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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
ZINNIA
This daisy family (Asteraceae) genus of around 20 species of annuals, perennials, and small shrubs occurs naturally from the south-central U.S.A. to Argentina, with its center in Mexco. They have soft light green leaves that range from linear to broadly spat-ula-shaped, depending on the species. While the flowers of the wild species are typically daisy-like with conspicuous ray and disc florests, modern seed strains are mainly doubles with the central disc florests mostly hidden or absent. The color range is extensive, though mostly confined to the warm tones; yellow, pink, orange, and red to mahogany. The genus is named for Johann Gottfried Zinn (1727-1759), a botany professor at Gottingen University.CULTIVATION
The cultivated plants are mostly frost tender summer anuals that should be grown in a sunny position sheltered from drafts. Moist well-drained soil is ideal, though they can withstand dry periods. Frequent deadheading is needed to prolong flowering. Propagate from seed.
Top Tip
Most cultivars are derived from Zinnia elegans and z.haageana. Used warf froms to edge paths, and taller types at the back of flowerbeds.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
ZANTEDESCHIA
The large calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is a plant that polarizes opinions. Some gardeners love it, while others can't abide its funereal associations. Named for Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi (1773-1846), this arum family (Araceae) genus comprises 6 species of rhizome-rooted perennials from southern Africa. They have large, elongated, upward-facing, heart-shaped leaves that taper to long drip-tips and are sometimes speckled with translucent spots. The flower spathe is funnel-shaped and also tapers to a drip-tip. The spikelike spadix may be enclosed within the spathe or protrude slightly. Although the white calla is the best known, modern hybrids cover a wide color range. Both the leaves and the flowers are supported by strong stalks.
CULTIVATION
Cultivated Zantedeschia species may withstand moderate frosts. They lose their leaves in cold winters but may retain some in milder conditions. Some prefer damp, almost boggy conditions but most will grow in full or half sun in any garden soil that does not dry out. Propagate by division, or from basal offsets or seed.
Top Tip
These wonderful house plants will perform well if placed near a window and given some protection against the midday sun. They are also superb in cut-flower arrangements.
CULTIVATION
Cultivated Zantedeschia species may withstand moderate frosts. They lose their leaves in cold winters but may retain some in milder conditions. Some prefer damp, almost boggy conditions but most will grow in full or half sun in any garden soil that does not dry out. Propagate by division, or from basal offsets or seed.
Top Tip
These wonderful house plants will perform well if placed near a window and given some protection against the midday sun. They are also superb in cut-flower arrangements.
YUCCA
Native to hot dry regions stretching from North to Central America and the West Indies, there are about 40 species in this genus within the Agavaceae family, including evergreen herbaceous perennials, trees, and shrubs. They have a strong bold form with strap-to lance-shaped leaves arranged in rosettes. Bell-to cup-shaped flowers are held on mostly erect panicles. Flowers are usually white or cream, though they may be tinged with purple. Yucca whipplei holds the record for the fastest plant growth; its flowering spike emerges and grows to 12 ft (3.5 m) in just 14 days. Yucca glauca is the state flower of New Mexico.
CULTIVATION
Yucca species grow best in loamy soil with good drainage, but will tolerate poor sandy soil. They range from frost hardy to frost tender. In colder areas it is advisable to grow the tender species in large pots in loam-based potting compost and overwinter indoors. If grown outdoors they need good light in summer, a monthly feed, and careful watering. Propagation is by sowing seed in spring, although seed may take some time to germinate. Take root cuttings in winter, or remove suckers in spring.
Top Tip
With their dramatic foliage and form, these are not plants for crowded corners. As in their native environment-deserts and sand dunes-a sparse setting suits them best.
