Thursday, March 31, 2011

Maiden Grass, Deciduous Perennial Grass Of The Day

Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'
Maiden Grass, Eulalia, Silver Feather, Chinese Silver Grass, Eulalia Grass, Japanese Silver Grass

Type Perennial, grass
Hardy range 5A to 9A
Height 6' to 10' / 1.80m to 3.00m
Spread 6' to 10' / 1.80m to 3.00m
Growth rate Fast
Form Irregular or sprawling
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Pink
Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought, occasional wetness and some salt.
This plant will grow in moist to wet soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Variegated
Fall Color Brown, copper and orange

This plant has attractive foliage and attractive fall colors.

Culture Notes
Maiden Grass is a gracefully arching, fine-textured grass that forms dense, green clumps. Slender leaves originate in a clump, spreading out and up like a fountain. The 5 to 6-foot-tall clumps bear pink flowers in late summer and fall which can be used for drying or as a dye plant. Their pinkish or silvery 8- to 10-inch-long plumes persist into the winter. Foliage is flexible and blows easily in the wind. This shrub-like grass turns to a rich gold in the fall; the fall color lasts through the winter.
Maiden Grass is frequently used in the landscape as a specimen or screen. It is also employed in group plantings forming a nice mass of fine-textured foliage, especially near a water garden or pond. Use Japanese Silver Grass as an accent or mass planted in a large-scale landscape, such as around a commercial building to add a touch of soft elegance and texture. The slightest breeze moves the foliage allowing the landscape to `come alive'.
Maiden Grass requires a location in the landscape that receives full sun, but it is adaptable to most well-drained soils. This ornamental grass is quite drought tolerant. .
This grass requires a location in the landscape that receives full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Miscanthus sinensis is a warm season grass, transplants best in the spring and it is quite drought tolerant. Three to four year plants tend to flop over and might thin in the center of the clump. They can be divided or cut back to encourage more upright growth. Many people prefer to cut the grass back to the ground in the spring so new green growth is not mixed with last year's dried, brown foliage. Fall foliage will have yellow stripes.

Please feel free to comment on any post at any time all feedback is welcome and we’d love to hear it.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Bougainvillea, Paper Flower Evergreen Shrub Of The Day

Bougainvillea x 'Yellow'
 Bougainvillea,  Paper Flower

Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    9B to 11
Height    15' to 25' / 4.60m to 7.60m
Spread    25' to 35' / 7.60m to 10.60m
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Rounded and spreading or horizontal
Exposure    Full sun
Persistence    Evergreen

Bloom Color    Orange
Bloom Time    Year 'round

The flowers are very showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates drought and a little salt.
This plant will grow in very dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green and variegated
Fall Color    No change in fall color

 Culture Notes
An evergreen shrubby vine, Bougainvillea is popular for its long-lasting, colorful flower bracts which appear periodically throughout most of the year but are especially plentiful in winter and spring.  Although flower bracts of purple or red are commonly seen, cultivars are now available in apricot, white, yellow, and orange.  Pollen produces few if any allergies.

Bougainvillea can be trained to stand alone as a sprawling shrub or small tree, or allowed to grow naturally where it will quickly cover fences or climb up into trees.  Planted on top of a wall, it will cascade over the side in great bouquets of color.  With careful pruning, Bougainvillea can also be used as an espalier or in containers at poolside.  It can also be trained as a standard with a single trunked tree.  Dwarf cultivars are used as colorful ground covers.  Plants can be grown in containers during the warm months in cooler areas of the country.  They could be overwintered in a warm spot outside or in a sunny location inside, or replanted each year as an annual.

Growing best in full sun or light shade on well-drained, acid soils, Bougainvillea can tolerate hot, dry locations fairly well but flowers bountifully in full sun. Keep plants on the dry side for best performance.  Chlorosis can be a problem in alkaline soil.  Fertilizing with slow-release urea nitrogen fertilizers has proven the best method to help prevent this from occurring.

This is generally a low-maintenance plant. Plants in containers perform best with nitrogen applied as controlled release ureas. Too much or too little nitrogen inhibits flowering. Manganese, magnesium and iron deficiencies can occur; keep plants supplied with a complete, low nitrogen fertilizer.

Plants often loose many leaves following a flowering period.  This usually precedes a new growth flush.

Bougainvillea spectabilis has purple-red flower bracts, thorny stems, leaves thick, large, and hairy.  Bougainvillea glabra has smooth leaves, rose-red flower bracts, is less thorny, and is hardier.

Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources.

Planting and establishing shrubs

The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep.  Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery.  In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off.  The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole.  Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth.  Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk.  If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer.   This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.  Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Please feel free to comment on any post at any time. All feedback is welcome and we’d love to receive all of your thoughts. 
 
Thank You

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Day Of The Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Batik'
    Bearded Iris,  Tall Bearded German Iris,  Orris Root

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 10A
Height    24" to 30" / 60cm to 75cm
Spread    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Purple
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Usually quite hardy and easy to grow, there are numerous varieties of irises to pick from ... ranging from large to dwarf-like, bearded or not, water-loving or not ... and the list goes on and on.   Not only are irises gentle to the eye, but they have the added feature of attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. The "bearded iris" is named such because of the visible tuft of hairs growing in the center of  the bloom's fall.  To reach its full flowering potential, the bearded iris should be grown in a sunny, well-drained location.  The best time to transplant its iris rhizomes would be after blooms have been spent during (depending on zones) summer dormancy.  However, transplant only when absolutely necessary.

The greatest number of cultivars seem to fall into this group, commonly referred to as the "tall bearded iris", and they are still the most popular irises found in our gardens today.  The best time for planting  tall bearded irises is from July to September, in an average, neutral soil composition.  'Batik' is quite striking with its deep purple blossoms splattered with white markings.  It has been recognized by the American Iris Society with an Honorable Mention in 1988 and an Award of Merit in 1990.  The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.


Iris germanica 'Champagne Elegance'
    Bearded Iris,  Tall Bearded German Iris,  Orris Root

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 10A
Height    24" to 34" / 60cm to 85cm
Spread    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Orange and white
Bloom Time    Summer

The flowers are fragrant, very showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Usually quite hardy and easy to grow, there are numerous varieties of irises to pick from ... ranging from large to dwarf-like, bearded or not, water-loving or not ... and the list goes on and on.   Not only are irises gentle to the eye, but they have the added feature of attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. The "bearded iris" is named such because of the visible tuft of hairs growing in the center of  the bloom's fall.  To reach its full flowering potential, the bearded iris should be grown in a sunny, well-drained location.  The best time to transplant its iris rhizomes would be after blooms have been spent during (depending on zones) summer dormancy.  However, transplant only when absolutely necessary.

The greatest number of cultivars seem to fall into this group, commonly referred to as the "tall bearded iris", and they are still the most popular irises found in our gardens today.  The best time for planting  tall bearded irises is from July to September, in an average, neutral soil composition.  The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.

'Champagne Elegance' is a prolific bloomer, consistently reblooming in late summer, with delicate apricot-white blossoms.  The American Iris Society awarded it an Honorable Mention in 1989 and an Award of Merit in 1991.



Iris germanica 'Earl of Essex'
    Bearded Iris,  Tall Bearded German Iris,  Orris Root

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 10A
Height    24" to 35" / 60cm to 90cm
Spread    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Lavender and white
Bloom Time    Summer

The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Usually quite hardy and easy to grow, there are numerous varieties of irises to pick from ... ranging from large to dwarf-like, bearded or not, water-loving or not ... and the list goes on and on.   Not only are irises gentle to the eye, but they have the added feature of attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. The "bearded iris" is named such because of the visible tuft of hairs growing in the center of  the bloom's fall.  To reach its full flowering potential, the bearded iris should be grown in a sunny, well-drained location.  The best time to transplant its iris rhizomes would be after blooms have been spent during (depending on zones) summer dormancy.  However, transplant only when absolutely necessary.

The greatest number of cultivars seem to fall into this group, commonly referred to as the "tall bearded iris", and they are still the most popular irises found in our gardens today.  The best time for planting  tall bearded irises is from July to September, in an average, neutral soil composition. The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.

The blossoms of 'Earl of Essex' have violet veins on a white background, as well as pale orange beards.  This plant is famous for its ability to rebloom in late summer.  The American Iris Society awarded 'Earl of Essex' an Honorable Mention in 1983.




Iris germanica 'Before the Storm'
    Bearded Iris,  Tall Bearded German Iris,  Orris Root


Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 10A
Height    30" to 37" / 75cm to 95cm
Spread    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Black and purple
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

 Culture Notes
Usually quite hardy and easy to grow, there are numerous varieties of irises to pick from ... ranging from large to dwarf-like, bearded or not, water-loving or not ... and the list goes on and on.   Not only are irises gentle to the eye, but they have the added feature of attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. The "bearded iris" is named such because of the visible tuft of hairs growing in the center of  the bloom's fall.  To reach its full flowering potential, the bearded iris should be grown in a sunny, well-drained location.  The best time to transplant its iris rhizomes would be after blooms have been spent during (depending on zones) summer dormancy.  However, transplant only when absolutely necessary.

