TheThe AmericanAmerican

GARDENERGARDENER® The Magazine of the American Horticultural Society January / February 2009 Vegetable Gardening tips for success

New Plants and TTrendsrends for 2009 How to Prune Deciduous Shrubs Sweet Rewards of Indoor Citrus Confidence shows. Because a mistake can ruin an entire gardening season, passionate gardeners don’t like to take chances. That’s why there’s Osmocote® Smart-Release® Plant Food. It’s guaranteed not to burn when used as directed, and the granules don’t easily wash away, no matter how much you water. Better still, Osmocote feeds plants continuously and consistently for four full months, so you can garden with confidence. Maybe that’s why passionate gardeners have trusted Osmocote for 40 years.

Looking for expert advice and answers to your gardening questions? Visit PlantersPlace.com — a fresh, new online gardening community.

© 2007, Scotts-Sierra Horticulture Products Company. World rights reserved. www.osmocote.com contents Volume 88, Number 1 . January / February 2009

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM 6 MEMBERS’ FORUM 8 NEWS FROM AHS Renee’s Garden sponsors 2009 Seed Exchange, Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust grant funds future library at River Farm, AHS welcomes new members to Board of Directors, save the date for the 17th annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium in July.

42 ONE ON ONE WITH… Bonnie Harper-Lore, America’s roadside ecologist. page 14 44 GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK All-America Selections winners for 2009, scientists discover new plant hormone, NEW PLANTS AND TRENDS FOR 2009 BY DOREEN G. HOWARD 14 Massachusetts Horticultural Society forced Get a sneak peek at some of the exciting plants that will hit the to cancel one of market this year, along with expert insight on garden trends. America’s longest- running flower shows, JC Raulston PLANT NOMENCLATURE BY JOHN FRIEL 20 Arboretum’s redbud Keeping botanical names straight can be a real challenge, even for collection receives the experts. national recognition, MOBOT’s pot recycling program SUCCESS WITH CITRUS BY RAND B. LEE 25 celebrates new Growing citrus plants indoors offers fragrant and delicious milestones, slower- rewards year round. growing grass developed for pagepage 4444 30 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL VEGETABLE GARDEN southern regions. BY BARBARA ELLIS 48 GREEN GARAGE® A few basic concepts make Selecting the right pruner for each task. it easy to enjoy homegrown vegetables and herbs. 52 BOOK REVIEWS Flowers and Herbs of Early America, Lilacs, 36 PRUNING DECIDUOUS and Plant-Driven Design. SHRUBS BY LEE REICH Special focus: Plant family reference books. Take the guesswork out of 56 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS pruning deciduous shrubs by following a few simple 60 HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES guidelines. AND PRONUNCIATIONS

page 36 62 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT Fraser’s sedge (Cymophyllus fraserianus).

ON THE COVER: The seeds of many vegetables, such as zucchini, can be started indoors in trays and

TOP: COURTESY OF TERRA NOVA NURSERIES. CENTER: VIVEKA NEVELN. FAR RIGHT: ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS transplanted outdoors once soil warms in spring. Photograph by Neil Soderstrom

January / February 2009 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 (800) 777-7931 fax (703) 768-8700 www.ahs.org Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

American Horticultural Society President’s Council As of December 10, 2008 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood CHAMPION’S CIRCLE Mr. Franklin Y. Hundley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Board of Directors Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. ■ Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey CHAIR Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Don E. Riddle, Jr. Davidsonville, Maryland Bogle ■ Mr. Arnold Steiner SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia SECRETARY Albin MacDonough Plant Baltimore, Maryland LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ariail, Jr. ■ Anderson TREASURER Arnold Steiner Birmingham, Alabama Family Charitable Foundation ■ Mrs. Susan M. Cargill ■ Mr. Gerald T. Halpin ■ Ms. Minako Henderson ■ Ms. JoAnn Luecke ■ Dr. and Mrs. David E. Morrison ■ Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech Allan M. Armitage Athens, Georgia ■ Suzanne Bales Oyster Bay, New York ■ William E. Barrick, Ph.D. Theodore, Alabama Kurt Bluemel Baldwin, Maryland ■ Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia ■ Tom Cooper Watertown, Massachusetts HAUPT CIRCLE Ms. Lynda A. Bachman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carter Bales ■ Mr. and Gay Estes Houston, Texas ■ Anne Garland Farrell Richmond, Virginia ■ Carole Hofley Wilson, Wyoming Mrs. C. William Black ■ Mr. Richard C. and Mrs. Katherine Stark Bull ■ Ms. Margaret Kulp Louisville, Kentucky ■ Caroline Lewis Coral Gables, Florida ■ Jack Lowry Phoenix, Maryland Judy Daniel ■ Mrs. Richard W. Hamming ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Melissa R. Marshall Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ■ Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia Hanselman ■ Mrs. Carole S. Hofley ■ Mrs. Rosalyn Milbrandt ■ Ms. Katy Moss Shirley Nicolai Ft. Washington, Maryland ■ J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland Warner Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia ■ Michel Sallin Groveland, Florida ■ Steven Still Hilliard, Ohio

COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE Nancy J. Becker, M.D. ■ Mrs. Katherine Belk ■ PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bigos ■ Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Dr. Sherran Blair ■ Count and Countess Peder Bonde ■ Mr. and Mrs. William L. Carr, III ■ Anne S. Chatham ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane ■ Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Demisay 2009 Advisory Council ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert Duemling ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes ■ Dr. and Mrs. Beverly Hanselman, Nashville, Tennessee – Chair John A. Floyd, Jr. ■ Mrs. Carolyn V. Foil ■ Ms. Marguerite Peet Foster ■ Ms. Amy Goldman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Ms. Ingrid A. Graham ■ Ms. Clarissa Bonde, Washington, D.C. Stu McMichael, Falls Church, Virginia Barbara Grant ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Walter Bull, Columbia, South Carolina G. Ray Miller, Brandon, Florida Hohlt ■ Mr. and Mrs. Allan L. Holmstrom ■ Mrs. Elizabeth Hooff ■ Mr. Philip Anne Bucher, Silver Spring, Maryland Egon Molbak, Bellevue, Washington Huey ■ Deane H. Hundley ■ Mrs. Deborah Kern ■ Mrs. Marta Lawrence ■ Elaine Burden, Middleburg, Virginia Dean Norton, Mt. Vernon, Virginia Mrs. Carolyn M. Lindsay ■ Mrs. Dorothy Marston ■ Mrs. Barbara McClendon Patty Bush, St. Louis, Missouri Nancy Keen Palmer, Nashville, Tennessee ■ Mr. and Mrs. Egon Molbak ■ Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mountcastle ■ Mrs. Shirley Skipp Calvert, Alexandria, Virginia Bob Patterson, Washington, D.C. Ann Nicolai ■ Mr. and Mrs. James T. Norman ■ Ms. Patricia Painter ■ Mr. Russell Clark, Boston, Massachusetts Dr. Julia W. Rappaport, Santa Ana, California David D. Parrish ■ Mr. and Mrs. Albin MacDonough Plant ■ Dr. Julia Bartie Cole, Owings Mills, Maryland Deen Day Sanders, Norcross, Georgia Rappaport ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve IV ■ Mr. and Mrs. James A. Runde Jim Corfield, Geneva, Illinois Josephine Shanks, Houston, Texas ■ Mrs. Deen Day Sanders ■ Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Shemin ■ Jeanne Shields ■ Lucinda Crabtree, Falls Church, Virginia Barbara Shea, Owings Mills, Maryland Mr. R. P. Simmons ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith, Jr. ■ Mrs. P.M. Spreuer Ginny Hill Daisey, Dedham, Massachusetts Holly Shimizu, Glen Echo, Maryland ■ Dr. and Mrs. George E. Staehle ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Dr. and Mrs. Steven Edward N. Dane, Center Harbor, New Hampshire Charles Henry Smith, Jr, Middleburg, Virginia M. Still ■ Mr. Donald B. Stott ■ Mr. and Mrs. John B. Strasenburgh ■ Mr. and Ben Griswold, Glyndon, Maryland Tom Szaky, Trenton, New Jersey Mrs. Russell Terry ■ Dr. Sarah K. Thomson ■ Mr. Howard McK. Tucker and Henry Jameson, Kula, Hawaii Nancy Thomas, Houston, Texas Ms. Megan Evans ■ Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood ■ Mr. Joe Viar ■ Ms. Richard W. Lighty, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Bryan Thomlison, Haddonfield, New Jersey Angela M. Vikesland ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk ■ Mrs. Pauline E. Vollmer Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Ponte Vedra, Florida Pauline Vollmer, Baltimore, Maryland ■ Mrs. Enid N. Warner ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dennis White ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Mickey Lynch, Dunmore, Pennsylvania Joyce and Harvey White, Nashville, Tennessee C. White ■ Mr. and Mrs. John W. White, Sr. Bob Malesardi, Easton, Maryland Joannah Williams, Sebring, Florida Robert and Joanna Martin, Menlo Park, California Sheryl Wood, Middleburg, Virginia HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Ms. Louise Fruehling* ■ Mrs. Enid Haupt* Barbara McClendon, Alexandria, Virginia ■ Mrs. John A. Lutz* ■ Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller*

*In memoriam

Education Sponsor OXO International

Corporate Partners The Care of Trees ■ Chapel Valley Landscape Company Homestead Gardens ■ Monrovia ■ MTR Landscape Architects, LLC. To access the members-only Osmocote portion of the AHS website at www.ahs.org, the username is Horticultural Partners America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program ■ Bellingrath Gardens and Home ahs. Until February 2, 2009, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium ■ Cox Arboretum MetroPark the password is sprout. After Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival February 2, the new password The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America will be seeds. The Homestead in the Garden Symposium ■ Inniswood Garden Society ■ Morris Arboretum Oklahoma Botanical Garden & Arboretum ■ Oklahoma Horticultural Society

4 the American Gardener The American NOTESC FROM RIVER FARM GARDENER

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR Mary Yee ASSOCIATE EDITOR HETHER IN OUR daily lives or in our gardens, the New Year is a good Viveka Neveln time to take stock of our progress, reassess our direction, and establish EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Caroline Bentley W new short- and long-term goals. This is something the staff and Board CONTRIBUTING EDITOR of the American Horticultural Society does every year, based on feedback from our Rita Pelczar members and our own evaluation of our accomplishments. As part of this ongoing CONTRIBUTING WRITER process, in 2009 we are rededicating ourselves to serving you, our members, with Carole Ottesen exceptional programs, valuable benefits, practical and inspiring gardening infor- mation, and meaningful outreach. EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD For instance, this year we’ve expand- CHAIR Richard E. Bir ed the number of gardens participating Brevard, North Carolina in our Reciprocal Admissions Program to Allan M. Armitage Athens, Georgia more than 230. We will also be continu- Nina L. Bassuk ing our popular webinar series, exclu- Ithaca, New York sively for members, with online Steve Bender presentations from four more of Ameri- Birmingham, Alabama ca’s top horticultural experts. Our 17th John E. Bryan annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium will be held in Cleveland, San Francisco, California Ohio, in July and we have added several new domestic offerings to our highly re- John L. Creech garded Travel Study Program. The annual AHS Member Guide included in this Columbus, North Carolina issue of The American Gardener contains an overview of these and many other AHS Panayoti Kelaidis member benefits and programs. Be sure to read and save this guide, because your Denver, Colorado AHS membership is more valuable than ever before! Richard W. Lighty Kennett Square, Pennsylvania With this issue of The American Gardener, we continue the tradition of starting Elvin McDonald the year with a look at new plants and emerging gardening trends. Get the scoop West Des Moines, Iowa on what to look for in 2009 starting on page 14. You can also delve into the fasci- nating and continually evolving science of botanical nomenclature—complete with an update on recent and potential changes in plant names—and learn how CONTACT US The American Gardener 7931 East Boulevard Drive to prune a wide range of deciduous shrubs. Alexandria, VA 22308 One of the clear trends over the past year has been the resurgence of interest in (703) 768-5700 vegetable gardening as a source of healthy, locally grown food. For new as well as seasoned gardeners, this issue has practical advice on how to create, plant, and EDITORIAL E-MAIL: [email protected] maintain a vegetable garden. And, to take your mind off winter’s chill, discover ADVERTISING & E-MAIL: [email protected] why the rewards of growing citrus plants in containers are worth the challenges. CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS When it comes to challenges, there is no doubt we are surrounded by them in our world today. If there’s one constant we are able to draw strength from during The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonth- ly (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, Septem- difficult times, it is the positive influence of plants and gardening in our lives and ber/October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, in our communities. As we enter this New Year, there is a palpable sense of opti- (703) 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscrip- mism in the air, thanks in part to a renewed passion among Americans for envi- tion to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; two years, $60. International dues are $50. $10 of annual dues goes toward ronmental and social issues. As a long-standing proponent of the important role magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Vir- ginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send of plants and gardens in environmental stewardship, the American Horticultural Form 3579 to The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Society is well positioned for these changing times. We are glad you are on this Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural journey with us and look forward to seeing and hearing from you this coming year. Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- Our best wishes for a rewarding New Year, and happy gardening! list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar- ily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent for Susie Usrey, Chair, AHS Board of Directors possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited Tom Underwood, Executive Director material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. Copyright ©2009 by the American Horticultural Society.

Printed in the U.S.A.

January / February 2009 5 6 Letters weprintmay beeditedforlengthandclarity. [email protected] (note LettertoEditorinsubjectline). Alexandria, VA22308.Send e-mails to PLEASE WRITEUS! American Gardener, American September/October issue. pared withthemagnoliapictured inthe ‘Gold Star’, below, which you canseecom- ‘Butterflies’. Cappiellosentusaphotoof deep yellow color. Cappiellosuspectsitis tepals ofthatcultivar rarely attainsucha that itisnot‘Gold Star’, notingthatthe image andheconcurswithDon Ridley Society International, totakealookatthe Kentucky, andamemberoftheMagnolia rector of Yew Dell Gardens inCrestwood, usually has14strap-shapedtepals. cross developed by breeder Phil Savage, Star’, butthatcultivar, astarmagnolia caption indicatesthemagnoliais‘Gold 43 inthatissueiscorrectly identified. The lia pictured onthelefthandsideofpage issue. However, Iamnotsure themagno- magnolias intheSeptember/October I thoroughly enjoyed onnative thearticle NO GOLDSTARFORUS Editor’s note: shown totheright. true ‘GoldStar’is ‘Butterflies’. The issue, islikely September/October ‘Gold Star’inthe above, identifiedas The photograph Cornwall, PrinceCornwall, Edward Island, Canada the American Gardener We askedPaul Cappiello,di- Address letterstoEditor, 7931 EastBoulevardDrive, Don Ridley The ginning ofeachyear.EffectiveFebruary ahs. Thepasswordchangesatthebe- To accessthesection,usernameis must beenteredinlowercaseletters.) (Both theusernameandpassword on page4ineachmagazineissue. seeds 2, 2009,thenewpasswordwillbe Gardener American The website, The members-onlysectionoftheAHS New Website Password mail [email protected]. call (800)777-7931ext.119ore- or e-mailaddresswiththeAHS,please membership, orupdateyourmailing new yourmembership,giveagiftof would liketobecomeamember,re- can HorticulturalSocietymembership, you havequestionsaboutyourAmeri- We lovetohearfromourmembers!If Member Services as wellthecontentsofeachissue nient accesstomembershipbenefits To thePlanet. Native... Useful. Beautiful. Perennial Seed. MEMBERS . The passwordwillalsobelisted www.ahs.org, C hn 14-019 90·Fx0195 19 29-27·www.jelitto.com 71-98 ·[email protected] 29-0·Fax01149-50 Phone 01149-5071-98 German Headquarters:P. O. Box1264Schwarmstedt ·D-29685 34·http://www.jelitto.com ·[email protected] 07·Fax(502)895-39 Phone (502)895-08 USA Office: 125 ChenowethLn.·Louisville,KY40207 Production ·Breeding ·SeedTechnology ’ FORUM provides conve- since 2001. ganization. Keep upthegoodwork. viduals andcommunitiesmore healthy. bers, we are tomakeindi- doingourpart was delightedtoknow thatasAHSmem- door educationprograms forchildren, I that isseekingincreased fundingforout- joined theNo ChildLeftInside Coalition describinghownewsletter theAHShas 2010” program. When Igotyour e- curing—and theUS“Healthy People health promotion—as opposedtodisease nursing classesiscurrently discussing community gardening, andoneofmy cently wrote apaperonthebenefitsof ofanEnglish compositionclass,Ire-part Bachelor ofScienceinNursing degree. As nurse, Iambackatschoolcompletingmy At 56,afteralongcareer asaregistered PRAISE FORAHSADVOCACY Editor’s note: in thesubjectline. [email protected] andinclude“Newsletter” newsletter, pleasesendarequest tomem- the monthlye-Bulletin, I am so proud to be a part ofthisor- I amsoproud tobeapart If you wouldliketo receive Eugenia Anne Cox the AHS’s e-mail Toledo, Ohio

TOP: JERRY PAVIA. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF PAUL CAPPIELLO THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURALHORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM 2009 TOURS

  MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY! Art and Gardens of the Netherlands with AHS host Kurt Bluemel Tour escorted by Susie Orso April 24 – May 2, 2009 ■ Just in time for peak spring bloom, join the American Horticultural Society to explore the historic connections between art and gardens in the Netherlands. Led by plantsman Kurt Bluemel and Susie Orso, an expert on European gardens, participants will experience the world-renowned spring bulb display at Keukenhof as well as tours of many other public and private gardens, including that of garden designer Piet Oudolf. Between garden visits, view masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest artists.

           

Gardens of Florence with AHS Host Susie Usrey Tour escorted by Susie Orso May 22 – 30, 2009 Baltimore, Maryland with AHS Host Harry Rissetto Tour escorted by Diana Biras June 9 – 14, 2009 Portland, Oregon* with AHS Host Tom Underwood August 12 – 16, 2009

New York’s Hudson Valley with AHS Host Katy Moss Warner Tour escorted by Stephanie Jutila October 14 – 18, 2009 Chile: Gardens, Wines, and History with AHS Host Mac Plant Tour escorted by Mary Kroening October 8 – 21, 2009 *Exclusive offering for AHS President’s Council For more information about the members. For more information about the AHS Travel Study Program, visit President’s Council, contact Stephanie Perez at (703) 768-5700 ext. 127. www.hiddentreasuresbotanicaltours.com or call (573) 881-6316. 8 Renee’s GardenHelpsCelebrateSeedExchange’s GoldenAnniversary and growth members.” withournew wood, “and we tocontinuingtheSociety’s lookforward success ly, andfinancially,” saysAHSExecutive Director Tom Under- programmatically,make significantstridesforward strategical- Volk Williams. , andDaryl Floyd, Jr., Dane, eight board memberswhosetermsendedlastfall: Atlanta, Georgia. Cooper theyare:pertise, Henrietta Burke Board ofDirectors. Offering awiderangeofexperienceandex- LAST NOVEMBER, Change Conference AHS RepresentedatClimate SIX NEWMEMBERS AHS BoardofDirectorsUpdates cluding AHSExecutive Director tecture, publicgardens, in- plant nurseries,andlandconservation, Carolina. Amongtheattendeeswere leadersinlandscapearchi- mate Change&ThePlant Sector,” held inAsheville,North ic andAtmospheric Administration (NOAA) conference, “Cli- intheNational membersparticipated and green industry Ocean- Lowry ton, Texas; AnneGarland Farrell News PROGRAMS •EVENTSANNOUNCEMENTS “Our outgoing board membershave allhelped theAHSto The Society extends specialthanksandappreciation tothe the American Gardener Carol C.Morrison from Pat Phoenix,andMary Maryland; Matheson of Watertown, Massachusetts; Gay Estes Howard McK.Tucker nearly 100 meteorological experts, scientists, nearly 100meteorological experts, were recently electedtojointheAHS FOR 50YEARS, by calling(703)[email protected]. website. If you don’t have accesstotheInternet, you canrequest acatalogandorder formbemailedtoyou copyofone owner Reneecomplimentary Shepherd’s cookbooks. ally, Seed Exchange whodonate$25ormore theprogram participants willreceive tosupport a ofheirloomandcottagegardentionally acclaimedpurveyor flower, herb, andvegetable seeds.Addition- this year’s ‘Pot seedswillreceive complimentary ofGold’ Swiss chard seedsfrom Renee’s Garden, ana- other companies,organizations,andAHSmembers. vegetables, andmore tochoosefrom, donatedby 2009Seed Exchange sponsorRenee’s Garden, and the annualSeed Exchange. Thisyear, there are nearly200different varieties ofannuals,perennials, shrubs, seeds fromRenee’sGardenasaspecialgoldenanniversarygift. The first300AHSmemberswhoplaceordersinthe2009SeedExchangewillreceive‘PotofGold’Swisschard , The catalogofavailable seedsandorder formare available in the“members only” sectionoftheAHS In celebrationoftheprogram’s Golden Anniversary, thefirst300AHSmemberstosubmitorders for from Katherine StarkKatherine Bull Tom Underwood . of Richmond,Virginia; Jack of Alexandria,Virginia; , Jeanne Shields, AHS the AmericanHorticultural Society’s membershave shared thousandsofseedsthrough from Hous- Arabella S. , Robert D. John Alex Tom of Julie MoirMesservy dates are stillbeing finalized, thesewillincludepresentations on on topicsfrom native plantstogarden design techniques. offered seven free onlineseminarsexclusively foritsmembers SINCE LAUNCHING Upcoming Webinars www.ncdc.noaa.gov. change trends. To learnmore abouttheUSCRN,visit cipitation at114sitesacross theUnited States totrack climate stationsestablishedtomonitortemperature and pre-servation Reference Network (USCRN),which isanetwork ofclimateob- tant role inslowing thepaceofclimatechange.” ness ofhow canplayanimpor- gardeners andtheplantindustry a prioritytostayinformedonthisissueandhelpincrease aware- adaptability ofplants,”saysUnderwood.AHSwillmakeit “The dening becauseitisalteringthetraditionalrangeandgarden In webinars. 2009,theAHSisplanningfournew Though The conference U.S.Climate alsocommemoratedthenew “Climate changeishavinganundeniableinfluenceongar- January /February2009 (www.ahs.org). members-only section oftheAHSwebsite up toreceive webinar invitations,visitthe Messervy. For more information,ortosign thor andgarden designer creating well designedoutdoorspacesby au- lamy, authorofBringing Nature Home; tainable gardening strategies by author, andplantsmanScottCalhoun; sus- drought tolerant plantsby garden designer, in 2007,theAHSwebinar program has Julie Moir Doug Tal- and

TOP: COURTESY OF RENEE’S GARDEN. BOTTOM: RICHARD HOWARD / COURTESY OF JULIE MOIR MESSERVY 2009 National Children & Youth NEW MEMBER PASSWORD FOR WEBSITE Garden Symposium ON THE AHS WEBSITE, there is a special password-protect- EACH YEAR the American Horticultural Society’s National ed section just for members that contains convenient ac- Children & Youth Garden Symposium takes place in a dif- cess to membership benefits and exclusive offerings. These ferent city, hosted by gardens and organizations that are ac- include access to the Seed Exchange catalog and order tive in the youth gardening movement. From July 23 to 25, the form, webinar registration, and discounts on AHS books as 17th annual symposium, “Common Ground: Gardens for a well as other gardening products. By using the password, Greener Tomorrow” will be hosted by Cleveland Botanical AHS members also get complete access to the online edi- Garden (CBG) in Ohio. tion of The American Gardener—this includes all the mag- “Without question, CBG has been a national leader in youth azine issues since January/February 2001. gardening for the past decade,” says AHS Education Programs To access the members-only area of the AHS website, Manager Stephanie Jutila. “The American Horticultural So- the username is always ahs. The password changes at the ciety is pleased to bring the 2009 symposium to Cleveland as a beginning of every year; effective February 2, 2009, the way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CBG’s Hershey Chil- password is seeds. Both the username and password must dren’s Garden and showcase a number of innovative programs be entered in all lowercase letters. In case you forget, the that are engaging Cleveland’s youth.” password is listed on page 4 of each issue of the magazine. The event will include lectures, workshops, and field trips that will explore how gardens bring communities together to provide effective learning experiences for children and youth. used to support the Society’s educational programs and the For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call stewardship of River Farm. (703) 768-5700 ext. 121. Born in Steger, Illinois, in 1913, Fruehling spent most of her life in Chicago, where she worked for Marshall Field’s de- partment store. After retiring, she moved to Sun City West, AHS Receives Fruehling Bequest Arizona, where she died on January 1, 2008. A former AHS THE AHS recently received a bequest of more than $180,000 member, Freuhling had an enduring passion for flowers and from the estate of Louise Carolyn Fruehling, which will be gardening, according to her friend Janice Hjelmgren, who go GREEN with the AHS This summer, join the American Horticultural Society for two special programs that will focus on earth-friendly ideas and techniques for making your garden look great while reducing its environmental footprint.

