VOL. 68 No. 1· AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST· JANUARY 1989 A PuBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Redesigning Your Landscape

ave your watering, fertilizing, and pest control programs worked a little too well? You Hmay think so if one day you try to look out your front window and find that all you see is shrubbery, or if the pathway to your front door is blocked by the thriving junipers you planted 15 years ago. Dr. Bonnie Lee Appleton, an extension nursery specialist in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has done extensive research on renovating overgrown landscapes. Her suggestions and techniques are described in detail in her book, Landscape Rejuvenation, published by Storey Communications, Inc., Pownal, Vermont, and in more abbreviated form in the September 1987 issue of The Virginia Gardener, published by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. Here are some of her observations: An overgrown landscape can be an inconvenience and even an eyesore, but many of us are hesitant to tackle the been properly planned or cared for, resulting problem of doing anything about it. The in sickly, unattractive plants or in designs situation can be insidious, developing over a that, when they are older and larger, period of years until it becomes suddenly glaringly point up the flaws in the original Developing a Plan noticeable-and even a little overwhelming. landscape plan. If you've purchased an older Before you even think about digging up, But take heart: there are manageable ways home, you may want to replace a design replacing, or removing plants, it's best to get to tackle the problem. that is not pleasing to you, or you may find out a pencil and paper and develop a plan, that the landscape has been neglected by preferably one that can be prioritized and Reasons to Renovate the previous owner. implemented gradually over time. You may There are many reasons to redo a You may simply need to redesign your find that with a careful analysis of the landscape. Foundation plantings may have landscape because you did take excellent situation you can minimize the extent-and originally been installed too close together care of your plants, and they flourished to the expense-of your renovations. in an attempt to create an instantly the point where they outgrew their spaces. First, draw your house and landscape to "mature" landscape; as they grow, they Or maybe your family's needs have scale. Include the house and permanent quickly crowd each other until individual changed. Many horticulturists believe that features (driveway, patio, swimming pool) plants appear lost in one large mass of home landscapes should be systematically on a piece of paper. Make the drawing large, shrubbery. Existing plantings may not have reevaluated every 10 to 15 years. so you can include notes. Then tape a piece ------1989 Seed Catalog Enclosed! ------of tracing paper over the house plan and walls. Trees that have been weakened to the American draw all of the existing plants. Make plant point that their branches are damaged may and environment notes-areas of sun or present a hazard. Horticultural shade, wet areas, wind direction, etc. Note the condition of each plant as either Society Make note of visual or aesthetic problems, good, marginal, or poor, using different hazards, and plant-related problems. Visual colors to indicate each condition. A plant OFFICERS 1988·1989 problems may include plants that are out of that is in good condition may either remain PRESIDENT: Mrs, Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Rochester, NY proportion; dead or storm-damaged plants; where it is, or be moved to a more favorable FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: plants that may be healthy and well­ location. When a plant is in marginal Mrs. Harry J. Van de Kamp, Paso Robles, CA proportioned, but that fail to fit into the condition (low growth rate, few flowers, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: particular landscape situation; plants whose dead branches), you may want to compare Mrs. John M. Maury, Washington, DC colors don't fit in with those of the house or the cost-in time and money-of SECRETARY: Mr. Richard C. Angino, Harrisburg, PA with those of other plants; designs that are rejuvenating it through feeding, pruning, TREASURER: formal to the point of rigidity; or a design etc., with the cost of removing and replacing Mr. Richard J. Hutton, West Grove, PA that is either too sparse or too cluttered. it. If a plant is in poor condition, make a IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: note to remove it. Mr. Everitt 1. Miller, Kennett Square, PA Plant· Related Problems Once you have finished this assessment of BOARD OF DIRECTORS The most obvious plant-related problem is the current landscape, make a plan for Mr. Richard C. Angino, Harrisburg, PA the presence of dead plants that have never renovation. Use another sheet of tracing Gerald S. Barad, M.D., Flemington, NJ been removed from the landscape. Others paper over the base plan and the Mrs. Benjamin P. Bole, Jr., Cleveland, OH include diseased plants, plants that exhibit assessment overlay. Draw in those plants Mr. J. Judson Brooks, Sewickley, PA Dr. Henry M. Cathey, Washington, DC poor growth and few flowers, plants that you feel should stay, either in their current Mr. Russell Clark, Boston, MA require frequent pruning, or bare lawn locations or in different locations. Mrs. Erastus Corning n, Albany, NY areas that are compacted due to foot traffic. Next, make a list of your future plans for Mrs. Ann Lyon Crammond, Atlanta, GA Plants become hazardous when they block the landscape-a perennial garden, more Mr. Edward N. Dane, Boston, MA or obscure something-a motorist's view, a shade, a swimming pool, a deck-and Mrs. Beverley White Dunn, Birmingham, AL house number, a door, driveway, or utility compare this list with the overlay of the Mr. Richard J. Hutton, West Grove, PA access, a stop sign-or sometimes when the plants you wish to save, and design your Mr. Stephen F. Keating, Minneapolis, MN branches of a tree grow into power lines or new landscape accordingly. Draw in the new Mrs. Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Rochester, NY roots grow into water and sewer lines. permanent features first (fencing, swimming Mrs. John M. Maury, Washington, DC Climbing plants such as ivy may cause pool, patio), then add the new planting Mr. Everitt 1. Miller, Kennett Square, PA Mr. John C. Mitchell n, Denver, CO damage to trees or the mortar of masonry areas. Once your new design is complete, Dr. Julia W. Rappaport, Santa Ana, CA Mr. Frank L. Robinson, Charlottesville, VA Mrs. Philip Temple, Little Compton, RI taste of asparagus. Flavor is strongly Mr. Roy G. Thomas, Woodstock, VT This Bud's For You influenced by fragrance, so that scented Mrs. Harry J. Van de Kamp, Paso Robles, CA And not only the bud, but the whole plant, varieties may be described as sweet, while Mr. Andre Viette, Fishersville, VA Mr. John H. Whitworth, Jr., New York, NY as well! Even inexperienced gardeners know those without a strong scent are described Mrs. Jean Verity Woodhull, Dayton, OH that the daylily (Hemerocallis ) is beautiful, as what we might expect in an ordinary easy to grow, relatively free of pests and vegetable. Daylilies may be harvested EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR diseases, has a long bloom season, and throughout the blooming stage. For the sake Mr. Frank L. Robinson comes in a breathtaking variety of colors. of convenience, many pick the buds the day AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST But even many veterans don't know that the before the blossom opens, or even when it is PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR: Virginia W. Louisell daylily is also a marvelous gourmet less mature than that. Others prefer to EDITOR: Kathleen Y. Riley vegetable. enjoy the plant to the fullest possible extent, EDITOR, SEED CATALOG: For centuries daylilies have been part of using both open and spent blossoms. Kathleen Fisher ASSISTANT EDITOR, HORTICULTURE: the fine tradition of Chinese cooking. All Information about daylilies, including Peggy Lytton parts of the plant are edible. Some enjoy the recipes on how to prepare daylily buds for ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR: Martha Palermo first shoots as an early green. Others eating, is available from the American DESIGN DIRECTOR: Rebecca K. McClimans harvest the small tubers attached to the Hemerocallis Society in their book, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Sharon Barnes roots, using them as a substitute for peas. Daylilies . For a copy, send a $5.00 check to ADVERTISING: American Horticultural Society (These are the new small tubers that have The American Hemerocallis Society, Elly Advertising Department, 80 South Early Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22304, Phone (703) 823·6966. not aged sufficiently to have turned brown, Launius, Executive Secretary, 1454 Rebel Address all editorial correspondence to: The Editor, American Hor· but are a pure white .) The skin can be Drive, Jackson, MS 39211. ticulturist, American Horticultural Society, Box 0105, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121. AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN scraped off with the fingernail. Eaten raw in 00964417, is published monthly by the American Horticultural Soci· salads, they are crisp like water chestnuts -information courtesy of The American ety, 7931 East Boulevani Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22308, (703) 768· 5700, The American Horticultural Society is a nonprofit organization or radishes, but are never hot like some Hemerocallis Society devoted to excellence in horticulture, Botanical nomenclature in radishes. When cooked they remain crisp AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is based on HORTUS THIRD, Na· tional membership dues are $30; two years are $55, Foreign dues are and can be added to Chinese dishes. Mark your calendars $40, $12 of dues are designat.d for AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, What does a daylily taste like? Flavors Copyright «:> 1989 by the American Horticultural Society, Second,class for the 1989 AHS Annual postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia and at additional mailing offices, are difficult to describe. It may be said to Meeting, July 26·29 in Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to AMERICAN HORTICULTUR· resemble a combination of green beans and 1ST, Box 0105, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121. Minneapolis/St. Paul. mushrooms; some think it resembles the

2 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989 you can establish priorities and get some idea of how much you can do at a time. Your plan may take several years to implement. Just as in drawing your plans, permanent areas should be completed first, to minimize destruction of plantings. Then, consult the overlay showing which plants to Paul Eckes, who remove or move, and complete that part of popularized poinsettias your plan. Add new plantings as time and as the Christmas flower of the United States, money permit. Maintain good cultural admires a gerbera in practices to keep your new landscape Virginia Beach during looking its best. the AHS Chesapeake Bay tour.

Tips on Winter Care of Boxwood oxwoods (Buxus spp.) need water in Bwinter; most provisions for winter care of boxwoods are aimed at this need. When the ground is frozen, moisture lost through the leaves cannot be replaced by the roots. Young or newly-transplanted boxwoods suffer more than mature, established ones. Chesapeake Bay Tour 'Terrific' Water deeply during warm spells to replace early 100 people from 24 states and at home. "It's great to see how people moisture lost to sun and wind when the NCanada visited public and private garden in other parts of the country," they ground is frozen. This is most important gardens along the Chesapeake Bay, October said. during the first year after transplanting, 15 to 21, on one of five garden tours Peter and Beth Thevenot of Baton Rouge, especially for fall-planted shrubs. sponsored by the American Horticultural Louisiana, called the tour "terrific." Said Society last year. In 1989, AHS will sponsor Peter Thevenot: ''We've seen beautiful lawns Mulching eight such tours, including a March tour of and gardens ever since the tour began. The Mulch plants to retain moisture, to lessen the Pacific Coast on which participants will fall colors are particularly beautiful to us, the depth of frost penetration, and to avoid visit the William Randolph Hearst estate since everything's still green in Louisiana." sudden changes in soil temperature. Apply and San Miguel. For Adolph and Ginny Rosengarten of pine needles, ground bark or straw about The Chesapeake Bay group, hosted by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Robert and two inches deep, but not close to trunks. AHS President Carolyn Lindsay and her Darragh Weisman of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Use only materials that readily allow rain husband Bob, began the tour with the 22- the tour seemed like a trip home. Adolph and melting snow to flow through to the acre Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Rosengarten was stationed at Fort Monroe soil. Maryland, then boarded the Nantucket while in the Army, and Robert Weisman Clipper at Baltimore and sailed up the served in the Navy at Norfolk. But the Snow Removal Severn River to Annapolis, where they Weismans, who open their own garden to To avoid broken branches from heavy snow visited the Paca House and Garden of 1765 visitors every July, found they couldn't go build-up, remove snow from bushes by vintage and Georgian architecture. At Saint home again: an interstate highway had tapping with a broom handle or, if snow is Michaels, Maryland, they visited the San displaced their former living quarters. powdery, by gently sweeping them off. Do Souci Estate and the 20-acre formal garden not try to remove ice; wait for melting. Be at Wye Plantation, then docked at Interviews for this article were conducted aware that applications of salt or chemicals Yorktown, where they were bused to three by Robert Stiffler, garden writer for the to melt ice on walks or driveways may private gardens in Virginia Beach. The Norfolk Virginian Pilot-Ledger-Star, who create undesirable run-off for boxwoods and cruise ended in Washington, D.C., with a joined the group for part of the tour and other evergreens. tour of Dumbarton Oaks and a reception at wrote about it for that newspaper. AHS's River Farm headquarters. Exerpts from his story are used with his Winter Plucking During the cruise Paul Eckes - revered as permission. When the weather permits, "pluck" plants the man who made the poinsettia the that need it and clean out the interiors. Christmas flower throughout North Plucking or thinning helps produce a strong, America-offered advice on their proper The Winner! healthy plant because it allows light to care. Eckes called the trip "marvelous, with Dr. Thomas Ameson Jr. of Birmingham, enter the interior of the plant. Often poor or wonderful weather." Alabama, will be joining other AHS declining boxwood is caused by the lack of Although high winds resulted in small­ members in the Leeward Islands annual thinning. This plucking can be done craft warnings on Linkhorn Bay the day of January 21-28 as a result of his having by hand or by using hand pruners. It is a the Virginia Beach visit, Wichita, Kansas, won the society's member recruitment slow operation that takes time, especially if residents Robert and Martha Parriott said contest. Congratulations, Dr. Ameson! you have many plants. windy weather is something they're used to

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST ' J ANUARY 1989 .... 3 'Bonica' - The Beautiful Beginning

he coming season may be your Topportunity to try the promising new shrub rose from the House of Meilland, 'Bonica' (variety: meidomonac). 'Bonica' is more than a landscaper's rose, according to Dr. Henry M. Cathey, director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. "We are finding, in its third year in the National Herb Garden, that we have a whole new set of opportunities to use roses to solve the dilemmas of the modern garden." Although 'Bonica' was developed in France, it is widely available throughout the United States. In fact, it was an All-America Rose Selection in 1987. While each individual flower does not have the elegant color or fragrance of the highly evolved hybrid tea, the plant offers some practical advantages in gardens and public spaces: ... Flowering: Continuous displays do not require the removal of spent flowers all summer long . .. Fragrance: Wisps of spicy aroma surround each flower. .. Foliage: Deep green glossy leaves have seven leaflets. 'Bonica' Conard Pyle Co. .. Hips: Abundant, glowing, golden Bonica Versus Hybrid Teas yellow hips are present through the winter. .. Roots: Plants grow on their own roots. Hybrid Tea 'Bonica' 'Bonica' has a number of potential uses, as: Color Wide genetic variability Shell pink .. Hedges: Grows with shoots clear to the Vigor Must be pruned to 'encourage Continuous production of new ground, limiting access to a space; will not continuous flowering flowering shoots without "stool" out to become a pest. deadheading .. Ground Covers: When mixed with Foliage Varying degrees of disease and Disease-tolerant; glossy deep perennials, grasses, and shrubs, the plants insect resistance; most must be green foliage through growing can compete effectively all summer long sprayed with pesticides season without special care. Use As Produces top growth only; Basal shoots continue to form, Hedging cannot withstand physical creating a dense, heavily .. SlopeslBanks: New growth emerges pressures without damaging th@rned barrier from the old root system, which forms a plants stabilizing structure. Plants will literally clothe the area with pink flowers. Early After growth resumes, select Cut back to six inches yearly to Spring outside buds to regulate the maintain a dense, compact .. Aerial Planters: The winter-hardy rose Pruning shape of the plant barrier, or prune only every can be left exposed over the winter in aerial three to five years to planters. rejuvenate plants .. Bedding: Traditional sites of other Summer Roses require frequent removal Unpruned plants accumulate once-flowering shrubs and landscape roses Pruning of spent blossoms to encourage yellow-orange rose hips while can be replaced with a dense, ever-blooming the development of new shoots new shoots form and flower shrub rose. continuously over the entire growing season With a whole new color range of sister Fall Cut baek overgrown plants No pruning required for over­ seedlings of 'Bonica' - known as the Pruning wintering; pruning removes Meidiland family-now appearing, can showy hips rainbows created by shrub roses be far behind?