The greatest number of cultivars seem to fall into this group, commonly referred to as the "tall bearded iris", and they are still the most popular irises found in our gardens today.  The best time for planting  tall bearded irises is from July to September, in an average, neutral soil composition.

The slightly fragrant 'Before the Storm' is one of the darkest, purple-black tall bearded, German irises around.  It's won numerous awards over the years, the most notable being the American Iris Society's Highest award - the Dykes Medal - in 1996.  It is also the recipient of an Honorable Mention in 1991 and an Award of Merit in 1993. The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.



Iris germanica 'Edith Wolford'
    Bearded Iris,  Tall Bearded German Iris,  Orris Root

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 10A
Height    24" to 3' / 60cm to 1.00m
Spread    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun


Bloom Color    Blue, lavender and yellow
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers.


Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.


Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Usually quite hardy and easy to grow, there are numerous varieties of irises to pick from ... ranging from large to dwarf-like, bearded or not, water-loving or not ... and the list goes on and on.   Not only are irises gentle to the eye, but they have the added feature of attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. The "bearded iris" is named such because of the visible tuft of hairs growing in the center of  the bloom's fall.  To reach its full flowering potential, the bearded iris should be grown in a sunny, well-drained location.  The best time to transplant its iris rhizomes would be after blooms have been spent during (depending on zones) summer dormancy.  However, transplant only when absolutely necessary.

The greatest number of cultivars seem to fall into this group, commonly referred to as the "tall bearded iris", and they are still the most popular irises found in our gardens today.  The best time for planting  tall bearded irises is from July to September, in an average, neutral soil composition. The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.

The ruffled blossoms of 'Edith Wolford' are canary yellow with blue-violet falls.  Its blue beard is tipped with orange.  The American Iris Society awarded 'Edith Wolford' its high honor - the Dykes Medal - in 1993.  It also received an Honorable Mention in 1988 and an Award of Merit in 1990.



Iris germanica 'Thornbird'
    Bearded Iris,  Tall Bearded German Iris,  Orris Root

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 10A
Height    24" to 35" / 60cm to 90cm
Spread    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Brown, green and lavender
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Usually quite hardy and easy to grow, there are numerous varieties of irises to pick from ... ranging from large to dwarf-like, bearded or not, water-loving or not ... and the list goes on and on.   Not only are irises gentle to the eye, but they have the added feature of attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. The "bearded iris" is named such because of the visible tuft of hairs growing in the center of  the bloom's fall.  To reach its full flowering potential, the bearded iris should be grown in a sunny, well-drained location.  The best time to transplant its iris rhizomes would be after blooms have been spent during (depending on zones) summer dormancy.  However, transplant only when absolutely necessary.

The greatest number of cultivars seem to fall into this group, commonly referred to as the "tall bearded iris", and they are still the most popular irises found in our gardens today.  The best time for planting  tall bearded irises is from July to September, in an average, neutral soil composition.   The 'Thornbird' is a particularly striking iris due to its unusual appearance and coloration.   The falls are greenish-tan; violet stripes run through its beards; and the standards are light ecru.   The American Iris Society has recognized the 'Thornbird'  with its highest honor, the Dykes Medal in 1997, as well as an Honorable Mention in 1991 and an Award of Merit in 1993.  The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.


Iris germanica 'Immortality'
    Bearded Iris,  Tall Bearded German Iris,  Orris Root

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 10A
Height    24" to 29" / 60cm to 75cm
Spread    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    White
Bloom Time    Spring through Fall

The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Usually quite hardy and easy to grow, there are numerous varieties of irises to pick from ... ranging from large to dwarf-like, bearded or not, water-loving or not ... and the list goes on and on.   Not only are irises gentle to the eye, but they have the added feature of attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. The "bearded iris" is named such because of the visible tuft of hairs growing in the center of  the bloom's fall.  To reach its full flowering potential, the bearded iris should be grown in a sunny, well-drained location.  The best time to transplant its iris rhizomes would be after blooms have been spent during (depending on zones) summer dormancy.  However, transplant only when absolutely necessary.

