… at this time of year. They are supposed to be perennial, but I lose them over the winter. Is there a trick to get mum plants to overwinter? A: Hardy mums ( Dendranthema , formerly Chrysanthemum ) come in … require full sun and a well-drained, moist soil. Even though they are cold-hardy to Zone 5, it is often difficult to overwinter them in northern areas. Mums planted in the spring are much more …
Type: Plant Info
… Zebra-leaf Aloe, Aloe zebrine , is a striking aloe species native to southern Africa. It gets its zebra name from the bold markings on the leaves. It is highly variable, several other aloe species such as Aloe ammophila , thought to have been … as just a variable example of Aloe zebrine . Wide spread across much of southern Africa, it is found in dry grasslands, along rivers and can tolerate some cold temperatures. It usually …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… its distinctive horizontal branching habit appears to belong in a Japanese garden, though it is a native species. Its scientific name Cornus alternifolia indicates that its leaves alternate … are borne in late May and early June and are followed by bluish-black fruit in July that is much beloved by birds. Fall foliage is reddish purple. Members of the genus Cornus , commonly known as dogwoods, are welcome in the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… know you can grow kiwis right in your own back yard? The fruit of 'Ken's Red' hardy kiwi vine is a cousin of the familiar grocery store kiwis. The berries have the same sweet-and-citrus … Red', the berries are red, so they even look like grapes. There's more good news. 'Ken's Red' is hardy to -25, so you can be confident Chicago winters won't faze it. Despite the name, 'Ken's … kiwi vine nearby for pollination. You can grow it in full sun or part shade, though you'll get a better crop in full sun. However, it will need frequent pruning and strong support...the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… the Scott Arboretum in Pennsylvania. Leaves are rounder and growth more upright. Shrubs can get quite large, up to 8 feet, and suckering may occur. Plant in full sun or partial shade, in … 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 …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… and sit atop short branchlets. Leaves can be 4-6” long, with a rough texture. Shrubs can get quite large, up to 8 feet, and suckering may occur. Plant in full sun or partial shade, in … 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 …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… NORTHERN BURGUNDY® arrowwood viburnum will grow to a height of 8' to 10'. It is named arrowwood viburnum because Native Americans used the straight stems to make arrows. The … white flowers with yellow anthers are borne in clusters 4" in diameter in late May. The fruit is a drupe that is blue to black in color and is highly favored by birds. The arrowwood viburnum is one of the …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… with their music and mayhem. Mary was recently voted Chicago’s Best Clown by ChicagoKids.com. In the show, kids get to help Mary Macaroni with magic tricks, shakers, and dancing along to rockin’ tunes with …
Type: Event for Calendar
Snow Tower Chinese dogwood gets the "snow" in its name from the abundant large white bracts and the "tower" from the upright narrow habit. Members of the genus Cornus , commonly known as dogwoods, are welcome in the home garden for their multi-season interest (flowers, fruit, foliage, or bark) and their range of forms from small trees to suckering shrubs. The dominant display, however, varies …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… deep margins of yellow and pink around a green center. In other respects the Tricolor cultivar is typical of the species -- abundant early spring long-lived yellow flowers, red fruit in …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
