Natal Plum Bush Info Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa or C. grandifolia) blooms mainly in summer, and sporadically all year long so that throughout most of the year you’ll have both flowers and pretty little red fruit present on the shrub. The star-like flowers are about 2 inches (5 cm.) in diameter and have thick, waxy petals. The edible, bright red, plum-shaped fruit tastes like cranberries, and you can use it to make jam or jelly....
Read on to find out why yuca, or cassava, is a global food source and important economic crop. Are Yucca and Cassava the Same? Yuccas are flowering, perennial plants which have remarkable tolerance to dry, arid regions. They are in the lily or agave family and generally grow as rosettes of spiky leaves that spring from a central stubby trunk. Ancient civilizations and more modern native populations eat the roots of the yucca....
Winter Protection for Plants One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect sensitive plants is by mulching. Mulching with an organic material will also help enhance the soil as the mulch decomposes and releases nutrients to the earth. In autumn, pull back old mulches from the base of plants and spread a new 3 inch (8 cm.) layer around them out to the drip line. Leave a 1/2-inch (1 cm....
Why is My Corn Not Producing Ears? A corn plant not producing could be the result of climate changes, disease, or insect problems that are affecting the plant’s ability to pollinate properly, which may cause it to not be forming healthy ears or any ears at all. To fully answer the question, “Why is my corn not producing ears,” a lesson in corn reproduction is in order. Corn plants produce individual male and female flowers, both of which start out as bisexual....
Crocus Cold Hardiness Spring blooming plants need chilling to force the bulb to sprout. This necessity makes them naturally tolerant of freezes and snow and minimizes the chance of crocus cold damage. The United States Department of Agriculture has organized the U.S. into hardiness zones. These indicate the average annual minimum temperature per region, divided by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. These bulb plants are hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 5....
In a health context, growing vegetables oneself makes sense, but what is the cost for vegetable garden seeds, starts, soil, and more? A vegetable garden cost varies with your methods, variety of plants, and setup. But with inflation and supply chain shortages, the minimal cost may just be worth it in the long run. Starting a Vegetable Garden Gardeners can grow vegetables in containers or in the ground. If you are in a small space, initially you do have some outlay for pots and soil....
Drought Tolerant Plants for Zone 9 There are a number of plants that can tolerate drought in zone 9. Below are some of the more common annuals and perennials suitable to growing in these gardens (note in zone 9 many “annuals” may be considered perennial, coming back each year). Annuals Dusty miller is appreciated for its silvery gray foliage. This hardy annual prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sunlight. Cosmos produces feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms of pink, white, and maroon with yellow or reddish brown eyes....
Effects of Road Salt on Plants Plants that suffer salt damage in winter are often hit twice– once when the spray lands on their branches and again when salted snow slurry melts into their root zones. Salt can be incredibly damaging to plants, causing them to suffer from dehydration by bounding up water and nutrients as the sodium separates from the chloride and works its way into the plant tissues. Salt damage symptoms depend heavily on how much exposure the plant received but, in general, you’ll see symptoms like stunted, yellow foliage, leaf margin scorch, twig dieback, and even premature fall coloration....
Beloved for their fast growth, arborvitae – especially those planted near other trees or in hedges – often require fertilizer to thrive. It isn’t difficult to begin fertilizing arborvitae. Read on to learn how to fertilize an arborvitae, and the best type of fertilizer for arborvitae. Fertilizing Arborvitae Many mature trees do not require fertilizing. If your arborvitae is planted alone as a specimen tree and appears happy and thriving, consider skipping the fertilizer for the present time....
Fishbone Cactus Info The scientific name for the plant is Cryptocereus anthonyanus (syn. Selenicereus anthonyanus), and is a member of the night blooming cactus family. Best known for its long, arching stems coated with serrated leaf nodes, fishbone cactus is found in its habitat in groups, which hang from trees. The plant originates in Mexico, where tropical rainforests create a moist, humid environment. Commonly found in garden centers it is known as Ric Rac cactus or sometimes orchid cactus....
