Among the largest blooms of the genus, Allium christophii features star-shaped purple-violet flowers with a metallic sheen on loose umbels from 4 to 8 inches across on 1' to 2' plants. Found in nature from Iran and Turkey through Central Asia, and commonly called Star of Persia, this is another of the large-flowered onions that succeed best in Chicago landscapes if interplanted with low-growing …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
Almost everyone is familiar with Aloe vera , the pass-along plant known widely for its ability to ease the suffering associated with burns, minor wounds, and insect bites. Few, however, get to enjoy its beautiful, light lemon-colored flowers. In most home settings, it does not receive the growing conditions needed to produce flowers — bright light, warm temperatures, and wide root run. Winner of …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
Native to the Midwest, 'Red Bull' grows 88 inches tall and 48 inches wide, with its green leaves turning a striking orange, purple, and red in the fall. The purple flowers appear on the stems in the late summer and early fall. It grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil and enjoys the heat. It is most effective when grouped into large drifts and makes an excellent ground cover for …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
Callicarpa japonica , or Japanese beautyberry, is one of the stars of the fall garden, with its rounded clusters of berries produced at almost every node along the arching stems. They are usually best known for their vivid lavender berries; however, 'Leucocarpa' produces abundant white berries. Our specimens came to us from the J. C. Raulston Arboretum in North Carolina. The flowers appear from …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… long, and looks like a smudge of clay. Check out the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s website to learn more about spotted lanternfly and other invasive pests. Learn more Remove ice …
Type: Plant Info
Nature, Culture, and Human Health Thursday, December 18, 2014 9 a.m. – noon Alsdorf Auditorium, Regenstein Center, Chicago Botanic Garden This symposium had multiple objectives. The Forest Preserves of Cook County wants to advance the goal, articulated in its Next Century Conservation Plan, to have many more Cook County residents form strong relationships with nature and experience the many …
Type: Page
Q. Can hellebores be grown in the Chicago area? A. Hellebores can be a fascinating addition to both sunny and partially shaded gardens throughout the Chicago area. The two familiar to gardeners here are the Lenten rose ( Helleborus orientalis ) and the Christmas rose ( Helleborus niger ). Both are clump-forming perennials with evergreen foliage and lovely nodding blossoms in colors ranging from …
Type: Plant Info
Q. How do I overwinter tropical hibiscus indoors? A. Your hibiscus should be moved indoors well before the first fall frost. Check the plants for insects prior to moving them indoors. Hibiscus commonly attract whitefly. Do not be alarmed if your hibiscus loses all of its leaves shortly after moving them indoors; this is normal. They will soon produce new growth. Hibiscus overwinter best …
Type: Plant Info
Q. Is it necessary to regularly fertilize my trees and shrubs? If so, how often should it be done? A. Adequate soil fertility begins with good soil. Generally, trees and shrubs do not require synthetic fertilization unless a nutrient deficiency is observed. In addition, normal leaf color and size, as well as annual growth will also dictate whether or not fertilizer needs to be applied. Being …
Type: Plant Info
Q. What are the current guidelines for planting trees and shrubs in the fall? A. Many trees and shrubs can be quite successfully planted in the fall. The moderate days and cooler night temperatures are ideal for planting. The warm soil and the return of autumnal rains provide good conditions for woody plants to establish their root systems before going dormant. Trees and shrubs that are already …
Type: Plant Info
