Greenscape Gardens
Thursday, March 31, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
LIFE IS TOO SHORT.....TO TAKE SERIOUSLY.
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APRIL IS NATIONAL GARDENING MONTH
This year's theme is "Give a Garden", represents a rally cry that winter is gone and spring is here. There are five emphasis this year for National Gardening Month. Greenscape Gardens will promote gardening by educating the public about new and exciting plants for 2005. We will also be striving to foster gardening programs that are community driven. If you have any community gardening programs, please contact us and we'll be happy to help you this spring. We are also highlighting plants which will encourage the use of plants in addressing matters of health, wellness and nutrition. The fourth phase of our commitment to National Gardening Month is addressing the environmental issues on the responsible care of lawn and gardens. Watch the Greenblog for upcoming information. The fifth part of our commitment is focussing on the needs of home gardening, the largest hobby in the US.
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HERE'S AN OFTEN ASKED QUESTION AT THE NURSERY, PHONE CALLS AND EMAIL'S
Do you have a product available that stops the balls from being produced from a sweetgum tree?
Thanks, please advise,
XXXXX
Greenscape Gardens reply:
There are several products that claim they will control/reduce sweetgum production. 30 years of experience has now convinced me the only way to control sweetgum balls is a chainsaw. NO, we don't carry Florell because it doesn't work good enough since the timing of application is critical. Sometimes the window of opportunity is hours.
Sorry, JOHN
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CONTROLLING BROADLEAF WEEDS IN THE LAWN
Identifying the weed and trying to determine why it has become a problem is the first step in dealing with lawn weeds. Some weeds are good indicators of underlying problems. For example, ground ivy (creeping Charlie) readily invades lawns in shade and with poor soil drainage, while knotweed is a plant able to survive in compacted soils. Crabgrass typically invades lawns that are mowed too short or watered too often. Clovers may be a sign of low fertility. Dandelions may adapt to a range of conditions. An assortment of weeds may indicate overall poor conditions for lawn grasses and/or poor management.
After identifying the weeds present, step two for controlling weeds should be to review lawn care practices and make adjustments as needed to assure a good stand of grass. Sound lawn care practices should promote a healthy, vigorous turf able to prevent and compete with weed invasions. These practices include proper selection and establishment, fertilization, watering, mowing, thatch management, and related practices.
The third step is removal of existing weeds. There are a number of herbicides available for weed control, specific to the type of weed to be controlled.
Broadleaf Weeds
Dandelions, plantain, clover, and ground ivy (creeping Charlie) are among the common broadleaf weeds appearing in lawns. Selective broadleaf weed herbicides (weed killers) are available for use on lawns. Greenscape Gardens recommends Fertilome 'Weed Out' for liquid weed control or Fertilome 'Fertilizer with Weed Out' (a granular application). Only apply to actively growing weeds. Additional herbicides are available for commercial lawn and landscape care services for use on lawns.
Thoroughly read, understand, and follow all information on herbicide labels. Avoid windy days, as these materials can damage many landscape and garden plants if they drift (spray droplets land off the lawn). Also avoid hot days (over 85 degrees F). It's best to have adequate soil moisture, but no rain for 24 hours after application. Don't mow for a few days before and after application. Consider selective control of weeds rather than broadcasting weed killer over the entire area. Use caution on newly seeded areas; wait two mowings before treating newly seeded lawns and 30 days before seeding areas treated with broadleaf herbicides.
Early to mid-fall is an excellent time to control perennial broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions. Control may be good as weeds prepare for winter dormancy and lawns fill-in bare areas created by the weed dying readily in the cooler weather of fall. Spring and early summer applications may not provide as good of control as fall. Warmer temperatures also increase the chance of lawn injury. Regardless the time of the year, weeds need to be actively growing for the herbicides to work.
For additional information concerning the care of your lawn check out our recommended lawn care programs. Cool season program OR Warm season program
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Honor our military for the sacrifices that they make both in war and peace. Check out this website.
