Sometimes I struggle grasping the diversity of the Gesneriaceae family. With over 130 genera and an untold (well not untold but greatly disputed) number of species I am always amazed by this family of plants. One thing that I do find fascinating is: there are no native Gesneriads to the United States and Canada and…
Tag: feature
Streptocarpus
If you have ever grown an African violet you are may want to try your hand at growing Cape Primrose AKA Streptocarpus (strep-to-car’pus). Streptocarpus are in the Gesneriaceae family which includes the florist gloxinia, lipstick plant, guppy plant, flame violet, African violet, and many more. Recent genetic studies have determined that both the African violet…
Spiny Solanums
Over the last few weeks I’ve talked about perennials and how common names can inherently hurt them. However, this week the plant that has caught my eye and has recently become a new obsession is the porcupine tomato Solanum pyracanthos. Unlike other plants with a misleading common name, this one delivers. Yes this is a…
Two More Weeds
I have a soft spot for weeds. I get asked on a weekly occurrence if a plant is a weed or a flower. I know it is frustrating to answer a question with a question but I like to ask the client if it is growing where it belongs. When you think about it bluegrass…
Goldenrod & Ragweed
Most of you know that goldenrod (Solidago sp.) is Nebraska’s state flower. A late summer perennial that thrives in full sun with some species doing well in dappled shade. Goldenrod is a beacon for many of our pollinating insects feeding on the nectar and collecting the pollen. It isn’t uncommon to see a wide array…
Leaf Scorch
Brown leaves on trees and shrubs can be indicators of leaf scorch. Leaf scorch occurs during hot weather when the rate of water uptake by roots is exceeded by the rate of water loss from leaves. Plants respond to rapid water loss by willingly letting some leaves die back so that water intake equals the…
Two Weeds
Common names are misleading. I often talk to clients about planting regionally native plants and two standouts are Joe Pye weed and western ironweed. Both plants are great additions to the late season garden and benefit pollinators. However, the first question I get after recommending them is “. . . but why do I want…
Surprise & Toad
Nothing signals the start to the end of summer like seeing the surprise lily (Lycoris squamigera) bloom. We will start to get calls here shortly from clients asking what are those pink, naked, flowers blooming in people’s yards. Unlike most perennials that produce leaves and blooms at the same time, surprise lilies will produce long,…
Freshen Up Patio Planters
In midsummer, patio plants, window boxes and other containers can get a bit bedraggled looking. In order to help them look new and fresh again, consider the 5 R’s: Reduce – Trim out the growth that has become scraggly. Carefully cutting away the tissue that is wayward allows for sunlight penetration and air flow…
Flies: The Unsung Heroes of Pollination
Flies are the second most important group of pollinators, what do they look for in a flower?