CCoommmmuunnii ttyy GGrreeeenn GGrreeeenn GGaarraaggee:: SSuussttaaii nnaabbll ee aanndd June 14, 2009 EEaarrtthh--ffrrii eennddll yy SSooll uuttii oonnss ffoorr tthhee LLaannddssccaappee River Farm, An AHS Garden School Alexandria, Virginia presented in partnership with the City of Alexandria ✱ Enjoy festive and June 27, 2009 fun green activities Lee Center, Alexandria, Virginia and interactive demonstrations for ✱ A day filled with lectures and all ages in the gardens. hands-on workshops plus an exhibit hall featuring companies and For more information, or organizations that offer green to participate as a speaker products, services, and tools. or vendor, visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 115. For more information, visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 137.

January / February 2009 9 10 AHS SpringGardenMarketatRiverFarminApril. A varietyofplantsandgardeningitemswillbeavailableduringthe munications andeditorof garden goodsandatalk by 16 from 4to 8p.m., whichwillinclude asilentauctionofunique ginia, a booksigningby Jeff,authorofRemarkable Trees Kirwin ofVir- and vegetables, aswell astraditionalstandbys. There willalsobe exciting cultivars new ofannuals,perennials, trees, vines, shrubs, 18. Plant vendors from around theMid-Atlantic region willoffer take placeattheAHS’s River Farm onApril headquarters 17and the Spring Garden Market toencompassallofthis,theevent will to includeavarietyvendors ofnew andspecialevents. Renamed subject line. [email protected] andbesure toput“newsletter” inthe to signupreceive thenewsletter, pleasesendanemailto happenings atitsRiver Farm If you headquarters. wouldlike about theSociety’s national programs andactivitiesaswell as sued monthly. TheAHSe-Bulletin e-newsletter,formed, thispastfalltheAHSlaunchedanew is- given thattheevent tookplaceonly twoweeks afterthedeath this pastOctober subdued, understandably, wassomewhat THE ANNUALCELEBRATION Focuses onFlowers Dr. H.MarcCatheyDayLecture THE AHS’S Spring PlantSaleatRiverFarm IN ORDERTOKEEP Sign UpforNewOnlineNewsletter Stephanie Perez were neighborsinChicago. received manypassalongplantsfrom Fruehling whenthetwo tion ontheplantsale. Visit AHS membersare invitedtoaspecialpreview nightonApril For more information onplannedgivingtotheAHS,contact the American Gardener presented by theFairfax CountyTree Commission. www.ahs.org annual springplantsalewillbeexpandedthisyear at (703)[email protected]. or call(703)768-5700formore informa- members, donors,andfriendsbetterin- The American Gardener David J.Ellis , AHSdirector of com- of Dr. H.Marc CatheyDay contains thelatestupdates magazine. www.ahs.org M • Farm, Alexandria,Virginia. • • Florida. val. Flower &GardenFesti- Epcot International • to 8p.m.) only previewsaleisThursday,April16from4p.m. River Farm,Alexandria,Virginia.(Note:AHSmembers- Spring GardenMarket. • • Williamsburg, Virginia. • and Banquet. • Virginia. • Alexandria, Virginia. Landscape. Sustainable andEarth-friendlySolutionsforthe • Virginia. Ceremony. APRIL 17&18. MARCH 18–MAY31 OCT. 23. OCT. 1–3. SEPT. 19. JUNE 27. JUNE 14. JUNE 4. MAY 17. MAY 1. Lake BuenaVista, sponsored orco-sponsored by theAHS.Visit ark your calendarforthesenationalevents thatare Colonial WilliamsburgGardenSymposium. Great AmericanGardenersAwardsCeremony Friends ofRiverFarmFamilyPicnic. Dr. H.MarcCatheyDay. Hershey, Pennsylvania. AHS GardenSchool:GreenGarage: Community Green. Lee Center,Alexandria,Virginia. or call(703)768-5700formore information. America InBloomSymposium andAwards AHS AnnualGala. 2009 CALENDAR AHS NATIONALEVENTSANDPROGRAMS River Farm,Alexandria,Virginia. Virginia. Experts” Symposium. Annual “IntheGardenWith • Cleveland, Ohio. Youth GardenSymposium. • AUG. 21–23. JULY 23–25 . River Farm,Alexandria, River Farm,Alexandria, . National Children& The Homestead’s11th River Farm, Hot Springs, River

LEFT: LINDA MCINTYRE / AHS ARCHIVES. TOP: COURTESY OF EPCOT COURTESY OF RENEE SHEPHERD of horticulture. Cathey Day features lectures thatemphasize thescienceandart AHS andalongcareer research, ofhorticultural Dr. H.Marc Botanic Garden. van Sweden ence members,includingrenowned landscapearchitect James audi- of himandhisexuberantpassionforplants,asdidafew Dr. Cathey’s lifeandwork, Warner alsoshared somememories Symposium inMay Colonial Williamsburg Garden AHS President Emeritus Moss Katy Warner. Asatributeto ScienceandMagic presentation ofFlowers,”orful on“The by tober 23incelebrationofDr. Cathey’s birthday, featured acol- of theformerAHSPresident. Theevent, heldeachyear onOc- Renee Shepherd Established in2005uponDr. Cathey’s retirement from the and Holly Shimizu , executive director oftheU.S. Renee Shepherd architect andauthorJames van Sweden ; include presentations by notedlandscape ing sponsored by theAHSand Natural RhythmofGardening,” co- Williamsburg Garden Symposium, “The grams, the63rd annualColonial country’s gardening longestrunning pro- MAY DAY magazine. ThisMay 1event will is afittingdateforoneofthe of Renee’s Garden seed Fine Garden- 4-H Children’s Garden atMichigan State University. L. Taylor, thefounderandformercuratorofMichigan ry.org/conted books donatedtotheAHSfrom thepersonalcollectionof Hydesionaries suchasLiberty Bailey andmore than1,000 vi- include autographedcopiesofbooksby notedhorticultural ofAmericanhorticulture, andrelated subjects.Thesewill tory subject areas thatincludechildren’s gardening, botany, thehis- Society’s River Farm headquarters. reference tobeestablishedatthe planned horticultural library The grantwillbeusedfortheinitialdevelopment stagesofa Colonial Williamsburg at(800)603-0948.Visit www.histo- tration discountisavailable forAHSmembersby contacting tional parks willbeoffered onApril 30andMay 2.Aregis- gardens. Optional toursofpublicandprivate gardens andna- ural cycles ofplantstocreate beautifulandecologicallysound and theDuchess ofCornwall. David Howard, formerheadgardener forthePrince ofWales andauthor company; horticulturist cipient ofagrantfrom the THE AHS Grant toFundFutureAHSLibrary Established in1970by The library facilitywillhouse specialcollectionsofbooksin The library This year’s program willaddress waystoemploy thenat- received notificationinNovember thatitisthere- for more information. May Smith, theStanley Smith Hor- Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust January / February Felder Rushing; and 2009 Jane 11 . ticultural Trust “supports education and research in orna- Communities are rated by population size and eight special cat- mental horticulture.” egories, such as the AHS-sponsored Community Involvement Award. Since 2001, nearly 25 million people in 160 communi- ties nationwide have participated in the program. Winners will Garden Photography Contest be revealed at the AIB symposium and awards program sched- IF YOU LIKE TO wander through gardens with your camera at uled for October 1-3, 2009 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. To learn the ready, then you may want to enter The Gardeners of Amer- more, call (614) 487-1117 or visit www.americainbloom.org. ica/Men’s Garden Clubs of America (TGOA/MGCA) annual horticultural photography competition. Through special 2009 Epcot International Flower & arrangement, the contest is open to AHS members and the $15 entry fee includes a one-year membership in the TGOA/MGCA. Garden Festival Categories range from roses to landscapes, and winning pho- THE 16TH ANNUAL Epcot International Flower & Garden tographs may be selected for inclusion in a calendar the organi- Festival in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, will showcase environ- zation sells annually as a fundraiser. The deadline for submissions mentally friendly gardening techniques. Held from March 18 is February 13, 2009. Call (515) 278-0295 or visit www.tgoa- to May 31, 2009, it will feature a “Green Garden” to demon- mgca.org for additional information and contest rules. strate how anyone can create an environmentally friendly gar- den by using less water, planting native plants, and even recycling. A “Special Environmentality Celebration” from April America In Bloom Contest 24 to 26 will showcase practical methods for reducing waste and THE DEADLINE TO enter your community in the 2009 other sustainable gardening techniques. Call (407) 934-7639 or America in Bloom (AIB) competition is February 28. AIB is a visit www.disneyworld.com/flower for more information. national contest that encourages stronger, more beautiful com- munities by fostering civic pride and economic development. News written by Editorial Assistant Caroline Bentley. GiftsGifts ofof Note Note

In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to support its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts received between October 1, 2008 and November 30, 2008.

Mrs. Katherine M. Belk Ms. Geraldine L. Corwin In memory of Max DeSilva Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel Mr. and Mrs. C. Stephen Downs Dr. and Mrs. James W. Smith Ms. Marguerite P. Foster Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fanning Estate of Louise C. Fruehling Ms. Elizabeth M. Harrell In memory of Robert L. Fitzke Mrs. Barbara Grant Ms. Jean E. Jackson Delta Dental Operations Mr. Philip Huey Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Jenkins Ms. Linda Arneson Mrs. Carolyn M. Lindsay Mr. and Mrs. David O. Kerr Delta Dental Ms. Renee Shepherd Ms. Annette E. Kreider Mr. Allan Falk and Ms. Jacqueline Kurt Bluemel, Inc. A. Derouin In honor of Arabella Dane Mr. and Mrs. Weldon B. MacDonald Green Fingers Garden Club Mr. and Mrs. Temple C. Moore, Jr. In memory of Emma T. Matheson Litchfield Garden Club Dr. Glenn R. Nantz Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Matheson Ms. Virginia V. Pace In honor of Stephanie Jutila Proven Winners In memory of Frances Jones Poetker Alexandria Council of Garden Clubs Mr. and Mrs. Theodore H. Rautenberg Mr. James L. Johnson Mr. James M. Sanborn In memory of Dr. Henry Marc Cathey Mrs. Jane N. Scarff In memory of Katherine Wimert Mrs. Ruth C. Barton Ms. Mary H. Taylor Ms. Karen Brown Ms. Virginia Beatty Ms. Katherine M. Tinius Ms. Mary Neal Cashion Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood Cornell University Long Island Ms. Katy Moss Warner Horticultural Research & Extension Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Wells

If you would like to support the American Horticultural Society as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a loved one, or as part of your annual commitment to charitable giving, please contact: Stephanie Perez, (703) 768-5700 ext. 127 or [email protected].

12 the American Gardener The American Horticultural Society’s 17th Annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium

July 23–25, 2009 • Cleveland, Ohio Hosted by Cleveland Botanical Garden

For more information, visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 121. Plants and Trends for 2009 BY DOREEN G. HOWARD

’VE BEEN a garden writer and editor cult to recognize some of them as the for a long time, so I tend to view the drought-tolerant prairie natives gardeners I annual promotional crescendo for have come to rely on in hot, dry spots. new plants with a somewhat jaded eye. Newer cultivars are still tough but have Every spring, hundreds of new plants are bells and whistles like pom-pon flower- brought to market with great fanfare in heads on ‘Pink Poodle’, or color-drenched hopes of enticing consumers. A few quick- red ‘Tomato Soup’, and heavily perfumed ly become the “hot” plant because of their yellow ‘Mac ‘n’ Cheese’—all from Ore- look or staying power. But many fade into gon’s Terra Nova Nurseries—or spicy- oblivion, just like the pop divas who dye scented double orange ‘Hot Papaya’ from their hair pink and sing off-key. Plants Nouveau. This year, however, I believe more than These flamboyant selections may not the usual number of plants are worth gar- be to everyone’s taste, but Chris Hansen of

Saturated color, showy flower Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’ forms, and cold-hardy tropicals will be among the plant trends gardeners will see this year. deners’ attention because of the new direc- tions in which breeders are going. Plants are crossing genetic boundaries, resulting in colors, growth habits, and cold hardiness unimaginable even a year ago. It’s part of a horticultural revolution in which rules have changed. Drought-toler- EchinaceaEchinacea ‘Tomato‘Tomato Soup’Soup’ ant natives like coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) are no longer plain Janes, but blowsy Great Garden Plants, which sells ‘Hot Pa- hussies that stop traffic. Indiscriminate paya’, raves about its fiery orange color. seeders, which responsible gardeners don’t “When I first saw the flower, my jaw hit allow in their yards, have cleaned up their Echinacea ‘Mac ‘n’ Cheese’ the floor,” he says. ‘Hot Papaya’ was bred acts. Tropical houseplants are moving out- by Arie Blom, a Dutch breeder whose goal doors to stay and developing texture and so. Here are some of the plants that have was not only vibrant orange double color for landscape effect. made an impression on me; more intro- blooms, but strong stems for cut flowers Plant companies send me introductions ductions are briefly described on page 17. that last up to 10 days. Blom’s working on at least a year in advance of release so I can 20 other selections that Plants Nouveau test them in my garden in Illinois (USDA CONEFLOWER COMBUSTION will be releasing in the next four years, in- Hardiness Zone 4/5, AHS Heat Zone 5). The purple coneflower (Echinacea pur- cluding bi-color ruffled doubles and sever- In my travels around the country, I also purea, USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9, AHS al with frills. Also available from Great talk regularly with breeders and plant Heat Zones 9–1) and the other species in Garden Plants is Echinacea Green Envy, a hunters about developing trends and what the genus have exploded with new forms, color breakthrough developed by Pride of is in the pipeline for the next five years or fragrance, and saturated colors. It’s diffi- Place Plants in Canada. A green flower is a

14 the American Gardener novel occurrence, according to its breeder, on one is deep burgundy and Tom Veeder. Round jade green petals and the other features white deep green cones gradually mature to elon- downy hairs. In colder cli- gated petals with magenta veining near the mates, either schefflera makes cone, which also turns a purplish tone. a striking container plant that Terra Nova, known for its cutting-edge can be brought indoors for breeding and tissue culture program, is the winter. using a process called “embryo rescue” to Tony Avent of Plant De- create its unique coneflowers. The tech- lights Nursery in Raleigh, nique, briefly, involves cross-pollinating North Carolina, introduces two dissimilar species by hand. Usually in two plants this season that such cases plants abort any seed pod that also push the boundaries. An forms within two to three weeks (this eye-catcher in any garden is mechanism apparently developed to ‘Godzilla’, a six-foot-wide maintain genetic purity of the species). In Japanese painted fern (Athyri- embryo rescue, unripe seeds are harvested um niponicum var. pictum, about ten days after pollination and grown Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Godzilla’‘Godzilla’ Zones 5–8, 8–1). The silver, on in a tissue culture lab. Among the re- gray, and purple fronds grow sulting plants, new colors and forms tend over three feet tall and demand attention. to appear. Terra Nova performs some It’s perfect for a shady patio as a low-main- 7,000 embryo rescues every year, from tenance focal plant. Avent also unveils an- which about five plants are selected for de- other striking taro (Colocasia esculenta) velopment, according to Dan Heims, this season, part of a series of unusual cul- president. “We may have to rethink the tivars introduced in collaboration with whole Echinacea genus,” he says. John Cho at the University of Hawaii. ‘Mojito’ (Zones 9–11, 12–3) is a six-foot ENCOURAGING ZONE DENIAL beauty that sports giant black-speckled “Everybody wants a piece of paradise, green leaves and stems streaked with white even if big tropical plants end up in the and purple. Where it’s not hardy, the tu- compost after three or four months of en- bers can be dug up after the first freeze and joyment,” says Linda Guy, director of new stored for the next season. products at Novalis, a marketing consor- tium that represents several plant growers. STOP THE SEEDY That’s why Novalis and others are busy de- Certain desirable plants can turn into a veloping tropicals with more cold-hardi- gardener’s worst nightmare when they ness and combing the world for species produce copious amounts of seeds that that grow naturally in harsher climates. Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’‘Mojito’ quickly sprout everywhere. One of these In 2001, Guy gathered seeds from an plants is the butterfly bush (Buddleia exotic cold-hardy terrestrial orchid (Bletil- spp.), which is beloved because it draws la ochracea) she found on a mountainside butterflies and other desirable pollina- in the Sichuan province of China. Named tors. Now, thanks to a breeding break- Chinese Butterfly (Zones 6–9, 9–5), it’s through, Proven Winners has developed one of Novalis’s 2009 introductions. Its a butterfly bush that is not only sterile, soft yellow flower color, willowy form, and but also petite, perfect for borders, pots, pleated leaves add sophistication to any and rock gardens. ‘Blue Chip’ (Buddleia woodland setting. Lo & Behold, Zones 6–9, 9–1) matures Well-known plant hunter Dan Hink- into a two- to three-foot mound that ley also is scouring the mountains of flowers continuously, putting its energy China, Vietnam, and Thailand for exotics into blooming rather than setting seed. It that take the cold. Next year, he will re- doesn’t require deadheading, either. lease through Monrovia two Schefflera Another sordid character Monrovia has species that are hardy to USDA Zone 7. tamed is Japanese barberry (Berberis thun- For most people, the genus Schefflera bergii). According to Nicholas Staddon, probably evokes images of houseplants, Monrovia’s director of new plant intro- but these species grow into large shrubs or ductions, orange-leafed Golden Ruby Bletilla ochracea ChineseChinese ButterflyButterfly small trees (eight to 15 feet), making them (‘Goruzam’) barberry (Zones 4–8, 8–4) stunning landscape plants. New growth produces 70 percent less seed than the

January / February 2009 15 but frankly many of them are boring. That’s why ‘Cinco de Mayo’, White Out, and Amber Flower Carpet excited me with their appearance and performance. As a bonus, all were unattractive to Japan- ese beetles in my Midwest garden. ‘Cinco de Mayo’ (Zones 5–9, 9–5) is a 2009 All-America Rose Selection for good reason. The smoky lavender and rusty or- ange color of the flowers is stunning, and blooms smell like fresh-cut apples. I have Diervilla sessifolia ‘Cool‘Cool Splash’Splash’ this floribunda next to my front door in a bed of nine roses, and every visitor asks about ‘Cinco de Mayo’. Bred by Tom Car- Agapanthus orientalis Baby Pete ruth of Weeks Roses, the well-behaved rose is very disease resistant and requires no species. It’s a compact, well-behaved shrub pruning to maintain an attractive round that needs little maintenance, yet provides shape throughout the season. brilliant color. Monrovia is working on Bill Radler built his reputation breed- botanically sterile versions of other overly ing the Knock Out® series of roses, but his rambunctious favorites such as euonymus, newest offering White Out (‘Radwhite’, maiden grass (Miscanthus spp.), and aga- Zones 5–9, 9–5) goes well beyond the dis- panthus. Baby Pete (Agapanthus oriental- ease-resistant non-stop flowering that is, Zones 7–11, 12–5) is the first of the marked that series. Single pure white flow- sterile agapanthus Monrovia offers this ers blanket a compact shrub continuously. year. Petite 15-inch plants generate nine- The contrast between thick, dark green fo- inch stems that hold enormous flower liage and white blooms is dramatic. Like heads. All the plant’s energy goes into all of Radler’s creations, White Out needs non-stop flowering instead of seed pro- Hibiscus syriacus Sugar Tip no deadheading, and, in fact, blooms bet- duction, so seed pods aren’t formed. ter if spent flowers are not removed. Variegated foliage also punches up an Flower Carpet roses, from Anthony FLOWERING SHRUBS AND ROSES old favorite, rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syr- Tesselaar Plants have been around for more Forget spring-only bloomers, predictable iacus). Sugar Tip ( ‘America Irene Scott’, than a decade and are reliable landscape foliage color, and boring roses. Breeders Zones 5–9, 9–4) from Proven Winners additions. However, Flower Carpet have answered gardeners’ prayers with sports cream-splashed foliage and fully Amber (Zones 5–10, 10–5) finally offers plants such as Bloomerang lilac (Syringa double pearl-pink flowers. Growing to 12 color complexity, worthy of inclusion in ‘Penda’) from Proven Winners, which feet, the shrub blooms non-stop from the formal settings, along with the series’ rep- flowers repeatedly until frost. Mine was first heat of summer to frost. utation for dependable performance. Clus- still in full bloom on October 27 when it Rose breeders have given us disease-re- ters of multi-colored blooms (up to 45 per snowed. The dark pink panicles are lush sistant, no-fuss cultivars in recent years, bunch) in a complex mix of burnt orange, and fragrant, plus the tidy plant only grows to about four feet. Honeysuckle is traditionally thought of Rosa ‘Cinco de Mayo’ as a southern or West Coast charmer. However, a new cultivar of southern bush honeysuckle (Diervilla sessilifolia), devel- oped by the Landscape Plant Develop- ment Center in St. Paul, Minnesota and distributed by Novalis, gives northern gar- deners the same flowers, plus striking var- iegated foliage. Named Cool Splash (‘LPDC Podaras’, Zones 4–8, 8–4), it fea- tures yellow trumpets held in panicles over emerald leaves edged with swaths of cream. Bushy in habit, it grows to about three feet tall and colonizes by underground suckers for mass plantings.

16 the American Gardener MORE NEW PLANTS TO LOOK FOR IN 2009

■ ANNUALS / BIENNIALS / TENDER PERENNIALS ■ SHRUBS Dahlia variabilis ‘Black Beauty’ (USDA Zones 9–11, AHS Chamaecyparis pisifera Soft Serve (‘Dow Whiting’, Zones 4–8, Zones 12–1). Thompson & Morgan (www.tmseeds.com). 8–1). Proven Winners (www.provenwinners.com). Grows six to Deep burgundy-colored ray petals around yellow cones 10 feet with a compact, graceful conical shape and fernlike bloom in late summer on 18- to 24-inch plants. branching. Lobularia maritima ‘Summer Peaches’ (Zones 10–11, 12–1). Clethra alnifolia Vanilla Spice (‘Caleb’, Zones 3–9, 9–3), Renee’s Garden (www.reneesgarden.com). Fragrant masses Proven Winners. Its fragrant white flowers are nearly of flowers in peachy tones bloom on four- to six-inch plants. double the size of typical summersweet flowers. Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’ Spiraea Sundrop (‘Bailcarol’, Zones 4–8, 8–3). Bailey (Zones 3–8, 10–1). Nurseries (www.baileynurseries.com). This dwarf spirea Thompson & Morgan. grows 12 to 15 inches tall and two to three feet wide with Cherry-red ray petals lemon-colored foliage and pink flowers. around dark cones appear on two-foot plants that are ■ TREES / VINES great for containers or Celastrus scandens Autumn sunny borders. Revolution (‘Bailumn’, Setcreasea pallida ‘Blue Sue’ Zones 3–8, 8–1). Bailey (Zones 7–11, 12–1) Nurseries. Cultivar of Athens Select native American bitter- (www.athensselect.com) sweet climbs to 25 feet and Southern Living Plant and produces extra-large Celastrus scandens Rudbeckia hirta Autumn Revolution Collection. Foliage is blue- ‘Cherry Brandy’ red-orange berries. tinged with purple mar- Fraxinus cuspidata gins, topped by pink flowers (Zones 5–9, 9–5).High Country Gardens. This western on this six- to eight-inch- tall, heat-loving tender perennial. flowering ash is a small Southwest native tree that grows to 12 feet with fragrant white flowers in spring. ■ PERENNIALS / GRASSES Lonicera ✕brownii Honeybelle (‘Bailelle’, Zones 3–8, 8–3). Eriogonum allenii ‘Little Rascal’ Bailey Nurseries. A tough, long-blooming honeysuckle that (Zones 5–10, 9–5). Jelitto grows to 20 feet with yellow-orange blooms. (www.jelitto.com). Drought- Prunus serrulata Angel’s Blush (‘Taizo’, Zones 5–8, 8–5). resistant shale barren Monrovia. A dwarf flowering cherry that grows to six feet buckwheat, native to North- tall. Pink buds open to double white flowers. east U.S., grows to just over a foot tall with golden- ■ VEGETABLES / HERBS ‘Oaxacan Green’ corn yellow summer flowers. Corn ‘Oaxacan Green’. Johnny’s Luzula sylvatica ‘Solar Flair’ Selected Seeds(www.johnny (Zones 5–8, 8–4). Jelitto. seeds.com). This ornamental Clumping evergreen grass Eriogonum allenii corn with emerald green grows to 12 inches tall, ‘Little Rascal’ kernels is great for ornamen- with golden twisting leaves tal use or ground as corn meal. that have fringed, hairy edges. Mustard Greens ‘Ruby Streaks’. Muhlenbergia reverchonii Botanical Interests (www.botanicalinterests.com). The (Zones 5–9, 9–4). High Country Gardens (www.high beautiful red leaves are great for eating fresh in salads, countrygardens.com). A clumping plains muhly grass, it steamed, or stir-fried. grows two to three feet tall and produces a showy mass of Parsley ‘Italian Giant’. Thompson & Morgan. A flat-leaved reddish flower heads in fall. parsley suitable for containers. Penstemon ‘Sweet Joanne’ (Zones 5–9, 9–5). Blooms of Tomato ‘Basket Boy Yellow’. Grimes Horticulture Bressingham (www.bloomsofbressingham.com). This (www.grimes-hort.com). Sweet two-inch, three-ounce, drought-tolerant penstemon has tubular, lavender-pink yellow tomatoes on compact plants that are perfect for flowers that bloom from late May through June. Grows two containers and hanging baskets. Disease resistant. feet tall and wide. Compiled by Editorial Assistant Caroline Bentley.

