What is Leatherleaf? Thick, leathery leaves are often an adaptation of nature that allows plants to survive searing sun and drought. So it may surprise you to learn that this type of leatherleaf is a bog plant, growing in wetlands in the northeastern part of the country, and up through Canada to Alaska. According to leatherleaf plant information, this shrub has narrow, somewhat leathery leaves and huge underground rhizomes. These look like thick roots and, in leatherleaf, they extend up to 12 inches (31 cm....

Marrow Squash Plant Info The vegetable Curcurbita pepo is the variety of squash most commonly called marrow. However, Curcurbita maxima and Curcurbita maschata are similar squash varieties which may be sold under the same common name. They produce medium to large plants that will continually produce new fruits throughout the growing season. The heavy production and compact growth habit of marrow vegetable plants make them ideal size for pocket gardens in smaller landscapes....

Can I Save My Overly Dry Container Plant? Leaf wilt is a sign of stress and the first indication that a potted plant is too dry. At this point, regular watering may restore the plant. Indications that a potted plant is badly dehydrated include slow growth, yellowing and curling of lower leaves, and browning or brittleness of leaf edges. Dry plants often pull away from the sides of the pot. The leaves may take on a translucent appearance and the plant may drop its leaves prematurely....

Ohio Goldenrod Information Ohio goldenrod, Solidago ohioensis, is a flowering, erect perennial that grows to about 3-4 feet (around a meter) in height. These goldenrod plants have flat, lance-like leaves with a blunt tip. They are primarily hairless and the leaves at the base of the plant have long stalks and are much bigger than the upper leaves. This wildflower bears yellow flower heads with 6-8 short, rays that open on stems that are branched at the top....

Pagoda Dogwood Information Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a large shrub or small tree for a garden or backyard. The pagoda dogwood is hardy in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. It is also an attractive plant. When you are growing pagoda dogwood trees, you’ll see that the branches are tiered and horizontal, turning up slightly at the tips. Pagoda dogwood information suggests that the blossoms are also a nice addition to a landscape....

If you have a balcony or patio it’s also a wonderful place to put your plants during nice weather. They will get natural light throughout the day and normal cool down temperatures at night. When winter comes you can bring them in and line them up against the patio door. Plants for Garden Rooms & Patios Patios sheltered at the side and roofed balconies are a good place for wind-sensitive plants....

Can You Hard Prune Red Tips? Photinia tolerates even the most severe pruning and grows back looking better than ever. The only problem with hard pruning is that the tender new growth is susceptible to scales and aphids. Keep a bottle of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil on hand and use them according to the label instructions at the first sign of insects. Photinia Rejuvenation Rejuvenate red tip photinia when the shrub doesn’t color up as it should or when it looks overgrown, congested, or straggly with dead areas in the center....

How to Propagate Fuchsia Cuttings Fuchsia cuttings can be taken anytime from spring through fall, with spring being the most ideal time. Cut or pinch out a young growing tip, about 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) in length, just above the second or third pair of leaves. Remove any bottom leaves and, if desired, you can apply rooting hormone, though it’s not an absolute. You can then insert three or four cuttings in a 3-inch (7....

Is Pruning of Peony Necessary? Is pruning of peony necessary, and if so, how do you go about peony pruning? In fact, peonies need very little pruning, but as with any shrub, pruning helps to promote good overall health and the control of insects and diseases. Peony pruning can help maintain the shape of the plant. When to Trim Peonies Herbaceous peonies are tender-stemmed plants that die back naturally in fall and regrow again in spring....

Cutting Back Indigo Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is an ancient plant, famous for the intense blue dye which is extracted from the leaves. Although most clothing manufacturers have switched to chemical dyes, true indigo dye is still favored by people who prefer to work with natural dyes – especially manufacturers of premium denim. A beautiful, arching plant that shoots up from the base, indigo produces masses of purple or pink flowers that burst forth in summer and early fall....

