… ‘Giles Van Hees’ is a clump-forming perennial that can reach a height of 6” with a 6” spread. It blooms in summer … a tidy ground cover. Archived Copy: This content was captured before February 2022, and is no longer being updated. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… natives are great for crafts, decorations and food. A member of the squash family, pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin C; low in fat; and high in fiber. Smaller, three- … 85 to 115 frost-free growing days, depending on their size. The Chicago area's last frost is approximately May 15 and then frost isn't expected again until October 15, theoretically … after the last frost) to give the soil enough time to warm up to 60 to 70 degrees. Spring is unpredictable in Chicago, and the seasons often go from winter directly into summer. Sow three …
Type: Plant Info
… Nelumbo lutea , the American yellow lotus, is the only lotus native to the United States. Hardy from Zones 4 to 11, it grows naturally in … and lakes as far north as Ontario and south to Texas and Florida. Our true American native is not to be confused with the Old World lotus, Nelumbo nucifera , the sacred lotus of the Nile, which was introduced to Egypt in 523 by the Persians. This species is revered by Buddhists and Hindus alike, and the seeds, rhizomes, and leaves are an integral …
Type: Plant Info
… have become so ubiquitous in shaded suburban gardens that one species, Hosta lancifolia , is actually known as "the Winnetka weed." But because they are so easy to grow and so adaptable … the more colorful, pest-resistant introductions. While many hostas have attractive flowers, it is their foliage that makes them indispensable for adding shape and substance to a shady garden. … inches high. Since gardeners grow hosta more for their foliage than their flowers, leaf color is of primary importance. Plain green is a thing of the past. Leaves are now blue, blue green, …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. Is there anything that I should be doing in March to my houseplants? A. March is the time when houseplants begin their normal active growth state. Some houseplants, such as … many tropical houseplants begin to wake up from their winter dormancy beginning in March. Now is a good time to repot them, unless you have plants that do not require annual repotting, such …
Type: Plant Info
… Sunny Morning false indigo is a Chicagoland Grows selection. Chicagoland Grows is a plant introduction partnership of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Morton Arboretum, and the … on gray-tinted stems nicely displayed above the medium- to dark-green foliage . Sunny Morning is part of the Prairieblues False Indigo Series. Members of the genus Baptisia are commonly known …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… and bat-like, with the lip and column held apart from the petals and sepals. The coloring is white dotted with red and a yellow throat. Several flower spikes with up to six blooms per … number of genera, each with its own unique characteristics. A common characteristic, however, is the basic form of the flower, which consists of three petals surrounded by three sepals -- … -- though the absolute temperature range (cool, intermediate or warm) varies by genus and is consistent with their natural habitat. While requiring adequate sunlight for a stunning bloom …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Q. How do I care for a Norfolk Island pine? A. Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is commonly grown as a houseplant and is sometimes given as a gift plant during the holidays. This slow-growing tree usually will stay … sunlight. Water sparingly and allow the soil to slightly dry out between watering. If the air is very dry, lightly mist the needles. Fertilize monthly during the spring and summer. Please …
Type: Plant Info
… this time of year. Any tips? A. Buddleja does indeed attract many species of butterflies and is quite a sight in the garden when they are all hovering around the colorful panicles of flowers. It is an easy-to-grow shrub that requires well-drained soil and full sun. While the height can vary, … to the ground and start anew each spring. Because they flower on new wood, thorough pruning is advised. Cultivars are available in flower colors ranging from deepest purple-red to white to …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. I recently noticed many discounted evergreens at local garden centers. Is this a good time of the year to plant them? A. While it is acceptable to plant many deciduous trees and shrubs at this time of the year, it’s not a good … even death because they are unable to take up enough water due to their reduced root mass. It is best to plant evergreens in the spring when they have an entire growing season to become …
Type: Plant Info
