Rain Garden Guide selecting and maintaining your sustainable plants
Onondaga Environmental Institute
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations By installing your rain garden, you are playing an important part in controlling pollution from stormwater runoff and greening your community. This manual is intended to help you maintain your rain garden after it has been planted. It has been customized specifically for the plants in your garden.
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or the most part, once a rain garden is established, it is pretty low-maintenance. This is because most rain garden plants are native perennials that are well suited to local conditions. Native perennials are hearty, disease resistant, and they come back year after year (as opposed to annuals which last for only one season). There are, however, a few steps that you should take after planting your rain garden to keep it looking its best and working properly to reduce stormwater runoff. In the weeks and seasons following planting, keeping up with these simple tasks will keep your garden visually attractive and
functional. Most of these tips would apply to any perennial garden, though some are specific to rain gardens.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD! If you know someone who might want to have their own rain garden, information on how to design and plant a rain garden can be found in the companion brochures, “An Introduction to Rain Gardens” and “A Selection of Plants for Rain Gardens.” Contact WHO at WHERE at WHAT NUMBER for more information.
Definitions of words in BOLD can be found in the Glossary at the back of this book.
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AFTER PLANTING CHECKLIST
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CHECKLIST
• Water for about two weeks, unless rain does the job for you. • Stick durable plant labels next to each individual grouping of plants. This will help you recognize which things are plants and which things are weeds as the garden grows. • Remove weeds (See the “Common Gardening Tasks” section on the following pages for helpful tips). • Inspect plants for pests and diseases • Remove infected plants and replace before other plants are infected • Be sure to use a less-toxic approach if treatment is needed (see the “Resources” section for information on environmentally-friendly pesticides and herbicides) • Repair areas of the soil or plant beds that are weather beaten and add mulch to bare spots.
Q&A How can I tell if my plant is infected with pests or a disease? The best way to tell if your plant is infected with pests or disease is to: • Know what your plant looks like when it’s health • Familiarize yourself with the common problems for that particular plant (many gardening websites will have information on common pests). 2
CHECKLIST
FOLLOWING SEASONS CHECKLIST
early spring late spring summer
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Tasks for early spring (before new growth is 3” high)
• Cut and remove dead stalks and seed heads left from previous season • Remove sticks and debris • Remove weeds • Divide and move plants if they are crowded • If desired, replenish mulch to original levels Tasks for late spring and summer
• Weed • Water during extended dry periods (dry spells lasting more than 4 or 5 days) • Enjoy the blooming season! Tasks for fall
autumn
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• Remove weeds, diseased plants, excess leaves and debris • Cut back most perennials to about 3 inches from the ground. You may prefer, however, to wait until spring. • Dried stalks and seed heads of many plants provide interest through the winter, and can be a source of food for birds and other wildlife. • If it has been a dry growing season, water deeply before the ground freezes.
How can I tell what is “new growth?” “New growth” can be identified by a slightly lighter shade of green vegetation (stems, leaves, buds) that occurs at the ends of branches.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone! If you are unsure about what you should be doing with your garden from season to season, use the resources on the following pages, or better yet, talk to other gardeners in your neighborhood to find out what they are doing with their own gardens! 3
HOW-TO GUIDE
COMMON GARDENING TASKS
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ere is a list and general how-to guide for some common gardening tasks. Some of the later recommendations (marked optional) may be less critical for the survival of your garden, but based on your taste you may want to experiment with them. For example, gardeners that prefer a neat and tidy look may find information on deadheading and thinning useful.
If you find a more natural or wild look appealing, you may choose to ignore some of these recommendations. In that spirit, these fact sheets are meant as a guide, not as a set of hard and fast rules. If you are unsure, a good rule of thumb is to follow the specific maintenance tips on your individual plant’s profile page. Happy gardening!
Watering Most rain garden plants tolerate both wet and dry conditions. When your garden is first getting established, however, and during times of extended drought, your garden will need supplemental watering. Helpful Tips for Watering: • Water in the early morning during extended dry spells. It’s important to thoroughly soak the soil when you water, not just wet the surface. • Keep foliage dry to reduce the risk of disease.
Weeding
As your rain garden eventually matures and fills in, it should need minimal weeding. In the beginning, however, you’ll want to keep weeds from getting established. As you pull weeds, be sure to get all the way down to the roots of the weed, otherwise they will just keep coming back. Spring, after all your perennials have come back after the winter is also a great time for weeding. Think “Spring Cleaning!”
