Banana Tree Fruit Can a banana plant grow fruit? Of course, it can – they’re called bananas! That being said, not all banana plants produce fruit that you can eat. Some varieties like the red banana, the dwarf banana, and the pink velvet banana are grown for their flowers. They do make fruit, but it’s not edible. When you’re choosing a banana plant, make sure to pick one that’s bred to make tasty fruit....

Not the typical type of stress experienced by humans, plants experience stress that makes them more beautiful. These include water stress, sunlight stress, and cold stress. Let’s talk about how to safely stress your succulent and turn it red. How to Turn a Succulent Red in the Cold Many succulents, like Sedum Jelly Beans and Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras,’ can take cold temperatures down to 40 degrees F. (4 C.). Check for your succulent’s cold tolerance before exposing it to these temperatures....

Korean Feather Reed Grass Info Korean feather reed grass is scientifically described as Calamagrostis brachytricha. It is native to temperate Asia but performs well in gardens located through USDA zones 4 to 9. This hardy plant is a warm season grass that does most of its growth spring through summer. Unlike many ornamental grasses, this plant prefers a moist location. Try growing Korean feather grass around a pond, water feature, or in an area with light afternoon shade....

What is Sedeveria? Sedeveria succulents have two outstanding qualities that make them popular with gardeners: they are absolutely lovely, and they require very little maintenance. In fact, sedevaria plant care is minimal. These hybrids present delightful rosettes that look like flowers but in shades of green, silver green and blue green. Some sedeveria plants have red or yellow tones or accents. The leaves that make up the rosettes are thick and look padded....

Shinko Asian Pear Info With shiny green leaves and masses of white blooms, Shinko Asian pear trees are a valuable addition to the landscape. Shinko Asian pear trees tend to be resistant to fire blight, which makes them a good choice for home gardeners. Height of Shinko Asian pears trees at maturity ranges from 12 to19 feet (3.5 -6 m.), with a spread of 6 to 8 feet (2-3 m.). Shinko pears are ready for harvest from mid-July through September, depending on your climate....

What is Carpetweed? Carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata) is a broadleaf annual weed commonly found in lawns and gardens. The plant forms a low-growing mat, and each plant can spread up to two feet. The prostrate branches lie close to the ground so that they are not affected by mowing. You can achieve carpetweed control by pulling the weeds when the infestation is light and the area is small. Otherwise, use herbicides to eradicate the weed....

Chocolate Cosmos Info Chocolate cosmos flowers (Cosmos atrosanguineus) are dark reddish brown, almost black, and have a chocolate scent. They are relatively easy to grow, make wonderful cut flowers and attract butterflies. Chocolate cosmos plants are often grown in containers and borders so their color and scent can be fully enjoyed. Chocolate cosmos plants, which are native to Mexico, can be grown outside as a perennial in hardiness zones 7 and above....

There’s really nothing dangerous about the bugs on a Christmas tree, so no need to get too upset. It’s enough to be aware of these Christmas tree pests and take a few simple precautions to prevent them from sharing your holiday. Bugs on a Christmas Tree It’s lovely to drive by a Christmas tree farm in autumn and see all the young conifers just waiting on their holiday moment. It also reminds us that the trees are grown outdoors, and, like any other outside plants, they may be home to overwintering bugs or insect eggs....

What are Cleistocactus Cacti? Some of the more commonly planted cacti are of the Cleistocactus genus, like Silver Torch (Cleistocactus straussii) and the Golden Rat Tail (Cleistocactus winteri). These may also grow in large containers. “Kleistos” means closed in Greek. Unfortunately, when using this as part of the name in the Cleistocactus genus, it is referring to the flowers. Multiple blooms appear on all varieties in this genus but don’t fully open....

Cold Tolerant Indoor Plants Here is a list of great cold hardy houseplants for your home. One thing to keep in mind is that the cooler your room, the longer you can go in between watering. Keeping plants too wet (and cold) will invite root rot, so be careful of this balance. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): ZZ plant is a very tough houseplant that not only survives low light and very dry conditions, but is also a great choice for cooler rooms....

Common Pests on Viburnum Here are some of the most common viburnum pests and methods for viburnum pest control. Aphids – While they don’t cause much damage, aphids can cause curling in new growth. They can be gotten rid of with a steady stream of water from the hose, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil. Thrips – Thrips can cause purple spots on leaves, curled and dropped leaves, and dropped, unopened flower buds....

The oil of the tea tree has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, and has been used medicinally for many centuries. It is still highly valued for the treatment of various skin problems, including sunburn, warts, acne, dandruff, lice, and fungal infections, including athlete’s foot. Melaleuca isn’t cold tolerant and is suitable for growing outdoors in the warmth of USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Fortunately, northern gardeners can grow attractive, fragrant tea tree in a container....

About Tent Worms Although often confused with fall webworms, tent caterpillars are quite different. Tent worms are active in early spring while webworms become active near fall. Tent worms make their tent-like nests in the forks of branches while webworm nests are located at the ends of branches. Fall webworms also enclose foliage or leaves within these nests. Tent caterpillars do not. Tent worms prefer wild cherry trees and other ornamental fruit trees....

Flowers for Veteran’s Day November 11th sees us all sporting Veteran’s Day poppies on our lapels, but you can plant the real thing as a lasting symbol of commemoration. They were first associated with the fallen by the John McCrae poem, Flanders Field, which describes the vibrant flowers blooming at the site of World War I battles. Other plants for veterans are often in hues of red, white, and blue – colors represented in our nation’s flag....

What about pruning though? When do you cut back ginkgo and do you need to at all? These ancient, living-fossil trees can benefit from some pruning when young, but once mature don’t need much trimming at all. When Do You Cut Back Ginkgo? The best time of year for ginkgo tree pruning is in the late fall, in the winter, or in early spring. The tree should be dormant when you trim it....

Green Social Distancing at Work and Home If you have a business or workplace that will be opening up again after the coronavirus lockdown, keeping workers and clients or customers appropriately distanced is important. We are all aware of the need, but it isn’t natural for us to stay 6 feet (2 m.) or more apart at all times. Physical barriers come in handy as reminders and guidelines. Here are some ways to use plants as social distancing barriers in an office, store, or restaurant:...

Angelica Herb Angelica plant (Angelica archangelica) is closely related to carrots and a member of the parsley family. The leaves of the plant are simple and uninteresting but may be dried and used in teas or as a seasoning. The umbrella-like flowers are particularly showy but only occur every two years and after bloom the plant often dies. The umbels are white and each spoke of the flower bears a dangling seed after the blooms are spent....

Creating a Christmas Herb Garden If you want fresh herbs for Christmas, you need to start planning in spring. Holiday herbs add that special touch to home cooking and really impact the flavor of your dishes. Who can do without sage in their stuffing or a pinch of fresh thyme on their sautéed green beans? You can buy little kits of holiday herbs, but it’s much cheaper and easier to just have the plants on hand....

Can a Pond Be in Full Sun? Many people picture a perfect pond ringed by weeping willows and other trees that provide some shade. Ideally, a garden pond will have a mix of sun and shade. Between four and six hours of full sun should be fine. The right balance of sun and shade makes for a healthy pond for a few reasons. Fish benefit from some cooling shade. A little shade will also keep algae growth under control....

Can You Grow a Hellebore Plant Indoors? There are plenty of colorful houseplants to enjoy during the winter months. Classic examples are the poinsettia, amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. If you are bit bored with these varieties, however, try bringing hellebores inside. Their white to dusky rose hued blooms provide much needed depth and melancholy beauty. Keeping a hellebore as a houseplant is easy but getting them to bloom requires a little trickery....