Flashcards
Horticulture Need-to-know
Cards in this deck (35)
- 1—Baptisia (false indigo)
Perennials
20 species, all native to eastern or midwestern North America
Deer resistant, heat/humidity tolerant, drought tolerant once established
Most bloom in March, April, or early May
Pods turn dry & black once matured - can trim the old bloom spikes back after flowering
Generally planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed
Most prefer deep, rich, moist but well drained soil
Full sun preferred, but will tolerate light shade -- will get floppy without at least six hours of full sunlight daily
No pruning or training needed (incl. no deadheading)
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to enjoy the pods
OR cut in fall after frost if old foliage appearance undesirable
Stalks will need to be trimmed off near ground level as winter sets in—or immediately in the spring before new growth begins if you prefer to leave the seed heads in place through winter
Extremely hard to transplant due to deep root system (seriously please don't make us do this again) - 2Rain GardenA rain garden is a shallow vegetated depression designed to capture stormwater runoff and allow the water to soak into the soil and drain into underground water reserves
Function as natural filters that improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat and feature beautiful native, perennial plants - 3—Yarrow (bloodwort)
Herbaceous perennial
Daisy family
Native plant (suited for rain gardens)
Deer resistant
Native range across USA
Leggier in part-shade, more compact in full-sun
Lifespan short in wet areas, longer in nutrient poor, dry soil with full sun
Divide every 2-3 years, space 12-18" apart
Common yarrow can be weedy, sterile cultivars should be selected
Deadheading in mid-summer will extend the color show of many cultivars
Very drought tolerant, prefers sites where drainage is adequate and water does not sit for extended time periods
- 4—Lamb's ear
Perennial
Deer resistant, rabbit-proof
Native to parts of the Middle East
Full to partial sun
Well-draining, evenly moist to dry soil
Usually grown for their distinctive thick, fuzzy, silvery foliage which creates a soft-textured mat in the garden
Can occasionally produce light purple flowers on tall spikes
Fast growers that spread easily - good groundcover
Because they spread quickly, plant them about 18 inches apart and avoid overwatering
If the leaves decline in the heat of summer, pick them off
If flowering stems appear, you may want to remove them; this sacrifice will encourage the plants to spread with vigorous foliage
Grow lamb's ears in full sun in cooler climates
In desert areas and high-heat locations, it can profit from partial shade
Excessive heat and dry conditions will cause the leaves to scorch
Lamb's ears only need about one inch of water per week- only if the soil feels dry
Avoid watering the top of the plants
At the end of the growing season in late fall, the plant will begin to die back. Cut away the dying foliage to the soil level
- 5—Goldenrod
100+ species, ~ eight commonly cultivated as perennial garden plants
Herbaceous perennial
Most species native to North America
Valuable food source for pollinators, esp. Monarch butterfly
Blooms mid-late summer into fall
Can be planted in the fall or spring, either from potted nursery starts or seeds
Usually require very little maintenance and will grow well in any sunny location with average or even poor soil
Full sun for optimal flowering; tolerates a bit of shade but will reduce blooms
Water new goldenrod plants weekly to maintain damp but not soggy soil
Mature goldenrod plants are drought tolerant, rarely need supplemental watering except when rainfall is scarce
Pruning stem tips early in the season can result in goldenrod plants becoming fuller and bushier and lead to more flowers later in the season
Deadheading spent flower heads can prolong the bloom season well into fall
Removing the flower heads before they go to seed can prevent rampant self-seeding
At the end of the season or in late winter, cut the plant stalks back to a few inches above ground level
- 6—Asters (New England Asters, frost flowers)
Native to North America
Bloom August thru October
Herbaceous perennial
