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Colorful Flowers

Creeping Zinnia: The Perfect Flower for Beginners

by Donna August 24, 2024

written by Donna 5 minutes read

Creeping Zinnia: A Guide for Beginners

Creeping zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia) is a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that is perfect for adding color to your garden. It is also a great choice for beginners, as it is low-maintenance and requires minimal care.

What is Creeping Zinnia?

Creeping zinnia is a native North American plant that is known for its long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage. It is a member of the daisy family and produces daisy-like flowers in a variety of colors, including white, red, orange, yellow, and pink. The flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and bloom from spring until frost.

Creeping zinnia is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 6-12 inches. It has a spreading habit and can quickly form a dense groundcover. This makes it a great choice for planting in borders, along walkways, or in rock gardens.

How to Grow Creeping Zinnia

Creeping zinnia is easy to grow from seed. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground in the spring or started indoors in late winter. When planting seeds, space them 6-9 inches apart.

Creeping zinnia prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is important to choose a well-drained soil, as the plant does not like to sit in wet soil.

Creeping zinnia is drought tolerant but will benefit from regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. The plant does not need to be fertilized, but it will bloom more profusely if it is fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

Creeping Zinnia Care

Creeping zinnia is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your plants healthy and blooming their best.

Deadheading: Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Pruning: Pruning is not necessary for creeping zinnia, but it can be done to control the size and shape of the plant.
Fertilization: Creeping zinnia does not need to be fertilized, but it will bloom more profusely if it is fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

Creeping Zinnia Problems

Creeping zinnia is generally a pest-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to a few common problems, including:

Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves of creeping zinnia. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that can also suck the sap from the leaves of creeping zinnia. This can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white powdery coating to form on the leaves of creeping zinnia. This can reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and can eventually lead to the death of the plant.

Creeping Zinnia Benefits

Creeping zinnia is a beautiful and beneficial plant that can add color and interest to your garden. It is also a great choice for beginners, as it is easy to grow and requires minimal care. In addition to its aesthetic value, creeping zinnia also has a number of benefits, including:

Attracts butterflies: The flowers of creeping zinnia are a magnet for butterflies. This makes it a great choice for planting in butterfly gardens.
Repels deer: Deer do not like the taste of creeping zinnia. This makes it a good choice for planting in areas where deer are a problem.
Low maintenance: Creeping zinnia is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. This makes it a great choice for busy gardeners.

Creeping Zinnia Varieties

There are many different varieties of creeping zinnia available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:

‘Profusion: This variety is known for its profusion of blooms. It produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers in a variety of colors.
‘Crystal White: This variety produces pure white flowers that are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
‘Golden Yellow: This variety produces bright yellow flowers that are sure to brighten up your garden.
‘Red Star: This variety produces deep red flowers that are perfect for adding a touch of drama to your garden.

Creeping Zinnia Uses

Creeping zinnia is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. It is a great choice for planting in borders, along walkways, or in rock gardens. It can also be used as a groundcover or as a filler plant in containers.

Creeping zinnia is also a popular choice for cut flowers. The flowers can be used to create beautiful bouquets and arrangements.

Conclusion

Creeping zinnia is a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that is perfect for adding color and interest to your garden. It is also a great choice for beginners, as it is low-maintenance and requires minimal care. With so many different varieties and uses, there is sure to be a creeping zinnia that is perfect for your garden.

Flower Gardening

Creeping Phlox: A Hardy and Colorful Groundcover for Gardens

by Donna June 12, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Creeping Phlox: A Hardy Groundcover for Gardens

Introduction

Creeping phlox, also known as moss phlox, is a popular and easy-to-grow plant for rock gardens, raised beds, and border edges. It’s non-invasive and forms neat cushions or mats of slender stems with narrow evergreen leaves.

Growing Conditions

Creeping phlox prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer areas. It needs well-drained, light, and sandy soil.

Flowers and Foliage

In late spring and early summer, creeping phlox produces masses of tiny, saucer-shaped flowers in a range of colors. The foliage is evergreen and makes useful ground cover to prevent weeds, but it has no real ornamental value.

Care and Maintenance

Once established, creeping phlox is relatively trouble-free to grow. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew in hot, dry weather, and stem and bulb eelworm.

Benefits for Wildlife

Creeping phlox is known for attracting bees, which are important pollinators.

How to Choose and Buy Creeping Phlox

Choose the right color for your desired planting location.
Buy from a reputable company to ensure healthy plants.
Check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting.

Planting and Care Calendar

Plant creeping phlox in spring or fall.
Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize lightly in spring and fall.
Divide plants every few years to maintain vigor.
Prune lightly after flowering to encourage new growth.

