… The state flower of South Dakota, eastern pasque flower is one of the earliest blooming wildflowers in the Midwest; its hairy fernlike flower stems often … has completely formed. The plant eventually reaches 8 – 12 inches and the erect flowers, one to each plant, are violet blue, yellow, or white. The name Pasque is derived from the Old French … for Easter and patens means spreading. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade – best suited to rock gardens or prairies. Archived Copy: This content was captured before February …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Mando is in Division 1. It blooms in early to mid spring with sweetly scented bright yellow flowers. … for the cultivar King Alfred by Dutch growers which has become virus infected. Mando does best when planted in full sun in moderately rich soils. To allow Mando to dry out during its …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Growing to 20 or 30 feet in height, paperbark maple has an upright oval habit. It makes a wonderful … good fall color varying from orange to bronze, russet-red,or red. This small ornamental maple is highly valued for its lovely dense growth habit, interesting trifoliate leaves, and cinnamon-brown bark. The peeling bark, one of the tree's best ornamental features, is accentuated during winter snows. It is a superb small maple with …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ‘Fireworks’) explode with color in the Home Landscape Gardens during summer. Flowering best in full sun, drought-tolerant sundrops must have well-drained soil. This winter-hardy, summer-blooming perennial has exceptionally cheery, 3- to 4-inch flowers, and a loose, sprawling habit that softens edges of walkways and paths. Fireworks is selected for its dusky purple flushed leaves and red buds. Archived Copy: This content was …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… in attracting flies that pollinate the flowers as they lay their eggs in what appears to be a dead animal. This native of southern Africa is not hardy outdoors in the Chicago region and grows best in full sun and relatively dry soils. The odor can be overpowering indoors. Archived Copy: …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… I have evergreens planted near a street. How can I protect them from salt damage? A. While the best course is to plant only salt-resistant varieties near sources of winter salt spray, some protection can …
Type: Plant Info
… several common names, including elephant grass, Napier grass, and fountain grass. It's native to Africa, where the long hot summers give it time to flower and go to seed. That doesn't happen … drops below 32 degrees. That's lucky for us, because it can become invasive. All it needs is sun, average water, and good drainage to develop its best color and thrive. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… flowers that bloom in midsummer. Its narrow leaves are blue-green. Plant it in full sun for best flowering. Creating a pleasing border in our midwestern climate requires more than flowering … fit nicely with the soft, loose feel of a perennial garden; summer bloomers that contribute to the sequence of blooming plants; and shrubs with variegated or colorful leaves. Shrubs that … fade green by summer. Flowers are white to deep pink and bloom in early summer. An added bonus is that late spring pruning prompts a new flush of reddish leaves in summer. Fall color is …
Type: Plant Info
… Brazilian Red Cloak is a very showy ornamental shrub in the acanthus family. Native to tropical America, it produces … the one-foot flower spikes held above the foliage. Because of its size, this tropical shrub is best grown in a tropical climate or conservatory. Archived Copy: This content was captured before …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… To commemorate Juneteenth, we invited Chicago writer Tequia Burt to write about the importance of … that you can try growing in your own garden. Hill Country Red Okra OK, I’ll admit that okra is not my favorite—it’s slimy. But I have been convinced by other gardeners that growing your own … forgiving, and prolific crop. Photo courtesy of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds/rareseeds.com Aunt Lou’s Underground Railroad Tomato This heirloom seed is still with us today because an …
Type: Blog
