… Magnolia are known for the stunning beauty of their usually large flowers, which emerge prior to the foliage in spring, and are often fragrant. While shades of pink are the most common bloom … color, the Magnolia palette also includes white, yellows and purples. Another dominant feature is a prominent fruiting body of small follicles forming a cone-like shape. The species range from small trees to very large trees and shrubs. Magnolias are an ancient genus that appeared before bees; early …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… their colors, forms and habits. They are divided into two main groups: herbaceous, which die to the ground in the fall, and tree peonies, deciduous plants with woody stems which they retain … on tree peonies appear 1-2 weeks before those of the herbaceous peonies. ‘Luoyang Hong’ is a tree peony, named after the Chinese city of Luoyang in Henan province, where peonies have … Its magenta flowers are semi-double, measuring 8-10” across. Tree peonies often need to settle in one to two years before producing flowers and, once established, grow to a mature …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… bicolored flowers are set against darker colored bracts on this nonhardy salvia, which is typically used as a bedding plant in Chicago area gardens. Well-branched and compact, this heat and humidity tolerant Salvia cultivar is a great selection for gardeners looking for 'easy keepers' for their annual display. The …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… wide) that blooms with fine-petaled raspberry-pink flowers from late summer into fall. It is tolerant of wet conditions and is mildew resistant. Pinch back until 4th of July. This will produce denser and more compact …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… <p>'Sunago fu' means sand-dusted. This is represented when the leaves develop a profusion of greenish spots sprinkled all over the … In spring and early summer the leaves are rich orange-red with green venation; in fall there is a dramatic show of intense colors. 'Iijima sunago' was recorded in the ( Sekihin) Kaede …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous shrub that grows 3-6’ tall and wide. It features dark green leaves and large … lace cap or mophead in structure. Now available after being ignored for many years, ‘Nigra’ is an unusually large shrub that can reach 6’ tall. It features purplish black branches and pale …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Millions of seeds sit frozen in a vault at the Chicago Botanic Garden, waiting to prevent an extinction, support habitat restoration efforts, or contribute to scientific research. Dave Sollenberger, former seed bank manager at the Chicago Botanic … woodland, and wetland ecosystems of the Midwest and beyond. The Seed Bank’s primary goal is preserving native plant species diversity. By collecting seeds from many different wild …
Type: Research
… Is drought tolerant after established …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… frost has put the brakes on annuals, blackening their leaves or simply causing entire plants to wilt. Not to worry—there are things we can do to protect trees and shrubs and extend the last harvest as we … Frost or Freeze? The typical average date for the first fall frost in the greater Chicago area is October 15. In some years, the first frost happens in September or as late as November. Frost …
Type: Plant Info
… The inland serviceberry is a North American native that can reach 25 feet tall. It can be grown in a wide range of well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. The white flowers in the spring give way to edible berries that ripen in early summer and can be used for making pies and preserves. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