January / February 2009 17 EXPERTS FORECAST GARDENING TRENDS Plants bred for specific regions, succulents, minimalism, and large, dramatic plants are some trends horticulturists and plant hunters say will dominate the gardening world in the next five years. Dan Hinkley feels that plant development is going more regional. “This country is too big and diverse for that not to happen,” he says. Novalis has already capitalized on climate clamor with perennials that take the heat and hu- midity of the Deep South such as a Camellia sasanqua which will be released in 2010. One trend where the United States has taken the lead is succulents, the “got- ta have” plants now dazzling Europe. “It’s a craze that isn’t going away,” Linda Guy Rosa Flower Carpet Amber from Novalis says. Dan Heims of Terra Nova Nurseries agrees and is releasing a “ground-breaking” (pun intended) groundcover succulent in 2010. With time precious and space limited in many townhouse and apartment yards, apricot, peach, and amber shades blanket the minimalist garden is emerging. Nicholas Staddon of Monrovia identified the the spreading bush all season long. Sweet trend several years ago and has incorporated it into Monrovia’s plant development. notes of fragrance are a bonus and good An architectural plant accented with hardscape becomes an instant garden. One reason to plant Flower Carpet Amber near of Staddon’s favorite combinations is lofty Cordyline ‘Burgundy’ in a large blue- outdoor seating or an open window. glazed ceramic pot set on a layer of black or gray pebbles. “It has a Zen feel to it that draws the eye and relaxes you,” he says. “The smoothness of the rocks takes FABULOUS FLOWERS away the sharp edges of the plant.” Rick Schoellhorn, Proven Winners’s new prod- ‘Tiger Eye’ gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta, ucts director, sees simplicity as a trend, too, along with larger plants. “Plants with Zones 3–9, 10–1), from Goldsmith Seeds, stature, even bananas in the North used as an annual, are popular.” The empha- performed better than any other annual in sis is moving to the landscape, Schoellhorn feels, where large plants dominate. my garden. The 18-inch plants branched Hinkley agrees. “I’m hoping we get away from super dwarf and compact and bring without pinching and were covered with grace and stature back into landscape shrubs.” As Tony Avent of Plant Delights large golden daisies from planting until the Nursery in Raleigh, North Carolina, explains, containers are falling from favor as first hard freeze. No deadheading was landscape plants come back into vogue. “It’s a 30-year cycle we see again and needed, disease wasn’t a problem, and the again,” he says. “Besides, containers aren’t sustainable.” plants tolerated drought. The only main- Other trends in plant breeding include thicker leaves that are more pest resis- tenance I did was to add compost to the tant, according to Heims, and three season interest. Guy explains, “Our focus is on soil before planting. ‘Tiger Eye’ rewarded how we can add another season of interest with features like colored foliage or my minimal efforts with brilliant color, cut berries to shrubs.” Plants that use less water and fertilizer are a priority for Proven flowers, and landscape magnetism. Winners, says Schoellhorn. “A well maintained garden does not mean excessive wa- Another profuse bloomer is Big bego- ter and fertilizer. It means sound maintenance practices.” —D.H. nia (Begonia spp., Zones 10–11, 12–1) from Benary. The cherry-red blossoms are over three inches in diameter, covering plants so completely that it’s hard to see the waxy deep green leaves. They perform perfectly in any exposure, from full shade to bright sun. Another spectacular Benary intro- ductionis ‘Joey’, a cultivar of the wonder- fully named pink mully mully (Ptilotus exaltatus, Zones 9–10, 10–3). The im- proved Australian native produces large fuzzy, lavender flower spikes in hot, dry conditions and thrives anywhere. The last fabulous flower I tested in my garden is the first to flower, ‘Onyx Odyssey’ Lenten rose (Helleborus Winter Jewels series, Zones 5–9, 9–5). Its three- inch-diameter double flowers are inky pur- ple, almost black, with ivory stamens. The new foliage opens purple then fades to green. ‘Onyx Odyssey’ was hand-hy- Rudbeckia hirta ‘Tiger‘Tiger Eye’Eye’ Ptilotus exaltus ‘Joey’‘Joey’ bridized by Marietta O’Byrne, a renowned

18 the American Gardener Retail Sources Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, Richmond, CA. (888) 266-4370. www.anniesannuals.com.

Big Dipper Farm, Black Diamond, WA. (360) 886-8133. www.bigdipperfarm.com.

Bluestem Prairie Nursery, Hillsboro, IL. (217) 532-6344. www.prairie.net.org/gpf/nurseries.php.

Helleborus ‘Onyx Odyssey’ Botany Shop Garden Center, Joplin, MO. (417) 781-6431. www.knockoutroses.com. hellebore breeder based in Eugene, Oregon (available through Great Garden Plants). Great Garden Plants, Holland, MI. (877) 447-4769. www.greatgardenplants.com. The black blooms look spectacular paired with green-flowering hellebores. Green Thumbs Galore, Chattanooga, TN. (423) 596-4588. www.greenthumbsgalore.com. LAGGARDS Several outstanding plants were released Klehm’s Song Sparrow Farm and Nursery, Avalon, WI. (800) 353-9516. before 2009, but weren’t available widely www.songsparrow.com. until now. Terra Nova is out with a vivid geum called ‘Eos’ (Geum coccineum, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Winslow, ME. (207) 861-3900. Zones 5–8, 8–5) that features bright orange www.johnnyseeds.com. flowers nestled in a thick mat of solid gold foliage. Plants will rebloom if deadheaded. Northwest Garden Nursery, Eugene, OR. (541) 935-3915. Lastly, Skagit Gardens in Mount Ver- www.northwestgardennursery.com. (Reopens in March 2009.) non, Washington, issued a limited release of the Commotion series blanket flower Plant Delights, Raleigh, NC. (919) 772-4794. www.plantdelights.com.

RareFind Nursery, Jackson, NJ. (732) 833-0613. www.rarefindnursery.com.

Thompson & Morgan, Jackson, NJ. (800) 274-7333. www.tmseeds.com.

Touch of Nature, Lawrenceville, GA. (800) 438-9309. www.touchofnature.com.

Willow Creek Gardens, Oceanside, CA. (760) 721-7079. www.willowcreekgardens.com. Wholesale Nurseries Geum coccineum ‘Eos’ The following companies supply plants to retail outlets only. Visit their websites to locate retail nursery sources in your area. (Gaillardia spp.) in 2008, so watch out for Anthony Tesselaar Plants, www.tesselaar.com. these beauties. Hardy to –20º Fahrenheit, Benary, www.benary.com. flowers of ‘Frenzy’, a yellow-tipped red, Goldsmith Seeds, www.goldsmithseeds.com. and ‘Tizzy’, deep russet red, are fluted with Knock Out Rose, www.theknockoutrose.com. a semi-double appearance. They need lit- Monrovia, www.monrovia.com. tle care and bloom non-stop until temper- Novalis, www.novalis.com. atures consistently dip into the 30s during Plants Nouveau, www.plantsnouveau.com. the day. The ones in my garden provided Pride of Place Plants, www.prideofplaceplants.com. cut flowers for Halloween displays. Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com. Terra Nova Nurseries, www.terranovanurseries.com. A former editor for Woman’s Day, Doreen Skagit Gardens, www.skagitgardens.com. Howard is a freelance editor and writer who Weeks Roses, www.weeksroses.com. lives in Roscoe, Illinois.

January / February 2009 19 What’s in a Name?

Plant nomenclature is an important tool used by gardeners and horticulturists, but sweeping changes to major ornamental plant groups have some in the plant industry concerned.

BY JOHN FRIEL

HEN DISCUSSING garden plants, nothing cuts through W the clutter like proper usage of the appropriate Latin name. Yet at the same time nothing—not beetles, blights, THEN borers, or the U.S. tax code—inspires NOW SSophoraophora japonica more anger, dread, and confusion Styphnolobium japonicum among gardeners and even professional horticulturists than Latin names. Many of us take pride and pleasure in learning, using, and occasionally under- standing scientific nomenclature, while others literally cover their ears when some- one says “Tradescantia” or “Ceratostigma.” Even Rosa is a four-letter word. This is not news; it’s just the status quo. So why is it that now, more than ever, trying to keep track of plant names often leaves you feeling that everything you know, or think you know, is wrong? There are reasons. You’re not paranoid, and you’re not alone. DON’T BLAME LINNAEUS Botanical nomenclature is undergoing perhaps the most radical and sweeping changes since the 18th-century heyday of Carolus Linnaeus (1707–1778), the THEN Swedish doctor credited with inventing NOW Asarum shuttleworthii nomenclature as we know it. Linnaeus Hexastylis shuttleworthii popularized a system of binomials— two-part names comprised of a genus

20 the American Gardener name and species name, like Semper- vivum arachnoideum, hen and chicks, or Dianthus caryophyllus, the common car- ORGANIZATION OF THE PLANT KINGDOM nation—to succinctly categorize plants As a refresher to those of us whose high school biology class is a distant memory, and animals. here’s the organizational breakdown for the plant kingdom, using purple cone- Linnaeus represents a dividing line in flower (Echinacea purpurea) as an example. For the most part, gardeners have no the sands of time: The oldest botanical reason to concern themselves with anything above the family level. If you’d like to names accepted today are those he coined, brush up on other basic concepts in plant nomenclature,the online version of this like the two examples above, and pub- issue on the AHS website (www.ahs.org) contains a link to an article published in lished in his landmark Systema Naturae. an earlier edition of The American Gardener. His work is like Greenwich, where the day begins; it compares to that theoretical in- Kingdom: Plantae (plants) stant when B.C.E. clicked over to C.E. Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (vascular plants) Linnaeus’s efforts were not limited to Superdivision: Spermatophyta (seed plants) plants. He was among the first to group Division: Magnoliophyta (flowering plants) whales with mammals rather than fish- Class: Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons) es, and, more daringly, humans with Subclass: Asteridae apes. These relationships are obvious to Order: Asterales scientists today, but not so in the 18th Family: Asteraceae (aster family) Genus: Echinacea (coneflowers) Species E. purpurea (purple coneflower)

—The Editors

hann Siegesbeck, decried Systema Natu- on observable morphological character- rae as “loathsome harlotry!” istics—characteristics that can be identi- History does not record whether Lin- fied with the naked eye, hand lens, or naeus parried the Bishop’s thrusts. He simple microscope. But with the advent did, however, exact a gleeful vengeance of more powerful tools, scientists have on poor Johann by naming a European shifted their focus from what anyone weed Siegesbeckia, the name it still bears. could see to what no one can see; from Linnaeus did not create his system ex grouping plants by structural similarities nihilo. Known species of plants and ani- to organizing them by DNA evidence mals already had Latin names—some along theoretical evolutionary pathways, more than one. But no single approach family trees if you will, often unproveable dominated, and it was common for plant even by fossil records. names to follow a chaotic “polynomial” This brave new world is known vari- Eighteenth-century scientist Carolus Linnaeus scheme. The aforementioned carnation, ously as cladistic, node-based, or phyloge- devised a binomial system that revolutionized pre-Linnaeus, was known as Dianthus netic nomenclature. “Cladistic” (rhymes nomenclature for plants and animals. floribus solitariis, squamis calycinus subova- with ‘sadistic’, coincidentally) means based tus brevissimis, corollis crenatus. on “clades,” or plant groups, not unlike century. Nor was it obvious, or even ac- That’s a blend of Greek and Latin de- species. “Node-based” uses the analogy of ceptable to many, that plants have a sex scribing a “divine flower” with separate nodes or branching-off points along the life. But that scandalous fact, a given (not clustered) blossoms, scaly calyx, and limbs of those family trees. “Phylogenet- today, was precisely the basis for Lin- scalloped petal edges. Names were actual- ics” is defined as the study of evolutionary naeus’s classifications: He grouped ly descriptive phrases limning a plant’s relatedness, with the goal of making classi- plants according to the number and characteristics. It may come as a surprise to fication reflect descent. Cladistic plant arrangement of their stamens, the those who struggle with binomials, but, in groups are sometimes depicted as clusters pollen-bearing male flower parts. fact, Linnaeus made life easier. His great emanating from a theoretical central start- The good doctor seems to have had a gift to mankind was not Latin names per ing point, a group of unknown organisms sense of humor. He called stamens “hus- se, but a simplified template for creating called the “ancestral complex.” It’s sort of a bands,” pistils “wives,” and the flower new names and organizing existing ones. Big Bang theory of life forms evolving “the marriage bed.” Not all were amused. from a common source. “Nothing,” fulminated the Bishop of MODERN TAXONOMY Ellen Wells is an editor with Green Carlisle “could equal the gross prurience Before and long after Linnaeus, scientif- Profit, a horticultural trade magazine

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: SUSAN A. ROTH (2); BOTTOM: JERRY PAVIA (2). THIS PAGE, LEFT: BY PERMISSION OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY LONDON; RIGHT: MARY YEE of Linnaeus’s mind.” A rival botanist, Jo- ic names and groupings have been based aimed at garden centers and nurseries.

January / February 2009 21 22 belong in(more onthislastitemlater). ing theoriesonwhichofthree familiesthey such asHosta they’re even squabblingover mainstays tra spectabilis otrichum genus have takenmostofthemembers ple, inrecent years, taxonomists Forsional horticulturists. exam- discourage even seasonedprofes- micrograph thingamabobs...” ment andtheelectro scanning out theirDNAtestingequip- are waytoomany.’ So theyget of thesesillyCompositae?There don’t‘Why you teaseoutsome Wells says.“A professor says, students lookingforprojects,” changes. when dealingwithplantname professionals andgardeners feel keenly aware ofthefrustration tact withretailers makesher for plantnames.Constantcon- solid graspofthescientificbasis ecologygive hera horticultural Degrees inplantbiologyand Disaster.” Amuch earlierchangeinthe later. It waspromptly dubbedthe“Aster try’s consciousness untilabout10years 1994, butdidn’t filterdown totheindus- former astersbeganwithDNA studiesin journey totheoutsideworld. namebeginsaslowpublished andthenew found worthy, thechangeisacceptedand tee forSpermatophyta. If theargumentis ing plants,suchtasksfalltotheCommit- Horticultural Science (ISHS).For flower- brella oftheInternational Society for cialist groups operatingundertheum- Flora. Such proposals are reviewed by spe- genus, inascientificpaperorviaregional the nameofaknown plantspeciesor ticultural scientistcanpropose changing commandments? Moses descendingfrom onhighwiththe tower names,like typeswhodealoutnew Who, indeed,are themysteriousivory are THEY?”ated, “Who Good question. Invariably someonesnapsback,exasper- OCCUR CHANGES HOW NAME The results and canbewilder problem lieswithgrad “The The eruption of new namesformany of new The eruption Here’s roughly how it works: Anyhor- the American Gardener Aster andrelabeledAster themSymphy- or Eurybia; and renamed itLamrocapnos; and Hemerocallis, they’ve takenDicen- with duel- Kniphofia, adopt thenamechangefrom For red-hotpoker,gardenerswereslowto Symphyotrichum novi-belgii. Symphyotrichum The NewEngland asterisnowcalled one oftwogroups: lumpersorsplitters. generalize thatalltaxonomists fallinto tokeepnomenclature straightisto try American CivilWar. ly settledonthelatternamebefore the in the1980seven thoughbotanistsactual- Tritoma name ofred hotpokerortorch lily, from A common shorthand forthosewho A commonshorthand to made beforetheCivilWar. Kniphofia, was stillahottopic Tritoma to have aproblem. group can’t stayabreast, one tokeepupwith.When THAT name changesare toofrequent forany- ing ofteeth.Theconsensus wasthat summed upasmore wailingandgnash- themselves ongettingnamesright. self-proclaimed plantnerds whopride Nomenclature Committee,agroup of ed inameetingoftheassociation’s ation (PPA), inPhiladelphia, Iparticipat- symposium ofthePerennial Plant Associ- is thesituation?It’s likethis:At the 2008 fused, thesystemstopsworking. How bad that even professionals are dazed andcon- When changescomesofastandfurious mongers canfindcommonground. entists, gardeners, andprofessional plant- touchstone, apointofreference where sci- Latin nomenclature issupposedtobeour pense ofexisting,acceptedtaxonomy. friendly brandsandtrademarks attheex- companies promote made-up, marketing- itself, as originates withtheplantindustry great dealofconfusioninplantnames scientistswhena lems onhorticultural accurate toblameallnomenclature prob- to seeifitbreaks. Anditisneitherfairnor isastringtotugon theory change; every nature ofscience:Everything issubjectto even infuriatetherest ofus,butthat’s the tion thestatusquo. Thatmayannoy or point. It isascientist’s obligationtoques- The toneofthatmeetingcould be That doesn’t letscienceoffthehook. ly simplisticandeven besidethe lumpers/ splittersanalogyisover- costs money! rendered obsolete.Thatstuff and point-of-purchase materials logs, reference books,websites typeswhoseetheircata- dustry begins amongseethingplantin- the wailingandgnashingofteeth scattered. breaks, Whenthenews genera are rapidlyplundered and When theyprevail, thosemassive order. by thescore, butatleastwe have withspecies epic proportions, themum world. Genera suchasChrysan- jority peacereigns intheplant and whentheyare inthema- Lumpers lookforsimilarities, Like most shorthands, the Like mostshorthands, Splitters seekdifferences. and Aster Houstonia, may swell to we

TOP: MARK TURNER. BOTTOM: DONNA KRISCHAN NOTABLE NAME CHANGES In addition to the nomenclature changes discussed by John Friel, here are a few oth- er revisions that gardeners should be aware of. Some of these plants are still listed under their old names in catalogs and books. There is still quite a difference of opin- ion among horticulturists and botanists about the use of Buddleja instead of Buddleia, so you will see both forms still in use in many places.

Old Name New Name Andropogon scoparius Schizachyrium scoparium Asarum shuttleworthii Hexastylis shuttleworthii Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Xanthocyparis nootkatensis Cimicifuga spp. Actaea spp. Coleus ✕hybridus Solenostemon scutellarioides Leucothoe populifolia Agarista populifolia Leucothoe racemosa Eurobotrys racemosa Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ Pennisetum ✕advena Pending reclassification, the genus Hosta Polygonum spp. Persicaria spp. may end up in a new plant family. Sophora japonica Styphnolobium japonicum societies warily switch to a new set of plant organizing and naming protocols known as APG II, created by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) in 1998 and re- vised in 2003. Some have embraced it, while others stick with the Cronquist Sys- tem, published by botanist Arthur Cron- quist in 1981. When there is a large change, like the “Aster Disaster” or the dismantling and partial restoration of Chrysanthemum, havoc ensues in the plant industry, es- pecially among perennial growers. Other sectors of the plant industry are less concerned by changes. Most nurs- eries specializing in woody shrubs are conscientious about proper names, but growers of cut flowers and herbs prefer Xanthocyparis nootkatensis Persicaria bistorta “common” names (a misnomer if ever there was one), and annual growers have little use for Linnaeus’s system.

COULD HOSTAS AND DAYLILIES BE NEXT? even Xanthorrhoeaceae, a race of desert- IN NEED OF A 21ST CENTURY LINNAEUS Stumping the PPA is bad enough, but con- dwellers. When Walek asked Alan Leslie A passage in Guide to Standard Floras of sider this: It has been proposed that Hosta where daylilies belong, the head of the World by D.G. Frodin (Cambridge should move from the lily family (Lili- nomenclature at the ISHS replied, “there University Press, 2001) explains why Lin- aceae), where it has resided for many years, is no ‘correct’ answer to this question.” naeus was so important, and why his to either its own family, Hostaceae, or to Leslie pinpointed the problem that work was eventually accepted even if the agave family (Agavaceae). I asked confronts horticulture at large: “If we some very influential people didn’t like it, Kevin P. Walek of the American Hosta So- adopt too much change too quickly, we or him. Frodin writes, “By the 1730s the ciety what family the genus should be con- are at risk of reducing, not improving, a world of botany was in some disorder, sidered part of. His answer was not clear understanding.” Which is exactly ripe for new proposals in management of encouraging: “This is a current argument, what the PPA’s Nomenclature Committee its information.” better yet an uncharted morass.” observed: Too much, too fast. And it’s It seems the stars are aligned for the re- Hemerocallis is in a similar nomenclat- going to get worse before it gets better be- turn of those disordered times. If every ural limbo, yanked by warring factions be- cause taxonomy is presently a sort of con- actor secretly longs to play Hamlet, and

LEFT TO RIGHT: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON; MARK TURNER, MARY YEE tween Liliaceae, Hemerocallidaceae, and struction zone, as taxonomists and plant every politician sees the Presidential seal in

January / February 2009 23 their future, does every botanist and tax- for the plants most people know by that onomist hope to become the new Lin- name, especially the ubiquitous garden Resources naeus? We could use one. As legendary mum (Chrysanthemum ✕morifolium). The American Horticultural Society A-Z Cornell horticulturist Liberty Hyde Bai- Over some European taxonomists’ Encyclopedia of Garden Plants by ley observed in How Plants Get Their protests, the ISHS went along, and the in- Christopher Brickell and H. Marc Names, Linnaeus “brought confusion into dustry heaved a collective sigh of relief. Cathey, editors-in-chief. DK Publish- symmetry.” Would that we had such a Another Linnaeus is probably too ing, New York, New York, 2004. person among us, but modern taxono- much to hope for, but we could use more mists seem determined to restore good Trehanes—reasonable individuals, capable Guide to Flowering Plant Families by old-fashioned pre-Linnaean chaos instead. of compromise, who recognize that names Wendy B. Zomlefer. University of At the 2002 ISHS Symposium, the as- are not merely strings of symbols. When North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, sembled scientists heard a presentation laying out college campuses and public 1994. from John Valleau of Valleybrook Gar- parks, planners often wait to see where dens, a Canadian wholesale perennial people choose to walk, then put sidewalks List of Names of Perennials and List of grower, outlining the problems that new there. When new approaches will get us Names of Woody Plants, M.H.A. Hoff- names cause nursery owners, growers, and where we’re going faster, fine. But when man, editor. Applied Plant Research, other plant industry professionals. Valleau older, intuitive paths are already doing the Boskoop, Netherlands, 2005. (To or- made a modest plea: Would horticultural job, why not pave them where they lie? der either book, visit www.ppo.wur.nl.) science PLEASE consider the horticultur- So if it’s crossed your mind that the al industry’s needs? The audience listened ivory tower types seem bent on hair-split- Mabberley’s Plant-Book: A Portable politely, and went right back to their ting without regard to the practical impli- Dictionary of Plants, Their Classifica- wrecking ball. cations on the rest of the world, you’re not tion and Uses by D. J. Mabberley. Cambridge University Press, New York, New York, 2008.

