… These sturdy, stately plants are prized for their use as structure in a perennial border. Everything about them is large, from their rich green, palmately lobed leaves to their 8- to 10-inch flowers. The … for other perennials in the border, and along the water’s edge. Hummingbirds are drawn to this plant. They are massive beauties with impact at a distance. Archived Copy: This content was …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Senna phyllodenia , or silvery cassia, is a native of Australia that has thrived in the Arid Greenhouse for many years. The silvery leaves are a great backdrop for the deep-golden flowers held at the … in the pea family (Fabaceae), the seeds are not edible—in fact, the seeds of some members of this family contain an alkaloid that creates Alzheimer's-like symptoms when consumed. Archived …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… The buttonwood or button mangrove is native to tropical and semi-tropical coastal areas of the Americas and Africa and has been introduced elsewhere for its ability to filter brackish water. It takes its name from the button shaped fruits which … to 10-15 feet tall, it does grow into a single trunked tree reaching much greater heights. This tree is also grown for its ornamental value notably in bonsai and for its timber which is …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… The Christmas cactus Schlumbergera bridgesii) blooms for a long time indoors with some of the most exotic-looking flowers in the plant kingdom. This cactus is a very popular plant, but most people are not aware of its special needs. Not all cacti are …
Type: Plant Info
… This ornamental oregano grows 2 feet tall, thrives in adverse situations, and continues to look beautiful. It is particularly attractive when planted with whites and pinks in the perennial garden, and it … summer through fall. It makes an especially attractive ground cover and is a good selection for poor soils and for attracting beneficial insects. Fragrant foliage complements the ornamental …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Dark green leaves make the perfect foil for the magenta petals surrounding a magenta/pink "collar" around the dark colored eye of this Dahlia cultivar. Long, dark colored-stems make this a good selection for cut flowers, as … in moderately rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soils. Stake it in June if the location is subject to windy conditions. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Eupatorium coelestinum 'Wayside Variety' is derived from a perennial native to the eastern half of the United States that closely … and features sky-blue flowers that 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 …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'October Skies', or aromatic aster, was selected for the Chicago Botanic Garden's plantings because of its intense lavender-blue color, and … birds. Newly planted plants may need protection from rabbits until established, but otherwise this cultivar is insect- and pest-resistant. (The old name for this plant was Aster oblongifolius 'October …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… As summer winds down you may be thinking about stowing your shovel and other tools for the season. (But don’t stow that rake—the leaves won’t be falling just yet.) Before you clean … tools benefit from a light sanding to remove rust or splinters. Others may need replacing—and this is a good time to find them on sale. The Basics Just getting started? Invest in a few good …
Type: Plant Info
… Behold® Blue Chip butterfly bush ( Buddleja davidii 'Blue Chip'), a half-hardy shrub. (Its top is frequently killed to the ground in Chicago-area gardens.) Butterflies, hummingbirds, and honey … bees are all attracted to the honey-scented flowers. Deer and rabbits, however, don't care for the taste of the leaves or stems. This cultivar is noted for producing very few viable seeds, which makes it an excellent choice …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
