Indiana Yard and Garden – Purdue Consumer Horticulture A Purdue Extension Service for Home Gardeners

Category: Plants

New Annual Strawberry is All-America Selections Winner

For the first time, All-America Selections has selected a strawberry cultivar. Strawberry Delizz is an F1 hybrid grown from seed. Although strawberries are perennial plants, Delizz is grown as an annual and promises harvest throughout the season. It was developed by ABZ Seeds, a Dutch strawberry breeding company. The uniform, compact plants reach about 10-24 inches tall and about 12 inches wide – ideal for containers, hanging baskets or small garden plots. Plants require full…Read more about New Annual Strawberry is All-America Selections Winner[Read More]

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Larch Needle Blight/White Ash Woes/Top-setting Onions

Q. I have noticed lately that our three big, lovely larches are losing needles on their bottom half. The needles have a banded pattern of color, and I fear larch needle blight. How can I confirm or reject this hypothesis? Is there anything we can do to treat them? – JC A. Specific diagnosis will require more than just these photos. I recommend sending samples of your trees to the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic…Read more about Larch Needle Blight/White Ash Woes/Top-setting Onions[Read More]

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Water Now to Minimize Winter Injury

Dry summers are not that unusual in the Midwest. But this year the dry spell followed an unusually wet spring and early summer in many areas. Of particular concern this year is that the dry spell is lasting well into autumn, putting plants in poor condition to get through the winter when water will be unavailable due to frozen soil. Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennial flowers will be at most risk of winter injury…Read more about Water Now to Minimize Winter Injury[Read More]

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When Tree Roots Surface

Much to the dismay of homeowners, landscape trees sometimes grow roots on top of the surface of the lawn or possibly even buckle sidewalks and driveways. These surface roots can be quite a nuisance to lawn mowers and human feet. There are several reasons why the roots come to the surface. Some tree species are more prone to surface roots than others, most notably silver maple, poplar and willow. But almost any large, older tree…Read more about When Tree Roots Surface[Read More]

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The Purple Landscape

Trees and shrubs with colorful foliage can add a steady supply of interest in the landscape throughout the growing season. Purple foliage is quite popular among plant breeders and garden enthusiasts.  Here’s a look at some possibilities to consider. Small to Medium Trees Japanese Maple – There are many cultivars available in the trade. Some have purple foliage all summer while others may be purple only in spring and/or autumn. Redbud “Forest Pansy” – This…Read more about The Purple Landscape[Read More]

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Some Shrubs Best Pruned After Flowering

Although late winter is generally the ideal time for pruning chores, many of our spring-blooming shrubs are best pruned immediately after flowers have faded. Trees and shrubs that bloom in early spring, such as forsythia, lilac, honeysuckle, quince and spirea, set their flower buds the previous fall, referred to as “flowering on old wood.” If you prune in late winter, some or all of the bloom potential for spring is sacrificed. By waiting until after…Read more about Some Shrubs Best Pruned After Flowering[Read More]

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Consistent Soil Moisture Helps Prevent Blossom-End Rot

Q. I was wondering if you had any solutions for tomato rot. I throw my grass clippings on the soil to keep the weeds out. Does that have anything to do with it? – RM, Tinley Park, Illinois. A. Blossom-end rot is a common problem of tomatoes; it’s named for the black, leathery scar that develops on the blossom end of the fruit opposite the point of stem attachment. The black scar tissue is caused…Read more about Consistent Soil Moisture Helps Prevent Blossom-End Rot[Read More]

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Stevia in the Windowsill Garden

Looking for a fun gardening project for chasing away your winter blues? Why not try growing Stevia in your windowsill garden. It may not be the most ornamental of plants, but hopefully will present a sweet reward for your efforts. Stevia rebaudiana, also known as sweetleaf and sugarleaf, is a low-growing, tender, perennial herb grown for the high levels of stevioside, which can be 30-300 times sweeter than cane sugar yet has zero calories. The…Read more about Stevia in the Windowsill Garden[Read More]

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A “Pearfect” Nightmare!

Think about what might be the perfect ornamental tree for your yard. Fast, compact growth, pretty white flowers in spring, glossy green foliage in summer, spectacular scarlet – purple fall color, and relatively resistant to pests and diseases. It is easy to propagate and transplant and adapts to a wide range of site conditions. You want one, don’t you? This describes the ‘Bradford’ cultivar of Callery (ornamental) Pear. It is difficult to find a downtown…Read more about A “Pearfect” Nightmare![Read More]

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Hydrangea Popular, but Confusing

Hydrangeas are popular, but understandably confusing! There are about 25 species, though only five are primarily grown in the U.S. There are literally thousands of cultivars. Some species are classified as either mophead (all large, sterile florets) or lacecap (fertile, center florets surrounded by larger, sterile florets), depending on cultivar. The showiest part of the flower cluster is actually the bracts rather than petals. The bracts persist long after the petals drop and are often…Read more about Hydrangea Popular, but Confusing[Read More]

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Page last modified: November 2, 2016

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