4 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIsr • J ANUARY 1989 r ------, GOPHER IT! Eliminate Burrowing Rodents At last an effective means to rid the yard and garden of Gophers, Moles and Shrews. NEW The ~ Dr. Carol Crosswhite, of Boyce and prune dormant shrubs; if you have electronic Thompson Southwestern Arboretum in early-spring flowering shrubs, wait until Superior, Arizona, reminds gardeners in her after they have blossomed. stake vibrates region that they're particularly lucky at this Do your spraying of dormant trees, and emits a noise time of year - early spring garden chores especially fruit trees, with oil sprays, and in 15 second intervals help work off the extra pounds gained choose your camellias, rhododendrons, and causing underground during the holidays! She gives the following azaleas now, while they are in bloom. Plant general advice to gardeners in the low summer-flowering bulbs such as iris and dwellers within 1000 desert regions: lilies. square yards to flee . . Now is the time to plant roses and bare Has been proven effective. root fruit trees, along with perennials such ~ Cathy Hills, of Hodges Gardens in as shasta daisies, delphiniums, and Many, Louisiana, says Jam.lary is major hollyhocks. Annuals such as pansies, cleanup time in this region. Gather pine petunias, and stock can go in now for straw and redo your roses, and keep an eye instant color. There's still time to put in on flower beds, which may need water. cool-season vegetables for a March harvest, Watch for severe freeze warnings; if they and seeds for summer vegetables can be occur, water down your azaleas and roses to sown indoors for later planting out. keep them warmer than the temperature of Protect your Lawn, Put your living Christmas tree outside the air. Garden and Trees. now, and keep it well-watered and in partial ~ Norm Freel, vice president of shade for a while. Be vigilant with your horticulture in Cypress Gardens in Florida, weeding tools to keep winter weeds down. FEATURES noted that the microclimate of central And don't forget about watering­ Florida poses the risk of freeze damage to temperatures as high as 70° F can easily • No more gas, traps or tropical and subtropical plants until the occur in this period. first week of April. Non-hardy species pOlson. You can now fertilize annuals and should be covered with a tarp or cardboard vegetables, lawns, and citrus trees; you can • Safe for children and pets. box in the event of frost, and in a freeze, prune roses, grapes, and deciduous trees. If may even need a heat source, such as a • Each stake is effective for you have frost-sensitive plants, be vigilant lightbulb. Potted plants can be moved into a 1000 square yards. about watching the weather reports - you garage. If they are too tall, they can be may have to protect these plants with frost • Battery powered protected from frosty blasts by being placed blankets or other protection, or put them in on their sides and covered with a blanket. (4 "0" cell - not included). a greenhouse, if you have one. This is a good month to plant deciduous • Waterproof. ~ Walden Valen, of the Strybing trees. However, while gardeners in south Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in San Florida often use this time of year for such • No servicing required. Francisco, California, says garden tasks in house-cleaning chores as pruning, in central • 1 Year Warranty. the bay area at this time of year depend Florida heavy pruning of established trees is heavily on the presence or absence of rain, ill-advised just yet, as it may stimulate new We accept Visa, Mastercard, Checks, and and advises gardeners to take full growth that will be vulnerable to freezing Money Orders through the mail. For one advantage of any sunny Saturday that temperatures. The winter vegetable garden unit, please send $45.00 (plus $4. 00 ship­ might come along! You can plant annuals may need a light fertilizing or spraying for ping) . Save money and buy 2 units for such as primroses, violas, and snaps and insect control; if you have seeded the $85.00 (plus $6.00 shipping). Or 4 units for $165 .00 (plus $10.00 shipping) . CA perennials at this time of year, along with vegetable garden with rye or other "green Residents add 6% sales tax. cole crops, and you can start summer manure," it may need mowing. Otherwise, M. O. Xpress ______vegetables for setting out after March 15. January is a good time to rest up before 4330 Barranca Pkwy .• Suite 101E Plant bare root shrubs, roses, and vines now rototilling in February. LI=:..C~~~ ~4:': 6~1~8 __ J

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST ' JANUARY 1989 .... 5 seedless as highly desirable. Five cultivars Black Seedless Grape May Soon Be Available received a number two rating, which he search for a good, black, seedless seasons. Standard cultural practices, indicates they have moderate potential but Tgrape cultivar has been going on for a including drip irrigation, have been used. require further testing. Four selections were long time, but a breakthrough appears to be Two additional new cultivars were rated undesirable and removed from the on the horizon at California State planted in a nursery row and transferred to experimental plot. University's Fresno University Vineyards. the experimental block in the spring of In 1985 several promising new 1988. experimental seedless vines obtained from Azaleas Can Serve the United States Department of Varietal Responses Agriculture's (USDA) research lab were A data base is being established on how as "Go-Between" planted in the vineyard, where new each cultivar responds to pruning, thinning, cultivars come under close scrutiny for girdling, and other cultural techniques. The Ground Covers potential yield, fruit quality, time of performance of new selections is also being ucking smaller, low-growing, non­ maturity, and cost to grow. Ratings of these compared to existing major table grape Tcompetitive azaleas among and in front new plants identified two black seedless vines grown under central San Joaquin of larger specimens as ground covers in cultivars that look very promising; one that Valley conditions. In order for a new preference to the more traditional vincas, matures early and one that matures in mid­ cultivar to be released to growers, it has to ivies, and pachysandra is an idea that can season. be superior in terms of yield and fruit bring additional color to your garden. quality, and has to fill existing gaps in the The flattest and lowest-growing azaleas Experimental Blocks marketing season for fresh grapes. Cost of are Delaware plant hybridizer Polly Hill's Fresno researchers planted 30 vines each of production is also an important 'North Tisbury' azaleas, which come in 12 new cultivars from the USDA in a consideration. beautiful shades of pink and red, and South completely randomized block design. For Salem, New Yorker Bob Carlson's comparison purposes, standard selections of Five Top Rated introduction, the white azalea 'Flat Out'. 'Flame Seedless', 'Perlette', 'Ribier', 'Ruby Of the 14 new cultivars tested so far, five These plants will creep and crawl along the Seedless', and 'Thompson Seedless' were have been given a number one rating. In ground, spreading as much as six to eight planted in a single block consisting of six addition to the two black seedless cultivars inches in all directions each year, reaching vines each. whose performance is so encouraging, three to four feet in diameter in ten to 15 All vines were established from rooted researchers have rated an early-maturing years. They remain low, rarely reaching hardwood cuttings, and vine training was white seedless, a late-maturing red seedless, more than 12 to 18 inches tall. They bloom carried out during the 1986 and 1987 and a mid- to late-season-maturing black in June and July, after most other azaleas have finished. Particularly hardy but not widely Desert Trees for Urban Landscapes available is the nakaharai species, which ranges from pink to salmon. They rarely get Brochure Available as high as 12 inches and spread up to three feet. Less hardy but easier to find are 'Pink he Tucson chapter of the Arizona Native Plant Society recently released a brochure on Cascade' and 'Flame Creeper', which may TDesert Trees for Urban Landscapes. This is the first in a series that will provide only get two to three feet tall and spread information on low-maintenance, low-water-use vegetation recommended for beautification of from three to four feet in diameter. residential and commercial p~operties. Desert Trees provides a detailed description of 10 Slightly more compact and mounding in trees with full color photography and an easy-to-read chart that compares the features of each. their growth habits than the 'North Tisbury' Trees were evaluated using six major criteria: cultivar is 'Azalea Petite'; and if you're • An attractive appearance • Cold hardiness looking for slightly larger "go-betweens," • Moderate to rapid growth • Resistance to most local pests and diseases Robert Gartrell's 'Robin Hill' azaleas are • Low water requirement • Availability at local nurseries highly recommended. (Gartrell, a plant The primary goal of the Arizona Native Plant Society is to promote water conservation; they hybridizer working in New Jersey, also advocate the preservation of the desert character of Southern cities. Thus, most of the developed 40 to 50 azalea hybrids). Low and recommendations are either native trees, which provide the best habitat for local wildlife, or compact, the 'Robin Hill' azaleas stay less other arid-adapted species that blend well into desert landscapes. All trees are listed as low­ than two feet in height. Individual big, water-use/drought tolerant plants by the Southern Arizona Water Resources Association or showy, saucer-shaped blossoms appear in the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. muted pastels. Most bloom from late May Copies of the brochure can be obtained by contacting the Arizona Native Plant Society, into June, nicely extending the blooming Urban Landscape Committee, P.O. Box 41206, Tucson, Afizona 85717. Include $1.00 with a season. self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope for a folded brochure. The brochure is also Because these azaleas root as they spread, available as a poster in a mailing tube for $3.00. Prices are discounted on larger orders; write they are particularly easy to propagate. for information. They are also useful in hanging baskets or The Arizona Native Plant Society (ANPS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing on the top of a wall. Other low growers are knowledge and promoting understanding of plants indigenous to or adapted to Arizona's arid the Rhododendron mucronatum hybrids, and semi-arid regions. ANPS sponsors meetings, field trips, workshops, and a quarterly which have a spreading, billowy growth newsletter. habit and an ability to "face down" taller, leggy azaleas and rhododendrons.

6 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989 43rd Williamsburg GARDEN SYMPOSIUM

State Arboretum in Raleigh, "Gardens for April 9-12, the Forgotten Season" Harold H. Cooke, Run­ 1989 nemede, New Jersey, flower arranger and flor­ lei olonial Williamsburg ist, "Flower Arranging Foundation and the in the American Style" American Horticultural Don Shadow, Win­ Society invite you to chester, Tennessee, nur­ come to Williamsburg seryman, "New and Un­ amid the glory of spring usual Plants for the for America's oldest and Spring Garden" most prestigious annual Cherie Kluesing, Bos­ gathering of garden ton, Massachusetts, land­ enthusiasts. scape architect, "The Fourteen authorities Changing Image of Sculp­ from around the United ture in the Garden" States will discuss the RussellMorash, creator theme, Winter Dreams; and executive producer Spring Delights, through of the weekly PBS televi­ practical and entertain­ sion program, Victory ing presentations, tours, Garden, on the fascinat­ exhibits, and clinics. The ing story of Victory rhododendron will be the Garden and its impact on featured flower, Cincin­ American gardeners. nati the honored city, Other specialists are with a special program Henry Marc Cathey, of on its horticultural the U.S. National Ar­ accomplishments. An M. Kent Brinkley, and past president of the boretum, Carolyn Marsh optional tour will be of­ Colonial Williamsburg New England Wildflower Lindsay and Frank L. fered to see the azaleas at landscape architect, and Society, "Great Ameri­ Robinson of the American the Norfolk Botanical Marley Brown III, Colon­ can Gardens: Garden in Horticultural Society, Gardens. ial Williams bu rg director the Woods" lecturer and writer Topping it all off will of archaeological re­ David Leach, Madison, Frederick McGourty, and be an optional three-day search, "Lessons from Ohio, plant hybridizer, the Colonial Williams­ post-Symposium trip, Colonial Williamsburg "Tomorrow's Rhodo­ burg Horticultural staff. April 13-15, to private Gardens: Recreating the dendrons" Think Spring! Come and public gardens on Shields Tavern Gardens" ]. c. Raulston, director to Williamsburg for the Virginia's Northern Neck Polly Pierce, trustee of the North Carolina lovely blossoms and an arranged for the Sympo­ opportunity to gather sium by the American helpful hints about all Horticultural Society. (please print) four seasons. For a regis­ Speakers in order of tration folder, please appearance are: I Williamsburg Garden Symposium mail this coupon, or call MarleneHolwadel, Cin­ Symposium Registrar 1-804-220-7255. I BoxC cinnati, Ohio, Park Com­ Williamsburg, VA 23187 Sponsored by The mission, "Cincinnati's Colonial Williamsburg Gardens: People Make I Name Foundation in conjunc­ the Difference" tion with the American Allen Lacy, Linwood, I Addr~s: ______------Horticultural Society. New Jersey, garden writer, "A Gardener's I City: State Zip I Winter Dream" L ______.--I - a nonexistent or very late blooming season. Tips on Oleander Culture If you need to renew your entire bush, the he nightmarish drought of last summer practice in temperate areas is to trim it Thas launched a search for less thirsty back to the ground; in Galveston, this is plants. The oleander-a flowering evergreen done in the late summer as soon as the popular as a landscape shrub in temperate flowers have faded . This will allow the new zones and which can be potted and wintered growth to get established before the coldest indoors elsewhere - requires very little weather of the winter sets in. This is often water once it is established. done on a regular schedule of approximately The oleander is championed by the once every four years. International Oleander Society, which began The selective trimming of bushes is as the National Oleander Society in 1967 accomplished by cutting a third of the stems and changed its name last year to reflect to the ground. Always remove the older the fact that it now has members as far stems, which will stimulate new, vigorous away as Spain and Israel. growth and more abundant flowering. If you R. 1. Syler, president of the society, said Nerium 'Shari D' Courtesy of Turner Landscape, Inc. want to train the growth of a large bush off 1988 was a banner year for the oleander in the ground, trim to the base all but eight to the society's headquarters city of Galveston, The durability of the oleander is 10 of the tallest, healthiest stems to form a Texas, where city plantings made a illustrated, suggested Head, by the well-shaped ''bouquet''-style bush or a spectacular comeback from the devastation relatively minimal care given to them when "modified tree" with the leaves and blooms wrought by tropical storm Alicia in 1983. set out as plantings along California in the upper third of the bush. If you have a In the colder climates of the North, highways. Head gave the American single trunk oleander tree, all new shoots oleanders can be grown as container plants Horticulturist permission to reprint the should be stripped from the base and along for patios and porches. They are not outline of that care, as well as some pruning the trunk. The tree top should be trimmed particular about their potting medium, but tips, that appeared in the fall issue of the and thinned to an umbrella-shaped top to should be grown in full sun outdoors. They . society's newsletter, The Nerium News. keep it from becoming top-heavy. Only should be brought indoors during the (Nerium is the oleander's genus name.) hardy varieties should be chosen for tree months that there is any danger of frost, Plants from one gallon cans are set out, forms, as freezing temperatures will take and exposed to as much sun as possible. covered with a mulch of wood chips, and the less hardy to the ground to regrow as a In California, Texas, Arizona and other watered once every two weeks all through bush. Western states, oleanders are frequently the warm months. At the end of the season, The branches you trim off can be used for used as highway plantings, noted Betty watering is reduced to approximately once floral arrangements. Place the cut end in Head, the society's corresponding secretary every three to six weeks, depending upon boiling water for 20 seconds to reduce the and the editor of its newsletter, because of general conditions. By the end of the second sap flow. Remember that all parts of the their ability to thrive under a diverse range season, watering frequency is reduced. In oleander are poisonous, so take extra care of weather and soil conditions and with a some areas, further watering is postponed with the cuttings if there are children in minimum of care. until the end of the third growing year. your household. Highway plantings are given a soluble nitrogen fertilizer delivered in the irrigation water. Edible Wild Plant Video AShot to Kill Gypsy The blooming schedule is longest in the Now Available Moths? warm desert areas of California, beginning in May and continuing to December. In the Two USDA botanists, Jim Meuninck and or areas where aerial or ground interior valleys of northern California and Dr. James Duke, have collaborated to Fspraying is impossible or undesired, in most of southern California, the season produce an easy-to-follow video guide to scientists have tried injecting systemic lasts until October. The season is shorter as foraging for natural foodstuffs. From lakes insecticides directly into oak trees to the climate grows cooler, and only a few to woods to marshy waterways, the video discourage gypsy moth caterpillars. Tree flowers are produced in foggy coastal or takes the viewer on a tour for unusual and sap dispersed the chemicals, acephate shady areas. nutritious wild edibles, with a generous and methamidophos, which were injected supply of recipes made with foraged food or implanted just after bud burst. During Pruning Tips and advice on how to avoid making foraging the three·year study at four locations in Since oleanders grow so well, they often mistakes with poisonous look-alikes. Maryland and Pennsylvania, no treated get "out of hand," and questions arise about The video also looks at wild plants for tree was seriously defoliated by gypsy when and how to prune. Without pruning, healthful herbal teas and provides foraging moths. Implantation cartridges of bushes become loose, open, and unsightly. rules for herbal pharmaceuticals. The tape powdered acephate to control the gypsy The bush should be examined for shape and would be a valuable resource for any moth have been registered with the size as soon as the year's blooms have faded. herbalist or forager, or a great tool for Environmental Protection Agency, while There is some confusion in references on anyone who teaches, lectures, or writes injection units of liquid acephate are the proper time for pruning outdoor plants. about herbs. A production of Media awaiting EPA approval. Some sources say that oleanders should be Methods, the 60-minute video is available -Insect Chemical Ecology Lab, pruned in the spring. While selective for $19.95, plus $1.00 postage. Write to: The Beltsville, MD pruning can be done in the spring, cutting a Seeker Press, P.O. Box 299, Battle Ground, bush back severely at this time will lead to IN 47920.