Full sun-too much shade can cause lanky plants and fewer flowers for most common cultivars (some native species do very well in partial shade)
Best in loamy, well-draining soil
Need a good amount of space around the plants so roots can expand
Approx.. every 3 years the root clumps should be dug up and divided to keep the plants from getting too woody/dying out in the centers; the woody center can be discarded, with the outer portions replanted at the same depth as before
Keep new plantings moist and continue watering until the flowers are finished blooming (the soil should stay consistently moist but never saturated)
Try to water base, avoiding leaves
Thrive in cooler temperatures and are frost-hardy
Moderate feeders and appreciate being fed with a balanced flower fertilizer twice a month, beginning in spring and continuing until the blooms begin to open (excessive nutrients can shorten the blooming time, so stop fertilizing asters in August)
- 7—Garden Mum (hardy Chrysanthemum)
Herbaceous perennial
Plant mums as soon as soil warms in the spring
From late spring to mid-July, shear back the plant to make it bushier and delay flowering until the fall
For optimal blooming plants should be fertilized regularly throughout the growing season
Must provide nitrogen and potassium during vegetative phase
Feed before flower buds form
After the blooms fade, cut the plants down to ~6" and cover with straw or another dry mulch to protect the roots over winter
Established plants should be lifted÷d every 2-3 years
Thrive in full sun, can handle a bit of shade; in warm climates some shade during afternoon heat is good
Mums set buds in response to day length; do not plant where they might be exposed to bright nighttime light
Do best in: rich well-drained soil, moderate climate conditions; like some humidity
Require a lot of water; 1" per week during the early growing season, increase to two or three times a week as flower buds mature and flowers begin to open
- 8—Peonies
Approx. 33 species
Native to Asia, Europe, W. North America
Most herbaceous perennials, some woody shrubs
There are special types like fern-leaf peonies and tree peonies (special planting needs)
Very long lived - can remain in the same spot for upwards of 70 years
Bloom time varies from late spring to late summer depending on variety; all types are best planted in the fall, about six weeks before the ground freezes
Need space, 3- to 4-foot diameter for each plant
Full sun; at least 6 hours daily
Shelter from strong winds
Support staking can help prevent blooms from lopping during heavy rain/bad weather
Plant them well away from other trees and shrubs (don't like to compete for resources)
*Peonies like a good chill in the winter. In order to set their flower buds, peony roots should be planted relatively close to the soil surface—only about 2-to 3-inches deep. They need this chilling to attain dormancy and set buds
Very adaptable, but ideally, they like a well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- 9—Hyacinths
Perennial, bulb
Plant in fall 6-8 weeks before first frost
For the strongest and farthest-reaching scent, grow in large groups
Bulbs should be placed root end down ~4 to 6" deep, space them ~3 to 6" apart
Taller varieties can flop - you can stake them if you only have a few or plant them closer together so that they support one another
Like full sun to partial shade, aim for at least 6-8 hrs sunlight daily; spring bulbs so don't have to worry about too much shade from nearby trees
Prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil, do best in soil that is loose and well-drained; will not tolerate wet soils
Rich soil can lead to floppy stalks
Water the ground well after you plant the bulbs; continue watering into winter if there is no regular rain, but allow the ground to dry out between watering
The easiest way to feed new bulbs is to toss some food into the hole at planting time
Once bulbs have finished blooming, cut off the flower stalks but allow the leaves to remain. This will encourage the plants to store energy in their bulbs for next season
- 10—Shasta daisy
Herbaceous perennial(short lived)
Hybrid of oxeye daisy and several wild daisies; 69 cultivars
Deer and drought resistant
Blooms attract butterflies and pollinators.
