… The roots of my phalaenopsis orchid are growing over the rim of the pot. Does this mean I need to repot the plant? A. Many varieties of orchids enjoy being slightly potbound. However, if they are overly confined, they might fail to bloom. Choose a pot size that accommodates the size of the plant’s roots rather than one that … green tips on plump white roots the orchid not having been repotted in two to three years The best time to repot an orchid is when it has finished flowering. Choose a plastic pot (which does …
Type: Plant Info
… petals are recurved, and the flowers are bowl shaped, measuring 8 inches in diameter in mid to late summer. The stems stand 3 to 4 feet high and may have up to 8 flowers on a single stem. Casa Blanca is an Oriental hybrid. … Typically Oriental lilies have a lovely fragrance, although some people find it unpleasant at best. The unsurpassed grace and beauty of this lily make it a lovely addition to the garden. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… 'Caesar's Brother') features dark purple-blue flowers atop tall, slender stems extending to 31 inches after the bearded irises have peaked, and before the Japanese irises come into flower. Water this iris well the first year to establish the root system; after that, it can tolerate conditions ranging from dry soil to … of ponds. It is the most heat tolerant of the Siberian irises (which, as a group, perform best in cool summer climates) and can be grown from the deep South to north into central Canada. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… shrubs grown either as standards or as tightly pruned topiaries. A standard is a plant trained to a single trunk or stem with a distinct shape created by its leaves and flowers at the top of … produce lush foliage and even fruit in its restricted environment. Espalier is also a creative way to grow fruit-producing trees in limited space. Parterre Tightly clipped or sheared low … often escaping into the cultivated garden areas where they would "volunteer" seedlings for years to come. The concept of a knot herb garden was an attempt to combine utilitarianism …
Type: Plant Info
… the longest days of the year. As trees branch out, flowers bloom, and vegetables grow, June’s to-do list will transition from planting to maintenance tasks that encourage a healthy garden and … keep weeds under control, regulate soil temperature, and retain moisture. Continue monitoring for insect damage Regularly inspect for infestations on plants. Small insect populations can be … approximately 1 inch of water per week to keep grass green and actively growing. It is best to water early in the day, which allows grass to dry out and lessens the possibility of turf …
Type: Plant Info
… planting ideas and more As summer blooms fade, you’ll see mums everywhere—the automatic go-to fall favorites—but what else can heighten your containers and garden with color, texture, and surprise? We love featuring mums in our fall displays at the Garden, but we also aim for variety and surprise. Here, Tim Pollak, manager of plant production, celebrates our seasonal mum. According to Tim Pollak, manager of plant production at the Chicago Botanic Garden, autumn offers ample …
Type: Blog
… white—fresh, breezy, and effortlessly chic. That’s “Cloud Dancer,” Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026. Calm without being boring, elegant without being fussy, it’s the perfect excuse to press the refresh button on your garden this spring. As curator of plant collections at the … and quiet confidence, pulling plants, colors, and textures into natural harmony. It has a way of softening the whole space, inviting you to slow down and take a deep, settling breath. …
Type: Blog
… Before heading for mulch piles, these plants take one final star turn. At the Chicago Botanic Garden, even in … for the mulch pile, these remnants now take a last autumnal bow as art before they return to nourish the living collection. Deaccessioned: Uknown root flare, chestnut mushrooms, mums – … to the soil, nourishing the next generation of the Garden’s living collection. As autumn gives way to winter, The Last Show is a moving reminder that every end feeds a beginning, that decay is …
Type: Blog
… in the spongy moth life cycle is the egg mass stage. Female moths lay eggs from late July to early August on almost any sheltered surface — bark crevices, rocks, picnic tables, vehicles. … to feed. The larvae go through several growth stages, eating increasingly voraciously as they get larger. By late June or early July, the fully grown larvae pupate and enter a two-week … moth into the Midwest from the Northeast. Homeowners can assist by searching their property for egg masses or any other signs of spongy moths. If you live outside a quarantined area and …
Type: Plant Info
… full sun or partial shade. The genus Deutzia consists of medium sized flowering shrubs native to Asia, generally with slender stems and a fine-textured arching habit. The clusters of small … are white on most species, but may be pinkish in a few species and cultivars. Deutzias are best used grouped in informal settings as a hedge or background to a border. These shrubs may benefit from occasional renewal pruning to maintain their dense …
Type: Garden Guide Plant