8 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989 r-CliP&Mail-----, I ORCHIDS. I I The Ultimate I I in House Plants! I Grow and enjoy orchids, the most beautiful I I flowers in the world, in your own home. We'll Lutheran Medical Center, P.O. Box 3434, Omaha, show you how. Orchids can now be grown I As the winter doldrums NE 68103, (402) 536-6994. I by anyone who is able to grow even the sim- plest of plants. Through our Plant-a-Month I Club you will receive a different plant each turn to spring fever, ~ February 12·19. Atlanta Flower Show. I month, with instructions for care. Buy one I Atlanta Apparel Mart, 250 Spring Street, Atlanta, plant or many. No obligation. seminars and lectures to Georgia. Information: Elizabeth McBride, Atlanta I Market Center, 240 Peachtree St., NW, Suite I I educate us give way to 2200, Atlanta, GA 30043, (404) 658-0770. flower shows and garden ~ February 17·20. Northwest Flower and I I Garden Show. Washington State Convention and I I tours to inspire us for Trade Center, Seattle, Washington. Information: Nancy Hewitt, 5901 Beach Dr., SW, Seattle, WA I I the coming season. 98136, (206) 937-3673. I For free brochure simply call I ~ February 18·19. Camellia Show. Atlanta TOLL FREE 1-800-621-5199 I Botanical Garden. Information: Laurie Libman, I (In lllinoi' 1-800-972-5855) I ~ January 4·6. Ecological Farming Atlanta Market Center, 240 Peachtree St., NW, or mail this coupon. Conference. Asilomar Conference Center, Suite 2200, Atlanta, GA 30043, (404) 688-8994. I Monterey, California. Information: Otis Wollan, Orchid Plant-a-Month Club I ~ February 22·26. Washington Flower and I Box 296, Dept. AH4, Goldens Bridge, N.Y. 10526 Committee for Sustainable Agriculture, P.O. Box Garden Show, Washington, D.C. Information: 1300, Colfax, CA 95713, (916) 346-2777. TJS Productions, 7668-B Fullerton Road, I I Name (Please print) I ~ January 13. Lecture: Principles Fo~ Springfield, VA 22153, (703) 569-7141. I Address ______Designing Your Own Garden. U.S. Botaruc ~ February 23·26. Dogwood Arts Festival Garden Conservatory, Washington, D.C. I City I House and Garden Fair. Knoxville Convention Information: U.S. Botanic Garden Public Programs Center, Knoxville, Tennessee. Information: I State Zip I Office, 245 First St., SW, Washington, DC 20024, Dogwood Arts Festival, 203 Fort Hill Building, (202) 226-4082. Knoxville, TN 37915, (615) 637-4561. ------~ January 22. Lecture: Spring Down ~ February 24·26. The Magnolia Society Under, by Elizabeth Scholtz. Brooklyn Botanic Annual Convention. San Francisco, California. Garden. Information: BBG, 1000 Washington Ave., Information: The Magnolia Society, 907 South Brooklyn, NY 11225, (718) 622-4433. Chestnut St., Hammond, LA 70403-5102, (914) ~ January 22. Lecture: Solving the 941-8886. Problems of Your Existing Garden. Maymont ~ February 24·26. International m Foundation, Richmond, Virginia. Information: Symposium on Bulbous and Cormous PI~ts. Cindy Gricus, Maymont Foundation, 1700 Irvine California. Information: Harold KOOpOWltz, Membership Hampton St., Richmond, VA 23220, (804) ISBC,' UCI Arboretum, University of California, 358-7166. Irvine, CA 92717. Senices ~ January 26·27. Xeriscape '89 Conference. ~ February 25·March 1. International Balboa Park, Casa del Prado, San Diego, Society of Arborists Annual Meeting. Opryland Your satisfaction with our service is California. Information: Jan Tubiolo, Cuyamaca Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee. Information: Tom very important to us. If you haye a College Botanical Society, 2950 Jamacha Rd., El Dedrick, Davey Tree Co., Box 34087, Memphis, TN Cajon, CA 92019-4304, (619) 670-3544. question about your membership, 38134. please refer to the mailing label on ~ January 29. Professional Landscaping ~ March 4·12. New York Flower Show. Pier your monthly magazine. It has the Seminar: Landscape Magic. Walt Disney World. 92 at 52nd Street and 12th Avenue, New York, information we need to solve the Information: Seminar Productions, Walt Disney New York. Information: The Horticultural Society problem as quickly as possible. World, Attention: Dept. PR, P.O. Box 10,000, Lake of New York, 128 West 58th St., New York, NY Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000, (407) 828-1500. 10019, (212) 757-0915. Your Membership Expiration Date ~ January 28·April 30. Conservatory ~ March 4·12. New England Flower Show. Display: Welcome Spring. Longwood Gardens. 8801 = January 1988 Bayside Exposition Center, 200 Mount Vernon Information: Longwood Gardens, P.O. Box 501, Your Membership Number Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Information: Kennett Square, PA 19348-0501, (215) 388-6741. 22303HUTCHS262X Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 300 Your Name, Address, Zip Code ~ February 3·12. Colorado Garden and Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115, (617) Home Show, Denver. Information: Helen 536-9280. Masterson, 1430 Larimer, Suite 320, Denver, CO 80202, (303) 573-5464. ~ March 5·12. Philadelphia Flower Show. Membership Department Philadelphia Civic Center, 34th Street and Civic American Horticultural Society ~ February 9·12. Midwest Flower, Garden, Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. P.O. Box 0105 and Outdoor Living Show. Omaha Civic Information: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Auditorium Exhibition Hall, 1804 Capitol Avenue, Society, 325 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, Mt. Vernon, VA 22121 Omaha, Nebraska. Information: Jane Booth, (215) 625-8250. (703) 768·5700.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989 .... 9 What's New For 1989 f you're looking for some variety to spice up your garden, try one or two­ or more-of the new cultivars being I offered this year: From Burpee: ~ Impatiens 'Dazzler'. Impatiens remain the most popular flowers for shaded areas. 'Dazzler' can take a little more sun than the older varieties, making it extremely versatile for shade and morning sun locations in the garden. Perfect for mass plantings, it provides reliable uniformity. From Park Seed: ~ Bush bean 'EZ Pick'. Prepare for an easy harvest with this bean, which easily pulls loose, leaving the stem on the plant. A space saver, 'EZ Pick' has a bush habit that keeps beans cleaner because they are held off the ground. ~ Cucumber 'County Fair '87'. This is an exceptionally productive cucumber, bearing two fruits per node with improved seedless characteristics. 'County Fair' is a bitter-free cultivar that does not produce the compound cucurbitocin that attracts pests. This cultivar also resists cucumber mosaic, downy and powdery mildew, fusarium, anthracnose, and angular leaf spot. ~ Helianthus annuus 'Sunspot'. Don't look for eight to lO-foot-tall plants with this sunflower; its eight- to lO-inch golden yellow flowers with golden brown centers appear on short plants about two feet tall. The flowers come in 60 days and provide color for weeks; the mature heads yield sunflower Hosta tokudama 'Aureo Nebulosa' Helianthus annuus 'Sunspot' seeds that attract birds and provide a nutritious treat for the gardener. plant, which is drought- and heat-resistant, heavily puckered, and of good substance. ~ Tagetes 'Discovery'. This plant's large, grows well in full sun and in any well­ Dense racemes of white flowers appear in yellow blooms and stay-dwarf habit define a drained soil. the early summer. new class of marigold. The plants bloom in ~ Hosta tokudama 'Aureo Nebulosa'. ~ Iris kaempferi 'Akinishiki'. This 60 days, when they are eight inches tall, Four-inch leaves have centers suffused with cultivar has large, single, pendulous, full and stay a foot tall or less all summer, even wide, irregular margins in shades of blue petals, distinct white veining, and a light when rain and shade or rich soil stretch and green, a variegation that differs yellow throat. The edge of the eight- to nine­ other marigolds. The blooms are fully double depending on the maturity and location of inch flowers is white and violet. The and the waxy, heavy-textured petals grow so the plant. The foliage is round, cupped, standards are short and upright. tightly that the blooms shed water droplets. From Wayside Gardens: ~ Aquilegia 'Music Series'. These neat, well-branched, 12-inch plants bear large, New Roses-of-Sharon long-spurred, intensely colored blooms hree new roses-of·Sharon, all bearing the names of Greek goddesses, raise the flowering on 19- to 24-inch stems, providing an Tshrub above its weedy place among landscape plants. All three new Hibiscus syriacus outstanding display of concentrated color. cultivars are nearly sterile and produce no seed, unlike other roses-of·Sharon that drop ~ Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'. This troublesome seed. 'Aphrodite' bears dark pink flowers with red "hearts," or centers, from dwarf pampas grass is well-adapted to city June through September. The others are 'Diana' , with large, pure white flowers, and 'Helene', gardens because of its resistance to pollution. with white flowers that have bright red centers. They join 'Minerva' , with lavender flowers, The 18- to 24-inch plumes appear the first which was introduced last year. All four plants produce bell·shaped flowers up to one·third year after planting, usually with five to six larger than standard types, and they bloom longer. They should be in retail markets within flower spikes per five- to six-foot stem. two years. -U.S. National Arboretum, Dwarf pampas grass has proved hardy as Washington, D.C. far north as Long Island, New York. The

10 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989 1989 Seed Catalog

,.' ,. " , ":'V' "'-=' '" How to Use This Catalog

feel truly daring, the supplemental list also includes a group of "mystery" seeds about ew Year's resolutions for our members are likely which we could find little information other Nto include vows to rip the bindweed from the than the names. If you would like to receive comer behind the shed, to nip leaf spot in the bud the supplementary list, please request it by by being tidier, or to keep a garden diary so we'll checking the appropriate box in the seed order remember which cultivars of salvia did well and form. which to avoid like the plague. Alas, the fulfillment of some of these brave promises will have to wait. But if your list includes stretching your skill with Keep a diary seeds, you can start today by taking a trek through On page 8, you will find a master record-keep­ our annual Seed Program catalog. ing form. You may wish to make a copy of This year, AHS members and friends have outdone the form for each species of seed that you order, themselves in the quantity and variety of their con­ so that you can keep a record of its germination tributions. What's your pleasure? and growth . At first glance, to those who've • You don't know the first thing about flats and vermiculite and hardening never done it, keeping records or a diary may off, but you want to have a whole bedful of marigolds that cost you practically look like yet another among too many garden­ nothing? Follow our basic directions carefully, and an enviable blanket of orange ing chores. But diary devotees testify that such and yellow annuals is practically guaranteed. (Cosmos is another good annual a record enhances the joy of gardening in myr­ iad ways, offering reminders that it's time to for the neophyte. Some good perennial choices for the seed novice include fertilize or be prepared for a swarm of Japanese Dianthus barbatus and Gaillardia aristata.) beetles; allowing them to learn from last year's • • You've been raising prize-winning perennials for years from local nursery underwatering, overexposing or disastrous se­ " stock, but want to experience the heady feeling of raising one from a pup? We lection; and giving them an avenue for sharing have more than 30 selections, from Acaena to Watsonia. those lessons with fellow gardeners . • You've ascended to the stratosphere of gardening and invested in a green­ If you are willing to share your experiences, house; no more garden varieties for you? This year's tropical selections will we encourage you to send us information about let you astound friends and neighbors with a passion flower, a bird of paradise, your seed germination and plant growing ex­ or on the chance that you live in southern Florida (or your greenhouse is 12 periences that we can then use to advise others. stories high), your own kapok tree. If you know of any special techniques, or can provide germination or cultural information, Wild about wildflowers? Hysterical about herbs? Think grasses are the great­ we would appreciate hearing from you . Send est? Our donors have covered those bases, too. The catalog also includes 28 your reports to : different trees and shrubs, from the three-foot-tall Athanasia parviflora from Performance Data 1989 South Africa to the 70-foot honey locust, and a veritable cornucopia of seeds American Horticultural Society for the vegetable grower. P.O. Box 0105 Mount Vernon , VA 22121

There is no cut-off date for orders this year. Seed Program 1990 How to order But the longer you delay in placing your order, the less likely it is that you will receive all We're hard pressed to name the number one Don't just sit there and dream while fellow your first choices and have them up, ready to reward of gardening, but ranking near the top AHSers get the jump on you. Although we adorn your landscape by spring. has to be the feeling you get when you've raised have a small mountain of many of the species As you complete the order form, we hope a plant in such abundance that you have enough listed here, in some cases the donors-other you will consider making a donation to help seed, cuttings or divisions to share with your members, seed companies and botanical gar­ defray the cost of the Seed Program by in­ friends and neighbors . Start thinking now about dens-were able to provide only a small quan­ cluding a voluntary contribution. This year, sharing your 1989 bounty with the American tity. To increase the chances that you'll get the we are suggesting a minimum of $2 if you are Horticultural Society's nationwide community seed you've resolved to succeed with, fill out ordering 10 packets of seed, and $3 if you are of gardeners. Although much of the seed in your order form and mail it now . Whenever ordering 17 packets. By donating even more, our catalog is donated by seed companies and possible, we will send you your first-choice you can help AHS expand and improve its Seed botanical gardens, we also depend heavily on selections. But we ask that you list alternate Program. All contributions to the American donations from members. We would like to selections that we can send in case any of your Horticultural Society are tax deductible. see more Society members involved in both first choices are depleted. Our staff and vol­ the give and take of this program. Particularly unteers who fill your order will not choose if you have any unusual or rare plants in your substitutions for you; only you know what is Supplementary list garden, we hope you will collect the seed and best for your own garden. send it to us for the 1990 seed offerings so that Once you've decided what you want to or­ Seed received too late to include in the catalog, it can be shared with American Horticultural der, fill out the order form on page 12. but which we nevertheless want to make avail­ Society members. After sending us your order, it is important able to members, has been listed in a supple­ For information on the 1990 seed program, that you keep this catalog: you will need it to mentary seed list that is available upon request. write to: identify the seed you receive. All the seed pack­ The supplementary list also includes seed we Seeds 1990 ets distributed through the Society's annual Seed have in very limited quantities, so that we may American Horticultural Society Program are marked with only the master list be able to fill only a few requests . Growing P.O. Box 0105 numbers that appear in the catalog. plants from seed is always an adventure; if you Mount Vernon, VA 22121

2 ~ AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG I General Germination Instructions

he successful germination of seed requires the medium; it is sufficient to press it lightly Tthree conditions. First, the seed must be so that it makes contact with the soil. It will viable; second, the seed must not be dormant; help to disperse such seed evenly in the row and third, the appropriate environmental con­ if you first mix the seed with about three or ditions must be provided. four times its volume of fine horticultural ver­ Seed viability depends on a number of fac­ miculite (grade 2). tors , including growing conditions and storage A void sowing seed with different germi­ conditions. Growing conditions are often be­ nation times in the same flat. Otherwise, you yond your control, but you can take simple may find it impossible to transplant the earlier steps to assure storage conditions that will seedlings without disturbing those that ger­ maintain viability for a reasonable length of minate later. For the same reason, you should time: seeds should be stored in reasonably air­ avoid planting seed too close together. Close tight containers and kept in a place where nei­ spacing also encourages disease. ther temperature nor humidity varies much. Be sure to label the seed flats with the date Some seeds will need your coaxing to over­ and name of the seed sown. It's frustrating to come dormancy. The procedures usually used watch something sprout and wonder "What's to do this are scarification and stratification­ up?" And you'll find that gathering informa­ sometimes both. These processes will be ex­ tion on the performance of your plants en­ plained later in these directions. As you read hances the fun of gardening. the catalog, you will find at the end of each After sowing, water thoroughly with a fine seed description a code indicating whether ger­ mist spray until water begins to drain out the mination will require scarification and/or strat­ bottom of the seed flat. This ensures thorough ification. Those codes are explained by a chart wetting . Glass works well for covering the tray: that will appear several times throughout the it's inexpensive, lets you see when seed has catalog. germinated, and a gentle tap will serve to "re­ There are four environmental conditions that water" the seed. But plastic or even damp need to be controlled: newspaper (for those seeds that do not require light) will serve the purpose. Put the flat on a • Water. Once a seed takes up water, it heating cable, or in any location of suitable must not be allowed to dry out or the seed is temperature. Do not place the flat in the sun lost. or under any strong light source, especially if you have covered it with glass. Excessive heat • Temperature. Most seed will germi­ • The appropriate light level. Some build-up will kill the embryos. nate readily at about 70° F. It is best if the seed requires light for germination and others As soon as the young seedlings break the temperature is provided by bottom heat from are inhibited by light. These needs are also soil surface, remove the glass pane and place a heating cable (a small heating cable is rel­ indicated in our chart. the seed flat in indirect light or in a well-lit atively inexpensive). There is some seed that location until ready for transplanting. If you may germinate best at a lower temperature­ are depending on bulbs to provide light, use about 55° or 60° F-while other seed requires Sowing the seed fluorescent light. a warmer temperature of about 80° F. These About one week after germination you may will also be indicated by our chart. N~ver, The seed of many plants, particularly annuals, begin fertilizing the seedlings with one-quarter­ however, expose any seed to excessively hot can b~ sown safely outdoors where the plant strength soluble fertilizer. You may apply it or cold temperatures (below 50° or above 85° is to grow once the date of the last frost in your with every watering. When the seedlings are F) after the seed has imbibed water. area has passed. But with all other plants, or three weeks old, the fertilizer can be increased Maintaining the optimum temperature will to get an early start with these, you will want to one-half strength. help assure that germination occurs as rapidly to sow seed indoors in seed flats . Those that Do not allow seedlings to become exces­ as possible; unnecessary delay of germination will eventually be grown outdoors should be sively dry, but don't overwater either. The increases the likelihood of disease that will kill started about six to eight weeks before the last seedlings must be kept reasonably moist with­ young seedlings or prevent their germination frost date. out being soaked. Too much water encourages altogether. It is important that the germination medium disease; too little water causes poor growth. be disease-free at the outs~t. The best way to • A well-aerated growing medium. destroy organisms that can prevent germination For indoor planting, use a commercial potting is to pasteurize the medium. To do this, place Transplanting mix composed of sphagnum peat, perlite, and/ a quantity of the moist (but not wet) medium or vermiculite. GQod results can also be ob­ in a tray to a depth of not more than two inches Transplant the seedlings to individual pots as tained for many seed with milled sphagnum, and heat it in an oven for 30 minutes at a soon as two true leaves develop . The smaller or perlite, or vermiculite used alone. Do not temperature of 180 ° F. As an added precaution, the seedlings are at transplanting , the better use ordinary garden soil to germinate seed in­ the seed flat may also be drenched with a fun­ they tolerate the shock of transplanting. If you doors; no matter how good its quality, it is very gicide formulated to destroy damping-off or­ allow the seedlings to become too large before unlikely that it will provide adequate aeration ganisms . This should be done 24 hours prior transplanting this may contribute to the failure when placed in a seed flat. Also, it is highly to sowing the seed. of the transplant. likely that garden soil is contaminated with After the moistened germination medium is Immediately before' transplanting, thor­ organisms that can cause damage to seeds and put into the seed flat, mark the rows where the oughly water the seed flat and let it drain for seedlings. Whatever medium is chosen, it should seed is to be sown. Most seed should be cov­ about an hour. This will help you to remove be thoroughly moistened before being placed ered about one-and-a-half-to-two times its di­ the seedlings from the flat more easily and will in the germinating flats. Make sure the flats ameter. However, if the seed you are sowing aid in reducing root injury. have drainage holes. is very small, there is no need to cover it with An ordinary kitchen fork makes a good

AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG ~ 3 transplanting tool. The tines of the fork will the next two or three days the plants are left a refrigerator at 38 to 40° F for the appropriate lift the seedling easily from the flat without out for longer periods, gradually introducing time, which may be from one to four months . contributing to excessive root damage. them to more light until hardening is com­ It is important that the sphagnum or peat not After transplanting, water the transplant pleted. After this treatment the transplants should be too wet; otherwise the seed may rot. thoroughly and place it in a shaded location be sufficiently acclimated so that they can adapt for about 24 hours. Following this, the trans­ to permanent placement in the garden. Warm stratification. Some seed requires plants may be placed in normal growing con­ The seed of trees and shrubs can be handled exposure to a period of warm temperatures ditions . the same as any other seed, following all the before the cold stratification treatment begins. If the transplants are to grow outdoors they procedures for sowing the seed as outlined, but The seed is treated exactly as for cold strati­ must fust be hardened to the new environment. the young tree or shrub seedlings should be fication except that it is stored at a warm tem­ Hardening involves a gradual adjustment to planted outdoors in a protected location for a perature of70 to 80° F for some period oftime. outdoor temperature and light and is accom­ year or two prior to setting them in their per­ plished over a period of about three to four manent location. Scarification. Some seed will not germinate days . Beginning a week or 10 days before the because of a hard seed coat and softening or hardening process is to be started, gradually breaking the seed coat is necessary to effect reduce watering (but not to the point of allow­ Overcoming dormancy germination. A hard seed coat may be rubbed ing the plants to wilt) and stop fertilizing . Then with sandpaper or a small file to alter it enough begin the hardening process by moving the Cold stratification. Seeds that require cold so that it can take up water. For some seed, a young transplants outdoors where they will not stratification before they are able to germinate hot water soak can accomplish this. Soak the be exposed to direct sunlight. On the first day should be sealed in a plastic bag with a small seed in five times its volume of hot water (180 of hardening, the plants should be left outside amount of moist (but not wet) sphagnum moss to 212° F) for 24 hours. The hot water is poured for about four hours during the morning. Over or peat moss. Tie the bag closed and place in over the seed and allowed to cool. Annuals