The Plant Locator: Western Region, compiled by Susan Hill and Susan Narizny. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2004.

Sunset Western Garden Book, Kathleen Norris Brenzel, editor. Sunset Pub- lishing, Menlo Park, California, 2007. Websites These websites provide useful infor- mation about plant names. Addition- al websites are listed in the online version of this magazine issue at www.ahs.org. Garden mums such as ‘Olivia’ are still considered to be in the genus Chrysanthemum. International Society for Horticultural Science, www.ishs.org. It doesn’t need to be that way. Consid- alone. Many plant-savvy people have rue- er the case of the genus Chrysanthemum. fully concluded that the modern taxono- Oregon State University Department of When the splitters had their way with that mist’s guiding principle must be, “If it ain’t Horticulture, http://oregonstate.edu/ revered genus, starting in 1961, the plants broke, break it.” dept/Idplants/index.htm. that most people associated with the word And if that statement makes my sur- suddenly wore other labels, including Den- name eligible to be rendered synonymous Royal Horticultural Society Plant Finder, dranthema, Ajania, and Tanacetum. Con- with some pestiferous weed, like poor Jo- www.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantfinder/ fusion reigned . Many growers and authors hann Siegesbeck’s, so be it. plantfinder.asp. flat-out refused to adopt the new names. Enter Piers Trehane. In 1995, Trehane, who John Friel, a marketer for a perennial plant The USDA PLANTS Database, is chairman of the ISHS Commission on propagator, serves on the Board of the Peren- http://plants.usda.gov. Registration and Nomenclature, proposed nial Plant Association and co-chairs its

conserving Chrysanthemum as the genus Nomenclature Committee. SUSAN A. ROTH

24 the American Gardener ROB CARDILLO (C. reticulata), limon), sweet sinensis), orange(Citrus species, manyofwhichare familiar, like understanding planttaxonomy iseasy. tree.fruit Thenagain,noonesaid (Rutaden rue graveolens) Nothing tomymindlookslesslikegar- ( tunella cousins, rangingfrom thekumquat weirder) family citrus edible-fruited interspecific hybridsand(progressively disi). ticle ontheAHSwebsite, tives, seeaweb special linkedtothisar- limequats ingly tointoxicatingly fragrant. nent stamens.Theyrangefrom entranc- petalsandpromi-thick, outward-curving often pinkorpurpleinbud,possessfive yond. Their demure whiteflower-clusters, March andJune and,occasionally, be- want. Most speciesblossombetween their foliage.It istheflowers we andfruit clues totheparentage hybrids. ofcitrus tinguish speciesand,insomecases,offers a citrus’s petiolesisafactorthathelpsdis- nose totail.Theshapeandconstitutionof leavesond leaves trailingbehindthetrue others sowideastoalmostconstitutesec- narrowsue, very insomevarieties, andin down theirlengthswith flapsofgreen tis- species,thepetiolesarecitrus “winged” by narrow stems,calledpetioles.In most (variegated insomerare forms). grant, oil-gland-dotted,shinygreen leaves or trees withnarrow tobroad, oval, fra- woody-stemmed, variably thornyshrubs pretty.they canalsobevery Theymake cookery, andcommerce beenincalculable, through theagesonmedicine,perfumery, ago, fornotonlyhastheirinfluencedown grown underglassmore than400years USDA Zones 10and11,whichincludes are reliably hardy growing outdoorsin In North varieties America,mostcitrus GROWING CITRUS INDOORS ✕ T ✕ C. swinglei). Citrofortunella microcarpa), The genusCitrus But of usgrow few justfor citruses Their leaves are attachedtotheirtwigs wereCitruses amongthefirstplants Less well-known are thenumerous lime sp.), tothecalamondinorange leaves mescratchingmyhead. family(Rutaceae),the rue which HE GENUS ( ✕ Citrofortunella floridana (C. aurantiifolia), (For more on and grapefruit and grapefruit contains around 16 Citrus www.ahs.org.) than agrape- Citrus Citrus belongs to (C. lemon tangerine and the ✕ para- (For- rela- and (C. fragrant anddeliciousrewardsyearround. Growing citrusplantsindoorsofferstheopportunitytoenjoytheir ed “dwarf” trees are generallyavailable. ed “dwarf” andgraft- can bekeptsmallby pruning, growing plants.Trees thesewonderful indoor potculture istheonlyoptionfor trees intheirbackyard. For therest ofus, lucky homegardeners cangrow citrus islocatedandwhere industry can citrus regions are where thebulkofAmeri- cultivars are hardy inZone 9.Thusthese speciesand southern California.Afew Coast, lowland southernArizona, and southern Florida, oftheTexas parts Gulf Variegation isa raretraitforcitrus,suchasthis container-growngrapefruit. with Success with Success Certain citrus varieties canbechal- citrus Certain Citrus Citrus Survival Manual (Storey, 2005). ant, authorofTheCompleteHouseplant ishuge,” saysBarbara[with citrus] Pleas- pared tootherhouseplantsthepayoff cially ifyou have lotsofSouth sun,com- to takeonthiskindofaroommate, espe- ular, andforgoodreason. “If you are going they are prone toanumberofinsectpests. grown conditions— inlessthanperfect moisture, and humidity, and—when tend tobefussyaboutlight,warmth, lenging subjectsforindoorculture. They Despite pop- all this,theyremain very January / February BY RANDB.LEE BY RANDB.LEE 2009 25 Some citrus selections that are more lemons do not need the long season of but most heavily in winter. It is also slight- amenable to indoor growing conditions summer warmth oranges and grapefruit ly hardier than other lemons, to Zone 9. are highlighted in the following overview require to ripen their fruits, nor do Encountered frequently in garden cen- of the different citrus types, and in the lemons require high humidity. This, and ters is the giant Ponderosa, or American sidebar on page 28. the species’ everbearing tendencies, wonder lemon (C. limon ‘Ponderosa’, syn. makes lemons a great choice for indoor C. pyriformis ‘Ponderosa’), which at one Lemons The true lemon (C. limon, fruit growers. time was considered a separate species. A Zones 10–11), appears to have evolved in One everbearer recommended for in- smallish, moderately thorny everbearer, what is now northwestern India, as an an- door pot culture is the nearly thornless ‘Ponderosa’ produces its immense, dra- cient hybrid of the lime and one of the ear- heirloom ‘Eureka’, dating from 1877. matic orange-yellow fruits readily indoors, liest citrus species cultivated by humans, Early-bearing and prolific, it is sensitive to making it a popular container plant. The the citron (C. medica). Growing six to 21 cold and pests. Another good everbearer fruits easily run a pound or two. Its attrac- feet tall in the wild, lemon trees are deco- for pots is ‘Genoa’ or ‘Genova’, introduced tive habit and eye-catching fruit also make rated with short, thick, stiff spines; serrat- to California from Genoa, Italy, in 1875. It it a valued landscape plant, where hardy. ed leaves with narrowly winged petioles; is shrubby, nearly trunkless, and very purple-tinged white blossoms; and egg- thorny; its medium-sized fruits are a fa- Limes The true lime (C. aurantiifolia, shaped, sour fruits protected by thick vorite with citrus connoisseurs. Zones 10–11), which has yielded its genet- peel—yellow when ripe—prominently The Meyer or Chinese dwarf lemon (C. ic material to so many citrus varieties, may stippled with oil glands. ✕meyeri, syn. C. limon ‘Meyer’) may be a itself be another ancient hybrid between One of the attractions of lemons for hybrid of a lemon and an orange. It was the citron and some unknown species. indoor culture is that they, unlike or- discovered in 1908 by Frank N. Meyer, a Originally native to Southeast Asia, it de- anges, often bloom off and on year- USDA plant explorer, growing in a pot velops into a small tree, nine to 15 feet tall, round, which means their perfume and near Beijing (then Peking), China. It is one with short, stiff, wickedly sharp spines and narrowly winged petioles; its one- to two- inch-wide fruits ripen green with a flush of yellow, and their very thin rinds are stip- pled with oil glands. Spanish sailors and settlers brought these limes to the West Indies and from there they spread to Mexico, California, and the Florida Keys. It was in the last lo- cation, in the 1980s, that I tasted my first fresh “Key” limes right off their thorny lit- tle bush. In other parts of the country these limes are known as West Indian or Mexi- can limes. The larger limes typically sold in su- permarkets are considered a separate species (C. latifolia). Cultivars of this species tolerate lower temperatures and are better choices for indoor culture. One is ‘Bearss’, a vigorous seedling with more- than-usual cold tolerance (to Zone 9). It is typically kept at about nine feet, but if un- pruned, it can reach 24 feet, with an at- tractive rounded canopy and egg-shaped, The Meyer lemon, with its dwarf habit and tasty fruit, is a good choice for indoor culture. nippled, lemonlike, green-turning-yellow, seedless fruits. Similar in appearance and fruit can be enjoyed over a longer period. of the hardiest and most compact of the taste is the fruit of ‘Tahiti’, which grows Because they are always actively growing, lemons, with smooth-skinned and round- on a slightly smaller tree. While many lemons are among the least hardy of cit- ed fruit. Because ‘Meyer’ was found to be West Indian limes are grown from seed, ruses, much less able to bounce back frequently virus-infected, it has largely ‘Bearss’ and ‘Tahiti’ are often grafted onto from frost damage than oranges. Tem- been replaced by ‘Improved Meyer’, a a more durable rootstock. peratures must stay above 29 degrees virus-free clone discovered in the early Fahrenheit (F) for their flowers and fruits 1950s. It makes a wonderful pot plant, Oranges Several distinctive types of to remain undamaged; below 20 degrees, bearing exceptionally juicy, slightly sweet, orange have evolved over time, but the

the trees often die. On the flip side, gourmet-quality fruit nearly year-round first cultivated orange was probably the JERRY PAVIA

26 the American Gardener TOP: ANNETTE SMITH; BOTTOM: JERRY PAVIA nurseryman namedT.J.Bears. limes wereselectedbyaCalifornia A goodchoiceforindoorculture,‘Bearss’ tempts togrow them inVirginia metwith obsessed withorange culture, but hisat- “orenges.” Thomas Jefferson wasmildly Flowers, in his1629herbal, and Vietnam are suspected.Jon Parkinson, its originsare murky, thoughSouth China hasbeencultivated forsolongthat 9–10) ripen toorangeandyellow. ternately dark green andpalegreen, then outal- withbroad stripesthatstart fruits foliage. ‘Fasciata’ bearssour, variegated backdrop of rounded, shiny, dark green flowers, heldingreat clustersagainsta butforitsintenselyperfumed ange fruit de Fleurs’, isgrown notforitsdark or- Another sourorangecultivar, ‘Bouquet British breakfasts, orangemarmalade. most oftenencountered inthatstapleof doubtedly ‘Seville’, stillavailable, and arerus, oftengrown ontheirown roots. sweet orangesand,unlikemostothercit- Sour orangesare more coldtolerantthan the mandarintangerine(C.reticulata). hybrid oftheshaddock(C.maxima)and Southeast ancient Asia,itmay beavery peel, andrefreshing juice.Originally from flowers,abundant, perfumed aromatic prized forcenturiesits Zones 8–9), bitter orsourorange(C.aurantium, The sweet orange(C.sinensis,Zones The quintessentialsourorangeisun- devotes anentire chapterto A Garden ofPleasant bearing sport, ‘Robertson’;bearing sport, ‘LaneLate’, an mended forindoorgrowers; itsheavy- pick among‘Washington’, highlyrecom- sirous ofcontemplatingtheirnavels can are seedlessandeasytopeel.Gardeners de- seeds,andexcellentthin skins,few flavor. borne abundantly, ripeninspring,with recommended variety. Its whichare fruits, door culture, ‘Trovita’ isahighlyadaptable sweet orangesgrown worldwide.For in- 19th century, constitutes90percent ofthe and grazingsheep. numerous setbacks,includingwintercold is theprimarysource ofFlorida’sorangejuice. ‘Valencia’, themost commonlygrownorange, Resources Raintree Nursery, One GreenWorld, Logee’s Greenhouses, Jene’s Tropicals, Four WindsGrowers, Sources Portland, Oregon,2009. Growing Citrus:TheEssentialGardener’sGuide California RareFruitGrowers, Navel orangesare popularbecausethey Today ‘Valencia’, selectedinthelate St. Petersburg,FL.(727)344-1668. Morton, WA.(360)496-6400. Molalla, OR.(877)353-4028. Winter, CA.(530)795-4760. Danielson, CT.(888)330-8038. San Francisco,CA. ing to“considerable confusion.” different selectionsofthisspecies, lead- looselyasnamesfor have beenusedvery mandarin, tangerine,andcl Gardener’s Guide author ofGrowing TheEssential Citrus: yellow peel.According toMartin Page, withloose,thin,aromatic orange- fruits four-inch, slightlyflattened,globular soms, andseedy, sweet-fleshed, three- to ing narrow leaves, fragrantwhiteblos- small, spiny, slender-branchedtree bear- forcenturies.Inthe fruits thewilditisa Africa, where the inhabitantshadgrown ine orange,”afterTangier inNorth known totheVictorians asthe“Tangier- 9–11), anative ofSoutheast Asia,was reticulata,or tangerine(Citrus Tangerines produces well atayoung age. color, aglistening,blackish-burgundy;it ‘Moro’ have perhapsthedarkest interior before of theymustbepicked.Thefruits late winterandare heldformanymonths for pots;itsspicy, deepred ripenin fruits wine. ‘Sanguinelli’ isagoodbloodorange ing ofsomesprightly, citrus sweet-tart peels andglisteningburgundyfleshtast- sized wondershave burgundy-flushed group isbloodoranges.Thesemedium- lan cultivar withrich,sweet, pinkflesh. seven months;and‘CaraCara’, aVenezue- onthetreeto holditsfullyripefruit for Australian selectionnotableforitsability Another well regarded orangesub- by MartinPage.TimberPress, www.crfg.org. www.raintreenursery.com. www.onegreenworld.com. www.fourwindsgrowers.com. www.tropicalfruit.com. www.logees.com. www.logees.com. January / February The commonmandarin (see “Resources,” above), ementine 2009 Zones 27 Tangerines tend to bear fruit in alter- nate years. ‘Clementine’, the Algerian tan- gerine, bears smaller, redder, glossier fruit TOP CHOICES FOR INDOOR CULTURE than the species, with tart, sweet, excep- William Ross is a farmer and container fruit expert who lives in Vermont. A former ed- tionally tender pulp; the fruit ripens in late itor with the now-defunct Indoor Citrus Society, Ross later served for 15 years as fall and can hang on the tree for months container gardening editor with the without spoiling. ‘Dancy’ bears its easy-to- California Rare Fruit Growers, an or- peel fruit in early winter. ‘Murcott’ (aka ganization whose members share an “Florida Honey”) is a spring ripener, bear- interest in growing and learning about ing fruits with mild, sweet, juicy, orange unusual fruiting plants. Based on his meat. It may be a hybrid of the tangerine experience growing citrus trees, by far and the sweet orange. the easiest selections to fruit indoors Since warm days followed by cooler are the ‘Ponderosa’ and ‘Meyer’ nights tend to intensify mandarins’ fruit lemons and the ‘Bearss’ seedless color and flavor, efforts have been made to lime. “All outproduce everything in my develop varieties more tolerant of cold. greenhouse under all sorts of condi- And since many people find them irritat- tions,” says Ross. ingly seedy, seedless cultivars are prized. A Ross’s citrus trees are not pam- class of mandarins known as satsumas pered. “My greenhouse gets down to (some botanists put them in a separate 27 degrees in the wintertime, and we species, C. unshiu) originated in Japan. get weeks of low sun,” explains Ross. The classic hardy seedless satsuma man- “That pretty much rules out [growing] darin is ‘Owari’, a cultivar with sweet-tart, oranges.” But he insists that ‘Pon- early-ripening, easy-to-peel fruit. ‘Kishu’, derosa’, ‘Meyer’, and ‘Bearss’ regular- another Japanese variety, bears small, soft, ly take such conditions without any ill William Ross checks out a Meyer lemon seedless, exceptionally sweet and easy to effects, often bursting into bloom at fruiting in his Vermont greenhouse. peel fruits that do not ship well, which the return of the sun in January. After makes it a popular cultivar among home that, says Ross, “they pretty much do what they feel like,” with the fruits hanging on gardeners. ‘Gold Nugget’, another extra- the trees for weeks and months alongside the blossoms. The blooms of ‘Ponderosa’, hardy seedless mandarin, starts bearing in he notes, are particularly profuse and fragrant. —R.B.L.

March, and unlike many mandarins, can liciously fragrant blossoms that can devel- hold its richly flavored fruit on the tree op into small, sweet, seedless fruits even in through the summer. areas of low summer heat.

Grapefruits The name “grapefruit” GROWING AND CARING FOR CITRUS PLANTS is a somewhat imaginative reference to When potting up a new plant, choose a the way the fruits are carried on the trees container only slightly larger than the ex- in bunches, like grapes. The true grape- isting root ball. Terra cotta pots are ideal fruit or pomelo (C. ✕paradisi, Zones for citrus, but as the plant increases in 10–11), is another old citrus hybrid, size, these may become too heavy to maybe with the sweet orange and the move the plant easily. Whatever pot you shaddock (C. maxima). choose, make sure it has one or more As with many citrus varieties, the ori- drainage holes. Citrus plants should be gins of grapefruit are unknown. In any repotted every three to five years to renew case, C. ✕paradisi makes a large, densely the soil and increase pot size to accom- leafy tree with a rounded crown; narrow modate the growing root ball. twigs; blunt-tipped, round-based, oval Pot your plants in a rich, well-drained, leaves; and in the wild, four- to five-inch- neutral to slightly acidic potting mix con- wide, yellow to slightly orange fruits with taining lots of coarse sand or perlite; do not very juicy, light yellow to reddish pulp. use unsterilized garden soil. Some growers Many varieties are grown commercial- also swear by mixing in a handful of char- ly, but they are difficult to cultivate indoors coal around the plant’s root-zone to keep One of the most cold-tolerant citrus varieties because they need high summer tempera- the chemistry sweet. When repotting, be is the ‘Owari’ satsuma mandarin, which will tures and lots of light in order to ripen their careful not to disturb the root ball; and

tolerate temperatures down to 12 degrees F. fruits. However, ‘Oroblanco’ bears big, de- when replanting it, make sure that the top BOTTOM: JANE INGROFF / COURTESY OF FOUR WINDS GROWERS. TOP: ANNETTE SMITH

28 the American Gardener roots are barely beneath the soil surface. 27.) Remember that it can take at least a All the above pests may be dealt with by Water the newly planted pot thorough- year for fruit to tree-ripen and develop a regular spray schedule. Many citrus ly, and maintain a regular watering sched- best flavor. And because citrus fruit does growers use products containing neem oil, ule thereafter, allowing the soil at the root not ripen off the tree, resist the urge to a botanical insecticide, as general repellents zone to dry out slightly between waterings. harvest prematurely. on a regular basis—Ross sprays every two According to Ross, “you pretty much have weeks; insecticidal soaps, such as Safers® to water all the time, but there is almost no PEST AND DISEASE PREVENTION Brand products, as contact killers; and to danger of overwatering unless you leave Quarantine newly purchased citrus suffocate pests, a one-percent solution of water standing in the saucer.” If possible, plants for several weeks in order to give light horticultural oil. For established adult use rainwater or purified water, because any little hitchhiking pests time to hatch scale infestations, Ross says there is no sub- chlorinated water can damage citrus. In out and show themselves. The worst stitute for handiwork with a toothbrush. If addition, most citruses appreciate you choose to use pesticides, even high humidity, which can be pro- botanical types, be sure to follow vided by humidifiers or by placing manufacturers directions. And gravel-filled trays of water under- avoid use of systemic pesticides, neath or nearby. which will be taken up into all Authorities tend to differ on the parts of your plant, including the best fertilizer for potted citrus. fruit you hope to savor. Martin Page recommends a bal- Pruning your indoor citruses anced slow-release fertilizer (20-20- is important, says Ross, because 20) in winter and a higher nitrogen plants allowed unrestricted fertilizer, say 25-15-15, when plants growth indoors “will get spindly are in active growth. Ross finds and out of control.” Since citruses monthly applications of Miracle- flower and fruit best on new Gro® blossom-booster formula suf- wood, Ross does not prune off all ficient for his lemons and ‘Bearss’ the new shoots. He prunes just lime. Yellowing leaves may be a enough to permit the above- sign of iron deficiency; add sulfur ground parts of his trees to get or spray foliage with an iron chelate bigger by one to two inches per solution to counteract this. year. Even at this modest growth To thrive indoors, citrus trees rate, he warns, “in 10 to 20 years require the best sun you can give you’ll have a citrus tree your size.” them, ideally eight to 12 hours of One of the nice things about direct sunlight a day. citruses is that they are good com- For optimum ripening of citrus municators. If you underwater fruit, a constant summer tempera- them, they’ll wilt. If you under- ture of between 55 and 85 degrees is feed them, or if their roots are rot- ideal. In temperate regions, move your Move your citrus plants outdoors for the ting from being kept too wet, their leaves plant outdoors to a sunny patio or front summer as soon as night-time temperatures will become cupped or turn yellow. If you yard out of the wind as soon as night-time consistently stay above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. have your plants in a cold draft or low hu- temperatures are consistently above 55 de- midity, their leaves will drop. The key to grees. Water and fertilize it regularly until pests of indoor citrus are scale insects, success is to follow a regular schedule of fall, then start moving it indoors again which resemble small, oblong, slightly watering, fertilizing, and pest control. gradually, allowing time for the plant to ac- raised pustules flattened against the twigs climate to indoor conditions. In fall and and leaf surfaces; fuzzy white mealy bugs REWARDS OF SUCCESS winter, when many citrus varieties’ active that lay eggs among the roots at the bot- What it comes down to, with citrus, is growth slows down, citrus will do best if tom of the pots (the babies look like bits that despite the challenges, these plants kept in a cool area, down to about 50 de- of cotton fluff), then grow up to crawl are incredibly rewarding for anyone will- grees at night. During the same period, let into every nook and cranny of leaf and ing to meet their needs. If you haven’t the top inch of your pots dry to the touch branch; spider mites, infinitesimal white, grown a citrus plant before, or have tried between waterings, and cut back to half- red, or black crabs that stipple the leaves one without success, I suggest you seek strength fertilization. and fling little airy hammocks among out one of those discussed in this article From seed it takes most citrus up to them; and aphids, whose droppings can, and prepare to be delighted. five years to attain fruiting size. Because in severe infestations, become host to a seed from named varieties does not come black fungus that can severely inhibit an A frequent contributor to The American true, most people start with plants. (For afflicted plant’s photosynthesis. White fly Gardener, Rand B. Lee is a garden writer

JERRY PAVIA a list of recommended sources, see page and fungus gnats rejoice in citrus, too. based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

January / February 2009 29 Steps to a Successful

eed sales, market research re- S ports, and surveys of American Horticultural Society members and other gardeners point to a signifi- cant trend in gardening: More and more Americans are growing their own fresh fruit and vegetables. This isn’t surprising given today’s soar- ing food prices, a troubled econo- my, and the increased concern for eating high quality, locally grown food. And what could be more local than your own backyard? To sup- port your interest in growing veg- etables, fruit, and herbs, we are introducing a new department called “Homegrown Harvest” that we hope will inspire and assist you in your food growing efforts. While many readers have been growing fruit and vegetables for years, some of you may be new to edible gardening. With this in mind, we asked Barbara Ellis, author and editor of numerous gardening books including The Veggie Gardener’s An- swer Book: Solutions to Every Prob- lem You’ll Ever Face, Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask (Storey Publishing, 2008), to pro- vide some basic tips for success in growing vegetables. In coming is- sues, other food gardening experts will share their insights about grow- ing specific edible plants. Join us as we expand our focus both in the pages of this magazine and in our landscapes. —The Editors

30 the American Gardener l Vegetable Garden

Growing your own vegetables and herbs can save you money, gives you a source of nutritious food, is great fun, and reduces your environmental footprint.