CULTIVATION
Yucca species grow best in loamy soil with good drainage, but will tolerate poor sandy soil. They range from frost hardy to frost tender. In colder areas it is advisable to grow the tender species in large pots in loam-based potting compost and overwinter indoors. If grown outdoors they need good light in summer, a monthly feed, and careful watering. Propagation is by sowing seed in spring, although seed may take some time to germinate. Take root cuttings in winter, or remove suckers in spring.
Top Tip
With their dramatic foliage and form, these are not plants for crowded corners. As in their native environment-deserts and sand dunes-a sparse setting suits them best.
WISTERIA
Often seen luxuriously covering porches and verandahs and capable of spreading a considerable +distance, the 10species of twining deciduous vines of the genus Wisteria belong in the pea family (Fabaceae). When young, the pinnate leaves are a soft bronze-green shade but turn light green when mature. The flowers, primarily mauve in the species, occur in long racemes and start to open as the leaves expand. Cultivated forms occur in white and a range of pink to purple tones. The Gnglish botanist Thomas Nuttall named the genus for Caspar Wistar (1761-1818), a professor of anatomy at the University of Pennsylvania, though the reason for the change in spelling of his last name remains unclear.
CULTIVATION
Like Clematis, wisterias prefer to have their tops in the sun and their roots in cool, moist, humus-rich, well drained soil. They are hardy, heavy-wooded, vigorous climbers that need sturdy support and routine trimming. Propagate from cuttings, layers, grafts, or seed.
Top Tip
Wisterias can be trained against walls, up trees, and over arbors. They can also be treated as free-standing plants-just as long as they have strong support.
CULTIVATION
Like Clematis, wisterias prefer to have their tops in the sun and their roots in cool, moist, humus-rich, well drained soil. They are hardy, heavy-wooded, vigorous climbers that need sturdy support and routine trimming. Propagate from cuttings, layers, grafts, or seed.
Top Tip
Wisterias can be trained against walls, up trees, and over arbors. They can also be treated as free-standing plants-just as long as they have strong support.
WEIGELA
The10 or 12 species of this genus within the Caprifoliaceae family are deciduous long_lived shrubs with opposite oblong to elliptic leaves. Their natural habitat is scrubland and the edges of woods in eastern Asia. Cultivated for thier bell- or funnel-shaped flowers that are produced in late spring and early summer, they have pink, red, white, or sometimes yellow blooms, which growon the previous year` wood.The leaves make a subtle background to the colorful flowers; mostly dark green, some hybrids have yellow-green, golden yellow or variegated leaves.
CULTIVATED
Weigela shrubs need moist but well-drained fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Propagate by sowing seed in autumn in an area protected from winter frosts or from half-hardened cuttings in summer. Seed may not come true, as they hybridize freely.
TOP TIP
These neat shrubs make excellent border plants and ornamentals. There are a great many hybrieds, offering a choice of plant size and flower color.
CULTIVATED
Weigela shrubs need moist but well-drained fertile soil in sun or partial shade. Propagate by sowing seed in autumn in an area protected from winter frosts or from half-hardened cuttings in summer. Seed may not come true, as they hybridize freely.
TOP TIP
These neat shrubs make excellent border plants and ornamentals. There are a great many hybrieds, offering a choice of plant size and flower color.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
VIOLA
The type genus for the family Violaceae, Viola includes some 500 species of annuals, perennials, and subshrubs found in the world's temperate zones, ranging from the subarctic to the mountains of New Zealand. The majority are small clump-forming plants with lobed, kidney-shaped, or heart-shaped leaves. All violas have similarly shaped 5-petalled flowers, with the lower petal often carrying dark markings. White, yellow, and purple predominate but the flowers occur in every color, at least among the garden forms-often referred to as violets or pansies. The genus was named for a lover of the god Zeus, and Viola tricolor was used as a symbol of Athens. V. palmata is the floral emblem of Rhode Island, while both New Jersey and Wisconsin have adopted V.Soroia as their state flower.
