TAA VEUSTUDV TRIPS FOR THE AHS GARDENER

MARCH 1·14, 1991 NATURAL GARDENS OF PANAMA AND COSTA RICA Join long-time AHS member Claude Ho~e on board the Yorktown Clipper on an extraordinary exploration voyage beginning in F'anama City, Panama, and concluding in San Jose, Costa Rica. Explore the Caribbean coast of Panama, including the San alas Islands. A daylight transit of the Panama Canal brings us to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica with its horticultural treasures eoveted by botanists the world over. Explore quiet tropical rivers, major archaeological sites, cloud forests, volcanoes, and rain forest canopies brimming with orchids. Mr. Hope invites us for a special visit to Linda Vista , a 200-acre flower seed farm that he established at Cartago, Costa Rica. If you have ever planted petl:mias Of impatiens in your garden, the¥ were mest likely from seed origirnatee at Linda Vista. Leonard Haertter Travel Company, 7922 Bonhomme Avenue, Saint Louis~ MO 63105, (800) 942.£666 , (3t 4) 721-6200 (in Misooufi) APRIL 21·28,1991 GARDENS OF THE MISSISSIPPI Experience the grandeur of the Mississippi from New Orleans to Memphis on board the Mississippi Queen. Florts of call along the river include Heumas House, Saint F-ranoisville, Natchez, Vicksburg, and Greenville.ltxperience true Southern hospitality as AHS memeers and friends along the river o~en their homes ancl garde~s fer this horticultural ad­ venture. ~eonara Haertter Travel Company MAY 12·23, 1991 ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE GARDENS AND THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW AHS members will have the unique opportunity to meet horticultural author f.losemary Verey and visij her home and garden-Barnsley House--during this vistl to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and Kent. Participants will visit the gardens of Hidcote Manor, Sudeley Castle, Oxford, Denmans near Arundel, Nymans Gardens, Wakehurst Place, Great Dixter, Sissinghurst Place, and Isabella Planta­ tion befOre transferrin!!! to London to enjoy the Chelsea Flower Show. Guest lecturer for this pr0Qfam is David Wilson, ~opl!Jlar panelist en the BBC's series, "Gardener's Cerner." The tour will be led by ~Ivin MoDo~ald, lecturer a~d author and Secretary of the AHS Boare of Direetors. Leonard Haertter Travel Company JUNE 10·20, 1991 GARDENS OF THE SOUTHWEST: COLORADO ROCKIES AND CANYONLANDS Explore the diverse contrasts of plants from the alpine meadows of the Colorado Rockies to the desert plains of the Southwest. Explore unique, out-of-the-way parks like Arches National Park, the Goosenecks of the San Juan River and Canyon De Chelley National Monument. See firsthand the varied uses of native plants as Ai'!S memeers and friends open thei f garclens and homes for our speeial visit. Leonard Haertter Travel Company AUGUST 14·27, 1991 GARDENS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN Cruise aboard Sun Line's yachtlike Stella Maris along the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea from Nice to Venice. En route we visit magnificent private and public gardens of France, Italy, and Yugoslavia as well as the wildflower meadows among ancient ruins and botanical gardens in Greece, The itinerary includes two nights in Nice and three nights in Venice as well as calling at tlie ports of Portofino, Elba, Sorrento, and Messina, Italy; Katakalon and Corfu, Greece; and Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. The BBC's David Wilson will be guest lecturer for this memorable summer tour. Leonard Haertter Travel Company Hidcote Manor Gardens, in the Cotswolds, are among gardens to be visited during an AHS Study Tour next May.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRITISH TOURIST AUTHORITY eric an Horticulturist Volume 70, Number 2 February [991

ARTICLES Gardening Challenges: Keeping Your Cool in Alaska by Lenore Hedla ...... 12 The long stlmmer daylight almost makes up for the ice and snow. Recipes for Natives by Marty Carlock ...... 18 Tissue culture research may help to thwart plant collectors. Proven Perfonners Three American plant societies pick their favorite plants. Orchids by Alec Pridgeon .26 Bamboos by Richard Haubrich .30 Begonias by Larra Almstedt ...... 34 FEBRUARY'S COVER Photographed by Alec Pridgeon Cornelian Cherry-Pretty and Tasty Encyclia cordigera is a Latin by Lee Reieh ...... 39 American orchicl with This dogwood relative is more than ornamental. chocolate brown sepals afld petals and a contrasting cream DEPARTMENTS or rose lip. L ~ke most of the Encydia species, it is Commentary 4 remafkably fragrant. It is L€tters 6 among the orchids named by Book Reviews 8 Alec Pridgeon, education Classifieds .. 43 director of the American Plionunciations .. 47 Orchid Society, as "proven performers." Members of the American Bamboo Society and n1~e American Eegonia Society also lilame their favorites in an arfi£ie beginniBg OD page 26.

EDITOR: Kathleen Fisher. ASSISTANT EDI\IORS, Mary Beth Wiesner, ",nomas M. BaHen. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, Martha Palermo. DES)GN DIRECTOR, Joseph Yacinski. MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR, K.,hleen B. Amberger. ADVERTISING, American H 0rticultural Society Advertising filepa,tmem, 2700 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031, relephone (703) 204·4636. COLOR SEPARATIONS, Chro/Tla-Graphios, Inc. £DITORIAL ADVISORY BOARE>, Dr. Gerald S. Barad, Flemington, NJ; Plii'lip E. Chandler, Santa Monica, CA; Dr. Marroison Flint, West lafayette, IN; Peter loewer, Asneville,~C; Dr. EJizaberll MeOlinrocK, San Fran.cisco, CA; Frederick McGourty, Nerfolk, eT;]anet?vi. Poor, Winnetka, IL; Maire Simington, Phoenix, AZ; Jane Steffey, Sykesville, MDj Dr. James E. Swasey, Newar,k. DE. Replacement issues of AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST are available ata cost ef $2.50 per copy. The Opinions expressed in the articles thar appear in AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST are those of the authors and are not necessaril ~ those of the Society. Botani"al nomendarure in AMERICAN HORTIOULTURIST is based on HORTUS THIRD. Manuscripts, art work, and photog(aphs scnt' fer possible. publication will be r.etumed if they are ac::companied by a 5eH-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarameethe safe return of unselidred material. AMERICAN HORTIGULTURIST, iSSN0096-4417, is 'he official publication of the American Horticultural Society, 7931 Ea .. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, (703) 768-5700, and is issued six rimes a year as a magazine and six times a year as a News Edition, The American Horticultural Society is a nonprefit organization dedicated to excellence in horticulture. Membership in the Society includes a subscriptio~ to AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. National membership dues arc $35; twO years are $60. Foreign dues are $45. $12 of dues are designated for AlviERfCAN HORTiCULTURIST. Copyright © 1991 by die American Hortioultural Society. Seeond·class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to AMERiCAN H0R1'IGULTURIST, 7931 East Bouievard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 3 American Horticultural Society

The American Horticultural Society COMMENTARY seeks to promote and recognize excellence in horticulture across America. orticulturists measure progress Officers 1990-1991 through growth-each new bud, Mr. George C. Ball Jr. H leaf, or tendril reflects the progress West Chicago, Illinois and promise of the future. The American President Horticultural Society is pleased to wel­ Mrs. Helen Fulcher Walutes come twelve groups that have helped us Mount Vernon, Virginia First Vice President grow by joining the Society through our Mr. Richard C. Angino Affiliate Membership Program. These spe­ Harrisbutg, Pennsylvania cial arrangements permit individuals to be­ Second Vice President Mr. Elvin McDonald come members of AHS through their Brooklyn, New York membership in local botanical societies or Secretary horticultural interest groups. These first Mr. Gerald T. Halpin Alexafldria, Virginia groups joining us in 1991 represent some Treasurer 5,000 individuals around the United Mrs. Carolyn Marsh Lindsay States. We look forward to reflecting their activities and interests in our Rochester, New York publications and coordinating their needs and interests with the programs Immediate Past President of AHS throughout the country. It is our hope that many other plant Board of Directors societies and state and local horticultural groups will join us through this new program, thus helping to integrate and strengthen the field of horticul­ Mrs. Suzanne Bales Oyst€r Bay, New York ture across America. (These first affiliates are listed on page 6.) Dr. William E. Barrick One of AHS's major goals is to support and promote the many varied Pine Mountain, Gemgia horticultural endeavors taking place throughout the United States. The size Dr. Sherran Blair Columbus, Ohio and incredible diversity of climates, soils, and other growing conditions, Mrs. Mary Katherine Blount as well as cultural diversity in the United States, make our horticultural Montgomery, Alabama heritage vast and exciting. One means of bringing the work of these many Mrs. Sarah Boasberg Washington, D.C. specialty groups to a national focus is our February feature called " Proven Dr. Henry Marc Cathey Performers" -those plants named by several of the nation's approximately Washington, D.C. 200 plant societies as the most rewarding and, as much as possible, Mr. Russell B. Clark appropriate to all parts of the nation. This year, we are privileged to have Boston, Massachusetts Mrs. Ann Lyon Crammond reports from the American orchid, begonia, and bamboo societies-all of Atlanta, Georgia which hope to convert you to their passion for these particular plants. We Mrs. Beverley White Dunn know the choices will fascinate you. We also give you a behind-the-scenes Birmingham, Alabama Mr. K. Albert Ebinger glimpse of some of the important work being done by the New England Boxford, Massachusetts Wild Flower Society in preserving and promoting the native plants of the Mrs. Julia Hobart Northeast, and a firsthand look at the challenges of gardening in our " high Troy, Ohio north" state, Alaska. Dr. Joseph E. Howland Reno, Nevada American horticulturists are committed and devoted, busily persuing Mr. David M. Lilly their vocations and avocations in thousands of different arenas. Our Saint Paul, Minnesota President, George Ball Jr., has said that there is no American horticulture, Mr. Everitt Miller Kennett Square, P€nnsylvania that the heterogeneity of the United States precludes a single definition of Mrs. Flavia Redelmeier the field for this country. However, the experience of horticulture in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada America alild its sense of value is common to us all. We encourage you to Mrs. Jane N. Scarff New Carlisle, Ohio continue in your work and to join us as individuals and through specialty Mr. Andre Viette groups to continue to f0ster and publicize the many significant, worthwh.ile Fishersville, Virginia projects that are underway. Mrs. Jean Verity Woodhull Horticulture in America is often too invisible, too quiet. Its impact on Dayton, Ohio the nation's future health will be significant. We hope that you will help us Executive Director to carry that message forward and, as an individual or through another group, you will join our growing ranks. Mr. Frank L. Robinson Frank R obinson AHS Executive Director

4 FEBRUARY 1991 45th Williamsburg GARDEN SYMPOSIUM

April 7-10, 1991

Colonial Williamsburg and the American Horticultural Society invite you to spend four spring days in Williamsburg attend­ ing the 45th Garden Symposium. Come and talk flowers amid the special colors and bouquets of d ogwood, redbud, tulips, and other favorites of the season. The theme of the symposium, "Garden Earth," will remind us of the very fragile environment that we all share. As gar­ deners we have special opportunities­ and obligations-to m ake certain we utilize the soundest methods for protecting plant species, conserving water, and beautifying the earth by planting our own gardens while supporting high quality public landscaping in our many com­ munities. In his keynote address, U.S. As­ sistant Secretary of Agriculture Charles Hess will describe the federal govern­ ment's program for the environment. Added.to the informative presentations of a knowledgeable panel of speakers will be tours, exhibits, and clinics. San Francisco will be the honored city, and journalist-lec­ turer Joan Hockaday will present an il­ lustrated talk about her city entitled "Garden-making by the Sea: The Gardens of San Francisco from Gold Rush to Thomas Church." Speakers in order of appearance are: Th e Honorable Charles Hess, U.S. assistant secretary of agriculture: "Enhancing Gar­ ties: Getting a New Grip on Wildlife in the registration folder, please mail coupon den Earth Through Science and Educa­ Garden." below to Symposium Registrar, Box C, Wil­ tion." Kenn Stephens, president, International liamsburg, VA 23187, or call (804) 220-7255. Neil Diboll, plant ecologist and nur­ Design SympOSium, Ltd., Westwood, Mas­ r ------, seryman, Westfield, Wisconsin: "Prairies sachusetts: "Flower Parade: The Color and I and Meadows: The EcolOgical Gardens of Style of Flower Arranging Artistry in the 45th Williamsburg : Yesterday and Tomorrow." Americas." Garden Symposium Patricia Gibbs, Colonial Williamsburg Wesley A. Greene, landscape supervisor, historian, and Van essa Patrick, Colonial Colonial Williamsburg: "Fronds and Please send me a registration folder Williamsburg architectural historian: "The Neighbors: Native Ferns for the Home for the 45th Williamsburg Garden Plantation Gardens of Masters and Slaves Landscape." Symposium. at Carter's Grove." Douglas F. Welsh, preSident, National journalist and lecturer, Xeriscape Council: "Xeriscaping: Water Joan Hockaday, Name San Francisco, California: "Garden­ Conservation Through Creative Landscap­ making by the Sea: The Gardens of San ing." Address Francisco from Gold Rush to Thomas Warren Schultz, editor-in-chief, National Church." Gardening magazine: "Glasnost in the Gar­ Jane Campbell Symmes, Cedar Lane Farm, den: An American Visi t to Soviet Gardens." City Madison, Georgia: "Using Native Plants in (ClOSing luncheon) Your Garden." Call a friend and plan to come to Wil­ State/Zip ______Roger B. Swain, science editor of Horticul­ liamsburg on April 7. Feast your eyes on a MAIL TO: Symposium Registrar, Box ture magazine and a host of PBS's "The cornucopia of horticultural delights and Victory Garden:" "Bugs, Birds, and Beas- take home a satchel of new ideas. For a l _~ ~ ~~l!i_a_~~~_~r_g: _~~ ~~:~!~ ______j

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 5 AHS Affiliates Members of the fo llowing institutions are participants in AHS's Affiliate Membership Program, a new network­ ing opportunity available to most botanical gardens, plant societies, and LETTERS horticultural groups.

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens Wichita, Kansas Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Dallas, Texas Friends of the University of California Botanical Garden Berkeley, California Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Youngstown, Ohio Illinois Native Plant Society Westville, Illinois Kentucky Native Plant Society Richmond , Kentucky Matthaei Botanical Gardens Ann Arbor, Michigan Memphis Botanic Garden Foundation Memphis, Tennessee Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Lincoln, Nebraska Texas State Horticultural Society College Stati on, Te xas Wellesl ey College Friends of Horticulture Wellesley, Massachusetts

AHS MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Pat Posey's perennial collection includes a new rock garden.

Your satisfaction with our member service is very important to us. If you have a question or problem A Lot on a Little Lot "Greenscape" columnist Budd Gauger! concerning your membership, please contact the Although we cringe a bit at the pos­ Membership Department for assistaAce. It was Carol Baker's letter in the October sibility that all20,OOO-plus of our members 'r:'ou can help by @iving complete information when issue that sparked this letter. We have many will send in garden photos at the sam e time, you eall or write. Please refer to the five·digit number that is on the mailing label on your ma@azineor News things in common: gardens that are the same we love hearing about who our members Edition. The number helps us to quickly identify your size (although mine is in an urban area), and are: what they grow, how they grow it, and membership record for corrections. climates that are almost identica l. above all, how we can help them become M any of my perennials were started even better gardeners. Changing Your Address? from seeds from our Society's annual Seed Please allow 6-8 weeks advance notice. Attach a current mailing label in the space provided (or write Program and they have fl ourished and A Long History at AHS in your old address) then fill in your new address on multiplied. I share plants with anyone who the lines below. wants them. I also adore working with my Thank you fo r reminding me that my mem­ two grandchildren--Sa m, 9, and H annah, bershi p in the Society has expired. I was 86 Old Address: Member #:~~ __ 5--who both started gardening with me at in November, but still enj oy my lifetime Name ______~_=~~ ~~ ______age 3. interes t in horticulture. I read several gar­ Address ______~ ~ ______------Like Carol, I'm sending photos of my dening magazines and the publica ti ons of garden, and a clipping from our local pa per plant societies to which I belong, but have City/StateIZip ___~==- _____ featuring my garden. felt that something was missing during the Patricia J. Posey past yea r. Of course it was the bea utiful New Address: Toledo, Ohio AHS publicati on. Name ______~ ~~ ______While yo ur records may not show it, I From the article in the Toledo Blade, we have actuall y been a member of the Society Address ______~~ ------learned that Pat Posey has 149 perennials si nce 1946, when I joined afte r re turning City/StateIZip ~ __~~ _ ____ in her 55-by- 150-foot yard, in addition to home from fo ur years of infantry service in Mail to: Membership $el¥ices, AHS, 7931 East berries and vegetables. We're pleased that World War II. Our Society was much Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. she mentioned her membership in the small er in those days, but was fill ed with A merican H orticultural Society to dedicated gardeners. I believe the produc-

6 FEBRUARY 1991 tion of the quarterly magazine and main­ tenance of the Washington office were handled almost entirely by B. Y. Morrison Mi!aeger's and a nice lady named Grace Wilson, who acted as Secretary-Treasurer. tH 0 S T A S During the 1940s I had become fas­ cinated by some Neglected bulb flowers '" WE'VE MADE IT EASY called Lycoris. Ben Morrison was also in­ terested in this genus, and he used to send The legendary hosta has no rival in me bulbs for trial that he had acquired shade gardening for ease of culture through his work witb the Plant Introduc­ and handsome foliar display. Its tion and Exploration Divisio n of the popUlarity has resulted in the Bureau of Plant Industry (now the Agricul­ availability of such a wide variety that tural Research Service). With additional selection is often difficult. help from gardener friends in Japan and We've been growing these distinctive from National Arboretum botanists who plants for years and have carefully explored in that country, I eventually as­ selected the best varieties for overall s~mbled the most complete collection of Call or write for our large, full color garden performance, including degliee Lycoris species in this country and started of foliar fading, and flower value. Our hybridizing them. Ben used my photo­ catalog of perennial flowers (including hosta), roses and prairie wildflowers. Spring catalog lists over 20 affordable graphs and story about them to fill over Our $1.00 Perennial Wishbook will varieties covering the full range of thirty pages of the April 1962 issue of the be mailed to you in January. We'd foliar color, variegation and plant size. American Horticultural Magazine. like to help you with your garden. You can understand why I want to reac­ The detailed descriptions make tivate my AHS membership. choosing from our catalog an easy, Sam Caldwell reassuring experience. Nashville, Tennessee Milaeger's Gardens Phone: (414) 639-2371 And we're glad you did. We're proud of 4838 Douglas Avenue, AH-2 Fax: (414) 639-1855 our long history and would hate to lose Racine, WI 53402-2498 Order Toll Free: 1-800-325-0305 such a long-time friend! Thanks for shar­ ing your memories.

