… Q: Please advise on the best time to prune hydrangeas. A: Hydrangeas require differing pruning times; therefore, it is critical to … back in late winter. If unpruned, these cultivars can reach 20 feet, which may be too large for certain landscapes. The oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia ) flowers on old wood also …
Type: Plant Info
… Replacing this year? Five to consider. Last winter was hard on us all…especially on the trees and shrubs that took the … winter burn on evergreens ( read our blog about it here ), lots of dead branches, and, for many homeowners, the loss of key "hardscape" elements: the shrubs that are the backbone of … out or requesting at local nurseries. Northen bayberry shrubs ( Myrica pensylvanica ) look best when planted in groups. Northern Bayberry ( Myrica pensylvanica ) Bayberry could be the …
Type: Plant Info
… Birchleaf spirea is named for the shape of its leaves, which resemble those of the birch genus. White flowers appear in June on new wood. The genus Spiraea consists of small to medium sized flowering shrubs with a fine-textured twiggy mounding habit. The small simple … are quite small, they occur in clusters of inflorescence that can be very showy. Spireas are best used in groupings in a shrub or mixed border, where they are valued as tough, reliable and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… The polar vortex and a very wet, cold spring delivered a knockout punch to some plants this year. (You may recall that the Garden was closed for two consecutive days in late January due to extreme weather conditions.) Japanese maples and … but the temperatures are up and down,” Tiddens said. What’s a gardener to do? Provide the best conditions and cultural practices possible. When buying new plants, match the plant to the …
Type: Plant Info
… the species at 6' x 6' but differs more importantly in its bright yellow fruit in contrast to the red fruit typical of other linden viburnums. Like other linden viburnums, however, Michael … 8 feet wide. Creamy white flowers in showy, domed clusters appear in May to early June, giving way to bright red fruits in late summer to early fall that persist on the shrub into early … home landscape due to their range of sizes and cultural adaptability. Some viburnums are noted for their fragrant flowers; most bear small fruit that may add visual interest. Many viburnums …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
Upright golden branches gracefully swirl as if pulled by a vortex on this small statured hardy evergreen. Filtered light will keep the golden foliage from getting sunburned. Well drained but consistently moist soils are ideal. Archived Copy: This content was captured before February 2022, and is no longer being …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Q. How should we select pumpkins for cooking and decorating? A. From supermarkets to farm stands and backyard gardens, fall brings … be free from scratches, soft or rotten spots, and cracks, and should feel heavy relative to its size. Shape is unimportant. There should be 3 to 4 inches of dry stem attached to the …
Type: Plant Info
… Although often grown for its flowers, the foliage of yellow waxbells ( Kirengeshoma palmata ) is stunning. The bright … tips of the branches, and these flowers are followed by unusual horned seedpods. This plant is best used as a backdrop for other perennials, in a shrub or perennial border, under trees, or in a woodland garden. It is …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… 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 … rose blooms in late winter and Lenten rose in very early spring. The flowers can persist for up to eight weeks if the plants are well-sited. They prefer partially shaded conditions in moist, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter added. Best results come from mulching during hot summers to keep a good supply of moisture available …
Type: Plant Info
… drop their leaves or undergo color change before planting them or digging and moving them to new sites. At that time they are entering dormancy and will not suffer as much transplant shock when moved. Broadleaved and needled evergreens, both dwarf and standard, are best planted or moved by October 1. Water deeply and thoroughly at planting time and each week up … month to fertilize any tree or shrub that looks like it might benefit from extra nutrition — for example, has stunted growth, has failed to fully flower or leaf out, or has undersized fruit …
Type: Plant Info