Conclusion

Creeping phlox is a versatile and hardy groundcover that adds color and interest to gardens. Its low maintenance requirements make it a great choice for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.

Flower Gardening

Dahlias: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing and Caring for These Beautiful Flowers

by Donna October 2, 2023

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Dahlias: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Dahlias are beautiful flowers that are easy to grow and add a splash of color to any garden. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your needs.

Types of Dahlias

There are 15 different types of dahlias, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular types include:

Single-flowered dahlias: These dahlias have a single row of petals around a central cone.
Anemone-flowered dahlias: These dahlias have a central cone surrounded by a collar of petals.
Collerette dahlias: These dahlias have a central cone surrounded by a collar of petals and a ring of smaller petals.
Waterlily dahlias: These dahlias have a flat, saucer-shaped bloom.
Decorative dahlias: These dahlias have large, showy blooms with curled or twisted petals.
Ball dahlias: These dahlias have fully double blooms that resemble balls.
Pompon dahlias: These dahlias have small, densely packed blooms that resemble pompons.
Cactus dahlias: These dahlias have long, narrow petals that resemble cactus spines.
Semi-cactus dahlias: These dahlias have petals that are intermediate in length and width between cactus and decorative dahlias.
Miscellaneous dahlias: This category includes dahlias that don’t fit into any of the other categories.
Fimbriated dahlias: These dahlias have petals with fringed edges.
Star dahlias: These dahlias have petals that are arranged in a star shape.
Double orchid dahlias: These dahlias have petals that resemble orchid flowers.
Peony dahlias: These dahlias have petals that resemble peony flowers.
Stellar dahlias: These dahlias have petals that are arranged in a star shape and have a central cone.

How to Grow Dahlias

Dahlias are easy to grow from tubers. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a planting site: Dahlias prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil: Dig a hole that is twice the width of the tuber and just as deep. Amend the soil with compost or manure.
Plant the tubers: Place the tubers in the hole with the eyes facing up. Cover the tubers with soil and water well.
Water regularly: Dahlias need regular watering, especially during hot weather.
Fertilize: Fertilize dahlias every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Stake tall dahlias: Tall dahlias may need to be staked to prevent them from falling over.
Deadhead: Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new blooms to form.

How to Care for Dahlias in Winter

Dahlias are not cold-hardy, so they need to be protected from frost in winter. Here’s how to do it:

Lift the tubers: After the first frost, cut back the stems of the dahlias to about 10cm. Then, carefully lift the tubers from the ground with a garden fork.
Store the tubers: Store the tubers in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or basement. Wrap the tubers in newspaper or sawdust to help prevent them from drying out.
Replant the tubers: In spring, replant the tubers in the garden after the last frost.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common problems that dahlia growers may encounter:

My dahlias are not blooming: Dahlias may not bloom for a variety of reasons, including lack of sunlight, lack of water, or lack of nutrients.
My dahlias are wilting: Dahlias may wilt due to lack of water, heat stress, or disease.
My dahlias have pests: Dahlias may be susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips.

Additional Information

Dacopa is an extract with a coffee-like flavor that is made from roasted dahlia tubers.
The Aztecs called dahlias acocoxochitl, which means “water pipe flower.” They used the hollow stems of tree dahlias to transport water.

Conclusion

Dahlias are beautiful and easy-to-grow flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden. With a little care, you can enjoy dahlias for many years to come.

Gardening

Ornamental Oregano: A Beautiful and Beneficial Addition to Your Garden

by Gregory April 9, 2023

written by Gregory 5 minutes read

What is Ornamental Oregano?

Ornamental oregano is a type of herb that is grown for its beautiful flowers and foliage, rather than for its culinary uses. It is a member of the mint family and is related to common oregano, but it has a milder flavor. Ornamental oregano is often used in landscaping because it is easy to grow and attracts pollinators.

Varieties of Ornamental Oregano

There are many different varieties of ornamental oregano, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:

Dittany of Crete: This variety has tiny flowers and large, colorful bracts that resemble crepe paper.
Kent Beauty: This variety was the first ornamental oregano to be available in the trade. It has showy bracts that overlap and look like pinecone scales.
Pilgrim: This variety has upright stems with rosy-pink flowers.
Amethyst Falls: This variety has cascading stems with hot pink blooms and purple bracts.
Limelight: This variety has lime green bracts.
Golden Falls: This variety has variegated bracts that are green and gold.

Growing Ornamental Oregano

Ornamental oregano is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water. Ornamental oregano can be grown in the ground or in containers.