Best to plant in early spring or summer; daisies planted in fall may not become established before the cold winter arrives
Quite hardy and do not require much attention once established, vigorous growers
Can be grown in both full sun or partial shade but thrives in full sun(more blooms)
Can tolerate varying soil conditions as long as it is well-draining but do best in soil rich with organic matter(compost)
Enjoy moist conditions but sensitive to soggy soil and overwatering-better to under than overwater
Provide these daisies with about an inch of water every week
Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season
Very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels but do not handle extremely humid areas
Fertilize in spring to provide a boost of nutrients heading into the blooming season or apply a well-balanced fertilizer on a monthly basis throughout the summer
- 11—Viburnum
Shrub
Countless varieties, no single type of foliage
Do not transplant well once established
Prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade; some afternoon shade is desirable in warmer zones
Prefer fairly moist, rich, well-drained soil; do not like to have their roots soaking in water
Like slightly acidic soil but many types will tolerate alkaline soil
A deep watering every week is usually sufficient
Native varieties that are well-established have a fairly good drought tolerance
Prefer moderate conditions though the preferences vary greatly depending on species
Extremely hot weather requires extra watering; very cold temperatures can stunt the plant or cause dieback
Most viburnums need only one application each year of a balanced, time-release fertilizer mixed into the soil in spring
Once established, most shrubs do well without any feeding
Leggy shoots can be trimmed back in early summer
Viburnum blooms on old wood so pruning should be undertaken only after the bloom period
Broken, dead, or diseased branches should be removed as soon as you notice them
- 12—Common milkweed
Native; herbaceous perennial
Plants in the milkweed family are the single most important source of food for the threatened monarch butterfly
Plant about 18" apart; biggest challenge will be containing them
Very aggressive spreader; might want to remove the seed pods before they open to reduce spreading
Best suited for naturalized areas like open fields, meadows, and butterfly gardens
Prefers full sunlight-grows best in an open area with 6-8 hrs of sunlight daily
Prefers dry to medium average, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry conditions, infertile soil, and rocky conditions
Does not need watering except in the driest conditions. Water deeply, giving the plants between one to two inches of water, then wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures and humidity but because it's native to eastern parts of the United States, will not do well in extreme and extended heat or humidity
There's no need to fertilize it
- 13—Lobelia
Perennnial, widely grown as annual in USA
Attracts pollinators
Plant outdoors in spring, will flower by early summer
Doesn't need to be deadheaded: self-cleans
Not too picky about sunlight, can thrive in partial shade to full sun locations
If your summers are very hot, plant where it will receive direct sun only in the morning and part-shade to shade in the afternoon
Likes rich, well-drained soil - avoid sogginess, keep soil moist
In dry areas, water every few days in summer and more often if the weather is exceptionally hot
In hot climates, plant where it will be protected from the peak afternoon sun to prevent scorch or plant death
Regular watering will help maintain enough humidity for the plant to do well; in very dry conditions the leaves might shrivel (can be saved if quick)
Annual lobelia will not survive freezing temperatures and is generally discarded in the winter; does best in moderate temperatures and with moderate humidity
Best results by fertilizing every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants
Continue to fertilize regularly thru the summer
- 14—Zinnias
Annuals
Thrive and grow easily in hot climates
Need full sun
Very drought tolerant, usually do not need supplemental watering
Flower all summer and often into fall
Do not need to be deadheaded but may bloom longer if you do
Best planted in spring
Can direct sow as soon as the soil has warmed and there is no chance of frost
Not picky about soil but must be well draining; roots cannot tolerate damp soil
Need their space; smaller varieties = 6" between plants, larger varieties = 12-18"
Make great cut flowers for bouquets-the more you pick, the more they bloom
They may pause flowering for a while, but they'll start up again
- 15—Angelonia
Annual in cooler climates, perennial in zones 9 and higher
Native to Mexico, west indies, S.A.
Low maintenance, no deadheading
Full sun for max blooms - at least 6-8 hrs; less than that will result in tall, leggy plants with fewer blooms
Tolerates wide variety of soils but prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil
Quite hardy and will keep blooming through periods of drought; water when the top few inches of soil feels dry
Fertilize monthly because they are light feeders and too much fertilizer will cause an overgrowth of foliage at the expense of flowers
Pinching the plants when they're young promotes bushier growth
Loves hot, humid conditions
- 16—Butterfly bush
Shrub, perennial
Hardy; resistant to insect pests, drought, and stress.
Grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in a full sun location
If planting more than one, space them well apart: 5 - 6 feet
Blend in peat moss before planting if the soil is dense and poorly draining
In colder climates, butterfly bush often dies back to the ground in winter and is treated like a herbaceous perennial
In warm climates, they can be pruned back in the same way to keep them under control and stimulate better blooming(evergreen shrub in these areas)
The spent flower spikes of butterfly bush should be removed promptly after flowering to stimulate continued blooming right up to frost and reduce the chances of self-seeding(aggressive self-seeder - don't let it scatter seeds!)
Categorized as invasive in certain parts of the US; give preference to varieties that are bred to be sterile or seedless
Pruning it all the way to ground level each spring stimulates vigorous growth and profuse flowering
Does not need much in the way of winter protection
- 17—Hibiscus
Annual or perennial herbaceous plant; hardy and tropical varieties
Grows in full sun or partial shade and does best in moist, fertile, loamy, well-drained soil (most prefer a slightly acidic soil pH)
Tropical hibiscus varieties are perfect indoors or in warm climates; temps below 50°F can kill tropical varieties
Hardy varieties or Rose of Sharon are better for cooler parts of NA; can withstand colder winter temps and are easier to grow(Rose of Sharon is classified as invasive in places)
Loves bright conditions; full sun in northern climates, filtered sun in southern climates
If your hardy hibiscus(wetland natives) are not planted near a pond or in another wet area, water them on a regular basis
All hibiscus need to be kept moist; depending on the conditions, you might need to water your hibiscus daily(mulching around the plant base can help with moisture retention)
To encourage healthy blooms, feed plants with a high potassium and high nitrogen fertilizer
Hardy hibiscus benefit from annual winter pruning once they are established
- 18—Purple coneflower(echinacea)
Herbaceous perennial; native
Start blooming in early summer and will repeat-bloom throughout the first frost
To get the most blooms (and the sturdiest plants), plant in a spot that gets at least 6-8hrs of full sunlight each day; will tolerate partial shade but may eventually flop over and blooms won't be as prolific
Can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils; do not like wet or mucky soil
Often listed as drought-tolerant plants but will do much better with fairly regular watering
Water them daily just after planting, then an inch of water per week for the rest of the first year
Thrives in hot, dry climates but can handle a range of temperature and humidity fluctuations; do not do as well in very humid climates or in rainy areas where the soil stays wet
Can prune if desired; can leave the plants standing throughout the winter months to feed the birds and shear them back in the spring to get bushier plants that bloom longer into the season
Deadheading is the primary maintenance for coneflowers prolific bloomers
- 19—New York Ironweed
Herbaceous perennial
Native to eastern & southeastern USA
Found in wet meadows and pastures, streambanks, low-lying woods, and marshes
Attracts numerous pollinators
Prefers rich, loamy, moist soil that is slightly acidic but will readily survive in less favorable conditions
Will need at least 1" of water per week and will tolerate even more
Will also do well in boggy, poorly draining soils
Large plants so space them at least 24" apart—they will quickly fill in
Prefer full sun but can thrive in partial sun too
Needs at least four hours of direct sunlight each day, but six to eight hours is better
In colder climates the plant prefers as much sun as possible
Readily tolerates the heat and humidity patterns throughout its hardiness range
Requires no pruning but deadheading spent flowers is a good idea to limit its self-seeding habit, which can cause the plant to spread invasively
At the end of the growing season, garden plants can be cut down to near ground level
- 20—Coral bells
Perennial(short-lived)
Native to North America
Easy to grow in a semi-shady location in well-draining, organically rich soil(some hybrid cultivars can do quite well in full sun though they will require more water to thrive); color can become washed out in full sun, too much light scorches leaves
Don't need much maintenance but you can cut back the entire flower stalk after flowering to put the plant's energy into growing more leaves