These plants are mostly very hardy and easily grown in sun or shade. The woodland species prefer humus-rich soil, while the rockery types require something grittier, but most are fine in any moist well-drained soil. Propagate by division, or from seed or basal cuttings.
Top Tip
Plant garden pansies, vviolas, and violettas in window boxes, containers, and borders, or beneath taller shrubs for splash of bold color.
CULTIVATION
These plants are mostly very hardy and easily grown in sun or shade. The woodland species prefer humus-rich soil, while the rockery types require something grittier, but most are fine in any moist well-drained soil. Propagate by division, or from seed or basal cuttings.
Top Tip
Plant garden pansies, vviolas, and violettas in window boxes, containers, and borders, or beneath taller shrubs for splash of bold color.
VIBURNUM
This genus consists of 150 easily grown; cool-climate; deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen; shrubby plants that are grown for their flowers, autumnal leaf color, and berries. Most have erect branching stems, paired leaves, and a spread about two-thirds their height. Small, sometimes fragrant, white flowers are displayed in dense clusters. In certain species the flowers somewhat resemble lacecap hydrangeas; like them, they bear sterile ray florets that surround a center of small fertile flowers. The buds and petals, particularly in cultivars, may be softly colored in tints of pink, yellow, and green. The berries are vividly colored, often red, blue, or black.
CULTIVATION
Light open positions and light well-drained soils are preferred. Many are drought tender. Prune the evergreens by clipping in late spring and the deciduous species by removing entire old stems after flowering. For a good berry display, grow several shrubs in the same area. Propagation is from cuttings taken in summer, or from seed in autumn.
Top Tip
Bring interest to the winter garden with late-flowering species such as Viburnum tinus, and with species such as V.opulus, whose leaves turn red in autumn.
CULTIVATION
Light open positions and light well-drained soils are preferred. Many are drought tender. Prune the evergreens by clipping in late spring and the deciduous species by removing entire old stems after flowering. For a good berry display, grow several shrubs in the same area. Propagation is from cuttings taken in summer, or from seed in autumn.
Top Tip
Bring interest to the winter garden with late-flowering species such as Viburnum tinus, and with species such as V.opulus, whose leaves turn red in autumn.
VEROICA
A figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) genus of 250 species of annuals and perennials, it is widespread in the northern temperate zones. Most species are creeping mat-forming plants that sometimes strike root as they spread. Their leaves tend to be small, oval to lance-shaped, often shallowly toothed, and rarely pinnately lobed. A few species have solitary flowers but more often upright spikes bearing many flowers develop in spring and summer. The color range is mainly in the white and pink to rich purple-blue shades, including some striking deep blue flowers. The genus is probably named in honor of St.Veronica, perhaps because the floral markings of some species are said to resemble the marks left on Veronica's sacred veil, with which she wiped Christ's face as he carried the cross.
CULTIVATION
Mostly hardy and easily grown in full or half sun with moist well-drained soil, some are great rockery plants, while others are suited to borders. Propagate from cuttings, self-rooted layers, division, or seed.
Top Tip
These mostly hardy plants are not fussy, managing in any reasonable soil. Protect plants with downy leaves from winter wet.
CULTIVATION
Mostly hardy and easily grown in full or half sun with moist well-drained soil, some are great rockery plants, while others are suited to borders. Propagate from cuttings, self-rooted layers, division, or seed.
Top Tip
These mostly hardy plants are not fussy, managing in any reasonable soil. Protect plants with downy leaves from winter wet.
VERBASCUM
This figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) genus of some 300 species of annuals, biennials, perennials, and subshrubs includes cultivated plants and many that have become weeds outside thier natural Eurasian and North African range. The commonly cultivated species usually form basal rosettes of large elliptical leaves, often quite heavily veined and sometimes felted .Tall upright flower spikesemerge from the rosettes carrying massed, small 5-petalled flower,usually in wight ,yellow,or pink to lavender shades.The Roman pliny described verbascum ,noting that they attracted moths and thus called them moth mulleins, and in Greek legends the plant featured as a protection against evil and was used as an everyday medicinal plant to treat a variety of illness.
