House plants and those grown in a greenhouse will benefit from a location outdoors during the summer months and can make an attractive addition to the outdoor living area. As soon as nights are mild, say safely over 55° degrees Fahrenheit, it is generally satisfactory to put most plants outside. Often, in a few weeks, … Read more
Ardisia crenata (ar-DIS-ee-ah kre-NAY-tah) is a compact evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Ardisia and from the primrose family, Primulaceae. The genus name Ardisia is derived from the Greek word Ardis, which means “point” or “arrowhead”, referencing the pointed or spear-tipped anthers of the shrub’s flowers. The species name (epithet), Crenata, comes from Crenatus, a … Read more
House plants are innovative features in interior decorating now, so you are not old-fashioned if you like to have lovely plants in your home. While small plants on a window sill or small tables bring freshness and charm to a room, it takes a large, exotic plant to add a dramatic touch. Such a plant … Read more
The Croton (KROH-tun) genus is pretty massive, with approximately 1,150 species, and may be found throughout the tropics of the world. Despite this, there’s a good chance that the croton you own or are planning to purchase is actually not croton at all, but a former member of the genus now classified as Codiaeum variegatum … Read more
Beaucarnea recurvata, also known as Nolina recurvata, is a beautiful household shrub with a distinctive shape. Its foliage is curved back like a fountain, while its trunk is swollen near the base. Beaucarnea recurvata [bow-KAR-nee-uh] [rek-er-VAY-tuh] isn’t a palm tree like the name suggests. It’s a dioecious succulent that stores water in its stem, forming … Read more
Midwinter is a favorable time to repot house plants. But do not move the plants to larger pots unless their roots are so crowded that they really need more room. Often it is possible to merely top-dress the plants. To do this, scrape away as much as possible of the surface soil without injuring the … Read more
We are already looking ahead to spring. Former disappointments are forgotten, and they should be, except insofar as they keep us from repeating the same mistakes. Soon, the flower catalogs will be arriving. Although we know very well that we won’t grow all the intriguing things they offer, nor really believe all the glowing descriptions, … Read more
The Asparagaceae family has a lot of famous plants, but many are underappreciated. Such is the case of Aspidistra elatior (ass-pih-DIS-trah eh-LAY-tee-or), best known as the cast iron plant. This perennial foliage plant native to southern Japan and Taiwan is one of approximately 100 known species of aspidistra. Cast iron was a popular plant in … Read more
Mulching Be sure plants are completely dormant and the soil frozen to a depth of at least 2″ inches before applying mulches. Wind and sun do more harm than cold. Screen your evergreens wherever practical, especially your flowering kinds: Camellia Azalea Rhododendron Remember also that good drainage in the soil is the most essential item … Read more
Fall Lawns This is a good time to kill next year’s crop of common chickweed, Poa annua, and crabgrass. First, apply a pre-emergence crabgrass control after October 15. This will kill tiny seedlings of winter annuals like Poa annua and common chickweed (now germinating), and next spring will work equally well on crabgrass. Fall-seeded lawns … Read more