… Natal lily ( Clivia miniata ) is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family native to damp woodlands in southern Africa, where they grow in the forests of Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern … dark green, strap-shaped leaves arises from a fleshy underground stem, forming a perfect foil for its masses of beautifully colored flowers. Unfortunately, in many areas of its natural … to no water during the winter. Although it is one of those rare plants that actually blooms best if slightly potbound, its roots are perennial, and the plant resents root disturbance (which …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Q. What sort of spring care should I provide for my roses? A. April is the appropriate month for some basic and necessary pruning. Pruning … for good overall plant health. Timing is important. Begin pruning when dormant roses begin to leaf out in the spring. It is best to wait until temperatures moderate and wide fluctuations are not predicted before …
Type: Plant Info
… over and cold weather has settled in. It’s that time of year when a gardener’s thoughts turn to spring, but planting season is months away. What can you do? Grow some spring-blooming bulbs … right now, says Tim Pollak , the Garden’s outdoor floriculturist. “I like forcing tulips for Valentine’s Day,” Pollak said.“Nothing breaks the winter blues more than a pot of blooming … Garden come April. But right now, for a little winter cheer in your home or office, you can buy pots of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other bulbs at garden centers, stores, and online. …
Type: Plant Info
… dark red, almost black fruit in late summer. Small, very sweet but rather tart, the fruit are best used in jams and jellies. Cross-pollination is required. Cherry plums are hybrids of any number of cherry species crossed with various plum species. This tree grows to a height of 8 feet with full sun and moderate moisture conditions. Its white blooms in May and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Obedient Plant is an erect, deciduous perennial best in perennial borders in moist, full-sun locations. It produces grayish-green leaves with … moisture requirements are met. Plant it in the rear of the perennial border where it has room to spread. If it is shady, the stems will be lax. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Brazilian Red Cloak is a very showy ornamental shrub in the acanthus family. Native to tropical America, it produces large spikes of flowers that have small white flowers emerging from red bracts. Hummingbirds are attracted to the tubular flowers, which have two long curving lobes. The leaves are large, ovate and … the one-foot flower spikes held above the foliage. Because of its size, this tropical shrub is best grown in a tropical climate or conservatory. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This clump-forming ornamental grass grows to a height of about three feet with full sun to partial shade and moderate moisture conditions. Starting in July, fountains of airy, bristly, … areas. Fountain grass turns yellow in the fall, but when the seed heads turn brown, it's best to clip them off to prevent re-seeding. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… How to Dry Hydrangeas the Right Way If you’ve ever wished those beautiful summer hydrangea blooms … can be a rewarding way to enjoy them well into fall and beyond. Find the Perfect Moment for Picking The most important step in drying hydrangeas is knowing when to cut them. “The best time to cut white flowering hydrangeas is when the top or center flowers begin to show a …
Type: Blog
… Q. Please advise on special winter protection for my garden plants. A. Many winter injuries common to plants in the Chicago area can be avoided with a few precautionary practices: Since evergreens … buds and many evergreens. Deer repellents are numerous and must be rotated constantly for best success. Before you prune out any brown winterkill areas on evergreens, wait until the new …
Type: Plant Info
… A showy late-summer garden plant, it grows up to 2' tall. Fringed blue ray florets are 4" in diameter and surround the central disk, creating … flowers, lasting from July until frost. Illinois gardeners should mulch this plant in winter to protect it from the cold. Stokes' aster, native to the southeastern United States, is distinguished by its handsome evergreen foliage, but its flowers are really its best feature. Perennial with evergreen leaves …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