Division
As your garden ages, the plants will grow large and become crowded. You may need to remove or divide plants. Also, many perennials don’t grow or flower as vigorously as they did in the first years after planting. Some plants in the center of a clump may appear dead, with very little growth. This is a good sign that the plant is ready to be divided. Most of the plants selected for a rain garden are best divided early in the spring, before they are 4” tall.
Did You Know? Watering in the early morning during extended dry spells is not only better for your garden…it also helps to conserve water!
Plant Division: “How To” 1. In most cases, dig up the whole plant and wash the soil off the roots. 2. Use a knife, spade or ax to cut the plant into two or more pieces. Each piece will need to have roots and a portion of the crown (area where roots meet stems). 3. Replant the newly divided plants into a larger area than the plant once occupied. 4. Strapped for time? If you can’t plant the divisions immediately, pot them with additional soil and keep them well watered 4
HOW-TO GUIDE
COMMON GARDENING TASKS Maintaining Depth Your rain garden will naturally fill in over the years as dead plant material builds up in the depression you dug out. This lessens your rain garden’s effectiveness. To maintain your garden’s ability to absorb water:
Maintaining Depth: “How To” 1. Remove sticks, leaves, and debris from the ground in early spring and fall. 2. This debris can be disposed of curbside, or taken to the The Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCCRA) Facility to be turned into mulch.
Fertilizing
Most rain gardens do not require heavy fertilization. However, if a soil test shows that fertilizer is needed:
Fertilizing: “How To” 1. Work in a small handful of low-nitrogen fertilizer in a ring around the plant in early spring, and perhaps again two more times at 6-week intervals 2. Keep fertilizer off of foliage to prevent burning
Thinning (Optional) Thinning helps increase air circulation and prevent disease in plants such as bee balm and garden phlox that are prone to mildew and fungal leaf spots.
Thinning: “How To” 1. When these plants are about a quarter of their full height, cut half of the stems to ground level. This can also increase stem strength and flower size.
Pinching (Optional)
Pinching is done to make the plant bushier or more compact, to delay blooming, and to encourage new plants to put energy into root and shoot production rather than into flowering.
Pinching: “How To” 1. Pinch young stems back a couple inches to just above a bud or leaf
How do I know what’s full height for my bee balm or garden phlox plant? See the individual plant descriptions and guides that are a part of this maintenance manual. 5
HOW-TO GUIDE
COMMON GARDENING TASKS Deadheading (Optional) This keeps plants looking neat, and keeps them from wasting energy on seed production. In some species, deadheading may encourage another flush of flowering.
Deadheading: “How To”
1. Remove flowers after the blooms start to fade.
Mulching (Optional)
Mulch can be a visual choice for your rain garden, or work as a way to help your garden retain water and prevent against weeds.
Mulching: “How To” 1. Replenish mulch if the ‘mulched’ look is desired, or if drought and/or weeds are a persistent problem. Got Mulch? The Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCCRA) does! For a small fee, residents can drop off yard waste and pick up mulch. Easier and cheaper than a big-box store! www.ocrra.org/yardwaste_sites.asp
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Selected References and Resources: Cornell University Home Gardening Website: www.explore.cornell.edu Taking Care of Your Raingarden: Factsheet by University of Minnesota Extension Service Vermont Rain Garden Manual Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District http://www.vacd.org/~winooski/VtRainGardenManual.pdf Rain Gardens – A How to Manual for Homeowners: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Rain Garden Manual: Native Plant Society of New Jersey “The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques.” By Tracy DiSabato-Aust. For More Information: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County Phone: (315) 424-9485 ext. 0 http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/onondaga/ Cornell University Home Gardening Website http://www.explore.cornell.edu/ (home gardening link)
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PERENNIALS
beardtongue AT A GLANCE A highly adaptable, low-maintenance plant with a neat habit, beautiful burgundy/purple foliage, and upright, shapely flowers.
DESCRIPTION A clump forming perennial featuring white (sometimes with a pink blush), two-lipped, tubular flowers atop erect, rigid stems. Leaves are maroon. Basal leaves are elliptic and stem leaves are lance-shaped to oblong. Penstemon in Greek means “five stamens” (four are fertile and one is sterile). Penstemon is sometimes commonly called beardtongue because the sterile stamen has a tuft of small hairs.