Flowering Pink Almond Flowering almond, or double flowering plum (Prunus triloba), is a deciduous tree with gorgeous spring flowers blooming pink with double petals. This medium growing Rosaceae family member is a lovely addition to accent shrub borders around parking lots, strip plantings, or around a deck or patio. The flowering almond makes a striking specimen plant. The shape of the flowering pink almond is a symmetrical, vase-shaped canopy with a smooth outline and a profusion of light green leaves....
Fraser Fir Information Fraser firs (Abies fraseri) are native to the higher elevations of the southern Appalachian Mountains. They are grown commercially for sale as Christmas trees, and they are unrivaled for holiday use because of their fresh fragrance and symmetrical shape. They also have the advantage of retaining the soft texture of their needles after they are cut so that they don’t prick your fingers as you hang ornaments. The tree lasts a long time before the needles begin to desiccate and drop off....
Fuji Apple Information Fresh, crunchy, sweet/tart apples are one of life’s simple pleasures. Fuji apple trees produce perfectly balanced fruits that remain fresh tasting for a long time. Fujis are warm climate apples but are considered hardy down to USDA zone 4 and up to 8. Some tips on how to grow Fujis will have you picking these sugary fruits right from your backyard tree. Fuji apple trees grow 15 to 20 feet wide with the same spread (4....
Among ginkgo leaf uses (ginkgo leaf extract) are supposed benefits to cognitive function and improved circulation. However, examining the validity of these claims is important when deciding whether or not to begin ginkgo supplements. Read on for more information on using ginkgo leaves for health. Are Ginkgo Leaves Good for You? Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has long been touted for its purported medicinal benefits and uses. While many parts of the tree are toxic and should never be consumed, products made through the extraction of ginkgo extract are widely available in health food and supplement stores....
Landscaping with Medicinal Plants Plants have a purpose — usually multiple purposes. They are not only pleasing to the eye, but often other senses as well. Sometimes they provide shade, food or wildlife habitat. Some plants also have health benefits. Plants were, after all, the original medicine. This added benefit makes using medicinal herbs in the landscape a win/win. But before you leap into creating an herbal landscape, there are some things to consider....
Japanese Forest Grass Plant Japanese forest grass is an attractive, graceful plant that grows slowly and is not invasive. The grass gets 18 to 24 inches (45.5 to 61 cm.) tall and has an arching habit with long flat, foliar blades. These arching blades sweep from the base and gracefully re-touch the earth. Japanese forest grass comes in several hues and may be solid or striped. Most varieties are variegated and have stripes....
What is Purslane? Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an herb that is native to Asia, but has spread all across the world. It is commonly found in cleared areas. The purslane herb has red stems and fleshy, green leaves. The flowers are a bright yellow. Purslane is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. All in all, edible purslane is a very healthy plant to add to your diet....
What is a Summer Pear? There are many different varieties of pear, but they can be broadly categorized as two types: summer and winter. The difference between them is when harvest time begins. Summer pears are ready to be harvested beginning in late mid to late summer (July or August) in most places, while the harvest for winter pears doesn’t begin until the very end of summer or early autumn (August or September)....
Planting tall trees does more than just provide you with esthetic delight. It can provide a wind block, create privacy and encourage wildlife. Read on for a list of the world’s tallest trees as well as tips for choosing tall trees for your landscape. Very Tall Trees The tallest trees on the planet may or may not be trees you want in your landscape. And some of them have very specific cultural requirements....
Potted Bulb Gardens: Flower Bulbs You Can Grow Indoors Flower bulbs you can grow indoors, with a chilling period, include: CrocusDaffodilsHyacinthGrape HyacinthIrisTulipsSnowdrops Bulbs that grow without chilling are limited to paperwhites and amaryllis. Information about growing these flowering bulbs indoors is included below. When to Plant Potted Bulb Gardens Most bulbs bloom indoors in 12 to 16 weeks, so they are planted in fall or early winter, depending on when you want blooms....
