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Common Jasmine Plant Leaf Problems Many species of jasmine are tough enough to withstand most diseases. Jasmine also tends not to suffer damage from insect pests. However, some diseases and pests can strike any ornamental shrub, and jasmine species are not completely immune. One fairly common problem that causes jasmine plant leaf problems is called leaf spot and it is caused by fungi. Look for irregular tan or brown spots, round or oval, that appear on the leaves in July or August....

Holiday plant ideas should be a bit more adventurous and/or unusual. A fern or pathos is nice, but how about something with a bit of color such as a red foliage houseplant or even more unique a houseplant with green and red leaves. Here are five festive houseplants that make great gifts. Green and Red Foliage Houseplants Christmas plant gift ideas often include the usual suspects such as amaryllis, paper white, Christmas cactus, cyclamen and the ubiquitous poinsettia to name a few....

Types of Blue and White Flowers Blue and white are among the most traditional colors associated with Hanukkah. It is only natural that many Hanukkah flower centerpieces also feature these colors prominently. Several types of white flowers are commonly available throughout the entire year. Some of the most popular species include roses, oriental lilies, chrysanthemums, and carnations. In addition to their immense visual interest, many are also highly fragrant. Live, potted plants can also be used to create a festive home atmosphere....

Harvesting Seeds of Agapanthus Although you can purchase agapanthus seeds and you’ll know exactly what color to expect, it’s easy to harvest seeds of agapanthus when the pods turn from green to pale brown in late summer or autumn. Here’s how: Once you have removed the agapanthus seed pods from the plant, place them in a paper bag and store them in a dry location until the pods split open. Remove the seeds from the split pods....

Ariel Plum Tree Information Ariel plum trees were developed in Alnarp, Sweden from Autumn Compote and Count Althan’s Gage and were introduced into the market in 1960. The ariel plum is a vigorous upright tree that reliably produces crops, year after year. These attractive plum trees have an upright, yet open, growth habit. The trees produce medium to large, oblong fruit with a dusky pink exterior and a bright golden pulp with a semi-clinging stone....

Arizona Ash Tree Information Arizona ash (Fraximus velutina) is an upright, stately tree with a rounded canopy of deep green leaves. It is relatively short-lived but may survive 50 years with proper care. Arizona ash reaches heights of 40 to 50 feet (12-15 m.) and widths of 30 to 40 feet (9-12 m.). Young Arizona ash trees display smooth, light gray bark that turns rougher, darker, and more textural as the tree matures....

USDA Map Of Zones For Plants & Trees In Arkansas The USDA Arkansas growing zones map will help you understand the type of plants that can grow where you live. To use the USDA Arkansas hardiness zone map, find the place you live on the map and compare the color of that place on the map with the legend. This will tell you exactly which USDA Arkansas gardening zone you live in....

Growing a Kurrajong bottle tree is not difficult since the species is tolerant of most soils. Read on for more information about bottle tree care. Kurrajong Tree Info The Australian bottle tree is a pretty specimen with a rounded canopy. It rises to some 50 feet (15 m.) high and wide, offering an evergreen canopy of shiny, lance-shaped or lobed leaves several inches (8 cm.) long. It is fairly common to see leaves with three lobes or even five lobes, and Kurrajong bottle trees do not have thorns....

Planting Basil Seeds When it comes to planting basil seeds, make sure you’re planting basil seeds in an area where they will get six to eight hours of sunshine daily. The soil should have a neutral pH so that they have the best chance of growing. Simply plant the seeds in a row and cover them with about 1/4-inch (6.5 mm.) of soil. Once the plants grow to a few inches (5 to 10 cm....

Christmas Cactus Soil Requirements In its native Brazil, the Christmas cactus has very specific growing conditions. It’s an epiphyte, meaning it grows on the trunks of larger trees and gains most of its moisture from the air. It sinks its roots into decomposing leaves and debris resting on the sides of trees. It also draws some moisture from this makeshift soil, but because of its small volume and position high in the air, this soil dries out easily even with daily rainfall....