LIFE IS TOO SHORT.....TO TAKE SERIOUSLY.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
APRIL IS NATIONAL GARDENING MONTH
This year's theme is "Give a Garden", represents a rally cry that winter is gone and spring is here. There are five emphasis this year for National Gardening Month. Greenscape Gardens will promote gardening by educating the public about new and exciting plants for 2005. We will also be striving to foster gardening programs that are community driven. If you have any community gardening programs, please contact us and we'll be happy to help you this spring. We are also highlighting plants which will encourage the use of plants in addressing matters of health, wellness and nutrition. The fourth phase of our commitment to National Gardening Month is addressing the environmental issues on the responsible care of lawn and gardens. Watch the Greenblog for upcoming information. The fifth part of our commitment is focussing on the needs of home gardening, the largest hobby in the US.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
HERE'S AN OFTEN ASKED QUESTION AT THE NURSERY, PHONE CALLS AND EMAIL'S
Do you have a product available that stops the balls from being produced from a sweetgum tree?
Thanks, please advise,
XXXXX
Greenscape Gardens reply:
There are several products that claim they will control/reduce sweetgum production. 30 years of experience has now convinced me the only way to control sweetgum balls is a chainsaw. NO, we don't carry Florell because it doesn't work good enough since the timing of application is critical. Sometimes the window of opportunity is hours.
Sorry, JOHN
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
CONTROLLING BROADLEAF WEEDS IN THE LAWN
Identifying the weed and trying to determine why it has become a problem is the first step in dealing with lawn weeds. Some weeds are good indicators of underlying problems. For example, ground ivy (creeping Charlie) readily invades lawns in shade and with poor soil drainage, while knotweed is a plant able to survive in compacted soils. Crabgrass typically invades lawns that are mowed too short or watered too often. Clovers may be a sign of low fertility. Dandelions may adapt to a range of conditions. An assortment of weeds may indicate overall poor conditions for lawn grasses and/or poor management.
After identifying the weeds present, step two for controlling weeds should be to review lawn care practices and make adjustments as needed to assure a good stand of grass. Sound lawn care practices should promote a healthy, vigorous turf able to prevent and compete with weed invasions. These practices include proper selection and establishment, fertilization, watering, mowing, thatch management, and related practices.
The third step is removal of existing weeds. There are a number of herbicides available for weed control, specific to the type of weed to be controlled.
Broadleaf Weeds
Dandelions, plantain, clover, and ground ivy (creeping Charlie) are among the common broadleaf weeds appearing in lawns. Selective broadleaf weed herbicides (weed killers) are available for use on lawns. Greenscape Gardens recommends Fertilome 'Weed Out' for liquid weed control or Fertilome 'Fertilizer with Weed Out' (a granular application). Only apply to actively growing weeds. Additional herbicides are available for commercial lawn and landscape care services for use on lawns.
Thoroughly read, understand, and follow all information on herbicide labels. Avoid windy days, as these materials can damage many landscape and garden plants if they drift (spray droplets land off the lawn). Also avoid hot days (over 85 degrees F). It's best to have adequate soil moisture, but no rain for 24 hours after application. Don't mow for a few days before and after application. Consider selective control of weeds rather than broadcasting weed killer over the entire area. Use caution on newly seeded areas; wait two mowings before treating newly seeded lawns and 30 days before seeding areas treated with broadleaf herbicides.
Early to mid-fall is an excellent time to control perennial broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions. Control may be good as weeds prepare for winter dormancy and lawns fill-in bare areas created by the weed dying readily in the cooler weather of fall. Spring and early summer applications may not provide as good of control as fall. Warmer temperatures also increase the chance of lawn injury. Regardless the time of the year, weeds need to be actively growing for the herbicides to work.
For additional information concerning the care of your lawn check out our recommended lawn care programs. Cool season program OR Warm season program
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Honor our military for the sacrifices that they make both in war and peace. Check out this website.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
Spring unlocks the flowers.... to paint the laughing soil.