DISCOVER MORE
Summer • If desired, deadhead to a lateral leaf after flowering, and then cut down to new basal growth as old stems decline. • Alternatively, seed heads can also be left for the birds to enjoy!
Long-term • Low-maintenance • If desired, divide plants in Spring, and take cuttings in Summer
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THE FACTS Common Name Beardtongue Latin Name Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ Plant Type Perennnial Bloom Time Mid-Spring to Summer Height & Spread 2–3 ft. tall, 1–1.5 ft. wide Soil Moisture Dry to Moist (tolerates wet feet) Exposure Full sun to Part Shade
Information Source: Mobot.org
MAINTENANCE
• Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees, and songbirds like cardinals and goldfinches love the seeds • East Coast U.S. Native • A mecca for hummingbirds • Does well in clay soils • Deer tolerant! • Looks great with purple coneflower and Siberian iris • Prefers full sun to light shade • American Horticultural Society ranks this plant as one of the top 75 plants for the garden
PERENNIALS
cranesbill geranium This easy care plant features beautiful, violet-blue flowers with white eyes that bloom almost non-stop from June through October.
DESCRIPTION The plant forms a mid-sized mound of deeply cut, slightly marbled green leaves bearing loose clusters of bright violet-blue cup shaped flowers. Leaves turn bronzy in fall.
DISCOVER MORE • ‘Rozanne’ was the 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year. • It is long-blooming, low maintenance, and exceptionally heat tolerant. • This plant associates well with Siberian Iris, Garden Phlox, and ornamental grasses. • Attracts butterflies. • There are many other varieties of Cranesbill Geranium that range in size as well as color of flowers and leaves. They vary in their ability to withstand wet feet.
MAINTENANCE Summer • Foliage can be cut back if it starts to look raggedy. A new flush of leaves will quickly take its place. • If flowering lags during hot weather, prune back by half to rejuvenate.
Long-term Little care once established. • Can be divided every 3-4 years • Divide in Spring or Fall • Side stems can be trimmed at any time to control spread.
NOTES: • • • •
Information Source: Heritage Perennials, perennials.com
AT A GLANCE
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Cranesbill Geranium ‘Rozanne’ Geranium ‘Rozanne’ Perennial Late Spring–Summer, and into early Fall 1–1.5 ft. tall and 1–2 ft. spread Moist to Dry Full Sun to Part Shade
mobot.org
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PERENNIALS
moss phlox/creeping phlox AT A GLANCE This reliable, low maintenance groundcover is adaptable and beautiful, helping to keep weeds at bay while adding color.
DESCRIPTION Flowers come in almost all colors. This species offers a choice low spreading form without being a nuisance, and lends deep soothing color to any garden when it blooms over a long spring and summer stretch.
DISCOVER MORE
Spring / Summer • Spring and summer plantings may be trimmed to encourage better branching. • Cut back stems by ½ after flowering to maintain form, promote denser growth, and stimulate a possible light re-bloom. • Do NOT trim plants after mid-August.
Long-Term • Reliable and low-maintenance
NOTES: • • • • 9
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Moss Phlox or Creeping Phlox Phlox subulata Perennial Spring (March-June) 6 in. tall, 2 ft. wide Medium Full Sun
Source: www.FineGardening.com, www.mobot.org
MAINTENANCE
• This plant forms a virtual floral carpet when matured. • It works beautifully as an adaptable groundcover. • Moss phlox prefers full sun to part shade. • It is known as an early spring flowering perennial that forms an evergreen creeping slow-growing groundcover. • It is often used as an edging perennial, wall cascader, or rock garden rambler. • Drought Tolerant • Native to Eastern and Central U.S.
PERENNIALS
coneflower AT A GLANCE Huge, fragrant, soft yellow, creamy petals surrounding a bright orange cone make this plant a standout.
DESCRIPTION The ‘Big Sky- Sunrise’ cultivar of the species has a cone that starts out green and then widens and turns gold as it ages. This cultivar inherited the dominant characteristics of Echinacea purpurea (See Purple Coneflower), but has fuller, toothed leaves and wider flower petals. They are well-branched and are vigorous growers.
