Archive for the ‘Cold tolerance’ Category

Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Depending on the region where you live, snowdrops appear in the early days of spring; often snow still blankets the ground. Snowdrops are tiny plants (3 – 6 inches tall) that produce multiple small showy, white, bell-shaped flowers, which hangs off the ends […]

Perennials With Great Fall Color

In general, perennials are not rated very high for their fall leaf color. This is very wrong as some produce stunning autumnal foliage colors. In addition, some ornamental grasses produce colorful floral heads (inflorescences).The first six are perennial dicots and the next six are grasses with awesome inflorescenses. Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) – short 9-12 […]

Winter Blooming Vernal Witchhazel

Vernal witchhazel is a U.S. native to the Ozark Plateau extending from southern Missouri through northwestern Arkansas to eastern Oklahoma. It is among the easiest of shrubs to grow @ 10-12 feet tall and two-thirds as wide. Roots spreads by underground stoloniferous. The leaves are oval, 23⁄4–5 inches long and 2 1/2 –5 inches wide and are slightly oblique at […]

Success With Succulents

Succulents are beautiful, low maintenance plants that are popular among plant addicts who grow them outdoors and as indoor house plants. Most are indigenous to desert or dryland conditions. They hold water in their fleshy leaves, stems and roots. Overwatering succulent plants is their nemesis. Adequate soil drainage and light are of key importance. These […]

Bigroot Cranesbill

Bigroot Cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum) is a favorite, easy to grow plant that forms a dense weed-resistant ground cover with attractive foliage and flowers. (USDA zones 4 – 8). This “cranesbill” is a true perennial geranium. It is a rhizomatous semi-evergreen perennial, native to southern Europe, typically grows to 12 inches tall and to 24 inches or […]

Whale’s Tongue Agave

Whale’s Tongue Agave Over the past 10-15 years, interest in growing agaves has really caught fire, whale’s tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia) in particular. It grows to 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide in 5 to 8 years, especially with summer water. Like many agaves, whale’s tongue blooms after 15-20 years, […]

Hardy Zone 6 Camellias

In the Southern U.S., camellias are treasured for their showy flowers in the fall-winter landscape. Their glossy evergreen foliage looks great all year long. Hardy varieties are now available for zone 6 northern gardens (-10 to 0 °F). Essentially, gardeners can raise camellias in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and in most coastal cities along the East […]

Prepare For Storm Damage

A snow/ ice storm is both a beautiful and horrific scene in a landscape. Costly tree/shrub breakage, downed power lines, and subsequent utility shutoffs may be staggering results. Don’t feel powerless! Prepare and take action.  During the storm, do nothing / “hands off”. Working near an active electrical line is deadly. After the storm you should immediately […]

Tips On Overwintering Outdoor Containers

Containers filled with shrubs and perennials, doesn’t necessarily ensure their winter survival. Without adequate cold protection plants may succumb to cold injury—turning them into dead annuals.     To over-winter perennials in containers, you need to know their root and shoot temperature hardiness. Often, plant hardiness ratings is listed on the label. Roots and shoots of several […]

ALL ABOUT ASTILBES

Astilbes, aka false spireas or false goat’s beard, brighten shady gardens with their colorful blooms in early summer. Their plume-like flowers stand tall above astilbe’s deep green lacy foliage. Flower colors vary from white, pinks, and reds, including lavender and violet. Flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. Astilbes are generally planted in spring when the soil […]