CC Flickr photo courtesy of Sids1.

Cannas, although not a true lily, is remarkably similar to the lily. Consisting of nineteen species, the cannas plant has a large amount of foliage naturally. Horticulturists have bred the flower into the modern version we have today with large, bright flowers. These exotic plants commonly grow up to five feet but giant varieties are known to grow up to ten feet tall.

Growing Requirements for Cannas

Cannas require at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day. They bloom during the summer season and prefer rich, well-drained soil. The flower has also been known to flourish in sandy soils due to their tropical origins. In more temperate climates, the flower pot should be submerged up to an inch. High winds can easily tear the leaves so they should be planted in areas that are well protected. Greenhouse environments are usually the best for this plant.

Taking Care of Cannas

Cannas are not overly picky about their care requirements. One to two fertilization treatments should be enough to keep the soil rich in necessary nutrients and minerals. The soil should be kept relatively moist but not too moist as this could cause damage to the roots and even cause diseases. During dry weather they should be watered at minimum once a week. Spent flowers should be removed in order to promote continuous blooms during the season.

History and Uses of Cannas

Cannas are an exotic flower that originated in the Americas, first making its way to the East Indies and then to Europe. These flowers began appearing in European gardens in the 1860s.

The cannas plant has many uses. The seeds have been used as beads in jewelry and in a musical instrument from Zimbabwe. The plant is also very high in starch and can be used to produce alcohol and tortillas. The starch from this plant is also used in many other foodstuffs.

Common Cannas Diseases and Pests

Cannas are not normally bothered by insects but have been known to be infested by what is called the Canna Leaf Roller, which damages the leaf. The bug isn’t fatal to the plant itself but gardeners find the damage unpleasant. Slugs and snails can also wreak havoc on leaves.

Diseases are also not very common placed with cannas. However, when they do occur, it is mostly in the form of the fungal disease, Canna Rust. This manifests itself as orange spots on the leaves and is thought to occur from overly moist soil.

Treatments of insecticide and fungicide can usually resolve any issues.

Additional Information on Cannas

Additional Information on cannas can be found on the following websites:

Details on cannas in home gardens can be found in the pdf provided by Iowa State University.

Details on the cannas’ starch supply can be found in this pdf provided by the Food Ingredients Organization of Japan.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of ndrwfgg.

A carnation is a herbaceous plant that can up to 80 cm tall and come in a variety of colors. However, the wild carnation was a bright pinkish-purple color. The many colors seen today, such as red, white, yellow, and green, were developed by cultivators. The flower is about three to five centimeters in diameter. These flowers are commonly found in bouquets and the petals of the flowers look as if they have been folded in on themselves many times.

Growing Requirements for Carnations

Carnations grow best when they come from cuttings directly from other grown carnation plants. Cuttings or seedlings should be planted in the garden around April and they will bloom in full summer. The soil should have the capacity to drain well but keep the roots moist. The flowers require full sunlight for a minimum of six hours a day in order to bloom completely.

Taking Care of Carnations

Carnations need to be watered regularly but it is important to avoid overwatering because the foliage will turn a yellowish color.  The soil quality plays a big part in how well the carnation will bloom and so the plant should be given regular fertilization treatments. It is also important to pinch carnations to encourage good, healthy blooms. When it is time to pluck the carnation, make sure that about three to four nodes are left after the upper part of the stem is cut away. This will allow the flower to grow back at a later time.

History and Uses of Carnations

It is believed that wild carnations originated from the Mediterranean but that fact is up for debate due to the extensive cultivation of carnations in ancient cultures. These flowers were first used by the Greeks and Romans in garlands and other similar arrangements. Carnations are also grown as crops, even in places where they are considered to be an exotic flower such as Australia.

Each color of the carnation has a particular meaning which is why they are so sought after. Pink is said to represent a mother’s love; light red admiration; dark red deep love; white is for pure love and good luck; stripes are for regret and refusal, green is for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday; purple is for capriciousness; yellow is for disappointment and dejection. However the carnation flower in general is said to be representative to a mother’s love and a woman’s affection.

Because of this carnations are most often seen during Mother’s Day. A red carnation is worn to honor a living mother and a white carnation is worn to honor a mother who has passed away.

Diseases and Pests Common Among Carnations

Carnations are susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases. They can also be affected by nematodes and other parasites. Keeping plants in a healthy and strong state will keep the diseases from being able to gain a steady foothold in the crops. Also, basic insecticide and fungicide treatments will help to prevent and treat problems.

Additional Information on Carnations

Additional information about carnations can be found on the following websites:

Details on basic information can be found at the Calyx Flowers website.

Details on use of Carnations as a crop can be found in this pdf.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of ankakay.

Chrysanthemums consist of about thirty species and have a distinctive ‘snowball’ shape both in the individual flower shape and in the whole plant shape. These herbaceous plants grow to about 50 to 150 cm tall. They have very large flower heads with many petals. The flower comes in the colors of white, yellow, or pink. The flowers were named for the golden color that was present in the ancient cultures that gave the plant its name.

Growing Requirements for Chrysanthemums

The many species of chrysanthemums are not season specific and are not picky when it comes to soil quality. However, the flowers require sunny climates that do not experience high levels of rainfall in the wet season. The plant has a very long flowering season and usually flower about three months after sowing.

Taking Care of Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums easily survive transplants and are commonly planted in gardens after they have already been grown to their seedling stage. Once transplanted the flower bed should be carefully weeded and watered regularly. Once a few weeks have gone by the seedlings should be pinched in order to allow for maximum growth and flowering. The plant should be fertilized but not once the flowers have already bloomed in order to avoid over saturation of organic molecules. Wilting flowers should be removed so that new flowers may bloom in its place. Sometimes the gardener might find it necessary to stake the plant in order to prevent bending and falling when exposed to high winds.

