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Lilac Bush Varieties Lilac shrub or bush varieties can be split into two categories: large upright and densely branched. In the first category is the common lilac, a hugely diverse plant that comes in a wide range of colors and fragrances. This large upright shrub lilac usually grows to 8 feet (2.4 m.) in height, but some varieties can be as short as 4 feet (1.2 m.). Densely branched shrub and bush lilacs are specific types bred for lots of flowers in small space....

Longleaf Fig Info – What is a Longleaf Fig? Longleaf fig, or Ficus binnendijkii, is a tropical, evergreen plant. Reaching up to 100 feet (30.5 m.) when grown in tropical conditions, many may not think it probable for use as a houseplant. In fact, despite its large stature in nature, this plant grows exceedingly well in container culture, though most container grown plants will not exceed 6 feet (2 m.) in height....

There are two options to mandevilla winter care: allow the plant to go dormant or bring the plant inside to continue to grow. Mandevilla care indoors does require more attention than allowing the plant to go dormant. When indoors, the mandevilla vine light requirements need to be specifically addressed. Read on to learn how to care for your mandevilla through the winter months. About Mandevilla Native to Brazil, mandevilla is noteworthy for its dark green, glossy leaves, vining habit and stunning trumpet shaped blooms....

Mesquite Plant Info Mesquite plants (Prosopis) are found wild on flood plains, near streams and rivers, and in fields and grazing pastures. The plants have a unique ability to harvest moisture from the driest soils. The tree has a deep root structure, except where grown near waterways. In these areas, it has two different root systems, one deep and one shallow. Full mesquite plant info must also include the fact that they are legumes....

How to Spread Garden Mulch There is a wide variety to choose from with mulch application, from organic to inorganic. Recycled rubber and plastic are now being ground into inorganic mulches for landscape use. Similarly, oyster shells are common mulch in some areas and continue the reuse cycle. Natural mulches such as bark are more familiar forms used in home landscapes. Applying garden mulch simply means adding a layer of material over existing soil which will provide a variety of benefits....

About Nemesia Trimming Nemesia can be grown in USDA zones 9 to 10 as perennials and as tender annuals in other zones. It is an easy plant to grow and comes in a variety of colors and bi-colors. Nemesia prefers to be grown in well-drained soil in full sun but the blooms last much longer in hot climates when the plant is grown in an area of afternoon shade. Regardless, Nemesia blossoms in the spring and is done blooming by the time summer heat arrives....

No Rose of Sharon Flowers Rose of sharon is a beautiful shrub that gives you pink, white, or purple flowers in abundance, after other plants have finished blooming, except for those years when something goes wrong. There are several reasons you may either see no buds forming or your buds fail to open and simply fall off prematurely: Excessive shade and too little sun. Drought during an exceptionally dry summer. Rot caused by an exceptionally rainy summer or spring or because of soil that isn’t draining....

Tips for Choosing a Shade Tree Whether you’re planting shade trees for Central U.S. or Ohio Valley gardening, local plant shops and nurseries are a handy source for trees suitable for your climate. While the criteria gardeners use when choosing a shade tree is similar to other types of gardening plants, it’s important to remember that a tree is a long-term landscaping investment. When selecting a shade tree for Ohio Valley areas or Central U....

Rule #1: A Gardener’s Super Bowl Party Must Have Viewing Capability Before you invite anyone, first be sure that watching football in the backyard will be possible. This means being able to set up a TV or projector. Ideally, you’ll have a covered patio or deck for the TV in the case of rain or other inclement weather. If you don’t have wireless cable services, make sure the cable stretches far enough, or purchase a longer one for the big day....

Is Lemongrass Winter Hardy? The answer to this is that it really depends on what region you live in. As mentioned, the plant thrives during long, hot growing seasons and if you happen to live in an area with these conditions and very mild winters, you’ll undoubtedly continue growing lemongrass in winter months. Temperatures must remain consistently over 40 degrees F. (4 C). That said, most of us will have to take some precautions when preparing lemongrass for winter....

Overwintering Trumpet Vines Trumpet vines are hardy in a wide range, growing happily in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10, so they do not need winter protection in most regions. Trumpet vine care in winter is minimal. As cold weather arrives, they will wilt and die; in spring they start again from zero to reach the same, startling heights. For that reason, trumpet vine winter care is very easy....

Information About Patchouli Herb Plant As you might guess due to its inclusion in the mint family, the patchouli herb plant has a fragrant scent that has singled it out for special value for centuries. The patchouli plant is native to the Malay Archipelago and West Indies. Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Japanese cultures included patchouli cultivation among their medicinal herb garden to treat fungal and skin problems, stomach ailments and as an insecticide and antiseptic....

Peach Trees in Winter Peach tree winter care starts by choosing a variety of peach that is rated hardy enough for your climate. A common mistake is to buy a generic peach only to find out it is only hardy to zone 9 and your zone is a 7. Peach trees in winter are exposed to a lot of stress. Choose a site on your land that is not overly exposed to wind, flooding, or full winter sun (to avoid winter scald)....

There are a number of pebble walkway ideas, from the simplest to the more complex, such as creating a mosaic pebble pathway. The following article contains ideas and instructions on making pebble walkways and how to create a pebble mosaic walkway. DIY Pebble Walkway Ideas Sure, you can use pavers or even have a pathway poured, but a much more natural approach is making meandering pebble walkways that look much more natural within the 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....

Piggyback Houseplant Info The piggyback plant’s scientific name, Tolmiea menziesii, is derived from its botanical discoverers—Dr. William Fraser Tokmie (1830-1886), a Scottish physician working for the Hudson Bay Company at Fort Vancouver and his colleague, Dr. Archibald Menzies (1754-1842), a naval surgeon by trade and botanist who was a great collector of North American plants. A novel feature of the piggyback plant is its means of propagation. Its common name may give you a hint....

Where to Put Houseplants in Your Home In most cases, the living room is where you spend the greatest amount of your time. This is the room, therefore, that you would choose to decorate with plants. Light, temperature and humidity play major roles in the lives of your plants. You should first determine the quality of light in every location where you might put the plants. You probably should not rely solely on your eyes either for this....

Types of Plant Support The type of plant support you will need depends on the type of plant you are supporting. Woody climbers, like climbing hydrangea or climbing roses, will need a much different support than perennial or annual climbers, like clematis, morning glory, or black-eyed susan vine. Bushy plants, like peony, will need a different type of support than tall, single-stem plants like Asiatic or oriental lilies. Woody vines will be much heavier and need a strong structure to climb on, such as obelisks, trellises, arbors, pergolas, walls, or fences....

Planting a Tuberose Bulb Not technically a bulb, tuberoses are perennial flowering plants which are native to warm weather regions. For those living outside its warmer hardiness zone, tuberose can also be grown as an annual. However, they will need to be lifted and stored for the winter. Tuberose bulb planting is an excellent option for those with summer temperatures that are exceptionally hot and humid. How and when to plant tuberose in the garden will be the key to success in growing these beautiful plants....

What is Pumice? Pumice is fascinating stuff, borne out of the superheated earth. It is basically whipped volcanic glass that is made up of tiny air bubbles. This means that pumice is a lightweight volcanic rock that makes it perfect for use as a soil amendment. The airy rock is ideal for use with cacti and succulents as well as other plants that require excellent drainage and air circulation. Plus, the porosity of pumice allows microbial life to thrive while maintaining soil structure better than perlite....