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Plants of the Week
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Taken from the B.Y.G.L. (Buckeye Yard and Garden Online) Newsletter
Contributing Authors: Pam Bennett, Joe Boggs, Cindy Meyer, Jim Chatfield, Erik Draper, Dave Dyke, Gary Gao, David Goerig, Tim Malinich, Becky McCann, Bridget Meiring, Amy Stone and Curtis Young |
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ANNUAL - LANTANA (Lantana spp.).
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| Lantana is valued for its long season of reliable bloom. Many cultivars display multiple colors within each 2" wide disc shaped flower head. Lantana adds color and form to annual beds and container plantings throughout the summer and comes in a wide variety of sizes, from 5-6' upright clumps to 12" high weeping plants that spread to 4'. This plant is becoming ever more popular and has done extremely well in the Cincinnati Zoo Annual Plant Trials. Many new varieties have entered the market in recent years, giving the gardener many options on size of plant, bloom colors, and growth habits. The weeping forms are wonderful for trailing over the edges of planters and walls. The colorful flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. They are generally low maintenance, growing vigorously in full sun. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant and single fertilizer application in spring is usually sufficient. They do well in most soil types, but prefer slightly acidic pH. If plants outgrow their assigned space, they tolerate trimming back well during the growing season. |
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STILL TIME FOR COLOR
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The heavy rain and storms this spring put a long-term damper on planting color in the garden. Many garden centers are reporting slower than normal sales and BYGLers are reporting more drab landscapes in local neighborhoods. Rather than giving up on the gardening, it is time to change tactics. Over the past half-decade, garden centers have been supplying more finished annuals and blooming size perennials. Annuals in 4-6" pots are an easy way to add color accents amid perennials and woody ornamentals. These larger starter plants can be spaced further apart, filling areas more rapidly. Commonly available potted annuals include geranium, marigold, begonia and impatiens. Mixed containers of annuals and perennials are also available to spruce up the deck, walkway, or patio. |
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For a big splash of color with immediate effect, one can even select a hanging basket of annuals. One 10" basket (removed from the pot) will fill quite a large area. If using hanging baskets, one can even select from several colors of lantana, as well as upright forms of fuchsia. More long-term plans should also include chrysanthemums, which will continue to develop during the summer for a spectacular fall show. |
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