BY BARBARA W. ELLIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY NEIL SODERSTROM

T DOESN’T take much to inspire an Gardens in Corona Del Mar, California. experienced gardener to get planting. Inadequate light only leads to “stretched I The promise of a basket full of suc- out plants, poor fruit set, and wimpy culent lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, or produce,” Ron points out. Ideally locate crisp snap peas is enough to get them start- your garden on a spot that receives at ed. Beginners are a bit more hesitant to least eight hours of sun a day. Some veg- start a family food garden. Fortunately, if etables, such as lettuce, cope just fine you keep a few basic principles in mind, with a half day of sun. Others, such as growing vegetables is fair- tomatoes, will grow but ly straight forward. will produce far less than For starters, vegetables they would in full sun. are an agreeable lot, and Other characteristics most are satisfied with the of the perfect site include same basic conditions— easy access to a hose for full sun, adequate mois- watering, well-drained ture, and rich, well- soil, and a level spot that’s drained soil. Give them convenient, so tending what they want, and crops and harvesting pro- they’ll repay you with a duce is easy and efficient. bountiful harvest. It’s really that simple. I’ve asked a few gardening friends and START SMALL other experts from different regions to You can grow a surprising amount of food chime in with their experiences and advice in a carefully managed four-by-four-foot on what newer vegetable gardeners should patch, and a garden that size will give you keep in mind. I hope these basic steps will ample opportunity to learn about caring inspire you to expand your horizons, for a vegetable garden. At the most, keep whether that means planting your first first-time gardens to no more than 10 by vegetables, adding a row or two to your ex- 20 feet. Digging up a gigantic patch can isting garden, or experimenting with a leave you struggling to keep on top of crop or two you’ve never grown. weeds and other problems, so think qual- ity rather than quantity. You can always PICK A PERFECT SITE make your garden larger next year. If you “Almost unanimously, vegetables need don’t have the time or space to dig a veg- sun,” says Ron Vanderhoff from Roger’s etable garden, consider growing vegetables

Opposite page: Food doesn’t get any fresher than what you can harvest from your own garden. Top right: For maximum production, water your vegetable garden regularly. Right: If you lack garden space, large containers can accommodate a variety of crops, including tomatoes.

January / February 2009 31 in containers. In this case, large contain- ers or tubs are best, and will accommodate most crops. Another option is to incorpo- rate vegetables as part of your flower gar- den or in other plantings. Lettuce, spinach, dwarf basil, and parsley make pretty edgings, while larger vegetables such as peppers, and Swiss chard are hand- some in mid-border. FEED YOUR SOIL Long before you plant that first seed, start thinking about what your soil needs to produce healthy plants. Rich garden soil contains plenty of organic matter and has a loose, friable structure that lets water drain away and allows roots to grow through it easily. The fastest way to destroy good soil is to work it when it is too wet or too dry. Since soil organic matter gets used up—and provides nu- trients for your growing veggies in the process—begin a regular program of adding organic matter to soil to help it Making your own compost is a great way to recycle kitchen and garden wastes, and adding stay healthy and produce healthy plants. it to your garden soil boosts soil fertility and improves its structure. Compost—gardener’s gold—is one of the best sources of organic matter for your ter. Another option for unplanted soil is a as Lima beans and fava beans.” Informa- garden. Combine kitchen scraps, garden cover crop such as clover or hairy vetch. tion found on seed packets is often dra- trimmings, leaves, grass, and other materi- Sow the seeds in spring or fall, let the crop matically generalized, and “often doesn’t als to start making some of your own. grow, then dig or till the plants into the apply to your own garden,” says Vander- Many municipalities have composting soil a few weeks before you plan to plant hoff. “For instance, in most parts of the programs and you’ll find a wealth of infor- your garden. country, peas, lettuce, and broccoli are mation about making it on the Internet. planted in spring, but in California that Well-rotted manure is another good source MAKE A SIMPLE PLAN would be deadly. Here, we plant them in of organic matter, but be sure to dig it into Experienced vegetable gardeners would September or October and harvest all the the soil a couple of weeks before you plant. agree with Ron Vanderhoff when he says way through March or April.” Wherever you get it, add organic matter to “vegetable gardening is ultimately always What to do? Consult with your local the soil every time you dig a hole and also a regional issue. With plants, what applies Cooperative Extension office or with use it to topdress vegetable crops. in cool, cloudy Seattle is often quite dif- neighborhood gardening experts to find Keeping the soil covered with an or- ferent than in sunny, warm southern Cal- out what planting schedule works best in ganic mulch also helps add organic mat- ifornia. Texas and New York are as unique your region, along with which crops are easiest to grow. Also find out the dates of your last spring and first fall frosts (see “Resources,” page 35) and jot them on your calendar so you can use them to help determine what crops to plant when. If it’s your first vegetable garden, select five or six crops to start with. Use your last spring frost date to schedule when to start seeds, keep the planting process organized, and to figure out when other crops should go into the gar- den. Keep in mind that plants don’t read the calendar and there’s lots of flexibility in those planting times. If you can’t get An easy way to determine if your soil is ready to be worked is to squeeze a clump of soil in anything in the ground one week, just do your hand; if it holds together initially but crumbles when pressed, it is ready. it the next and don’t worry about it.

32 the American Gardener to Vermont, it’s easy to forget that it’s colder underground than above. I can GET OFF TO A GOOD START WITH EASY-TO-GROW CROPS sow some of the more cold-tolerant veg- If you’re new to growing vegetables, one of the best ways to gain confidence is to start etable seeds, including peas, radishes, with easy-to-grow crops. Radishes and green beans are high on most gardeners no- and spinach, but they will germinate so fail lists, but there are many other easy vegetables, including cucumbers, zucchini slowly that I’d be better off waiting until and summer squash, garlic, leaf lettuce, arugula, snap peas, Swiss chard, and kale. the soil warms to at least 50 or 60 degrees Tomatoes are only a little bit harder to grow, mostly because full-size plants require Fahrenheit. Be a tortoise, I must remind caging or trellising for best production. Because of this, compact patio-type hybrid myself, not a horticultural hare.” tomatoes are easiest to start with because they don’t need training. Transplants may fail altogether if it’s Easy or not, if you don’t like Swiss chard or zucchini, a garden full of these crops too cold. That’s why it’s important to won’t be a success, since enjoying the fruits of your labor at table is, after all, the harden seedlings off by exposing them to main goal of growing vegetables. For this reason, concentrate on crops you love— outdoor conditions gradually before especially if you can’t find them locally. Grow heirloom tomatoes, purple green transplant time. Set transplants out in a beans, or a mix of lettuces not available at your local grocery store, for example. protected location for an hour or two the first day, then gradually increase the time

Cucumbers, top, and Swiss chard, right, are easy to grow. Also worth growing are vegetables One way to protect tomato transplants from a that are not available in the grocery store, such as these heirloom carrots, above left. sudden cold spell is to surround them with jugs of water and cover their cages with plastic.

Another way to keep things relative- years under your belt, try growing other they are outdoors before transplanting to ly simple is to start with transplants crops from seed, and concentrate on cul- the garden. Another way to get a head rather than seeds for the most part. Ac- tivars you can’t find in garden centers, start is to pre-warm soil by covering it cording to Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, a including many heirlooms. with black plastic a week or more before columnist for the Indianapolis Star and transplanting. editor of Indiana Living Green: A GIVE YOUR VEGGIES A GOOD START When transplanting, be sure to water Hoosier’s Guide to Sustainable Living It’s easy to plant too soon and every each plant as it goes into the garden. magazine, “for beginners, I think there’s spring is a bit different, so it’s a good idea Water the entire area as well. Give new greater success when they start with to use soil temperature to figure out transplants extra protection by covering transplants, especially tomatoes and pep- when to plant. Karan Davis Cutler, a them with homemade cloches—plastic pers. Leafy vegetables, such as lettuces, long-time vegetable gardener and author milk jugs with the bottoms cut out work spinach, and Swiss chard, are very easy of Burpee: The Complete Vegetable & well, especially if you are growing crops to grow from seeds. So are squash, corn, Herb Gardener, notes, “When spring such as tomatoes or peppers, which need beans, and peas.” Once you have a few brings the first red-wing blackbirds back warm temperatures.

January / February 2009 33 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE Even a tiny garden can produce an amaz- ing amount of food if you use some sim- ple intensive gardening techniques. Traditional single rows devote as much space to paths as they do crops. Instead, plan on using wide rows or beds, which range from two to four feet wide, with a path on either side. The ideal width of the beds varies according to how far you can comfortably reach. Sow a broad band of lettuce or radishes or plant two or three rows of cabbage or broccoli in each bed. The goal is to fill the entire bed with plants by the time they are ready for har- vest. Experiment to determine what spacing works best. Start by spacing plants on all sides at the distance recom- mended within the row. Grow head let- tuce, for example, 12 inches apart on all sides; only four inches if you are planning to harvest baby leaves, not heads. Also experiment with techniques such as interplanting—surround tomato trans- plants with snap peas or lettuce, for ex- ample. The peas or lettuce will be harvested before the tomatoes fill in the space. Succession planting is another great way to get the most from your space: the Mulching bare soil helps reduce weeds and prevents moisture loss through evaporation. It minute the spring lettuce or snap pea crop also helps moderate summer soil temperatures by acting as a layer of insulation.

is finished, replace it with a summer crop planted. That means weeds. The first se- of beans or Swiss chard. Also save space by cret to keeping weeds at bay is to keep the helping crops grow up: Use trellises to soil covered with mulch. The second is to train crops such as peas, beans, and cu- think of mulching as something you do cumbers, and cages for tomatoes. all season long. “Keep a stockpile of While it’s tempting to sow an entire mulch such as shredded leaves right in package of seed at one time, inevitably that your garden,” advises Fern Bradley, a hor- approach leads to a glut of produce that ticulturist, long-time vegetable gardener, goes to waste. Instead, spread out your har- and author of Rodale’s Vegetable Garden vest by sowing a little bit at a time—a foot Problem Solver. “If you don’t have leaves, or so of lettuce or a dozen pea plants per buy a few bales of straw, stack them person in your household every 10 days, for alongside your garden, and cover them example. Sowing small batches means with a tarp (working with wet straw is no you’ll have a manageable crop to tend and fun). When mulch is right at hand, you’ll the right amount of produce to harvest. If use it more often.” you’re buying transplants, don’t plant an entire market pack (four to six plants) of PATROL FOR PROBLEMS any one cultivar. Six to 10 tomatoes will It’s important to keep an eye out for supply a two-person household. To ensure problems so you can take steps to fix a bit of variety, share extra plants with them before they get out of hand. Take friends and family so you have space for time daily—or at least every other day— slicing, cherry, and heirloom tomato types. to walk through your garden to look for plants that need a drink, soil that should With careful planning and experimentation, KEEP WEEDS AT BAY be covered up with mulch, and stems many different crops can be grown together Mother Nature abhors a vacuum, and that need to be directed onto and up trel-

even in a small space for an abundant harvest. she’ll quickly fill any space that’s un- lises and other supports. BOTTOM LEFT: VIVEKA NEVELN

34 the American Gardener Also look for signs of pests and dis- eases. Be sure to look under leaves. If you find an insect you don’t recognize, try to Resources identify it or at least determine if it is Burpee: The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener: A Guide to Growing Your Garden Or- doing any harm. The vast majority of in- ganically by Karan Davis Cutler. Macmillan Publishing, New York, New York, 1997. sects in a garden are either beneficial or benign. Beneficials like lady beetles are Four Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Garden All Year Long by Elliot often ready to take care of a pest popula- Coleman and Barbara Damrosch. Chelsea Green Publishing Company, White tion for you, but populations of benefi- River Junction, Vermont, 1999. cials generally build in response to pests so you need to give them time. If you do Frost Chart for the United States. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/ need to use control measures, start by garden/frostus.php. handpicking or blasting pests off the The Moosewood Restaurant Kitchen Garden by David Hirsch. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, California, 2005.

Rodale’s Vegetable Garden Problem Solver by Fern Marshall Bradley. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania, 2007.

The Veggie Gardener’s Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face, Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask by Barbara Ellis. Storey Publishing, North Adams, Massachusetts, 2008.

Use the least toxic measures possible to control pests, such as this squash bug. plants with a hose; the latter technique works for both spider mites and aphids. For organic gardeners, the next line of defense is biological controls such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) or spinosad, both effective for leaf-chewing caterpillars. Use low-toxicity sprays such as insecticidal soaps only as a last resort. If your pests are of the four-legged furry kind, scare tactics or pepper sprays may work temporarily; fencing them out is your best option.

HARVEST WITH CARE By using scissors to harvest lettuce leaves, you avoid damaging the plant’s roots. According to Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, many beginners “sometimes are slow to said for pulling off lettuce leaves—use dle with, and new questions to answer. harvest.” When you see peas or beans scissors and cut them off, or pull with So, experiment with a variety of crops that need picking, or lettuce that seems one hand while steadying the plant in the that appeal to you, keep notes in a jour- large enough for the salad bowl, don’t ground to protect the roots. nal for next year, and enjoy the process wait,” she advises, “the more you harvest along with your bumper harvest. the more the plant will produce.” EXPERIMENT AND ENJOY While harvesting promptly is impor- One of the great things about garden- Barbara W. Ellis is a garden editor and au- tant, it’s also essential that you harvest ing—and vegetable gardening is no ex- thor. Her most recent book is Covering gently. Yanking beans or peppers from ception—is that there are always new Ground: Unexpected Ideas for Landscap- the plant can damage plant roots, which things to learn, new techniques to try, ing with Colorful, Low-Maintenance reduces future yields. The same can be new crops to grow, new schedules to fid- Ground Covers (Storey, 2008).

January / February 2009 35 36 out ofpruningdeciduousshrubsbyfollowingthesesimpleguidelines. Winter istheperfecttimeto consider thepruningneedsofyourplants.You cantaketheguesswork Renewal pruning ofshrubssuchasthiscurrant D shrub shouldhave young, afew afew shrub main have sufficientroom todevelop. to thinoutyoung stemssothosethatre- them ofdecrepit orundesirablewoodand theseplants,then,arein pruning torid year’s fresh crop ofstems.Themaingoals aremake inpruning easilyerasedby each this continuousgrowth, anymistakes you plantscanbecomecongestedwith pruned or nearground level. So althoughun- sproutsstead, new are alwaysdeveloping at in- ortrunks; velop apermanent trunk Shrubs are becausemostnever shrubby de- (pardon thepun)from thesamereason: stem the needforandeaseofpruning Both among theeasiestplantstoprune. Deciduous Shrubs Pruning Deciduous Shrubs Pruning When pruned correctly,When pruned a deciduous the American Gardener ECIDUOUS SHRUBS plants; fortunately, theyalsoare more thanmostother pruning need new sproutsnew atornearground level apar- tive bark—and how manysuckersor producing flowers ordisplayingdecora- well—i.e., est woodkeepsperforming categories according tohow longtheold- sions by into grouping deciduousshrubs youngest ones? I’ve simplifiedsuchdeci- crowded is“too crowded” forthe “too old” fortheoldeststems,andhow How deciduousshrubs. in pruning oldis until theyare old enoughtobecutaway. the previous year’s stemsmove upinage develop. New shootsappeareachyear and leaving more space foryounger stemsto or produceflowers, few theyare removed, As theoldeststemsbecomeunattractive isratherstraightforward: pruning, newal process usedtoachieve this,known asre- olderstems.The middle-aged, andafew (Ribes Still, andscienceisinvolved someart sp.) involvescutting theoldest,unproductivestems almostbacktotheground. pruning hasbeen neglectedforsome pruning cuts are If loppersandhandpruners. plant, andthemostusefultools forthese your cutswillbedown atthebaseof is hedge shears.Mostthis pruning of attire), theonetool you willnotneedfor donotlooktheirbestinformal shrubs Except forformalhedges (and most ADVICE GENERAL the name of the shrub you’rethe nameofshrub pruning! its growth. You don’t even have toknow merelyhow ashrub by toprune observing growth habitsisthatyou canfigure out needsaccordingfor pruning totheir each year, andviceversa. long timetendtosprout fewersuckers wellShrubs fora whosestemsperform ticular speciessendsupeachspring. One nicething aboutgrouping shrubs BY LEEREICH

LEE REICH years, you might also need a pruning saw to cut away the oldest branches. Remov- ing old stems at the base of a shrub en- courages a fountainlike growth habit of branches that looks far more natural and pleasing than when shrubs are reduced in stature with hedge shears. (For more in- formation about specific pruning tools, see “Green Garage,” page 48.) Flower buds that open in spring devel- op during the previous growing season, so prune early-blossoming shrubs right after they finish blooming. This timing is not for the health of the shrub, but for maxi- mum flower display; if you prune before bloom, while the shrub is dormant, you’re going to cut away potential blossoms. (You may want to cut a few dormant branches to bring indoors for forcing in late winter, though.) It’s important to prune these

To develop a natural, fountainlike habit and maximize the flower display for forsythias, prune them immediately after flowering in the spring, removing the oldest stems at the base.

ry of shrub. For lists of specific shrubs shrubs are shrubby by virtue of their size, that belong to each category, visit the but, depending on definition, some AHS website at www.ahs.org and click on could be termed trees. Consider, for in- the web special, “Pruning Lists for De- stance, a dwarf Japanese maple (Acer ciduous Shrubs,” linked to the online palmatum) that is a graceful mound only version of this issue. five feet high atop a single bifurcating trunk. Or, only slightly larger at perhaps SHRUBS THAT PERFORM WELL ON six to 10 feet, a star magnolia (Magnolia OLD WOOD AND MAKE FEW SUCKERS stellata). More clear-cut examples of what In this first category are a number of most gardeners might consider to be shrubs that grow few—if any—new strictly a shrub within this pruning cate- suckers each year. Additionally, their gory would be dwarf fothergilla No matter what type of shrub, crossing older branches continue to flower well (Fothergilla gardenii), cotoneasters (Co- branches should always be eliminated. for many years, often creating a pic- toneaster spp.), and witch hazels turesque framework over time. These (Hamamelis spp.). shrubs soon enough after the blossoms These shrubs are among the easiest to fade to ensure the following year’s flower prune. Basically, don’t. In reality, a stem buds have time to develop. here or there may eventually become de- Shrubs that blossom later in the grow- crepit or grow grossly out of place, mar- ing season form their flower buds on the ring the appearance of the shrub. Or a current year’s shoots. The time to prune sucker may appear that can be removed, these shrubs is while they are dormant or be left to replace a dying stem that’s and leafless, generally just before growth being cut away. Generally, though, little begins for the season or at least after the pruning is needed and even that only coldest part of winter has passed. every few years. Timing and tools aside, always re- move any dead, diseased, or crossing SHRUBS THAT FLOWER BEST ON branches whenever you notice them. ONE-YEAR-OLD WOOD And, because we grow these shrubs for Many familiar shrubs, such as lilacs (Sy- their beauty, also remove or shorten any Fothergilla gardenii, with its bottlebrush ringa spp.), forsythias, and mock oranges awkwardly growing stems. spring flowers, is an example of a shrub that (Philadelphus spp.) flower best on one-

LEFT: VIVEKA NEVELN. TOP: LEE REICH. BOTTOM: LINDA MCINTYRE / AHS ARCHIVES Now, on to specifics for each catego- rarely needs pruning to look its best. year-old wood. These shrubs flourish with

January / February 2009 37 38 stems eachyear stimulatestheproductionofnew stemsthatwillflowerthefollowing year. Lilac flowersare formedmostabundantlyonone-year-old wood;removingold,unproductive ■ into twogroups, asfollows: subdividedthiscategory so Ihave further technique, ing shootsdeterminespruning older stems.Thelocationoftheseflower- inate higherupintheplant,growing from originate from ground level orcouldorig- one-year-old, flower-bearing shootscould The wrinkle withthisgroup ofshrubs: lowing year’s flower bearers. One slight growth shootsthatbecomethefol- ofnew becauseitstimulates annual pruning stems touchtheground androot. Cut off by hopscotchingalongastheirarching Others, suchasforsythias,spread mostly stems diverging from themainclump. keep aneye outfor, andremove, older and widerever soslowly over theyears, so Some suchaslilacs,spread shrubs, wider ground ordown tolow, vigorous suckers. Cut someoftheoldeststemsto sawinhand. the plant,lopperorpruning by peeringinatthebaseof these shrubs way foryounger stems.Begin pruning point theyneedtoberemoved tomake yearsfew before theylosevigor, atwhich to grow shootsthatflower new well fora continue Stems inthiscategory ofshrubs up intheplant. old woodoriginatingfrom olderwood Shrubs thatflower bestonone-year- the American Gardener stems andretainthegreenones,whichwillproducenextyear’sflowers. Japanese kerriabenefitsfrombeingprunedrightafteritblooms.Removetheolder,brown ous, replacements. opens upspaceforyounger, more vigor- for instance.Andremoving thatoldwood putting lilacblossomsbacknearnoselevel, so eachcutdramaticallylowers theplant— Those oldeststemsare alsothetallestones, single cutremoves alotofwoodatonce. A efficientwaytoprune. isavery shrubs plantingsortoshare.ate new and diguptheserooted stemtipstocre- Cutting backtheoldeststemsonthese ■ ese kerria(Kerria japonica) shoot originatinglow intheplant.Japan- down toground level ortoavigorous more thanone year old,eitherright Every year, cutawayallwoodthatis thanthepreviousdrastic pruning one. requires ofshrubs moreThis subcategory old woodoriginatingatground level. ercise creativity from year toyear. you toex- haveing shrubs, anopportunity involved here; and,becauseyou are prun- togrow.shrub is amountofart Acertain as how highandhow wideyou wantyour ditions andthenature oftheplantaswell year. Such detailsdependongrowing con- how manyyoung suckerstoleave each how longtoleave anolderstem,orfor young suckers. thinningouttheexcesshand pruners, of base oftheshrub, thistimewithyour bud development. Again,work atthe get thelighttheyneedforbestflower a result, theycrowd eachothersonone suckers eachyear—usually toomany. As borne are theonestocutaway, andthese which thecurrent year’s bloomswere blooms, are brightgreen. Older stemson be leftintacttobearthenext year’s ing easier:Young shoots,whichshould ria stemsare “color coded” tomake prun- the stemsthatproduced theflowers. Ker- each year right afteritblooms,removing it prune inthissubcategory; of ashrub Shrubs thatflower bestonone-year- It’s impossibletogive aprescription for tendtogrowThese shrubs manynew is anexample

TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM: LEE REICH. TOP RIGHT: VIVEKA NEVELN are brown. The young stems decorative- ly retain their bright green color through PRUNING A LILAC their first winter. Even without this Although an overgrown lilac may still produce flowers, these blooms are usually color-coding, the oldest stems on shrubs high up on the branches, away from where they will be most appreciated—at should be obvious from their thickness nose level. Because the upper branches shade those below, few flowers are formed and the flakiness of their bark. on lower stems. Renewal pruning will both increase flowering and reduce the overall size of the shrub. —L.R. SHRUBS THAT BEAR FLOWERS OR DEVELOP THEIR BEST LOOK ON PRUNING OUT OLD STEMS NEW GROWTH At the opposite end of the spectrum from that first category of shrubs we addressed is the group that performs best on shoots less than a year old. That performance

Pruning a shrub that has been neglected for several years may require more than simple loppers or hand pruners. Select the oldest branches and cut them back to the ground, or to a strong stem near the ground using a pruning saw. Removing the oldest branches opens up the shrub to make space for vigorous new stems and reduces its height.