To grow ornamental oregano in the ground:

Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade.
Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
Water the plant deeply.

To grow ornamental oregano in a container:

Choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has drainage holes.
Fill the container with a well-drained potting mix.
Plant the oregano in the center of the container and water deeply.
Place the container in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.

Caring for Ornamental Oregano

Ornamental oregano is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of care. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your plants healthy and looking their best:

Water: Water your ornamental oregano plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilize: Fertilize your ornamental oregano plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Deadhead: Deadhead your ornamental oregano plants by removing spent flowers. This will encourage new growth and flowering.
Overwinter: In cold climates, ornamental oregano plants can be overwintered indoors. Bring the plants indoors before the first frost and place them in a sunny location. Water the plants sparingly over the winter.

Benefits of Growing Ornamental Oregano

There are many benefits to growing ornamental oregano in your garden. Ornamental oregano is:

Beautiful: Ornamental oregano has beautiful flowers and foliage that can add color and interest to your garden.
Attracts pollinators: Ornamental oregano is a magnet for pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Easy to grow: Ornamental oregano is a relatively easy plant to grow and does not require a lot of care.
Versatile: Ornamental oregano can be grown in the ground or in containers, making it a great choice for any garden.

Long-Tail Keyword Questions and Answers

Q: How do I grow ornamental oregano in a container?

A: To grow ornamental oregano in a container, choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has drainage holes. Fill the container with a well-drained potting mix and plant the oregano in the center. Water deeply and place the container in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.

Q: What is the best way to care for ornamental oregano?

A: Ornamental oregano is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of care. Water your plants regularly, fertilize them once a month during the growing season, and deadhead spent flowers. In cold climates, bring your plants indoors before the first frost and place them in a sunny location.

Q: Which varieties of ornamental oregano are the most colorful?

A: Some of the most colorful varieties of ornamental oregano include Dittany of Crete, Kent Beauty, Pilgrim, Amethyst Falls, Limelight, and Golden Falls.

Q: Where can I find ornamental oregano plants for sale?

A: You can find ornamental oregano plants for sale at most garden centers and nurseries. You can also purchase plants online.

Q: What are the benefits of growing ornamental oregano in my garden?

A: There are many benefits to growing ornamental oregano in your garden. Ornamental oregano is beautiful, attracts pollinators, is easy to grow, and is versatile.

Flower Gardening

Flamingo Cockscomb: A Showstopping Annual for Your Garden | Growing, Care, and Varieties

by Gregory October 12, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Flamingo Cockscomb: A Showstopping Annual for Your Garden

Introduction

If you’re looking for a plant that will add a splash of color and drama to your garden, look no further than the flamingo cockscomb. This easy-to-grow annual is sure to turn heads with its vibrant, feathery blooms.

About Flamingo Cockscomb

Flamingo cockscomb (Celosia spicata) is a member of the amaranth family and is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It gets its name from its distinctive flower spikes, which resemble the crest of a flamingo.

Growing Flamingo Cockscomb

Growing flamingo cockscomb is a breeze. Here’s what you need to know:

Soil: Flamingo cockscomb prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sun: This plant loves full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade.
Water: Water flamingo cockscomb regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilizer: Fertilize flamingo cockscomb every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Caring for Flamingo Cockscomb

Once your flamingo cockscomb plants are established, they’re relatively low-maintenance. Here are a few tips for keeping them healthy and blooming:

Deadheading: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowering.
Over-fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing flamingo cockscomb, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Pests: Flamingo cockscomb is susceptible to pests such as spider mites and aphids. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Propagating Flamingo Cockscomb

Flamingo cockscomb can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

Seed: Sow flamingo cockscomb seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Cuttings: Take cuttings from healthy flamingo cockscomb plants in the spring or summer. Root the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix.

Varieties of Flamingo Cockscomb

There are several varieties of flamingo cockscomb available, each with its own unique color and shape. Some popular varieties include:

‘Flamingo Feather’: This variety has bright pink, feathery flower spikes.
‘Intenz’: This variety produces deep red, velvety flower spikes.
‘Dracula’: This variety has unusual, twisted flower spikes that resemble a dragon’s tail.

Using Flamingo Cockscomb in the Garden

Flamingo cockscomb is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. Here are a few ideas:

Mass plantings: Plant a group of flamingo cockscomb plants together to create a stunning display of color.
Borders: Use flamingo cockscomb to add height and interest to garden borders.
Containers: Flamingo cockscomb is a great choice for containers on patios, decks, and balconies.