DISCOVER MORE
Summer • To encourage delayed blooming for fall enjoyment, cut plants back by half in early summer, or cut back by one foot when coming into bloom. • Remove spent blooms to extend bloom time (optional)
Fall • If desired, leave fall blooms on the plant for form seed heads for winter interest. This will attract birds, and also result in self seeding (though the plants that come from these seeds may not be identical in form or color to the original, since it is a hybrid.)
Long-Term • Seldom needs division. • Roots don’t like to be disturbed
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Coneflower Echinacea ‘Big Sky Sunrise’ Perennial Mid-Summer to Early Fall 1.5–2 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide Dry to Moist, well-drained Full Sun to Sun 10
Source: DaytonNursery.com and FineGardening.com
MAINTENANCE
• Echinacea comes from the Greek word “echinos” meaning hedgehog, referring to the flowers’ spiny center cone. • Very fragrant. Butterflies, birds and bees love this plant. • Thrives in full sun gardens • Drought resistant • Hybrid of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea paradoxa
PERENNIALS
day lily happy returns AT A GLANCE
MAINTENANCE
One of only a small handful of truly everblooming daylilies for northern climates.
Summer
Tough, easy-care plant with 3-inch soft yellow blooms and compact size. Begins blooming in early summer and blooms constantly to frost.
DISCOVER MORE • Attracts butterflies • Very showy blooms • Drought tolerant • Sun lovers! In the colder northern climates, plant in full sun. • Heritage plant • The sunny blooms last for just a day, but new ones arrive to take their place. • Fountain-like leaves provide elegant foliage, color and texture.
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure 11
Daylily ‘Happy Returns Hemerocallis ‘Happy Returns’ Perennial Summer into Early Fall 1–3 ft. tall, 1–3 ft. wide Medium Full Sun
Long-Term • Divide in Spring or Autumn • Low maintenance once established
NOTES: • • • •
Source: www.FineGardening.com, www.mobot.org, www.perennials.com
DESCRIPTION
• Remove seed pods after plants have bloomed to encourage re-blooming • Some gardeners cut blooms soon after flowering, before seed pods develop.
PERENNIALS
siberian iris AT A GLANCE
PHOTO MAINTENANCE Spring • Cut last year’s growth to the ground in early spring. • Deadheading will not prolong the bloom. • Remove about two thirds of the old flower stalks, and leave the rest to enjoy the development of seed pods.
Summer • Can be divided in spring or late summer (August)
Fall • Foliage will develop nice golden color in autumn, which holds on to early winter. • Do NOT cut plant down to ground until foliage turns brown.
Long-term • Divide when clumps become crowded, lose vigor, or blooms become small. • In cold climates, spring is the best time to divide, with August being a second choice. • When transplanting, keep roots moist, and 2-4 fan divisions are recommended. • If clumps are difficult to pull apart, use a hack saw to cut through the rhizomes.
Graceful, vibrantly colored water-lovers that herald the arrival of spring.
DESCRIPTION Known for their graceful appearance, Siberian iris produce copious amounts of arching grass-like leaves that stay green all summer. Late each spring they burst forth with delicate beardless flowers in a rainbow of colors: blues, purple, maroon, white, pink, and yellow. The beautiful purple Caesars Brother varietal is pictured.
DISCOVER MORE • Siberian Iris grows best in moist soil, but will do well in a regular garden, with a little extra water during dry spells. • Makes beautiful cut flower arrangements • The iris was named after the mythical goddess of the rainbow due to the huge range of flower colors. • Varieties include: ‘Caesar’s Brother’ with rich purple flowers; ‘Butter & Sugar’ with yellow and white petals; ‘Gull’sWing’ with large, pure-white blooms; and ‘Eric the Red’ with wine-colored flowers.
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Siberian Iris Iris sibirica Perennial Spring 2–4 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide (dep. on variety) Medium to Saturated Soils Full Sun to Part Shade 12
PERENNIALS
purple coneflower A carefree plant with rosy-purple daisy-like flowers that bloom from mid-summer into early autumn. Reliable, durable, and low maintenance!
DESCRIPTION
This carefree perennial blooms from midsummer into early autumn, with prominent, copper-orange central cones surrounded by rose-purple, ray petals (to 5 inches across).Look for a bristly cone in the center and narrow purple or magenta petals that droop slightly away from it. The stem is hairy and reddish in color with slender, long oval leaves at the base.
