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

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.

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BEECHWOOD LANDSCAPE PATIO OF THE DAY

 

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BEECHWOOD LANDSCAPE POOL OF THE DAY

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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 locations. 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.

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