REMOVING SUCKERS

Bluebeard (Caryopteris sp.), above and top, blooms on new stems, so plants can be pruned almost to ground level in late winter.

could come from flowers, as is the case for butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), bluebeard (Caryopteris spp.), and St. Johnswort (Hypericum spp.). Or, that show could come from a plant’s attractive stems, as is the case for red-osier dog- Using hand pruners or loppers, remove some of the suckers to make room for the others; wood (Cornus stolonifera). leaving too many will cause crowding so that none receives sufficient light to produce Like shrubs in the first category, whose flowers. Remember, ideally you want to have a blend of a few older stems, a few middle oldest stems perform so well that hardly size stems, and a few young stems when you are finished. any pruning is needed, shrubs in this last

LEFT AND CENTER: LEE REICH (4). FAR RIGHT: VIVEKA NEVELN (2) category are also among the easiest to

January / February 2009 39 prune. Because these shrubs perform best on new shoots, pruning entails nothing PRUNING HYDRANGEAS more than an annual lopping of all stems Gardeners are often confused about how to prune their hydrangeas, and with good almost down to the ground. Cutting these reason: Several different hydrangea species are commonly cultivated, and their shrubs nearly to ground level late each pruning needs vary, sometimes within species. Here’s a quick guide to identify- winter stimulates lanky new shoots that ing and pruning hydrangeas. bear their flowers later that same summer. If your hydrangea makes large clusters of pink or blue flowers, it’s bigleaf hydrangea The following winter, cut them all down (Hydrangea macrophylla). The plant flowers late, but from buds that form the previous again to perpetuate the cycle. growing season. Some Shrubs such as butterfly bush and newer cultivars—the crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) die Endless Summer® se- back from cold in many northern gar- ries, for instance—also dens, so this pruning accomplishes what bloom on new shoots of winter cold does in these climates any- the current season. Blos- way. But this is not the case for many soms on new shoots open later than those from old wood, extend- ing the blossoming sea- son. Prune bigleaf hy- drangeas in spring, cutting back stems to fat flower buds. Cold win- Hydrangea macrophylla ters at the northern edge of this species’ growing range can kill flower buds, in which case the plant puts out leaves but does not flower—except in the case of the Endless Summer® cultivars, which will go on to flower on new shoots. If your hydrangea is a billowing shrub a few feet high with heart-shaped leaves and bears mopheads of white blossoms in early summer, it’s smooth hydrangea (H. ar- borescens). Prune this hydrangea to the ground early each spring or, if a larger shrub is desired and no winterkill occurs, cut some branches to the ground and others back at varying heights—from one to three feet. If your hydrangea is a spreading shrub bearing tapering clusters of white flowers in early For an annual display of brilliant red stems, summer and leaves re- cut red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) sembling those of an to the ground early each spring. oak, it’s oakleaf hy- drangea (H. quercifolia). other shrubs in this category. (Where Prune in the same way crape myrtle does not die back, it needs as bigleaf hydrangea. little pruning, which also allows its at- The foliage of this tractive, mottled bark to develop.) species has good fall col- Hydrangea quercifolia Red-osier dogwood does not have to or, so all is not lost if a be cut back every year, although this an- cold winter at the northern end of this plant’s growing range kills the flower buds. nual, severe pruning results in a flush of If your hydrangea flowers in mid- to late summer, eventually growing 15 or more feet new stems, which are the only ones that high and developing multiple woody trunks, it’s peegee hydrangea (H. paniculata). A have decorative red bark. Enjoy the col- light pruning in early spring will stimulate growth of new flower-bearing shoots. orful stems through winter, then cut And finally, if your hydrangea is a climbing or—if not given support—a clam- them all back in early spring to stimulate bering vine bearing white flowers in early summer, it’s climbing hydrangea (H. the following winter’s flaming red stems. anomala ssp. petiolaris). Just shorten any stems that grow out of bounds. (For more Alternatively, prune this shrub, as well as detailed information on pruning hydrangeas, click on the web special linked to this purple osier willow (Salix purpurea), to article on the AHS website, www.ahs.org). —L.R. present a different look—a mop of col- orful stems atop a short, noncolorful

trunk. In succeeding years, all those col- LEE REICH (3)

40 the American Gardener PRUNING ROSES Resources By right, there should be no reason for rose pruning to garner any special mention. The American Horticultural Society Roses, after all, are just another shrub, albeit one that has inspired poets and painters, Pruning & Training by Christopher and led to the formation of societies. That said, many types of roses flower both ear- Brickell and David Joyce. DK Pub- ly and late during the growing season, which means that you leave many stems alone lishing, New York, New York, 1996. for earlier flowers but also shorten some stems drastically to stimulate vigorous new growth for later flowers. And even beyond this, roses differ in their bearing habits. The Cass Turnbull’s Guide to Pruning by way to prune any rose is to observe or otherwise learn its flowering habit, then prune Cass Turnbull. Sasquatch Books, it in the same way as any other shrub with that flowering habit. Seattle, Washington, 2004. To whit: Roses that flower well on old wood and make few suckers include climb- ing roses, landscape (groundcover) roses, and shrub roses such as apothecary, Father Plant Amnesty, www.plantamnesty.org.

The Pruning Book by Lee Reich. Taunton Press, Newton, Connecti- cut, 1997. (A revised edition of this book is scheduled for release in 2010.)

Pruning Trees, Shrubs & Vines by Karan Davis Cutler. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Brooklyn, New York, 2003.

Pruning Ornamental Shrubs by Christopher Starbuck. University of Missouri, 2007. http://extension. missouri.edu/explore/agguides/ For roses that bloom on new growth and one-year-old wood, like the polyantha rose hort/g06870.htm. shown above, cut back older stems to about a foot, but leave younger stems taller. Pruning Shrubs by Erv Evans. North Hugo’s, musk, and Scotch roses. These need little pruning beyond the removal, af- Carolina State University, 2003. ter a number of years, of an old cane to make way for a replacement from a sucker. www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/ Roses that flower on one-year-old wood originating from older wood up in the plant consumer/factsheets/shrubs/text/ as well as on the season’s new growth include floribunda, grandiflora, hybrid perpet- pruning.html. ual, polyantha, and hybrid tea roses, as well as shrub roses such as moss, cabbage, Damask, Japanese, burgundy, modern shrub roses, and Rosa moyesii. Prune these roses by shortening older canes to about a foot and younger ones only slightly. To a Sources for Tools point, the more drastically you prune, the fewer, the larger, and the later the blossoms, A list of sources for pruning tools and the smaller the plant. For rambling roses that flower best on one-year-old wood can be found on page 50, in the originating at ground level, cut away flowering canes right after bloom. —L.R. “Green Garage” article.

orful stems can then be cut back to the ground level, while the mature foliage, to what and when to prune—then trunk rather than to ground level. present when the plant is grown as a tree, make your cuts accordingly. And don’t The vigorous new growth resulting is elongated and a rich green color. At the worry too much about making a mis- from annual, severe pruning also may very least, leaves sprouting near ground take—you’ll get to try again the follow- lead to some decorative leaf effects. level following severe pruning are larger ing year. When shrubs are cut to ground level, than their counterparts on more sedate- newer leaves may retain a juvenile ap- ly pruned shrubs. Garden consultant and author Lee Reich is pearance that can be quite different from the author of The Pruning Book (Taunton the appearance of the species’ mature TAKING CLUES, MAKING CUTS Press, 1997), Uncommon Fruits for Every leaves. Cider gum (Eucalyptus gunnii) The bottom line to pruning deciduous Garden (Timber Press, 2004), and, most re- leaves, for example, are bluish green and shrubs is to observe their growth habits cently, Landscaping with Fruit (Storey Pub-

LEE REICH (2) round on vigorous stems arising near carefully—they offer important clues as lishing, 2009).

January / February 2009 41 42 by MaryYee oneHre-oe America’s RoadsideEcologist Bonnie Harper-Lore: be donetoimprove themanagementofpubliclandaround thenation’s ever-growing network ofroads. vegetation hasaffectedtheenvironment, theon-goingbattleagainstinvasive species,andwhatstillneedsto to abookforhomegardeners, side Use ofNative Plants helping shapepolicyonnative plantsandthecontrol ofinvasive species.She haswrittentwomanuals, consin, shesays,“IhadasetofGolden Nature Guides asfriends.”Since 1993,shehasbeenwiththeFHWA, (FHWA) ofTransportation intheU.S.Department andtheonlyplantexpert (USDOT), Harper-Lore over- R sive plantisandrequired that projects had more clout.It definedwhataninva- to follow theguidelines. EM cannotbeenforced,states chose few supplemental irrigation.But becausean and inating theuseofherbicides,fertilizers, native populations andreducing orelim- plementing strategiestoprotect existing ofnativeand preservation speciesby im- DOT setanexampleintherestoration recommended that allagenciesofthe “universal” definitionofanative plant.It beneficial landscapingprovided the first Harper-Lore:Bonnie they affectvegetation management? Executive Order (EO)in1999.How did randum (EM)issuedin1994andan ministration writeanExecutive Memo- Yee:Mary The EOin1999oninvasive species Managing Director Editor andArt Yee Mary talkedwithHarper-Lore abouthow legislationonhighway the American Gardener road. AsheadoftheVegetation Management Program fortheFederal Highway Administration ESTORATION ECOLOGIST You helpedtheClintonAd- most recent biennialconference tookplacelastsummerinBanff, Canada. Across Borders conference in2002tofosterinternationalcooperation inthebattle.The dict, andcontrol invasive plants first.”She inorganizingthefirstWeeds wasinstrumental cannot restore orprotect native plantcommunitieswithoutlearninghow toprevent, pre- Harper-Lore’s job ishelpingstateDOTs managetheselocalecosystems,but,shesays,“We forendangerednatural habitatforplantsandanimals—andsometimesaspreserves flora. miles ofinterstate,state,andcountyroads. Roads as oftenpassthrough landthatserves sees “all thingsgreen andgrowing” on12millionacres ofright-of-wayalongthousands The 1994EMon Harper-Lore hasbeenapassionatenaturalistallherlife.Growing Wis- upinrural (USDOT, 1999)and Native Alternatives toInvasive Plants (Echinacea pallida) pallida) (Echinacea Under themanagement oftheMissouriDOT, a standofnativepalepurpleconeflowers Bonnie Harper-Lore istakingthewaragainstinvasive weeds onthe N NOEWITH ONE ON ONE Roadside Weed Management C thrives alongone ofthestate’swell-traveledroads. … (Brooklyn BotanicGarden, 2006). (USDOT, 2007),andcontributed Road-

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BONNIE HARPER-LORE using Federal funds prevent the spread of For more information about inva- sionmakers, scientists, and policymakers invasive plants and use native plants as sive weeds, contact your local university from agriculture, natural resources, and much as practicable. Unfortunately, there Extension Service, native plant societies, transportation agencies from the U.S., are not enough native seed growers to and your State Department of Natural Canada, and Mexico attended the first meet the needs of many land-manage- Resources or Agriculture. conference in Tucson, Arizona. ment agencies at all levels of government. native. Once established there, it has Were there any major developments in What defines an invasive plant? adapted so well that it displaces local veg- the conference last May in Canada? An invasive plant is a non-native plant in- etation in the region’s oak forests and is I am proud to say we took a big step to- troduced from another country or a region considered an invasive species. wards further continental cooperation. I of our own country that, in the absence of have been working with the U.S. State its natural enemies, out-competes existing In what situations might non-natives Department on a draft Memorandum of vegetation. This includes naturalized be appropriate plant choices? Understanding (MOU) that I was final- plants such as oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum Inside the limits of a highly urban land- ly able to introduce at the last conference. vulgare), which were introduced to North scape, I would consider whatever plants are The MOU would be a working agree- America by European settlers long ago. needed to achieve good and durable de- ment among the three countries to share A non-native plant that causes harm to sign. But in a rural environment, we have technical information and resources and the economy, human health, and/or the a responsibility to protect what we can of visit sites that demonstrate successful veg- environment is considered a noxious weed; diminishing natural areas. When native etation management. Without a formal agreement, momentum only lasts as long as its current champions have time. Vol- unteers from each country will review the MOU and bring their recommendations to the 2010 conference in West Virginia.

How do the choices that gardeners make contribute to the spread of invasives? In spite of all we in the horticultural field have learned, known invasives such as Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) are still sold and planted. Many gardeners may not be fully aware of the problems they may cause by growing these plants, but I am convinced most will change their behavior if they are properly educated. Gardeners who plant known invasives Bonnie Harper-Lore, second from left, and the ecological staff of the California Department for their aesthetic value, hoping to re- of Transportation view a rare protected vernal pool habitat on a right-of-way. strict the plants to their property, are tak- ing a big risk. Between wind and wildlife, most are introduced invasive plants. Most species are matched to site conditions, they the seeds of these species will escape. states have State Noxious Weed Laws; few usually offer the best solution. of the laws include American native What is the ultimate goal of highway plants—poison ivy being an exception. How did the first Weeds Across Bor- vegetation management? ders conference in 2002 come about? Safety will always be the first requirement Are there instances where American Since the early 1990s, various federal agen- of roadside vegetation, but it also offers en- native plants are considered invasive? cies, including the FHWA, have come to- vironmental benefits, including erosion We need to keep in mind that a plant gether to share in the management of control, creating wildlife habitat, and pro- that is native to one part of North Amer- noxious weeds. The Weeds Across Borders viding wildfire buffering. ica can become a problem in another campaign was an extension of this effort. More than ever, we need to take a sus- part, so it’s not always about plants from Because all lands in North America are tainable view of the roadsides that criss- other countries. connected by our highways and weeds cross the country. They represent millions A good example is the black locust don’t recognize political boundaries, I felt of acres of conservation opportunity we (Robinia pseudoacacia), a tree native to the FHWA needed to work with landown- cannot afford to waste. the Appalachian Mountains. When it ers adjacent to the rights-of-way as well as was transplanted to the Midwest for use state and county agencies and even our Mary Yee is managing editor and art director

DON TATAISHI / COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION as windbreaks on farms, it was no longer neighboring countries. About 100 deci- of The American Gardener.

January / February 2009 43 ‘Lambkin’ melon ‘Lambkin’ melon 44 mildew. ‘Gretel’ eggplant’s three- tofour- yield due to its tolerance to powdery top ratingsforitscompacthabitandhigh vor, ‘Honey Bear’ acornsquashreceived taste-tested. In additiontoitssweet fla- factor intheevaluation process soallare regions.and summerinnorthern and winter in the south, and in spring and heattolerant,soitbloomsduringfall purple andblue.Thisplantisbothcold opening purpleandwhite,thenturning usual traitofnaturallychangingcolor, award winner. Its flowers exhibitanun- 2009 AASCoolSeason Bedding Plant parative trialsacross thecountry. incom- their outstandingperformance America Selections (AAS) distinction for one flower—have beengiven theAll- Four varieties—three new vegetables and SELECTIONSWINNERS 2009 ALL-AMERICA ‘Honey Bear’acorn squash Horticultural NewsandResearch ImportanttoAmericanGardeners ‘Honey Bear’acorn squash For vegetables, flavor isanimportant Viola the American Gardener ‘Rain Blue and Purple’ is the plant. Asroot exudates, these molecules corrhizae toform symbioseswiththe roots inducesbeneficialfungisuchasmy- known thatstrigolactoneexudedthrough returned toanormalbranchingpattern. If treated withstrigolactone,theseplants strigolactone branchedwithoutrestraint. ing them to lack the ability to create showed thatplantswithamutation caus- published inthejournalNature controlling branchinginplants.Research called strigolactones,thatplayarole in groupfied anew ofplanthormones, root growth. Scientists have now identi- tists fortheirabilitytoregulate shootand been utilized fordecadesby plantscien- such asauxinsandgibberellins, have A handfulofknown planthormones, HORMONEDISCOVERED NEW PLANT website atwww.all-americaselections.org. thatmaturematic, juicyfruits early. ‘Lambkin’ stoodoutforitssweet, aro- only 55days.AChristmastypemelon, along withitsabilitytoreach maturityin skins andsweet fleshimpressed judges, inch slender white with fruits tender GARDENER ‘Gretel’ eggplant ‘Gretel’ eggplant For more information,visittheAAS Prior tothisdiscovery, scientistshad C ’ NOTEBOOK S last year that thesechemicalsactasplanthormones. lactones, whichfacilitatedthediscovery identify thegenesthatsynthesize strigo- other UFscientistswere amongthefirstto control thedegree ofbranching.”Kleeand actually works andhow theplantuses itto “We know nothingabouthow virtually it University ofFlorida (UF)inGainesville. Horticultural Sciences Department atthe how Klee from the itismade,”saysHarry fects andapplications. as theylearnmore aboutitspotentialef- will have manymore avenues toexplore identified asaplanthormone,scientists victims. Now thatstrigolactonehasbeen plants to germinateand attach totheir also stimulatetheseedsofnearby parasitic and summerinstead. ning twosmallerevents forthespring March, thoughtheorganizationisplan- land Flower Show that was scheduled for (MHS) has canceled the 2009 New Eng- Massachusetts Horticultural Society Beleaguered by financial difficulties, the SOCIETY HORTICULTURAL WOESBESETMASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL sands ofdollars. cost theorganization hundreds ofthou- gardens onnearlyfive acres oflandhave the installation and maintenance of these showpiece MHSoriginallyhadplanned, Though notasgrandthe botanical the Big Dig’s highwaytunnelsystem. Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway builtabove ofdowntowndens,” part Boston’s Rose completed“Greenwayof itsnewly Gar- nization’s resources hasbeenthecreation flowertinuously running shows. event was one ofthenation’s longestcon- lost money. With a137-year history, this economy andthefactthatlastyear’s show celed theshow becauseofthesluggish board of trustees, stated that MHS can- Ridge Madsen, president ofthesociety’s “We stilldon’t know thedetailsabout In arecent Boston Globe Another significantstrainontheorga- article, Betsy article,

COURTESY OF ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS Last year the 180-year-old organiza- gram, focusing on native eastern redbud tion also laid off more than half its staff (C. canadensis). According to Mark as a result of its financial predicament, Weathington, assistant director and cu- and changed the leadership of its board rator of collections, they are “breeding of trustees. It has launched a “Save Our for novel weeping forms such as purple, Society” campaign, “reaching out to gold, and variegated foliage forms.” Ad- foundations, businesses, and individuals ditionally, research with the collection in- with the goal of putting the Massachu- cludes “evaluating the landscape setts Horticultural Society back in the suitability of the various species, and black and continuing our most funda- evaluating the numerous named and un- mental programs.” For more informa- named selections,” Weathington says. tion, visit www.masshort.org. The NAPCC is coordinated by the American Public Gardens Association in OUTSTANDING REDBUD COLLECTION cooperation with the U.S. Department RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research The North American Plant Collections Service and the U.S. National Arbore- Consortium (NAPCC) recently recog- tum. The consortium designates out- nized the redbud collection at the JC standing collections of landscape plants Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina in an effort to encourage the preservation State University in Raleigh as one of the JC Raulston Arboretum Director Dennis of plant germplasm and high standards nation’s best. The collection features 41 Warner, right, and Research Assistant Layne of plant collections management. taxa of Cercis, including several hard-to- Snelling hand-pollinate redbud flowers in an find species such as giant redbud (C. gi- attempt to create new varieties. MOBOT’S AWARD-WINNING RECYCLING gantea) and smooth redbud (C. glabra). PROGRAM CELEBRATES NEW SUCCESS In addition to the collection’s com- nis Werner, director of the arboretum Look in just about any gardener’s shed and prehensiveness, its research value also and a horticulture professor at NC State, you’re bound to find a pile of empty plas- COURTESY OF JC RAULSTON ARBORETUM earned it the NAPCC distinction. Den- has developed a redbud breeding pro- tic pots, cell packs, and trays from previ-

The American Horticultural Society’s Spring Garden Market

at River Farm

A Plant Sale and Marketplace of Garden-Inspired Items

Vendors Wanted for Spring Garden Market! The American Horticultural Society is looking for vendors for its Spring Garden Market taking place from April 16-18, 2009 at its River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. A variety of spaces are available for vendors of plants and garden-related items. Contact Sharon Grant at (703) 786-5700 ext. 114 or [email protected] for more information.

January / February 2009 45 46 ities andEvents” orcall (314)577-9561. www.mobot.org/hort plastic potrecycling program, visit sustainability oftheprogram.” products thatcanbemadeandtheoverall pricedictatesthekindsof Cline. “That time, dependingonthepriceofoil,”says ucts “the changesallthe plasticsindustry planks, landscape timbers,andotherprod- While theprogram hasrecycled potsinto T. Kemper CenterforHome Gardening. Cline, managerof the MOBOT’s William program founder and organizer Steven waste backintousefulproduction,” says show how recycling important istogetting neering horticultural programs. Excellence, given toinnovative andpio- Association withitsAward forProgram ognized by the American Public Gardens of itskindinthenation,itwasrecently rec- turers. One oftheonlyrecycling programs into otherproducts by various manufac- tics are thenground down andrecycled assatellitecollection sites.Theplas- serve garden centers throughout St. Louisalso dents andbusinesses.Anumberofretail asacentralcollectionsiteforresi-serves plastic waste. of horticultural gram hasrecycled approximately 330tons plastic. Since itlaunched in1998,thepro- self by collectingandrecycling 75 tonsof recycling program record setanew forit- souri BotanicalGarden’s (MOBOT) pot inSt.to betrue Louis.In 2008,theMis- ous plantingseasons.But thisislesslikely plastic containersreadyforrecycling. MOBOT’s StevenClinesortsthroughapileof For more information on MOBOT’s isamodelsystemdesignedto “This For several monthseach year, MOBOT the American Gardener and clickon“Activ- EPEadPLACESintheNEWS PEOPLE and plant industry, breedingandmarketingflower seedsandplantsglobally. ative research and technology.” Syngenta Flowers focuses onthe pot and bedding “world-leading agribusinesscommitted tosustainableagriculturethroughinnov- companies suchasBallHorticulture andProvenWinners,Inc.” ing companiesinEuropeand North America,puttingitonthesamelevelaslarge years, ithasalsospentenormousamountsofmoneyoninfrastructure andbreed- it hasinitiatedaggressivebreedingprogramsinannualsand perennials.Inrecent mitage, ahorticultureprofessorattheUniversityofGeorgia. “Inthelasttwoyears it has certainly become impossible to ignore in the flower industry,” says Allan Ar- brands underitsSyngentaFlowersumbrella. er andseedproducer.Syngentaplanstomaintainboththe YoderandGoldsmith acquired Goldsmith Seeds, a family-owned, multinational ornamental plant breed- Inc. untilJuly2009,whenthebusinesswillberenamed.Syngenta alsorecently maining Yoderentitieswillcontinuetobeownedandoperated byYoderBrothers, this Americanbreederandpropagatorofavarietyornamental crops.There- Brothers, Inc. brand as well as the chrysanthemum and aster product lines from Last fall, the Switzerland-based agribusiness giant Syngenta purchased the Yoder Syngenta AcquiresGoldsmithSeedsandYoderBrother’sBrand ican HorticulturalSocietyforitsheadquartersin1973. ticultural andculturalorganizations,includingdonatingRiverFarmtotheAmer- result ofMrs.Haupt’scommitmenttopublichorticulture,”Longadds. six millionpeoplehaveenjoyeditscollectionsandspecialexhibitions—largelya servatory, nownamedinherhonor.“Sincetheconservatoryreopened1997, notable contributionstoNYBGwasfundingfortherenovationofitshistoriccon- for more than 30 years,” says NYBG President Gregory Long. One of Haupt’s most a historicfigureinthelifeofNewYorkBotanicalGarden,activegarden tions tothegardenandhorticulture,botany,plantscience,education. medal isgiveninrecognitionofindividualswhohavemadesignificantcontribu- Gold Medal of the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). Awarded infrequently, the The late horticultural philanthropist Enid A. Haupt was recently honored with a Enid A.HauptHonoredbyNewYorkBotanicalGarden Syngenta, whichproducesand marketspesticidesandseeds,billsitselfasa “Syngenta may not be a well known name in garden and landscape circles, but Haupt, whodiedin2005,donatedmillionstotheNYBGandmanyotherhor- “Enid Haupt was the greatest patron American horticulture has ever known and The Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden The Haupt Conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden

LEFT: COURTESY OF MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN. RIGHT: COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN CRAZY FOR CATMINTS past fall, sparking concern among home- With their profusion of blue, purple, or owners, naturalists, arborists, and other WORLD’S #1 TOP white flowers, aromatic foliage, and low scientists. Oaks (Quercus spp.) are known PLANT SUPPLY maintenance needs, catmints (Nepeta to go through cycles of abundant and poor spp.) play well in a variety of garden and production, depending on the species, but PLANT #1HEALTH EXTRA LIFE landscape settings. In a recent seven-year a complete lack of acorns is unusual. Greatest Guarantee-Offer PROOF Ever SINCE 1940, $5,000. GUARANTEED to be trial of 36 different Nepeta taxa at the “Most people,” explains Guy Sternberg, Worldunchallenged, CHAMPION Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG) in Illi- an oak expert and founder of Starhill Ar- #1 Activator, #1 Trans/ #1 Extra #1 REVIVER, PLANTER, GROWER, nois, four catmints performed excep- boretum in Petersburg, Illinois, “believe it WORLD’S FAIR SCIENCE-MEDAL-WINNING #1 Perfecter V TM TM tionally well in terms of their ornamental has to do with the weather—say a late I ® 50 IN traits, resistance to pests and diseases, freeze or heavy rain during pollination— ONE adaptability, and hardiness. coupled with the trees’ inability to pro- VITAMINS-HORMONES USED BY U.S. –– FERTILIZER GUARANTEED Departments of –– PESTICIDE –– POLLUTING BioUSABLES As Advertised in AGRICULTURE, ARMY, NON TM Better Homes & Gardens Nepeta ‘Joanna Reed’, N. ‘Six Hills duce good crops in successive years.” NAVY, AIR. Etc. TO ADD TO FERTILIZING for growing Landscape Architecture ALSO BY STATES, Horticulture CITIES, COUNTIES, DOUBLE MONEY-BACK ✕ UNIVERSITIES Giant’, N. faasenii ‘Select Blue’, and N. Other theories have linked the short- RECOMMENDED TOP VALUE BY EXPERTS OF TV, RADIO, BOOKS, EXTREME Concentration MAGAZINES, Drop-A-CupTM or CONFERENCES Dozens Drop-A-GalTM racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ all bloomed heav- fall to factors such as acid rain and the OF THE emergence of the 17-year-cicadas last WORLD’S SCIENCE & INDUSTRY ONLY GOLD MEDAL spring. However, other areas of the coun- WORLD’S FAIR 1940 science ADD to any fertilizingTM • 50 INSTANT BioUSABLES NORMAL PURE COMPLEXES try reported bumper crops of acorns, so • From Carbon-Hydrogen-Oxygen MIRACLES natural organic crystals • Save plants from waiting while IN EACH trying to make them the consensus is that the localized acorn • Unique. Nothing is “like” it. DROP! SEE TO BELIEVE–– HEALTHIER, FASTER plants shortage, though out of the ordinary, is BEAUTY and CROP yieldADDED TO 21 FERTILIZERS by 21 Growers

YOU CAN probably not a calamitous occurrence— ORDER PINT, QUART, unless, of course, one is a squirrel. GALLON, Billions–PROVEN or DRUM B A L A N C E D ORIGINAL SLOWER-GROWING GRASS FOR ADDED TO 18 FERTILIZERS, by 18 Growers SOUTHERN REGIONS St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secun- datum) is one of the most widely used grasses in much of the Southeast, Gulf of NEARLY 1000 BOOKS, CONFERENCES, Mexico region, and parts of California RECOMMENDED BY MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, TVs, RADIOS because of its tolerance for high temper- USED BY atures. A newly released slower-growing FIVE U.S. DEPARTMENTS TO HELP WIN WORLD WAR II OF GOVERNMENTS, STATE UNIVERSITIES, LEADING selection called Captiva™, resulting from THOUSANDS ARBORETUMS, BOTANICAL GARDENS, PARKS SYSTEMS U.S. STATES and CITIES IN MULTIPLE-DRUMS LOTS 15 years of breeding and research at the FLOWERING PLANTS SHOW WINNERS – “everywhere” HEALTHY, TOXICS-FREE FOODS GROWERS University of Florida (UF), could mean UNIQUE. Far easier plant success significant savings in mowing fuel and time. Since it grows between one-and-a- Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ half and two-and-a-half inches per week—about half as fast as other types of ily and kept neat habits throughout the St. Augustine grass—it needs less fre- season without the need for shearing back, quent mowing. Russell Nagata, a horti- unlike several other taxa in the trial. Each culturist at UF who helped develop of these cultivars produces lavender-blue Captiva, estimates that if everyone in flowers on stems that can reach up to three Florida alone could mow half as often, it feet, with the exception of ‘Select Blue’, would save up to 30 million gallons of which has more compact stems up to 14 fuel a year and reduce harmful emissions.