CULTIVATION
Hardiness varies with the species .Most prefer a sunny position in light , gritty, free-draining soil .They can toleratesummer drought but need moisture until flowering has ended . Propagate by divion or from seed ,depending on the growth form .
Top Tip
You can encourage the production of fresh flowering spikes by cutting off the spikes with spent flower just below the bottom-most flower.
CULTIVATION
Hardiness varies with the species .Most prefer a sunny position in light , gritty, free-draining soil .They can toleratesummer drought but need moisture until flowering has ended . Propagate by divion or from seed ,depending on the growth form .
Top Tip
You can encourage the production of fresh flowering spikes by cutting off the spikes with spent flower just below the bottom-most flower.
VANDA
This is a group of about 50 species of sturdy single-stemmed orchids with representatives from Sri Lanka and India, across Southeast Asia to New Guinea and northeastern Australia. They are erect growing, with straplike semi-rigid leaves in 2 ranks. Larger plants may branch at the base, and have numerous, very thick, cordlike roots. The flowers appear from the stem at the base of the leaf. They have showy long-lasting blooms, which come in a range of colors, often with delicate markings. This is one of the most important genera of plants for cut-flower production in Thailand and Singapore. A large export industry has developed using a handful of species in an extensive hybridizing program, both within Vanda and in combination with related genera.
CULTIVATION
Vanda plants are easy to grow in wooden baskets, with most thriving in bright, humid, and warm to intermediate conditions. During the warmer months they require liberal watering; reduce this over winter. Plants are mostly frost tender.
Top Tip
Vanda plants need a coarse growing medium, so add charcoal or bark chips to the potting mix. Humidity is also important-regularly spray the leaves with a fine mist of water.
CULTIVATION
Vanda plants are easy to grow in wooden baskets, with most thriving in bright, humid, and warm to intermediate conditions. During the warmer months they require liberal watering; reduce this over winter. Plants are mostly frost tender.
Top Tip
Vanda plants need a coarse growing medium, so add charcoal or bark chips to the potting mix. Humidity is also important-regularly spray the leaves with a fine mist of water.
TULIPA
Occurring naturally in the northern temperate regions, especially central Asia, the genus Tulipa contains around 100 species of bulbs. They have been cultivated for at least 3,000 years and reached Europe from Turkey in 1554. They quickly became a garden favorite but it was not until the Dutch "tulipomania" of the 1630s that tulips became established in our folklore as well as our gardens. Tulip leaves are gray-green to blue-green and may be grassy or quite broad, with contrasting markings. The flowers vary widely between the species, and so many hybrids and cultivars exist that they are often divided into 15 groups based primarily on parentage and flower type. The blooms are unfailingly delightful, especially if planted as a massed bedding of a single type.
CULTIVATION
Tulips need a temperate climate and winter chilling. They do best in a sunny position that does not bake in summer. Plant fairly deeply in autumn, around 6 in (15 cm) deep, and water well once the foliage appears. Propagate hybrids and cultivars from offsets; the species can be propagated from seed.
Top Tip
When cutting tulips for indoor decoration, select flowers that have not yet opened and cut them early in the morning while the day is still cool.
CULTIVATION
Tulips need a temperate climate and winter chilling. They do best in a sunny position that does not bake in summer. Plant fairly deeply in autumn, around 6 in (15 cm) deep, and water well once the foliage appears. Propagate hybrids and cultivars from offsets; the species can be propagated from seed.
Top Tip
When cutting tulips for indoor decoration, select flowers that have not yet opened and cut them early in the morning while the day is still cool.
