… of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society in the 18th century, forsythias are medium to large shrubs that produce four- petaled clusters of bell-shaped flowers in the axils of the stiff, rough branches. These Asian shrubs are very adaptable to poor soils and varying moisture, but the flower buds may be tender on older cultivars. Pruning is best done immediately after flowering, giving new growth time to form flower buds. Never shear …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… on new wood so may be pruned in later winter if needed. The genus Spiraea consists of small- to medium-sized flowering shrubs with a fine-textured twiggy mounding habit. The small, simple leaves are generally lance-shaped and held close to the branch. Spring to early summer abundant blooms tend to be in white or pink tones, … are quite small, they occur in clusters of inflorescence that can be very showy. Spiraeas are best used in groupings in a shrub or mixed border, where they are valued as tough, reliable, and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… that do not lose their leaves over the winter. Leaves turn yellow and then brown in response to specific weather conditions. Leaves do not actually burn but rather dry up. Timing & Life … be planted where they will be protected from winter sun. Generally, an eastern exposure is best. In the fall, thoroughly water evergreens during dry weather until the ground freezes. Where … dead areas, making pruning unnecessary. In severe cases, plants may have to be replaced. For additional information about winterburn, please contact Plant Information Services at (847) …
Type: Plant Info
… cobblers, apples are enjoyed by more adults and children than any other fruit. The good news for gardeners is that you don't need an orchard to grow apples. There are several options available to both suburban and urban gardeners who have … should be no problem planting more than one variety, necessary for cross-pollination and the best fruit production. …
Type: Plant Info
… C-shaped grubs of these beetles feed on the roots of turf grass, causing dead brown patches to appear. Timing & Life Cycle Adult beetles emerge in early July and feed for four to six weeks on more than 300 species of plants. Female beetles lay eggs in the soil 3 … Hand-picking Japanese beetles from plants or knocking them into a bucket of soapy water is the best control. Beetles are attracted to plants where other beetles already are feeding, so …
Type: Plant Info
… Here, Garden experts offer some suggestions for the small garden, whether an urban backyard or a rooftop, a border around a townhouse patio, … spaces can be dramatic or charming or meditative. In small urban gardens, your goal may be to block a less desirable view or soften the building next door. In that case, according to Tim … botany, plant conservation, and landscape design, in formats from rare books to e-books. Visit Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. To learn more about small-space gardening, …
Type: Plant Info
… and cheerful bright cherry red flower sprays. This Heuchera was named after the Greek hero to emphasize its strong growth and robust appearance. The leaves emerge in the spring with … mound 16 inches tall by 16 inches wide, the red and pink flower display increases the height to 20 inches. It performs best if provided with some shade. Beautiful in containers or as an accent in the front row of a …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Tibouchina urvilleana , glory bush, is native to northeastern Brazil and so thrives in the bright sun, heat and humidity of Chicago summers. … velvety leaves throughout most of the growing season. Will tolerate partial shade but flowers best in full sun and needs moist soils. Insect and disease free, this tough tropical makes a bold … bright warm sunny location. There are 350 species in the genus Tibouchina , all of them native to tropical areas of the Americas. Their plant family, the Melastomaceae, can easily be …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… don’t put away your trowel, shovel, hose or clippers just yet. Autumn is another great time for planting and many garden centers have a fresh inventory of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals … suddenly soar and drought sometimes kicks in. As we ease into fall, night temperatures start to drop, but the soil will stay warm for some time. Planting in fall gives many trees and shrubs … seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle. Take a break from planting and come visit the Garden to see what’s in bloom . Nina Koziol is a garden writer and horticulturist who …
Type: Plant Info
… are critically important in pollinating native plants, and the relationship can be complex. For instance, some flowers require “buzz pollination,” whereby a bee grabs onto a flower’s anthers and must vibrate at a particular frequency for the flower to release pollen. To evaluate the best habitats for native bees, the Chicago Botanic Garden has collected bees from all around the …
Type: Plant Info
