… states, it blooms on new growth, so do not prune until after flowering. The Chicago area is a little north of its native range, so some winter damage may occur, but will not affect flowering on new growth. The genus Calycanthus is separated into its own family, with its nearest relatives in the laurel family, which includes cinnamon and sassafras. The fruit is a hard oblong capsule shaped like a fig. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… The seeds disperse in fall and sound like a rattle when hit by the wind. The eye of the bulb is surrounded by an octopus-like array of roots and should be planted just below the soil … placement of a couple of stones around the base (to bear the weight of the gardener's shoe) is a good idea. This stunning specimen plant is a native of central Asia where snow melt provides moisture early in the year. It bursts into …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Amur deutzia is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of 6 feet with a similar spread. It blooms in the spring with clusters of tiny, white 5-petaled flowers. It is not fussy about soil type or conditions as long as it is well drained, and it may be planted in full sun or partial shade. The genus Deutzia consists …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Heliconia psittacorum 'Lady Di', commonly called the parakeet flower, is an ever-blooming tropical plant that produces an abundance of bright flowers borne above … red showy bracts (modified petal-like leaves) hold small, tubular flowers. Each true flower is white and has a dark spot at the end, which makes it look like a parrot's tongue. Native to … cold-sensitive species will quickly die if subjected to frost. In USDA Zones 9a and colder, it is used as a container plant and provides extensive color for a long period of time, as do the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Bear's foot or stinking hellebore is native to central and eastern Europe. Hellebores are prized for their flowers which appear in … Wester Flisk hellebore grows into a low mound about 2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The foliage is dark green with finger-like clusters of up to ten serrated leaves which are evergreen … in dark red. Hellebores prefer cool moist soils but are very adaptable requiring only that the site be well-drained. Typically they are planted in woodland settings under deciduous trees where …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… 1 to 5 blooms and narrow leaves arranged in whorls. Lilium philadelphicum, or wood lily as it is sometimes known, is naturally occurring in mountainous meadowlands. The bulbs were gathered by Native Americans for food. Unfortunately, this lily has been disappearing from areas where it is over grazed, picked by visitors, or destroyed by urban development. The grace and beauty of …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ‘Burma Midnight’ is an herbaceous peony with single blooms that are rich red surrounding bright golden centers. Peony bloom times are classified as early, mid, and late; ‘Burma Midnight’ is an early bloomer. It grows to 32 inches tall, taking on a shrubby appearance throughout the … Plant in sun to part shade with the eyes no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. It is deer resistant. Peonies are popular garden plants, known for their stunning flowers, their …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ‘Chiffon Clouds’ is an herbaceous peony with delicate single blooms. The pale salmon petals resemble clouds of … in the breeze. Peony bloom times are classified as early, mid, and late; ‘Chiffon Clouds’ is a midseason bloomer. It takes on a shrubby appearance throughout the summer, then dies to the … Plant in sun to part shade with the eyes no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. It is deer resistant. Peonies are popular garden plants, known for their stunning flowers, their …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ‘Circus Circus’ is an herbaceous peony with unusual semi-double blooms consisting of twisted petals, streaked … are fragrant. Peony bloom times are classified as early, mid, and late; ‘Circus Circus’ is an early bloomer. It takes on a shrubby appearance throughout the summer, then dies to the … Plant in sun to part shade with the eyes no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. It is deer resistant. Peonies are popular garden plants, known for their stunning flowers, their …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ‘Lancaster Imp’ is an herbaceous peony with a double white or “bomb” bloom—an outer ring of guard petals surrounding a dense ring of shorter petals. Peony bloom time is classified as early, mid-, and late., ‘Lancaster Imp’ is a midseason bloomer. It grows to 30 inches tall, taking on a shrubby appearance throughout the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
