… a vine running up trees. According to one source it may be the only true climbing aloe and it is the fastest growing. Some stems can reach 30 feet long. The inflorescences are a simple or … branch, the flowers in cylindrical clusters, 20-30, and are red with greenish yellow edges. It is hardy enough to be grown outdoors in California in areas with light frost. Its vine like … habit makes it an interesting option as a groundcover and it can be grown as a vine if it is supported. A fun and different aloe from South Africa. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This plant is commonly called lady's mantle because of the circular, pleated leaves which resemble the … worn by women in olden times. The name of 'Thriller' refers to the height of this plant which is much taller than other commonly found lady's mantle plants. 'Thriller' lady's mantle grows to … so remove dead flower heads to prevent reseeding. The low, clumping form of this plant is well suited to front of borders and cottage gardens. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… well in shade to partial shade where it adds a welcome touch of color to a shady garden. It is generally pest free and tough. It is resistant to rabbits and deer, but attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. This is an excellent cut flower. After the blooms have died, the stalks with the dried seed heads are …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… bee ( Xylocapa sp.). (Unlike bumblebees, carpenter bees have a shiny, hairless abdomen.) It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to a height of 6 feet with arching branches. The plants have … ovate leaves, often with a silvery tinge. In the South, this native of China and Japan is a woody shrub; however, in Illinois, it is best to treat it as a perennial as it may die back during winter. It blooms from July through …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Eupatorium coelestinum 'Wayside Variety' is derived from a perennial native to the eastern half of the United States that closely … attract butterflies but repel deer. A great perennial for Chicago area gardeners, this plant is tolerant of wet clay soils and blooms from mid-summer through fall. The genus name refers to … King of Pontus, who used one species as an antidote for poison. Eupatorium coelestinum is another member of the Asteraceae, or sunflower family, that lacks the typical showy ray …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… In early spring, before the leaves appear, this tree is covered with masses of violet-pink flowers that spring straight from the bare trunks and which … spreading growth habit and a low hanging canopy. In the springtime the emerging foliage is burgundy, while in the fall the leaves are buttery golden color. Because of its spring and fall beauty and its pleasing growth habit this is a wonderful specimen for a larger garden. It was bred for the harsher conditions of Minnesota …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… The flamethrower palm tree is named for the propensity of this tree to develop a new brightly colored leaf that may be … of the green foliage this new leaf can appear as a flash of fire. The flamethrower palm tree is native to the wet mountainous areas of New Caledonia, in the south Pacific. The fronds of this … feet. The fruits of this tree are egg-sized and turn red, making them equally showy. This tree is not hardy in Chicago. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… This uncommon species is found in open woodlands, and it looks like a tall, spindly version of the more robust common … glossy, opposite broad leaves that come to a narrow point. It blooms in early June, when it is topped with loose clusters of drooping, starry, white flowers with swept-back green sepals. The flowers and flower stalks may have a tinge of lavender. It is exalted by naturalists, who consider it an indicator of a good quality woodland habitat. Its …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… has tiny flowers in spherical umbels and attracts butterflies in July and August. 'Cinderella' is a cultivar with deep pink buds and sepals, which contrast with very pale pink crowns. The … silky tufted seeds airborne. It can be used as a specimen in a border or butterfly garden and is resistant to deer. Swamp milkweed is a native plant found growing through much of eastern and central North America. Like other …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Forever Purple Coral Bells is an award winning introduction by Terra Nova Nurseries. Introduced in 2014, this Heuchera hybrid, combining three species, is a vigorous, multi-crowned, heat tolerant, winter hardy, and striking all purple plant with … a boarder planting. Deer resistant, heat tolerant, attracts birds and bees. The purple foliage is persistent and remains attractive through the winter. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
