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  • … are a favorite of bees. Plant the yellow coneflower in full sun, and water it just enough to establish a deep root system. Allow seeds to ripen and disperse naturally to provide for future generations in your garden. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … red, the cultivars vary greatly in flower color. Not hardy, these seasonal beauties are forced to provide masses of flowers for up to three weeks during the dark days of winter. Bright, but not direct, light with cool …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … twisty-turny petals of the Inca zinnia ( Zinnia elegans 'Inca') make this cultivar a favorite to light up the fall garden bed. This upright, bushy annual also makes a great cut flower for bouquets. Inca zinnia grows to 3 feet tall with a 1- to 2-foot spread when grown in optimal conditions of hummus-rich, …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … green leaves. Known in Britain as the cricket bat willow, it is grown there as a timber source for their national game. The bright green stems of new growth supply winter interest when grown … known as willows. These woody plants range in size from the imposing weeping willow tree to small shrubs. While not fussy about soil quality, they generally require moderate to wet soil moisture. In the wild, willows are commonly found near streams, rivers and ponds. In …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Golden Japanese sweet flag is grown primarily for its fragrant and attractive greenish-yellow foliage, which resembles that of an iris. Insignificant greenish-yellow flowers bloom from June through August, giving way to inedible red berries in the fall. The plant grows to 1 foot high and spreads to 1 foot. Grow in moist soil in full sun to part shade, or use it at …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … This silvery plant that does not bear flowers has long, lacy leaves and is used solely for its foliage. Use it to give nice color to the garden bed. One of the more refined artemisias, Powis Castle sage has leaves like a soft …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … deep scarlet flowers with green throats in mid summer. The 4½ inch blooms are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Although each flower lasts only one day, there are multiple buds … and several stalks on each plant. The buds open in series, so a single plant will continue to bloom for 2 weeks or more. It is easy to grow and does well in full sun to part shade. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … Primrose-yellow single flowers are produced from June to mid-October on this deciduous shrub to about 3 feet in size. Plant 'Primrose Beauty' in full sun and in moderately to well- drained … flower production. This shrub is butterfly and hummingbird friendly, but deer don't care for the taste of the leaves. It is not long-lived in heavy clay soils. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … that some of my evergreens have become discolored. Should I be concerned? A: It is normal for the foliage of some evergreens, such as arborvitae ( Thuja ) and boxwood ( Buxus ), to change color in cold weather. The different color of the foliage in such species is not indicative of a pathogen or cultural disorder; it is a normal response to winter temperatures. Species that are known to change color in cold weather include: …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … The Himalayan birch is indeed native to the Himalayas and Nepal -- so naturally occurs at higher altitudes and cooler climates than the Chicago region. It is notable for the whiteness of its bark. The primary ornamental feature of birch trees is the bark. Many of the common names of birch trees refer to the color of the bark -- white, gray, yellow or red. Another signature bark characteristic is …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant