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  • … bright red to orange balloon-shaped buds open to reveal dark red, tubular flowers beginning in late summer and carrying through the winter (in frost-free climates) to the following spring. Dark green foliage makes a great backdrop for …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … It asks little more than sunshine and a little drink every once in a while in return for producing a bountiful mass of colorful flower spires from late spring into early …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … is an upright perennial that can grow to 3 feet tall. A native of the Transylvanian Mountains in Romania, it produces square stiff stems, dark green leaves, and large masses of lavender-blue … flowers from June through September. Grow it with silver or white plants for a stunning effect in the perennial border. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • In December, winter officially arrives. Most gardeners get a break from their responsibilities—a … Apply 2 to 3 inches of shredded bark, composted manure, or garden compost. After the holidays in late December and early January, evergreen boughs from seasonal wreaths or small sections of … are adding to winter’s challenges, with extreme cold temperatures and precipitation (e.g., snow, ice, and sleet) interspersed with unseasonably milder weather that may confuse and …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. How and when do I winterize my roses? A. Planning for winter actually starts in early fall. Stop fertilizing your roses in early August and stop deadheading by Labor Day to allow the plant to shut down and set hips … soil to protect them for the winter. Winter protection should be gradually removed beginning in late March or early April when new growth begins. Take care not to injure new growth. Hybrid …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … pruning times; therefore, it is critical to know which type you have before you prune. In addition to using the techniques explained below, always remove any winter-damaged branches in early spring. The climbing hydrangea ( Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris ) grows to 50 to 60 feet and only requires pruning to keep it within its boundaries. Prune in early March. The smooth hydrangea ( Hydrangea arborescens ) flowers on new wood and should be …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q. Why doesn’t my lilac bloom in the spring? A.  There are several possible reasons why your lilac fails to bloom. The most common cause is lack of adequate sunlight. Lilacs (Syringa) need to be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of strong, direct sun per day. They are very tolerant of different moisture conditions as long as they are planted in well-drained soil. Another reason why your lilac may not bloom is because it is being pruned …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … the following early blooming perennials: catmint, geraniums, salvia, and delphiniums. Annuals in containers and hanging baskets may require daily watering during hot or windy weather. … Continue to fertilize container plants with half-strength balanced liquid, but avoid applying in the heat of the day or during long, hot dry spells. Always water plants before fertilizing. … clematis vines and all other soft-stemmed vines to their supports. Make note of empty spots in borders that might benefit from planting summer-flowering bulbs next year. Seeds of perennials …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … hardy orchid gardeners. A deep maroon red upright flag is flanked by two petals streaked in maroon and cream. The large inflated pouch is predominantly cream with small lines and dots of maroon. Very striking. Plant in full to half day sun in consistently moist but not waterlogged soils and fertilize as you would for other perennials …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … This orchid has small clusters of white flowers. More than half of each petal tipped in pink are borne at the nodes of 1-year-old upright pseudobulbs. They grow and flower best if exposed to full sun to bright light, allowed to experience a slight drying in summer, and grown in well-drained media. Bring the plant indoors before the first hard frost and place it under …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant