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  • … American cranberrybush viburnum was selected for its densely branched form, good growth rate and attractive, red-tinted new foliage. This shrub produces white flowers in May, followed by … Grows® is a plant introduction partnership of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Morton Arboretum and the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois formed to promote plant cultivars … of multi-stemmed shrubs that are well suited to the home landscape due to their range of sizes and cultural adaptability. Some viburnums are noted for their fragrant flowers; most bear small …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … people are not aware of its special needs. Not all cacti are native to arid desert climates and require infrequent, sparse watering. The Christmas cactus actually calls the tropical rain forest home, and thus needs watering when the top inch of soil in the container feels dry to the touch. Soak the soil until water runs through the pot’s drainage holes; wait a few minutes; and then discard any excess water that has accumulated in the drip pan beneath the pot. A …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … commercial fertilizers became readily available. They are a fast-acting source for magnesium and sulfur. For soils on the alkaline side, the added sulfur is a benefit. Epsom salts, however, … any of the three major components of most fertilizers—nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium—and therefore would not be a complete fertilizer for roses. If you choose a commercial product, … ratio, apply it first when the leaves have opened; second, after the first flush of blooms; and finally, at the end of July. …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … Q: I received two topiary plants as holiday gifts—one rosemary and one ivy. Please advise on their care. A. Both ivy and rosemary should be thoroughly watered when the soil has dried out. Winter requirements are … each time you water. Mist the plants regularly with tepid water, to both raise humidity and discourage mites. Both plants will benefit from bright, cool indoor conditions, such as an …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … watering throughout the summer. This excess moisture in the soil rots most of the tulip bulbs and accounts for their "one-year only" performance. Certain species of tulips are true perennials—the species or botanical tulips that are much shorter than the tall hybrids and generally bloom much earlier. Tulipa kaufmanniana and Tulipa fosteriana are also more reliable than the hybridized bulbs.   …
    Type: Plant Info
  • …  Late summer or early fall is an important time to apply fertilizer to lawns. The summer heat and fluctuations in precipitation have stressed lawns. A cool-season fertilizer gives the turf time recuperate and prepare for the upcoming winter. Moderate amounts of water-soluble nitrogen sources can be … when vertical shoot growth has stopped, can enhance winter color, enhance turf root growth, and supply next spring’s lawn with nitrogen early in the season. As a general rule, never apply …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … themselves. However, subsequent below-freezing weather may cause browning of early leaves, and, if buds have formed, prevent flowers from developing properly. No action is necessary to protect the bulbs themselves, but if more than 1 to 2 inches of leaf and/or flower buds are visible, we recommend covering the immediate area with a dry, lightweight … shredded dry leaves, straw, or sawdust. Once the danger of frost has passed, remove the mulch and allow the sprouts to grow naturally.  Please contact Plant Information at (847) 835-0972 or …
    Type: Plant Info
  • … several years in a non-musical technical environment. She is also a certified Carillonneur, and plays regularly on the Naperville Millennium Carillon. As an active carillon recitalist, she … recitalist in the International Carillon Festival at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Fla and recently played several recitals in Australia. She served on the GCNA board of directors for 6 years, and was co-editor of Carillon News for over 10 years. She is also the owner of American Carillon …
    Type: Event for Calendar
  • … The common names for Heliconia stricta are “lobster claws” or “false bird of paradise” and you can see why when you look at the flowers. In fact, the most prominent part on view, the … bracts, a leaf-like structure that shields the tiny true flower inside, so only hummingbirds and certain butterflies have access to the nectar. The good news is that while the true flowers … As an understory plant in tropical rain forests, it wants part shade, plenty of water, and a rich, loose, fast-draining soil. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant
  • … look. Smaller fertile but nonshowy flowers are underneath. The flowers emerge white in July, and turn a soft pink as they mature. The blooms last until fall. The color of the flowers is not affected by the pH of the soil. This plant does well in full sun to light shade and is moderately drought - tolerant . It blooms on new wood so the flowers are not susceptible … late spring frosts. This is a hybrid of Hydrangea paniculata which is native to Japan, China and Korea where it grows at altitudes up to 4,000 ft. …
    Type: Garden Guide Plant