If the leaves get a bit ragged looking cut them back and new growth should fill in fast
Deadheading faded flowers regularly will help ensure repeated blooming all summer and into fall
Prefer consistently moist, humus-rich soil with a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH, needs good drainage
Established plants will tolerate some drought but an inch of water per week is best
In regions with frigid winters, winter mulching will help prevent the freezing/thawing cycle that pushes the plants up; check periodically to make sure roots are not exposed
Feed in the spring with a one-half-inch layer of compost or a light amount of slow-release fertilizer
- 21—Crepe myrtle
Deciduous tree/large shrub
Native to Asia
Blooms July-September
Full sun to thrive, at least 6hrs sun daily
Prefers well-draining, neutral or slightly acidic soil
Avoid very rich soil(will produce more foliage than flowers)
Needs water often, especially if soil is not moist; water roots deeply and avoid foliage
Only fertilize your crepe myrtle very lightly or avoid it completely
Before fertilizing, the best thing to do is to run a simple soil test to see if your soil is really deficient or if there is another issue
Crepe myrtles bloom on new wood, so pruning in the winter or early spring will promote prolific blooming
If you are trying to establish your plant as a tree form, it is important to prune all but one trunk off to establish a leader
Pruning can aid in bloom production and help beautify the plant by exposing the exfoliating bark, increasing seasonal interest, and establishing the best size and form by removing suckers and errant branches
- 22—Russian sage
Sub-shrub often grown as a perennial
Plant in the late spring when the soil is warm but before the weather is too hot and dry
Grown individually, it often requires support with stakes or a peony ring
Grown in masses, the plants help to support one another
Mint family; spreads by runners and needs to be monitored to keep it contained
Divide the plants every 4-6years to refresh them
Plant in full sun; shade makes them leggy and prone to collapse
Thrive in dryish, well-drained soil, including sandy soil; may develop root rot in dense, poorly drained conditions
Once established, Russian sage is very drought-tolerant. It likes medium to dry soil and will do fine in hot, dry areas of your yard or garden
Warm regions=semi-woody shrub, cooler=a perennial that dies back to near ground level each winter(must hard prune here)
Responds poorly if given too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen
Many choose to severely prune Russian sage annually
Pruning can be done in the fall, but do it in early spring if winter appeal is desired; cut the stems back to 8 to 12"
- 23—Petunia
Annual(cold climate), perennial(warm climate)
Many types of petunias, 5 main groups
Prefer sun to shade, extreme heat with harsh sun will temp. cease blooming
The plants will require regular watering and feeding throughout the growing season (spring to fall). And they might appreciate some protection from extreme weather, which can involve moving petunias in pots to a protected area or setting up a temporary cover over petunias in flower beds.
- 24—Lantana
Perennial in zones 9-11; otherwise annual
Plant in spring as annual
Enjoy full sun and should receive at least six hours (or more) of direct sunlight every day
Can tolerate some afternoon shade but will flower less if planted in a shady spot
Thrive in well-draining soil. They will grow in most soil conditions but prefer a neutral pH
Water lantana thoroughly, about one inch per week, and do not let it dry out. With sandy soil, you will likely need to water every day. If blooming has slowed or stopped altogether, try more water
May survive in a light frost, but if the temperature dips below 28 degrees Fahrenheit or stays cold for a long time, the plant will die
It enjoys humid weather and can even survive with salt spray
Lantana plants do not require much fertilizer when the plant is in the ground—once in the early spring should suffice
They are very low-maintenance and too much fertilizer can decrease the abundance of flowers
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- 33SedumSedum(stonecrop)
- 34Feather celosiaadd more here
- 35Cardinal flowerf
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- GMAT horticulture Flashcards on Horticulture Need-to-know, created by Chandler EuBank on 07/02/2023.
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