More on Pyracantha % The photo of the Pyracantha koidzumii on "100 GERMINAftON the cover of the October issue is impressive. Bob Jarvis, I understand that the cultivar 'Victory' is IN 2 DAYS!" Springhill, FL Here's the easiest way ever to start your own plants from seed. hardy to Zone 7 at best, if kept out of wind Our Accelerated Propagation System (APS) is a 3-in-l in winter. Could you give readers more growing tray I au toma tic wa terer I mini-greenhouse information about it? that guarantees your success! Phin Tuthill Here's how APS works: Greenhouse Cover - Maintains Newtown, Pennsylvania a warm, moist environment so seeds germinate fast. P. koidzumii is reliably hardy only to Zone Insulated Growing Tray - 8. But it is extremely drought tolerant, and Individual cells hold warmth and produce sturdy, thick-stemmed attractive both in late April and early May, transplants with vigorous root systems. when it is covered with one-quarter-inch Seedlings pop out easily with no transplant shock. white flowers, and in September and Oc­ Automatic Watering System- Capillary matting works like a wick to draw up water from the tober, when it fruits heavily. It requires a 2-qt. reservoir. Your plants get the water they need - when they lot of pruning, and is susceptible to need it - even if you're away. fir eblight, lacebug, scale, and leafro llers. APS measures 9" x14" and is reusable. We recommend the APS-40 for lettuce, herbs, flowers; APS-24 for tomatoes, peppers and melons. For proper wicking action and 'Victory' is hardy to Zone 7, grows best germmatlOn, use our Professional Germinating Mix. vigorously to ten feet or more with an 128 Inlervale Road Total EnIcosed $ ______upright, arching habit. P. coccinea would Depl PAH2 1 Check 0 Mastercard/VISA/Discover be a better choice for Pennsylvanians. Burlington. Vennonl 0540 I o 802·863·1 700 Some of its cultivars are hardy to Zone 5. YES! Please rush: __ APS-40 (40, 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" cells), Expiration Date----- American Horticulturist welcomes letters $9.95 ea. or 3 for $26.95 Name ______APS-24 (24, 2" x 2" cells), concerning the magazine or activities of the $9.95 ea. or 3 for $26.95 Address------American Horticultural Society. Letters __ Professional Germinating Mix- may be edited for accuracy, clarity, or 6 Qt. (fills 3 APS), $3.50 Ciry------SAVE! Order 3 or more APS and we'll pay State Zip _____ length. In writing to us, please include a postage. Otherwise, please add $2.00 per order. daytime phone number. OYF5! Send FREE Spring '91 Catalog

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 7 GARDENING by Hazel ~ihe Drought Insurance BOOK REVIEWS Droughts ... severe winds ... not enough rainfall ... what's a plant to do? Our pets found spots in the shade during last summer's heat. Plants can't lie in the shade unless 'Moonbeam', shade-enhancing ferns­ they're planted there and they can't Adiantum pedatum and Athyrium filix­ go in for a cool shower unless you give it to them with a hose. But you femina-and favorite hardy varieties, such can help them get through a long hot as the hardy fuchsia, Fuchsia magellanica. summer by using an anti-transpirant "Perelim.ials Specific Unto the Season" called Wilt -Pruf. features Japanese anemones, asters-in­ Think of the plant as inhaling cluding Lacy's own discovery, 'Hella and exhaling. When a plant inhales, Lacy'-and energetic boltonias like 'Pink it takes water in through its roots. Lacy', whose flower and foliage colors When it exhales, it gives off moisture through its leaves. There are tiny Lacy traces through the changing light of pores in the leaves that give off this day and season. Of course, samples of the moisture. If the supply of water to queen 0f autumn, the chrysanthemum, the roots is too low, leaves become also highlight these pages, together with limp because they continue to emit native surprises: pokeweed and eupatori­ moisture. In the process, leaves curl, urns like Joe-Pye weed (whose name, Lacy become brown and desiccated. This speculates, has kept it out of many well-in­ is because they're giving off more moisture than the plant is absorbing. tentioned American gardens) and feathery What an anti-transpil"ant does dog fennel. is hold a balance between water In fact, Lacy's use of natives in the taken in and moisture given off. autumn garden seems to lie at the heart of Wilt-Pruf can sometimes make his gardening instinct. He bids us all to the difference between saving a The Garden in Autumn bring color from the woodlands, to which, growing tr€e or shrub and losing it. perhaps, so many of us always thought it An anti-transpirant is especially was confined during these fiery-colored helpful when transplanting a small Allen Lacy. Atlantic Monthly Press, New tree or shrub. No matter how careful York, 1990.230 pages. Color photographs. months. a person is, the plant's root system Publisher's price, hardcover: $29.95. AHS Native and ornamental grasses, covered in is disturbed and some roots are lost. member price: $25.45. another chapter, help to continue this bridg­ Wilt -Pruf has helped my transplants ing of the natural and the "designed." In retain addi tional moisture after trans­ Allen Lacy, one of this nation's best philo­ "Some Woody Plants of Autumn," we find planting. Transplants need to be sophical garden writers, at last brings us a the brilliant foliage of native sourwood watered heavily to get them over the (Oxydendron arboreum), with seedheads shock of having been dug. My plants lyric celebration of a season that has been have indicated by their behavior generally overlooked or otherwise treated as lasting well into winter, and flaming Japanese (they haven't died!) that Wilt-Pruf merely the end of the gardening calendar. maples, still treasured when their leaves have has been a definite help to them Lacy begins his departure from tradi­ dropped to form a showy carpet. in surviving their trauma. tional thinking with his own rediscovery of Other sections address roses, golden Wilt -Pruf is a clear organic autumn's pleasures and promise. Autumn ginkgoes, flashy annhlals, alliums, dahlias, liquid that in no way inhibits growth chores are indeed less arduous than those and many surprises. But such lists are only or harms a plant. Available at nurs­ the elements of the garden, not its essence. eries, garden centers and hard­ of summer's dog days: cool days free us to ware stores. divide our perennials, transplant woody Above all, Lacy embraces a new way of plants and shrubs, and weed without in­ seeing: a deep awareness of this season's stant reprisal. harmonies-between the wild and the con­ Lacy beckons us beyond this "lull tained, between the blazing incandescence Hazel Weihe of Somers, New 1Ork, among weeds" with a magnificent multi­ of forest leaves and the subtler hues of cool, is an award-winning writer whose garden column is syndicated by chapter inventory (with sources) of plants. misty mornings and ripening fruits and The North County News. This varied palette grew out of Lacy's ob­ seeds. The goal is to see all of autumn as a servations in his southern New Jersey gar­ complete tapestry, with new threads to be IIl16 den of a plant here, another there, whose woven here and there into our experience prolonged blooms continued to accent his of gardening. PRUr~,," . IR~~SPl R "'" garden well into late fall and winter. -Joseph M. Keyser p.o. Box 469, Essex, CT 06426-0469 2031767-7033 Among the weill-illustrated chapters we find "Lingering Perennials," such as Joseph M. Keyser is director of programs Coreopsis vertic illata 'Golden Shower' and for the American Horticultural Society.

8 FEBRUARY 1991 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 46TH ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 17-20,1991 Don't miss some of the nation's best-kept horticultural secrets! Our 1991 Annual Meeting in Bir­ mingham , Alabama , will be centered at the Birmingham Botanical Garden, with lectures and classes taking place in the gardens themselves , led by the many talented gardeners , designers, and horticulturists from Birmingham and across the state , EXPLORE One of the finest native plant collections in the country i.------'I Amagnificent formal rose garden Flower arranging in the Birming­ ham style The Sipsey Wilde mess Preserve The spectacular new Southern Progress building , where the native flora of its woodland site are preserved within 10 feet of this massive structure, ALL IN lliE UNIQUE BEAUTY AND CHARM OF lliE SOUTHEAST IN THE SPRING This Annual Meeting will have a "hands-on" focus-an opportunity for you to work directly, in small groups, with fellow members of AHS and some of the great gardeners in the United States, with many options to allow you to pursue your own unique interests in gardening, PRIVATE AND PUBUC GARDEN TOURS WILL BE INCLUDED And as always, a highlight will be honoring our annual award winners-another opportunity for you to meet and share your experiences with the horticultural leaders in America, Our Birmingham meeting is a rare opportunity that will challenge and stimulate you-whether you are a fledgling amateur or a professional horticulturist. We look forward to your joining us and sharing a wonderful few days in Birmingham, See you there! ~ ~open 7 Days a Week Shattering: Food, Politics, and the \....ala_a NURSERY Loss of Genetic Diversity. Retail Wholesale P.O. Box 1599 Cary Fowler and Pat Mooney. University Easton. Md. 21601 of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, 1990. Beautiful Leyland Cypress Trees Publisher's price, hardcover: $24.94; soft­ Make Wonderful Gifts! cover: $12.95. AHS member price, hard­ cover: $21.20; softcover: $11.00.

Shattering is an important book, not only to those who grow food crops, but also to everyone who eats; it is also profoundly disturbing. Many readers will be alarmed by its accounts of our recent tremendous loss of plant genetic diversity and the prospect of a future without the genes necessary for breeding stress-resistant crops to feed earth's millions; others will be concerned because the authors blame much of this loss on high-yield varieties that have replaced genetically diverse traditional varieties and on the multina­ away in gene banks." Specially grown for lush, thick tional companies that promote these Thirty-two pages of detailed notes foliage and extra-wide shape. uniform varieties and the fertilizers, her­ meticulously document sources for each bicides, and pesticides they require. chapter, but where is the bibliography? To MAIL ORDERS SIX (20") TREES UPS Delivered $51.00 Why the title, Shattering? The authors find the complete reference for an article explain that the loss of earth's plant resour­ such as "Myers, The Sinking Ark, note Gift Certificates Available ces began when farmers first selected for 125, chapter 5," one must search all the Toll Free: 1-800-673-8514 domestication the plants that held their preceding notes for the initial citation. VISAIMastercharge seeds instead of dispersing them by shatter­ The authors warn that "the biggest en­ ing. Loss of plant genetic diversity has ac­ vironmental catastrophe in human history celerated so rapidly in recent decades that is unfolding in the garden. " Whether future our thirty basic crops are vulnerable be­ generations will face hunger, they assert, GUNSTON HAU cause of their uniformity. depends on how much plant genetic diver­ Fowler and Mooney tread on a minefield sity can be saved and who controls the of controversy when they discuss the entry global food economy. This book will shat­ of petrochemical companies into the seed ter complacency. trade and plant breeding; plant and gene -Isabel Shipley Cunningham patenting that offer opportunities for mo­ nopolization and protect uniformity; and Isabel Shipley Cunningham is the author the politics of conservation and control of of Frank N . Meyer: Plant Hunter in Asia, plant genetic resources. They clearly feel and contributing editor of Diversity, a more empathy for the peasant farmer ofthe news journal for the international plant gene-rich Third World than for those in the genetic resources community. Built 1755 by George Mason board rooms of gene-poor industrialized Framer of the Constitution countries. Gardening from the Heart Father of the Bill of Rights The authors' research in the literature and in the field has been thorough, and the Carol Olwell. Antelope Island Press, WILLIAM BUCKLAND Masterpiece text is well-organized and effectively Berkeley, California, 1990. 238 pages. 18th Century Furnishings presented. Fowler and Mooney work for Color photographs. Publisher's price, 18th Century Boxwood Allee the Rural Advancement Fund Internation­ hardcover: $24.95; softcover: $18.95. al, a nonprofit organization that supports AHS member price, hardcover: $21.20; Formal Gardens Restored in 1950 by the Garden Club of Virginia family farm agriculture and the conserva­ softcover: $16.10. tion of plant genetic diversity. Their dedica­ tion to these causes is well known, and on Gardeners are passionate about the art and • Gift Shop • Museum Exhibits emotionally charged topics, they some­ science of gardening. But why do they • Nature Trail times shift from academic to informal style: choose to take a spade to a dusty, weed­ Rental Space for Parties and Meetings "As the pests chalk up victories on the filled patch of earth and battle bugs, fungi, battlefield, chemical company bravado and other pests? Carol Olwell set out to 9:30 to 5:00 Daily rises in pitch"; "Bennett and FAO were the explore this question in Gardening from victims of an interagency mugging"; and the Heart by talking to a variety of gar­ Lorton. Virginia 22079 (703) 550-9220 "IBPGR suddenly changed horse in mid­ deners with different personalities and dif­ 22 Miles South ofYlbshington. D,C .. Signs From 1-95 or US1 gene pool," claiming that "almost the ferent methods. Olwell focused her quest whole kit and caboodle were safely tucked on the West "because it offered the greatest

10 FEBRUARY 1991 diversity of soils and climates-from Art Combe lives in tiny Littlefield, deserts to alpine meadows." Arizona. Now in his late 80s, he continues Olwell taped interviews with twenty-one to develop desert wildflowers and new fruit and nut trees. "A lot of people like murder mysteries. I have the same feeling, only I like to unravel the mysteries of plants. I just love matching wits with them." Olwell has included organic growers, those who use chemicals, and those who use a combination of both methods. She says she was amazed at how many gar­ deners are unaware of the international pesticide problem. For that reason she in­ cluded an appendix with reprinted articles 5¢ worth on the safety and use of pesticides. The of Miracid® section seems out of place with the rest of the book, but nevertheless provides some could have basic information on the hazards of using chemicals. saved this Gardening from the Heart is a wonder­ G A RDEN ING FROM THE H EA RT ful book for gardeners of all ages and $50 plant! Why Gardeners Garden experIences. by Carol Olwe ll -Mary Beth Wiesner gardeners, then transcribed the tapes into Mary Beth Wiesner is assistant editor of a written statement. "It has been very dif­ American Horticulturist. ficult to find words for what happens be­ tween people and their gardens," Olwell writes in her introduction. "I had hoped Book Order Form others would find it easier, but it was as hard for them as it was for me. It's like o The Garden in Autumn by Allen Lacy ...... $25.45 trying to tell someone you love why you AMP003 love them." Despite the difficulties gar­ Yellowing leaves are a danger signal. deners may have had in communicating o Shattering: Food, Politics, and the Loss The problem is "yellow anemia" (chlo­ of Genetic Diversity their feelings for the earth, the book is a by Cary Fowler and Pat Moeney rosis). These plants need special help joyful expression of their experiences. o Hardcover . $21.20 that ordinary fertilizers can't provide. The gardeners range in age from young UAROOI They need Miracid! Id Softcover ...... $11.00 adults to 90. Some came to gardening late UAR002 Miracid feeds, ironizes, acidifies in life; some were practically born with a Miracid not only feeds, spade in hand. o Gardening from the Heart it ironizes to correct by Carol Olwell iron deficiency and But perhaps it's best to let the gardeners o Hardcover . $21.20 speak for themselves. ANTOOl acidifies to create nec­ essary acid soil that Marcia Donahue, a former fiber artist, Q Softcover . . . $16.10 Without With ANT002 Miracid Miracid all evergreens love. gardens in Berkeley, California. " I'm trying, as a transient form of life myself, to Postage aHd handling: $2.50, Jim book; $1.50, Beautiful Azalea and Rhododendron eaoh aeditional book. Virginia resieems add come to terms with living and dying and Miracid contains chelated iron and 41fz'Yo sales tax. Please all0w six weeks for other essential minerals to stimulate constant change. There is no security, or delivery. Prices a ~ e subjecf to change without the only security is that things keep chang­ strong, beautiful growth. ing. In the garden, change seems so un­ creepy, so wonderful at every stage. There is nothing more fluid than a garden. Noth­ El MasterCard Exp. Date: ing holds still out here!" Debbie Carlson, a part-time dental AGet. #: hygienist in Anchorage, Alaska, lives and Signature: gardens two hours away in Coopers Land­ ing, where moose nibble on the cabbages Ship to: and eat the raspberry shoots. "Here we let Street: _~ ___~~~ ___~~ the gardening cycle happen more naturally than if we were in Anchorage. We mainly garden for the health of it, not to save State/Zip money or because we need the food. If we add our labor to our gardening costs, it MAlL TO: AHS Books, 7931 East Boulevard would be cheaper to buy our food at the Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. market."

interior, where the growing season may be visa and now carpets our tundra with gold. as short as sixty to seventy days in some Are the natives friendly? You bet. Many places. But there is that continuous sum­ wild lings have settled down in town gar­ mer daylight, in which the majority of dens to replace the modern hybrids that are plants revel, and the high daytime tempera­ denied us and they do so with great grace. tures; town officials of Eagle on the Yukon The native iris, I. setosa, goats beard (Arun­ River canceled their Fourth of July parade cus dioicus), cranesbill (Geranium erian­ last year when the temperature reached thum), the wild columbine (Aquilegia 109 degrees. canadensis), dwarf dogwood (Cornus can­ One-fifth the size of the contiguous adensis), the diminutive Papaver alba­ United States, Alaska's mainland lies in roseum, a rare poppy found only in the USDA Zones 1 through 7. Zone 7 is repre­ moraine left behind by Portage glacier, and sented by a few scraps of land along the the spring crocus, Anemone patens, are southeastern panhandle, where the climate only a few of the jewels in a national resembles that of the rain forests of the treasure in wildflowers. Pacific Northwest Coast more than that of Tough species from other high-latitude the rest of Alaska; the far south central, countries are welcome immigrants: Tulipa including Kenai Fjords National Park and tarda and T. kaufmanniana and other Montague Island; southern Kodiak Island; botanical tulips from central Asia, and and a sliver of the Alaska Peninsula. But Viola altaica get an early wake-up call from Zones 5 through 7 encompass only a tiny late April into May in my Anchorage gar­ portion of the land and even less of the den. Rosa spinosissima, R. spinosissima population. var. altaica, and the rugosas and their Since the cold air drainage of every hybrids are no substitutes for the hybrid mountain range creates a zone change for teas, grandifloras, and floribundas, but every fifty-foot drop in elevation, predict­ they are warmly welcomed on their own ing what will grow in Alaska is best left to merits, as are several old shrub roses of "cheechakos"-the newcomers; the sour­ northern origin. Mongolia gave us our doughs are more wary of generalization. only flowering perennial vine, Clematis In the" big part" of Alaska, there is no tangutica. real darkness by the end of April, but safe The rock garden seed lists are rich sources planting-out time may be six weeks away. for species that may make themselves at Choosing adapted varieties is critical. The home in the high north. I scan their lists for always cool soil and air rule out most seed collected in northern Scandinavia, warm-season and even many ·short-season Iceland and Greenland, the northern vegetables and ornamentals. Some years it republics of the Soviet Union, and northern is a race with time to get a "mess" of beans Canada-all the high-latitude countries or enough rudbeckias to arrange in a bean whose plants have acquired a tolerance for these limitations and they keep seeking pot to celebrate the coming of fall. And the prolonged cold and summers that have no ways to warm things up. Tb.ese zealots prolonged winter cold limits the choice of darkness. Such plants just may settle down have taught us all that cunning can often perennial and woody plants. It is an austere happily in my garden on a high bluff above overcome climate. They take pleasure in gardening climate. Cook Inlet on the border between Zones 3 putting another notch in their hoe handles Gardeners feel keenly the lack of such and 4. A German professor spotted my when they find a way to grow some plant mainstays of the flower border as bearded name on a rock garden society membership that "won't grow in Alaska. " I am not one iris, summer phlox, tender roses, chrysan­ list and asked if I would like to trade seeds of these, although I am married to one; themums, and hybrid daylilies. But south from northeast Asia, to which he had access theirs is an aberration with a low cure rate. central Alaska gardeners will find no place but I did not. He sent me a king's ransom in It is well known that seedlings will grow else where delphiniums and tuberous seeds from Mongolia and Siberia in ex­ at a temperature too low for seeds of the begonias grow to such magnificence. This change for common Alaska wildlings. same plant to germinate; presprouting is peony country, and columbine, bleeding­ Several seed companies cater to northern seeds saves a few days and can make the heart, campanula, and dahlia country. needs for vegetable seeds. Most root crops difference between a bean year and a lean Such neglected perennials as Maltese-cross flourish as do peas, the cole crops, lettuce, year. The homesteaders rolled their seeds (Lychnis chalcedonica) and Trollius broad and runner beans, celery, and the in a damp towel and stored them in the species make a bold statement. By June, culinary herbs. Seed saver exchanges offer warming oven of their wood ranges. How­ gardens are awash in aribis and forget-me­ northern heirloom varieties no longer in ever, there are few warming ovens around nots. A great explosion of bloom is set off commerce. Vegetables that have won the today and the fluid-gel techniques by doronicum, tulips, Veronica grand­ All-America Selections award because they developed at Cornell and Michigan State i{lora-the little speedwell that comes from shave a few days off the maturing time of universities are being adopted here. the outer reaches of the Aleutian Chain­ marginal plants are good bets for discern­ In this method, seeds are presprouted on and Anemone richardsonii, which skipped ing gardeners. a paper plate under a wet paper towel. A over the Bering Strait without benefit of a Not all gardeners are content to accept solution of three tablespoons of cornstarch

14 FEBRUARY 1991 Opposite, top: A «bottle garden" of water-filled wine jugs collects solar heat in the long days of late April. Bottom: Onion bags help protect apple tree branches from browsing moose.

Left: A raised bed produces early lettuce and late-season garlic; sun-warmed water in a plastic trash can irrigates sandy soil blown up from the shore of Turnagain Arm.

Above: Dr. Curtis Dearborn grafted (Summerred' apple scionwood onto the rugged Siberian crab to produce south central Alasaka's first apple of eating quality.

to one cup of water is heated until it thick­ cause few bees and flies can get through to growth rate. Early on, they learned to cut ens. When cool, the gel is poured into a pollinate them. And the vigorous weeds the bottoms out of clear glass jugs, using small plastic bag and the sprouted seeds are even help their cultivated bedmates by the removable caps as ventilators on sunny scraped gently into it. The bag is secured pushing the plastic up and creating warm, days. The introduction of plastic milk jugs with a twist tie and one lower corner of the moist air spaces for them. reduced the seasonal bloodletting. From bag is snipped open. Then the sprouts are Any mulch that keeps the sun's rays from these homemade cloches, it was a short squeezed out, as you would toothpaste. the cool soil is a growth retardant during step to rowcaps, or tunnels, that would Not only do seeds get off to a faster start, the gardening season. Winter mulches are cover a whole row, maintaining warm air but the method virtually eliminates thin­ a different story. By holding in what temperatures into the chill evening hours, ning and is convenient for fine seeds. remains of summer's warmth and protect­ and as a bonus, protecting plants from Raised beds and mounded rows warm up ing plants from rapid changes in soil many insects' egg-laying propensities. faster than level ground. Prewarming these temperature, such as our infamous January Gardeners in the high north took off on beds with clear plastic tarps is worth the thaw, it gives many marginally hardy a round of inventions, some of them-like trouble. The black plastic mulch used in the plants the needed edge for survival. cold frames tall enough to house a squash rest of the country-the land Alaskans call A house never has enough south sides for vine-pretty funny. But their inventors had "Outside"-does not work well here. Black bulbs and perennials, and a yard never has the last laugh. The list of crops that plastic feels warmer to the touch than does enough gentle south-facing slopes for the wouldn't grow in Alaska got shorter each the bare ground, but Donald Dinkel, a vegetable garden. Alaska gardeners are al­ year as they experimented with sweet corn, University of Alaska-Fairbanks horticul­ ways looking for another Mr. Goodspot, tomatoes, cucumbers, squashes, pump­ turist, discovered that clear plastic admits sometimes bwilding a solid wood fence that kins, onions, leeks, garlic, radiccio, more of the sun's heat and warms the top doesn't go anywhere but makes a south asparagus, and bush beans-pole beans four inches of soil, where seedling roots are. wall out of a northern exposure. are still a greenhouse crop. True, weeds grow like mad under the clear They try to raise the air temperature Greenhouse-grown peppers attracted plastic, but they do not set much seed be- around young plants to increase their aphids; grown outdoors under row covers

AMERI CAN HORTICULTURIST 15 they did not and furthermore, they ripened. liter wine jugs won, and were tucked under Some of these iffy crops made it in some row covers next to tender plants to release places but not in others. Not far from their warmth during the chill evening hours. Anchorage, a Matanuska Valley gardener Watering practices were due for reform. was able to entertain her twenty-three Watering late in the day sent plants into the coworkers with a corn feed; a Kenai Penin­ night wet and chilled; watering in the morn­ sula gardener grew 100 tennis ball-size ing, when the plants were cold, did not muskmelons under double plastic row shock them into insensibility. Soaker hoses covers; when a neighbor installed a hive of that dripped cold water from the earth's icy bees, he got 200 muskmelons. depths kept plants cold for hours; when Onions are a cool season crop, but a long water pressure was turned up high, the season one, and garlic and storage onions droplets that soared into the air picked up are fussy about bulbing until the days grow a bit of the sun's warmth. Sun-warmed short enough; by then, frost is digging in water in fifty-five-gallon oil drums with for the winter. But under row covers, mar­ bungs for connecting a hose was even better, ginal biennials and perennials make it although the barrels were no great asset to through the critical freeze-and-thaw days the landscape. of spring. The gardeners who tried clear The long daylight of the subarctic that plastic mulches and row covers were onto can be harnessed to hasten the growing something. season is the downfall of many woody The introduction of spun bonded plants, because the long days do not allow polypropylene and polyester "floating" them to get ready for winter in a timely row covers permitted earlier hardening off, manner. Trees and shrubs that are hardy in kept egg-laying insects at bay, and the northern tier of the contiguous states produced earlier crops of vegetables that succumb to milder temperatures in south had been only marginally successful. central Alaska, and the minus 50- to 60-de­ We knew that plain water collects more gree temperatures of Fairbanks are far too solar heat than a fiftylfifty mix of an­ severe for them. tifreeze, or steel, concrete, stone, brick, Trees that do survive the cold may fall earth, sand, or wood. But what would be victim to the high sun of the spring equi­ the best container for the water? My hus­ nox-29 degrees above the horizon at band filled a tipsy collection of club soda Anchorage. Sap thaws on warm days, bottles, wine jugs, and opaque plastic milk freezes at night, and ruptures the capil­ jugs with water and took their tempera­ laries. Young, thin-barked, deciduous tures morning and night to see which was trees, with no leaves to shade their trunks, the best solar collector. The one-and-half are the most vulnerable, so the apples that survive comparable temperatures in other Northern states are a frustration to Alaska but not the loss of young tree limbs much Sources of Cold-Hardy Plants growers. There are numerous hardy relished by the moose. Commercial tree crabapples, but Alaskans asked plaintive­ guards show promise: a thirty-two-inch­ Alpine Garden Society, Lye End Link, ly: "Why not apple apples?" A break­ high white plastic exterior keeps the trunks Saint John'S, Woking, Surrey, England through came when Dr. Curtis H. Dearborn cool in the spring, and fends off rodent and GU211SW. of the agricultural experiment station at Pal­ moose damage in winter. American Rock Garden Society, Buffy mer successfully grafted 'Summerred' scion­ The flip side of long summer daylight is, Parker, Secretary, 15 Fairmead Road, wood onto Malus baccata, the tough of course, long winter darkness. Eight Darien, CT 06820. Siberian crab, to produce the first high­ months' indoor dormant storage is too Farmer Seed and Nursery, Faribault, MI quality eating apple to ripen on the trees of long for some plants. Geraniums hung on 55021. south central Alaska. basement clotheslines in the time-honored Johnny's Selected Seeds, Foss Hill Road, Even the doughty European mountain way don't make it. In the old days, many a Albion, ME 04910. ash, Sorbus aucuparia, and the rugged na­ geranium bloomed cheerily in wintry log Nichols Garden Nursery, 1190 North tive white paper birch, Betula papyrifera, cabin windows where the chinks between Pacific Highway, Albany, OR 97321 (for are not always immune to the high sun of logs leaked cool, moist air. Today's double­ herbs). spring. Besides, their bark and lower and often triple-glazed windows and Park Seed Co., Cokes bury Road, Green­ branches are irresistible to the moose that central heating are not on their want list. It wood, SC 29647-0001. roam urban gardens when the snow in the is a lost cause to store "mother plants" of Territorial Seed Co., Box 27, Morane, mountain valleys is too deep for them to fuchsias and potted tender roses in crawl OR 97451. find browse. spaces that are usually too warm to induce Thompson & Morgan Inc., P.O. Box Commercial tree wraps help, as do home­ dormancy, or garages that may reach freez­ 1308, Jackson, NJ 08527. made versions of coiled rope or cylinders of ing temperatures. W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Warminster, PA roofing material. The addition of hardware Container-grown plants get warmer 18974. cloth prevents the bark from being stripped, root zones than the ground offers and they

16 FEBRUARY 1991 Opposite, top: Cornus canadensis. Middle: Giant '0. C. Cross' cabbage and annuals in an Anchorage park bed. Bottom: Seedheads of Clematis tangutica, Alaska's only perennial flowering vine.

Left: Iris setosa. Above: An Anchorage home garden explodes with violets, pansies, and monkey flowers.

can be scooted indoors when frost is high-intensity daylight lamps. alacrity of a retreating glacier. Most gar­ forecast, which may occur in early June Outdoor lighting, an amenity once con­ deners count on two years for finished and late August. Much of Alaska has the sidered hilarious in a country where it compost. Those with mechanical chipper­ cool, misty summer climate of the Califor­ doesn't get dark all summer, has made the shredders may spread chopped kitchen nia coast where fuchsias reign over the winter less formidable. Black glass reflec­ waste and heavier garden waste on fall­ scene, and geraniums and tuberotls tions are exchanged for vistas of frosty tilled gardens and get partly decomposed begonias can also be showoffs, but none trees, falling snow, outdoor sculpture, matter the following summer. are winter hardy. Some urban garden children skating on back yard rinks, and But recently, Alaska appears to be on a centers store baskets of fuchsias and diamonds on the snow. roll with a prolonged warming trend. geraniums, and tubs of tender hybrid roses Visiting reporters sometimes write elo­ Whether it's simply a cyclical warm period and rhododendrons for less than $25 each quently of Alaska's "fertile, virgin soils that like others I've seen in my thirty-seven for eight months. have never known a plow." Alaska's soils years of gardening in Alaska, or a portent On December 21, Anchorage has five are young, recently born of the Ice Age. of the much discussed greenhouse effect, it hours and twenty-two minutes of daylight, They are infertile, but tremendously has brought some welcome relief from and at noon, the weak sun is only 6 degrees responsive to the addition of nutrients and deep winter cold and summer chill. above the horizon. This provides a strong organic matter. Animal manures are It's a great land, Alyeska-as the Bering incentive for plants to lapse into dormancy scarce; large quantities of steer manure or Strait migrants named it centuries ago. You unless supplemental light is provided. With peat moss are expensive. Coastal gardeners should come and see the state we 're in! the discovery of copious quantities of natural compost kelp and gurry, or fish wastes. gas, sunrooms proliferated, providing a great Everywhere birch and poplar leaves are Lenore Hedla is a free-lance garden writer boon to winter living in the North. Some bagged and held over winter to be alter­ who lives in Anchorage, Alaska. She has flowers bloom all winter in these cozy sitting nated with layers of grass clippings when gardened in south central Alaska for thir­ rooms under table and floor lamps with spring arrives. ty-seven years and is the author of The circular fluorescent tubes, and full-spectrum, Compost decomposes with all the Alaskan Gardener's Handbook.

AMERI CAN HO RTI CULTURI ST 17

Recipes/or

The New England Wild Flower Society's Bill Brumback hopes tissue culture will reduce wild collection of regional species.

BY MARTY CARLOCK

E HAVE TO TAKE OFF OUR SHOES TO GO IN THE LAB," Bill Brumback tells me. While I fumble with sneaker laces, he pries off his moccasins with his toes. His colleague, Terri Cogliano, sheds tan work boots that she seldom ever ties. Clearly, moccasins are the footgear of choice for researchers who spend time in tissue culture laboratories. Brumback and Cogliano experiment in micropropagation, the business of growing snippets of plants in test tubes. Shoes are left outside because contamination is the chief enemy of their work. Reluctance on the part of the plant is another difficulty, and at present their experiments center on finding Massachusetts; Cogliano is lab manager at "I could show you catalogs that offer tril­ Weston Nurseries, a commercial firm in liums for twenty-eight cents a piece, if you Hopkinton, Massachusetts. At the wild­ buy a thousand," Brumback says. flower society's forty-five acre Garden in Botanists worry whether nature Gan sus­ the Woods, Brumback propagates plants in tain such yields, even in areas where given more conventioNal ways, but there he does species are prolific. Lacking scientific not have the laboratory necessary for tissue before-and-after surveys, Brumback won't culture. Weston Nurseries donates space say categorically that wild collecting can and some of Cogliano's time to aid Brum­ wipe out a species. But it has hurt. "It has back in his project to learn how to produce, been established that, over time, such prac­ in quantity, hard-to-propagate native tices can wipe out local populations." plants. Their work is part of the society'S Decimation of lady's-slippers in Michigan campaign to develop alternatives to the and Venus's-flytraps in the Carolinas has collection of wildflowers for resale by com­ resulted in laws prohibiting their collection. mercial dealers. Brumback hopes his work will eventually Simplistically, tissue culture may be make available enough coveted native described this way: The researcher takes a plants that gardeners will buy lab-cloned Top: Heather McCargo, propagator piece of a plant, cleans it, and puts it in a wildflowers rather than wild-collected ones. at Garden in the Woods, haroests sterile growing medium. "And hopefully In the last decade tissue culture has come seed from the white wood aster they just go pkoof!" Brumback makes an to be rather widely used by commercial (Aster divaricatus). Above: The red unspellable explosive sound and makes his nurserymen to grow such ornamental trillium, or wake-robin, takes two touching fingertips fly apart. favorites as mountain laurels, rhodo­ years to germinate. Opposite: A That means, if the plant finds the chemi­ dendrons, and hostas. "They can build up path through the Garden in the cals congenial, it puts forth a number of a large stock quickly," Brumback explains, Woods, headquarters of the New new shoots. When it has six to ten or so, "and they can be sure of retaining genetic England Wild Flower Society. the researcher snips them off and puts each characteristics, such as color." Because into its own growing medium. Repetition such seedlings are clones of the same plant, the growing medium in which each of cer­ of the process results in hundreds, then they are genetically identical. tain difficult native species is happiest. thousands, of plallts. Applying tissue culture techniques to na­ Brumback is director of conservatioN for What's the advantage? Speed and genetic tive plants, as Brumback is doing, is rela­ the New England Wild Flower Society, a control. The disadvantage? Cost-as com­ tively rare, except for some researchers nonprofit organization in Framingham, pared to the cheap route, digging wild plants. attempting terrestrial orchids. "In the past

20 FEBRUARY 1991 it wasn't thought of," he says. " It was thought there was no real need "-because people could just go out and dig them. He emphasizes that tissue culture is not only expensive, but it is not a foolproof method. It is best reserved for plants not easily or quickly propagated by any other means. There's a misconception that tissue cul­ ture can rescue rare and endangered species. "I'm not working with rare and endangered species," says Brumback, "be­ cause in those cases tissue culture is not necessarily the right thing. It doesn't give you any genetic diversity." If the intent is to grow endangered plants and reintroduce them into the wild, they need to be grown from seed, however difficult that might be. Where tissue culture can help, he con­ tinues, "is in taking the pressure off the wild plants"-producing enough plants for sa le that no one will be tempted to raid the woods and meadows and create more endangered species. For instance, Epigaea repens (trailing ar­ butus)-the Massachusetts state flower­ was picked nearly to extinction before it became protected. Cogliano and other re­ searchers at Weston Nurseries began to clone a pink form; it has become a success story. The micropropagated arbutus has now reached "production" status; there are enough plants that it's for sale at the nursery. Brumback and Cogliano hope to develop formulas for growing media that will best propagate some slow natives, such as Trillium, Galax, and Shortia. Brumback is writing a professional paper on this ef­ fort and plans to publish when his data are firmed up. Two species of Trillium, the dark red wake-robin (T. erectum) and the white T. grandiflorum, are a focus of Brumback's current work. "Trillium takes two years to germin ate and another three to five years to get to blooming size, so you're talking five years. At least." It's his hope that tissue culture methods can shorten that span. The process can also produce many more plants in a given span of time. Why is Trillium so slow? Brumback's laugh is explosive. "I wish I knew!" Like many of the reluctant reproducers Brumback works with, Trillium normally grows in the shade of the forest, and such plants apparently don't need to propagate as quickly as meadow natives. "You can see how, in the sun, there's a race among plants to see who gets a fresh spot. Those plants benefit from being able to germinate quickly," observes Brumback. "But in the