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THE WEBSITE IS WARMING UP, JUST LIKE THE SPRING WEATHER FINALLY. THE NUMBERS ARE GROWING AS QUICK AS THE GRASS NOW. 33,XXX WEBSITE VIEWS TO DATE WITH OVER 118,XXX WEB PAGES. SOME MAJOR CHANGES AND UPDATES SHOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. KEEP WATCHING FOR ADDITIONAL GARDENING INFORMATION.
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The trucks keep pouring in at the garden center. Greenscape Gardens has the finest selection of Japanese maples in St. Louis. We have over 1300 Knockout roses which we have grown with more on order from outstate growers. The largest selection of "Northern Grown" azaleas can only be found at Greenscape Gardens. The list seems endless with over 20,000 "Greenscape Grown" perennials.
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APRIL SALUTES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
American Society of Landscape Architects declared April as National Landscape Architecture Month. The theme will be Design for Active Living, highlighting ways community design affects residents' daily activity levels and, in turn, their overall health. April was selected as National Landscape Architecture Month because it encompasses Earth Day (April 22) and the birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted (April 26), founder of the American landscape architecture profession.
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OLD FASHIONED HYDRANGEAS
Old-fashioned hydrangeas are easy to grow if you follow a few simple guidelines. Most varieties are cold hardy to zone 5, which means they will tolerate minimum winter temperatures between -10 and -20 degrees F.
Hydrangeas are traditionally known as shade garden plants, but too much shade can result in reduced bloom production. Ideally they should be situated in areas of light shade to partial sun. Hydrangeas are woodland plants so they prefer to be in consistently moist, well-drained, humus rich soil. A generous application of mulch will help keep the roots cool and retain moisture.
Little pruning is required with old-fashioned hydrangeas. In fact, improperly pruned bushes can result in bushes not producing any blooms. Old-fashioned hydrangeas set their flowers on previous year's growth, or what is referred to as old wood. So, in late summer and early fall, your shrub is preparing blooms for next year.
In early spring you can tidy up the plant by removing any dead wood and old flowerheads. Any severe cutting back should be done immediately after the flowers fade in the summer. Other causes for lack of bloom include harsh winter temperatures, warm spells followed by cold weather, and late freezes. All can damage or kill tender flower buds. If you site your plants in a north or east facing area of your garden, you can reduce the chances of the buds opening during warm winter weather. These areas of the garden warm up slower than south or western exposures. Northern gardeners who know that they are in it for a long cold spell can wrap their hydrangeas in burlap for winter protection. Planting the shrubs near house foundations also offers some refuge from cold temperatures.
Fertilize your hydrangeas twice during the summer with a slow release fertilizer, usually in June and then again in August. Follow the directions indicated on the fertilizer package. Just remember that too much nitrogen will result in an abundance of lovely leaves at the expense of blooms.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HYDRANGEAS.
Spring unlocks the flowers.... to paint the laughing soil.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
THE WEBSITE IS WARMING UP, JUST LIKE THE SPRING WEATHER FINALLY. THE NUMBERS ARE GROWING AS QUICK AS THE GRASS NOW. 33,XXX WEBSITE VIEWS TO DATE WITH OVER 118,XXX WEB PAGES. SOME MAJOR CHANGES AND UPDATES SHOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. KEEP WATCHING FOR ADDITIONAL GARDENING INFORMATION.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The trucks keep pouring in at the garden center. Greenscape Gardens has the finest selection of Japanese maples in St. Louis. We have over 1300 Knockout roses which we have grown with more on order from outstate growers. The largest selection of "Northern Grown" azaleas can only be found at Greenscape Gardens. The list seems endless with over 20,000 "Greenscape Grown" perennials.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
APRIL SALUTES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
American Society of Landscape Architects declared April as National Landscape Architecture Month. The theme will be Design for Active Living, highlighting ways community design affects residents' daily activity levels and, in turn, their overall health. April was selected as National Landscape Architecture Month because it encompasses Earth Day (April 22) and the birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted (April 26), founder of the American landscape architecture profession.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
OLD FASHIONED HYDRANGEAS
Old-fashioned hydrangeas are easy to grow if you follow a few simple guidelines. Most varieties are cold hardy to zone 5, which means they will tolerate minimum winter temperatures between -10 and -20 degrees F.
