More than 15,000 plants in 6,000 photographs and illustrations. The AHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants is the most comprehensive, detailed, and lavishly illustrated guide to garden plants ever published. With authoritative coverage of more than 15,000 ornamental plants, accompanied by nearly 6,000 full-color photographs, it is destined to become the essential reference work for all gardeners, from novice to expert. Plants are arranged alphabetically by their botanical names for fast, straightforward access. All names are completely up to date, and previous names (synonyms) appear as cross-references throughout. Any plant can be located quickly, even if the current botanical name is unfamiliar or not known. Detailed plant profiles, prepared by an international team of more than 40 expert contributors, describe growth habit, leaf and flower anatomy, plant height and spread, geographical origin, and hardiness. A concise introduction to each genus provides essential details of botanical family, native habitat, number of species, and the ornamental qualities for which the plants are grown, together with succinct advice on cultivation, propagation, and pests and diseases. Specially commissioned photographs closely integrated with the plant descriptions, capture the beauty of nearly 6,000 plants. The full diversity of growth habits within a genus is shown wherever possible, and special close-up panels illustrate the range of flower colors and shapes. A comprehensive introduction and glossary guide beginners and experienced gardeners alike to a greater knowledge and understanding of the key elements of plant classification, anatomy, and cultivation.

Gardeners intimate with plants on a Latin or common name basis can refer to this guide for information on life cycle botany, cultivation issues, and familiar as well as more exotic ornamental plant groups. The standardized entries--from abelia to zygopetalum--are augmented by color photographs on each page, a glossary, an index by common plant names, and a recent American Horticultural Society plant heat-zone map complementing the standard USDA hardiness one.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This is easily the most complete yet readable compendium of garden plants currently available. (Los Angeles Daily News)

Finally, one-stop sleuthing for almost any plant, anywhere. (Better Homes and Gardens)

Perhaps the most comprehensive gardening volume in print. (Baltimore Sun)

-- The integration of lush photograhy and detailed descriptions on each page make this book as easy to use as it is comprehensive.
-- Over 15,000 plants in 6,000 photographs and illustrations.

Christopher Brickell, Editor-in-Chief, was director general of the Royal Horticultural society from 1985 to 1993, and is currently chairman of the International Commission for the Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants. An editor-in-chief of DK's The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening and co-author of DK's recently published The American Horticultural society Pruning and Training, he is also a frequent lecturer, writer, and adviser to numerous organizations. His comprehensive knowledge of ornamental garden plants and his active involvement with many aspects of horticulture have brought him many awards. Judith D. Zuk is president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and previously was director of the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College and president of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA). The author of numerous papers and publications, she is a frequent contributor to the AABGA's quarterly magazine, The Public Garden, and she serves as host for the Garden's cable-TV program, "The Urban Gardener." She serves on the advisory committee of The Garden Conservancy and on the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Gold Medal Award Committee. The following horticulturists, drawn from an international team of recognized professionals and amateurs, have provided up-to-date and authoritative information in specific fields of expertise: Kathryn Andersen, Miles Anderson, Susyn Andrews, Daniel Arcos, Faye Brawner, A. Richard Brooks, Margaret Cass, Beth Castellon, Ann R. Chase, Trevor Cole, Allen J. Coombes, Dr. August De Hertogh, Chris DeRosa, Raymond J. Evison, Galen Goss, Pippa Greenwood, Diana Grenfell, Christopher Grey-Wilson, Mary Lou Gripshover, Peter Harness, Dr. Edward R. Hasselkus, Betty Hotchkiss, Clive Innes, Henry Jaworski, Rand B. Lee, Bob Lilly, Tony Lord, Dr. Robert Loughry, Ann Lunn, Donald A.M. Mackay, Beverly Markels, Tovah Martin, Brian Mathew, Dr. Bruce McAlpin, Judy McKeon, Rolf Nelson, Walter W. Oakes, Ralph Parks, Leonard Perry, Frank Robinson, Peter Robinson, W. George Schmid, Ken Selody II, A.D. Schilling, Holly Shimizu, Dr. Sabina Mueller Sulgrove, Alex Summerville, Al Sydnor, Nigel Taylor, Richard G. Turner Jr., Olive Rice Waters.

Foreword How to use this encyclopedia -------------------- Introduction Botany for the gardener The Plant kingdom The Life of a plant Leaves Flowers Cultivation Hardiness Gardening in different regions The garden environment Outdoor cultivation Care under glass Pruning Pruning groups Propagation Plant problems Organic issues and native plants -------------------- Ornamental Plant Groups Trees Shrubs Climbers Perennials Rock plants Annuals and biennials Bulbous plants Orchids Bromeliads Cacti and other succulents Palms and cycads Ferns Aquatic plants Grasses and bamboos -------------------- The A ñ Z Plant Directory -------------------- Glossary Common names Acknowledgments