… well-meaning owners are left wondering what happened. What happened, to put it very simply, is that the plant's environment changed from ideal to less than ideal. Match Houseplants to … are not only nontoxic but sturdy if they are around pets. "We have a pothos at home that is indestructible, and cats mostly leave it alone," says Tim Johnson, director of horticulture at the Garden. The good news is that not only is discovering your houseplant environment easily accomplished, it's …
Type: Plant Info
… coneflower) as an immune-system stimulant or Hypericum (St. Johnswort) as an antidepressant, is not new. Native Americans of the Great Plains held Echinacea in high regard and prescribed … Christians used it in exorcisms. For some, it’s a mood lifter against present-day demons. What is an Herb? An herb is a plant with a fleshy stem that dies back at the end of each growing season. It’s also any …
Type: Plant Info
… at random angles and rustle in the winter wind. Little bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium ) is a four-season wonder. A true native of the tallgrass prairie, this rugged, warm-season grass … that features outstanding ornamental traits year-round. Little bluestem prefers full sun but is not fussy about soil as long as it is not too rich or wet. In spring, just as the narcissus emerge, cut the dried clump back to a …
Type: Plant Info
… which span the color spectrum from yellow and chartreuse to burgundy and purple, coleus is enjoying a revival from its earlier years as a popular Victorian houseplant. The reasons for … very well-draining soil, these plants survived southern summers with no major problems. This is good news for Chicago-area gardeners who lack shaded yards. Growers have been busily … make perfect companions to everything pastel. Coleus can accent the plain or the fancy, and it is widely used in creative containers, where it serves to blend vegetables with vines as well as …
Type: Plant Info
… available to the public with 250,000 plants in production. And a star was born. Knock Out is a four-season winner that will endear itself to gardeners eager for the beauty and versatility … with cool weather. Orange rose hips arrive later, providing a final display. This plant is tough, crown-hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and resistant to black spot, the foliar … When planting bare root in April, or from a container later on, make sure the graft union is planted 1 to 2 inches below soil level. This helps preserve its cold hardiness. Broadcast a …
Type: Plant Info
… small specimens of regular trees or shrubs trained in pots to grow into beautiful shapes. This is an ancient horticultural art form and a number of plants are appropriate for use as bonsai. Traditionally, each bonsai is grown to a clearly defined style. In order for us to give appropriate care instructions, the plant will first need to be identified. If your bonsai is a juniper, these instructions apply. Because junipers (whether they are bonsai or not) are …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. When is the best time of year to prune my trees and shrubs? A. Pruning requirements of trees and … not only vary according to species, it will also depend on the purpose of pruning. If pruning is necessary because branches are dead and the tree or shrub causes a safety hazard, pruning can … of the plant should always be taken into consideration before addressing pruning issues. It is important to know that detrimental diseases can easily be spread if trees and shrubs are …
Type: Plant Info
… Do I need to prune my roses in spring? A. Early April, or when the forsythia begins to bloom, is a good time to assess how your roses came through the winter, and to determine what their … minimal pruning at this time, primarily to remove dead or winter-damaged wood, whether that is the tip of a cane, or in some cases, the entire cane. Following exceptionally harsh winters, … the ground. Dead wood appears black or quite darkened. If you are not sure if the whole cane is dead, start at the tip and slowly prune down until the wood begins to turn green. Use sharp, …
Type: Plant Info
… best time to prune hydrangeas. A: Hydrangeas require differing pruning times; therefore, it is critical to know which type you have before you prune. In addition to using the techniques … drastic pruning of the smooth hydrangea. They will look best if one-third of the old growth is pruned back in late winter. If unpruned, these cultivars can reach 20 feet, which may be too … landscapes. The oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia ) flowers on old wood also but is often left unpruned since its spreading habit is quite attractive. The huge, 12-inch flowers …
Type: Plant Info
… A. There are several possible reasons why your lilac fails to bloom. The most common cause is lack of adequate sunlight. Lilacs (Syringa) need to be planted in a location that receives at … as long as they are planted in well-drained soil. Another reason why your lilac may not bloom is because it is being pruned at the wrong time of the year. Lilacs bloom on the previous season’s growth and …
Type: Plant Info
