Added Oct 4, 2010

Today’s topic will be focused on Growing and Caring for Hostas.

Hostas are one of the most sought after perennial plant for part sun to shade areas. So what is so great about Hostas? Well Hostas are a pretty care free perennial , with a few exceptions. With thousands of varieties out there today what are the best well not sure there is any that are considered the best, but there is a list of many favorites . To name a few Patriot Hosta, Blue Angel Hosta, Striptease and many more.

One thing many question is when is a good time to dividing hostas.. My personal preference is in the spring in your area when the hostas are first popping out of the ground.. The easiest time to split and divide. However, many divide them throughout the season with success but pay attention to your weather and moisture.

A few years ago the Hosta virus X was indicated in some varieties. This was a major concern for many hosta gardeners and growers. Make sure when splitting to use a 10 percent bleach solution to clean your tools when splitting several different varieties. Many hosta growers are now taking special care to prevent this from happening and spreading.

Hostas really only have a few insect problems , when in a damp area or long periods of rain, slugs and snails can destroy hostas and make them cosmetically ugly.. There is many natural remedies for these little pests to help control the infestations.

Plant Hostas in a well drained sun to shade area. The type of light will really depend on your area and your heat.. Hostas can look very different in appearance when exposed to different areas of lighting. Hostas also love moisture when long periods of dry spell make sure you water them. Water in the morning so you have the day for them to dry off so you can prevent slug and snail damage.

Hostas look beautiful throughout the season, you can combine many other perennials with hostas such as heuchera,  ferns, astilbe, foxglove and many more.

Hostas also look nice with annual flowers such as impatiens, coleus, lobelia, these are a few examples.

Enjoy your Hostas growing, they are such a joy to have in your landscape.

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Added Oct 4, 2010

 How to Grow and Care For Knock Out Roses

The Creator and Breeder of Knock Out Roses, William Radler, Rose Breeder, Creator of The Knock Out Rose

In 2000 The Knock Out Rose was given the prestigious AARS award (All American Rose Selection). Since its introduction The Knock Out Rose has easily become the best selling new rose on the market.

William Radler is not finished breeding the maintenance out of roses. He still finds the need to spend long hours with the stress of mosquito swatting and weed pulling and getting my hands dirty – “There seems to be so much more to do, Radler says . I want easier roses in all different colors, sizes and fragrances.”

Testing is being done on many selections at commercial nurseries.

Radler’s next crop of roses, will be thinned from 600 to 350 in his laboratory basement, and will be tested in a outdoor environment.

William’s dream is to have so many rose introductions that they will then need their own catalog.

How to Plant a Knock Out Rose

1)Dig a hole twice as wide as the container or root ball.. Make sure you plant at ground level and not to deep. Add organic matter such as compost, manure , peat moss etc.

2)The next step is to remove the rose from the container. Make sure it is moist already before placing in the hole. You should also remove any broken canes or tiny canes by simple pruning. Loosen the roots and place in the hole.

3) Place the rose in the center of the hole In zones 6-10, the bud union should be about 1″ above the soil surface. In zones 5 and under, it’s a good idea to bury the bud union 1″ or so under the soil surface. Results also planting at ground level as also worked in some areas.

4)Now you can add some soil around the rose , at this time go ahead and water in slightly, then back fill more soil until the rose is covered go ahead and make sure the soil is packed around the base.. Water in once again. Then apply your mulch. You can use leaves, wood chips , etc. You want to make sure it is well protected for harsh winters. Keep and eye on newly planted roses, if you get a dry spell be sure and water.

Knock Out Roses have shown some beneficial characteristics

1) Long blooming, Blooms from Spring until Frost
2) Low Maintenance, Easy to grow
3) Fragrant, some varieties
4) Hardy to zone 5
5) Great Disease Resistance.

Varieties of Knock Out Roses on the Market Today

The Knock Out Rose
The Double Knock Out Rose
The Pink Knock Out Rose
The Pink Double Knock Out Rose
The Rainbow Knock Out Rose
The Blushing Knock Out Rose
The Sunny Knock Out Rose

How to Prune a Knock Out Rose

In early spring after the last hard frost simply use a device that is used for pruning . Cut down to the size of 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the plant. A good rule of thumb is 12-18 inches above the ground. You will also notice the dead brown stems , this will help you determine your pruning.

The Knock Out Family of Roses doesn’t really need standard rose pruning. To promote healthy growth and encourage lots of flowers, in early spring (after the last hard frost), simply use hedge trimmers or loppers to shear the shrub down to about 1/3 or 1/2 it’s current height. It is okay if what remains is only about 12-18″ above the ground.

If left unpruned, the roses can grow to a height and width of 3-4′ tall. You may do trimming as desired to help maintain its shape.