TROPAEOLUM
Found from Mexico to the southern tip of South America, this genus contains about 80 species of annuals and perennials commonly known as nasturtiums. Many are climbers, using their twining leaf-stalks to scramble and cling. Though variable, the foliage is often shield-shaped and tinted blue-green. All species have long-spurred 5-petalled flowers which occur in a wide range of mainly warm shades. The degree of development of petals and spurs varies, leading to a range of flower shapes and sizes. The genus name comes from the Greek tropaion (trophy), a term used for the trtee trunks on which were hung the shields and helmets of defeated enemies. Tropaeolum leaves (shields) and flowers (helmets) reminded Linnaeus of this Greek tradition, and he named the genus accordingly.
CULTIVATION
Plant in full or half sun with moist well-drained soil. Plants may need trimming back and support for climbing stems. Propagate by division, from basal cuttings, or from seed.
Top Tip
Tropaeolum seeds should not be sown until after the last frosts. Feeding is often not required and some species, such as Tropaeolum majus, actually prefer poor soil.
CULTIVATION
Plant in full or half sun with moist well-drained soil. Plants may need trimming back and support for climbing stems. Propagate by division, from basal cuttings, or from seed.
Top Tip
Tropaeolum seeds should not be sown until after the last frosts. Feeding is often not required and some species, such as Tropaeolum majus, actually prefer poor soil.
TRILLIUM
This striking group of 30 rhizome-rooted, spring-flowering, woodland perennials from North America and temperate Asia is the type genus for its family, the Trilliaceae. The genus name is derived from tri-lilium, 3-part lily, because the leaf and floral parts are grouped in 3s. Although ranging from the tiny Trillium rivale at just a couple of inches high through to species that are 24 in (60 cm) tall in flower, the genus is remarkably consistent in form. The leaflets are bright green, often silver- or purple-mottled, and usually broadly oval, tapering to a point. At the center of the 3-leaf cluster is a simple 3-petalled flower that may be white, cream, pink, or deep maroon.
CULTIVATION
Plant Trillium species in part- or full shade in cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. All species die away completely in autumn but quickly return to growth in early spring, often flowering before the equinox. The common name of wake robin comes from this early flowering habit-it is supposedly the plant that wakes the robin in spring. Propagate by division of the rhizomes after flowering, or from seed.
Top Tip
Trillium species are best planted under trees and large shrubs where the conditions match their native habitat. Once established, they require very little attention.
CULTIVATION
Plant Trillium species in part- or full shade in cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. All species die away completely in autumn but quickly return to growth in early spring, often flowering before the equinox. The common name of wake robin comes from this early flowering habit-it is supposedly the plant that wakes the robin in spring. Propagate by division of the rhizomes after flowering, or from seed.
Top Tip
Trillium species are best planted under trees and large shrubs where the conditions match their native habitat. Once established, they require very little attention.
TRIFOLIUM
Trifolium, or clover, is so well-known that the leaf shape is not just a description in itself, but a symbol, too. Associated with Ireland ever since St.Patrick used it to describe the Christian Trinity, the cloverleaf and the 4-leafed shamrock are today primarily associated with good luck and have been adopted by countries, footfall teams, and casinos. Clover is also a vitally important component in the world`s pastures while at the same time being far less welcome in its lawns. Found naturally throughout the temperate and subtropical zones expect Australasia, Trifolium is a genus of around 230 species of annuals, biennials, and perennials of the pea family (Fabaceae). Leaves are typically trifoliate and bright green, and are sometimes darkly marked. Examined closely, the individual flowers are very much like pea-flowers. They are borne in rounded heads or terminal racemes. Trifolium pratense is the state flower of Vermont.
CULTIVATION
Trifolium species are usually hardy and easily grown. Plant in full or half sun with moist well-drained soil. The plants may be divided, but they usually self-sow.
Top Tip
When growing clover in pots, use a potting mix that contains equal proportions of loam, sand, and leafmold. While growing, keep moist during the winter months.