Hydrangeas are traditionally known as shade garden plants, but too much shade can result in reduced bloom production. Ideally they should be situated in areas of light shade to partial sun. Hydrangeas are woodland plants so they prefer to be in consistently moist, well-drained, humus rich soil. A generous application of mulch will help keep the roots cool and retain moisture.
Little pruning is required with old-fashioned hydrangeas. In fact, improperly pruned bushes can result in bushes not producing any blooms. Old-fashioned hydrangeas set their flowers on previous year's growth, or what is referred to as old wood. So, in late summer and early fall, your shrub is preparing blooms for next year.
In early spring you can tidy up the plant by removing any dead wood and old flowerheads. Any severe cutting back should be done immediately after the flowers fade in the summer. Other causes for lack of bloom include harsh winter temperatures, warm spells followed by cold weather, and late freezes. All can damage or kill tender flower buds. If you site your plants in a north or east facing area of your garden, you can reduce the chances of the buds opening during warm winter weather. These areas of the garden warm up slower than south or western exposures. Northern gardeners who know that they are in it for a long cold spell can wrap their hydrangeas in burlap for winter protection. Planting the shrubs near house foundations also offers some refuge from cold temperatures.
Fertilize your hydrangeas twice during the summer with a slow release fertilizer, usually in June and then again in August. Follow the directions indicated on the fertilizer package. Just remember that too much nitrogen will result in an abundance of lovely leaves at the expense of blooms.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HYDRANGEAS.
Monday, March 28, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
MULCH MADNESS SALE.....NOW RED MULCH
SORRY NOT NCAA APPROVED
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ANOTHER LOAD OF OREGON GROWN STOCK
Another load of awesome stock arrived this morning from Oregon. 62 more LARGE Japanesse Maples, 150 arborvitaes, 20 variegated dogwoods (incredible plants).......the list goes on and on. Check out these plants for your next landscape project.
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PERENNIAL PLANT OF THE YEAR PROGRAM TURNS 15
Started in 1990 by Perennial Plant Association, the Perennial Plant of the Year program's initial intent was to promote perennials to the general public. PPA exec. dir. Steve Still said it was basically the 1st plant of the year program of its type. Still said the 2,000 PPA members choose a plant based on several factors, including: suitability within a wide range of climates; low maintenance; easy propagation; and ability to attract interest throughout the year. The goal is to select a species that gardeners in the U.S. and Canada can grow and maintain. This year’s plant is Helleborus x hybridus, Lenten rose. Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Feuerhexe' (Firewitch) has been selected for 2006.
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GARDENIA........"HEAVEN'S SCENT"
Gardenias have a well-earned reputation for being difficult specimens for even the experienced indoor gardener. Gardenias thrive on bright light, high humidity, and an even supply of moisture and nutrients. When gardenias are freshly delivered from a greenhouse grower, their glossy leaves and heavenly-scented blooms just about cause the plant to leap into your arms, whether a gift for yourself or for a loved-one.
But, then, the plant enters the home environment where hot, dry air and gloomy winter days send the gardenia in a downward spiral. Those delicate flower buds, so filled with promise of good things to come, begin dropping from the plant in droves. The glossy leaves turn dull, yellow, and they, too, begin to drop like tree leaves in autumn. If the plant survives this cruel change in environment, mealy bugs, spider mites, scale insects and stem cankers provide further challenges to overcome.
Now for the good news. Gardenias can be successfully grown in the home, but they won’t tolerate neglect like many other houseplants. Gardenias are native to China and Japan but also grow well as an evergreen shrub in the south and west coastal areas of the United States. There, the plant reaches up to 6 feet tall! Gardenias thrive in bright light, cool temperatures and moderately humid air.
