Rosie Lerner

rosie@purdue.edu

716 articles by this author

extpub List

New Plants from Layering (HO-1-W)

Purdue Extension Publication

This publication discusses plant layering, a method by which new plants are started from existing ones. Six common types of layering are explored. They include air, simple, tip, trench, serpentine, and mound. Proper equipment for each procedure is explained, and helpful illustrations of the six types are also included.

Roses: A Feast For Many Insects/Mystery Plant ID/Why Hydrangea Flowers Fade Pink to Tan

Q. How can I keep the beetles away and keep the invisible insects from eating holes in my rose leaves? The beetles have not been too bad the last couple of years, but the holes in the leaves never stop. I have tried so many different kinds of insecticides but to no avail. Our soil is not too sandy, but it is not all dirt either. Drainage does not seem to be a problem as…Read more about Roses: A Feast For Many Insects/Mystery Plant ID/Why Hydrangea Flowers Fade Pink to Tan[Read More]

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Early pumpkins may need temporary storage

It seems that pumpkins often mature much earlier than we would like, and this year may be one of those times. Although the season got off to a slow start, the second half of summer was extremely warm and may have brought the pumpkins on in a hurry. And unfortunately, the dry weather that we experienced earlier might contribute to an early end for the pumpkin plants, unless you were able to irrigate on a…Read more about Early pumpkins may need temporary storage[Read More]

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Callery pear volunteers should be removed

Q) I had this tree volunteer in my flowerbed. I transplanted in my yard but I don’t know what it is. It does have thorns. Any info would be appreciated. – P.P., Farmersburg, IN A) This looks to be a seedling ornamental callery pear. For many years, the cultivar Bradford dominated the landscape and was not self-fruitful. But as newer, improved cultivars were introduced to landscapes, they were cross-fruitful with Bradford. So now “volunteer” callery…Read more about Callery pear volunteers should be removed[Read More]

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Three new vegetables chosen for All-America Selections 2017

Three exciting new vegetables were chosen as All-America Selections (AAS) winners for 2017, based on superior performance in test gardens throughout the country. Okra: “Candle Fire” was chosen for its unique pods — round rather than ribbed — and for its color, a brighter red than the reddish-burgundy okras currently available. The judges gave it high marks for productivity, taste, texture and tenderness, as well as for the ornamental value of red pods on red stems….Read more about Three new vegetables chosen for All-America Selections 2017[Read More]

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Large wounds in tuliptrees not likely to heal

Large wounds in tuliptrees not likely to heal Q) I’ve attached a photo of one of my trees. I’m concerned that the tree will not heal, and if it does will be too weakened. Also, you gave me a contact for a state arborist last time we visited. I have lost that info. – G.F., Jeffersonville, Indiana A) Looks like perhaps this was storm-related damage? Tuliptrees are somewhat weak-wooded and can be susceptible to limb…Read more about Large wounds in tuliptrees not likely to heal[Read More]

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Humble hosta

If you’re looking for a plant that is winter-hardy throughout the Midwest, excels under shady conditions and has fabulous foliage as well as attractive flowers, then hosta is the plant for you. Also known as plantain lily, hosta performs best in partial to full shade, although some have been able to survive full sun conditions if given a cool environment with plenty of moisture. The leaves will tend to burn or turn sickly yellow if…Read more about Humble hosta[Read More]

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Weed or flower? Sometimes it’s in the eye of the beholder

Q) This flower/weed came up in my flower garden this year. I know that I did not plant it and two other people said that they have it growing in their yards also. I took it to our local nursery. They did not know what it was and looked it up in their books but could not find it. They gave me a few suggestions but when I looked them up on the internet, they…Read more about Weed or flower? Sometimes it’s in the eye of the beholder[Read More]

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Bid farewell to asparagus and rhubarb season

Reluctantly, it is time to see the end of this year’s asparagus and rhubarb harvest. Because of their perennial growth habit, asparagus and rhubarb must be given a chance to rebuild food reserves so that a bumper crop can be produced again next year. A good rule of thumb is to stop harvesting about the middle of June. In the case of asparagus, this allows the spears to produce tall, fern-like growth. Often, asparagus plants…Read more about Bid farewell to asparagus and rhubarb season[Read More]

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Beware of black cherry toxicity; it’s weedy, too

Beware of black cherry toxicity; it’s weedy, too Q. Was wondering if you could identify what species of tree this is from the photo? – RLW, Galveston, IN A. This is black cherry, known botanically as Prunus serotina. This is a large, fast-growing native tree that can become quite weedy due to prolific fruit that is prized by birds and other wildlife. The foliage and twigs can be toxic when eaten by livestock and pets….Read more about Beware of black cherry toxicity; it’s weedy, too[Read More]

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