DISCOVER MORE • This plant does best in full sun to part shade. • Has been used for its medicinal properties • Attracts butterflies, bees, and birds in winter if cones are left on plant. • There are many varieties that vary in height, color, and flower size. • ‘Magnus’ is 2-3ft tall, with reddish-pink petals that are larger and more horizontal than the species. • ‘Kim’s Knee High’ 1-2 ft tall, is a compact version of the species. • ‘Ruby Star’ is 2-3 ft tall and has more intense carmine-red flowers than ‘Magnus’ • Drought tolerant
THE FACTS Common Name Purple Coneflower Latin Name Echinacea purpurea Plant Type Perennial Bloom Time Mid-Summer to Early Fall Height & Spread 1.5–5 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide Soil Moisture Moist to Dry Exposure Full Sun to Part Shade 13
MAINTENANCE Summer • To encourage delayed blooming for fall enjoyment, cut plants back by half in early summer, or cut back by one foot when coming into bloom.
Fall • If desired, leave fall blooms on the plant to form seed heads for winter interest. This will attract birds, and also result in self seeding.
Long-term • Divide clumps every 2-3 years. • Roots don’t like to be disturbed
NOTES: • • • •
Source: www.Finegardening.com, Canada Gardens (www.canada-gardens.com)
AT A GLANCE
PERENNIALS
silvermound AT A GLANCE The soft, feathery foliage of this popular perennial shrub forms a compact, silvery, cushion-like mound.
DESCRIPTION Fine silvery gray foliage produces inconspicuous silvery yellow flowers. Flowers and flower stalks should be removed to maintain foliage quality. It has long been one of the most popular silver foliage plants.
DISCOVER MORE Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds Drought-tolerant Deer resistant Makes a great edging plant Source: www.finegardening.com, www.perennials.com, www.daytonnursery.com
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NOTES: MAINTENANCE
• • • •
Spring • Prune in the spring after buds begin to break to control height and spread. • DO NOT cut back into old wood (branches) that have no buds – can kill this plant.
Summer • If plants get leggy and open up, cut back by a half to a third
Long-term • Plants often do not flower. • If they do, Pinch off buds BEFORE they open.
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Silvermound Artemisia schmiditiana Perennial Late summer 1–2 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide Dry–Medium Full Sun–Sun 14
PERENNIALS
astilbe AT A GLANCE A rich-green clumping shade-loving perennial with bright, upright spikes of flowers in a range of colors.
Astilbes are mainstays of shade gardens and generally like wet feet. They are clump-forming perennials which feature graceful, fern-like mounds of mostly basal leaves, usually with sharply-toothed leaflets, and tiny flowers densely packed into erect to arching, plume-like flower panicles rising above the foliage on slender, upright stems.
DISCOVER MORE • Flowers range from white, to pink, to red. • Non-native Asian genus that performs well in colder northern climates. • Inherently tough plant. • Deer resistant • Makes great cut and/or dried flowers.
MAINTENANCE Summer • Do not deadhead after blooming; Astilbe blooms only once per year.
Fall • If desired, trimming spent flower spikes in late fall will encourage the next year’s flowering, or can be left for winter interest.
Long-term • Divide every 2 or 3 years as clumps get overgrown. • Low-maintenance. 15
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Astilbe Astilbe spp. Perennial Spring–Summer (dep. on variety) 1–4 ft (dep. on variety) & approx. 12 ft. wide Moist to Medium Shade to Part Sun
Source: Wilson Brothers Nursery: www.erthturf.com, www.mobot.org, www.plantsmen.com, www.gardenguides.com
DESCRIPTION
PERENNIALS
bee balm / oswego tea AT A GLANCE
MAINTENANCE
Terminal clusters of scarlet-colored blooms look like a fireworks display at full bloom in mid-summer
Spring
DESCRIPTION
• Cut plants reach 12 inches tall, cut back by half to encourage a more compact shape. • Thin stems to help reduce occurrence of powdery mildew.
DISCOVER MORE • Introduced by indigenous peoples to the colonists of New York. • Attracts bees, hummingbirds and beneficial insects • Powdery mildew can be a serious problem for this plant, particularly in crowded gardens with poor air circulation. • If the soil is allowed to dry out, stressed plants become increasingly susceptible to disease.
Summer • Deadhead flowers for extended bloom time
Fall • Deadhead flowers for extended bloom time • The plants may be infected with mildew after flowering is finished. If this is the case, cut down to the new clean foliage developing at the base of the plants. Discard diseased foliage.
