Archive for December, 2010

Hollyhock – Alcea rosea

The hollyhock, Alcea rosea, hails from the Eastern Mediterranean region. The genus name is of Greek origin, from the word alkaia, which means “a type of mallow” which refers to the family. The plant has had medicinal and other uses through the ages. The petals of the blossoms were used to color wine and cure coughs.

December 30, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Swamp Mallow – Hibiscus moscheutos

This perennial is a giant, growing to eight feet tall under the right conditions. It gets around four feet here in southeastern Indiana. The flowers are tremendous, also, up to ten inches in diameter. Swamp Rose Mallow is hardy to USDA Zone 5 – 9, and flowers abundantly from mid July until around Labor Day.

December 29, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Wall Germander – Teucrium chamaedrys

Germander is of European origin. The genus name is derived from the Greek name for the plant, teukrion. The species name, chamaedrys, is means “dwarf oak” in Greek. The plant has reputed medicinal qualities, good for dropsy, gout, and stomach ailments. It has also been used to heal wounds and as an antiseptic.

December 28, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Gaillardia – Blanket Flower

Gaillardia was named after Gaillard de Charentnneau 1786 who was a French magistrate and wealthy patron of botany. It originated in the prairies of North America and was introduced into Europe in 1812.

December 27, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Euphorbia – Cushion Spurge

The Euphorbias are a large family of plants which include the popular Poinsettia and about 1600 other species. This particular plant is a perennial which is quite at home in your flower garden.

December 24, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Daylily – Hemerocallis X species

The original hemerocallis species are found from central Europe to Asia, including Japan. There are approximately fifteen wild species from which the legions of hybrid daylilies available today are descended from. Daylilies grow from about fifteen inches to about forty inches tall.

December 23, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a large genus of perennial garden plants which are very popular with gardeners. There are well over a hundred cultivars and the list grows each year. There are four species of which are of particular interest for the home gardener. These are Coreopsis verticulata, Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis grandiflora and Coreopsis auriculata.

December 22, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Purple Coneflower – Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower is a North American wildflower which has become ensconced in the perennial flower gardens all over the world. It is also known as the Prairie Coneflower, grows twenty four to thirty six inches tall and likes full sun to partial shade.

December 21, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Hardy Mum – Chrysanthemum X hortorum

The chrysanthemum has been grown in China and Japan since around 500 BC. The flower was introduced into Europe in 1789 and since that time it has become one of the most popular flowers grown.

December 20, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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Centaurea montana – Mountain Bluet

Centaurea montana, or Mountain Bluet, is a showy member of the Daisy family which is hardy to USDA Zones 3 – 4. Mountain Bluet has a bit of a reputation for being invasive with a weak floral display, but here in southeastern Indiana, it seems to have none of those qualities.

December 18, 2010 · Administrator · No Comments
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