How to Care for a Knock Out Rose

Knock Out Roses are generally easy to grow and care for and need no special care. They are known to be disease resistant and have a generous bloom cycle. Their bloom cycle is around every 5-6 weeks and continues until the first hard frost. Knock Out Roses are self cleaning there is no need to deadhead, but if you like a cleaner appearance you can cut off the spent flower section.

Knock Out Rose Family are winter hardy to Zone 5 and have a heat tolerance throughout the entire U.S They can survive and thrive in almost every area in the country. If you live in a colder region it is a good rule of thumb to place mulch around the base of the plant,

Where to Plant

Plant Knock Out Roses in full sun area , the area should receive at least gets 5-6 hours of sun. Plant in well drained soil.

Conclusion:
Knock Out Roses are very popular in landscapes today. You can plant them in groups , amongst other perennials, or annuals that required the same lighting requirements. Use them for hedges or borders and just about anywhere.

Get creative! and Happy Gardening!

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Added Oct 4, 2010

2011 Hosta of the Year Praying Hands – Resembles Hands Folded in Prayer

Every year the American Hosta Growers Association chooses a Hosta of the Year.

Each year everyone is eager to go out and purchase this hosta because of it’s notoriety.

The hosta of the year is special and is recognized throughout the gardening industry, why wouldn’t you want to add this variety to your hosta collection.

The 2011 Hosta of the Year is Praying Hands, special regards to breeder Jerry Williams for bringing us this very unique unusual hosta variety.

Many hostas have names and can be included in your landscape for a variety of reasons and causes, just because of name sake and here is one example.

Praying Hands Hosta makes for a great plant to grow in memorial gardens, a special garden where you are honoring either a special loved one, a pet, etc.

Praying Hands hosta is a small curled leaved hosta with a touch of white to goldest edging, very unique and unusual attributes that some say doesn’t even look like a hosta, but if you are looking for a smaller hosta this may be one for you to add to your hosta collection.

Let’s talk more on the attributes of this unique, much sought after Hosta

Praying Hands has twisted, folded, wavy and narrow leaves that grow upward in a vase-like fashion that resemble hands folded in prayer.

Since this Hosta is in smaller nature, it will do great in container gardening. Grows to a height of just 14 inches, scape height to 18 inches and a spread of 18 inches.

Praying Hands Hosta grows in Zone 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Blooms purple shade flowers in Late Summer. It’s growth rate is rated as a medium grower.

To grow the very best hostas, plant in shade to part shade area, not recommended is hot afternoon sun and grow where the soil is dark and a extra touch of enriched with organic matter never hurts.

Hosta’s are relatively easy to grow and will reward you year after year with an abundance of new growth.

In closing, Praying Hands Hosta is a must for anyone’s Hosta collection.

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How to Grow and Care For Heuchera Also Called Coral Bells

Today’s topic is exploring the world of Heuchera’s also known as Coral Bells.

If you are needing color and contrast in your landscape all season long, Have you thought of adding Heuchera perennial plants?

Why are Heuchera’s becoming so popular? Well, the foliage outshines the bloom with most Heuchera’s, there is nothing like seeing all the different color combinations and contrasts.

Heuchera’s are easy to grow, carefree plants that bring so much value and beauty to your landscaped areas.

Every year new varieties are coming out, with different leaf shapes, sizes, textures, and color.

The foliage color ranges from purple, peach, green, burgundy, chartreuse, browns, and rusts. With many more to come.

Heuchera’s all bloom but in reality this is not the most significant attribute of them. The foliage color last’s all season making this the most valued feature.

Heuchera’s can be planted in the ground, but they really look great in pots during the season.

When most plants are done blooming, heuchera’s keep going and going and what is extra beautiful about them is they can change coloring as the season’s change.

Let’s begin by talking about Heuchera’s culture. They grow in a sun to partial shade, to shade areas, this will depend on the variety of heuchera you have and where you live.

Heuchera can look different in appearance depending on the lighting you are allowing it to have during the day. Hotter climates may choose to plant them in morning sun and afternoon shade, cooler climates may get by with more sun. Keep in mind where you live will and can make that difference in planting area.

Heuchera’s bloom in later spring and the color of the blooms varies with each variety, after their done blooming you can remove the stems to clean and tidy up the plant.

Heuchera grow in zones 4-9 and require well drained soil. Their size and mounded shape makes for a ideal plant in the garden.

When planting them make sure you do not bury the crown to deep, keep the crown slightly above the soil, this is where the new growth takes place. Pay close attention to this otherwise you could have some loss.

Dividing Heucheras should be done preferably in the spring. You will know if this is needed when the plant starts to separate in the center.

Placing mulch around the plants can never hurt, this keeps the weeds down and also protects your investment. Just don’t cover to much around the crown area.