Your challenge in growing the gardenia as a houseplant is to match the plant’s native environment as closely as possible. First, make sure you give the plant plenty of bright light, preferably direct sunshine for at least half a day. Winter will likely be the most difficult time to keep high light intensity due to shorter, gloomy days. Moving plants closer to southern-exposure windows and/or supplementing with plant-grow lights will help. Cooler room temperatures are best for the gardenia, around 55 F at night and about 10 degrees warmer by day.
Maintaining proper relative humidity is a challenge, particularly during the winter heating season. There are several ways to help increase humidity, including running a humidifier and grouping plants together on trays of wet pebbles. Misting by hand with a spray bottle offers only momentary relief and so does not really increase humidity in a meaningful way.
A healthy, blooming gardenia will need to be nurtured with a steady supply of water and nutrients, but don’t overdo. The goal is to provide the proper balance of water, air and nutrients. If soil is kept constantly wet, the roots will be starved for air. Too much fertilizer can lead to damaging salt accumulation. Monitor the soil frequently for moisture content, and water thoroughly as the top inch of soil dries. Use a fertilizer that is formulated for acid-loving, blooming plants, such as an azalea-type product, according to rates listed on the label.
Don’t be afraid to prune the gardenia; in fact, blooming will be more prolific on younger growth. Remember that the gardenia is a woody shrub in its native environment and so may need to have older, woody stems removed to encourage new branches.
Though the responsibilities of gardenia care are daunting, if you persevere, you’ll be rewarded with elegant white blossoms and sweet fragrance that simply cannot be matched by other plants.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PURPLE CONEFLOWER THIS WEEK'S PERENNIAL SPOTLIGHT
The purple coneflower cultivar 'Magnus' is the perennial plant of the week. Known botanically as Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus,' this cultivar and species was selected for its outstanding performance as a sun-loving, long-flowering perennial that is easy to grow.
Purple coneflower is native to the midwestern plains, though the cultivar 'Magnus' hails from a Swedish nursery and is named for the plant's breeder. Purple coneflower as a species is noted for its upright, 4-foot tall plants with flower heads made up of a central cone of bronze-colored "disc" flowers surrounded by highly-colored, downward curving "ray" flowers ranging from white to purple to red.
'Magnus' is noted for its crimson-red bold flowers with a wide, flat petal display, lending the flower head a larger appearance. Like its parent species, 'Magnus' is well adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, including somewhat droughty sites. However, optimum flowering results from being planted in well-drained loamy soil to which some organic matter, such as compost, peat moss or dried manure has been added. The plants may be slow to get started in cool spring conditions, but will catch up rapidly once hot summer weather takes over.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LIFE IS A BEER
There seems to be a website for just about everything in the world today. To further the knowledge of the greenblog we bring you a website that you just can't life without.
MULCH MADNESS SALE.....NOW RED MULCH
SORRY NOT NCAA APPROVED
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
ANOTHER LOAD OF OREGON GROWN STOCK
Another load of awesome stock arrived this morning from Oregon. 62 more LARGE Japanesse Maples, 150 arborvitaes, 20 variegated dogwoods (incredible plants).......the list goes on and on. Check out these plants for your next landscape project.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PERENNIAL PLANT OF THE YEAR PROGRAM TURNS 15
Started in 1990 by Perennial Plant Association, the Perennial Plant of the Year program's initial intent was to promote perennials to the general public. PPA exec. dir. Steve Still said it was basically the 1st plant of the year program of its type. Still said the 2,000 PPA members choose a plant based on several factors, including: suitability within a wide range of climates; low maintenance; easy propagation; and ability to attract interest throughout the year. The goal is to select a species that gardeners in the U.S. and Canada can grow and maintain. This year’s plant is Helleborus x hybridus, Lenten rose. Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Feuerhexe' (Firewitch) has been selected for 2006.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
GARDENIA........"HEAVEN'S SCENT"
Gardenias have a well-earned reputation for being difficult specimens for even the experienced indoor gardener. Gardenias thrive on bright light, high humidity, and an even supply of moisture and nutrients. When gardenias are freshly delivered from a greenhouse grower, their glossy leaves and heavenly-scented blooms just about cause the plant to leap into your arms, whether a gift for yourself or for a loved-one.