1. Cakndula officina/is 'Pacific Beauty' rather than its flowers, which are not outstand­ 11. Helichrysum 'Bright Bikini' mix. mix. Pot marigold. Height: 20 inches. Flow­ ing. A,B,L Strawflower. Height: 1 foot. Flowers are red, ers: 3 inches; orange, yellow, apricot. Good yellow, pink, white, and bloom in mid through cut flower. A,B,L 3. Clarkia amoena. Satin flower. Height: late summer. Good as cut flowers or in dried 3 feet. A spreading plant that prefers light soil. arrangements. A,B,H,L 2. Chenopodium botrys. Ambrosia. Height: Flowers are pink to lavender with bright red 2 feet. Valued for its strongly scented leaves centers. A,B,L 12. Nigella damascena. Love-in-a-mist. Height: 18 to 24 inches. It gets its common 4. Cleome hasslerana. Spider flower. name from the way the solitary blue or white Height: 4 to 6 feet. Six-inch flower heads in flowers appears to nestle in the misty, fern­ rose, white, lavender range, mid-summer to like foliage . The balloon-shaped seed pods can Our Members Tell Us autumn . Reseeds . A,B,L be used in dried arrangements. Reseeds. Dif­ ficult to transplant. B ,L "I'm still growing 'Bright Eyes' geraniums 5. Cosmos sulphureus 'Diablo'. Height: 11/2 to 3 feet. Flowers are deep orange, semi­ (about 50 a year) from cuttings from 13. Orthocarpus purpurascens. Owl's seeds of many years ago!" double, and bloom summer to fall. Easy to grow . A,B,L clover. Height: 15 inches. A member of the Mrs. Harold Pilkington snapdragon family with hairy, purplish stems Monument Beach, Massachusetts 6. Datura inoxia. Angel's trumpet. Height: bearing spikes of crimson or purple flowers 3 feet. Flowers are white, tinged with pink or that are tipped with white or yellow and purple lilac and 8 to 10 inches. Flowers open at night markings. Native to southern Arizona and "This is a unique feature about AHS ••• southern California. L [that] I have used to expand my and close by noon the next day. A,L horticultural horizons. Past successes that 7. Delphinium spp. Larkspur. Height: 3 feet. 14. Perilla frutescens. Beefsteak plant. have worked particularly well for me Flowers are dark purple, blue, or white in early Height: 18 inches. Grown mainly for the hand­ include the Chinese elms now shading the summer. A,B,L some purple foliage resembling that of coleus. lawn, the Japanese tree lilacs in bloom for Flowers are white to red. A,L the second year now and reaching to the 8. Erodium moschatum. Musk clover. Height: 18 inches. A member of the geranium 15. Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Giant Im­ top of our porch, my golden ba~rel cactus family, it has small, rose-purple flowers with perial.' Pincushion flower. Height: 3 feet. and azalea schlippenbacChii, and the blue five petals. Native to Europe, naturalized in Pincushion-shaped 3-inch flowers in blue, white, Indian com we use for tortillas." North and South America. B,L rose, pink, crimson, lavender. A,B,L Jane A. Lawrence Muncy, Pennsylvania 9. Gazania rigens. Treasure flower. Per­ 16. Tagetes 'Cabaret' mix. Marigold. ennial grown as an annual. Height: 6 to 18 Height: 14 inches. A,L inches. Daisylike flowers are 2 to 3 inches in "I am pleased with almost everything in yellow, orange, red, pink with dark ring at 17. Tagetes 'Petite Choice' mix. Mari­ the program. Have some lovely plants as a base, blooming early summer to frost. Can be gold. Dwarf plant; flowers orange and yellow. result. Some seeds have not been used as houseplant in the winter. I,J A,L fertile-a chance one takes." Sabina Parks 10. Gypsophila muralis. Cushion gyp so­ 18. Xeranthemum annuum. Immortelle. Washington, D.C. phila. Height: 1 foot. Small pink flowers, mid­ Height: 2 to 3 feet . Flowers: 11/2 inches; white, June to October. Plant is profusely branched, purple, violet, rose. Useful in arrangements needs well-drained, alkaline soil. A,B,L both fresh-cut or dried as everlastings. A,B,L

4 ~ AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG Perennials

19. Acaena novae-zelandiae. New Zea­ bloom in late spring to early summer. Tolerates flowers are dark violet. Shade. Zone 3. A,B,L land bur. Ground cover. Trailing plant. Pur­ partial shade. Zone 4. A,B,L plish flower heads bloom in the summer. Good 43. Iris. Species mix. Erratic germination. for rock garden. Needs perfect drainage, partial 32. Campsis radicans. Trumpet vine. Zone 4. M (sow outdoors in fall) shade, winter protection in colder areas. Zone Flowers are bright orange, trumpet-shaped and 7. A,B,L 3 inches long. Blooms in late summer. Zone 44. Leontopodium alpinum. Edelweiss. 5. Eb (germinates in 30 cdays) Height: 6 to 12 inches. Foliage is silvery white 20. Achillea taygetea 'Moonshine'. Yar­ due to short woolly hairs. Flowers are yellow row. Height: 2 feet. Flowers bright yellow; 33. Canna indica 'Rubra'. Indian shot. over silvery-woolly bracts and bloom in mid­ blooms June through August. Foliage is feath­ Height: 4 to 7 feet. Leaves grow to I V2 feet summer. Zone 5. A,B,Ea,H,J ery, silver gray. Zone 5. A,B,L long, 8 inches wide. Bright red flowers, orange lip. Zone 9. F,K 45. Lilium canadense. Canada lily. Height: 21. Alcea rosea 'Chaters's' mix. Hol­ 2 to 5 feet. Flowers are yellow to red, bloom lyhock. Height: 6 to 8 feet. Includes scarlet, 34. Chrysanthemum coccineum. Painted in July. Zone 3. A,B,L rose, pink, and deep yellow flowers. Zone 5. daisy. Height: 2 feet. Flowers: 3 inches; red, A,B,J,L pink, white with yellow center. Blooms in July 46. Linum perenne. Flax. Height: 2 feet. to August. Tends to be invasive. Zone 2. Sky blue flowers bloom May to August. Zone 22. Anemone pulsatilla. Pasque flower. A,B,H,L 4. B,L (germinates in about 25 days) Height: 10 to 12 inches. Early to mid-spring flowers are blue to red-purple, 2Yz inches across. 35. Chrysanthemum parthenium. Fev­ Zone 5. L (germinates in 5 to 6 weeks) erfew. Height: I to 3 feet. Daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers, % inch. Blooms 23. Anthemis tinctoria. Golden marguer­ profusely in summer and tolerates partial shade. ite. Height: 2 to 3 feet. Flowers: 2 inches, Foliage is strongly scented. Zone 4. L he letters in the following table . golden yellow, free flowering in the summer. Perennial border, cut flower. Zone 4. L 36. Chrysanthemum x superbum. Shasta Tprovide germination information and daisy. Height: 3 feet. Flowers are white with requirements. For some seed, more than 24. Aquilegia longissima 'Maxistar'. yellow centers. June through August. Zone 4. one germination technique may be used. Columbine. Height: 2 feet. Spurred flowers, A,B,H,L For example, A,B indicates that the seed which bloom late spring to early summer, are may be sown indoors or outdoors. Also, primrose yellow and very large. Zone 4. Ea, 37. Dianthus barbatus. Sweet William. some seed requires more than one L (takes 1 to 3 months to germinate; reducing Height: 2 feet. Flowers are red, white, pink, night temperature is beneficial to germination) violet. Prefers well-drained, alkaline soil. Zone treatment before germination can occur. 6. B,L Db, Eb indicates that a three·month warm 25. Aquilegia vulgaris. Granny's bonnets. stratification treatment must precede a Height: 3 feet. Flowers are blue, purple, white, 38. Dictamnus albus var. rubrum. Gas 60-day cold stratification treatment. May to July. Zone 4. Ea (germination takes plant. Height: 2 to 3 feet. June flowers are four weeks) rosy-purple. Plant, especially the seed, is poi­ A May be sown indoors in flats. sonous. Name comes from the fact that a lighted B May be sown outdoors where they are 26. Asclepias curassavica. Bloodflower. match held beneath a flower cluster ignites gas to grow. Height: 3 feet. Flowers scarlet, tinted orange, to produce a blue flame. Excellent for perennial e Sow indoors into peat pots to July to September. Zone 7. I,L border. Zone 4. Eb,J (germinates in 30 to 40 minimize transplant shock. days) 27. Baptisia australis. Blue false indigo. Da Warm stratification of 2 months. Height: 3 to 5 feet. Flowers are blue, pea-like, 39. Eucomis comosa. Pineapple flower. A Db Warm stratification of 3 months. and bloom in late spring. Foliage is blue-green. bulbous plant. Height: 2 feet. Greenish, star­ Dc Warm stratification of 4 months. Zone 3. A,B,F,L shaped flowers. Native to South Africa. North Dd Warm stratification of 5 months. of Zone 7 it is usually grown in the greenhouse, De Warm stratification of 6 months. 28. Begonia grandis. Hardy begonia. but bulbs can be planted outdoors in May and Ea Cold stratification of 30 days. Height: 2 feet. Pink flowers . Plant in shaded, dug up in fall. South of Zone 7, plant bulbs Eb Cold stratification of 60 days. protected location. Fine seed, do not cover. in the fall for summer blooms. Zone 7. A,L Zone 6. A ,L Ec Cold stratification of 90 days. 40. Fragaria vesca. European strawberry. Ed Cold stratification of 120 days. 29. Belamcanda chinensis. Blackberry lily. Height: 8 to 12 inches. Used primarily as a F Scarification Height: 2 to 4 feet. Tuberous rooted. Flowers: ground cover, is everbearing with large white G Hot·water soak 1V2 to 2 inches; orange, spotted red, early flowers and edible red fruit from June to late H Light recommended for germination. summer. Mulch heavily in cold areas. Zone 5. fall. Zone 5 to 6. A,L I Dark recommended for germination. A,B,L 41. Gaillardia aristata. Common blanket­ J Cool temperature required for 0 0 30. Camassia quamash. Common camass. flower. Height: 2 to 3 feet. Flowers are yellow, germination (55 to 60 F) Height: 2 to 3 fe.et. Delicate, spring-flowering daisyJike, and bloom most of the summer. Good K Warm temperature required for bulb; blue to white flowers. Grasslike leaves; for cut flowers. Thrives in dry soils, hot tem­ germination (800 F) bulb is edible. Native to California. Zone 5. peratures. Zone 4. A,B,I,L (germinates in 3 L Easy to germinate. A,L weeks) M Difficult to germinate. 31. Campanula persicifolia. Peach-leaved 42. Hosta ventricosa. Blue plantain lily. N No reliable germination information. bellflower. Height: 2 to 3 feet. Blue flowers Grown primarily for its dark green foliage;

AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG ... S 47. Lunaria annua. Money plant. Biennial 49. Papaver nudicaule. Iceland poppy. 51. Salvia stenophyllum. Height: 2 feet. A that will reseed. Height: 3 feet. Foliage in the Height: 1 foot. Flowers are cup-shaped, 1 to tender perennial. Leaves are 21/2 inches long', frrst year; flowers and fruit in the second year. 4 inches , yellow, orange, red, rose, apricot, sticky, and aromatic. Useful for sachets. Flow­ Flowers are purple or white and fragrant. Fruit white, spring through summer. Zone 2. A,B ,J,L ers are 1 inch long and a light blue. A pretty is sil very , papery, and coin-shaped. Useful for (difficult to transplant) ornamental. L dried arrangements. B,L 50. Potentilla recta warrensii. Sulphur 52. Watsonia spp. Bugle lily. Height: 3 to 48. Mimulus longijlorus. Monkey flower. cinquefoil. Height: Ph to 2 feet. Erect plants 4 feet. Member of iris family but culture like Height: 3 feet. Orange-yellow flowers that some with buttercup-yellow, summer-blooming gladiolus. Flowers are rosy-red. From South say look like a monkey's face. Zone 9. A,B,L flowers up to 1 inch across . Zone 3. A,B,L Africa. Summer-blooming. Zone 9. A,L (ger­ mination takes 20 to 40 days) Wildflowers

and red, pink, white or purple. Spring and 4 feet. Flowers: yellow and very floriferous. Annuals summer. Reseeds. Low water requirement. B,L Zone 5. G 53. Centaurea cyanus. Bachelor's button. Height: 21f2 feet. Blue flowers, June to Sep­ 63. Linum grandijlorum var. rubrum. 75. Chrysopsis mariana. Maryland golden tember. Needs well-drained soil. Tolerates light Scarlet flax. Height: 12 to 18 inches. Flowers: aster. Height: 2 to 3 feet. Daisylike yellow shade. B,L red, summer. Drought resistant. Tolerates light flowers bloom August to October. Zone 4. L shade. B,L 54. Clilrkia unguiculata. Height: 3 feet. 76. Dipsacus fullonum. Teasel. Height: 6 Summer flowers are rosy red, 21/2 inches wide. 64. Lupinus densiflorus var. aureus feet. Flowers: pale lavender. Extensively nat­ Native to California. Reseeds. B,L (mixed). Lupine. Height: 21/2 feet. Flowers: uralized in the United States. Used in dried purple, rose, yellow, cream, spring and sum­ arrangements. Zone 3. B,L 55. Coreopsis tinctoria. Height: 3 feet. mer. Native to California. Reseeds. B,L Flowers: daisylike, yellow and maroon, sum­ mer to fall . Reseeds. B,L 65. Lupinus densiflorus var. aureus nless otherwise stated, it should be (yellow). A yellow flowering form of the above. Uassumed that all plants grown from 56. Cynoglossum virginicum. Hound's the seed in this catalog do best in full sun. tongue. Height: 30 inches. Flowers: blue, spring 66. Matricaria recutita. German chamom­ Also, the "L" symbol, which indicates that and early summer. Winged stalks. A perennial ile. Height: 2 feet. White, daisylike flowers grown as an annual. B,L are used to make tea. B,L the seed is easy to germinate, does not necessarily mean that it is also easy to 57. Dimorphotheca pluvialis. Rain cape 67. Phacelia campanularia. California grow once it has germinated. If you are marigold. Height: 16 inches. Flowers have yel­ bluebells. Height: 8 to 20 inches. Flowers: blue, totally unfamiliar with a particular species, low centers, with white petals that are purple spring to summer. Drought tolerant. L you may want to consult a horticultural underneath, summer. Reseeds. Native to South reference book. Africa, naturalized in southwestern United 68. Phacelia tanacetifolia. Fiddleneck. States. Low water requirement. G,L Height: 3 feet. Flowers are fringed and blue, A May be sown indoors in flats. lavender. California to Arizona in U. S. ; grown B May be sown outdoors where they are in some countries for a honey plant. B,L Save this catalog! to grow. 69. Silene armeria. Catchfly. Height: 1 to e Sow indoors into peat pots to Seed packets are marked by catalog 2 feet. Flowers: rose-pink, verbena-like, mid­ minimize transplant shock. number only, so it will be your only to late-summer. B,L Da Warm stratification of 2 months. means of identifying the seeds Db Warm stratification of 3 months. you have selected. 70. Silene pendula. Drooping catchfly. Dc Warm stratification of 4 months. Height: 10 inches. Like the Silene armeria , Dd Warm stratification of 5 months. useful in the rock garden. B,L 58. Gaillardia pulchella. Indian blanket De Warm stratification of 6 months. flower. Height: 1 to 2 feet. Flowers are 2 inches 71. Silybum marianum. Blessed milk this­ Ea Cold stratification of 30 days. wide, daisylike with yellow centers and red to tle. Height: 4 feet. A biennual with thistlelike, Eb Cold stratification of 60 days. yellow petals. Summer to frost. Must have rose-purple flowers . B,L Ec Cold stratification of 90 days. well-drained soil. B,L Ed Cold stratification of 120 days. Perennials F Scarification 59. Gilia ieptantha var. purpussi. Height: 3 feet. Flowers: blue, violet, white, May to 72. Anemone cylindrica. Long-headed G Hot·water soak August. Native to California. B,L anemone. Height: 18 to 30 inches. Flowers are H Ught recommended for germination. buttercup shaped , about % inch wide and I Dark recommended for germination. 60. Helianthus spp. Wild sunflower. Height: greenish white to cream in color. Zone 5 to 9. J Cool temperature required for 3 to 4 feet. Flowers: yellow, July and August. A,B,L germination (55 0 to 600 F) B,L K Warm temperature required for 73. Aquilegia canadensis. Wild colum­ germination (800 F) 61. Lasthenia chrysostoma. Height: 16 bine. Flowers are yellow-red, spring. Prefers inches. One-inch, daisylike yellow flowers . B,L rich, moist, well-drained soil, shade. Zone 3. L Easy to germinate. A,B,Ea,H,L M Difficult to germinate. 62. Linaria maroccana. Toadflax. Height: N No reliable germination information. 18 to 24 inches. Flowers: bicolor of yellow, 74. Cassia hebecarpa. Wild senna. Height:

6 ~ AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG 77. Dyssodia acerosa. A mosslike plant with threadlike, half-inch-long leaves. Height: 4 to 10 inches. Flowers are daisylike, lemon-yellow Grasses in color. Native in Arizona and California to Central Mexico. N

78. Eryngium planum. Sea holly. Height: pink. Silver at maturity. Native to tropical Af­ 3 feet. Heart-shaped leaves. Blue flowers. Does Annuals rica. L well in poor, dry soil. Zone 5. B,L 92. Agrostis nebulosa. Cloudgrass. Height: 12 to 18 inches. Delicate and graceful. Cut for 97. Setaria italica. Green foxtail. Height: 79. Eupatorium coelestinum. Mist flower. dried arrangements. Native to Spain. L 3 feet. Used for fresh or dried arrangements. Height: 1 to 2 feet. Purple-blue flowers bloom Birds feed on the seed. Good accent plant. L midsummer to frost. Tends to be invasive, tol­ 93. Coix lacryma-jobi. Job's tears. Height: erates light shade. Zone 5. L 2 to 6 feet. Leaves 2 feet long, 11/2 inches Perennials wide. Produces hard, white-gray, tear-shaped 98. Chasmanthium latifolium. Wild oats. 80. Eupatorium maculatum. Joe-Pye weed. fruit that are used as beads. A perennial in the Height: 5 feet. Zone 3. A ,B,L Height: 6 to 10 feet. Purple flowers. Good for South. A,B,L marshy land. Zone 3. B,L 99. Cortaderia fulvida (syn. Arundo 94. Cymbopogon exaltatus. Scented lemon Wild lupine. Height: conspicua var. fulvida ) Height: 6 feet. 81. Lupinus perennis. grass. Height: 1 to 7 feet. Very narrow, lemon­ 1 to 2 feet. Blue flowers bloom May to July. Flowers pale golden brown. Native to New scented leaves that end in long, threadlike tips. Zealand. Zone 8. B,L Seed poisonous. Zone 4. B,L Native to Australia. N 82. Lythrum salicaria. Purple loosestrife. 100. Festuca alpina. Height: 10 inches. Height: 3 feet. Red-purple flowers bloom June Save this catalog! Leaves are soft green. Zone information is un­ to September. Found in marshes and wet mead­ known. N ows. Striking in masses but very invasive. Zone 3. B,L 95. Lagurus ovatus. Hare's tail grass. 101. Festucaamethystinasuperba. Height: Height: 1 foot. Flower heads are woolly, re­ 18 to 30 inches. Blue foliage. Zone 4. L 83. Malva moschata. Musk mallow. Height: sembling a rabbit's tail. A,B,L 3 to 4 feet . Red-purple flowers bloom June to 102. Miscanthus sinensis. Chinese ~ ilver July. Tends to be invasive. Zone 3. B ,L 96. Rhynchelytrum repens. Natal grass. grass. Height: 8 feet. Upright clump with pale Annual or short-lived perennial. Leaves are 1/4 pink to red flowers lasting from fall through 84. Polemonium caeruleum. Jacob's lad­ inch wide and stems are 3 to 4 feet long. Panicle the winter. Can be used for dried arrangements. der. Height: 1 V2 to 3 feet. One-inch blue flow­ is 6 inches long and is rosy-purple, fading to Zone 5. B,L ers bloom May to July. Zone 3. B,L

85. Polygonatum biflorum. Small Solo­ mon's seal. Height: 2 to 3 feet. Yellow-green flowers in late spring. Fall fruit is blue-black. Trees and Shrubs Prefers cool, moist soil , and shade. Zone 4. B,L

86. Rhexia virginica. Meadow beauty. 103. Acer miyabei. Miyabe maple. Height: wet areas. Has a pyramidal habit and makes a Height: 9 to 15 inches. Purple flowers, 1 V2 30 to 40 feet. Has an upright, oval form. Zone good ornamental tree. Zone 3 to 7. EC ,L inches, bloom July to September. Bog plant 4. Ec, L that grows well in poorly drained soils. Zone 106. Arctostaphylos stanfordiana. Stan­ 3. A,B,L 104. Acer paxii. Height: 30 feet. An ever­ ford manzanita. Height: 6 feet. Evergreen shrub. green maple with three-lobed, thick and leath­ Pink flowers , early spring. Reddish-brown ber­ 87. Rudbeclda triloba. Brown-eyed Susan. ery leaves. Seed pods (samaras) have wings ries in the fall. Has a rounded form and red Height: 5 feet. Flower petals are deep yellow diverging at right angles. Zone 7. N (Ec is bark. Zone 7 . F,Db,Ec to orange; centers are brown to black-purple. probably helpful). Biennial. L 107. Athanasia parviflora. Height: 3 feet. 105. Alnus glutinosa. Black alder. Height: Evergreen shrub native to South Africa. Finely 88. Sanguinaria canadensis. Bloodroot. 40 to 60 feet. Grows quickly and does well in divided foliage. New growth is a silver-green Height: 3 to 6 inches. White flowers from March color. Flowers are medium yellow, late spring. to May. Prefers rich, slightly acid soil. Good Zone information is unknown. M rock garden plant. Reseeds. Name comes from the red sap. Zone 3. B,L 108. Betula lenta. Sweet birch. Height: 40 Some Apt. Solutions to 55 feet. Is resistant to the bronze birch borer. 89. Smilacina racemosa. False Solomon's Apartment dwellers can take advantage of Has a pyramidal form when young and a rounded seal. Height: 2 to 3 feet. White flowers in and spreading habit when mature. Zone 3. Ea,L spring, red berries in summer. Needs shade. the seed program too! Try growing the Zone 4. B (sow in fall),M calendulas (#1), gazanias (#9), and 109. Cassia alata. Ringworm cassia. Height: marigolds (#16 and #17) in a large tub 8 feet. Shrub with spiky yellow flowers 90. Sphaeralcea ambigua. Desert holly­ on your front porch. Or produce fresh that resemble candles. Drought resistant. hock. Height: 2 to 3 feet. Flowers: red to pink. vegetables with baby and mini carrots Zone 9. F Best for warm, dry regions. Good rock garden (#135), Baby Bibb lettuce (#144), plant. Zone 7. A,B,L 110. Cercidiphyllum japonicum. Katsura Minnesota Midget melon (#146), and tree. Height: 40 to 60 feet. An excellent spec­ 91. Thermopsis caroliniana. False lupine. Basket King tomatoes (#151) in imen with fast early growth. Has bluish-green Height: 5 feet. Flowers: yellow, pea-like, mid­ containers. leaves that change to yellowish-orange in the summer. Zone 7. B,L fall. Difficult to transplant. Zone 4 to 8. L

AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG .. 7 111. Chionanthus retusus var. serrula­ white, very fragrant. Red or yellow fruit that tus. Asia fringe tree. Height: 20 feet. Fringed attracts birds. Zone 3. Ec willte flowers bloom in early summer. Leaves have saw-toothed margins. Zone 6. Da,Ea,M. AJoy Forever 122. Parkinsonia aculeata. Jerusalem Germination can take up to a year. For dried floral arrangements, try growing thorn. Height: 30 feet. Foliage is fernlike. gypsophila (#10), strawflowers, (#11), Flowers are yellow, early spring. Can be clipped 112. Cladrastis lutea. Yellowwood. Height: for use as a hedge. Zone 9. N and immortelle (#18). Plants that produce 40 feet. Flowers are white, fragrant, early sum­ mer. Bark is similar to beech. Zone 5. G (steep interesting pods for arrangements include 123. Pterocarya stenoptera. Chinese seed in hot water for 36 hours until swollen) the love·in-a·mist plant (#12), which wingnut. Height: 30 to 50 feet. A handsome produces a balloon·shaped fruit; the shade tree for large areas; it has nice foliage 113. Cupressus sargentii. Sargent cypress. money plant (#47), which produces and unusual seed pods that have large papery Height: 45 feet. Slender, bushy evergreen tree round, flat, papery·thin "silver dollars;" "wings" surrounding the nuts. Zone 6. Ec, L with small cones. Dark gray bark, gray-green and teasel (#76). Grasses such as leaves. Zone 8. Ea 124. Rhodotypos scandens. Blackjetbead. cloudgrass (#92), green foxtail (#97), Height: 6 feet with a 9-foot spread. Loosely 114. Fraxinus bungeana. Ash. Height: 15 and Chinese silver grass (#102) maintain branched shrub. Flowers are white, May to feet. A small ash native to China. Zone 4. N, their shape when cut and can be used as early June. Tolerates most any condition. One (Ec probably helpful). vertical accents in an arrangement or by of the better shrubs for poor conditions and themselves in a vase. heavy shade. Fast growing. Zone 4 to 8. 115. Gleditsia triacanthos. Honey locust. Da,Ea,M Height: 70 feet. Open, spreading crown, fast growing. Leaves are pinnately and bipinnately 125. Staphylea tri/olia. American bladder­ compound; seed pods are brown and up to 8 nut. Height: 15 feet. Thrives in partial shade, inches long. Zone 3 to 9. F,L Save this catalog! moist soil. Shrub native to eastern United States. Zone 3 to 8. EC,M 116. Gymnocladus dioicus. Kentucky cof­ fee tree. Height: 60 to 75 feet. A good tree for with yellow flowers that bloom in early sum­ 126. Syringa pekinensis. Peking tree lilac. large areas but slow-growing. Leaves are bi­ mer. Leaves are pinnately or bipinnately com­ Height: 15 feet. June flowers are yellowish­ pinnately compound; brown seed pods are 5 pound. Fall seed pods resemble miniature white. Purplish, peeling bark. Zone 3 to 7. to 10 inches long. Seed was used by early Chinese lanterns. Zone 5 to 9. F,Ec Da,Eb settlers in Kentucky as a coffee substitute. Zone 3 to 8. F,L 119. Kolkwitzia amabilis. Beautybush. 127. Syringa reticulata. Japanese tree li­ Height: 15 feet. Deciduous shrub. Flowers pink, lac. Height: 30 feet. Similar to above, except 117. Hibiscus syriacus. Rose-of-Sharon. late May-early June. Red autumn foliage. Fast larger, and blooms about two weeks earlier. Height: 8 to 12 feet. Deciduous shrub, upright growing. Zone 4 to 8. L Zone 3 to 7. Da,Eb and slightly spreading. Flowers are hibiscus­ like, white, reddish, purplish, 3 inches in di­ 120. Lespedeza bicolor. Bush clover. 128. Ulmus parvifolia. Cillnese elm. Height: ameter, July through September. Native to China Height: 10 feet. Flowers are rosy-purple, July­ 40 to 50 feet. Has a graceful, round-headed and India. Zone 5 to 8. A,B,L August. Zone 4 to 8. G ,L habit. Resistant to the Dutch elm disease, elm leaf beetle, and the Japanese beetle. Easy to 118. Koelreuteria paniculata. Golden-rain 121. Lonicera tatarica. Tatarian honey­ grow. Zone 4 to 9. Eb,L tree. Height: 40 feet. Dense, rounded outline suckle. Height: 10 feet . Flowers are pink to 129. Viburnum prunifolium. Black haw. Height: 15 feet. A round-headed, small, haw­ thorn-like tree with white flowers, early June. Has blue-black fruit. One of the best viburnums Seed Performance Evaluation 1989 for the North. Zone 3. De, Ec, M

We have provided this form for you to copy so that you can record the germination and 130. Viburnum sieboldii. Arrowwood. growth of each species you order. Height: 15 to 20 feet. Large shrub, open habit, stiff branches. Excellent landscape specimen. S~~s: ______Zone 4 to 7. Ec,M Sowing Date: ______Number: ______

Gennination Date: ______Number: ______and High Gennination Medium: ______Gennination Temp.: ______Dry If the summer of '88 drought has Planting lf~nsplanting) Date: ______discouraged you, take heart. Trying plants with a low water requirement may mean Flowering Date: ______End of Flowering Date: ______that you won't have to drag out your garden hose quite as much if drought Harvest Date: ______USDA Hardiness Zone: ______strikes again in '89. Among those in our GROWING CONDITIONS catalog are blanket flower (#41), rain Light: Full Sun 0 Morning Sun Only 0 Afternoon Sun Only 0 Full Shade 0 cape marigold (#57), toadflax (#62), Temperature this year: Normal 0 Above Normal 0 Below Nonnal 0 scarlet flax (#63), California bluebells Rainfall this year: Normal 0 Above Nonnal 0 Below Normal 0 (#67), fiddleneck (#68), sea holly (#78), Disease and Insect Damage: High 0 Low 0 and desert hollyhock (#90). Plant Vigor: Excellent 0 Good 0 Poor 0

8 ~ AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG Vegetables

131. Acorn squash. Plants normally bear herd's Garden Seeds. Small, tender leaves only hearts. Can be grown quite late in the spring about five medium-large dark green fruits near 5 to 6 inches in diameter. They form small, as well as late summer and in the fall. Matures the center of the plant. The orange-yellow in­ green rosettes of teardrop-shaped leaves. A in 60 days . B,L terior has a delicious flavor and smooth texture vigorous grower. Matures in 60 days. B,L when baked. Fruit stores well into the winter. 146. Melon 'Minnesota Midget'. Useful Matures in 75 days. B,L 145. Lettuce 'Merveille des Quatres for small spaces , this cantaloupe produces 4- Saisons'. A French lettuce with huge, red­ inch fruit on a 3-foot vine. Matures in 75 days . 132. Beet 'Early Wonder'. Smooth skin tipped leaves that surround tightly-folded green B,L and semi-globed shape; about 2Y2 to 3 inches in diameter. Used for table, canning, and pick­ 147. Mustard 'Red Salad'. From Shep­ ling. Matures in 55 days. B,L A May be sown indoors in flats. herd's Garden Seeds. Deep red leaves. Flavor B May be sown outdoors where they are is like Dijon mustard. Cool season crop. B,L 133. Broccoli 'Cape Queen'. Produces to grow. heavy center head followed by many side shoots. Sow indoors into peat pots to 148. Onion 'Eclipse'. Matures in 80 days . Matures in 64 days. e minimize transplant shock. 149. Pumpkin 'Munchkin'. From Shep­ 134. Cabbage 'Danish Ballhead'. Keeps Da Warm stratification of 2 months. herd's Garden Seeds. Miniature versions of well in storage. Matures in 100 days . Db Warm stratification of 3 months. old-fashioned pumpkins, these reach only 3 to Dc Warm stratification of 4 months. 4 inches in diameter. Is both ornamental and 135. Carrots. Baby and mini . Roots are Dd Warm stratification of 5 months. has a sweet flavor. Matures in 85 days. B,L small, deep orange to red , and ball-shaped. De Warm stratification of 6 months. Tender and sweet-tasting. Matures in 68 days. 150. Sweet Pepper 'Burpee's Tasty Hy­ Ea Cold stratification of 30 days. B,L brid'. Shape of fruit and thick walls make it Eb Cold stratification of 60 days. good for stuffing. Matures in 72 days. B,L 136. Cauliflower 'Stovepipe'. Performs Ec Cold stratification of 90 days. well in summer but has no fall frost resistance. Ed Cold stratification of 120 days. 151. Tomato 'Basket King Hybrid'. Matures in 47 days. F Scarification Small fruit; good for hanging baskets or con­ G Hot-water soak tainer growing. Matures in 55 days. 137. Cauliflower 'Tropical Pride'. Ma­ H Ught recommended for germination. tures in 52 days . 152. Tomato 'Coldset'. Performs well in I Dark recommended for germination. cool, early spring weather. Bushy, compact 138. Cauliflower 'White Empress'. Per­ J Cool temperature required for plant with fruit weighing 6 ounces. Matures in forms well in summer but lacks fall frost re­ germination (55 0 to 600 F) 70 days. sistance. Medium-sized head . Matures in 61 K Warm temperature required for days . germination (800 F) 153. Turnip 'Milan Red Top' . Matures L Easy to germinate. in 35 days. 139. Celtuce. Burpee's. Combines the uses of celery and lettuce. Leaves are used for salad M Difficult to germinate. 154. Watermelon 'Early Kansas'. Round or boiled. Heart of stem tastes like celery and N No reliable germination information. with a striped rind and fine textured flesh . can be eaten raw or boiled. Grows like lettuce. Weighs 30 pounds. Matures in 80 days. Matures in 75 days for foliage harvest; 90 days for stalk harvest. B,L

140. Chicory. A perennial vegetable, the foliage has a sweet, tangy taste, excellent for salads. It forms tight heads that are cabbage­ Herbs like in appearance. Zone 5. B,L