11 XMAS TREES 17 HYDROSEEDING 22 FLOWERING PLANT inches. They all grow well in USDA Additionally, Captiva has a softer tex- 12 REFORESTATION 18 LANDSCAPING COMPETITIONS 13 HYDROPONICS 19 PROPAGATION 23 INTERIORSCAPING Zones 4–8 and AHS Heat Zones 8–1, ture and greener color than other St. Au- 14 FIELD CROPS 20 ANTI-EROSION 24 CUT FLOWERS 15 BONSAI 21 ENVIRONMENTAL 25 WEATHER DAMAGE though soggy conditions for prolonged gustine grass selections. When trialed at 16 TISSUE CULTURE IMPROVEMENT 26 WATER GARDENS periods should be avoided because cat- sod farms across the south, it also appears AT CONSCIENTIOUS PLANT DEALERS WORLDWIDE mints do not tolerate wet feet. to have good resistance to chinch bug, a Used, tipped to, and supplied by thousands of conscientious plant-selling firms. On every continent, without salesmen. For a copy of the full report on the common pest of turf grass in southern re- REFUSE “just as good,” false, cheaply made, trial, call the CBG at (847) 835-5440 or gions. Currently it is available in limited unbalancing substitutes – often 991/2% water. visit www.chicagobotanic.org. quantities, but will have greater distribu- NOTHING IS AT ALL “LIKE” tion within the next year. 50 VITAMINS-HORMONES ACORN SCARCITY CAUSES CONCERN V Made in U.S.A. by VITAMIN INSTITUTE I In parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, News written by Associate Editor Viveka 12610 Saticoy Street South, North Hollywood, CA 91605 Website www.superthrive.com

RICHARD HAWKE / COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN acorns were almost completely absent this Neveln.

January / February 2009 47 GREENC GARAGE®

Selecting the Right Pruning Tools for Each Task by Rita Pelczar

S LEE REICH mentions in “Pruning Deciduous Shrubs” (page 36), pruning involves a certain A amount of artistry. Quality tools that match the job are imperative to maximize that artistry and minimize both plant trauma and gardener fatigue. Select your tools for each job based on the size of the branches or stems that need cutting. Too small a tool makes your work harder, can leave jagged cuts that provide openings for diseases and pests, and may damage your tool. Never twist your pruners to com- plete a cut, and keep the blades of your pruning tools sharp (see “Maintaining a Sharp Edge,” page 50).

HAND PRUNERS AND SNIPS lightweight, and the handle rotates as However, it can be indispensable for Hand pruners, also called hand shears or you squeeze it, engaging gears that min- pruning those hard-to-reach stems or secateurs, are generally used for cutting imize the hand strength required. An ad- otherwise inaccessible flowers for indoor branches up to three-quarter-inch in di- justment screw allows you to modify the arrangements. ameter. They get a lot of use, so it’s worth grip to fit your hand. Corona’s Ergo-Ac- A bit pricier than many hand pruners, investing in a good pair. There are two tion bypass pruners are also designed to the Leatherman Genus® is actually a very types based on their blades: compact and practical garden tool kit. If anvil and bypass. Anvil you rotate the er- pruners have a single blade gonomically de- that cuts against a flat oppos- signed handle of the ing surface. Use this type for bypass pruners, you cutting up dead branches or can access a knife, culling unwanted vines or Phillips screwdriver, saplings because it can crush sprinkler head ad- stems in the process—some- justment tool/flat thing you want to avoid when screwdriver, bottle pruning garden plants. The opener, and a saw. action of bypass pruners is All the tools are more like scissors—one blade stainless steel and passes the other, creating a the body is anodized much cleaner, sharper cut. aluminum. The tool This is a better choice for also comes with a di- tending the plants in your landscape. Country Home’s ratchet hand pruners amond-coated file Some pruners offer ratchet action, that doubles as a Leatherman Genus whereby the cut is made in increments reduce hand stress. Their angled blade handy open-end pruners and tool kit with small, repeated squeezes that require and contoured handles are comfortable, wrench for adjusting less strength. Country Home Products even with extended use. Felco pruners, the pruner nut. offers sturdy, well balanced ratchet hand both anvil and bypass styles, come in a Snips and garden scissors are great for pruners capable of cutting through variety of sizes and are available for either more delicate chores such as deadhead- branches that are up to one inch thick. Its right- or left-handed gardeners. ing flowers, pruning herbaceous vines high carbon steel bypass blades with their To extend your reach, long arm and stems, or harvesting fresh flowers non-stick coating retain their edge over a pruners look like hand pruners on a pole. and herbs. OXO Good Grips® garden long period of use. These may have fixed poles with a reach scissors have serrated, stainless steel PowerGear® bypass pruners from of two to four feet, or telescoping poles blades and a comfortable padded grip. Fiskars have won several design awards, that extend their reach up to 10 feet or so. Softouch® Micro-Tip® pruning snips including the Ease of Use Commenda- I find that this type of pruners has some- from Fiskars with their padded handles tion from the Arthritis Foundation®, and what limited applications and it is hard are another good option for finely de- for good reason: They are comfortable, to use for long without causing fatigue. tailed pruning work. And Felco’s fruit

48 the American Gardener vegetable harvesting shear (F310) is the perfect tool for harvesting grapes. LOPPERS AND POLE PRUNERS Pruning loppers are similar to hand pruners, just bigger. Like hand pruners, they are available in anvil or bypass styles, and some offer ratchet action. Since loppers are gripped with two hands instead of one, the muscles in both arms are engaged, provid- ing significantly more leverage. Loppers are useful for cutting branches from three-quar- ters to two inches in diameter. For maxi- mum strength and control, cut the branch as far back in the blade opening (close to the pivot) as possible. Short handled loppers—16 to 18 inch- es long—are great for close in work such Loppers, like this one from Fiskars, are designed to cut branches up to two inches thick. as renewal pruning shrubs or pruning grapes. Longer handles—usually between The ratcheting mechanism of Garrett- Pole pruners are used to reach branch- 20 and 36 inches—extend your reach for Wade’s Premium Grade Pruning Lop- es that are beyond the reach of loppers. overhead cuts or hard-to-reach spots. pers extends the typical limit of lopper They consist of a long pole with a hooked Some loppers have telescoping handles, cuts with a cutting jaw capacity of two- upper blade and a cutting blade below that which provide a range of handle lengths in and-a-half inches. This tool is equipped is operated with a rope. Some are equipped a single tool. For example, the handles of with Teflon® blades and telescoping han- with a telescoping pole. Exercise caution Corona’s Compound Action Bypass dles, which extend from 26 to 40 inches. when using a pole pruner or any other Loppers extend from 21 to 33 inches. The rubber grips provide stability. pruning tool to cut overhead branches;

T U C U L T O I V A T I N G M G RA C N OG MAR O I PR M C M E U H M T I A S U H U O 6 N D P I A T C R M , Y G Y E N D S 2 N O G O L 0 A W A A G G E N U 0 M O R N L 9 E N E N

T B H T A

For 40 years, distinctive, award-winning landscapes have been the hallmark of Chapel Valley Landscape Companyʼs commitment to creativity, quality and service. We design, install and maintain landscapes that make a positive first impression. Call us today to discuss your plans using our comprehensive landscape services.

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January / February 2009 49 MAINTAINING A SHARP EDGE Sources For clean cuts, sharpen your pruning tools regularly following these simple steps: Cactus Pruner, www.cactuspruner.com. ■ Disassemble the tool (usually just a matter of removing a single screw). Corona, www.coronaclipper.com. ■ Using a soft rag and 3-in-1 oil or a lu- bricant specifically made for cleaning Country Home Products, Inc., gardening tools such as Felco’s Univer- www.countryhomeproducts.com. sal Lubricant Spray, wipe down all parts of the tool, removing dirt and plant de- Fiskars, www.fiskars.com. bris; use steel wool to remove rust. ■ Use a sharpening stone to remove Gardener’s Supply, www.gardeners.com. nicks and restore a sharp edge to the blade. Hold the sharpening stone against Gardenscape Tools, the cutting blade at a slight angle and www.gardenscapetools.com. push the stone across the blade (away from you) along the entire length of the Lee Valley’s sharpener for pruners Garrett Wade Outdoor Tools, bevel. Sharpen in one direction only, be- www.garrettwade.com/ ginning with the coarse side of the stone and finishing with the fine side. Outdoor-Tools/c/12375. ■ Although pruner blades are beveled only on one side, run the sharpening stone over the non-beveled side a few times to remove rough edges. Lee Valley Garden Tools, ■ Oil or grease all moving parts and reassemble tool. www.leevalley.com. ■ To refresh your blade’s edge quickly, without disassembling the tool, Lee Valley offers a sharpener, pictured above, that adjusts to any size pruning blade. —R.P. Orchard’s Edge, www.orchardsedge.com. branches can fall on and injure the opera- Rittenhouse Garden Tools, tor below. And, of course, always check for www.rittenhouse.ca. overhead powerlines, too.

PRUNING SAWS to cut through rose branches Pruning saws are required for branches up to one-and-a-quarter- that are too large for loppers or pole inch thick. pruners. They may be fixed or folding and Cacti and succulents re- are designed to quire pruning equipment cut on the back that accommodates their stroke. Their thick, non-woody, and often blade is typically spiny stems. A Cactus Saw, curved, with for example, has an angled, widely spaced serrated blade and a long teeth that help Bahco’s hand saw folds for easy storage. handle that keeps your hand prevent binding away from the cactus itself. A in fresh wood. SPECIALTY PRUNERS Cactus Whacker is designed The blades Certain pruning chores are easier with tools for smaller cacti and succu- of Bahco hand designed for the plant. Vineyard loppers, lents and for more detailed saws range from for example, have hooked bypass blades pruning. If you really need to seven-and-one- that hold the vine while it’s being cut. grasp the stem of your cac- half to 11 inches; Rose growers may appreciate Lee Val- tus, you will want to invest some are fold- ley’s Snip & Strip Rose Pruners. The in a Cactus Gripper or Cac- Cactus ing and are hand-held snips have a three-inch blade tus Grabber. All of the above Whacker equipped with a Felco curved hand saw for pruning canes and cutting stems, and mentioned tools for cactus safety lock. a notch toward the tip of the blade for re- are available from Cactus Pruner (see For hard-to-reach branches, Orchard’s moving thorns. The American Rose So- “Sources,” above). Edge offers several pole saws with tele- ciety has endorsed Fiskars’s Super Light scoping handles that, depending on the PowerGear® Loppers,which are com- Rita Pelczar is a contributing editor for The saw, can be extended from 12 to 21 feet. pact, lightweight, and powerful enough American Gardener.

50 the American Gardener

BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

Flowers and Herbs of Early America Lilacs: A Gardener’s Encyclopedia Lawrence D. Griffith. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in association John L. Fiala. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2008. 410 pages. Pub- with Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut, 2008. 304 pages. lisher’s price, hardcover: $49.95. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $50. IF CONSIDERED CAREFULLY, the title of a book will often THIS SUMPTUOUS book gives rare insight into the garden ac- reveal exactly what to expect from its contents. Such is the case tivities of our colonial past and how modern gardeners might use with Lilacs: A Gardener’s Encyclopedia—it is absolutely ency- those time-honored plants and prac- clopedic in scope. Reverently revised by tices. Griffith approached the project Freek Vrugtman, the International Lilac as both a research historian and as a Registrar, the book is an updated ver- professional gardener for Colonial sion of Lilacs: The Genus Syringa, writ- Williamsburg in Virginia. Photo- ten two decades ago by the late John graphs by Barbara Temple Lombardi Fiala, a priest and college professor who make the book an elegant, artistic founded the International Lilac Society. contribution to modern florilegia. For those who have not read Fiala’s The book describes 58 flowers and original work, do not let the encyclope- herbs with thorough, engaging, and dic nature of the book intimidate you— well-illustrated essays. Griffith chose his subjects from among the this is no dry read. Like the original, this updated version is more than 180 plants he grew at Colonial Williamsburg, deemed replete with accounts of 19th- and 20th-century plant explo- to be an accurate selection of plants for the American colonial pe- ration adventures, the fascinating history of lilac breeding, and riod. In addition to relating the history of each plant from the per- the hybridizers themselves. The book contains vivid descrip- spective of old-time writers and gardeners, Griffith shares tions of the 30-odd lilac species and natural hybrids as well as cultivation information gleaned from his own experiences. hundreds of cultivars. Griffith praises the plants he discusses for their ability to Those who are familiar with Fiala’s original version will no- form painterly combinations serendipitously. He captured my tice that this revision is no simple-minded rehash. While orga- imagination with his “complicated and content bundle of in- nized in the original chapter format and including original text, terwoven flowering stems” of bishop’s weed (Ammi majus), every chapter has been revised and many are considerably ex- small-flowered zinnia (Zinnia pauciflora), mixed four o’clocks panded. For example, the first chapter contains important re- (Mirabilis jalapa), and striped French marigold (Tagetes patula visions to the taxonomy of the genus, including recent changes ‘Striped’), among many other delightful-sounding groupings. based on DNA evidence. Chapter 10, dealing with lilac hy- The plant history purist might quibble with the inclusion of a bridizers, features new information on lilac breeding efforts in number of modern cultivars. However, in most cases, Griffith ex- Russia, the former Soviet Republics, and China, including de- plains each selection, noting new names for old plant types and scriptions of cultivars yet to be seen in North American gar- the interesting effects of genetic drift in several species. Still, the dens. In addition, the list of notable world lilac collections and 20th-century Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ seems gardens (Appendix C) has been considerably expanded. out of place in this context. This book is also a visual feast, containing 580 beautiful color After reading this book, I could not decide whether to place it photographs, including many of the original version’s photos on the coffee table for more leisurely perusal of the gorgeous flower of flowers, whole plants, and lilacs in the landscape. In this edi- photographs, woodcuts, and engravings, or to keep it among my tion, the photos are spread throughout the book as opposed to gardening references for its practical cultivation descriptions and being clustered as they were in the original text. recommendations. In any event, it will be close at hand as I plan For the cultivar descriptions, the accompanying photos, the my next garden to include ragged robin, strawberry blite, and the updated taxonomic treatment, and the history and tales, this is large-flowered all-heal. a book that belongs on every lilac lover’s bookshelf. —Denise Wiles Adams —Stan C. Hokanson

Denise Wiles Adams is a plant historian in Stony Point, New York. Stan C. Hokanson is an associate professor of horticulture and director She is the author of Restoring American Gardens: An Encyclopedia of the woody landscape plant breeding and genetics program at the of Ornamental Plants, 1640-1940 (Timber Press, 2004). University of Minnesota in St. Paul.

52 the American Gardener Rare finds… found here.

VISIT THE AMERICAN ORCHID SOCIETY BOTANICAL Garden and you will discover hundreds of the world’s most exotic and rare orchid species and hybrids. Our orchid greenhouse is always in bloom. You’ll be captivated by the amazing array of colors, shapes, sizes and tantalizing fragrances. Take a stroll through the 3 1/2 acre tropical garden and find orchids blooming in the trees. Come lose yourself in our enchanting garden!

Delray Beach, FL ‡ 561-404-2000 ‡ AOS.org Adjacent to the Morikami Museum

TOUR ORCHID GARDENS ‡ SHOP FOR ORCHID GIFTS ‡ BEAUTIFUL ART EXHIBITS Plant-Driven Design This book is packed with photographic evidence that the Lauren Springer Ogden and Scott Ogden. Timber Press, Portland, Ore- Ogdens practice what they preach. The photos are framed gon, 2008. 284 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $34.95. with the eye of a designer who sees plants as the true heart of a garden. For example, the images feature wrought-iron gates LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS and landscape designers have draped with vines, stepping stones encroached on by thyme long argued about whether plants or hardscape elements are the and veronica, gravel pathways punctuated with alliums, and most important part of a garden. yards in which dormant buffalo grass is enlivened by tulips. The case for hardscape elements’ In these gardens, there is no way to avoid the plants—their primacy could be summed up by designs blend “plant space” and “people space” in a way that landscape architect Steve Martino’s promotes and celebrates close encounters with plants. statement that when he starts a Seeing routine maintenance—or just plain gardening— new design, rather than plants, “I as part of the design process is a recurring thread throughout think about developing space using the book. In one image, Lauren is pictured out in the garden hardscape elements. I think plants filling two large black trashcans with weeds and grass seed are incidental to the garden and heads. The caption for the photograph reads, “Not simply that it needs to be successful with- chores, weeding and editing sustain and renew a garden’s de- out plants.” sign and at the same time nurture a fascination and connec- In their new book, Plant-Driven Design, Lauren Springer tion for the gardener.” As the Ogdens suggest, perhaps our Ogden and Scott Ogden take a radically different view—that desire to connect with the nature in our backyards isn’t ful- the “architecture first” school of garden design often fails “to filled by a spa or outdoor kitchen, but rather in the form of include plants in a way that celebrates their inherent character a weed, or some other garden plant that desperately needs the and natural power.” They advocate giving plants equal billing attention of a designer. and then some. In my opinion, Plant-Driven Design champi- —Scott Calhoun ons the “plant-it-instead-of-pave-it” point of view better than any book to date. It should be required reading for landscape Scott Calhoun writes books and designs gardens in Tucson, Arizona. architecture and design students, if for no other reason than it His latest title, The Hot Garden, will be released this March (visit offers a thoughtful counterpoint to the prevailing wisdom. www.zonagardens.com for details). PHOTO BY ANNE C. ALLEN FROM 2008 GARDENER’S CALENDAR 2009 “Gardener’s” Calendar There are 13 prize-winning color photos taken by TGOA/MGCA members, including AHS members who are also members of TGOA/MGCA $6.95 ($59.00 for 10) Postpaid To order: call 515-278-0295 or e-mail [email protected] The Gardeners of America/ Men’s Garden Clubs of America Box 241, Johnston, Iowa 50121-0241 (515) 278-0295 www.tgoa-mgca.org

54 the American Gardener GARDENERC’S BOOKS

All in the Family

SK A GARDENER which are his or her favorite plants, book on them existed to guide enthusiasts. To remedy this, Mark and chances are the answer will be “Whatever is in Tebbitt, Magnus Liden, and Henrik Zetterlund pooled their A bloom!” However, almost every gardener I know has a botanical and horticultural knowledge to few true favorites above all others. Often these are the ones that write Bleeding Hearts, Corydalis, and are reliably rewarding—daylilies, ferns, roses, or viburnums, for Their Relatives (Timber Press, 2008, example. Others treasure rare and unusual specimens. And then $34.95). Published in association with there are the challenge-seekers, those who most enjoy the plants Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York, that require a little coddling to thrive, such as dahlias. Whatever this book attempts to corral most of the plants you’re passionate about, books about a single genus or fam- cultivated taxa of this plant group, ily are a perfect way to increase your knowledge and gain insight though their classification has been un- about them. Here are some recently published examples. dergoing a good deal of re-organization The New Encyclopedia of Daylilies (Timber Press, 2008, and new species continue to be intro- $49.95) combines and expands upon two previous books by duced. In addition to descriptions of these plants, the book in- daylily experts Ted L. Petit and John P. cludes a section of color plates illustrating many of them, and Peat. In addition to the cultivars in there are chapters on their cultivation and natural history. their Color Encyclopedia of Daylilies Plants recognized as “true” heathers and heaths star in Gar- published in 2000, this new book in- dening with Hardy Heathers (Timber Press, 2008, $19.95) by cludes hundreds more plants and David Small and Ella May T. Wulff. These color photographs. It also incorporates are the closely related European species of portions of The Daylily: A Guide for Calluna, Erica, and Daboecia, which have Gardeners, released in 2004, because, similar characteristics and cultural require- as the authors point out, information ments. While heathers may be “grown in on topics such as daylily species and many temperate climate regions if their few history hasn’t changed much in the intervening years. The re- specific cultural needs are met,” the authors sult is a 408-page tome filled with 1,700 daylilies that Petit and caution that a number of other factors in Peat deem “the most worthy and worthwhile cultivars available” addition to cold tolerance can affect sur- based on their personal experiences, American Hemerocallis vival. The book discusses these factors in Society popularity polls and awards, and how widely they are detail and offers advice on site selection and preparation to achieve grown and sold. Along with chapters on daylily cultivation, hy- best results. Of the 1,100 or so available heather cultivars, Small bridization techniques, and physiology, a section on the latest, and Wulff describe a “representative selection that includes old fa- yet-to-be-named cultivars rounds out the book. vorites and recent introductions.” The book includes garden de- Saxifrages by Malcolm McGregor (Timber Press, 2008, sign ideas and information on propagation and breeding. $49.95) provides a thorough overview of the diverse genus Sax- In Calochortus (Timber Press, 2007, $29.95), Ron Parsons’s ifraga and closely related Micranthes. color photographs alone make a compelling case for how capti- This volume describes each of the 17 vating Calochortus members can be. But main botanical sections under which the passion he and co-author Mary E. Ger- these genera are currently classified. ritsen have for these bulbous wildflowers McGregor includes details about their shines through in their writing as well. The history, cultivation, and propagation, as book gives a brief explanation of Calochor- well as personal observations from his tus classification and a well researched ac- extensive plant explorations and many count of the genus’s history, then describes years of growing them. The final part of in detail each of the three recognized botan- the book contains general cultural in- ical sections with the caveat that “this orga- formation and a list of 100 of the au- nization is quite likely to change in the thor’s favorite saxifrages that are relatively easy to obtain and not-too-distant future.” Many species are rare or endangered in grow. More than 300 color photographs amply depict the myr- their native range across the American West, but gardeners who iad forms of this plant group, prized by rock gardeners. are interested in growing them will find all they need to know in Members of the bleeding heart family have become increas- the final chapter. ingly popular in gardens over the last decade, yet no reference —Viveka Neveln, Associate Editor

