in 4 to 6 hours of morning sun with afternoon shade, especially in warmer zones like 7 through 9 where harsh afternoon light can scorch their blooms. Flowering cherry trees and most fruit trees also demand full sun for optimal flowering and fruit production. Walk your yard at three points during the day, morning, midday, and late afternoon, and log the sun exposure before selecting and placing your plants.

How far apart should I space beloved garden plants when planting a border, mass planting, or container display?

Spacing depends on the specific plant and its mature spread, but as a general rule, roses should be planted 2 to 3 feet apart for hybrid teas and 4 to 6 feet apart for shrub varieties, while hydrangeas typically need 3 to 10 feet depending on the cultivar. For mass plantings, space plants at roughly two-thirds of their mature width to achieve a full, lush look without overcrowding. Cherry trees used in borders should be spaced at least 15 to 20 feet apart to allow for healthy canopy development. Always check the mature spread listed on your plant's product page at naturehills.com to dial in the right spacing before you dig.

When is the best time of year to plant the trees, shrubs, and perennials I care most about?

The best time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials is during spring or fall, when moderate temperatures and increased rainfall help roots establish before the stress of summer heat or winter cold. Fall planting, typically from September through November depending on your hardiness zone, is especially effective because cooler soil temperatures encourage root growth without the demand of supporting top growth. Spring planting works well too, giving plants a full growing season to settle in. Check your USDA Hardiness Zone and aim to plant at least six weeks before your first expected frost date to give roots time to anchor before winter arrives.

Can my favorite garden plants thrive in containers or hanging baskets, and what pot size works best?

Many beloved garden plants, including roses, hydrangeas, and flowering cherry trees, can thrive in containers when given the right conditions. Roses do best in containers of at least 15 to 20 gallons, hydrangeas prefer a minimum of a 5-gallon pot but flourish even more in 10 to 15-gallon containers, and dwarf fruit trees typically need a 25-gallon container to support healthy root development. Ensure your containers have excellent drainage, use a high-quality potting mix tailored to each plant's soil pH needs, and plan to water more frequently than you would for in-ground plantings. Visit naturehills.com to browse container-friendly varieties and find the right plant for your space and hardiness zone.

How often should I fertilize beloved garden plants, and what type of fertilizer gives the best results?

Most beloved garden plants like roses and hydrangeas benefit from fertilizing two to three times per growing season, starting in early spring as new growth emerges, again in early summer, and optionally once more in midsummer. Roses thrive with a balanced granular fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or a rose-specific formula applied every four to six weeks during the growing season, while hydrangeas prefer a slow-release fertilizer in spring and a second application in July. Always water thoroughly before and after applying fertilizer to prevent root burn, and avoid fertilizing after late summer to prevent tender new growth that can be damaged by frost. Start with a soil test to determine your specific nutrient needs and pH levels, especially for hydrangeas, where soil acidity directly influences bloom color.

How do I prune my favorite plants to keep them compact, tidy, and blooming their best?

Pruning timing and technique vary by plant, but the golden rule is to prune spring-blooming shrubs like hydrangeas and flowering cherry trees right after they finish blooming, since they set next year's buds on old wood. Roses benefit from a late-winter pruning in late February to early March, cutting canes back by about one-third and removing any dead or crossing wood to encourage vigorous new growth. For most flowering shrubs, aim to remove no more than one-third of the total plant volume in a single season to avoid stressing the plant. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears, make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud, and deadhead spent blooms throughout the season to encourage continuous flowering.

Why are my favorite garden plants not blooming, and what are the most common causes of poor flowering?

Poor flowering in garden plants like roses and hydrangeas is most commonly caused by insufficient sunlight, improper pruning timing, or soil nutrient imbalances. Roses require at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, while hydrangeas are especially sensitive to soil pH, with blooms shifting color based on acidity levels between 4.5 and 6.5. Pruning at the wrong time is another frequent culprit, particularly with hydrangeas that bloom on old wood, where late-season cutting removes next year's flower buds. Test your soil, confirm your plant's sun requirements, and research the correct pruning window for your specific variety to get those blooms back on track.

What is the best way to mulch around beloved plants to protect them and keep garden beds looking their best?

Mulching is one of the best things you can do for roses, hydrangeas, and other beloved garden plants, as it regulates soil temperature, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark, wood chips, or compost around the base of plants in early spring and again in late fall before the ground freezes, keeping mulch pulled back about 2 to 3 inches from the main stem or crown to prevent rot. For roses especially, a generous fall mulch layer of 4 to 6 inches over the root zone provides critical winter protection in colder zones. Refresh your mulch layer each season to maintain proper depth and give your garden beds a clean, polished appearance year-round.

How do I choose the right spot in my landscape for the plants I love based on climate and hardiness zone?

Choosing the right spot starts with knowing your USDA Hardiness Zone, which you can find using the zip code tool at naturehills.com, as every plant listing includes its compatible zones to take the guesswork out of selection. Roses generally thrive in Zones 3 through 9 and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, while hydrangeas prefer partial shade in hotter southern zones and fuller sun in cooler northern zones. Flowering cherry trees perform best in Zones 5 through 8 and need well-drained soil with good air circulation to prevent disease. Start by identifying your zone, then match it to plants whose listed zone range includes yours and assess your yard for sunlight hours and soil drainage before making your final placement decision.