141. Corn. 'Red Dent'. An edible, large­ 155. Anise Basil. Ocimum. Annual. Used 159. Hyssop. Hyssopus officinalis. eared corn that has white kernels until it begins in Thai and Cambodian cuisine, and in Italian Height: 2 feet. Shrubby plant can be clipped to age-then kernels turn red beginning at the dishes. Vigorous plant with rosy-colored flow- for a low-growing hedge. Aromatic leaves. tip. This is a good edible corn, especially when ers. A,B,L Flowers are blue. Native to Mediterranean re- in the soft, white stage. Very colorful and or­ gion . Zone 3. A,B,L namental. Plant at least 3 rows, 30 inches apart, 156. Basil. Ocimum basilicum var. nea­ with plants 12 inches apart. B,L politanum. Annual. Indispensable to Italian 160. Italian parsley. Petroselinum cris­ cooking. A,B,L pum var. neapolitanum. Biennial. Leaves 142. Cucumber 'Burpee's M&M Hy­ are flat. Most flavorful of all parsleys. B, G, I, brid'. Resistant to mosaic and mildew. Heavy 157. Dill. Anethum graveolens. Height: L producer; slender, dark glossy green fruit is 8 3 to 4 feet. Annual, reseeds. Used as flavoring inches long. Matures in 64 days . B,L for pickling, potato salad, and meat dishes. 161. Kablouna calendula. Annual. Height: B,L 20 inches . Edible gold and orange flowers add 143. Cucumber 'Early Pride'. A hybrid color and flavor to egg and cheese di shes and that produces straight cucumbers early in the 158. Florence fennel (finocchio). Foen­ salads, saffron like flavor to rice dishes. Prefers season and keeps on producing throughout the iculum vulgare var. dulce. A perennial cool temperatures . Will bloom through fall. season. Fruit is 8Y2 by 2 inches. Matures in grown as an annual. Height: 3 to 4 feet. Leaves A,B,I,L 55 days . B,L have anise flavor. Used for seasoning, salads, eggs, fish, and sauces. Stems can be cooked 162. Parsley. Petroselinum crispum. 144. Lettuce 'Baby Bibb'. From Shep- and eaten as a vegetable. A,L Biennial. Leaves are very curly. B,L

AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG ... 9 163. Peruvian Basil. Ocimum micran­ bles. Can grow as a pot plant in the North. jorana. Annual . Height: 2 feet. Has minute themum. Height: 1 to 1112 feet. An annual Zone 8. A,L white-pink flowers that bloom in mid-summer. with flat , bright green leaves used in cooking. Foliage is used for flavoring and as a headache Some fLD d its flavor unpleasantly medicinal . L 165. Rue. Ruta graveolens. Height: 2 to cure. B,L 3 feet. Flowers are yellow and bloom in mid­ 164. Rosemary. Rosmarinus officin­ summer. Needs heavy mulch in the winters in 167. Tansy. Tanacetum vulgare. Her­ alis. Height: 4 feet. Flowers are blue and bloom the North. Zone 5. A,B,L baceous perennial. Height: 3 feet. Flowers are in the spring to early summer. Use for sea­ yellow and buttonlike. Strongly scented fo­ soning for lamb, chicken, stews, and vegeta- 166. Sweet marjoram. Origanum ma- liage. Used for dyes. Zone 3. A,B ,L Plants for Home or Greenhouse

he plants listed below can be grown outside feet. An evergreen shrub with gray-green leaves . Does not do well as a houseplant. Requires Tonly in Zone 10 unless otherwise noted. Flowers are 2 inches long with bright red bracts, evenly moist soil , diffused light. L coral-red flower stems. Cultivation is the same 168. Adenanthera pavonina. Red sandal­ as for yuccas. N 182. Opuntia polyacantha. Prickly pear wood. Height: 5 feet. Evergreen shrub. Flow­ cactus. Height: 6 inches. Yellow flowers tinged ers: white and yellow, 6 inches. Native to In­ 172. Dietes spp. African iris. Height: 2 feet. with red. L dia. Requires ri ch soil, bright light; allow to Flowers are lemon yellow, similar to an iris. dry between waterings. Takes up to 4 months Also can be grown outdoors in Zone 9. N 183. Passiflora edulis. Passion flower. to germinate. F Climbing habit. Flowers are white with white 173. Dioscorea batatas. Cinnamon vine. and purple crown. Edible fruit is 3 inches long. 169. Agapanthus africanus. Lily-of-the­ Tuberous-rooted vine; grows up to 3 feet long. N Nile. Height: 48 inches . Straplike leaves, Y2 Tubers used for food in tropics (similar to a inch wide. Flowers are funnel-shaped , light sweet potato). Flowers are cinnamon-scented. 184. Pelargonium ribifolium. Geranium. porcelain blue with darker centers and margins. L Native to South Africa. Flowers are white. M About 12 to 30 flowers are borne on a tall spike. Also can be grown outdoors in Zone 9. 174. Echinocereus fasciculatus. Cactus. 185. Podachaenium eminens. Height: up A,L germinates in 25 to 35 days. Forms clumps up to 18 inches across . Flowers to 25 feet. Shrub with 9-inch-Iong leaves. are magenta. L Flowers are 1 inch across, daisy like. N 170. Agapanthus 'Peter Pan'. Height: 20 inches. Cultivar of above. Zone 9. A,L ger­ 175. Eragrostis variabilis. Lovegrass. 186. Puya berteroniana. A terrestrial bro­ minates in 20 to 30 days. Height: 1 to 3 feet . A tufted, perennial grass . meliad with spiny leaves , 3 feet long and 1/ 2 Native to Hawaii. N inch wide, that form a rosette. Flowers are 171. Beschorneria yuccoides. Height: 4 metallic green-blue. L 176. Erica baccans. Berry heath. Height: 3 to 5 feet. Erect shrub. Tiqy blue green leaves . 187. Puya ferruginea. Terrestrial brome­ Flowers: deep rose; fall and winter. Heather liad, spiny leaves up to 6 feet long and 2 inches won't tolerate hard freezes , but prefers cool wide. Flowers are 5Y2 inches long and green­ A May be sown indoors in flats. 0 days , about 60 F. Full sun . Requires acid soil ish-white. Has rust-colored hair on the flower B May be sown outdoors where they are high in organic matter. L axils and sepals creating a rust-red color. L to grow. C Sow indoors into peat pots to 177. Erica curviflora. Height: up to 5 feet. 188. Puya mirabilis. Terrestrial bromeliad, minimize transplant shock. Flowers: red, orange, yellow, almost year leaves with spiny margins form a dense rosette. Da Warm stratification of 2 months. around. Like Erica baccans, a native of South Native to South American Andes. Similar to Db Warm stratification of 3 months. Africa. Takes about 4 to 6 weeks to germinate. Puya ferruginea but does not have the rust L colored hair. L Dc Warm stratification of 4 months. Dd Warm stratification of 5 months. 178. Fimbristylis cymosa sp. umbellato­ 189. Sesbania tomentosa. Height: 2 to 3 De Warm stratification of 6 months. capitata. Height: 6 to 18 inches. Grass-like feet. A low-growing, spreading shrub. Spreads Ea Cold stratification of 30 days. leaves. Flowers are brown and button-like. Na­ up to 10 to 20 feet. Branches and leaves have Eb Cold stratification of 60 days. tive to Hawaii . N a silky, wool-like covering. Flowers are 1 inch Ec Cold stratification of 90 days. long, red to orange. Native to Hawaii. N Ed Cold stratification of 120 days. 179. Libertia grandiflora. Height: 3 feet. Flowers are white with a greenish outer part. 190. Strelitzia reginae. Bird of paradise. F Scarification A member of the iris family , this plant has Height: 3 feet. Showy, birdlike flowers with G Hot·water soak rhizomes. Native to New Zealand. L red , yellow, and blue markings. May take up H Ught recommended for germination. to one year to germinate. G (3 to 4 days , change I Dark recommended for germination. 180. Lophocereus schottii. Whisker cac­ water daily) ,K,M J Cool temperature required for tus. Erect, branching to 15 feet. Short gray germination (55 0 to 600 F) spines, pink flowers. L 191. Tabebuia impetiginosa. Trumpet tree. Height: 20 feet . Flowers are [1/2 to 3 inches K Warm temperature required for 181. Mimosa pudica. Sensitive plant. long, purple. A showy ornamental. Native to germination (800 F) Height: 18 inches. Leaflets fold when touched. Mexico. L L Easy to germinate. Flowers resemble small pinkish-purplish puffs. M Difficult to germinate. Should not be confused with Albiziajulibrissin, 192. Tribulus cistoides. A prostrate, N No reliable germination information. commonly called the mimosa, which is abun­ spreading perennial, spreading up to 3 feet. dant and hardy throughout the southern United Flowers are yellow and attractive . Native to States. Can be grown as a summer annual. Hawaii. N

10 ~ AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG Tropical Trees for Zone 10

193. Brugmansia sanguinea. Red an­ to pink flowers , 6 to 8 inches across. Kapok, 201. Markhamia platycalyx. Height: 40 gel's-trumpet. Height: 35 feet. Native to the the long cotton-like fibers around the seed, is feet. An evergreen tree with 2-inch flowers, Andes at 10,000 to 12,000 feet. The flowers used to make insulation and padding. Good yellow with red markings. N are to 10 inches long and red-yellow. L shade tree. If started in the greenhouse, use good loam soil; water thoroughly and allow to 202. Pachycereus pringlei. Giant Mexican 194. Caesalpinia pulcherrima jlava. Pride dry between waterings. Attracts bees, a good cereus. Treelike cactus up to 70 feet tall. flow­ of Barbados. Height: 15 feet. Shrub, often used honey plant. L ers are white and malodorous. L for hedge. Mimosalike leaves, yellow flowers . Requires rich soil, bright light. Soil should not 198. Delonix regia. Flame tree. Height: 40 203. Peltophorum pterocarpum. Yellow be allowed to dry out, but do not overwater. feet. Flowers are scarlet and yellow, summer. flame tree. Height: 50 feet. Leaves are fern­ Germinates slowly. G Grows rapidly. Native to Madagascar. N like but evergreen. Flowers are bright yellow. N 195. Camptotheca acuminata. Height: 75 199. Erythrina indica. Coral tree. Height: feet. A deciduous tree, fast growing and a good 30 to 60 feet. Red flowers in mid-winter, early 204. Plumeria rubra. Frangipani. Height: shade tree. Leaves are 6 inches long with at­ spring. Requires rich soil. Allow to dry be­ 15 feet. Flowers are dark pink, large and waxy. tractive blooms. L tween waterings. Takes 2 months to germinate. This seed was collected from the Florida State G Champion Tree. Native to Mexico and Ecua­ 196. Cassia spectabilis. Height: 40 to 50 dor. N feet. Flowers are 1 Y2 inches across and bright 200. Jatropha curcas. Physic nut. Height: yellow. N 15 feet. Small tree with maple-like leaves and 205. Wilkesia gymnoxyphium. IIiau . yellow-green flowers . Seed contains a purga- Height: 10 feet. Flowers: yellow, bloom pro­ 197. Ceiba pentandra. Commercial kapok. tive oil, poisonous if eaten in large amounts. fusely in June and July. A member of the com­ Height: 120 feet. Tropical, deciduous tree. White N posite family. K,L (2 weeks) US DA Hardiness Zone Map

APPROXIMATE RANGE OF AVERAGE ANNUAL MINIMUM TEMPERATURES ZONE BE LOW -50·F ~ 2 -50· TO -40· l1li 3 -40·TO -30· ~ 4 -30· TO -20· D 5 -20· TO -10· ~ 6 -10· TO o· B o· TO 10· []]]]]]ill

8 10· TO 20· • 9 20· TO 30· [JJ 10 30· TO 40· mlm

100 0 100 200 300 400 500 1", Ie !!.1 ! ! I I I MILES

AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG ... 11 Myers, Florida; Thanks to our donors! K. Thompson, San Jose, California; Marion Treiber, Akron, Ohio; e are grateful to the following in­ Johnny's Selected Seeds, Albion, Maine; Vermont Wildflower Farms, Charlotte, Wdividuals, businesses and organiza­ Mrs. Eugene J. Kolb, Cape Elizabeth, Vermont; tions whose donations of seed made this Maine; Thomas Vogelsang, Sunman, Indiana; year's program possible: Carole Kopser, Hopewell Junction, New W. Atlee Burpee Company, Warmin­ Abundant Life Seed Foundation, Port York; ster, Pennsylvania; Townsend, Washington; The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois; Mrs. Charles Winters, Bethesda, Maryland; American Rock Garden Society, Phoe­ Mrs. Lawrence Moss, Silver Spring, Johanna Zinn, Fairfax, Virginia. nixville, Pennsylvania; Maryland; Applewood Seed Company, Golden, Northern Nurseries, Bloomington, Min­ Colorado; nesota; Free Advice!! The Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden, La- Massachusetts; wai, Kauai, Hawaii; Have (;jues~ions about seeds, sources, fungus Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, Peace Seeds, Corvallis, Oregon; or fertilizer? We'd like to help you solve your Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania; Lyle Priddy, Arlington, Virginia; gardening problems. Write to us here at River Irene W. Bryant, Skaneateles, New York; James R. Randall, Saint Albans, West Farm or take advantage of our new toll~free Companion Plants, Athens , Ohio; Virginia; number to call Gardener's Information Service. Daco Technical Sales, South Charleston, Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Berke­ West Virginia; ley, California; 1 (800) 777·7931 Environmental Seed Producers, El The Seed Source, Asheville, North Monte, California; Carolina; This is a free service - one of your AHS mem­ Honolulu Botanic Gardens, Honolulu, Barbara Seymour, Deer Isle, Maine; bership benefits! We have an extensive ref­ Hawaii; Shepherd's Garden Seeds, Felton, erence library, plus staff horticulturists who Huntington Botanical Gardens, San California; can answer questions about plant care or help Marino, California; Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco, you find sources for gardening tools, plants, International Geranium Society, Hol­ California; and accessories . File this number in your gar­ lywood, California; Thomas A. Edison Winter Home, Fort dening diary! Seed Catalog Order Form The American Horticultural Society Seed Distribution Service • List your selections by number only. List Your Selections By Number Only • Fill in your name, address and member code number. Your member code number is located at the top right hand corner of the mailing label Please send me the following "first preference" seed packets: on the back of this issue. It is a 15-digit number that begins with your Zip code, followed by the first 5 letters of your last name . This number 1. ____ 5. ____ 9. ____ 13. ____ will help us quickly locate the preprinted mailing label waiting for your order in our seed room so we can fill your order promptly. 2. ____ 6. ___ 10. ____ 14. ____ • To help us speed the handling of your order, please use a separate 3. ____ 7. ____ 11. ____ 15. ____ sheet of paper for letters or other correspondence you wish to include with your order. 4. ____ 8. ____ 12. _____ 16. ____ • Save your catalog to identify the seeds you have selected. • Please print or type. We cannot be responsible for orders when 17. _____ 0 Please send me the supplemental list handwriting is not legible. These are my alternate selections: AHS Member Code Number* ______18. ____ 20. ____ 22. ____ 24. ____ Name ______19 . ___ 21. ____ 23. ____ 25. ____ Address ______

City ______o Please send me 10 selections. I enclose my $2 voluntary contribution to help defray postage and handling costs. (In case the supplies of some State ______-LZip ____ of your selections have been depleted, please list alternate selections on the blanks provided.) "'(The IS-digit number located at the top right hand comer of the mailing label on the back of this brochure.) o Please send me all 17 selections. I enclose my $3 donation. (In case Foreign Members: Because of the complexities of foreign exchange, the supplies of some of your selections have been depleted, please list you need not include a contribution with your order. alternate selections on the blanks provided.)

You can help to continue to expand and improve our Seed Program if MAIL THIS FORM TO: you contribute more. Contributions to the American Horticultural Society SEEDS 1989, American Horticultural Society, are tax-deductible. P.O. Box 30S, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 Please write separate checks for the Seed Program, book orders and other transactions .

