Japanese asters (Kalimeris spp.) are synonymous with boltonias (Boltonia). It is native of China, Japan and Siberia. It superficially resembles Boltonia, but differs enough to be assigned to the genus Kalimeris in the 1990s. Kalimeris incisa ‘Blue Star’ is a superior form. This clump-forming species is noted for its long summer bloom period featuring 1 ½ inch wide, […]
Archive for the ‘Pests’ Category
Mexican Bush Sage
Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha), aka velvet sage, is a perennial that lights up the late summer / fall garden (USDA hardiness zone 7b-10). Indigenous to Central America and Mexico, it can be grown as an annual that grows to about 3-4 feet tall. In the U.S., bush sage is only hardy from the lower […]
Mallow Plant Breeders Developing Resistance To Hibiscus Sawfly
Mallows, hardy hibiscus, and perennial hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) are vigorous shrub-like growers on sturdy 4-5 feet tall (and 2-4 feet wide) stems. The species is native to wetland areas from Ontario and Massachusetts south to Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and Florida. Huge colorful 4-6(9) inch wide flowers have five overlapping petals with reddish-purple to dark crimson […]
Growing Shasta Daisies
Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) is a European native that has naturalized in most areas of North America (zones 5-9). Truly low care perennials, Shasta daisies come back every spring and bloom reliably from early summer into early fall (if deadheaded). Some varieties, ‘Becky’ for example, are multi-year top performers. Shasta daisies tend to form clumps, […]
Avoid Mulch Volcanos
Ever heard of a “mulch volcano? It is a load of mulch that is piled up around the base of a landscape shrub or tree. A common answer I get from homeowners guilty of this practice is that they see professional landscapers and city maintenance crews doing it. Volcano mulch can also cause tree roots […]
Three Cool Sedges (Carex)
Over the past decade Japanese Sedges (Carex spp.) have become popular in U.S. gardens. Uncertain which ones to plant – here are three that are easy to grow and require little maintenance. The following three clump-forming evergreen Japanese sedges flaunt arching, green and white variegated grass-like foliage. Tiny insignificant, brown flower spikes arise on long stems […]
Growing Cosmos
Cosmos are native to Mexico. In the U.S. these old-fashion annuals bloom throughout the summer months and attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden. They produce colorful 2- to 4-inch wide daisy-like flowers that sit atop 3-5 feet tall slender stems. Cosmos make excellent cut flowers and dwarf forms are ideal in containers. Annual cosmos […]
Little Leaf Linden
Littleleaf linden Littleleaf linden (Tilia cordata) is highly praised as an excellent urban shade tree. The species reaches 60 to 70 feet tall and spread of 30 to 40 feet. The foliage tolerates several urban pollutants. This durable tree is often utilized as a street and park tree because of its environmental adaptability. Two year […]