AM ERI CAN HORTICULTURIST 2 1 NINETY YEARS OF CHAMPIONING NATIVES

wice a week or more last summer, Heather McCargo the beautiful acreage; a sand and gravel compal'ly offered a and Patricia Diggins went on a quest through the shady quarter-million dollars for the gravel rights. T Garden in the Woods. Carrying pencils and a stack of Horrified, friends cast about f0r a solution and located the brown envelopes, they stooped and lifted aside leaves, develop­ obvious one, the Boston-based New England Wild Flower ing a good instinct for where to look for their quarry, and when. Society. Curtis gave the garden to the society; a nationwide McCargo, the garden's propagator, and Diggins, a seasonal campaign raised a maintenance endowment, and, prudently intern, were harvesting seed from some of the 1,500 or so purchasing fifteen more acres, the society moved its head­ species of native plants cultivated and displayed by the New quarters from the city to the Curtis property. England Wild Flower Society on its forty-five acres in Framing­ Retained as director, Curtis lived at the garden until his death ham, Massachusetts. In late winter, 200 varieties of wildflower in 1969 at the age of 86; his ashes were scattered among his and fern seeds will be offered to society ,members and other beloved plants. interested wildflower growers. Among the society's activities today afe more than 100 Seed sales ate only one of the society's methods fou encourag­ courses arrl}l1ally, from one-shot lectures w extended field trips. ing the propagati0n-rather than collection from the wild-of Newly in place is a three-year course of study leading to a desirable native plants. During the growing season the society Certificate in Native Plant Studies. "Interest in native plants is continuously propagates and offers for sale some 150 varieties so enormous," says society spokesperson Barbara Pryor, "that of perennials, mostly indigenous, plus a few cultivars of native without exception our courses are always filled. We sometimes species and special exotics. It hosts a one-day plant sale in early have to add a second section." June that vends more than $20,000 worth of plants. The society's director of conservation, William E. Bmmback, The New England Wild Flower Society traces its roots to the oversees a greenhouse and nursery beds at the gardens in Native Plant Society founded in Boston in 1900 by Amy addition to his research on tissue culture propagation of dif- Folsom. EnthusiasticaHy amateur, with no offices and no dues of its OWN, the society received mail a:t the offices of the AudNbol'l Society. In 1922 the Gardea Club of America, seek, ing to extel'ld its conservation work into New England, con­ tacted the Native Plant Society. Then in ill health, Folsom was happy to allow her society to be a,bsorbed into the new Society for the Preservation of Native New England Plants, chaired by Mrs. S. V. R. Crosby. From the first, the society considered its mission educational. Meanwhile, a crusty and eccentric landscape architect, Will C. Curtis, had bought thirty acres of glacial ridge, ravine, bog, and pond in rural Framingham. A plam collector since childhood, he had begun a aative plallt garden in Nnillteresting tenain in West BoylstoN. His accidental discovery of the Framingham site fired his imagination. He was in luck; the Old Colony Railroad was happy to sell it to him for $1,000. Plants for sale at Garden in the Woods. Creating the garden became Curtis's life, but his abrasive personality ali/mated a series of volunteer helpers until he hired ficult native plants (see accompanying article). Howard O. "Dick" Stiles. Out of work as a result of the Great The garden is now a designated Center for Plant Conserva­ Depression, Stiles worked for little more than room and board. tion, one of twenty throughout the country. The society has He too almost left, but Curtis-soft-hearted under the gruff established a conservation department headed by Brumback to exterior-persuaded him to stay, and the two became partners. encourage propagation of endangered species. Olle of its goals Their goal was t(') grow and propagate as many American is to set up a garden akin to Garden in the Woods in each of phmts as would survive at 42 degrees north latitude. They the six New England states. created a pond envil1Ql'lmel'lt, a bog, a meadow, a Gieserf area, To encourage purchases from nurseries that propagate the a rock garden, and of course a woodland. The gardea became native plants they sell, rather than buying them from collectors, a showplace and, simultaneously, a display room fm Curtis's the society produces and sells a list of such grower-propagators landscape design practice. throughoutthe United States, as well as booklets on cultivating In the early 1940s, Garden in the Woods was designated a and propagating wildflowers. botanical garden. Curtis found himself obliged to tend to seed Getting garden-grown "wild" plants is advantageous in exchanges and plant sales as well as his business and the tours several ways, Brumback says. "You're assured no wild popula­ and lectures he gave in the garden. As he approached 80, he tions are destroyed. Propagation is the only way to get some realized the garden could not be maintained without his profes­ of the interesting forms and colors. And chances are better it sional earnings. Suburban developers licked their chops over will grow in your garden. It's pre-adapted."

22 FEBRUA RY 1991 shady forest, the habitat is less disturbed. Americans began by sorting bulbs in the "And you can understand why a plant Dutch bulb factories. "Then when spring might require a cold period before it will came I got a job outdoors with a perennial germinate. Because if it drops seed in the grower, and we both got hooked. We liked fall and that germinates right away, it the physical aspect of it-and the mental would begin the winter as a small seedling. aspect." Back in the United States, Brum­ This adaptation makes it hold up germina­ back then spent four years as head prop­ tion until spring. But why Trillium requires agator for a wholesale nursery in Maryland two cold periods with a warm period in dealing in perennials, ornamental grasses, between .. .! have no idea!" wildflowers, and herbs. Awarded a fellow­ For four or five years Brumback has ship, he earned a master's degree in hor­ spent Friday mornings in the lab in Hop­ ticulture from the Longwood Program of kinton. "It's not very long, really," he says. Ornamental Horticulture at the University He downplays his accomplishments so far. of Delaware. His thesis dealt with en­ "I don't think we've had any terrific suc­ dangered plant programs for North cesses. There's a lot of plodding." American botanical gardens. The lab work is exacting. The room we The job opening at Garden in the Woods enter after leaving our shoes is the transfer seemed made to order for him, combining room. Its centerpiece is a laminar flow his interests in propagation, native plants, hood, a lighted space where air is superfil­ and endangered species. Although he had tered to pro~ide a sterile environment. worked in the commercial field before Here Brumback sits to insert his tiny cut­ entering graduate school, he was more in­ tings into their capsules. terested in botanical gardens. Cogliano has sterilized his tools and Through professional contacts, Brum­ plant containers in an autoclave elsewhere back met Ed Mezzitt, then owner of Wes­ in the propagation shed. "Basically an ton Nurseries. "He was interested in tissue autoclave is just a big pressure cooker," she culture, and he wanted to try native says. "It heats to 250 degrees under fifteen plants," Brumback recounts. Mezzitt of­ pounds of pressure for fifteen minutes." fered research time in his tissue culture lab, The two researchers discuss recipes for and Brumback accepted. gFowing media; she concocts what he terms Recently married to a landscape design­ "the nutrient soup" they've agreed on for er, Brumback confesses that he doesn't do a particular species. They have a lot of any flower gardening at home. "All we choices. The medium contains vitamins, have at the moment is a vegetable garden." hormones, nutrients and micronutrients, a Brumback is diffident about his re­ carbon source (usually table sugar), and search. "There are better people out there agar as a jelling agent. The medium sets up who know more about tissue culture than as a milky jelly. I do," he says. "It's a long road. We have a Cogliano and Brumback work in an lot more experimentation to do before we easy, collegial harmony. Jointly they decide know wh.at works best." How long might when each of Brumback's plants is ready it be? "I wouldn't want to say." for the next step. Cogliano's work other­ When he does publish his conclusions, wise comprises the commercial produc­ "it's not going to be proprietary," he adds. tion, by tissue culture, of some plants that "We just want to get the information out the nursery sells. there, so everybody can use it." Cogliano came to Weston Nurseries six The groundwork already done by others years ago, after an internship at Garden in includes the development of culturing the Woods while she was working on a media for various species. Many media biology major at Framingham State Col­ recipes start with the MS formula, a com­ lege. Brumback has been propagator at bination of salts and iron developed by two Garden in the Woods for a decade. His researchers named Murashige and Skoog. career choice was something of a surprise Brumback and Cogliano ad-lib and vary to him. In 1971, fresh out of Washington such recipes according to the species of and Lee University with a degree in plants they want to grow. psychology, he was unsure what he wanted The researchers clean the plants, wash­ to do next, so he and a buddy arranged jobs ing them with soap and water, sometimes in Holland working with bulbs and her­ alcohol, sometimes with a 10 percent baceous perennials. He had no real interest in plants at that point; except that he liked Plants that grow from a low-foliage sports, he wasn't even an outdoorsman. crown, as swamp pink does, are Because they arrived in winter, the two hard for micropropagators to handle.

AMERJCAN HORTICULTURIST 23 "See that white stuff growing on the side ty is that the plant is going from a of the plastic? That's contamination." The pampered state-lOO percent humidity, all villains can be bacteria, molds, yeasts, or the nutrients it needs at its root tips-to the mites. real world. "I'll autoclave that," says Cogliano. Brumback is delighted to find grasslike Zapping contaminated material in the clumps of turkeybeard (Xerophyllum as­ "pressure cooker" kills the plant, but it's phodeloides) flourishing in the frames. He necessary so unwanted invaders dOfl't con­ points out oconee bells (Shortia galaci­ taminate others. folia). "We have some success with this, The next step is to transfer an "ex­ some failures. If we have 50 percent root­ plant" -the piece of tissue selected for ing survival with Shortia, we're happy." He propagatiom-from sterile solution to exults over pixie moss (Pyxidanthera bar­ sterile container. "You take an actively bulata) and showy lady's-slippers (Cyp­ growing piece of tissue, such as the tip of a ripedium reginae), one of the difficult wild shoot, and snip it off," explains Brumback. orchids. Workimg with forceps under the hood, Although Brumback has nurtured some Brumback places the disinfested plant tis­ orchids from test tubes, orchid seeds are sue in the growing medium and claps the tiny and hard to handle. "Some of these lid of the small cube back on. Later, larger you have to do from seed," he confesses. plantlets will get larger plastic boxes, " And Helonias (H. bullata, or swamp resembling square refrigerator containers. pink) and pixie moss are so difficult: you The plastic eggs function as small, self­ can't get the seedlings clean" of enough contained terrariums; the medium, though potential contaminants for tissue culture. jelled, provides moisture and everything Pixie moss is also very small, and any plant Brumback's team is making progress else the plant needs except light. like Helonias that grows from a low­ with the tissue culture of "Nobody understands how long the foliage crown is hard for micropropa­ turkey beard. nutrient solution lasts-when or whether the gators to handle. nutrients are used up," Brumback relates. While Brumback may dismiss the actual Clorox solution. "It sounds like a mean "They dry out some. You have to change propagation work as plodding, fellow and nasty and ugly thing to do to a plant," them continually--every six weeks at least." professionals feel he has already done a lot he says, "but contaminants are mean and Cogliano says most explants get sixteen to change attitudes. "Bill's work is bringing nasty and ugly, so you have to go after hours of daylight, which is provided by professional credibility-clout-to solving them." Sometimes plants don't survive this cool white fluorescent lamps, then eight problems created by the marketing of wild "disinfestation." Bigger pieces of plant tis­ hours of darkness, in temperatures of 70 to plants." says Viki Ferreniea of Wayside sue are more difficult to get really clean but 80 degrees in summer though somewhat Gardens in Hodges, South Carolina. As more likely to live through the cleamsing. lower in winter. assistant horticultural director of a large The "test tubes" are little cubes or egg­ Admiring the progress of a tray of tril­ mail-order retail nursery-one of an in­ shaped containers with halves that come lium, Brumback finds contamination in the creasing number that pledges not to sell apart. Because they and the medium are form of a dark mold. The plant has put out wild-collected plants-Ferreniea is in a transparent, the propagators can see a good root system, though. "I may keep position to see the industry's and the what's happening to them. this and see what happens," he muses, buyer's dilemma. Brumback searches through a tray of clear "because it's a trillium" -and hard to get "People get very nostalgic about native eggs with tiny plants growing in them. to this stage. plants," she says. "They can be easily "There's one!" He picks out the offender. We're obliged to don our shoes to walk seduced into going into the woods and bring­ across the floor of the potting shed to the ing plants back for their gardens. They can media room, where Pat Webster, contribute to the demise of these plants Sources and Resources Cogliano's assistant, is turning out trays without even realizing what they're doing." full of plastic eggs with a nutrient soup of And in some rural areas wild-plant col­ Publications/membership/seed informa­ a different color-sooty black. Brumback lection is a business. If horticultural re­ tion: New England Wild Flower Society, explains: "This is rooting medium. Carbon searchers can develop other ways of Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA is added to take out the cytokinins, the providing plants that are profitable and 01701, (508) 877-7630. growth regulators, and encourage the relatively easy-and ecologically respon­ To receive the 1991 seed list, send $1 and auxins, the rooting hormones. " sible-Ferreniea believes the plant-sale in­ a self-addressed business-sized envelope, Now we go outside to check on plants dustry would adopt them. 45 cents-stamped, to the above address that have graduated to potting soil and are "What Bill is doing is consciousness­ before March 1. Seed sales close March 15. being held in nursery frames. Brumback raising," she concludes. "He is bringing a For the enthusiast who wants to try tis­ says this is the third major problem-find­ conscience to the industry." sue culture, Brumback recommends Plants ing out how best to ease the transition from from Test Tubes, by Lydiane Kyte, publish­ the agar medium to bona fide dirt. Some Boston free-lancer Ma,rty Carlock writes ed by Timber Press (1983) in Portland, plants want all the agar washed off, for about nature, art, and education for the Oregon. instance; some don't. But the basic difficul- Boston Globe and other publications.

24 FEBRUARY 1991 S PEe I A L SEC T ION

~... IRED OF READING ABOUT NEW INTRODUCTIONS? Each winter, American

Horticulturist asks some of the specialty plant societies, of which

there are about 200 in this country, to name not the new kids on the

block, but the classics. This year, the American Orchid Society

describes plants we may have first read about in an old detective novel-and assures

us there is nothing mysterious about growing them. The American Bamboo Society

tells us more about plants used by the ancients for food and tools, but whose

vertical habit makes them perfect for modern gardens. The American Begonia

Society's choices range from the "angel-wings" our grandmothers used to grow to

relatively new, more heat-tolerant "tubers." Whether you try just one of these

winners or become a lifetime devotee, we hope you'll think to call on these groups

when you need sources, advice, or new gardening friends.

AMERI CAN HORTICULTURIST 25 PRO V EN PER FOR MER S • l

he lore that has surrounded Society. Small wonder that the novice orchids for three centuries­ grower is often daunted. But what a that they are exotic, majestic BY ALEC PRIDGEON pleasant predicament! All or most of the flowers in dense, inaccessible species and hybrids li sted in this article jungles, inspiring intrepid col­ have proven themselves over and over lTectors to brave hostile natives, disease, again through the decades for offering hunger, and snakebite-has deterred many showy, long-lasting, brilliantly colored would-be orchid growers from enjoying flowers at an affordable price. Some have these jewels of the plant kingdom and from hidden bonuses. For example, many grow discovering just how easy they are to grow. so vigorously that they can be divided On windowsills, under fluorescent lights, regularly, potted up separately, and shared or in a greenhouse, orchids offer a diversity with friends or relatives. Others flower of form, color, and size-a diversity un­ twice or even three times a year and, since matched by any other plant family. With a given flower may last in perfection as an estimated 25,000 species around the long as six weeks and flowers may be world, the orchid family occupies almost produced in a long succession, may bless every conceivable type of habitat. their grower with an abundance of flowers It is difficult to list in a short space all the Phalaenopsis Abendrot year round. reasons why people from all walks of life-as Cattleyas and their allies, arguably the many as 100,000 growers in the United (above) is a noteworthy most popular orchids, offer something for States alone-have adopted orchids, even to every taste and growing situation. The the exclusion of other plants. Perhaps it is the larger types respond best in a greenhouse, diversity of the flowers, some larger than a pink hybrid. although many wi ll thrive under lights or dinner plate and others small enough to fit in a shade house. Cattleya walkerana has neatly on Franklin D. Roosevelt's nose on the Paphiopedilum Maudiae one of the most pleasant, potent fragrances U.S. dime. The fantastic shapes and colors of in the orchid family. C. mossiae, a lovely, the labellum or lip-a specialized and 'Magnificum~ (right) pink-flowered species from Venezuela, modified, often showy petal--certainly con­ blooms reliably in the spring. C. bowrin­ tribute to the mass appeal of orchids. The giana, on the other hand, blooms in the fall bold colors, virtually all but true black (yes, has an apple green pouch. with up to twenty magenta flowers on each the black orchid immortalized in pulp fiction inflorescence. Hybrids of this species, par­ is only a myth) are enough to brighten the ticularly C. Portia and C. Porcia, put on darkest of hallways, sometimes for weeks on spectacular shows in the fall. Some of the end. The very adaptability of orchid species best bets for white-flowered hybrids are C. and hybrids, which makes them such ideal Bob Betts, C. Joyce Hannington, C. Bow subjects for the windowsill , indoor light gar­ Bells, and C. Henrietta Japhet. den, or greenhouse, is hardly what you (It is the custom to give orchid hybrids a would expect from plants long mythologized capitalized name of their own. In the case as being fussy. And certainly the modest price of intergeneric hybrids, the names of the tags now attached to orchids have made genera are combin ed and often ab­ them accessible to everyone. breviated. Thus Brassolaeliocattleya be­ Not only are there 25,000 species, but comes Bic. Following this convention, the some four times as many hybrids are orchid society and orchid catalogs ab­ registered with the Royal Horticultural breviate the intergeneric hybrid and many

26 FEBRUARY 1991

Lc. Stephen Oliver Fouraker, Lc. Mildred Rives-and the colorful splash-petal OBSERVATION THE KEY TO GROWING ORCHIDS hybrids such as Lc. Prism Palette. Orchidists with growing space only in he primary way in which orchids differ horticulturally from otaer plants is south- or east-facing windows or under that most are epiphytes rather than terrestrials. Because in ma,tl:ll'e they grow lights can enjoy the hundreds of miniature T on other plants, rather than in soil, their potting medium should be cattleyas bred over the years. Cattleya thoroughly free-draining; any water held around the roots for teo long will soon Small World is a primary cross, that is, one cause them to rot. The most common media for potting epiphytic O17chids are fir between two species (c. aclandiae and C. bark or tree-fern fiber, which is sold in three size grades: fine, for seedlings; luteola). Another primary cross, between medium; and coarse. SpeoiaJ mixes are also available, with various ratios of C. aclandiae and C. loddigesii, gave us C. charcoal, redwood chips, and/or sp('!)).lge r0ck added ~o either fir bark or tree fern. Brabantiae, a little charmer with pink, Sphagnum moss, osmunda, and rock wool are ust'ld to advantage with certaW' maroon-spotted flowers. There are some orchids. Some orchids have a growing habit that is best accommodated by potting absolutely delightful miniature laeliocat­ in tree-ft'lrn or wooden baskets or by mounting on plaques of tree fem. or cork. tleyas, too, such as hybrids Lc. Love Knot As orchids ocoupy many eC0lQgical niches, it is difticult to generalize about and Lc. Mini-Purple, both of which thrive cl:lltuml ~equireIDents. Yanda prdier higf.! hght intensity (mimi®'lum 2,500 £00t­ under lights and bloom twice or even three candles), while Paphiopedilum and Phalaenopsis thrive in lower light. A range of times a year. Their flowers are long-lived 2,000 to 2,500 foot-candles is fine for most orchids. and exceptionally fragrant. Finally, put Temperature ranges are flexible te> an extent. However, an orchid species that Cattleytonia toward the top of your list. OCGurs naturally at an 8,000-foot elevation with cool nights will qlJickly succumb These are crosses between Cattleya and if traNsplanted to a hot environmiously to make sure that the water drains through and flushes out skill of the hybridizer has given us pure any accumulated salts around the roots. whites, pinks, whites with red lips, bold Liquid or powdered fertilizers should be applied regularly during active growth stripes, spots, and again, almost every at the rate of one half to one teaspoon per ga.JIon of water. For plants grown in fir color except true blue and black. Phal­ bark use a 30-10-10 fertilizer; all others will do well with 20-20-20. SOIDt'l aenopsis schillerana and Pha!. stuartiana, successful growers fertilize with a cow manure "tea," but in the h0111e environment both species from the Philippines, have this would seem to discourage visits from friends or considerably shorten church been building blocks in the creation of socials. To prevent root burn, fertilize only immediately after watering. some of our most appealing hybrids. Even Try to create· a comfortable atmosphere around your plants by keeping relative out of flower, they are attractive because humidity above 50 percent and by maintaining constant but gentle air movement. In their leaves are dark green mottled with ~ht'l nom,e this can be achieved by gwwiQg plants OMer water in gravel-filled trays and silver gray. Phal. equestris is another by running a ceiling fan or muffin fan, and Qpening a window wheNever possible. vigorous species from the Philippines. Its The key to successful orchid culture is simply regular observation to spot white flowers with rose and yellow lips incl!l,fsions by pests and diseases before they get out of hand. And don't be afraid appear variously throughout the year but to experiment, fQr moving an orchid just a few inches may mean the differenGe chiefly in the spring and fall. betweeN healtA 0r decline, several flowers or mone. In the end you'll find tmat Virtually all Phalaenopsis hybrids can be ofGhias aren't fussy plants at all. Some even say that orchids thri.ve OF! neglect. recommended, but the following, listed by predominant flower color, are especially noteworthy: whites (Pha!. Winter Maiden, genus names as syllables, rather than a Laeliocattleya Ann Follis, Blc. Greenwich, Pha!. Joseph Hampton); pinks (Fha!. single letter, as is standard in botanical Blc. Ports of Paradise, and Lc. Leafwood Abendrot, Pha!. Lippegruss, Pha!. Lipp­ nomencla ture.) Lane; the purples of Blc. Norman's Bay, stadt); whites with red lips (Pha!. Shirley The complex Cattleya hybrids, those in­ Blc. Memoria Crispin Rosales, Lc. Adolph Pendelton, Phal. Jean McPherson); stripes volving other genera, represent the pin­ Hecker, and Lc. Bonanza; the startling reds (Pha!. Hausermann's Fireball, Pha!. Kath­ nacle of breeding. Every color in the of Sophrolaeliocattleya Jewel Box leen Ai, Pha!. Music); spots (Phal. Georges rainbow (except black and true blue) is 'Scheherazade', and Sic. Hazel Boyd. Last Seurat, Phal. Mouchette, Pha!. Elise de here: the yellows of Blc. Malworth, Blc. but not least are the semi-alba hybrids, Valec, Pha!. Rousserole); novelties (Pha!. Fortune, Blc. Erin Kobayashi; the greens of those having white flowers with a red lip- Orchid World, Pha!. Sweet Memory, Pha!.