Long-term • Divide every 2-3 years as clumps start to develop a “hole” in the center of the planting.
NOTES: • • • •
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Bee Balm or Oswego Tea Monardra didyma Perennial Mid–Late Summer 2–4 ft. tall / 2–3 ft. wide Moist Full sun to part shade 16
Source: Fine Gardening. www.finegardening.com, “Native Plants of the Northeast” by D. Leopold
A clump-forming perennial, that bears minty-scented scarlet, pink, or purple flowers in midsummer on branching, square stems. Valued in ornamental plantings for its scarlet blooms (varieties also come in white and shades of pink, purple and blue).
PERENNIALS
bleeding heart AT A GLANCE
MAINTENANCE
Arching stalks hold rosy-pink, heart shaped flowers that bloom from late spring all the way through autumn.
Spring
Fringed bleeding heart is a native wildflower of the eastern United States that typically occurs on forest floors, rocky woods and ledges in the Appalachian Mountains. Features deeply-cut, fern-like, grayishgreen, foliage which persists throughout the growing season and pink to purplish red, nodding, heartshaped flowers carried above the foliage on long, leafless, leaning stems. Protruding inner petals of the flower appear to form a drop of blood at the bottom of each heart-shaped flower (hence the common name of bleeding heart).
Summer • Deadhead flowers for extended bloom time, as well as any browning or fading foliage, to make room for new growth on the crown of the plant.
Fall • Deadhead flowers for extended bloom time, • Cut away browning or fading foliage, to make room for new growth. • Wait for several frosts before cutting plant to ground for the winter.
Long-term
DISCOVER MORE
• If dividing is needed, divide brittle roots carefully in the spring.
• • • •
NOTES:
Native to Eastern U.S. Self-seeding Attracts hummingbirds Great as a border plant
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THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure 17
Bleeding Heart Dicentra eximia Perennial Late Spring- Fall 1–1.5 ft.tall / 1–2 ft. wide Medium Part Shade
PHOTO
Source: Fine Gardening. www.finegardening.com, “Native Plants of the Northeast,” by D. Leopold
DESCRIPTION
• Deadhead flowers for extended bloom time.
ANNUALS
black-eyed susan AT A GLANCE This late season, well-known perennial has goldenyellow petals surrounding a dark brown center.
DESCRIPTION
DISCOVER MORE • The Black-Eyed Susan is probably the most common of all American wildflowers. • Thrives in moist soils and full sun • A true sunshine worshipper that forgives neglect. • Another common variety is ‘pulcherrima’ which has smooth or finely toothed leaves, as opposed to ‘hirta’s coarsely toothed leaves.
NOTES: MAINTENANCE Summer & Fall • Deadhead to prolong blooming and reduce selfseeding (this plant will self-seed rapidly and take over a garden!)
Long-term • Spreads easily if plants are not deadheaded.
• • • •
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Annual Late Summer to Mid Fall 2–3 ft. tall, 1–1.5 ft. wide Medium to Moist Full Sun to Part Shade 18
Source: www.FineGardening.com, www.plantsmen.com, “Native Plants of the Northeast,” by D. Leopold
A stiff, upright annual or shortlived perennial native to the Northeastern United States, but has become endemic throughout North America. The characteristic brown, domed center is surrounded by bright yellow ray florets.
SHRUBS
ninebark coppertina AT A GLANCE What sets this native shrub varietal apart is its orange-copper foliage
DESCRIPTION This native shrub is a cross between a golden ninebark and a purple-leafed ninebark. It has orangecopper foliage in the spring that transforms into rich red in summer. Soft, pinkish-white blooms line the gently arching branches in early summer and contrast nicely with the foliage. Ninebark is also noted for its attractive peeling bark and bright red seed capsules.
MAINTENANCE Spring/ Summer/ Fall • Will benefit from a good, hard pruning as a young plant. • The best time to prune is it after it blooms, from mid-June to mid-August. Cease pruning in midAugust to allow time for the flower buds to form prior to winter.
Long-term • Fairly low maintenance, requiring occasional upkeep.
NOTES: • • • • 19
• Free branching, mounding shrub that retains its compact form even as it reaches its mature size. • Ninebark is named for its exfoliating bark which peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark. The bark provides winter interest. • Attracts songbirds • Can also be grown in large containers • Makes a great accent shrub • This tough plant is adaptable to acid or alkaline soil.
