Nothing rivals the beauty of a wisteria arbor in full bloom, but, unfortunately, successfully growing these lovely vines eludes many Midwestern gardeners. Two types of wisteria are most commonly planted in our area: Japanese wisteria ( Wisteria floribunda ) and Chinese wisteria ( Wisteria sinensis). Japanese wisteria is known for its fragrant violet blossoms, which are borne in 8- to 20-inch-long clusters. The individual flowers of a cluster open gradually, beginning at the base. Chinese…Read more about Wisteria A Mystery for Most Gardeners[Read More]

If you didn’t get your spring-flowering bulbs planted, you’re not alone. Many gardeners found that autumn rains delayed their bulb planting, only to find a cold snap as the rains let up. The reason for planting bulbs in the fall is twofold. Bulbs require a period of chilling to initiate flowers. For most spring-flowering bulbs, 10 to 13 weeks of temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit are needed. Bulbs also need to put down good root…Read more about Didn’t get your bulbs planted?[Read More]

The Perennial Plant Association has selected Salvia x superba ‘May Night’ (‘Mainight’) as its 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year. Members of the association, generally professional plant growers, select a perennial each year on which to educate the gardening public and to promote planting of perennial flowers. Perennial salvia, also known as sage, is available in several cultivars, grown for the summer show of violet-purple spikes of bloom on plants that reach 2 to 3…Read more about Salvia ‘May Night’ chosen as 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year[Read More]

Most home gardeners shy away from raising orchids, thinking them too challenging even for their “green” thumbs. But given the diversity of plants that are found in the orchid family, there is bound to be at least one member that the average home gardener can tackle. In fact, according to the American Orchid Society (AOS): “If you can grow houseplants, you can grow orchids. Like any other plant, orchids must have the growing conditions they…Read more about You Too Can Grow Orchids[Read More]

‘Tis the season for giving, so why not give a gift that lasts all year? A plant is a special gift that brings beauty to the home and to the heart as you help a living thing grow. The poinsettia is undoubtedly the most popular gift plant, but many others are equally festive for the holiday season. Christmas cactus, begonias, cyclamen and azaleas offer attractive blossoms on compact plants and can brighten any room in…Read more about Holiday Gifts for the Gardener[Read More]