28 FEBRUARY 1991 Suziana Wijanto, Pha!. Malibu Imp). oncidiums (about 2,500 foot-candles), Rivaling the cattleyas and phalaenopsis then you can also flower Ascocenda, in popularity is Paphiopedilum, the slip­ smaller versions of the glorious Vanda or­ per-orchids of tropical Asia. The lip is chids. Some of the most popular hybrids shaped like a pouch or slipper, which ac­ are Ascda. Yip Sum Wah, Ascda. Meda counts for its common name. Many species Arnold, and Ascda. Peggy Foo. and hybrids have mottled leaves, which Many novices begin with Brassavola make them attractive even out of flower. nodosa, the "lady of the night." Although Flowers will appear once or even more Dendrobium antenna tum the white flowers are not as showy as often each year, and each lasts a month or others, their lily-of-the-valley fragrance is more. Best of all, most will tolerate low heavenly. The somewhat related species, light. Some species are ideal for home cul­ Rhyncholaelia digbyana, is justly famous ture, notably Paphiopedilum callosum, not only for its fragrance but also for its Paph. fairieanum, Paph. sukhakulii, and large frilly lip that has contributed so much Paph. chamberlainianum. If forced to to cattleya breeding. select one species or hybrid that is peren­ Beginners are al so attracted to the En­ nially and generously rewarding, it would cyclia from Latin America for their unique z be Paph. Maudiae, which has three color w shapes, floral longevity, and fragrance. w forms: the coloratum (e.g. 'Los Osos') with '" One species from Mexico and Guatemala '"(,) a red pouch and red-suffused sepals and is is Enc. radiata, which has a cockle-shell lip. petals; the album (e.g. 'Magnificum') with Sophrolaeliocattleya Hazel Boyd Another winner is Enc. cordigera which an apple green pouch and white sepals and has chocolate brown sepals and petals and petals veined in green; and the' vinicolorum a contrasting cream or rose lip. Both are or vinicolor (e.g. 'Ebony Queen'), a flower The very adaptability remarkably fragrant. sometimes so dark purple that it ap­ Certain moth-pollinated species from proaches black. Other hybrids similar to of orchid species Africa and Madagascar are also powerful­ Paph. Maudiae include Paph. Makuli, ly fragrant at night. These members of the Paph. Faire-Maud, and Paph. Vintner's genus Angraecum typically have white, Treasure. Whatever Paphiopedilum you and hybrids is hardly cream, or greenish flowers with tubular, try first, it most assuredly will not be your nectar-bearing extensions of the lip called last, for each is gifted with an alluring what you would spurs, which can reach to eighteen inches personality. in some species. Particularly rewarding are A few orchid genera, for example expect from plants Angcm. leonis and Angcm. magdalenae. Dendrobium and Oncidium, have literally As with any other plant, buy orchids hundreds of species. Among the best according to the environmental conditions choices in Dendrobium, which has well mythologized as fussy. you can provide. Any number of local nur­ over 1,000 species, is Den.lindleyi, former­ series or mail-order firms will be anxious ly known as Den. aggregatum, from India to help you in deciding which of these and Southeast Asia. Its butter yellow "proven performers" or hundreds of flowers are symmetrically arranged on a others are best for your growing condi­ pendent inflorescence in spring and sum­ tions. The American Orchid Society Bul­ mer. Other winners are Den. phalaenopsis letin is an indispensable monthly magazine and its hybrids, such as Den. Hicam Deb. full of color photographs and advertise­ The white to purple flowers, which ments to help guide you in your selections. resemble those of the genus Phalaenopsis, If you prefer species, insist that the plants last up to two months in perfection. Almost be nursery propagated rather than wild as long-lasting are the flowers of Den. in­ collected; seed-grown plants are much fundibulum and Den. formosum, two more adaptable and finer in form than species in a group characterized by hairy Dendrobium lindleyi plants from nature. stems. Or try one of the "antelope" den­ drobiums, such as Den. antenna tum, with Sources for orchids on page 38. its upright petals resembling the horns of an antelope. Dr. Alec Pridgeon is director of education Oncidium, commonly called the "danc­ and research of the American Orchid ing ladies," are desirable for the showers of Society and long-time editor of the lemon yellow to brown flowers that many American Orchid Society Bulletin. For species produce. Bright light is necessary to more information about the American Or­ flower Onc. sphacelatum, Onc. splen­ chid Society, write to Membership Depart­ didum, and Onc. stramineum, but the ment AH, American Orchid Society, 6000 extra effort is worth it. South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL If you can provide enough light to flower Rhyncholaelia digbyana 33405, or call (407) 585-8666.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 29

PRO V E N PER FOR MER S oos

o the average gardener, the of leaves that steal the light of their hosts. word "bamboo" often elicits Bamboos can be classified according to a vision of rampant growth, a whether their rhizomes are thicker or thin­ BY RICHARD HAUBRICH fear that it will take over the ner than the culms that grow from them, A garden. This is based on a lit­ given species of bamboo will usually have tleT exaggeration and a good bit of misin­ either one type of rhizome or th e other. formation. Most people think the weedy, Thin rhizomes are generally long and the giant reed Arundo donax is a bamboo, but culms growing from them are well it's not. The average nursery sells only a separated, which produces a running bam­ few Feadily available species, often those boo. Thick rhizomes tend to be short and least suited to small gardens. The most to produce culms that are close together; commonly sold species, golden bamboo, is these are clumping bamboos. also the'most likely to spread rampantly. A Since the type of rhizome determines the proper choice of species, along with a growth habit of the plant, it's important to be strategy for control, will bring rich rewards aware of whether a species has a thick or thin with this most versatile ornamental plant. rhizome before choosing it as a landscape Bamboos are members of the Poaceae, plant. Running bamboos can be invasive. or grass family, which is also called New culrns can come up as far as fifteen feet Gramineae, They differ from other grasses from the mother plant, popping up in the in having woody stems and a leaf blade middle of your perennial bed, your lawn, or that narrows at its base to form a leaf stalk even your neighbor's. Clumping bamboos, or petiole. Like other grasses, bamboos on the other hand, will stay in a restricted have principal, above-ground stems called area, maintaining a more acceptable be­ Sasa veitchii (left) culms, which are segmented by joints, or havior for the small garden. nodes, that separate their usually hollow Running bamboos usually require some internodes. A bamboo plant may consist of control and more maintenance than the is a favorite dwarf. many or even hundreds of culms, all con­ dumpers. These are plants for active, not necned by a system of underground stems, armchair gardeners. The payoff is a plant that Golden bamboo (above) or rhizomes. grows noticeably, often more rapidly than any About 1,000 different bamboo species other, Also, most runners tolerate a wide is invasive, but a good have been described, along with an addi­ range of climates, both hot and cold. tionall,OOO varieties, forms, and cultivars. Bamboo culms sprout from their rhizomes They occur naturally on all continents ex­ in a rather brief period, called the grand choice for containers. cept Europe and Antarctica, from 46 period of growth, During this time, which degrees north latitude to 47 degrees south, usually lasts no more than two months of the and at elevations from sea level to 13,000 year, the culms grow to their full height and feet, Some are giant tree grasses like Den­ diameter. Mer that, they grow little if any, drocalamus giganteus, whose culms are even though they may live another five to ten more than 100 feet tall and a foot thick; years, The culms of most running bamboos others are dwarfs that grow only a foot or shoot in the spring, while dumpers shoot in two tall with culms less than one-eighth late summer. The new shoots can be used as inch thick. Still others are vines that a vegetable if they are harvested before they scramble over the ground or climb up the emerge from the ground. trunks of trees and hang down in a canopy In the United States, bamboos are used

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 31 their noninvasive growth habit. Their culms arch strongly outward from the BAM BOO ( UL T U R E: EX C E P T ION 5 TOE VE R Y RU L E clump, producing a fountainlike effect. Those gardening in cold climates can a~bo~s do best in san~y loam soil. They will tolerate and even thrive in clay choose fountain bamboo (Fargesia nitida), sOli with adequate dramage, although some of the runners may not spread which has bluish, dark purple culms, or B in heavy soil. A few species are somewhat drought tolerant; Buddha's belly umbrella bamboo (F. murielae), whose bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa) can go a month or tW0 without watering. Most culms are green. These two species, both plants will look better, however, if watered at least once a week during periods'of, native to the mountains of China, are no rain. Most bamboos prefer a pH around 6. They will tolerate alkaline soil but among the hardiest bamboos known. The some, like black bamboo and Shibataea kumasaca, will exhibit leaf tip browning. leaves usually stay green in winter down to Bamboos respond to high nitfOgen fertilizer. Fertilize three times a year, in spring, about 20 degrees below zew, but un­ summer, and fall, OF better stiLl, apply mo,nrhity low concenr.ralliotls of nitrogen and seasonal cold snaps can produce some include phosphorous and p0tassium only once or twice a year. defoliation at higher temperatures. Not Running bamboos can be controlled by eL"ecting an undeFground barrier that surprisingly, they do not do well in hot or extends from a f~w inches a,bove the soil-sudace to about truftY inches deep. An desert climates. eighteen-inch depth is sufficient for small species. The barrier can be made of Two attractive bamboos for a mild concrete, sheet metal, or heavy plastic, just as long as all the joints are tight, since climate (not below 15 degrees and not too the r~jz0mes can push through small Gracks. Rlmm:rs can also be controlled by hot) are Drepanostachyum hookerianum 'GUtting "lew Gulms ~o the g!@unci whelil" tftey shoot in a plaG@ where ~h(:l>y are not and D. falcatum. The first has culms wanted. Small spec;ies that move into a lawn can simply be mowed. striped with green, yellow, and lavender BeGause seed is rare, bamboos are usually propagated vegetatively. Although pink. The latter has bluish purple culms. some species can be propagated from Qulm or rhizome cuttings, you will be most For hot climates and deserts (not below successful if you simply divide the plant S'O that each divisiol1l includes a rhizome 20 degrees), my favorite is Mexican weep­ with thr@e or mOf@ culms attaGhed along with some of their leaves. The culms can ing bamboo (Otatea acuminata subsp. az­ be topped and some branches and leaves removed to prev@nt stress on the plant tecorum). Its long narrow leaves are Gaused by the division. The best time of year to divide plants is jast before the produced in such abundance that they al­ annl!lal shooting-early spring for runn@rs, early summer for clumpers. most obscure the culms. It is somewhat Bamboos do well in pots. In cold climates, bury the pot. Since most bamboos drought tolerant but grows faster when will soon grow to fill the pot, they should be taken out of the pot about once a watered. Another bamboo of this group y@ar to trim back the rhizomes and culms to allow room for new growth. for hot climates (down to 15 degrees) is Occasional pests found on bamboo are scale, mealy bugs, spider mites, and hedge bamboo (Bambusa multiplex). It aphids. They may be unsightly but appear to do little harm to the plant. comes in several forms, from dwarf to giant. The larger ones can be trimmed to any desirable size. Chinese goddess bam­ as ground covers, screens, hedges, and Dwarf Runners boo (B. multiplex var. riviereorum) is a specimen plants but can also provide food, Most of the dwarf runners are hardy bam­ dwarf form with tiny leaves; it grows about poles, and erosion control. Bamboo foliage boos native to Japan. They range in height six feet high . Another dwarf, Bambusca remains green throughout the year except from six inches to about eight feet. A multiplex 'Stripestem Fernleaf', has culms in extreme cold or drought. favorite because of its large green and white striped in yellow, green, and magenta. Bamboo flowers are usually inconspic­ striped leaves is dwarf whitestripe bamboo uous and for most species, appear rarely­ (Pleioblastus variegatus), which maintains Medium Size Runners once in thirty to 100 years. Some are its leaf color all year. The leaves of P. These grow from ten to about thirty feet monocarpic: they flower once, then die. When viridistriatus, on the other hand, fade to a tall. Most are hardy to 0 degrees and some a few flowers appear sporadically on a plant, greenish brown in fall and the culms tend to 10 below or less with little damage. They they have no visible effect on its growth. to die back in winter. The old culms can grow best in full sun, and are not bothered Massive flowering, however, causes the plant then be cut to the ground. In spring new by heat. The most commonly available to stop all vegetative growth and drop its culms bearing bright yellow leaves with species is golden bamboo (Phyllostachys leaves. It may remain in this state for years, green stripes will come up from the aurea) . It is also the most invasive. It should after which it mayor may not recover vegeta­ rhizomes. Sasa veitchii, another favorite not be planted in the ground by those tive vigor. In any event, it is best not to buy a dwarf, has large, dark green leaves that without the time and experience to give it plant in flower. Bamboo flowers rarely turn white along their margins in fall. the attention it deserves. However, it is a produce viable seed. Another is Shibataea kumasaca, whose good choice for pots and tubs. A favorite Over 200 species of bamboo are now leaves are unusually wide for a bamboo. It bamboo among those who have seen it is cultivated in the United States. About half prefers acid soils and will show leaf burn black bamboo (P. nigra). The culms turn of these are available from commercial, under alkaline conditions. jet black in striking contrast to the abun­ specialty nurseries. The rest are in botani­ dant, rather small, emerald green leaves. In cal gardens, private collections, or under Ornamental Clumpers either hot or cold climates, it usually grows development in nurseries. The bamboos These clumping bamboos, which grow at no more than ten feet tall, but in the mild are usually divided into five groups accord­ most to about twenty feet tall, have a wide climate of the Pacific Northwest, the culms ing to size and growth habit. range of uses in landscaping because of may exceed thirty-five feet. The hardiest

32 FEBRUARY 1991 species of this group are P. awreosulcata, P. bissetii, and P. nuda. The latter has attrac­ tive dark green culms with bands of white powder circling the nodes. In cold climates, it grows taller than other bamboos. Giant Tropicals These are clumping bamboos hardy to about 15 degrees. They do best in full sun in areas with long summers. The most com­ UJ~ oQ) monly grown species is Bambusa oldhamii. a: >­ Its large leaves and straight, erect culms, up I b to four inches thick and more than forty oa: o feet tall, make it an exceptionally beautiful specimen plant. B. beecheyana is a massive bamboo whose culms arch outward from Moso bamboo (above) is the largest the clump. The prominent nodes, sepa­ rated by short internodes that are covered of the giant runners. Mexican bamboo (below) with white powder, give the plant an exotic appearance. B. textilis is not so large, but it is unsurpassed by the sheer beauty of its is a good choice for hot climates. foliage. The culms, which are thin walled but strong, are used in Asia for weaving baskets. B. vulgaris has a cultivar, 'Vittata', whose culms are golden yellow marked with green vertical stripes. Though hardy only to 28 degrees, it can be grown indoors in pots if given enough light. Giant Runners The largest bamboos cultivated in the con­ tinental United States are runners belong­ ing to the genus Phyllostachys. They are capable of forming a forest of culms fifty to seventy feet tall. They do best in full sun and are hardy to about 0 degrees. P. bam­ busoides is prized for its tall growth and fine wood, often used to make bamboo flutes. P. vivax is the hardiest of this group, down to 10 degrees below zero. It is valued for its vigorous growth and attractive foliage on culms that arch gently near their tips. P. nigra 'Henon', a form of black bamboo whose culms remain green, grows over fifty feet tall. Another favorite is P. viridis, especially 'Robert Young'. Its culms quickly turn yellow with occasional green vertical stripes. The largest species of this group is moso bamboo (P. heterocycla var. pubescens). Valued for its edible shoots, it has not been widely planted in the United States. It is slow to become established, and gophers love to eat the rhizomes.

Richard Haubrich, a founding member and past president of the American Bam­ boo Society, edits the society's newsletter. For information about the society and a list of sources, write to the American Bamboo Society, P.O. Box 640, Springville, CA 93265, (209) 539-2145.