So next time you are at the local nursery or gardening center, ask them about the new Heuchera varieties. There is some pretty great things happening in the Heuchera world.

Foliage color is becoming more and more an interest to gardeners around the world. Make sure you include Heuchera today.

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Added Oct 4, 2010

The Hostapedia Encyclopedia Review

The Hostapedia Book is here for all of you that enjoy Hosta gardening. This is for people that are business owners in the gardening industry. This book is for you the home owner, collector, hobbyist. You name it you will love this book.

The Hosta industry has well over 7000 different hosta species. You will find many beautiful Hosta photos and descriptions in this book.

The Hostapedia was written by Mark Zilis, Mark describes every hosta he has been around in the past 30 years. Included in this book is Hostas he has studied around United States and those too in Japan where he observed them in their natural habitat.

All hosta cultivars registered with the American Hosta Society, with a unbelievable number of photos, 1897 photos in the Hostapedia are showing the most important hostas, plus many unusual collector’s plants and hosta oddities all included inside this book.

Pages of interest within the first few pages of the hostapedia takes you through the introduction of the book.

Here is what is covered, Materials and Methods, Developing New Hostas, How Hostas are Named, Plant Patents, Plant Breeder’s Rights and Trademarks, Hosta Societies, Hosta Publications, and Guide to Reading Descriptions.

As you get through the introduction pages the Hosta Descriptions begin, here is where the beauty of this book shines through. There is Over 7400 hosta descriptions listed A-Z, 1897 color photos and Complete index of hosta names. Photos are beautifully displayed in this book, it will definitely get your juices going and excited

to find and add more varieties to your collection.

As we move through the book, next is the Bibliography, from there is a General Index, and finally the Hosta Name Index.

The Hostapedia is no whimpy book, You will be pleased to know it is a hardcover, with a outside cover to protect the book. You will be thrilled at it’s 1125 pages. The size of the Hostapedia Book is 9″ x 12″. Nicely put together with no fear of falling apart.

This hosta book is a must for anyone involved in the gardening industry and or home owner. A great resource for adding to your gardening book collection.

The Hostapedia Encyclopedia is a hosta lovers dream book, a nurseryman, catalog of knowledge, a gardeners resource for identifying Hostas.

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Oct 4, 2010

The American Hosta Growers Association has chosen Sum and Substance for the 2004 Hosta of the Year.

2004 Hosta of the Year ‘Sum and Substance’ is still soaring in popularity today.

If you are looking for a giant of a Hosta, this made be the Hosta for you.

When you are looking for different varieties of Hostas, what are you really looking for in that Hosta?

You want a Hosta that stands out, and performs in the landscape like no other. Sum and Substance is one hosta you need in your landscape and I will tell you why.

Here we go,

 Averaging 30 inches tall by a spread of 60 inches wide. It’s growth habit is upright, heart-shaped flat leaves with glossy chartreuse hue that changes to gold when and if exposed to more light.

The bloom is nearly white lilac in color that are borne on leaning scapes 36 inches long that appear in late July through mid-August.

Add Sum and Substance with green and blue hostas, which will really make this gold hosta shine. Plant them in numbers of 3, which balances and looks great in your beds.

This hosta adds interest all season, and changes can take place depending on where you plant. Lighting is very important to really see the beauty unfold.

So in closing, Sum and Substance makes a beautiful specimen plant. If you need or want to add contrast in your hosta gardens, you need to add this beauty of a Hosta to your hosta collection.

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Oct 4, 2010

How to Grow Japanese Painted Fern in Your Landscape

The Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’) is the top selling fern in the USA because it has great adapting abilities to grow in weather conditions in most of the country.

You will be delighted to know that this fern was awarded the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2004. What is so unique about this fern is that it was the first of it’s kind of a non blooming perennials to receive this award.

A favorite among gardeners and plant collectors. Very hardy and shines with beauty every year all through the season.

The leaves are a soft shade of metallic silver-gray with hints of red and blue. A fantastic specimen of a fern, when usually you are seeing ferns in color of green this one will delight you and surprise you by it’s beauty.

This superb fern is easily grown in loose humsy soil that is moist. Plant in an area with morning sun is okay and shade in the afternoon is best. A good thing to remember is too much sun can bleach out the coloring. Best color is achieved in spring.

Grows 8-20 inches tall, likes moist soil and has a slow spreading habit. Yes no worries of getting out of hand, this fern has a very nice neat habit.

Japanese Painted Fern likes climates within Zones 4-9, it is a deciduous plant that dies back and goes dormant through the winter, then when the ground warms in the spring you will see new fronds emerge.

Experts at the Perennial Plant Association recommend planting it with bleeding heart, columbine, Lamium, Astilbe, Hosta and coral-bells.

If you are looking for other shade gardening plants with little care, Ferns may be the answer.