What are Bulb Mites? Bulb mites are tiny critters that feed on bulbs. They aren’t insects – they’re actually arachnids, like spiders. They enter the bulbs of plants through wounds and soft points in the surface. Usually, they take advantage of spots that have already been damaged by an outside force, but they also help the process along by chewing on the outside of the bulb and allowing easy access for bacteria and fungi that cause the bulb to rot....

Butterfly Bush Container Growing If you’re serious about growing a butterfly bush in a pot, a whiskey barrel may be your best bet. The pot must be deep enough to contain the roots and heavy enough to keep the plant from toppling over. Whatever you decide to use, be sure the pot has at least a couple of good drainage holes. Consider a rolling platform. Once the pot is planted, it will be very difficult to move....

Anise Insect Repellent Anise is a stunning, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant with feathery upper leaves and umbrella-shaped clusters of dainty yellowish-white flowers. But, does anise repel bugs in the garden? Commercial pest control products are loaded with chemicals that are harmful to pets, human beings and the environment. Seasoned gardeners say anise pest control is an easy, nontoxic way to discourage aphids and other harmful pests. Aphids may be tiny, but the voracious little sapsuckers can decimate a healthy plant in nothing flat....

Blue Lace Flower Info Blue lace flower plants (Trachymene coerulea aka Didiscus coeruleas) are low-maintenance annuals that are ideal for sunny borders, cutting gardens, or flower beds where they provide sweetly scented blooms from late summer until the first frost. These old-fashioned charmers also look great in containers. Mature height of the plant is 24 to 30 inches (61-75 cm.). Growing blue lace is an easy task if you can provide a sunny spot with average, well-drained soil....

How to Grow Hardy Red Kiwi Like all species of kiwi, Hardy Red requires both a male and female plant to produce fruit. These deciduous climbing vines can reach 30 feet (9 m.) and bear fruit on second-year wood. A sturdy trellis or arbor is required to support the vines. Hardy Red kiwi vine can be started from seed by sowing indoors in late spring. Although mature vines are winter-hardy, new growth can be damaged by frost....

What Do Potatoes Need to Sprout? Potatoes are a little like seedlings in that they need light to grow. But, unlike seedlings, they do not need a growing medium like soil to sprout. All you will need for sprouting seed potatoes is the seed potatoes and a bright window or a fluorescent lamp. Steps for How to Sprout a Potato Before You Plant It You will start sprouting potatoes three to four weeks before you will be able to plant your potatoes out in the garden....

How to Save Foxglove Seeds Foxglove seeds form in pods at the base of wilted blooms when flowering ends in midsummer. The pods, which turn dry and brown and look a little like turtles’ beaks, ripen at the bottom of stems first. Foxglove seed harvesting should begin when the pods begin to crack. Always collect seeds on a dry day after morning dew has evaporated. Don’t wait too long because the pods will soon turn down and the tiny seeds will fall onto the ground....

Crataegus Tree Information What is a mayhaw? The scientific name for mayhaw fruit trees is Crataegus aestivalis, the same genus as the other some 800 species of hawthorn tree. The features that make the mayhaw special among hawthorns are the edible fruit they produce and their outstanding ornamental qualities. These are the primary reasons people start growing mayhaws. Mayhaw fruit trees can present as shrubs or round-topped small trees no taller than 30 feet (10 m....

Types of Chicory If you have decided to plant chicory in your garden, you will have several chicory plant varieties to choose among. The three basic types of chicory are Belgian endive, radicchio, and puntarelle, but you can get different cultivars of some of these. Belgian Endive – One of the three different chicory plants available for your garden is Belgian endive. Do not confuse this with regular endive lettuce that you buy in the grocery store....

Chasmanthe plants are prized in the ornamental landscape for their broad foliage and vibrant orange-red flowers. Growth of the plant emerges from corms in fall in regions with only light frost. From late winter into early spring, the plant will burst into bloom before once again going into dormancy. This period of warm weather dormancy is what allows the plant to continue to grow and multiply in the landscape. Digging up Chasmanthe corms and then dividing them once every four years will be essential to maintain bloom and promoting overall plant health....