AMERI CAN HORTICULTURIST 33 PRO V E N PER FOR MER S

hrtle hundred years ago in Canes are large plants. In pots they 1690, Charles PlumieJ; a Fran­ remain at one to six feet, but planted in the ciscan monk and botanist col­ B Y LOR RA ALMSTEDT ground they can reach a height of fifteen lecting plants in the French feet or more. Clusters with up to fifty Antilles, discovered that six of flowers appear in spring and summer in all theT plants he had collected didn't fit any shades of red, pink, and white. They known plant descFiption. Imagine his benefit greatly from tip pruning, in which surprise and delight! He had discovered a thumb and forefinger are used to pinch out new family of plants! the leaf that is just unfolding, and a heavy Accorded the privilege of discovery, yearly pruning. Plumier named his new plants Bego­ Cane begonias are very popular. Beauti­ niaceae, after his patron Michel Begon, the ful, hearty, and among the easiest to grow, governor of French Canada. Today there they should be the first begonias a begin­ are almost 4,000 species and hybrids of ning grower tries. Plumier's plant family in cultivation. These 'Irene Nuss' and 'Sophie Cecile' are two wonderful, varied plants have many leaf of the best of the tall canes. They make shapes and sizes, seemingly endless leaf excellent container plants and will often colors, and patterns that sparkle like reach four or five feet when grown in a jewels, evoking expensive brocades. Some large redwood container. 'Sophie's' mature begonias creep along the ground while leaves are seven to eight inches long, deeply others will reach six feet and more. Some cut, and deep green streaked in silver with bloom constantly, others rarely bloom, dark maroon undersides. 'Irene's' leaves, some are grown only for their flowers, not as deeply cut, are a lighter green with while others are grown for the beauty and a satin sheen. character of their leaves. The "Non-Stop~' series They both have large clusters of pink The American Begonia Society classifies flowers. 'Irene' will bloom from May to begonias according to similarities of struc­ November. 'Sophie's' blooming season is ture and cultural requirements. (above) tolerates more shorter, starting in July. 'Sophie' will some­ times be reluctant to bloom if it does not Cane heat and drought than receive about six hours of early morning The angel-wing begonia that your grand­ and late afternoon sun. (If your summer is mother grew falls into the cane group. other tuberous begonias. hot, make this six hours of bright indirect Canes have erect, smooth, bamboolike light.) 'Sophie Cecile' was voted the best of stems with swollen nodes. Often their the "Classy Canes" by the American leaves are shaped like angel wings. Most The leaves of 'Magic Begonia Society in 1981. do not branch freely but send up shoots 'Pink Rubra' is an outstanding canelike from the base of the plant. Leaf color can Carpe~ (right) are begonia. Flowers and clusters are small, vary from very dark to pale green to but the plant will be covered with them. mahogany or even cherry red. They may be covered with fine red 'Lois Burks' is a relatively new introduc­ splashed, streaked, or dotted with silver or tion but growing fast in popularity. white. Most leaf surfaces are glossy, al­ Hybridized by Patrick Worley of Califor­ though they may have a satin sheen or a hairs and sprout nia, it is a miniature cane, reaching about dull surface. Textures range from papery to two feet. It branches easily making a full leathery. adventitious leaflets. plant. Flowers are orange and apptlar all

34 FEBRUARY 1991

Leaves vary in shape and in size, from less than one inch to more than eighteen inches MAKING BEGONIAS FEEL AT HOME across. They can be glossy or dull, have a satin sheen, or be so hairy they are termed egonias are grown the world over in every conceivable way: on the wind "felted." sill, under lights, in the greenhouse, planted out in the garden, im tenari Most shrub begonias are seasonal Bor under la~h on the patio. Yet they are all shade plants that require bright bloomers-for every season there are mottled light, evenly moist soil, a consistent diet o{fertilizer, and a devoted gr@wer. varieties in bloom. Flowers are most often They respond to lots of TLC! pink, white, or cream, although a few When you understand their requirements, begonias are an easy group of plants varieties have yellow, salmon, or peach to grow. They evolved in tropical undergrowth, pI'Otected from direct sunlight lDy flowers. the canopy of a tropical rorest. Follow the rules for gI'Owing in the shade; otherwise For ease of culture and adaptability the plants will become stressed, and will not achieve their potential beauty. 'Richmondensis' is probably the most valu­ Light requirements and temperature are tied t0gether. For example, if a begonia able begonia. It makes a superior basket or is grown cool-betweeFl 65 and 75 degrees-it can take almost full sunlight, bUl; wall-pocket plant, can be used for bedding, when gfOwn warmer-between 80 and 90 degn:es-sunligllt must be 6:ltered ·40' mixes well with other plants, and makes a to 50 percent. The higher the growiFlg temperatu.re, the more snade the plant wi!'1 lovely border. It can be found in almost any require. Many of the canes and shrubs bloom bes~ witll some direct morning or garden center. late af~erp00n sun. 'Richmondensis' can vary dramatically Although their native environment is very humid, begonias will tolerate a wide " from one growing environment to another. span of humidity if their other cultural requirements are )TIet. But they cannQt If grown primarily in shade, it will be a lush tolerate any frost. Where winters are cold, plants ml1st be moved into protected green with large pink and white flowers. areas. In areas with occasional frost the tops of the plant will die, but most will When grown where it receives several return from the roots in spring. hours of sun, leaves and flowers will be In their natural habitat begonias grow in a rich, porous, well-drained soil. In smaller, the backs and edges of leaves will cultivation we must try to duplicate these conditions in Qur growing medium. A turn red, and flowers will be all pink. If popular mix is t'vIi€l t!'?arts leaf mold, two parts good commercial potting mix, two grown in full sun its leaves will be a deep parts shredded reawoed, and one part #3 one-eight;h-im:h diameter sponge rock. bronze red with red flowers. Growth habit Also remembenheir na~ural environment when watering. Water like a torrential will be shorter and denser. rain, then allow the plant to become dry-not bone dry, but to a ('dry on top" Begonia 'Eunice Gray' is a freely branch­ stage-before wateriFlg again. ing plant that makes an excellent hanging Under the forest canopy, begonias must stretch for light. This makes them leggy basket specimen--easily becoming a three­ and they tend not to branch freely. In cultivation we compensate for this by tip to-four-foot ball of foliage. Its leaves are pruning. A single tip-pruned branch will make two new shoots: tip-pruned again bright shiny green, always looking wet, it will make four, then eight, aFld so on until the desired fullness is achieved. Stop and are of a medium size. Flowers are white pruning "It this point to allow the plant to blQom. The reward is a show plant and appear throughout the year. exceeding all others. 'Midnight Sun', a Logee hybrid, is a ~egonias,especjal[y canes and shrubs, benefit trom a yearly cutting back in early shrub begonia with distinctive foliage. The spring. Remove any dead, €lId, or crossed branches. Use this pmning to shape the leaves in the center of the plant are trans­ plant by cutting outside branches shorter than those in the center of tlie plant. lucent pink with green veins and rosy red In the spring when begonias begin to grow tlley are voracious feeders. Fertilize undersides; the outer leaves are moss green. every time you water. Use a high-bloom fertilizer at the rate of one-fol1rth teaspoon 'Magic Carpet' also has distinctive foliage. per gallon of water. Fertilize nine times with this, then on the tenth time use dean, The leaves are dark green on top, red un­ fresh water to flush away any accumulation of residual salts. derneath, and covered with red hairs. It Begonias are very easy and rewarding to propagate. All types can be started with gets its name from the numerous adven­ tip cuttings. Be SUFe there is at least Qne node buried in the potting mix and tip titious leaflets that appear on its leaves. pinch the cutting after it has three sets of new leaves. B. luxurians, the palm-leaf begonia, is a Rex an& rnizpmarolls eegonias can also, be started with leaf cuttings. A whQle large, regal plant with huge umbrellalike leaf can be used o ~ it gall be ellt into wedges. Each wedge must have a :v.~i!l in it: leaves. Other shrub begonias to look for are Place the trp of th<% wedge itl the growing mediuRl and keep it moist and warm, 'Ginny', with small hairy leaves; B. foliosa, a with good ligh~ . In about ten days small plants will a-p:pear at the soil line. species that is called the fern begonia; and 'Medora', a popular favorite that always wins a ribbon when entered in shows. year. Leaves are a fresh, bright green on the silver foliage. Other great canes to spotted with silver. try are 'Nokomis', 'Pink Jade', 'Lana', 'Star Rhizomatous Another favorite cane is ' Looking Frost', and 'Kristy'. Rhizomatous is the largest group of

Glass', also from Worley. This plant rarely begonias-including more than 1,000 I blooms but it doesn't have to. Its leaves are Shrub species and hybrids- and the most varied. pure silver on top, deep red on the under­ Shrub begonias are lush, full plants that Noted primarily for their beautiful and inter­ sides with deep, dark green veins. Mildew produce shoots from the base and branch esting foliage, these plants have a thickened can be a problem because it is hard to see freely, especially when they are tip pinched. stem that most often grows along the ground

36 FEBRUARY 1991 with the leaves growing out from it. Flowers may be single, semidouble, or so The diversity of leaf shapes and color double they look like pom-poms. Colors patterns found in the leaves make rhizom­ range from white to pink through deep atous begonias exciting to grow. Think of wine red; some are even bicolored. a leaf color, texture, or shape and there will As a semperflorens begonia grows, its be a rhizomatous begonia to match it. The old leaves will lose their luster, die, and fall flowers, which appear in midwinter to late off, leaving the plant looking leggy and spring in shades of pink and white, may be straggly. When this happens check the embedded in the foliage, slightly above it, plant over carefully; if there is new growth or on stalks that rise several feet into the showing in the form of side shoots or basal air. growth, remove the old stem at the base of The key to success with rhizomatous the plant or to the desired side branching. begonias is to not overwater them. The If there is no evidence of new growth, pinch rhizome is subject to rot if kept too damp. out the ti p growth and wait for new growth Of the giant-leafed rhizomatous to appear before removing the old growth. begonias, 'Freddie' is one of the most Cutting the plant back when there is no popular. Leaves, which can easily measure new growth often causes it to die. fifteen inches, are thick and leathery with Semperflorens are so easy to grow that red hairs around the edges and down the if color bowls you over and you aren't stems. The flowers are huge clusters of tiny using them in your landscape you are miss­ pink flowers held high above the foliage in ing a rewarding garden experience. They late summer. are also the easiest begonias to find. Many One of the oldest rhizomatous begonias are grown commercially as bedding plants. is 'Erythrophylla', dating to 1845. It's often Named varieties to look for include 'Viva', called the beefsteak begonia because of the a wonderful and versatile plant with green red coloring on the underside of its leaves. leaves and white flowers. Its leaves do not 'Cleopatra' is another easy and popular turn red when grown in the sun as do those rhizome begonia to try. It's a compact of many begonias. 'Scarlatta' has a vivid grower with brown and chartreuse leaves red flower with green leaves, and 'Linda' and m~kes a good basket plant. 'Connie has pink flowers. Boswell' is a fairly recent introduction with CLooking Glass' (top), One of the more unusual semperflorens deeply cut, distinctive foliage. The overall not grown commercially is 'Christmas color is silver, bordered in lavender pink is a cane with silver Candy'. This plant has the vigor of a with dark veins; the flowers are pink. semperflorens and the delicate beauty of an B. prismatocarpa is a lovely small-leafed Argentine species. It has profuse, bright red rhizomatous begonia with everblooming leaves. Begonias can be flowers that contrast nicely with succulent yellow flowers. It needs high humidity and green leaves. When grown in bright light it makes a wonderful terrarium plant. B. striking when grouped is never without flowers. It becomes a masoniana mas distinctive apple green, beautiful, rounded basket plant when puckered foliage with brown markings in together (bottom). pinched diligently. the form of a German iron cross. 'Charm' has green leaves with golden cream patches. Flowers are light pink. Semperflorens ''Linda~ is in 'Pink Avalanche' makes an excellent basket Semperflorens means always-blooming­ plant and can be identified by the hairs that an appropriate name for this group of the center of the bird grow along its stems. 'Glamor Picotee' begonias. They go by the common names makes a great bedding and container plant. of fibrous, wax, or bedding begonia and bath~ and 'Pink Comet~ Also, try any of the pom-pom flowered aFe the most popular of all. Almost 300 varieties with green or bronze leaves. Look million semperflorens begonias are sold as for names like 'Pink Camellia', 'White bedding plants annually. in the foreground. Christmas', 'Lady Frances', and any of the Introduced by accident into the Berlin "Ruffles" series with red, white, or pink Botanical Garden in 1821, this group of balls of bloom on green, ten-inch plants. begonias mas benefitted tremendously from hybridization. They all grow readily, send­ Rex ing up numerous basal shoots, making full The rex begonia fascinates people. In her compact plants with erect succulemt stems. ca talog of 1911, Theodosia Shepherd Leaves are smooth and glossy in described the rex begonia as having " .. . the numerous shades of light to dark green, radiance and brilliancy of precious jewels, bronzy red, dark mahogany, or variegated the shining luster of metals, with the with cream and white-some are such a beautiful colors, and textures of the most dark bronze they are called chocolate. costly fabrics. The leaves alone possess all

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 37 entire leaf is covered with red hairs, and the perform only tolerably. Tubers are more new leaves look and feel like red velvet. temperamental than other begonias about 'Tahara' has fea ther-sha ped leaves of temperature and will drop flowers and leaves purple speckled and splashed with silver when they are not happy. Tuberous begonias and green. The species that started it all is grow from a bulblike tuber and must have a B. rex. The large leaves are a medium olive definite period of winter dormancy. green with a wide band of silver and an Generic tubers can easily be found at olive green center. nurseries and garden centers. If you can give them their ideal growing environment, Trailing -Scandent search out some of the named varieties for The trailing-scandent group is the smallest, show-stopping plants. In recent years, with only about fifty plants grown primari­ hybridizers have worked hard to produce ly by collectors. Either trailing from hang­ tuberous begonias that tolerate a warmer Begonia masoniana is ing baskets or climbing poles, they branch and drier growing environment. The freely and send up many basal shoots "Non-Stop" series, introduced about eight often called iron cross making full, lush plants. Stems are long years ago, is the best available to date. This and flexuous and can reach eight or more series has smaller flowers but in larger feet. Most are seasonal bloomers. quantities than most tubers. because of its distinctive One of the easiest and most popular of the trailing begonias is the species B. Thick-Stemmed leaf markings, glabra, first described in 1775. Its leaves Thick-stemmed begonias have stout stems are heart shaped and light green, the that are evident in the early stages of flowers are white. 'Marjorie Daw', from growth. Begonias in this class are rarely which are puckered like 1898, is the oldest trailing cultivar still seen outside of collectors' gardens. They being grown; its flowers are a medium red. cannot be called beautiful or lovely, but seersucker. A recent introduction is 'Orococo', a they are intriguing and unusual. They have Worley hybrid with distinctive foliage. The a particular appeal when grown in a bonsai leaves are glossy, pebbly, ivy shaped, and style. Interesting ones to look for are B. colored a golden green with deep red edges parilis 'Tim O'Reilly', 'Rudy', 'Houston', these charms, while the dainty flowers add shading into the leaves. Sprays of delicate and B. vitifolia. lightness and grace." white flowers appear in summer. It is a If you're a gardener who likes trying the This is even more true today than it was sturdy grower that does well in low light. different and unusual, or if you would just in 1911. Hybridizers have created breath­ like to grow an eye-catching conversation takingly beautiful plants in recent years­ Tuberous piece, give begonias a try-you will not be to the point that it is hard to believe that Tuberous begonias have the largest, disappointed. But, be forewarned, it's not they are really living plants. showiest flowers of all the begonias and are unusual for begonias to become addictive. Rex begonias look delicate and in some grown only for their flowers. In 1988, a cases they are, but don't be afraid to try world record was set in Scotland with a Lorra Almstedt is an eighteen-year mem­ them. The successes some growers are flower that measured thirteen and one­ ber of the American Begonia Society and having is amazing. eighth inches in diameter. The flowers research librarian of its national board. Any of the rexes are a treat to grow. come in all shades of pink, red, orange, Information on the location of branch 'Fireworks' has large leaves with wine red yellow, and combinations of these. meetings, membership in the American veins blending into silver. The leaves on If you live in a climate with a damp and Begonia Society, and a subscription to its 'Merry Christmas' are a satiny red outlined comfortably warm growing season-72 to publication The Begonian can be obtained in bright green with velvet red centers. 78 degrees-you will be a ble to grow mag­ by contacting membership secretary John 'Fireflush' is one of the finest and oldest nificent tuberous begonias. The rest of us Ingles Jr. at 157 Monument, Rio Dell, CA rexes, coming from France in 1866. The will have to be satisfied with plants that 95562-1617, (707) 764-5407.

Sources for Orchids Stewart Orchids, 3376 Foothill Road, 06068. Catalog $2. H & R Nurseries, Inc., 41-240 P.O. Box 550, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Logee's Greenhouses, 141 North Hihimanu Street, Waimanolo, HI 96795. Street, Danielson, CT 06239. Catalog Hoosier Orchid Company, 8440 West Sources for Begonias $3. 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46278. Davicls~)t\-Wilson Greenh.ouses, Rural Sunshine State Tropicals, P.O. Box Jones & Swlly, 12'955 S.W. 168th. Route 2, Bo:x 168, Dep.t. 21, CrawfOl'ds­ 1033, Port Richey, FL 34673. Catalog free. Street, Miami, FL 33187. ville, IN 47933. Catalog $1. Unusual Pjants, 10065 River Mist Kensington Orchids, .:BOl Plyers Mill Kartuz Greenhouses, 1408 Sunset Way, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Road, Kensington, MD 20895. Drive, Vista, CA 92083. Catalog $2. Quarterly newsletter $4. Oak Hill Gardens, 37 West 550 Binnie Lauray of Salisbury, 432 Undermoul'l­ Vicki's Exotic Plants, 522 Vista Park Road, Dundee, IL 60118. tain RQad) Route 41, Salisbury, CT Drive, Eagle Point, OR 97524.

38 FEBRUARY 1991 CORNELIAN CHERRY -PRETTY AND TASTY

A fresh look at a fruit enjoyed by the ancients.

B Y LEE REI ( H

ne summer day, I happened most of Europe, but the fruits were well­ markets up to the end of the nineteenth upon and began eating cor­ known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, century. Today the plant still is grown for nelian cherries (Comus and references to the plant abound in their its fruit in certain regions of eastern Europe mas) from a tree in New literature. Speaking of the Golden Age in and western Asia. Baskets of kizilcik, as the York City's Central Park. I Metamorphosis, Ovid wrote: Turks call the fruit, are found in markets Ohad to assure a concerned passerby that I of Istanbul. The fruits are harvested from was not experimenting with a possibly And Earth, untroubled, back yard trees in gardens of Moldavia, the poisonous new food, but was partaking of Unharried by hoe or plowshare, brought forth all Caucasus, Crimea, and the Ukraine. a fruit that has been enjoyed by humankind That men had need for, Botanically, cornel ian cherry is a species for the past 7,000 years. At a site in north­ and those men were happy of dogwood, unrelated to grocers' cherries. ern Greece, early Neolithic peoples left Gathering berries from the mountain sides, The word "cornelian" refers to the traces 'of their meals of cornel ian cherry, Cornel cherries, or blackcaps, and edible acorns. along with remains of einkorn wheat, bar­ This article will appear in Uncommon ley, lentils, and peas. The plant was grown in monastery gar­ Fruits Worthy of Attention: A Gardeners Cornelian cherry now is grown almost dens of continental Europe through the Mid­ Guide by Lee Reich, to be published in solely as an ornamental in America and dle Ages and the fruit was found in European March by Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.

