… called moth orchids because the flowers of some species resemble moths in flight. The name is derived from the word Phalaena , given by Carl Linnaeus to a group of large moths. There are … Phalaenopsis hybrids. Phalaenopsis 'Mount Lip' has thick leaves that are dark green on top. It is an epiphytic (growing on tree branches and trunks) plant that grows in moderate to high light … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… These are the main areas of focus for both homeowners and professionals: careful study of the site; choosing the appropriate tree for that site; preparing the site; and planting the tree correctly. Proper tree maintenance is, of course, an integral part of long-term tree health, but more potentially damaging problems … they've got. If test results recommend amending with organic matter (3 percent organic matter is considered good), the ideal time is before the tree is planted. The entire planting area …
Type: Plant Info
… in the ground. Vines require very little lateral room at planting time since their growth is mostly up and outward. They can work their way into tight spots before breaking loose on a … to cement, brick, wood and even metal. In the case of climbing hydrangea, rootlet strength is such that homeowners in brick homes who value their tuckpointing are advised to weigh the … Chicago Area Perennial Vine Recommendations Boston ivy ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata ) This is a New England classic with shapely green leaves that blaze scarlet in autumn sun. As …
Type: Plant Info
… A fully budded azalea plant is a promise of six to eight weeks of continuous flowering in the middle of winter! Azaleas are … the plant in a bright window, out of direct sun, for winter. Outdoors in summer, a shaded spot is best. Water — Constantly moist soil is extremely important. Humidity — Mist foliage during winter when plant is blooming. Fertilizer …
Type: Plant Info
… The quiver tree aloe. Aloe dichotoma , is a large, striking, tree aloe with canary yellow flowers. In its native habitat is functions as a tree, being the largest plant in the landscape. It can reach 32 feet high and … trunk branches, the Latin name refers to the forked nature of the main stem. The mature form is a sturdy thick stem with one main division and then numerous branches forming the crown of the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… With parents native to Madagascar, Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’ is a small succulent that produces rosettes smaller than 1-foot tall and wide with 6-inch-long … white dots. The flowers, which bloom in fall and winter, are reddish-pink, though their color is often described as orange. This Kelly Griffin hybrid is what Kelly calls a multigeneration hybrid that possibly includes the legendary and beautiful …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Coreopsis palmata is one of the earliest of the prairie composites (members of the aster family that have composite … number of native insects and mammals feed upon the nectar, pollen, and leaves of coreopsis. It is not fussy about soil, but excess water and fertilization can lead to floppy growth and poor flowering. The genus Coreopsis is derived from the Greek term koris (bug) and opsis (like), referring to the seeds that are …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… or gold); they are often featured as specimen trees where space permits. The smooth gray bark is an attractive feature of the species. The genus Fagus includes 10-13 species of the beech … regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Only Fagus grandifolia , the American beech, is native to the U.S. and Illinois. A single species, Fagus sylvatica or the European beech, … oaks, beech trees are long-lived and slow growing hardwood trees. The fruit produced annually is commonly called a beech nut and is beloved by wildlife. Beech trees are majestic shade trees …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… cone. The flowers emerge in July, and continue to bloom until fall. The color of the flowers is not affected by the pH of the soil. ‘Ruby’ does well in full sun to light shade and is moderately drought - tolerant. It blooms on new wood so the flowers are not susceptible to late spring frosts. This is a hybrid of Hydrangea paniculata which is native to Japan, China and Korea where it grows at …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ‘Blaze’ is an herbaceous peony that can produce up to 20 scarlet red single blossoms per plant. Peony bloom time is classified as early, mid, and late; ‘Blaze’ is an early bloomer, usually early May in the Chicago area. It grows to 28 inches tall, taking on …
Type: Garden Guide Plant