January / February 2009 55 REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

NORTHEAST Events sponsored by or including official (302) 831-2517. http://ag.udel.edu/ CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT participation by AHS or AHS staff members longwoodgrad. RAP JAN. 24. Nature Journaling Workshop are identified with the AHS symbol. for Children. Rhode Island Wild Plant Soci- SOUTHEAST ety. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Ar- Events hosted by botanical gardens and AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN boretum. Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) 253- arboreta that participate in AHS’s Reciprocal 2707. www.blithewold.org. RAP JAN. 31. Success with Seeds. Work- Admissions Program are identified with the shop. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. El- RAP JAN. 25. Lunar New Year Celebration RAP symbol. Current AHS members showing a mont, North Carolina. (704) 825-4490. and Flower Market. Brooklyn Botanic Gar- valid membership card are eligible for free or www.dsbg.org. den. Brooklyn, New York. (718) 623-7200. discounted admission to the garden or other www.bbg.org. benefits. Special events may not be included; FEB. 18. Planting for Seasonal Interest. contact the host site for details or visit Lecture. South Carolina Botanical Garden. RAP FEB. 18. Let Worms Eat Your Garbage. www.ahs.org/events/reciprocal_events.htm. Clemson, South Carolina. (864) 656- Class. Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Boylston, 3405. www.clemson.edu/public/scbg. Massachusetts. (508) 869-6111. www.towerhillbg.org. FEB 7–28. Creative Flower Photography. RAP FEB. 19 & 20. Southern Garden Her- Workshop. U.S. Botanic Garden. itage Conference. State Botanical Garden of FEB. 27 & 28. Ecological Landscaping Washington, D.C. (202) 225-1116. Georgia. Athens, Georgia. (706) 542-1244. Association Annual Conference and Eco www.usbg.gov. www.uga.edu/botgarden. Marketplace. New England Wildflower Society. Springfield, Massachusetts. (617) AHS FEB. 13–15. Mid-Atlantic Home & FEB. 27–MAR. 1. Miami International Orchid 436-5838. www.ecolandscaping.org. Flower Show. Virginia Beach Convention Show. South Florida Orchid Society. Center. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Miami, Florida. (305) 255-3656. RAP FEB. 28. Planting Design in Multiple (757) 420-2434. www.tbaonline.org. www.sforchid.com. Dimensions. Lecture. Arnold Arboretum of Har- vard University. Boston, Massachusetts. (617) FEB. 19. Land Ethics Symposium: Creative RAP FEB. 28. Back to Our Roots: The 524-1718. www.arboretum.harvard.edu. Approaches for Ecological Landscaping. Southern Garden Revisited. Perennial plant Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. Bucks symposium and silent auction. Atlanta Botan- Looking ahead County, Pennsylvania. (215) 862-2924. ical Garden. Atlanta, Georgia. (404) 876- AHS MAR. 12–15. GardenScape. Flower and www.bhwp.org. 5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. garden show. Rochester, New York. (585) 265-9018. www.rochesterflower show.com. AHS FEB. 19–22. Maymont Flower & Garden Looking ahead Show. Greater Richmond Convention Center. AHS MAR. 5–8. Nashville Lawn and Garden Richmond, Virginia. (800) 322-3976. Show. Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Horti- MID-ATLANTIC www.maymontflowershow.com. cultural Association of Tennessee. Nashville, PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC Tennessee. (615) 876-7680. www.nashville JAN. 25–30. Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short FEB. 27. Green Matters Symposium: Water- lawnandgardenshow.com. Course. Conference. The Virginia Horticul- Wise Landscapes. Brookside Gardens. tural Foundation. (757) 523-4734. Wheaton, Maryland. (301) 962-1453. AHS MAR. 18–MAY 31. Epcot International www.mashc.org. www.brooksidegardens.org. Flower and Garden Festival. Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (407) 934-7639. RAP FEB. 4–6. Gardening in an Era of Cli- RAP FEB. 28. EcoSavvy Gardening www.disneyworld.com/flower. mate Change: Is the Sky Really Falling? Symposium: Techniques for Keeping Our Symposium. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Planet Healthy. Green Spring Gardens. NORTH CENTRAL Richmond, Virginia. (804) 262-9887. Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 642-5173. IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI www.lewisginter.org. www.greenspring.org. JAN. 24. Annual Gardening Show. Purdue FEB. 6. Today’s Horticulture Symposium. Looking ahead Extension and the Porter County Master Longwood Gardens and the Chanticleer AHS MAR. 1–8. Philadelphia Flower Show. Gardeners Association. Porter County EXPO Foundation. Longwood Gardens. Kennett Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (215) 988- Center. Valparaiso, Indiana. (219) 465- Square, Pennsylvania. (610) 388-1000. 8899. www.theflowershow.com. 3555 ext. 21. www.pcgarden.info. www.longwoodgardens.org. RAP MAR. 6. Branching Out: Cultivating JAN. 24. Toward Harmony With Nature. RAP FEB. 7–9. Full Moon Hike. U.S. Community Engagement. Symposium. Seminar. Fox Valley Area Chapter of Wild National Arboretum. Washington, D.C. Longwood Graduate Program. Longwood Ones. Oshkosh, Wisconsin. (920) 987- (202) 245-4521. www.usna.usda.gov. Gardens. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. 5587. E-mail: [email protected].

56 the American Gardener SOUTHWEST RAP FEB. 5. The New Planting Design: ence. Think Trees New Mexico. Albu- AZ, NM, CO, UT Putting Plants First. Symposium. Horticul- querque, New Mexico. (505) 243-1386. ture magazine. Chicago Botanic Garden. RAP JAN. 29–FEB. 12. Botany for Gardeners. www.thinktreesnm.org. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-5440. Course. Red Butte Garden. Salt Lake City, www.chicagobotanic.org. Utah. (801) 587-5433. RAP FEB. 12. Muddy Waters: Who Owns www.redbuttegarden.org. the Rain? Symposium. Front Range Sustain- RAP FEB. 7. 2009 Sustainability Sympo- able Landscaping Coalition and Denver sium: In Your Own Backyard. Cleveland JAN. 29 & 30. Achieving a Sustainable Urban Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. (720) Botanical Garden. Cleveland, Ohio. Forest. 23rd annual urban tree care confer- 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. (216) 707-2816. www.cbgarden.org.

AHS FEB. 7–15. Fifth Third Bank Home & Garden Show. Cleveland, Ohio. (216) 529- International Master Gardener Conference 1300. www.homeandflower.com. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, will host the 2009 International Master Gardener Con- FEB. 27–MAR. 1. Dayton Home & Garden Show. Dayton Convention Center. Dayton, ference (IMGC) from March 22 to 26 at the Alexis Park Resort Hotel. With the Ohio. (317) 576-9933. www.daytonhome theme, “New Frontiers,” the goal is to address issues that gardeners everywhere face— andgardenshow.com. water conservation, proper plant selection, soil enrichment, and SOUTH CENTRAL pest control—while also provid- AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX ing hands-on access to sites that JAN. 24. Designing Gardens for a Changing exemplify methods of environ- Climate. Symposium. Hilltop Arboretum. mental stewardship and tech- Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge, nologies that offer sustainable Louisiana. (225) 767-6916. solutions to those issues. www.lsu.edu/hilltop. “The conference is open to RAP JAN. 24. Rose Bed to Rose Bud. Semi- anyone interested in horticul- nar and workshop. South Texas Botanical ture and gardening. You need Gardens & Nature Center. Corpus Christi, not be a Master Gardener to at- Texas. (361) 852-2100. www.stxbot.org. tend,” says Ann Edmunds, 2009 IMGC coordinator. During the Several private gardens like this one will be on tour RAP JAN. 24. Tree Talk Winter Walk. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Austin, conference, more than 40 tours during the 2009 International Master Gardener Texas. (512) 292-4200. www.wildflower.org. will be offered to sites such as the Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, RAP JAN. 31–MAR. 15. Henry’s Garden. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, and other public and private gardens. Orchid show. Missouri Botanical Garden. St. Louis, Missouri. (314) 577-9400. Participants are encouraged to visit the American Horticultural Society booth www.mobot.org. in the conference’s trade show. Call (702) 257-5587 or visit www.unce.unr.edu/imgc for more details or to register for the conference. FEB. 7 & 8. Gallery of Orchids. Show and sale. Heart O’Texas Orchid Society. Zilker Botanical Garden. Austin, Texas. (512) 477-8672. www.hotos.org. Southwest Rare Plant Conference

RAP FEB. 14. Arbor Day Plant Sale. Crosby FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL Southwest Rare Plant conference, taking place in Salt Arboretum. Picayune, Mississippi. (601) Lake City, Utah, from March 16 to 20, the focus will be on “Changing Landscapes 799-2311. www.crosbyarboretum.msstate. in the Southwest.” The event includes the annual Utah Rare Plant Task Force con- edu. ference and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Utah Native Plant Society (UNPS).

AHS FEB. 27–MAR. 1. Arkansas Flower Sponsored by the Nature Conservancy, Red Butte Garden, and the Utah & Garden Show. Little Rock, Arkansas. Botanical Center, the conference will include posters, presentations, and break- (501) 821-4000. www.arflowerandgarden out sessions covering ecosystem restoration, climate change, and rare native plants show.org. in the Southwest. Noel Holmgren, curator emeritus at the New York Botanical Garden, will give a keynote presentation about his insights from studying and Looking ahead AHS MAR. 4–8. Wichita Garden Show. writing about Intermountain flora for more than 30 years. Wichita, Kansas. (316) 946-0883. The UNPS is “dedicated to the appreciation, preservation, conservation, and www.wichitagardenshow.com. responsible use” of native plants in Utah and the Intermountain West. For more information about the conference or to register, call (801) 377-5918 or visit MAR. 6–8. Azalea Trail. Home and garden www.unps.org. tours. River Oaks Garden Club. Houston, Texas. (713) 523-2483. www.riveroaks —Caroline Bentley, Editorial Assistant gardenclub.org. COURTESY OF ANTOINETTE EDMUNDS

January / February 2009 57 RAP FEB. 24 & 26. Vegetable Gardening Flintridge, California. (818) 949-4200. servatory in Lions Park. Cheyenne, Wyoming. through the Seasons. Workshop. Desert www.descansogardens.org. (307) 637-6458. www.botanic.org. Botanical Garden. Phoenix, Arizona. (480) 481-8188. www.dbg.org. FEB. 17. Green Before Green Was Cool. Trade AHS FEB. 18–22. Northwest Flower & Gar- show and conference. Nevada Landscape As- den Show. Seattle, Washington. (800) 569- FEB. 26 & 27. International Water Conserva- sociation. Grand Sierra Resort. Reno, Neva- 2832. www.gardenshow.com. tion and Xeriscape Conference. Xeriscape da. (775) 673-0404. www.nevadanla.com. Council of New Mexico. Expo New Mexico Looking ahead Fairgrounds. Albuquerque, New Mexico. FEB. 21. California Natives. Lecture and MAR. 11. Mediterranean Garden Style in the (505) 468-1021. www.xeriscapenm.com. plant sale. Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Pacific Northwest; Theory, Aesthetics, and Site. Long Beach, California. (562) 570- Plant Palette. Lecture. Northwest Horticultur- Looking ahead 1755. www.rancholoscerritos.org. al Society. Center for Urban Horticulture. AHS MAR. 6–8. Southwest Flower & Garden Seattle, Washington. (206) 527-1794. Show. University of Phoenix Stadium. Looking ahead www.northwesthort.org. Phoenix, Arizona. (602) 485-1691. MAR. 5–8. Pacific Orchid Exposition. San www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com. Francisco Orchid Society. Fort Mason Cen- CANADA / INTERNATIONAL ter’s Festival Pavilion. (415) 665-2468. www.orchidsanfrancisco.org. RAP FEB. 12. The Invaders: Invasive WEST COAST Species in Our Area. Class. Royal Botanical CA, NV, HI MAR. 7 & 8. Northern California Daffodil Gardens. Hamilton, Ontario. (905) 527- JAN. 23. Pruning and Care of Landscape Society Show & Lecture. Alden Lane 1158. www.rbg.ca. Fruit and Nut Trees. Class. University of Nursery. Livermore, California. California, Davis Extension. Davis, Califor- (925) 625-5526. www.daffodil.org. FEB. 26–MAR. 1. Calgary Home & Garden nia. (800) 752-0881. www.extension. Show. Calgary, Alberta. (866) 941-0673. ucdavis.edu/agriculture. www.calgaryhomeshow.com. NORTHWEST AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY RAP JAN. 31. The Edible Garden. Class. Looking ahead The Gardens at Heather Farm. Walnut AHS JAN. 31–FEB. 1. Tacoma Home and RAP MAR. 7 & 8. Annual Orchid Show & Creek, California. (925) 947-1678. Garden Show. Tacoma, Washington. (253) Sale. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park www.gardenshf.org. 756-2121. www.otshows.com. and Cayman Islands Orchid Society. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. (345) 947- RAP FEB. 7. Remember Conifers. RAP FEB. 6–15. Glass Art Celebration. Dis- 9462 ext. 21. www.botanic-park.ky. Class. Descanso Gardens. La Cañada play. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Solar Con- Cjcc kdo 58 the American Gardener Legacies assume many forms

hether making estate plans, considering W year-end giving, honoring a loved one or planting a tree, the legacies of tomorrow are created today.

Please remember the American Horticultural Society when making your estate and charitable giving plans. Together we can leave a legacy of a greener, healthier, more beautiful America.

For more information on including the AHS in your estate planning and charitable giving, or to make a gift to honor or remember a loved one, please contact Stephanie Perez at (703) 768-5700 ext. 127.

Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are list- ed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, mois- ture, snow cover, and humidity also play an important role in plant survival. The codes tend to be conservative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rating of 0–0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cy- cle in a year or less. To purchase a two-by-three-foot glossy AHS Plant Heat Zone Map for $9.95, call (800) 777-7931 or visit www.ahs.org.

A–C D–L M–Z Acer palmatum AY-ser pal-MAY-tum Dianthus caryophyllus dy-AN-thus kair-ee-o-FIL- Magnolia stellata mag-NOLE-yuh stel-LAY-tuh (USDA Zones 5–8, AHS Zones 8–2) lus (7–10, 10–7) (4–9, 9–1) Agapanthus orientalis ag-uh-PAN-thus Diervilla sessilifolia dy-ur-VILL-uh ses-sih-lih- Muhlenbergia reverchonii mew-len-BUR-jee-uh aw-ree-en-TAL-iss (7–11, 12–5) FO-lee-uh (4–8, 8–4) reh-vair-CHO-nee-eye (5–9, 9–4) Agarista populifolia ah-guh-REES-tuh Echinacea purpurea ek-ih-NAY-see-uh Pennisetum ✕advena pen-ih-SEE-tum pop-yew-lih-FO-lee-uh (7–9, 9–7) pur-PUR-ee-uh (3–9, 9–1) ad-VEEN-uh (9–11, 12–1) Athyrium niponicum var. pictum uh-THIH-ree-um Eriogonum allenii air-ee-OG-o-num ah-LEN- Perosvkia atriplicifolia peh-ROV-skee-uh nih-PON-ih-kum var. PIK-tum (5–8, 8–1) ee-eye (5–10, 9–5) at-rih-plih-sih-FO-lee-uh (5–9, 9–2) Berberis thunbergii BUR-bur-iss thun-BUR- Eucalyptus gunnii yew-kuh-LIP-tus GUN-ee-eye Persicaria bistorta pur-sih-KAIR-ee-uh jee-eye (4–8, 8–4) (8–10, 10–8) bis-TOR-tuh (4–8, 8–1) Bletilla ochracea bleh-TIL-luh o-KRAY-see-uh Eurobotrys racemosa yew-ro-BOT-ris Prunus serrulata PREW-nus sair-yew-LAY-tuh (6–9, 9–5) ras-eh-MO-suh (6–9, 9–6) (5–8, 8–5) Buddleia davidii BUD-lee-uh duh-VID-ee-eye Fothergilla gardenii fah-thur-GIL-uh Ptilotus exaltatus TY-lo-tus eks-al-TAY-tus (6–9, 9–1) gar-DEN-ee-eye (4–9, 9–3) (9–10, 10–3) Celastrus scandens seh-LAS-trus SKAN-denz Fraxinus cuspidata frak-SIH-nus kus-pih-DAY-tuh Rudbeckia hirta rood-BEK-ee-uh HUR-tuh (3–8, 8–1) (5–9, 9–5) (3–9, 10–1) Chamaecyparis pisifera kam-ee-SIP-uh-riss Geum coccineum JEE-um kok-SIN-ee-um Ruta graveolens ROO-tuh gruh-VEE-o-lenz pih-SIF-ur-uh (4–8, 8–1) (5–8, 8–5) (5–9, 9–4) Chrysanthemum ✕morifolium krih-SAN-theh-mum Hexastylis shuttleworthii hex-uh-STY-lis Salix purpurea SAY-liks pur-PUR-ee-uh mor-ih-FO-lee-um (5–9, 9–5) shut-ul-WORTH-ee-eye (5–9, 9–4) (4–7, 7–1) ✕Citrofortunella microcarpa sih-tro-for-tew- Hibiscus syriacus high-BISS-kus sih-ree-AH-kus Schizachyrium scoparium skits-ah-KEER-ee-um NEL-uh my-kro-KAR-puh (9–11, 12–9) (5–9, 9–4) sko-PAR-ee-um (3–9, 9–1) Citrus aurantiifolia SIH-truss aw-ran-tee-ih-FO- Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris hy-DRAN-juh Sempervivum arachnoideum sem-pur-VEE-vum lee-uh (10–11, 12–1) ah-NOM-ah-luh ssp. pet-ee-o-LAIR-iss uh-rak-NOY-dee-um (5–8, 8–3) C. aurantium C. aw-ran-TEE-um (8–9, 10–7) (4–9, 9–1) Setcreasea pallida set-KREE-see-uh PAL-ih-duh C. latifolia C. lat-ih-FO-lee-uh (9–11, 12–8) H. arborescens H. ar-bo-RES-enz (4–9, 9–1) (7–11, 12–1) C. limon C. LEE-mohn (10–11, 12–9) H. macrophylla H. mak-ro-FIL-luh (6–9, 9–6) Solenostemon scutellarioides so-len-O-stee-mon C. maxima C. MAKS-ih-muh (10–11, 12–9) H. paniculata H. pan-ik-yew-LAY-tuh (3–8, 8–1) skoo-tuh-lair-ee-OY-deez (11, 12–1) C. medica C. MED-ih-kuh (9–10, 10–8) H. quercifolia H. kwer-sih-FO-lee-uh (5–9, 9–4) Styphnolobium japonicum stif-no-LO-bee-um C. ✕paradisi C. par-uh-DEE-see (10–11, 12–9) Kerria japonica KAIR-ee-uh jah-PON-ih-kuh jah-PON-ih-kum (5–9, 9–5) C. reticulata C. reh-tik-yew-LAY-tuh (4–9, 9–1) Symphyotrichum novi-belgii sim-fy-o-TRY-kum (9–11, 11–8) Lobularia maritima lob-yew-LAIR-ee-uh muh- NO-vih-BEL-gee-eye (4–8, 8–1) C. sinensis C. sih-NEN-siss (9–10, 10–8) WRIT-ih-muh (0–0, 9–1) Xanthocyparis nootkatensis zan-tho-SIP-uh-riss Clethra alnifolia KLETH-ruh al-nih-FO-lee-uh Lonicera ✕brownii lah-NISS-er-uh BROWN-ee- noot-kuh-TEN-sis (4–7, 7–1) (3–9, 9–3) eye (3–8, 8–3) Colocasia esculenta kol-o-KAY-see-uh Luzula sylvatica LOOZ-yew-luh sil-VAT-ih-kuh es-kyew-LEN-tuh (9–11, 12–3) (5–8, 8–4) Cornus stolonifera KOR-nus sto-lon-IF-ur-uh (3–8, 8–1) Cymophyllus fraserianus sy-MOF-ih-lus frayz-yer-ee-AN-nus (5–8, 8–5)

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January / February 2009 61 62 by KeithP. Tomlinson rsrsSde NativePerennial withPotential Fraser’s Sedge:A stumbled uponjustsuchaplantintheWest Virginia highlands.At firstitsbroad shinyrosette ofleaves Atlantic natives have awidedistribution,othersare more localized oreven rare. Nearly 20years agoI G stems. Thepure white inflorescences are shaped flowerheads emergeon upright show comesinlatespring,whencone- considerable winterinterest. But the real ture. Thefoliageis evergreen, soitprovides an inchwide,tendingtoflopastheyma- leaves grow 10to15incheslongandnearly in diameter. Thethick,glossydark green arrangement cangrow tomore thanafoot clump former, incultivation itsradialleaf soils anddappledtomediumshade.A often indiverse hardwood forests withrich cal garden collections. phisticated homelandscapesandbotani- sedge israrely foundeven inthemostso- though itisfairlyeasytogrow, Fraser’s primitive sedge.Al- to beaparticularly 18th century, itisconsidered by botanists it whileroaming theAppalachians inthe plant explorer John Fraser, whodiscovered antiquity oftheAppalachians. Named for nia toGeorgia, Fraser’s sedgeembodiesthe in richmountainforests from Pennsylva- the world’s mostuniquesedge.Growing sought after, perhapsbecauseitisarguably plant, notoftenseen,butfrequently an Mountains, Fraser’s sedgeisamythic Heat Zones 8–5). anus, mophyllus fraserianus, itcouldonlybeFraser’sknew sedge(Cy- bromeliad. But afteralittleresearch, I seemed yuccalike,oreven akintoa (304) 466-2145. Enchanter’s Garden, Source garden.com. In thewild,Fraser’s sedgegrows most For plantenthusiastsoftheAppalachi- the American Gardener USDA Hardiness Zones 5–8,AHS past few decades,manyoftheregion’spast few native specieshave grown inpopularity. WhilemanyMid- ARDENERS IN www.enchanters Hinton, WV. syn. Carex fraseri- the Mid-Atlantic statescancultivate paletteofplants.Over anextraordinary the Fraser sedge’sbold,straplikefoliageoffersasharpcontrasttoitsdaintywhiteflowers. fortunately, itis threatened or ally interesting thanFraser’s sedge There are natives few more horticultur- ing ecologicallybalancedlandscapes. the biodiversity ofyour region by creat- trend,horticultural itisawayto support given itsnative habitat. erate more sun than onemightexpect, Virginia, where Iwork, suggestitwilltol- owlark BotanicalGardens inVienna, ofFraser’sobservations sedge atMead- array ofrosette leaves year round. Initial planted enmassetoproduce astunning a woodlandgarden. In addition,itcanbe ranging. It isasuperbspecimenplantin less conspicuousfemaleflowers. showy, threadlike anthersabove aringof composed ofaclustermaleflowers with LN NTESPOTLIGHT THE IN PLANT Using native plantsismore thana Garden usesforFraser’s sedgeare wide C . Un- history toursforSmithsonianhistory Associates. Gardens, Keith P. Tomlinson alsoleadsnatural Park Manager atMeadowlark Botanical the wildtwodecadesearlier. the excitement ofmyfirstsightingitin ton, West Virginia. Seeing itthere recalled offerings from Enchanter’s Garden inHin- hibit area, nestled discreetly amongthe versity, Iencountered itinthevendor’s ex- annually atWestern North Carolina Uni- Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, held States. years Afew ago,whileattendingthe specialists inthesoutheasternUnited theplantinwild. conserve tainable propagation techniquescanhelp usethroughbroader sus- horticultural many native plants,itsintroduction to endangered inseveral states.Aswith Fraser’s sedgeisavailable from afew

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