CULTIVATION
Trifolium species are usually hardy and easily grown. Plant in full or half sun with moist well-drained soil. The plants may be divided, but they usually self-sow.
Top Tip
When growing clover in pots, use a potting mix that contains equal proportions of loam, sand, and leafmold. While growing, keep moist during the winter months.
TRADESCANTIA
Introduced to cultivation in 1637 by John Tradescant the Younger and named for him by Linnaeus, this dayflower family (Commelinaceae) genus of around 70 species of annuals and perennials from the Americas includes a few that, while attractive as garden plants, have become serious pests in some areas. Tuberous or fibrous rooted and often evergreen, they have rather succulent stems and fleshy, pointed elliptical, lance-shaped, or narrow leaves. Attractive variegated and colored foliage forms are common. Clusters of small 3-petalled flowers subtended by bracts appear over the warmer months and are sometimes very bright magenta, though white, soft pink, and blue to mauve color predominate.
CULTIVATION
Most species are tolerant of light to moderate frosts. Some prefer a sunny aspect and are drought tolerant, but most are happier with part-shade and moist well-drained soil. Propagate by division, from tip cuttings, or from seed, depending on the growth form.
Top Tip
Very hardy in mild climates, Tradescantia, or spiderwort, plants may need to be grown in a greenhouse in cooler areas. A general fertilizer can be of benefit in early spring.
CULTIVATION
Most species are tolerant of light to moderate frosts. Some prefer a sunny aspect and are drought tolerant, but most are happier with part-shade and moist well-drained soil. Propagate by division, from tip cuttings, or from seed, depending on the growth form.
Top Tip
Very hardy in mild climates, Tradescantia, or spiderwort, plants may need to be grown in a greenhouse in cooler areas. A general fertilizer can be of benefit in early spring.
THUNBERGIA
This Old World tropical genus consists of around 100 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs of the acanthus family. Many are vigorous twining climbers, while others are shrubby in habit. They are an enormously varied group, usually with pointed oval to heart-shaped leaves, sometimes lobed or toothed. The flowers occur in a wide color range: mostly yellow, orange, and purple-blue shades. They may be borne singly or in racemes and are mostly long-tubed trumpets with 5 large lobes. The genus was named for Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-1828), a Swedish physician and botanist employed by the Dutch East India Company. He was the first Western botanist to visit Japan in over 100 years, and brought back to Europe flora that was previously largely unknown.
CULTIVATION
Thunbergia species are frost tender or tolerant of very light frosts. Plant in a warm sheltered position with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Many species are drought tolerant; most perform best with frequent watering and feeding. Propagate from cuttings or seed.
Top Tip
For an eye-catching effect in the garden, train Thunbergia specie up though other annuals, such as sunflowers, or around and through the branches of a small tree.
CULTIVATION
Thunbergia species are frost tender or tolerant of very light frosts. Plant in a warm sheltered position with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Many species are drought tolerant; most perform best with frequent watering and feeding. Propagate from cuttings or seed.
Top Tip
For an eye-catching effect in the garden, train Thunbergia specie up though other annuals, such as sunflowers, or around and through the branches of a small tree.
THALICTRUM
A buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) genus of around 130 species of tuberous or rhizome-rooted perennials, Thalictrum is found mainly in the northern temperate zone, with a few species straying south of the equator into the tropics. They are upright plants with lacy, pinnate, blue-green leaves reminiscent of aquilegia or maidenhair fern foliage. Tall elegant flower stems grow well above the foliage, and from late spring to autumn, depending on the species, the stems bear clusters of small fluffy flowers. Occurring mainly in pink and mauve, but also in white and yellow, the petalless flowers may sometimes gain color from the 4 to 5 petallike sepals. Also known as meadow rue, Thalictrum plants were significant in the herbal lore and medicine of ancient Rome.
CULTIVATION
These plants are mostly hardy and easily grown in a temperate climate in full or half sun. The soil should be fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained. It is usually propagated by division, as cultivated plants are mainly selected forms.