But, then, the plant enters the home environment where hot, dry air and gloomy winter days send the gardenia in a downward spiral. Those delicate flower buds, so filled with promise of good things to come, begin dropping from the plant in droves. The glossy leaves turn dull, yellow, and they, too, begin to drop like tree leaves in autumn. If the plant survives this cruel change in environment, mealy bugs, spider mites, scale insects and stem cankers provide further challenges to overcome.
Now for the good news. Gardenias can be successfully grown in the home, but they won’t tolerate neglect like many other houseplants. Gardenias are native to China and Japan but also grow well as an evergreen shrub in the south and west coastal areas of the United States. There, the plant reaches up to 6 feet tall! Gardenias thrive in bright light, cool temperatures and moderately humid air.
Your challenge in growing the gardenia as a houseplant is to match the plant’s native environment as closely as possible. First, make sure you give the plant plenty of bright light, preferably direct sunshine for at least half a day. Winter will likely be the most difficult time to keep high light intensity due to shorter, gloomy days. Moving plants closer to southern-exposure windows and/or supplementing with plant-grow lights will help. Cooler room temperatures are best for the gardenia, around 55 F at night and about 10 degrees warmer by day.
Maintaining proper relative humidity is a challenge, particularly during the winter heating season. There are several ways to help increase humidity, including running a humidifier and grouping plants together on trays of wet pebbles. Misting by hand with a spray bottle offers only momentary relief and so does not really increase humidity in a meaningful way.
A healthy, blooming gardenia will need to be nurtured with a steady supply of water and nutrients, but don’t overdo. The goal is to provide the proper balance of water, air and nutrients. If soil is kept constantly wet, the roots will be starved for air. Too much fertilizer can lead to damaging salt accumulation. Monitor the soil frequently for moisture content, and water thoroughly as the top inch of soil dries. Use a fertilizer that is formulated for acid-loving, blooming plants, such as an azalea-type product, according to rates listed on the label.
Don’t be afraid to prune the gardenia; in fact, blooming will be more prolific on younger growth. Remember that the gardenia is a woody shrub in its native environment and so may need to have older, woody stems removed to encourage new branches.
Though the responsibilities of gardenia care are daunting, if you persevere, you’ll be rewarded with elegant white blossoms and sweet fragrance that simply cannot be matched by other plants.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PURPLE CONEFLOWER THIS WEEK'S PERENNIAL SPOTLIGHT
The purple coneflower cultivar 'Magnus' is the perennial plant of the week. Known botanically as Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus,' this cultivar and species was selected for its outstanding performance as a sun-loving, long-flowering perennial that is easy to grow.
Purple coneflower is native to the midwestern plains, though the cultivar 'Magnus' hails from a Swedish nursery and is named for the plant's breeder. Purple coneflower as a species is noted for its upright, 4-foot tall plants with flower heads made up of a central cone of bronze-colored "disc" flowers surrounded by highly-colored, downward curving "ray" flowers ranging from white to purple to red.
'Magnus' is noted for its crimson-red bold flowers with a wide, flat petal display, lending the flower head a larger appearance. Like its parent species, 'Magnus' is well adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, including somewhat droughty sites. However, optimum flowering results from being planted in well-drained loamy soil to which some organic matter, such as compost, peat moss or dried manure has been added. The plants may be slow to get started in cool spring conditions, but will catch up rapidly once hot summer weather takes over.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LIFE IS A BEER
There seems to be a website for just about everything in the world today. To further the knowledge of the greenblog we bring you a website that you just can't life without.
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