Conclusion

Flamingo cockscomb is a beautiful and easy-to-grow annual that will add a touch of the tropics to your garden. With its vibrant blooms and low-maintenance care, it’s a must-have for any gardener.

Gardening Tips and Tools

St. John’s Wort: A Versatile and Easy-to-Grow Shrub for Your Garden

by Gregory October 3, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

St. John’s Wort: A Versatile Shrub for Your Garden

Introduction

St. John’s wort is a beautiful and easy-to-grow shrub that adds a splash of color to your garden from midsummer until fall. Its cheerful yellow flowers, long showy stamens, and colorful berries make it a favorite of gardeners and pollinators alike.

Growing Conditions

St. John’s wort is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It prefers partially shaded sites with well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate full sun and a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, rocky, and loamy soils. It adapts well to both moist and dry conditions, and even tolerates occasional flooding and drought.

Planting and Care

To plant St. John’s wort, choose a location that receives bright morning sunlight and some shade in the hottest part of the afternoon. If your soil is not particularly fertile, amend it with compost or rotted manure before planting. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water deeply after planting and keep the soil moist until the plant is well-established.

Uses in the Garden

St. John’s wort is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. It makes an attractive ground cover and soil stabilizer, and it can also be used as an edging or to mark boundaries and pathways. Its compact size and showy flowers make it a good choice for containers, rock gardens, and foundation plantings.

Cultivars

There are many different cultivars of St. John’s wort available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular cultivars include:

H. x moserianum ‘Tricolor’: This cultivar is noted for its variegated foliage with a rainbow of colors, including red, pink, cream, and green.
H. frondosum ‘Sunburst’: This cultivar can tolerate winter temperatures down to zone 5 and forms a bushy mound up to 2 feet in diameter.
The Hypearls series: This series includes the cultivars ‘Olivia’, ‘Renu’, ‘Jacqueline’, and ‘Jessica’. These cultivars are well-suited to hot climates.
H. calycinum ‘Brigadoon’: The flowers on this cultivar are not as conspicuous as some of the others, but it has chartreuse foliage that turns golden orange in bright sun.

Medicinal Uses

St. John’s wort has a long history of medicinal use. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, it is important to note that St. John’s wort can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using it.

Conclusion

St. John’s wort is a beautiful and versatile shrub that is easy to grow and care for. It is a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience and can be used in a variety of ways in the garden.

Flower Gardening

Growing and Caring for Cleome: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Donna March 26, 2021

written by Donna 3 minutes read

How to Grow and Care for Cleome: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Cleome, also known as spider flower, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow annual flower that adds height, color, and interest to any garden. This tall-growing plant produces large, showy flower heads that resemble spiders, hence its nickname. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for cleome, from sowing seeds to protecting against pests and diseases.

Growing Cleome from Seed

When to Sow: Sow cleome seeds indoors in warmth during early spring, around February or March.
How to Sow: Sprinkle the seeds onto moist seed compost and cover with a thin layer of perlite or vermiculite. Keep the temperature at around 20°C (68°F) for best germination.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they are large enough to plant outdoors.

Planting Cleome Outdoors

When to Plant: Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 10-14 days before planting out in early summer, once the risk of frost has passed.
Where to Plant: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Cleome prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Spacing: Plant cleome seedlings about 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

Caring for Cleome

Watering: Water cleome regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing: Feed cleome plants with a liquid fertilizer high in potash every two weeks throughout the summer to encourage flowering.
Staking: As cleome plants grow tall and produce large flower heads, they may need staking to prevent them from toppling over in windy conditions.
Deadheading: Deadhead faded blooms to encourage the production of new flowers.

Propagating Cleome

From Seed: Cleome can be easily propagated from seed. Simply collect ripe seeds from the flower heads in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
From Cuttings: Cleome can also be propagated from cuttings taken from softwood stems in the spring or summer.

Pests and Diseases of Cleome

Slugs and Snails: Young cleome plants are susceptible to damage from slugs and snails. Use an environmentally friendly barrier protection to deter these pests.
Caterpillars: The caterpillars of large and small white butterflies may feed on cleome foliage. Hand pick caterpillars regularly and transfer them to a sacrificial crop of nasturtiums.

Choosing and Buying Cleome

Where to Buy: Cleome seeds can be purchased from nurseries, garden centers, and mail order suppliers.
Varieties: There are many different varieties of cleome available, with a wide range of flower colors and sizes. Choose varieties that are well-suited to your specific garden conditions and preferences.

Conclusion

Growing and caring for cleome is a rewarding experience that can add beauty and interest to any garden. By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the vibrant blooms of cleome throughout the summer months.