12 ~ AHS 1989 SEED CATALOG Great Gardens Await You on the AHS 1989 TOURS

Visit Lotusland during the March Pacific Coast Gardens tour. ravel with others who share your interest in gardening. AHS trips take you to the world's great gardens-small and large, public and private-and offer experiences to expand T your enjoyment of America's top leisure-time activity. Write or call for information today! January 21-28, 1989 May 9-25, 1989 a varied itinerary that includes alpine picnics, river Gardens of the Leeward The Gardens of Coastal floats, lake excursions, evening cookouts, and pri­ vate receptions. Islands of the Caribbean Iberia, France, and Britain Leonard Haertter Travel Company, 7922 Bonhomme Ave· This exciting garden cruise adventure takes us to Ports of call on this cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, to nue, St. Louis, MO 63105 (800) 942·6666 the tranquil islands of the caribbean Leeward Chain. Folkstone, England, will include Guernsey, the Visit tropical rain fmests, botanic gardens, and pri­ Channel Islands, and New Haven. Experience a most August 1-21, 1989 vate estates never open to the public, as we stop unique program of sightseeing ashore that will in· U.S.S.R. and the Caucasus at such secluded islands as Montserrat, St. Kitts, c1ude exceptional public and private gardens. Highlights of this special tour to the Soviet Union St. Martin, and Antigua. Leonard Haertter Travel Company, 7922 Bonhomme Ave· Leonard Haertter Travel Company, 7922 Bonhomme Ave· nue, St. Louis, MO 63105 [800) 942·6666 will include the botanical gardens of Moscow, Kiev, nue, St. Louis, MO 63105 (800) 942·6666 and Leningrad, and alpine plants of the Teberda June 2-5, 1989 Nature Preserves on the northern slopes of the cau­ March 22-29, 1989 casus. The tour will be led by Erastus Corning III, Seaside Gardens of Rhode Island Pacific Coast Gardens a specialist in travel to the U.S.S.R., and accom· Tour members will visit historic homes and gardens panied by a botanical expert familiar with its flora. Travel along the scenic Pacific coastline from San in Providence and the secret gardens of Newport, Coming Tours, Box 431, Albany, NY 12201 [518) 463·2160 Diego to San Francisco and visit over twenty gar­ as well as Blithewold Arboretum and other out­ dens and nurseries including such famous sites as standing gardens of Rhode Island. October 7-14, 1989 the Roman Gardens at the J. Paul Getty Museum ; Triple A Travel, Polo Center, 700 Aquidneck Avenue, Mid· Lotusland, a forty-acre estate known for its cycad dletown, RI 02840 [401) 847·6393 Cruising the Hudson River collection; and the Hearst castle garden, five acres This cruise will feature important homes and gar­ of formal gardens, fountains, statues, and rose gar­ July 30-August 7, 1989 dens along the Hudson River all the way to Albany. dens. Also included are outstanding private gar­ Included will be private entertainment and visits dens that feature palms, bromeliads, azaleas, ca­ Gardens of the Canadian Rockies to Wave Hill, the New York Botanical Garden, and mellias, daylHies, and native plants. Experience the natural wonders of the Canadian Sleepy Hollow Restorations. Sterling Tours, 2707 Congress Street, Suite I-H, San Diego, Rockies traveling through calgary, Banff, Jasper, and Bellinger Davis Company, Inc., 150 East 58th Street, New CA 92110 [800) 727·4359 Edmonton . Visit private homes and gardens; enjoy York, NY 10155 [212) 759·1590 Whether you are frustrated by often expect their hydrangeas to produce allowing the soil to slightly dry out between large, showy flowers, but many produce both watering. bloomless bushes or just curi- sterile and fertile flowers , and some produce 3. After danger of frost has passed, put the more fertile than sterile flowers. pot in a shady comer of the garden; 0us about a particular species, The Hydrangea arborescens typically has continue to water and fertilize the plant we can help find the answer. fertile flowers (small, non-showy) and very until the end of August. Or keep the plant few sterile flowers (large, showy flowers). It inside in bright, indirect light and water This column is based on ques­ may seem that it is not producing very and feed with houseplant fertilizer. many flowers when in fact it is producing 4. In the fall, bring the pot into the house tions posed to the AHS Gar­ many fertile flowers. Unfortunately, there and lay it on its side in a dry, cool, dark dener's Information Service. isn't much you can do to increase the place. If you have kept the plant inside, number of sterile flowers per flower head on move it to a similar place. This forces the this plant; however, there are other bulb into dormancy. Do not water it; let it •I have a Hydrangea arborescens in hydrangeas that are bred to produce an rest for three months. Q• my yard that does not produce abundance of sterile, showy flowers. 5. At the end of three months, repot. Plant very many showy blossoms. It does If your plant is not producing flowers at the bulb in a container with one inch of the receive full sun, and there are no pests all, it could be because there is too much bulb sticking out of the soil, and leave two that I can see. Why does it not flower fertilizer or nitrogen, which promotes inches between the bulb and the rim of the very well, and what can I do to increase vegetation but not flowers, or the soil may pot. the number of blossoms? Also, I have be too poor, or there may be too much 6. Water thoroughly and put in a sunny heard that hydrangeas have sterile shade, or the plant hasn't been pruned window, but do not water again until green flowers. What are sterile flowers? properly. One way to increase flower leaves appear. -R.H., Ann Arbor, Michigan production is to prune the bush to about 7. When leaves appear, resume normal three inches above the ground in the fall, watering, allowing the soil to dry out •Hydrangeas do have two types of because flowers appear on the new shoots somewhat between each watering. Flowers A• flowers. There are very small flowers the following year. This is particularly true should appear after six or seven weeks. If (not showy or beautiful) that are fertile, and for this hydrangea, but not true for all only leaves appear, let them flourish for the there are large, flat, usually four-petaled hydrangeas. winter and summer, and repeat steps two flowers that are sterile. The sterile flowers through seven. have no stamens or pistils and are, •A friend gave me a beautiful therefore, unable to produce seed. These are Q• flowering amaryllis plant for the •I bought a bromeliad (Aechmea the ones that gardeners usually enjoy holidays. How do I take care of it when Q.fasciata) when it was flowering, because they are large and showy. People it stops blooming, and what should I do but now the flowers are gone and the to make it bloom again next year? plant has produced young plants from -L.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin its side. What do I do with these young PEONIES plants? Should I cut them off, and can I I~" DAYLILIES •The amaryllis plant, Hippeastrum make them flower? : 92-page catalog from world-famous · - Wild's gardens. Sensational values on A• spp., is a non-hardy, bulbous -D. G., Washington, D.C . r I more than 1300 varieties. $2 is houseplant that has been bred extensively " deductible on fir st catalog order, Bromeliad plants produce beautiful GILBERT H. WILD & SON, INC . to produce large, colorful flowers during the • AH-189 Joplin SI. Sarcoxie . MO 64862 holiday season. Your amaryllis plant can A• fluorescent flowers, but unfortunately produce beautiful blossoms again, but you for us they are monocarpic. They flower only should be aware that often an amaryllis once in their lifetime and die soon after. As ,,,N it~09 Send $1 .00 plant will not bloom the second year after they die down they produce "pups" or young ..., A"~.::· ~ for descriptive purchase because the grower has cut off the clones. These should be left on the mother "l:'~~~ brochure of roots after harvesting the bulb for sale­ plant until they are mature enough to - ",,~.:~~~ many ornamental and leaving the plant without any roots but with remove. Remove them when they assume PERENNIALS distinctive tremendous flowers the first year. The the same coloring and shape as the mother Route 3, Box 281 varieties, Charlottesville. VA 22901 second year, the plant puts most of its plant. energy into creating a root system, and not Pot a pup in a small container using into flowering. Follow the steps below, and commercial potting soil high in organic

These beautiful. ~ , scissors are even if you do not get fantastic flowers next matter. Water and fertilize the plant by made to last a lifetime. In product>On year, repeat the procedure again. You spraying with a mister or spray bottle and I -..:~===-_-=-;tA~fo::-:ro::,:ve;,r 3;;00 years, For delicate .. flower work, should get blossoms the following year. keep water in the center cup of the plant at ""==~::;;;;;;;;;;;IP.~~~?or heavy pruning Very Sharp, A hardworking beauty, 1. After flowering, cut off the flower stalk, all times. Send $6,98 ea, Mt. Rushmore Supply but not the leaves. Pups must be mature to flower, and this Box 233 Brooklyn NY 11222-0233 2. Continue to water and feed the plant, could take up to two years. If at the end of

12 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989 two years they don't flower, try these tricks. INTR OD UCING 1. Apply an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, or 2. Place the plant in a brighter or warmer place, or GREENKNEESPatent Pending TM 3. Place the plant in a plastic bag with a ripe apple. The apple will release ethylene Finnlly, pants designed for gardening, gas as it ripens, which stimulates flower production in bromeliads. Be sure you drain with built-in comfort and knee protection. the water out of the center of the plant before you put it in the bag, and place the I garden about 20 hours a week. That means a lot of bag in a warm area but out of direct kneeling and bending over.~ One day, hot, uncomfort­ sunlight. able ana with sore knees, I started wishing for the perfect gardening pants. They would have built-in knee pads, thick and always in place. Plus a waist that expanded •I am looking for information on when you bent over instead of cutting you in two. And Q• gardenias: what species are they'd be as sturdy, but cooler than the overalls I was available, and how big are the flowers? wearing.~, Since no such pants existed, I had a pair My encyclopedia mentions "McLellan's made up by a friend,just like I wanted them. 23," "Hadley," and "Fortuniana." Everybody I met wanted a pair, so I named them "Greenknees" and now you can buy them -M.P., Old Forge, Pennsylvania from me.~' They have specially designed pockets Elastic . tb nd on the knees. Inside each is a knee pad •There are over 200 species of for co";;;'a:. A~ su:mar to ~e one football players wear. A• gardenias, all members of Rubiaceae. sewn-in shears High denSity foam. 1wo layers each These shrubs or small trees are native to holster. 3/a-inch thick. In between, a cushion of air. You can kneel on rocks and the tropics and subtropics of the Old World. feel like you're on clouds. When The most popular one that we see in the you wash the pants,just slip the nurseries is the cape-jasmine, or Gardenia pads out.~,; There's a water repel- jasminoides. This plant is a dense, rounded Iant nylon lining in the knee pocket to Knee pockets hold evergreen shrub with three-inch, white, keep away ground moisture .~~ The rear half thick rubber pcuJs of the waist band is gathered with a sturdy, 2-inch band of waxy, fragrant flowers. There is a variety elastic. The waist gives when you bend.~The pants are called Gardenia jasminoides var. fortuniana, most comfortable when worn with suspenders. So I offer a which has larger, double blossoms that pair made oftop-grade 11/z-inch wide elastic webbing. For are four inches across. It also has larger those who prefer a belt, I offer an excellent one of the same leaves and is often sold as a potted house­ " elastic. ~ There's a holster for your hand pruning shears sewn "'~. on to the right leg. Indispensable. And where plant. The two names you mentioned, , you usually fuld a watch or coin pocket, there's a '.- 'Hadley' and 'McLellan's 23', are cultivars of shallow little pocket just big enough to get your G. jasminoides var. fortuniana . These are thumb and forefinger into. It's for seeds.~o; grown commercially in greenhouses for cut Greenknees are made in the USA of the best 10 oz. flower production. . domestic cotton twill. It breathes better than - denim and is more comfortable, and is very dur- Gardenias are not hardy plants; the cape­ able. Everything is double-stitched and bar-tacked for long life jasmine is hardy up to Zone 8, although you with rugged use.~ Greenknees come in one color-a deep _ may find it in very protected microclimates green. (If you garden, that's what color the knees end up, no . such as the warm side of a house. They matter how they start.)~., There's just one style for both men ifJ::ay vt' and women. The cut is full, for maximum comfort. There are six 0 a':.ll~':w t require soil that is deep, fertile, slightly sizes: XS (25-28); S (28-31); M (31-34) ; L (34-37) and acidic, and high in organic matter. They are XL (37-40); XXL (40-44) .~" Ifyou want to garden in heavy feeders and need a high-nitrogen comfort, get yourself a pair ofGreenknees. Ifsomeone fertilizer. It is best to mulch the plants and you like gardens, give them a pair. They'll thank you keep the soil moderately moist, but not every time they bend over or kneel. - Bob Denman waterlogged. In the colder northern states, Name~ ______prs. Greenknees gardening they are grown indoors or in greenhouses. Address pants @ $39.95 In a greenhouse, they need temperatures City. State__ Zip__ Sizes: _____ of 62°F at night and about 67° to 77°F in Telephone l-(__ ,i ______the day, depending on the light intensity. Very humid conditions are required along with bright, indirect sunlight. In the home, gardenias usually do not fair well due to the low humidity and reduced sunlight. The temperature must be 62°F for bud formation and the humidity must be over 60 percent at all times. They dislike drafts and cold water. - Peggy Lytton COMPANY Assistant Editor, Horticulture 2913 Saturn St., Suite H, Brea, CA 92621 (714) 524-0668

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989 ... 13 Journey Into History: Establishing a Prairie

wareness of natural habitats is • Remove all perennials from the site. enjoying something of an • Reduce the amount of weed competition American renaissance. As part of by frequent shallow cultivations prior to Athis movement, more and more seeding. midwestern gardeners are establishing • Provide a firm seed bed by rolling or native prairies on their property. Along with packing the area after seeding. a nostalgic and even romantic view of what Iowa-or South Dakota, or southern If perennial plants are not eliminated Minnesota, or Illinois -looked like in they will outcompete prairie plants coming pioneer days, these landscapes provide the up from seeds, and the length of time before beauty of low maintenance and the the prairie will dominate the site will be serendipity of newly-discovered native extended by several years or, in a worst plants. Pa~ Christiansen of Cornell College possible scenario, prairie seedlings may be in Mount Vernon, Iowa, has this advice for eliminated entirely. Where prairie seedlings those planning to establish a native prairie: have little competition from weed seedlings, Before establishing a prairie, the benefits establishment of the prairie can take as and liabilities should be addressed. On the little as one or two years. The usefulness of benefit side, you can count on a long-term, packing the seed bed has been observed in low-maintenance ground cover that requires the wheel tracks of otherwise unpacked only occasional burning or mowing rather seedbeds, where seedlings are often denser than the weekly attention a lawn demands than in adjacent ground. during the summer. You will have the benefit of a wildlife cover that will attract a Seed Selection wide variety of organisms, from white-footed The geographical source of seeds you select mice to seed-eating birds. In addition, the is the first consideration. If you require that prairie will be a source of beauty all year your prairie be as similar as possible to long. In the spring and summer and into the native prairies in your area, you should fall, a parade of wildflowers will bloom. The acquire seeds from suppliers who can coming of fall and the siege of winter will guarantee that their seed is from plants bring on the dry, golden-brown grasses and originating within 50 to 100 miles of your the interesting seed heads of the many site. A less restrictive approach is to select flowers. Both the biotic and the visual varieties whose origin is in your area, diversity of a prairie lawn is many times especially in latitude. This may not Laura E. Coit greater than that of a conventional Grasses Bouteloua curtipendu/a and Andropogon correspond to the varieties recommended by bluegrass lawn. scoparius; forbs Geum trif/orum, Echinacea purpurea, sellers, who often recommend varieties that The liabilities of establishing a prairie are and Sisyrinchium spp. actually originated several hundred miles few, and not at all overwhelming. The most south of where the buyer is going to plant it. likely negative factor is to have your prairie Most prairie establishment projects use regarded as a sign of neglect rather than a Site Selection five native, warm-season grasses as deliberate attempt to create a different type Native prairies are found on all kinds of principal components of their cover. These of ground cover. Your neighbors may wonder sites and soils from dry, rocky hills to sandy species are big bluestem (Andropogon about property values and assume that soils to loamy soils to water-laden soils at gerardii ), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum strange creatures are hiding in the long marsh edges. Groups of species adapted to avenaceum ), switchgrass (Panicum grass. They may also question your motives all these sites have been identified and can virgatum ), little bluestem (Andropogon of beauty and utility as being actually be used as guides for the prairie planter. scoparius ), and side-oats grama (Bouteloua laziness and sloth. A good public relations More important in site selection is its curtipendula ). The first three are tall program is needed before, during, and after appropriateness to tall, non-uniform plants. grasses, up to six or more feet when in the prairie is established to let observers Tall plants will hang out over the sidewalk flower, while the last two are mid-grasses, know what is growing there and why. and driveway edges, interfering with traffic. up to about three feet tall when flowering. A (Christiansen suggests that you may even Aesthetically, the prairie forms may not be typical mixture for an upland site is four want to put up a small sign-you can't talk appropriate if they completely fill the front pounds of big bluestem, two pounds of with all the neighbors!) yard. By using a group of species with low Indiangrass, 1.5 pounds of little bluestem, Usually, the back yard is less exposed to growth characteristics, or by using prairie 1.5 pounds of side-oats grama, and one public view and you can experiment more as an accent in the landscape, many of these pound of switchgrass per acre. aggressively there. The backyard is also a objections can be overcome. The selection of forbs (non-grassy good place to learn more about the behavior herbaceous plants) to add to the seed of a particular species and to serve as a Guidelines for Establishment mixture is a matter of individual taste and source of plants for prairies in other parts of There are three points to be observed in economics. Aggressive species that compete the yard. establishing your prairie: well with grasses will be the most useful in

14 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST ' JANUARY 1989 providing variety in a prairie establishment. clippings at the same time that burning Selection of a group of species providing a would be done will have a similar effect. continuous progression of blooming periods Three years is usually required for a throughout the growing season is also dominant prairie stand to develop. In important. In addition, the size of the plants particularly good conditions, two years and the color of their flowers should be taken might be sufficient, but sometimes four into consideration. Finally, the forbs could years is necessary. Don't be discouraged easily be the most expensive component of when few, if any, recognizable prairie plants the seed mixture, with some species of forbs show up during the first year. During this selling for as much as $250 per pound. time prairie species are mostly growing Forb seeds can be obtained by collecting downward, establishing extensive systems. from prairie remnants in the summer and Most forbs do not bloom until the third year. fall . Tag the species while they are in A prairie reconstruction project can be an bloom; their distinguishing features may be interesting hobby. Yard work will become a quite different when the plant is in fruit. positive activity. Instead of eliminating When dried, the seeds should be threshed undesirable plants to achieve a mono culture from the other flower parts, cleaned, and of Kentucky bluegrass, you will be adding stored in a cool, dry place until the following diversity, watching anxiously for particular spring. For both purchased and collected species to come into flower, and learning seed, cold treatment while moist more about native prairies near you. Lawn Miracle of (stratification or vernalization) enhances the care problems will be changed considerably. germination rate for most species and is Instead of deciding when to water, spray, or required for some species. mow, you might be deciding which species to the Forest add, where to move over-abundant plants, Preparation and Planting or how best to discourage a particularly When you walk into a National vigorous species. You may decide, on the Forest, you really believe Seed bed preparation is similar to that for a you're the first person who's small grain crop or a lawn, except that no other hand, to let nature take its course, ever been here. Funny thing fertilizer is added. Soil is tilled and harrowed, and sit back and enjoy the show. In any is, you're not. both to kill any existing vegetation and to case, your goals for lawn care Will be break up and smooth the soil. Where reversed; you will be encouraging diversity These forests have been used possible, several shallow harrowings during rather than discouraging it; you will be for over one hundred years. With careful management the spring prior to seeding are very working with nature rather than against it. these forests have renewed beneficial. With each cultivation, a portion Good luck. themselves, year after year of the weed seed bank in the soil is -excerpted, with permission, from the providing us with all kinds of destroyed. Take care not to bring up mare University of Iowa Iowa Prairie Blazing Star benefits. And that's why we deeply buried weed seeds. call them, "Forever Forests': Seeding can be done with a grain drill Come see for yourself! And get equipped to handle light, fluffy seeds and involved with the new "Forests chaff; with a hydro seeder; or seeds can be AABGA Publishes For Us" program and tell scattered by hand. After seeding, the site people all about the Miracle of should be rolled or packed. This will bury 1989 Internship the Forest. seeds at the correct depth (of about % inch) Directory ,------, and firm the soil particles around the seeds, The Intemship Directory J989, listing 1 "We'd be hastening transfer of moisture to the seeds. over 500 internships and summer jobs for 1 glad to In highly erodible situations or for other students at 122 public gardens, including 1 have you" reasons, it may be desirable to use a the American Horticultural Society's River herbicide to eliminate the existing Farm, is now available from the American l Yes! I'd liI

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST ' JANUARY 1989 ~ 15 ll of the following books are available Athrough the Society's Book Service. The last five, offered in previous issues, should be particularly useful in planning your 1989 gardening. To order, use the form on page 17.