Top Tip
Thalictrum species are useful plants in woodland gardens, borders, or rock gardens. The ferny foliage is an effective backdrop in floral arrangements.
CULTIVATION
These plants are mostly hardy and easily grown in a temperate climate in full or half sun. The soil should be fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained. It is usually propagated by division, as cultivated plants are mainly selected forms.
Top Tip
Thalictrum species are useful plants in woodland gardens, borders, or rock gardens. The ferny foliage is an effective backdrop in floral arrangements.
Monday, October 24, 2011
TAGETES
Although the commonly grown marigolds are often knowns as African or french, in fact, all but one of the
50-odd species of this daisy family (Asteraceae) genus originate in the American tropics and perennials with darkgreen ,sometimes aromatic , pinnate leaves that have toothed edges. Their flowers, usually a vibrant golden yellow or orange, are often typically daisylike, with obvious ray and disc florets, but in some forms the disc florets are largely hidden. The genus name comes from Tages, an Etruscan deity, grandson of Jupiter, who sprange from the ploughed earth. This is a reference to the marigold's habit of just poping up from seed.
CULTIVATION
Tagetes plants prefer a warm sunny position with light well-drained soil. Water well and feed if the foliage is at all yellow. Deadhead frequently to ensure continuous blooming. Propagate from seed, which is usually started indoors in early spring.
Top Tip
African marigolds, such as Tagetes, Antigua Series, are excellent for cutting because the dense pomponlike flowerheads last for a long time in fresh water.
50-odd species of this daisy family (Asteraceae) genus originate in the American tropics and perennials with darkgreen ,sometimes aromatic , pinnate leaves that have toothed edges. Their flowers, usually a vibrant golden yellow or orange, are often typically daisylike, with obvious ray and disc florets, but in some forms the disc florets are largely hidden. The genus name comes from Tages, an Etruscan deity, grandson of Jupiter, who sprange from the ploughed earth. This is a reference to the marigold's habit of just poping up from seed.
CULTIVATION
Tagetes plants prefer a warm sunny position with light well-drained soil. Water well and feed if the foliage is at all yellow. Deadhead frequently to ensure continuous blooming. Propagate from seed, which is usually started indoors in early spring.
Top Tip
African marigolds, such as Tagetes, Antigua Series, are excellent for cutting because the dense pomponlike flowerheads last for a long time in fresh water.
SYRINGA
Pity the tropical gardener who has never breathed the scent of lilacs in the spring. This olive family (Oleaceae) genus is made up of only around 20 species but was so greatly developed by Lemoine and later hybridizers that the selection is now huge. Syringa,or lilac, species are mainly deciduous shrubs and trees, and naturally occur from southeastern Europe to Japan. They have simple, pointed, elliptical or heart-shaped leaves and in spring produce upright panicles of small 4-petalled flowers with an overpowering fragrance. Flowers may be white or shades of pink, red, purple, and blue. The genus name comes from the Greek syrinx (a pipe), which refers to the hollow stems, and is also the origin of the word syringe.
CULTIVATION
Mostly hardy, Syringa plants prefer full or half sun and fertile, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. The roots can be invasive, and continually removing suckers can weary even the most ardent lilac lover. Propagate species by seed or cuttings, and cultivars by cuttings or grafting.
Top Tip
Because most lilacs bloom on the previous year's wood, pruning should be done immediately after the flowers have finished. To encourage new growth, the old stems should be cut out each year.
CULTIVATION
Mostly hardy, Syringa plants prefer full or half sun and fertile, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. The roots can be invasive, and continually removing suckers can weary even the most ardent lilac lover. Propagate species by seed or cuttings, and cultivars by cuttings or grafting.
Top Tip
Because most lilacs bloom on the previous year's wood, pruning should be done immediately after the flowers have finished. To encourage new growth, the old stems should be cut out each year.
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