… One of the most delightful and perhaps underused smaller trees is the native American pawpaw ( Asimina triloba ). Large, … America—that is most noteworthy with its almost indescribable flavor—a mix of banana, apple and hints of mango, vanilla and citrus. Some of the fruit's common names hint at how delicious it … butterfly, which will lay its eggs on the leaves. Although the plants are generally free of pests and disease, caterpillars can put some holes in the foliage but the damage is …
Type: Plant Info
… into the hospital, which is known worldwide for treating patients with respiratory, immune, and related disorders. In the girl’s case, the doctors apparently had a list of potential … My colleague met the girl’s grandmother, who showed her a picture of the patient’s red and inflamed face. When my colleague couldn’t help, she checked around and found via the Chicago Botanic Garden’s free smartphone app, GardenGuide , that we have the plant, commonly known as hiba arborvitae. …
Type: Blog
… one of a group of plants in the carrot family known for clumps of pale green, prickly leaves, and spiny, spherical flowerheads. It has clusters of 16 to 31 tiny, silvery white globes … from a central point, growing atop sturdy 3-foot stems. The flowers are slow to develop and slow to fade, and they bloom from June to September. The clumps of stiff, narrow, prickly leaves resemble yucca …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Narcissus ‘Mary Gay Lirette’ is in Division 11a. It stands 14 - 16 inches high and blooms in early to mid season with 3¾ inch sweetly scented flowers. The petals are white and roundish with a small point at the tip. The corona is a light yellowish pink and is split to the base. The six corona segments closely overlay the petals forming an inner and …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… pointed green leaves turn an attractive deep purple in the fall. White flowers appear in May and June, giving way to white berries on showy red stems in late summer. The pinkish pedicels … welcome in the home garden for their multi-season interest -- be it flowers, fruit, foliage, and/or bark -- and their range of forms from small trees to suckering shrubs. The dominant display, however, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… the most beautiful large tree aloes, which makes it a stunning centerpiece specimen for frost-free gardens in USDA Zones 9b-11. Aloe vaombe was first described by J. Decorse Poisson in 1912. … diameter. It has long, smooth, recurved green leaves with white teeth. These leaves are curved and cup shaped when viewed in cross section and take on a deep red color in cold or sun. Its fiery, deep-red, tubular flowers are borne in …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… lavender grown today, most are not reliably hardy in the Chicago area due to our cold winters and heavy, wet winter soil. The English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia , and several of its cultivars, however, are worthy additions to both your perennial and herb gardens. And interestingly enough, the English lavender flowers contain a very high …
Type: Plant Info
… There are four species of Curcurbita that are considered pumpkins; however, the intermediate and large Curcurbita pepo varieties are the ones used primarily for jack-o’-lanterns. Consider … going to the pumpkin patch early. A well-chosen pumpkin will last at least until Halloween and, if you go early, you can have your choice of the best ones. If you are choosing a pumpkin … and will have a shorter shelf life. Look for pumpkins that have a well-rounded shape that is free of any fresh wounds or soft spots, which is an early indication of rotting. Make sure the …
Type: Plant Info
… cut flowers properly will prolong the life of your bouquet. Make sure the vase is clean and free of any soap residue. Add a commercial preservative to the vase and immediately fill it with warm water in order to dissolve the granules thoroughly. It is …
Type: Plant Info
… the holidays but aren’t sure how to transport them. Do you have some tips for purchasing and transporting holiday plants? A: Flowering plants such as poinsettia, cyclamen, and amaryllis brighten long winter days and are welcome gifts. Select plants free from spots, bruising, wilting, or browned leaf margins. Most garden centers wrap plants to …
Type: Plant Info