The Gardener's Bed· Book This American classic was first published in 1929; it is now back in print. A day-by-day compendium of advice, notes, and anecdotes, it was written by one of the most influential garden writers in the first half of the century. Wright edited House and Garden magazine for nearly four decades and was the author of numerous gardening books. In his preface to this new edition, Allen Lacey writes: "By the time a bed-reader has spent a year with Richardson Wright next to his pillow, he will appreciate having the company of a congenial soul with a good sense of humor and a well-furnished mind, and the manners of a gentleman." By Richardson Wright. Paj Publications, New York, New York. 341 pages. Publisher's price: $20.95. AHS member price: $18.85. Miniature and Dwarf Geraniums This a completely revised, rewritten, and expanded edition of the author's previous book, Miniature Geraniums , published in 1968 and still much in demand. In it, the author shares his expertise based on over 50 years' experience as a commercial grower of geraniums. These very popular plants of the genus Pelargonium have long attracted and distribution of roses in the past several Kew Magazine . Curtis's, a British scientific collectors, who will find in this book all the centuries. She explains where and how the journal preeminent in its field, celebrated information needed for successful growing, first roses arrived in a country, how they its bicentennial in 1987, making it the from propagating to potting to culture. were propagated, and how they were world's oldest continuously published Nearly 500 cultivars are described, redistributed internationally. She also gives journal with colored illustrations. Though including the most recent introductions. advice on garden design with roses, how to almost entirely unknown to the general Also furnished is a list of specialist associate roses with other plants, how to public, with fewer than 1,000 subscribers, it nurseries both here and abroad, and a plan color schemes, and how to maintain has been one of the main influences in directory of societies devoted to geraniums interest in the formal garden. By Hazel Le British and American gardening throughout and pelargoniums. By Harold Bagust. Rougetel. Stemmer House Publishers, Inc., its 200 years. The journal has played a Timber Press, Portland, Oregon. 163 pages. Owings Mills, Maryland. 176 pages. leading role in transforming British and Publisher's price: $32.95. AHS member Publisher's price: $29.95. AHS member American landscapes. By Ruth L. A. Stiff. price: $28.00. price: $23.35. University Press of New England, Hanover, New Hampshire. 80 pages. Publisher's price: A Heritage of Roses Flowers from the Royal Gardens of $15.95. AHS member price: $14.35. The recent revival of interest in older roses Kew has sparked a revival of interest in their This book offers its readers the The Annual Garden. history, as well. Hazel Le Rougetel has extraordinary opportunity to view a With a center of lavish color plates and gracefully distilled the results of 15 years of selection of exquisite horticultural illustrated by the author throughout, this research and travel throughout the world watercolors associated with Curtis's one-volume reference is intended to help the into this book, a tour through the history Botanical Magazine and its successor, The reader design a garden of annuals with an

16 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST· JANUARY 1989 eye to color intensity, suitability of plants, and diversity of choice. It describes more than 300 flowers, grasses, vines, vegetables, Award An AHS Medal At and fruits; answers a wide range of questions; and provides a list of gardening publications, seed exchanges and companies, Your Next Plant Show and garden equipment catalogs. By Peter Loewer. 242 pages. Rodale Press, Inc., Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049. Publisher's price: hardcover, $19.95. AHS member price: $15.95. The Backyard Vegetable Factory. Describes innovative techniques such as vertical and container gardening, dynamic plant grouping and water conservation to help people with limited time and space bring more than 60 different vegetables from seed to -supper table. Includes extensive charts and step-by-step illustrations. By Duane Newcomb. 264 pages. Rodale Press, Inc., Emmaus, The American Horticultural Society offers the Bole Memorial Medals, Pennsylvania 18049. Publisher's price: designed by Victor Schreckengost, a nationally known sculptor and industrial hardcover, $19.95. AHS member price: designer. These medals are awarded to individuals for horticultural excellence at regional shows put on by plant societies who are members of AHS. The $15.95. gold medal requires 15 species or cultivars of blue ribbon quality; the silver medal 8 species or cultivars. These need not be all of the same species. The The Mail Order Gardener. medal measures one and a half inches across with a ring attached so it can be A source guide to flowers, vegetables, trees, worn on a chain or ribbon. The date and the recipient's name can be shrubs, tools, furniture, greenhouses, engraved on the back. Requests for applications, which must be made three months in advance of gazebos, and "everything else a gardener the event, can be obtained from Mrs. Benjamin P. Bole, Jr., Chairman, 1 could wish for." Handsomely illustrated with Bratenahl Place, Cleveland, OH 44108. nineteenth-century woodcuts and drawings, it offers tips on topics such as gardening with children and growing giant vegetables. By Hal Morgan. 287 pages. Harper & Row, New York, New York 10022. Publisher's Book Order Fonn price: softcover, $12.95. AHS member price: Prices reflect AHS member discount softcover, $10.35. o Gardener's Bed-Book ...... $18.85 0 The Annual Garden ...... $15.95 The Naturalist's Garden. PAJPU 06150 RODAL 06050 o Miniature and Dwarf Geraniums .... $28.00 0 The Backyard Vegetable Factory ...... $15.95 To help design landscapes that will attract, TIMER 06160 RODAL 05990 feed, and shelter wildlife, the book includes · f R $ 0 The Mail Order Gardener ...... $10.35 O A Hentage 0 oses ...... 23.35 HAROW 05760 garden plans, charts of bird, butterfly, and STEMM 06170 . , o The Naturalist ~ Garden ..... , ...... $15.95 bee feeding preferences, reading lists for o Flowers from the Royal Gardens RODAL 02970 wildlife gardening needs, and a wealth of of Kew ...... $14.35 0 Natural Pest and Disease Control .... $l1.15 wildlife lore. By Ruth Shaw Ernst. 272 UPNEW 06180 DAVID 05740 pages. Rodale Press, Inc., Emmaus, Please add $2.50 per book for postage and h1ndling. Virginia Pennsylvania 18049. Publisher's price: residents, also add 41/2% sales tax. Please allow six weeks for hardcover, $19.95. AHS member price: $15.95. delivery. Natural Pest and Disease Control. Enclosed is my check for $ or charge to: Geared to helping the reader identify and o VISA 0 MasterCard Exp. Date ______eliminate or control garden pests and Acct. # ______Signature ______diseases and eliminating or controlling them Shipto ______without the use of harmful pesticides. Provides a valuable and well-organized Street ______supplement to other basic texts on organic City ______gardening. By Jim Hay. 192 pages. Distributed by David & Charles, Inc., North State ______Zip ____ Pomfret, Vermont 05053 . Publisher's price: softcover, $13.95. AHS member price: MAIL TO: Robin Williams, AHS, P.O. Box 0105, $11.15. Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989

18 ~ AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST' JANUARY 1989 introduced exotics selected for southern gardens. Send $.65 pine, rockery, latest and best annuals, trees, shrubs, bulbs Over 100 Selections for Christmas Trees, Ornamentals, Wind­ for extensive mail orderlist.WOODLANDERSAH. 1128 from seed; includes rare items unobtainable elsewhere. Write breaks, Timber, Soil Conservation, Wildlife Cover. Free Cat­ Colleton Ave. , Aiken, SC 29801. for free copy, allowing three weeks, or enclose $2 for first class alog. CARINO NURSERIES, Box 538, Dept. J, Indiana, PA DWARF: CONIFERS, COMPANION SHRUBS, groundcov­ mail: THOMPSON & MORGAN, INC. Dept. AHC, PO Box 15701. ers, potential bonsai. Affordable, well rooted in 2¥.-inch and 1308, Jackson, NJ 08527. WILDFLOWERS 4-inch containers. Descriptive catalog, $2 (refundable). AVID WORLD-FAMOUS SELECTION OF RARE SEEDS, special­ UNCONVENTIONAL , RARE AND FAMILIAR NATIVE GARDENER, Box 200-A, Hamburg, IL 62045. izing in hard-to-find species from every continent, from trop­ WILDFLOWERS AND CULTIVATED PERENNIALS for for­ PLUMERIA, GINGERS, HIBISCUS, BOUGAINVILLEAS ical rainforest to alpine snowline. Thousands of exquisite per­ mal or naturalistic areas. Top quality nursery-propagated ennials, flowers, trees, grasses, cacti. Fragrance plants, unusual ALSO RARE AND UNUSUAL BULBS, FLOWERING VINES, plants. Descriptive catalog $3.00. NICHE GARDENS, Rte. 1, ornamentals for drying, wildflowers, dye plants. Fine culinary Box 290, Dept. A, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. FRAGRANT PLANTS, SPECIALTY FERTILIZERS AND herbs, distinctive heirloom and imported vegetables, plus our MORE. COLOR CATALOG-$1.00. PLUMERIA PEOPLE, unique collection from the Zapotec Indians of Mexico's high NATURAL SPLENDOR of North American Prairie wildflow­ DEPT. A, P.O. Box 820014, Houston, TX 77282-0014. Sierra Madre. Detailed catalog $1.00 J.L. HUDSON, SEED­ ers and grasses. Select from 70 + varieties of hardy, drought PUBLICATIONS MAN, P.O. Box 1058-AT, Redwood City, California 94064. resistant, native perennials. Nursery grown plants and seeds ready for spring planting. Informative, illustrated catalog only Listing of quality garden books on all garden subjects. Free TREES $2. PRAIRIE NURSERY, Dept. AH, Box 365, Westfield, WI catalog. GARDEN PUBLICATIONS, PO Box 880, Everett, MILLIONS OF SEEDLINGS: High Quality, Reasonable Prices. 53964. WA 98206. (206) 252-8108. RHODODENDRONS RHODODENDRONS for Eastern Gardens. FREE descriptive listing. CARDINAL NURSERY, Rt. 1, Box 316M, State Road, NC 28676. (919) 874-2027. RHODODENDRONS AND AZALEAS-Select from 1,000 va­ rieties with many new exciting introductions. Also Laurel, Andromeda, Holly, Conifers, Rare Plants and Trees. Mail­ order catalog $2.00. ROSLYN NURSERY, Dept. AH, Box 69, Roslyn, NY 11576. (516) 643-9347. ROCK GARDEN PLANTS Rare Alpines, Wildflowers, Dwarf Conifers, Groundcovers, colorful Rock Plants, hardy Rhododendrons, Bonsai Books. Catalog $1. RICE CREEK GARDENS, 1315 66th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432. (612) 574-1197. ROSES HORTICO. These are just a few from our large selection of roses: Hybrid Teas: Bimboro, Blue River, Bobby Charlton, Burgund '81 (Loving Memory), Canadian White Star, Clivia, Eiffel Tower, Folklore, Fragrant Charm, Freshie, Ingrid Bergman, John Waterer, Johnny Walker, Kardinal, Konrad Henkel, Lemon Sherbert, Maid of Honour, Maestro, Marijke Koopman, Mod­ ern Art, Nantucket, Peaudouce (Elina), Penthouse, San­ dringham Centenary, Stephanie Diane, Solitaire, Swath­ Lilypons Water Gardens more, Sweepstakes, Ten Ten CFRB, Tiffany, Uncle Joe, White Knights, Wieteke Van Dordt, (Potifar), Veronica, World Rose. !BE:gin !J0tH wa tt: ~ gau!.w todt2!f with a ..£iC!Jponi catalog UE. Floribundas: Amanda, Annisley Dickson, Australian Gold, Brown Velvet, City of Leeds, English Miss, Escapade, Evelyn fE:a tu ~ing pagE: aftE: ~ pag E: of bt:autifu[ wa tt: ~ [iCiE:1., [otUi, bog Fison, Greensleeves, H.C. Anderson, Jimmy Cricket, Lang­ p[anti, (i ~, itatua,,:), and th E: E:iiWtiali fo~ kuping it al[ wo ~ ing ford Light, Len Turner, Nearly Wild, Oh La La, Orangeade, Prins Willem-Alexander, Red Hot, Redwood, Tabris, Waih­ togt:thE:'L. eke, Woburn Abbey. Miniatures: Dandenong, Young Cale. flo poot? ChOOiE: a fibE: ~gCaii o ~ gJtvC poot fwm thE: ma~ iiZE:i Climbers: Dortmund, Dublin Bay, New Dawn, Rosanna, White Dawn, William Baffin. ~own in th E: "£i[!Jponi catalogUE.. Modem Shrub Rose: Buff Beauty, Dornroschen, Fred Loads, Golden Wings, Morgenrot, Eos, Robusta , Sally Holmes, "'\ Shropshire Lass, Surf Rider. o Please send the new Lilypons catalogue plus informative Austin Hybrids: Charmian, Chianti, Claire Rose, Cymbaline, news letters with seasonal sales. Enclosed is $5.00. Immortal June, Lucetta, Mary Rose, Proud Titania, The Miller, California (30 1/). Maryland (25 1/) and Texas (351/) residents please add tax. The Squire, Windrush. Antique Roses: Baronne de Rothschild, Cardinal de Richelieu, o Please rush my catalogue by fIrst class mail. Enclosed is $6.75. Celsiana, Damascena Semperflorens, George Arends, Karl Foerster, Maiden's Blush, Queen of Denmark, Reines Des o 1500 Amhort Road 0 1500 Lilypons Road 0 1500 Lilypolls Way Violettes. P.O. Box 10 P.O. Box 188 P.O. Box 11 30 Explorer Roses: Champlain, Jens Munk, John Cabot. Lilypons, MD 21717 Brookshire, TX 77423-01 88 1l1ermai, CA 92274 Ground Cover Roses: Dart's Dash, Red Max Graf, Sea Foam. (301) 874-5133 (713) 934-8525 Catalog on request: $2.00. HORTICO, INC. 723 Robson Road, Waterdown, Ontario LOR 2HO (416) 689-6984. SEEDS FRAGRANCE SEEDS FOR FRAGRANCE, herbs, atavars, l\'ame Address prairie plants, and others. Catalog $1.00. THE FRAGRANT PATH, Box 328A, Fort Calhoun, NE 68023. City State Zip THE WORLD'S LARGEST and most famous seed catalog. Over 225 pages, 4,000 varieties, 1,000 color pictures. A major -~------~ book of reference. The Encyclopedia of how and what to grow from seed. Vegetables, potted plants, exotics, perennials, a1-

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST - J ANUARY 1989 ... 19 as well as for their rooting power or blade and white AARS tag mean? AARS is a Future Lawns Will Save width, factors that give the lawn a carpeted nonprofit organization of U.S. rose appearance. producers and introducers who test new Mowing Time rose cultivars and determine which, if any, Americans spend countless hours and over can be recommended to the public as $24 billion a year on their lawns. Jack J. Ohio to Protect Rare exceptional. Murray, a turf specialist with the USDA Companies submit roses to test gardens Agricultural Research Service's laboratory Daisy's Habitat around the country that have met standards in Beltsville, Maryland, is doing his part to The state of Ohio has purchased more than specified by the AARS Test Garden counter that trend. Some of Murray's 19 acres of quarry from Standard Slag Committee. During the two-year testing experimental lawns need less watering and Company in order to protect the native program, the roses are known only by the only a third as much mowing as Lakeside daisy, the rarest plant in Ohio. numbers assigned to them by the AARS conventional lawns. The delicate, weedlike plant grows only in officials. A judge is assigned to each test One new turf in the final stages of testing the quarry, located in. Catawba Island, and garden. Most AARS judges are either is a zoysia grass that will be sold as seed at two sites in Canada. It is on the state professors in college horticultural rather than the more expensive zoysia plugs and federal endangered species lists. The departments or supervisors of large public that homeowners now buy and plant. The state paid $50,000 for the property, and took gardens. They attend a national seminar on zoysia needs to be mowed only one third as possession in October. rose-judging methods sponsored by AARS often as more conventional lawns, according ''We will treat the property as a nature every five years. to Murray, and tends to grow sideways, preserve," said Jerry Cline, administrator of During the evaluation period, the roses spreading out to cover the ground. It also acquisitions for the Ohio outdoor recreation are graded by a prescribed numerical tolerates drought. division. "It will have limited access, like scoring system on vigor, growth habit, Murray is working on lawn seed mixtures many of our other preserves." disease resistance, foliage, flower of zoysia and tall fescue that would stay Cline said that part of the agreement calls production, bud and flower form, opening green all year round. Today's zoysia for the state to move to preserve individual and finishing color, fragrance, stem, and varieties are mostly suited for southern plants on the Standard Slag property. He overall value. Scores are compiled and states; zoysia lawns in the North turn said other states have expressed interest in compared with the other roses of the same brown over the winter: According to Murray, transplanting the daisy to re-establish its test period and with the standards the zoysia seed in the mix will keep the population. established by AARS. grass green in the summer, and in many - reprinted, with permission, from the Award winners are announced June first locations, the fescue will keep it green all Toledo, Ohio, Blade, August 2, 1988 of the year preceding the year the cultivars winter. An experimental mix of the two are to be offered for sale by the rose grasses is undergoing final testing. industry. Press releases are issued to the Murray evaluates new types of lawn What Is AARS? media and an awards banquet is held to grasses for disease resistance, vigor, smooth What is the All-America Rose Selections, present the award plaques to the firms that and even growth, and cold or heat tolerance, Inc. (AARS), and what does the little green. introduced the new winners.

2ND CLASS POSTAGE I f~ 1 PAID AT ALEXANDRIA, VA AND AT ADDITIONAL American Horticultural Society MAILING OFFICES p.o. Box 0105, Mount Vernon, VA 22121