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Ninebark ‘Coppertina’ Phyoscarpus Ninebark ‘Coppertina’ Deciduous shrub Mid-Summer 6–8 ft. tall, 5–8 ft. wide Dry to Moist Full Sun
Source: Green Thumb Garden Center, www.mobot.org, and www.provenwinners.com
DISCOVER MORE
SHRUBS
red twig dogwood AT A GLANCE Attractive foliage year round that falls in autumn to reveal stunning red-barked limbs.
DESCRIPTION This vigorous deciduous shrub provides year-round interest in the garden with its variegated leaves, attractive berries, pretty fall color, and red winter stems. Elegantissima’s berries are white, often tinged with blue and green. Its fall color is apricot, gold, and rosy-red. It is a very adaptable plant, but better stem and leaf color will be achieved in full sun.
Spring • Pruning is not required, but some choose to remove 20-25% of oldest stems in early spring of each year to stimulate growth of new stems.
Summer/ Fall
DISCOVER MORE • Great focal point plant for any garden • Best red-stem color occurs on young stems. • Grey-green leaves with an irregular creamy white margin. • The word ‘dogwood’ comes from ‘dagwood,’ due to the use of their slender stems to make daggers or skewers.
• Enjoy!
Long-term • As an alternative to annual pruning, some gardeners prune all stems close to the ground (approx. 8 inches) in early spring every 2-3 years to renew • If colonial spread is undesired, trim roots with a spade and promptly remove root suckers.
NOTES: • • • •
THE FACTS Common Name Latin Name Plant Type Bloom Time Height & Spread Soil Moisture Exposure
Red Twig Dogwood Cornus Alba ‘Elegantissima’ Deciduous Shrub Late Spring- Early Summer 6–10 ft. tall and 4–10 ft. wide Medium to Wet Full sun to Part Shade 20
Source: www.FineGardening.com, www.morovia.com, www.mobot.org
MAINTENANCE
A–F
Glossary of Terms
Acidic Soil: Acid soil is soil which has a low pH, indicating that it is on the acidic side of neutral. Gardeners can determine acidity with home testing kits. Soil acidity is a very important part of gardening, because plants respond to changes in soil acidity or alkalinity. Alkaline soil: Alkaline soil is soil which has a high pH, indicating that it is on the alkaline side of neutral. Gardeners can determine alkalinity with home testing kits. Soil alkalinity is a very important part of gardening, because plants respond to changes in soil acidity or alkalinity. Annual: A plant that will complete its life cycle in one growing season. Anther: Part of the male reproductive part of the plant. The anther is on top of the filament, and together they make up the stamen. Basal/Basal Growth: A basal leaf is one that grows from the lowest part of the stem. Basal, in general, refers to the base of a structure. Many perennial plants are trimmed back to new basal foliage once the older foliage starts to look tired and worn. Border Plant: Border and edging plants are used to define areas. Spreading, or draping, border plants will creep into the garden or landscape mixing with the other plants or spill over the edge of the garden bed. They work well in any garden setting, but really show their talents when planted along the edge of a multi-level garden. Calyx: The outermost group of floral parts: made up of the group of sepals. Cultivar: Part of the plant’s name. “Cultivar” indicates the particular variety originated in cultivation and not the wild. This portion of a plant’s name is usually not Latin. Cutting(s): This can be a leaf, roots, shoot, stem, or a bud that has been cut off and then used in propagation. Deadheading: Pinch here, snip there, removing spent flowers that have already bloomed. This is done for the benefit of the plant to prevent disease, prevent seed development and will encourage more vigorous blooming and a bushier plant. Deciduous Shrub: A shrub that sheds its leaves every year. Trees or plants can be deciduous. Divide/Division: A method of propagating plants by separating each one into two or more sections and then repotting (i.e. Perennials are easily propagated this way.) Double Flower: A flower that is full from overlapping petals Drought Resistant/Tolerant: A drought tolerant plant is one that will survive in the typical or somewhat less than typical amount of rainfall in your region. Edging Plant: See “Border Plant.” Evergreen: A plant that will bear foliage throughout the year Fertilizer (Low-Nitrogen Fertilizer): The act of or the actual substance added to soil to provide additional nutrients for plants. There are organic and chemical fertilizers.