What is Ganoderma Rot? Many people have never heard of Ganoderma root rot and wonder what it is. This serious rot disease is caused by a Ganoderma fungus. If you have deciduous trees in your yard, they may be susceptible to attack. Sometimes conifers are vulnerable to Ganoderma disease as well. If one of your trees has this disease, you will see definite Ganoderma symptoms, which causes the decay of the heartwood....

Regrowing Bok Choy Plants in Water Growing bok choy from a stalk is easy. •Chop off the base of the bok choy, much like you would slice the base of a bunch of celery. •Place the bok choy in a bowl or saucer of warm water, with the cut side facing up. Set the bowl on a windowsill or another sunny location. •Change the water every day or two. It’s also a good idea to occasionally mist the center of the plant to keep it well-hydrated....

Planting Shrubs in Rocky Soil Rocky soil and gravel beds make quick-draining gardens but lack the nutrients many plants need to survive. Amending the soil is possible if you don’t mind the very long process. The other option is to find shrubs that grow in gravel. Fortunately, there are more than a few. Many gardeners use their gravel soil areas to build rock gardens. Planting shrubs in rocky soil can create a garden for all seasons if you select the correct plants....

Do Boxwoods Have a Scent? Some people are reporting that their boxwood has a bad odor. More specifically, people complain about boxwood bushes that smell like cat urine. The English boxwood seems to be the main culprit. To be fair, the odor has also been described as resinous, and a resinous scent certainly isn’t a bad thing. Personally, I have never noticed this smell in any boxwoods nor have any of my clients complained to me about smelly boxwood shrubs....

A variegated form of bishop’s weed plant is popular in home gardens. This form, (Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’) displays small, bluish-green leaves with white edges. The creamy white color provides a luminous effect in shady areas, which probably explains why bishop’s weed plant is also known as “snow on the mountain.” Eventually, you may notice variegation loss in bishop’s weed plants. If your bishop’s weed is losing its variegation, read on for information....

Starkrimson Pear Info The origin of the Starkrimson pear variety was simply a fluke. It occurred as what is known in fruit growing as a sport. It was the result of a spontaneous mutation and was discovered on a tree in Missouri. Growers found one branch of red pears on a tree that typically has green pears. The new variety was given the name Starkrimson for its stunning, rich red color and for the nursery that patented it, Stark Brothers....

What is a Tanoak Tree? Tanoak evergreen trees belong to the beech family, but they are considered an evolutionary link between oaks and chestnuts. The acorns they bear have spiny caps like chestnuts. The trees are not small. They can grow to 200 feet (61 m.) tall as they mature with a trunk diameter of 4 feet (1 m.). Tanoaks live for several centuries. Tanoak evergreen grows in the wild on the West Coast of the country....

Most methods for corn planting are similar. The differences depend on type of soil, available space, and whether or not you need to amend the soil for growing corn. How to Grow Your Own Corn If you want to grow your own corn, you need to know how to grow corn from seed. There aren’t many people who actually start corn plants first; it just isn’t feasible. Corn enjoys growing in an area that allows for full sunshine....

Cool Climate Tropical Gardens There are a few ways to go about creating cool climate tropical gardens. One obvious choice is to select tropical plants that can tolerate the cold. They aren’t too numerous, but there are some tropical plants that can survive outdoors through the winter. The passionflower, for example, can survive in environments as cold as USDA zone 6. Gunnera is hardy down to zone 7. The Hedychium ginger lily can tolerate temperatures down to 23 F....

Ideas for a Recycled Water Feature This is a great DIY project for anyone who likes to tinker with materials and put them together to make something new. Sure, you can buy a fountain from the nursery or garden store, but how much rewarding would it be to make your own creative version. Here are some ideas for old materials you can turn into DIY water features: Stack galvanized steel buckets and tubs, barrels, watering cans, or old flower pots you don’t need any more to make a cascading fountain....