Cornelian cherries are still grown for their fruit in eastern Europe and western Asia.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 39 similarity in color of the fruit to cornelian quartz, which has a waxy lustre and a deep red, reddish white, or flesh red color. (Car­ nis is Latin for flesh. ) Though the fruits are rarely eaten today, they do not go un­ noticed as they festoon the tree in summer. Fruits generally are cherrylike in ap­ pearance: oval, fire engine red, with a single, elongated stone. The flavor, too, is akin to that of a cherry-a tart cherry­ somewhat austere when the fruit first colors, but developing sweetness and aroma with full ripeness. The plant grows to a maximum height of about twenty-five feet, becoming a large shrub or an oval-headed tree usually branching near the ground. In full sun the branches are largely upright, whereas in shade the branches spread wide, as if to better embrace the limited light available. Though the cornelian cherry never grows large, it is a long-lived plant that produces bushels of fruit into old age. In Arboretum and Fruticetum, John Loudon wrote that during travels in Germany in 1828, he and his companions "were shown, in the grounds of the Castle of Heidelberg, the famous cornelian cherry trees which-were planted there in 1650." In winter, you'll notice the plant from a distance for its rounded form. Step a bit closer to appreciate the bark, flaking off in muted shades of tan and gray. Get right up to the plant to see the distinctive flower buds, perched atop short stalks. Flowers appear on leafless branches early in the season, just before forsythias blossom. Individual flowers are tiny, but are borne in such profusion that the whole tree appears swathed in a yellow veil. The effect is all the more striking against a backdrop of a dark wall or evergreen plant. Many nurseries offer cornelian cherry seedlings, but the few named cultivars avail­ able reflect the plant's use as an ornamental rather than a comestible. 'Golden Glory' is an upright, columnar plant with especially dark, green leaves, and 'Nana' is a cultivar diminutive in stature and leaf size. Variegated leaves of 'Elegantissima' and 'Variegata' make for brighter looking plants throughout the summer. Occasional leaves of 'Elegantissima' are completely yel­ low or have tinges of pink. 'Variegata' has irregular, creamy white leaf margins. Other names reflect the ornamental qualities of cornelian cherry fruit. 'Macro­ carpa' is notable for its large fruit and 'Alba' for its white fruit. Fruit of 'Flava' is Top: Wild Cornus mas varies greatly in fruit color. Bottom: Flowers appear large and yellow, and a whit sweeter than just before forsythias blossom. fruits of most other cultivars.

40 FEBRUARY 1991 Variation in fruit colors is not limited to cultivars. If you were to wander into a Choose from over 1500 useful plant varieties in our mail Macedonian or Bulgarian forest where the catalog. Extensive collections of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, plant is native you would find within the Conifers, Perennials, hardy Camellias, Kalmias, n"I~~rt.m wild population plants that bear barrel­ rare shrubs and trees and much, much more. shaped or pear-shaped fruits, and others Send $2.00 for our descriptive mail order catalog to: with fruits more than an inch long. In color, the spectrum runs from cream-colored to Roslyn Nursery yellow, orange, fin~ engine red, dark red­ 211 Burrs Lane, Dept. L violet, and almost black. And were you to Dix Hills, NY 11746 taste fruits from a number of trees, you would find similar variations in flavor. The (516)-643-9347 sugar content of cornelian cherries ranges from 4 to 12 percent, and acidity ranges from 1 to 4 percent. Their vitamin C con­ centration averages twice that of oranges. If fruit qualities such as large size and a congenial blend of sweetness and acidity could be bred into a single plant, the result would be a highly ornamental plant bear­ ing especially delectable fruit. As things now stand, fruits of run-of-the-mill seed­ lings are quite good, and superior fruiting wild plants have been selected but are as yet unavailable from nurseries anywhere. Cornelian cherry is easy to grow. The tree is not finicky as to soil, transplants easily, and once established grows at a moderate rate. For best fruiting, plants n€ed full or nearly full sun. Cornelian cher­ ry is adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, but languishes some in the southern part of this range. At its extreme northern limit, fruiting is risky, since the flower buds are hardy only to the colder portions of Zone 5. In contrast to the !BEgin !J0U~ watE~ gadEn today with a .~j!!Jpon~ l2atalo uE flowering dogwood (c. (lorida), cornelian g cherry is little affected by any pests. fEatu~ing pagE aftE~ pagE of bEautiful watE~ !i!iE~, !otu~, bog Seed is the usual mode of propagation. p!anh, fi~h, ~tatua~ , and thE E~~Ential~ fo~ kEEping it al! wo~king Germination may be delayed until the togdhE~. second season, although this tardiness could be overcome either by nicking the JVo pool? (!hoo~E a fibE~g!a~~ o~ g)(V{! pool fwm thE ma.!1.!J ~iZE~ seed coat with a file or by subjecting the ~hown in thE -jj!!Jpon~ cataloguE. seeds to warmth and moisture for four months and then a one- to four-month ------. period of cool, moist stratification. Seed­ o Please send the new Lilypons catalogue plus informative I lings must be at least six years old-some­ newsletters with seasonal sales. Enclosed is S5.00. I times they wait even until their teens­ California (30¢). Maryland (25rt) and Texas (3Srt) residents please add tax. I before they begin to fruit. o Please rush my catalogue by first class mail. Enclosed is S6.75. I If only cornelian cherry cuttings rooted I o 1500 Amhort Road o 1500 Lilypons Road o 1500 Lilypons Way I Sources of Cornelian Cherry P.O. Box 10 1'.0. Box 188 P.O. Box 1130 I Lilypons, l'vID 21717 Brookshire, TX 77423-0188 111ermal, CA 92274 I Alexand€r Eppler Ltd., P.O. Box 16513, (301) 874-5133 (713) 934-8525 I Seattle, WA98116-0513 (for select clones). I Edible Landscaping, P.O. Box 77, Afton, I VA 22920. l'\ame Address I Northwoods Nursery, 28696 South I Cramer Road, Molalla, OR 97038. City State Zip I Southmeadow Fruit Gardens, Box SM, -~------~ Lakeside, MI 49116 (free price list).

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 41 NOW ... BY MAIL! UNUSUAL, HARD­ HERBS as easily in reality as in myth, Legend has TO-FIND FLOWER it that Romulus marked the site fo r the ARRANCINC SUPPLIES: & ancient city of Rome by thrusting his spear, TOOLS, TECHNIQUES, TRICKS OF made from cornelian cherry wood, into the THE TRADE! ground. "No less amazed was Romulus PERENNIALS when he saw the spear he planted suddenly SPECIAL OFFER - OVER 300 VARIETIES put fo rth leaves" wrote Ovid, in Metamor­ MAKES A GREAT GIFT! phosis, Under optimum conditions 50 per­ Our catalog is packed full of cent of soft wood cuttings might root, The Original cultural information, herb though the percentage varies from clone to usage, recipes and garden clone. The best time to take softwood cut­ STEM STRIPPER designs as well as helpful tings is in late July or early August. gardening tips. The harvest of corneli an cherries may A unique tool begin anytime from late summer to fa ll, for removing again depending on the cl one being grown. WRITE or CALL FOR Fruits from even a single tree ripen over an thorns and YOUR FREE CATALOG leaves from extended harvest period. The simplest way to harvest in quantity is to periodically give stems. the branches a gentle shake once the fruit ONLY has colored, then collect fallen fruit from 9.95 the ground. Ripe fruits left to hang on the INCLUDING POSTAGE & HANDLING tree become more concentrated in fl avor CAl RESIDENTS, and sweetness. Some people prefer to allow ADD 6% SALES TAX) harvested fruits to sit at room temperature The Keth Company for a day or more, in which case the fl avor p.o. BOx 645 becomes sweet, but more sedate. Corona del Mar, CA 92625 Cornelian cherry fruits are a favored Rl 1 BOX 78, ARRINGTON, TN. 37014 ingredient of Turkish serbert, a fruit drink OUR LATEST CATALOGUE ( 615) 395-4688 1 .00 sold in stores and from portable containers carried like knapsacks on the backs of stree t ve ndors. (Another common English name for cornelian cherry is "sorbet," al­ though cornelian cherry is not the only fruit used fo r the Turkish serbert.) In the Ukraine, cornelian cherries are ju iced, then bottled commercially into soft drinks. There, the fruits may also be made into conserves, fer mented into wine, distilled into a liqueur, or dried. When the fruit was popular in Britain, it was rarely eaten out of hand, probably because better-tasting varieties were un­ known there. The fruits were held in hig h esteem for the delicious tarts they made, and shops commonl y sold rob de cornis, a thickened, sweet syrup of cornelian cherry fruits. The jui ce was also used to add piz­ zazz to cider a nd perry, a fermented GREENHOUSE UMBRELLAS beverage made from pea rs. GIVE GARDENS A HEAD START Cornelia n cherry is a pest resistant, hardy, and ornamental tree as worthy of At last! An instant, portable plant .. Get acquainted" prices: 2 for cultiva ti on for its fruit today as it was three cover that's easy and fun to use. $24.95, buy 4 for $49.90, get one centuries ago when John Parkinson wrote, Pops open like an umbrella .. .sticks free. Add $3 shippinglinsurance. in Paradisi in Sale, that " by reason of the firmly in the ground with its steel MC , VISA. spike. Big 21f2-foot diameter and pleasantnesse in them when they are ripe, 31 -inch height covers growing Greenhouse Umbrella they are much desired ... also preferued and plants and protects against frost Dept. 51011 eaten, both for rarity and delight .. . " and wind. Clear poly lasts for years. Cherry Hill Cottage Start gardening weeks earlier! Stockbridge, MA 01262 Dr. Lee Reich is a horticultural writer and Acclaimed by Organic Gardening 1-800-477-4769 consultant who lives in New Paltz, N ew and Yankee. © 1990GU York.

42 FEBRUARY 1991 OVER 1,000 GARDEN BOOKS!

he all-new CLASSIFIEDS American THorticultural Classified Ad Rates: $1 per word; mini­ Society Catalog of mum $20 per inse rtion. 10 percent dis­ Garden Books count for three consecutive ads using sa me (Fall Edition) is copy, provided each insertion meets the $20 minimum after taking discount. Copy - solar powered - now available with must be rece ived by the 20th day of the well over 1,000 tit­ month three months prior to publication lor GREENHOUSES and COLDFRAMES les covering every aspect of hor­ date. Send orders to: American Horticul­ FEATURES ticulture, gardening, plants, design, tural Society Advertising Department, • Fils most IinlllllliouSBS - 6raat and much more. All titles are dis­ 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, far l'ibery13ss & P"I!!/ilJ11 also counted at least 15 percent with VA 22308, or call (703) 768-5700 or (8 00) • bI:tki.l ar Hprizoutal yen ts 777-7931. some extra special savings avail­ • Lifts 3Z f1III.II.Il vents up to 13..:. able! Previous AHS book buyers • JUiIl21Hb Opening Tl!111penrilln will receive a catalog and order • illIlqertqngs aug similar product AFRICAN VIOLETS form. To obtain your copy, write the America's Finest-177 best violets and ges­ Society at 7931 East Boulevard neriads. Color Ca talog and Growing "Tips" 50 FREE INFORMATION or cen ts. FISCHER GREENHOUSES, Box H, Lin­ dealer inquiries welcomed. Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. wood, NJ 08221. THE AVANT GARDENER SuperiorC51J.u toven ts Or call (800) 777·7931. DIFFERENT, EX CITING, GREAT FUN TO 17422 La Mesa Lane READ! Subscribe to the unique news service that Hunllnglon Beach. Ca . 92647 brings you the most useful information on new plants, products, tec hniques- wi th sources. 23rd yea r. Curious? Sample copy $1. Serious? $12 full year (reg. $18). THE AVANT GARDENER, P.O. Box 489M, New York, NY 10028. CLASSIC GLASS GREENHOUSE BEGONIAS DOUBLE ROSEBUD BE GONIAS! Seven Professional colorful varieties fo r $16.80! FREE quality... Priced CATALOG with order. DAVIDSON-WILSON GREENHOUSES, RR 2, Box 168, Dept. 22, for the hobby Crawfordsvill e, IN 47933-9423. (317) 364- gardener! 0556. BONSAI The ELITE Greenhouse is Bonsai Plants, Pots, Tools, Books, Suppli es. the real glass greenhouse Ca talog $1. BONSAI FARM, Box 130AH, you've always wanted, at Lavernia, TX 78121. a price serious gardeners BOOKS can live with! Now im­ ported from England for 1985 Edition EXOTICA 4, with 16,300 photos, America's best gardens. 405 in color. 2,600 pages in 2 volumes, with Addenda of 1,000 updates by Dr. A.B. Graf, $187. TROPICA 3, re vised 1986, 7,000 color • TWO SIZES, with up to 104 sq. ft. call 1-800-235-4242 of growing space to start seedlings, photos, now 1,156 pages, $125. Exotic House Dept. 3140 for Faster Service Plants, 1,200 photos, $8.95. Shipping addition­ grow exotic plants or extend your al. Circulars gladly sent. ROEHRS COMPANY, growing season! Box 125, E. Rutherford, NJ 07073. • HORTICULTURAL-QUALITY r-TROY-BILT Mfg. Co~Dep~ A314;- 102nd St. & 9th Ave., Troy, NY 12180 CAROL DIDRICK'S LITTLE RED BOOK ON GLASS can't fade like plastic! OLD GARDEN ROSES. Where to get them and • EASY TO ASSEMBLE with hand DYES! Please rush me complete details on tools! the ELITE Greenhouse, including the Special, where to pl ant them. An introducti on to OLD Money-Saving Offer now in effect and the GARDEN ROSES. Each book signed and num­ • STURDY extruded aluminum Easy Payment Plan! bered . Send $14.95 postpai d. CA ROL frame; adjustable roof vent; sliding DIDRICK, 1535 Willard Dr., Orrvi ll e, OH door; more! Nmne ______44667. "Please add $2 for out-of- country mail- mg. SEND TODAY for Full Details! Address ______Books Avai lable H orticu lture, Botany, City ______Landscaping, Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Rura l Write today to learn more about this classic, English-design glass Matters, published 1550-1 990. Catalog free. State ______Zip _____ POMONA, Rockton, Ontario, Canada LOR greenhouse! 1XO.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 43 BULBS soft. Sizes 7-10 or send outline of hand. $11.50 postpaid. PUTNAM'S, Box 295-AH, Wilton, . . . a treasury of cold-hardy Dutch bulbs for fall planting. 12 CM Tulips, NH 03086. hard-to -find perennials for DN1 Daffodils, Hyacinths and Miscellaneous. Catalog Free. Paula Parker DBA, Mary Mat­ PROBIOTIC "HUMA G RO" INDOOR your pleasure ...... tison van Schaik. IMPORTED DUTCH BULBS, PLANT FOOD 8-16-5 SafelNontoxic Good for P.O. Box 32AH, Cavendish, VT 05142. all Plants .,. Violets .,. Orchids .,. Mums .,. Ficus ., Spaths .,. Palms ., Concentrated Liquid 4 oz. CARNIVOROUS PLANTS Bottle $4.50 postpaid. INTERSCAPE, Box 254, Carnivorous (Insectivorous) Plants, seeds, sup­ Westhampton, NY 11977. (516) 325-2076. Ask plies, and books. Color brochure free. PETER about our other Probiotic Products .,. Guaran­ PAULS NURSERIES, Canandaigua, NY 14424. teed Results. CHESTNUTS AND PERSIMMONS FREE GARDEN CATALOG- 4,000 Items, CHESTNUTS AND PERSIMMONS. Blight­ Seeds, Plants, Trees, Supplies, Greenhouses, Resistant Dunstan Hybrid Chestnuts, New Beneficial Insects. MELLINGER'S, Dept. 320F, Oriental Persimmons. CHESTNUT HILL Range Rd., Notth Lima, OH 44452-9731. NURSERY, Rt. 1, Box 341AH, Alachua, FL GREENHOUSE ACCESSORIES 32615. COMPLETE MIST PROPAGATION SYS­ DAYLILIES TEMS. New advanced "MISTOSTAT" gets QUALITY DAYLILY PLANTS. All sizes, types phenomenal results . Free brochures. and colors. FREE CATALOG. SPRING CREEK AQUAMONITOR, Dept. 5, Box 327, Hun­ DAYLILY NURSERY, 25150 Gosling, Spring, tington, NY 11743. (516) 427-5664. ASTILBE TX 77389. GROUND COVERS Over 8 5 Varieties DWARF CONIFERS QUALITY GROUND COVERS AND PEREN­ Send for our 50-page Catalog No.8 ($2, refun­ NIALS. Aegopodium, European Ginger, Ivies, dable on first order) describing over 200 types Lamiums, Hardy Cactus, Plumbago, Sweet of dwarf conifers and hybrid kalmias by ~ Woodruff, Sedums, Vincas. Over 100 varieties. Busse Gardens shape, color, and texture. Available via UPS in GILSON GARDENS, INC., Dept. H, P.O. Box "The Minnesota Perennial People" 1,2, and 3 gal. container sizes. WASHINGTON 277, Perry, OH 44081. EVERGREEN NURSERY, P.O. Box 388AH, HEATHS & HEATHERS Rt. 2 - Box 238-H Leicester, NC 28748. HARDY HEATHERS FOR ALL-YEAR GAR­ Cokaro. MN 55321 GARDENING SUPPLIES DEN COLOR! Send SASE for descriptive mail­ (6 12) 286-26 54 GOATSKIN GLOVES. Tough, lightweight , order list. Fast Service! HEATHER GROWERS, Cat alog 52_00 - Deduct on first order napa goatskin stretches and becomes form-fit­ Box 850, Elma, WA 98541. ting, giving wearer ultimate in fit, grip, dex­ HELP WANTED terity. Natural lanolin in leather keeps hands RESIDENT HEAD GARDENER/HORTICUL­ TURIST-KENMORE, FREDERICKSBURG, VA. Maintenance/conservation of one city block historic house museum garden open to the public. One of country's first 18th-century " restored" gardens . Responsi bi li ties: 1) scheduling and direct participation in main­ tenance duties; 2) designing and performing layout work; 3) propagation program; 4) acces­ sioning and maintaining plant records; 5) his­ torical research/documentation; 6) development of garden interpret ation. Qualifications: 1) professional and practical knowledge of horticulture, garden design, and historic plants; 2) ability to cooperate with staff and communicate well with public; 3) general security duties. Must reside in apartment on grounds. Position open. Send resume, with character and professional references to Direc­ tor, Kenmore, 1201 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 . We at the American Horticultural Society are often asked to refer individuals for significant horticultural positions around the country. We are not in a position to offer full placement services to candidates or employers. However, as a service to our members, both individuals The 400 water breaker and employers alike, we would be very glad to receive resumes and cover letters of individuals and hand i-reach handle. seeking job changes and employers seeking can­ didates. All responsibility for checking refer­ The original shower head ences and determining the appropriateness of both position and candidate rests with the in­ garden nozzle, copied dividuals. AHS's participation in this activity is only to serve as a connecting point for members worldwide but never equaled. of the Society. Inquiries and informational materials should be sent to: Horticultural Employment, American Horticultural Society, DEPT. AH , P.O. BOX 1960, MANITOWOC, WI 54221 , U.S.A. 7931 East Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, VA (414) 684-0227 FAX (414) 684-4499 22308.