F–R
Glossary of Terms
Filament: The filament of a flower is one of the male reproductive parts of the plant. Foliage: Leaves, or group of leaves. Fungal Leaf Spots: Characterized by a circular spot ranging from brown to black with a dry elevated center point. This disease is caused by too much moisture on plants and poor air circulation. Germination: The sprouting of a seed. Groundcover: A plant used to provide a low-growing carpet between other plants. Herbicides: Any chemical that will kill a plant. There are both selective and non-selective herbicides: selectives only killing a specific plant and the non-selective killing a larger segment of plants. Heritage or Heirloom Plant: Plants that have been around for 50 years or more. Not all people will consider the same plant an heirloom. Hip(s): As in rose hips. The fruit of a rose plant. Lateral Leaf or Leaves: Leaves growing out from the side of a stem or branch. Lobe/Lobed: A type of leaf shape, describing leaves with several points that don’t extend all the way to the midpoint. Think of an oak leaf or maple leaf. Mildew: Several different types of fungi. Two popular types are downy and powdery. It leaves a white coating on the leaves. Commonly shows up in cool, wet weather. Mulch: Any loose, usually organic material (can be small pebbles) over the soil as a protective covering or for decorative purposes. Common mulches are ground bark, saw dust, leaves, pine straw or eucalyptus. Native: This refers to a plant that grows in the same habitat in which they originated. These plants can be native to a continent, state, or region. Organic: Fertilizers and chemicals that have been obtained from a source which is or has been alive. Also the general term used for a type of gardening using no chemical or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Perennial: Perennials are trees, shrubs and flowering plants that live for more than two years. Small flowering perennials usually bloom over the spring and summer and then die back every autumn and winter, then return in the spring from their roots rather than seeding themselves as an annual plant does. Pinch/Pinching: Pinching with the fingers to remove the tip of a growing shoot to encourage lateral growth. Pesticides: Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, or repelling any pest. Often called “insecticides.” Propagation: For gardening methods, this refers to the many different ways of starting new plants. Prune/Pruning: The cutting of leaves or branches in order to remove dead or diseased foliage or branches. Also used to control or direct growth, increase quality or amount of flowers. Rain Garden: A planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas the opportunity to be absorbed. This reduces rain runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the ground.
R–V
Glossary of Terms
Reversion: The name given when a cultivar known for a particular leaf shape, color, or other striking characteristic ‘reverts’ back to a different form found in the plant’s parentage. Rhizome(s): A modified plant stem which grows horizontally, under the surface of the soil. New growth then emerges from different points of the rhizome. Irises and some lawn grasses are rhizome plants. Sap: The watery fluid that circulates through a plant, carrying food and other substances to the various tissues. Often can be sticky. Seed Heads/Seed Pods: Dried, inedible fruit that contains seeds. Self-seeding: A plant’s habit of shedding seeds in the immediate area. They will then germinate without outside help. You may want to prevent self-seeding if you don’t want a particular plant to spread. Sepal: One of the green parts that forms the calyx of the flower Semi-evergreen: Those shrubs that will keep some of their green foliage usually in mild climates. Single Flower: A plant containing the normal number of petals. Soil Test: The analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient content, composition and other characteristics, including contaminants. Soil tests can be done by at-home or mail-in kits. Stake/Staking: The practice of driving a stake into the ground next to, and as a support for a plant. When attaching the plant to the stake, be sure that it is tied loosely so it doesn’t strangle the stem. Stalk: Another term for the plant stem. Stamen: The male reproductive organ of a flower. Each stamen generally has a stalk called the filament and on top of the filament, an anther, and pollen sacs. Stolon: A shoot that bends to the ground or that grows horizontally above the ground and produces roots and shoots. Stormwater Runoff: Water that is not absorbed into the ground after a rainstorm. In many urban and suburban areas it flows off roofs and pavement into storm drains which may feed directly into streams; stormwater carries pollutants from urban areas directly into local waterways. Thinning: Picking out the overpopulated seedlings in any flower or vegetable bed, to make a better growing condition for the rest. Making better spacing and esthetics for the growing area. Trim/Trimming/Trimmed: See Prune/Pruning. Variegated: A green leaf design which is blotched, edged, or spotted with yellow, white, or cream color. Varietal: One of possibly many closely-related plant species. The variety name is usually in Latin.