Flowers Archives - Page 3 of 22 - Indiana Yard and Garden - Purdue Consumer HorticulturePurdue University Indiana Yard and Garden

Category: Flowers

Don’t let sap-sucking squash bugs get old
In the Grow (Q & A)

Q: We have been battling squash bugs for years. This year we went to preventive measures. Well, they are back. I now need to know what can we do to apply to kill them on contact. We are totally organic here. – T.H., Bremen, Indiana A: Squash bugs can be a persistent pest on all of the cucurbits, but especially on squash and pumpkins. This pest overwinters as adults in crop residue or nearby weeds, then fly to…Read more about Don’t let sap-sucking squash bugs get old[Read More]

Her ‘Sensation’ lilac looks different this year. Enjoy!
In the Grow (Q & A)

Q: I have had a ‘Sensation’ lilac for several years. It has always produced lovely pinkish purple flowers edged in white. But this year it produced a few odd clusters that had only pale pink flowers. What causes this to happen? Should I prune off the odd branches? A: Many horticultural cultivars of plants, particularly those with interesting color variegation, begin as genetic mutations (sometimes called sports) of the species. If the sport with the…Read more about Her ‘Sensation’ lilac looks different this year. Enjoy![Read More]

Timing of hydrangea pruning varies by species
In the Grow (Q & A)

Q: Attached is a photo of our current hydrangea plant in front of our house. Should I cut it back now or leave it alone until spring? Or do you think it’s a lost plant? – R.G., Henry County, Indiana A: A number of hydrangea species are grown in Indiana. The proper time of pruning depends on the species. Your photo appears to be Hydrangea quercifolia, more commonly known as oakleaf hydrangea, one of our…Read more about Timing of hydrangea pruning varies by species[Read More]

Snow Is Good for Gardens
Yard and Garden News

Winter Gardening Stories

Though your aching back may not agree, recent heavy snows actually will be good for your garden and landscape. Snow provides moisture as well as protection from cold and wind. Snow is an excellent insulator against low temperatures and excessive winds. The extent of protection depends on the depth of snow. In addition, the soil gives off some heat so that the temperature at the soil surface can be much warmer than the air temperature….Read more about Snow Is Good for Gardens[Read More]

Pollinators are abuzz for the 2019 Perennial of the Year
Yard and Garden News

Winter Gardening Stories

By selecting Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ as its 2019 Perennial Plant of the Year, the Perennial Plant Association once again continued its focus on pollinator-friendly plants. ‘Hummelo’ is a compact, clump-forming perennial, reaching 1.5 to 2 feet tall and wide. Over time, the plants will form a dense mat, spreading slowly from creeping underground stems. Showy magenta flower spikes rise well above the foliage in midsummer and are quite attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Plants are hardy in…Read more about Pollinators are abuzz for the 2019 Perennial of the Year[Read More]

Gaping wounds likely a woodpecker’s work
In the Grow (Q & A)

Q. I saw these holes in my tree and am wondering what they are from. This tree is the only one I have seen them on. – M.S., Chesterton Some species of woodpeckers cause large holes in tree trunks. A. The holes are likely from woodpecker injury, but the tree may have some other issues. Has the tree been in a state of decline for a while? Perhaps branch dieback, leaf drop or other symptoms?…Read more about Gaping wounds likely a woodpecker’s work[Read More]

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
Yard and Garden News

Spring Gardening Stories

Winter 2017-18 was pretty harsh compared to most years. Much of central and northern Indiana experienced 13 or more days well below zero, while southern Indiana had four to five days just a few degrees below zero. In addition, gusty winds further injured plants by desiccating buds and twigs. The consequences remain to be seen. While some spring flowering trees and shrubs may perform admirably this season, some species will have few or no blooms…Read more about Where Have All the Flowers Gone?[Read More]

Allium ‘Millenium’ Named 2018 Perennial of the Year!
Yard and Garden News

Winter Gardening Stories

The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) selected its 2018 Perennial Plant of the Year: Allium ‘Millenium’ (yes, that’s Millenium with just one n). This announcement continues to show the focus on pollinator habitat these days — Allium ‘Millenium’ is appropriately referred to as a butterfly and bee magnet! ‘Millenium’ is a hybrid Allium selected for late flowering. It has masses of rose-purple blooms; a uniform habit; and neat, shiny, green foliage that remains attractive long after…Read more about Allium ‘Millenium’ Named 2018 Perennial of the Year![Read More]

Showy hibiscus and mystery feathers
In the Grow (Q & A)

Q. Was wondering if you can identify this volunteer flowering plant. This is the second year it has come up. – H.G., Shipshewana, Ind. A. This is the perennial garden flower known commonly as hibiscus or rose mallow, botanical name Hibiscus moscheutos. This type of hibiscus is a hardy perennial that dies back to the ground each winter, and returns in the spring, reaching 3 to 5 feet tall or more. They usually begin blooming in midsummer and…Read more about Showy hibiscus and mystery feathers[Read More]

Damage control for the yellowstriped armyworm; Transplanting trees from the woods
In the Grow (Q & A)

Q. I have a worm eating my flowers. The flowers are in a tall planter so I am wondering if I need to add something to the base of the planter to keep them from coming up the plants OR are they hatching out on the plants? Some of the damage is caused by small slugs as well.Can you tell me what kind of worm this is? Also, what do you recommend to deter them? –…Read more about Damage control for the yellowstriped armyworm; Transplanting trees from the woods[Read More]