Using Forsythia as a Hedge Planting forsythia hedges requires appropriate spacing of the plants and regular pruning. If you want a more natural look, space the plants several yards (3 m.) apart and allow them, over time, to partially fill in the spaces between. If you want a sheared, formal hedge, leave less space between the forsythia shrubs. When you are planning forsythia hedge spacing, take into account the mature height and spread of your species of forsythia....

Immature Fruit Drop If fruit tree blossoms aren’t thinned prior to opening, up to 90 percent of the small, hard fruit that develops right after pollination will eventually be shed from the tree. This can be a natural part of tree fruit development, since few fruit trees can divert enough energy from growing to support all these new fruits. Naturally, they shed the fruits if they can so that other fruits in the cluster or on that branch can grow larger....

Common Gardenia Insects One of the biggest gardenia leaf pests is the aphid. These can be quite challenging to deal with. These pesky gardenia bugs have soft little bodies and are tear-shaped. They cluster usually below leaves and around new growth on the gardenia plant. The aphids actually suck the fluid from the plant, which is why they like the new growth because it tends to be more lush and moist....

Causes of Geraniums with Yellow Leaves One of the most common causes of yellowing leaves is too much moisture or overwatering. Generally, on overwatered plants, the bottom portions of geraniums have yellow leaves. They may also develop pale looking water spots. If this is the case, you should immediately stop watering and allow the plants to dry out. Remember, geraniums are drought-tolerant plants and they do not like too much water....

What is a Golden Leyland Tree? The golden Leyland cypress tree is a standout specimen that adds a punch to the landscape. The plants make great hedges or stand-alone details. These are very hardy plants that perform well in USDA zones 5 through 9. Plant them in full sun to maximize their golden color. You can choose cultivars such as Gold Rider or Castlewellan Gold. Both make popular ornamentals or hedge trees....

Growing Breadfruit in a Pot Can you grow breadfruit in a container? Yes, but it’s not going to be the same as growing it in the ground. In the wild in their native southeast Asia, breadfruit trees can reach 85 feet (26 m.) in height. That’s simply not going to happen in a container. Since breadfruit trees also take many years to reach maturity and begin to bear fruit, there’s a good chance you won’t ever reach the harvest stage....

Growing Irises in Zone 5 There are plenty of cold hardy iris varieties available. In fact, many irises like the cold and prefer having a drop in temperature during which they become dormant. This isn’t the case for all irises, but it is for many. You won’t be able to grow all irises in zone 5, but you are certainly not without options. When growing iris plants in cold climates, their care isn’t much different than anywhere else....

How and When to Prune Pistachio Trees According to California Rare Fruit Growers, initial pruning involves training the pistachio tree to a central leader with four or five primary (scaffold) limbs about 4 feet (1 m.) above the ground. The lowest branch should be about 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) above the ground. Plan carefully, as this will be the primary structure of the tree. For example, although the branches should be equidistant around the circumference of the tree, they shouldn’t be directly across from one another....

Growing a Passion Vine Outside Year Round The first step that you need to take is to make sure that where you are growing a passion vine outside is somewhere that the vine will be happy year-round. For most climates, you will want to make sure that the Passiflora vine is planted in a somewhat sheltered area. For cooler climates, plant your passion flower vine near a foundation on a building, near a large rock, or concrete surface....

What is Pyrethrum? Pyrethrum is a chemical extract containing two active compounds, pyrethrin I and pyrethrin II. In these forms, the chemical is directly derived from several different species of chrysanthemum as well as the painted daisy. Anything you find in a garden center has probably been highly refined for garden use. There is another group with a similar name, the pyrethroids, which are derived from pyrethrum, but are in all ways synthetic and not necessarily approved for organic gardens....

Growing Lacebark Pines Lacebark pine is a slow-growing tree that, in the garden, reaches heights of 40 to 50 feet (12-15 m.). The width of this picturesque tree is usually at least 30 feet (9 m.), so allow plenty of space for growing lacebark pines. If you’re short on space, dwarf lacebark pine trees are available. For example, ‘Diamant’ is a miniature variety that tops out at 2 feet (61 cm....

Benefits of Coconut Basket Liners There are several reasons for using coconut fiber liners. They can hold a great deal of water, releasing it slowly to allow plant roots to better take it up. These water-saving coconut liners also provide good drainage. They’re porous too, allowing for good aeration. These liners are very absorbent, so if hanging baskets or planters should become too dry, they will quickly re-absorb water. In addition, the organic material of coconut coir contains a neutral pH (6....

Lemon Tree Life Cycle The average lifespan of lemon trees is over 50 years. With proper care and disease prevention practices, a vigorous tree can live over 100 years. Diseases can shorten the life of a lemon tree, but good care leads to a strong, healthy tree less susceptible to diseases. Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your tree: Plant lemon trees in a location with eight or more hours of direct sunlight each day....

Morning Glory Watering Needs – Germination Morning glory watering needs are different in the varying stages of their lives. If you want to plant morning glory seeds, you’ll need to soak them for 24 hours before planting. Soaking loosens the hard outer coat of the seed and encourages germination. Once you’ve planted the seeds, keep the soil surface consistently moist until the seeds sprout. Watering morning glories at this stage is critical....

Greek Mullein Plants If you’ve never heard of Olympic Greek mullein, you’ve been missing something special. This species of mullein, native to southern Greece and the Olympus Mountains in Turkey, is both attractive and elegant. Some say it is the finest plant in the Verbascum genus. The plant’s foliage is evergreen and beautiful. The silvery felted leaves grow in broad rosettes low to the ground, almost like succulents. Each leaf can grow to a foot long (31 cm....

Piperia Plant Info Piperia rein orchids produce fragrant flower spikes of white to greenish white, or sometimes white with green stripes. This elegant wildflower blooms in early and mid-summer. Rein orchid plants are best enjoyed in their natural environment and they’re almost certain to die if you attempt to transplant wild plants into your garden. Like many terrestrial orchids, rein orchids have a symbiotic relationship with tree roots, fungus, and decaying plant debris in the soil and they won’t grow in a habitat that isn’t just right....

Poinsettia Plant Toxicity Here’s the real truth about the toxicity of poinsettias: You can relax and enjoy these gorgeous plants in your home, even if you have pets or young children. Although the plants aren’t for eating and they might cause an unpleasant upset tummy, it has been proven time and time again that poinsettias are NOT poisonous. According to University of Illinois Extension, rumors regarding the toxicity of poinsettias have circulated for nearly 80 years, long before the advent of the Internet rumor mills....

What is a Potato Bush? The potato bush plant (Lycianthes rantonnetii), a native of Argentina and Paraguay, is best suited to the frost-free climates found in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and higher. A member of the Solanum family, it is closely related to potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, but you should never eat it because it is poisonous. Common names for this plant include blue potato bush, Paraguay nightshade, and blue solanum shrub....

How to Plant Campanula Seed Growing campanula from seed is easy; but if you’re planting seeds for campanula propagation, you’ll need to do so at least eight to ten weeks prior to spring. Since the seeds are so small, they barely need covering. Simply sprinkle them over a seed-starting tray filled with moist peat or potting mix (with about three seeds per cell) and cover them lightly. Then place the tray in a warm location of 65 to 70 degrees F....

Growing Flowering Crabapple Ralph Shay crabapple trees are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. The tree grows in nearly any type of well-drained soil, but isn’t well suited for hot, dry desert climates or areas with wet, humid summers. Before planting, amend the soil generously with organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure. Surround the tree with a thick layer of mulch after planting to prevent evaporation and keep the soil evenly moist, but don’t allow the mulch to pile up against the base of the trunk....