44 FEBRUARY 1991 HERBS GALA HERB WEEKEND, March 16-17; WATER LILY WEEKEND, April 6-7. Exhibits, Discussions, Slides, Door Prizes & Refresh­ ments. Held in our WARM GREENHOUSES, RAIN OR SHINE 9 a.m.-5 p.m . BIT­ TERSWEET HILL NURSERIES, Rt. 424 & Governor's Bridge Road, Davidsonville, MD 21035. (301) 798-0231. HOSTAS CHO ICE SELECTION. Catalog $2. SAVORY'S GARDENS, INC. H ybridizers and Growers. 5300 Whiting Ave., Edina, MN 55439. (612) 941-8755. HOUSE PLANTS ORCHIDS, GESNER lADS, BEGONIAS, CACTI & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. 1990-1991 catalog $2 . LAURAY OF SA LI S­ BURY, 432 Undermountain Rd., Sa li sbury, CT Rose Buds by Boyd Titus 06068. (203) 435-2263. 500 sin Image 20" x 15" MINIATURE ROSES Award winning varieties from America's top The exquisite natural warmth of "Rose Buds" is offered miniature rose breeder and grower. Over 75 va rieties for garden or container growing. Send in a Limited Edition of 500 full color, signed and numbered for FREE color catalog: NOR'EAST MINIA­ prints. The image size is 20" x 15" with ample margins. TURE ROSES, INC., Box 307 AC, Rowley, MA Printed on high quality Strathmore paper. 01969. Miniature roses are our only business and we do it right! Individual Prints ...... $ 60.00 NURSERY STOCK Matted and framed ...... $240.00 Price includes tax and shipping. MILLI ONS OF SEEDLINGS: High Quality, To order send check or money order to: Reasonable Prices. Over 100 Selections for Christmas Trees, Ornamentals, Windbreaks, Golden Aspen Studio Timber, Soil Conservation, Wildlife Cover. Free 3801 W. Myrtle Avenue Catalog. CARINO NURSERIES, Box 538, Phoerux, Arizona85051 Dept.]" Indiana, PA 15701. Other prints and original oil paintings are available, inquiries invited. HARDY KIWIS, PAW PAWS , PERSIMMONS, PASSIONFLOWERS, CHESTNUTS and other rare and unique plants. Curl-resistant peach, dwarf antique apples, books, tools, and more. Free catalog. NORTHWOODS NURSERY, Box AH2, Cramer Rd., Mola lla, OR 97038. (503) 651-3737. ORCHID SUPPLY User Friendly! Teas orchid and exotic plant supply catalog. Send $2 to TEAS NURSERY We Grow COMPANY, INC., P.O. BOX 1603, Bellaire, 1991 Award of TX 77402-1 603. Or call (800) 446-7723 M - F Beautiful Perennials 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. At A Price You Will Like!!! Excellence winner for best miniature ORCHIDS The plants that return to bloom rose named for TV's TROPICAL ORCHIDS- Specializing in seed ­ season after season for years of top-rated morning grown tropical orchid species for home and easy pleasure, our specialty . .. program. Send greenhouse. Seedlings to blooming size. Descrip­ Perennials. ti ve catalog $1 (refundable). HOOSIER OR­ $ 7.45 to start your CHID COMPANY, Dept.-AH, 8440 West 82nd White Iberis for early spring, collection with this St., Indianapolis, IN 46278. summer's perky Shasta Daisies and spectacular new sun­ PEONIES fall for blooming Chrysanthemums shine yello\,' Also DAYLILIES, JAPANESE and SIBERIAN . , . Perennials beautify your home, miniature rose . IRIS , HOSTA. 1991 catalog ready in Bluestone grows over 300 varieties ~ February-$l (deductible). CAPRICE FARM of perennials which are shipped in Name ______NURSERY AH, 15425 S.w. Pleasant Hill, Sher­ wood, OR 97140. (503) 625-7241. full growth - easy to plant and Address ______each plant guaranteed. PERENNIALS City/State/Zip ______PERPETUAL PERENNIALS: 2,000+ winter Send for our free catllog or cell 800-852·5243. We will be plelaed to heir from you . or choose from over hardy perennial flower varieties: Starter 2-inch 75 exciting varieties in our pot " baby" perennials-$l each; Yearling Name ______FREE color catalog. bareroot plants-$3. Immense Catalog $2, order deductible. Wildflowers; Herbs; Mums; Address ______Asters; Shade Plants; Campanulas; Hosta; As­ til be; Ferns; Dianthus; Lilies, Succulents; Phlox; ~rYEaft 5tate' ____ Grasses; Poppies; Vi nes;" Forbs; Rare Plants. Miniature Roses, Inc. PERPETUAL PERENNIALS, 1111 Upper Val­ Zlp ______ley Pike, Springfield, OH 45504. (513) 325- Box 307 FG - Rowley, MA 01969 7225 MIDDLE RIDGE RD. Phone: 508-948-7964 2451 . MADISON, OHIO 44057

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST 45 Now available in a NEW INEXPENSIVE way to buy perennials. and R€minder System. IBM Compatible. sturdy paperback edition Specialists in growing and improving perennials $29.95. Free brochure. DOUBLE-PAWED guarantee you the finest plants ever offered­ SOFTWARE, AHS, 432 Bigelow Hollow, same as by professional nurserymen. Send for Eastford, CT 06242. JE.~" A.~DREW free Bluestone Catalog; lists more than 400 TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS varieties, plus information on care and growing. Explore the great gardens and countrysides IPlEIPIPlERS BLUESTONE PERENNIALS, 720l Middle 'nJe J)omar1tnud (~f15icums of the world for two months, absolutely free Ridge, Madison, OH 44057. with your paid subscription to GARDENS PLANTS (UNUSUAL) AND COUNTRYSIDES. Preview selected OVER 1,000 KINDS OF CHOICE & AFFOR­ gardens and visit the world's most scenic DABLE PLANTS. Outstanding Ornamentals, cOlmtrysides, before leaving home, through American Natives, Perennials, Rare Confiers, the pages of the only newsletter written espe­ Pre-Bonsai, Wildlife Plants, much more. cially for nature travel enthusiasts. S\!Ibscribe / Descriptive catalog $3. FORESTFARM, 990 now and receive two months' free issues with Tetherah, Williams, OR 97544. your fully paid subscription. That's ten issues Subzero citrus, exotic fruits, nuts, berries! 150+ for just $60 (regularly $75). What a great gift Northern, Southern varieties. Fascinating idea! Complimentary issue sent upon re­ catalog! $1. RARE FRUIT NURSERY, 1065-A quest. (800) 531-53[4. Visa/MasterCard or Messinger Grants Pass, OR 97527. (503) 846- check: GARDENS & COUNTRYSIDES, 7578. Dept. E, 401 Austin Highway, Suite 209, San Antonio, TX 78209. VIRGINIA'S FINEST HERBS AND PEREN­ TREES NIALS. EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF UN­ PEPPERS USUAL PLANTS GROWN IN THE BLUE RARE TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL RIDGE FOOTHILLS. WRITE FOR CATALOG CONTAINER FRUIT TREES. GREEN­ The Domesticated ($2 REFUNDABLE WITH ORDER) TO HOUSEIBASEMENT CULTURE. SEND SASE Capsicums EDGEWOOD FARM & NURSERY, RR 2, FOR CATALOG. SOUTH SEAS NURSERY, BOX 303, STANARDSVILLE, VA 22973- BOX 4974, VENTURA, CA 93007. By Jean Andrews 9405. WATER LILIES OUT OF THE ORDINARY. Endangered, Learn from the professionals how to put II Anyone who finishes Peppers­ threatened, rare species for rock garden and beautiful and fragrant Water Lilies in your and few who start will fail to border. Nursery propagated from seed. Natives garden. Send $2.50 for a complete Water Gar­ finish-will come away with a of Great Britain, Japan, Scandinavia. Free list. den color catalog from America's Oldest Water broad understanding of a genus FLOWERFIELD, Box 658, Fall City, WA Garden Specialist Est. 1895. We have the of plants with considerable his­ 98024. largest selection of Water Lilies in America. torical, culinary, cultural, eco­ ROSES WILLIAM TRICKER, INC., Dept. AH, 7125 HORTICO ROSES: Over 600 varieties: Antique Tanglewood Dr. , Independence, OH 44131. nomic and even medical im­ (216) 524-3491. portance. But what makes it roses; new Austin English Garden Roses; hardy Canadian Explorer roses; HT's; FL's; climbers; especially delightful is the odd old garden varieties; thornless roses from Har­ FIELDSTONE GARDENS, INC. little tidbit, the intriguing in­ vey Davidson; Peter Beales English garden BId ___ list of top-quallty n_ry propagated cidental fact tucked in along roses; show roses from Astor Perry; Bruce DOItbml gIOWD peremdaI8 tor tbe _ cmd UJdque ~. the way." -Wall Street Journal Rennie's new miniature varieties; and many Fulurtn esdusln'Y McE ..... Siborlon Irts others in our excellent stock selection. Catalog l In/omuItiJlt! cal4log $1.50 "Whether you grow, or plan to $2. HORTICO INC., 723 Robson Rd., Water­ grow, peppers or not, this is a down, ON LOR 2H1 (416) 689-6984 or 689- 620 Quaker Lane Vassalboro, captivating book, an exemplar. 3002. Fax: (416) 689-6566. E Maine 04989 (107)'13.3336 ... the paper, typeface, print­ SEEDS ing, and design are all of highest Free catalog: unusual seed varieties. Giant Bel­ WILDFLOWERS gium, evergreen, pineapple tomatoes, and hardy, easy, reliable, showy ~ quality." -Herb Companion more. We maktl gardening fun. GLECKLER from our nurse to your garden. SEEDMEN, Metamora, OH 43540. Send $2.00 for 4C?'page descrip'tive ~ " . .. a big, beautiful volume, catalogue or SASE for list of Wildflowers, SOFTWARE hardy ferns, perennials. containing lovely colored draw­ SUNLIGIfT GARDENS ings by the author, photographs TIE A STRING AROUND YOUR GREEN Rt. 1 Box 600-AHlO ... and lively text covering just THUMB with the Perpetual Garden Journal Andersonville, TN 37705 about anything you ever wanted to know about peppers." -Food and Wine The definitive natural history of the plant that produces the most used spice and condiment in the world. 9 x I2 in., I86 pp., 56 color REALISTIC FLORAL DESIGNS - Full Color plates, 24 color and 52 b&w Puffed - Printed & Screened illus., 4 maps Sizes: S-M-L-XL (Women-Men) #101 T-Shirt SIS no Collar $16.00 + $2.50 Shippillg $32.95 paper #151 T-Shirt SIS with White Collar $18.00 + $2.50 Shippillg #200 Sweatshirt LIS no Collar $25.00 + $2.50 Shippi,'!} AVAILABLE AT BOOKSTORES, OR #300 Sweatshirt LIS with White Collar $27.00 + $2.50 Shippillg (Shirts Available in Following Colors) University of Texas Press #700 Roses Black, Royal, Aqua, Seamist, White F R B B! BOX 7819 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78713 #701 Iris Black, Yellow, Pink, Sea mist, White Write for " C/d"log ~ e #703 Daisy Black, Navy, Red, Seamist, Pink ",any mOTt Flowers AIIIJ.lRbl . 1(800)252-3206 FlowelWear, Ltd. 17939 Chatsworth Street, Suite 416. G['anad2. Hills, Califomia 91344

46 FEBRUARY 1991 PRONUNCIATIONS

Adiantum pedatum ad-ee-AN-tum C. florida C. FLO R-ih-duh Paph. fairieanum Paph. fair-ee-A Y- num pe-DAY-tum C. mas C. mas Paph. sukhakulii Anemone patens uh-NEM-oh-nee PAY-tenz Cymbidium sim-BID-ee-um Paph. soo-kuh-KOO-lee-eye A. richardsonii A. rih-ehard-SONE-ee-eye Cypripedium reginae sip-rih-PEE·dee- um Phalaenopsis fal-ee-N OP-sis Angraecum an-GRAY -kum ruh-JEE-nee Phal. equestris Phal. ee-KWES-tris Angcm. leonis Angem. lee-OH-nis Dendrobium den-DROE-bee- um Phal. schillerana Phal. shil-er-A Y-nuh Angcm. magdalenae Angem. Den. aggregatum Den. ag-gree-GA Y-tum Phal. stuartiana Ph al. stew-art-ee-A Y-nuh mag-dah- LEN-ee Den. antennatum Den. an-ten-NAY-tum Phyllostachys aurea fill -oh-STA Y-kiss Aquilegia canadensis ah-kwi-LEE-jee-uh Den. formosum Den. for-M OE-sum OW-ree-uh kan-ah-DEN-sis Den. infundibulum Den. in -fun-Dlli-yoo-Ium P. aureosulcata P. ow-ree-oh-sul-KA Y-tuh Aruncus dioicus uh-RUN-kus dy-OH-ih-kus Den. lindleyi Den. LIND-lee-eye P. bambusoides P. bam-bew-SOI-deez Arundo donax uh-RUN-doe DOE-naks Den. phalaenopsis Den. fal-ee-N OP-sis P. bissetii P. bih-SET-ee-eye Ascocenda as-ko-SEN-duh Dendrocalamus giganteus P. heterocycla var. pubescens Aster divaricatus ASS-ter den -dro-KAL-uh -mus ji -GAN -tee -us P. het-er-oh-CY-kla va r. pew-BES-enz dih-var-ih-KA Y -tus Drepanostachyum falcatum P. nigra P. N YE-gruh Athyrium filix-femina uh-THEER-ee-um dre- pan-oh-STAY-kee- um fal-KA Y-tum P. nuda P. N EW-duh FIL-iks-FA Y -mih-nuh D. hookerianum D. hook-er-ee -A Y-num P. viridis P. VEER-ih-diss Bambusa beecheyana bam-BEW-s uh Encyclia cordigera en-SIK-lee-uh P. vivax P. VYE-va ks bee-ehee-A Y -nuh kor-DIH-jer-uh Pleioblastus variegatus ply-oh-BLAS-tus B. multiplex B. MUL-tuh-pleks E. radiata E. ray-dee-AY-tuh va ir-ee-uh-GA Y -tus B. multiplex var. riviereorum Epigaea repens ep-i h-JEE- uh REE-penz P. viridistriatus P. vir-ih-dih-stry- A Y -tus B. MUL-tuh-pleks var. riv-ee-er-ee-OR-um Fargesia murielae far-GA YZE-ee-uh Pyracantha coccinea py-ruh-KAN-thuh B. oldhamii B. old-HAM-ee-eye MUR-ee-el-ee kok-SIN-ee-uh B. textilis B. TEKS-til-iss F. nitida F. NIT-ih-duh P. koidzumii P. ko id-ZOO-mee-eye B. vulgaris B. vul-GA Y -ris Fuchsia magellanica FEW-shuh Pyxidanthera barbulata Begonia bee-GO AN-yuh mah-jel-LAN-ih -kuh piks-ee-DAN-ther-uh bar-boo-LA Y -tuh B. foliosa B. fo-Iee-OH-suh Galax GAY -laks Rhyncholaelia digbyana B. glabra B. GLAY-bruh G. urceolata G. your-see-oh-LAY-tuh rink-oh-LEE-lee-uh dig-bee-A Y -nuh B. luxurians B. luk-SURE-ee-anz Geranium erianthum jer-A Y -nee-urn Rosa spinosissima ROE-zuh B. masoniana B. may-son-ee-A Y-nuh er-ih-AN-thum spy-no-SIS-ih-muh B. parilis B. pah-RIL-iss Helonias bullata hee -LOW-nee -us Rosa spinosissima var. altaica B. prismatocarpa B. pris-mat-oh-CAR-puh bul-LA Y-tuh R. spy-no-SIS-ih-muh var. al-TYE-kuh B. rex B. reks Iris setosa EYE-ris say-TOE-suh Sasa veitchii SAH-suh VEECH-ee-eye B. vitifolia B. vit-ih-FOE-Iee-uh Laeliocattleya lee-Iee-oh-KAT-lee-yuh Shibataea kumasaca shih-buh-TEE-uh Betula papyrifera BET-ew-Iuh Lychnis chalcedonica LIK-nis kew-muh-SAH-kuh pap-ih-RIF-er-uh ehal-see-DON -ee-kuh Shortia SHORE-tee-uh Brassavola nodosa bras-SAH-voe-Iuh Lycoris lye-KORE-iss S. galacifolia S. gay-las-ih-FOE-lee-uh no-DOE-suh Malus baccata MAL-us bah-KAY -tuh Sophrolaeliocattleya Brassolaeliocattleya Masdevallia mas-de-VAL-lee-uh so-fro-Iee-lee-oh-KAT-Iee-yuh bras-oh -Iee-Iee-oh -KAT-lee-yuh Miltonia mil-TOE-nee-uh Sorbus aucuparia SORE-bus Broughtonia sanguinea brah-TO E-nee-uh Odontoglossum oh-don-toe-GLOS-sum aw-kew-P AH-ree-uh san-GWIN-ee-uh Oncidium on-SID-ee-um Trillium TRIL-ee-um Cattleya aclandiae KAT-lee-yuh Onc. sphacelatum One. sfa-see-LA Y-tum T. erectum T. ee-REK-tum ak -LAND-ee-eye Onc. splendidum One. SPLEN-dih-dum T. grandiflorum T. grand-ih-FLOR-um C. bowringiana C. boe-ring-ee-A Y-nuh Onc. stramineum One. strah-MIN-ee-um Trollius TROL-ee-us C. loddigesii C. lod-ee-JESS-ee-eye Otatea acuminata subsp. aztecorum Tulipa kaufmanniana TOO-lip-uh c. luteola C. loo-tee-OH-Iuh oh-TAT-ee-uh uh-kew-mih-NAY-tuh koff-man-ee-A Y -nuh C. mossiae C. MOSS-ee-ee subsp. az-tek-KOR-um T. tarda T. TAR-duh C. walkerana C. WAH-ker-ay-nuh Oxydendrum arboreum oks-ee-DEN-drum Yanda VAN-duh Cattleytonia kat-Iee-TONE-ee-uh are-BORE-ee-um Veronica grandiflora veh -R ON -ee-ku h Clematis tangutica KLEM-uh-tis Papaver albaroseum puh-PA Y-ver grand-ih-FLOR-uh tan-GEW-tih-kuh al-buh-ROE-zee-um Viola altaica VYE-oh-luh al-TYE-kuh Coreopsis verticillata kore-ee-OP-sis Paphiopedilum pah-fee-oh-PED-ih-lum Xerophyllum asphodeloides zee-roe-FIL-um ver-tih-s ih-LA Y-tuh Paph. callosum Paph. ka-LOW-sum ass-foe-del-oh- EYE-deez Comus canadensis KOR-nus Paph. chamberlainianum Paph. kan-ah-DEN-sis eham-ber-Iane-ee-A Y-num

AMERICAN HO RTICULTURIST 47 COLOR YOUR WORLD WITH SUNBLAZE™ BEAUTIFULI Enjoy a display of brilliant color-reds, orange, hot pinks, yellow, white-all summer long. VERSATILE! Placed in any sunny location, their unique size makes them perfect for a number of uses. Create dramatic effects on patios or sunny decks, in a rock garden, along a driveway or fence, or in a landscape bed. The possibilities are unlimited ... the results are spectacular! EASY TO GROW! SUNBLAZE roses can take the heat-and the cold. They are bred to be hardy and disease tolerant, so you'll find them much easier to grow. Available from your local garden center or nursery.

© 1990 The Conard-Pyle Co. c:p West Grove, PA

ROSES IN BLAZING COLORS