The greatest number of cultivars seem to fall into this group, commonly referred to as the "tall bearded iris", and they are still the most popular irises found in our gardens today.  The best time for planting  tall bearded irises is from July to September, in an average, neutral soil composition.   'Immortality' is a superior rebloomer with a fragrant aroma.   It sends up new blooms in mid November, and its blossoms are pure white with a light yellow beard.  'Immortality' has been recognized by the American Iris Society with an Honorable Mention in 1986 and an Award of Merit in 1990.  The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.


Please feel free to comment on any post at any time. All feedback is welcome and we’d love to receive all of your thoughts.

Thank You

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Deciduous Shrub Of The Day




Lagerstroemia x 'Tonto'
Crapemyrtle
Type Tree, shrub, woody plant
Hardy range 7A to 9A
Height 5' to 10' / 1.60m to 3.00m
Spread 8' to 12' / 2.40m to 3.60m
Growth rate Average
Form Rounded and vase shaped
Exposure Full sun
Persistence Deciduous
Bloom Color Red
Bloom Time Spring and Summer
The flowers are very showy.

Environment This plant tolerates some drought and a little salt. This plant will grow in dry soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay. The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color Orange, red and yellow

This plant has attractive fall colors.

Culture Notes 'Tonto' grows best in full sun with rich, moist soil but will tolerate less hospitable positions in the landscape just as well, once it becomes established. Foliage hangs on well in fall due to tolerance to leaf spot diseases. It grows well in limited soil spaces in urban areas such as along boulevards, in parking lots, and in small pavement cutouts if provided with some irrigation until well established. They tolerate clay and alkaline soil well. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

Many crapemyrtles are magnets for a host-specific aphid that only infests crapemyrtle, not other plants. The damage this causes is not lethal to crapemyrtle. Many beneficial insects which feed on pests that damage other landscape plants use this aphid for food. In this way, the crapemyrtle aphid serves as prey for beneficial insects. Therefore, planting crapemyrtle that attract aphids can enhance biological control of insect pests on other plants in the landscape.


Maintain adequate mulch area Clear all turf away from beneath the branches and mulch to the drip line, especially on young trees, to reduce competition with turf and weeds. This will allow roots to become well established and keep plants healthier. Prune the tree so trunks and branches will not rub each other. Remove some secondary branches on main branches with included bark. This reduces the likelihood of the main branch splitting from the tree later when it has grown to become an important part of the landscape. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size, since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size. The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of foliage. It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located.

Planting and establishing shrubs The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Please feel free to comment on any post at any time. All feedback is welcome and we’d love to receive all of your thoughts.

Thank You

Monday, March 21, 2011

BEECHWOOD LANDSCAPE PATIO OF THE DAY

 
Please feel free to comment on any post at any time. All feedback is welcome and we’d love to receive all of your thoughts.

Thank You

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

BEECHWOOD LANDSCAPE POOL OF THE DAY


Please feel free to comment on any post at any time. All feedback is welcome and we’d love to receive all of your thoughts.

Thank You

Summer Swee Clethra, Deciduous Shrub Of The Day


Clethra alnifolia 'Rosea' 
Summer Sweet, Sweet Pepperbus


Type Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range 3B to 8B
Height 36" to 8' / 90cm to 2.40m
Spread 36" to 6' / 90cm to 1.80m
Growth rate Fast
Form Oval and upright or erect
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Deciduous 
Bloom Color Pink

Bloom Time Spring
Leaf Color Green
Fall Color Yellow

This plant has attractive fall colors.

Environment This plant tolerates some drought, flooding and some salt. This plant will grow in dry to wet or submerged soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay. The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

The flowers are fragrant and showy.

Culture Notes
A great plant for wet, shaded or sunny locati
ons. Its native habitat is in moist to wet spots in the woods shaded by trees. Flowers attract many bees. The strong aroma may bother some people. It is fast growing and is not exceptionally drought tolerant and enjoys a drink in summer drought. Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources.
 Planting and establishing shrubs The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Cranesbill, Perennial Of The Day


Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'
Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill
Type Perennial
Hardy range 4A to 8A
Height 12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm
Spread 20" to 24" / 50cm to 60cm
Growth rate Average
Form Rounded
Exposure Full sun
Bloom Color Blue
Bloom Time Spring and Summer
The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.
Environment This plant tolerates drought. This plant will grow in moist soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy. The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes Geranium is long blooming and will rebloom if the spent flowers are removed. Prefers a well-drained, fertile soil. Often develops a sprawling habit. Plant goes well with: Campanula, Gaura, and Rudbeckia hirta.