History and Uses of Chrysanthemums

Originating from the region known as Eurasia, chrysanthemums are considered tropical flowers and come from the largest family of flowers which consist of nearly twenty thousand species. In about 400 a.d. the flower was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks and were loved so much by the Japanese emperors that the flower became a part of the Imperial Crest. Japan even has a special festival called the Festival of Happiness that celebrates the flower and its history.

The flower has culinary uses such as an ingredient in teas, rice wines, and cuisines. It is also used for medicinal purposes among Asian cultures.

Diseases and Pests found on Chrysanthemums

Common diseases affecting the chrysanthemum include leaf spot and powdery mildew. Common bugs and insects that can kill or injure entire crops of chrysanthemums are the aphid, leafhopper, and spider mite, among others.

Ways to avoid flower damage by pests and disease are by keeping the plants in good, healthy condition, avoiding overcrowding which allows good air circulation, and consistent weeding.  Treatments using insecticides and fungicides can also help maintain a healthy garden.

Additional Information on Chrysanthemums

Additional information on chrysanthemums can be found on the following websites:

Details on all general information can be found at the University of Minnesota website.

Extensive details concerning the growth of chrysanthemums can be found at the Ohio State University website.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of Arthur Chapman.

The dahlia has a fairly large range of sizes but even the smaller kinds are fairly large, standing at 30 centimeters. The largest dahlias can grow to be around two meters with flowers ranging in diameters from five centimeters to thirty centimeters. The flowers have many petals layered in a disk-like arrangement similar to a sunflower. The flowers come in nearly every color and pattern, giving them a reputation for being beautifully colored. Dahlias have woody stalks that do bend but provide some firmness.  These flowers will bloom around July.

Growing Requirements for Dahlias

Dahlias are typically grown from tubers, which allows them to survive long periods of dormancy. The tubers need to be planted fairly deeply, roughly 10 to 15 centimeters. The soil should be well watered to keep the roots moist but the soil should also drain thoroughly. Dahlias also need full sunlight for most hours of the day.

Taking Care of Dahlias

Dahlias prefer temperate climates and therefore never survive winter seasons or frosts. These flowers should be watered regularly to keep the flower healthy and strong. Taller varieties may need to be staked to avoid bending or falling when exposed to high winds or rain. Laying down mulches will help control weeding but by using black mulches the soil will be able to conserve the heat that the plant needs to grow. Dead or dying flower heads should be removed in order to allow the plant to continue flowering throughout the entire season.

History and Uses of Dahlias

Dahlias are native to the Central American region. The Aztecs used the flower for culinary purposes, in ceremonies, as decorations, and for musical instruments. They were known for using the woody stems of the dahlia as small flutes. The name comes from the Swedish botanist, Anders Dahl but the flower was originally introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers.

Dahlia Diseases and Pests

Powdery mildew, grey mould, and dahlia smut are the biggest diseases affecting dahlias. Powdery mildew affects many other plant species and is the result of a fungal infection. There will be a white mildew substance that appears on the leaves and stems of infected plants. Usually a fungicide will treat the problem and help keep the disease from spreading. The flowers can also be susceptible to viral infections.

Red spider mites feast on the dahlia routinely, especially in the middle of summer. These insects will leave small holes in the foliage as well as causing discoloration. The hotter and drier the climate is, the more susceptible the plant becomes. Keeping the flower well watered will help fight significant damage. If the damage becomes too substantial, basic insecticide treatments will help.

Additional Information on Dahlias

Additional information can be found on the following websites:

Details on basic growth facts can be found on the University of Minnesota website.

An extensive fact sheet on dahlias can be found on the Ohio State University website.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of orchidgalore.

Flowering Kale is a variety of kale that has the top layers of its leaves colored vibrant white, pink, lavender, red, blue, and violet with a rosette type color in the very middle. This type of kale does produce actual flowers but the plant is most known for the flower-like coloration and arrangement of its leaves. Kale is a type vegetable that is closely related to broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and even brussels sprouts. They grow to full maturity in about two to three weeks.

Growing Requirements for Flowering Kale

Flowering kale prefers colder temperatures at night and areas with good air circulation that allows colder air to reach the plant. This plant does the best when grown outdoors in natural conditions instead of in greenhouse environments. As a general rule of thumb, the cooler the air is the more vibrant the colors will be. The kale can even remain beautiful through the entire winter if it is a mild one.

Taking Care of Flowering Kale

It is recommended that automatic watering systems specialized to service flowering kale are used instead of normal watering cans because the plant is very picky about the amount of water it receives. The leaves will harden and turn yellow when the plant experiences water stress. Fertilization treatments are recommended and should be done only periodically. These plants prefer winter conditions and will only bloom fully after experiencing their first winter season. The bloom will come in spring but by then the plant will look rather haggard and many gardeners prefer to discard it. Flowering kale makes great additions to compost piles.

History and Uses of Flowering Kale

The wild species, Brassica oleracea, is native to Old World Europe where it was grown and harvested by the ancient Greeks and Romans as food. Through the years the plant was cultivated into the many kale species and the related plants we see today. The species is completely edible along with the rest of the family and remains not only a popular decorative plant but a common addition to the dinner plate.

Common Flowering Kale Diseases and Pests

Cabbage loopers, leaf rollers, and aphids are the most common insects bothering flowering kale. Also, when subjected to extensive humidity and moisture, the kale becomes susceptible to a fungal disease known as downy mildew. Keeping optimal growing conditions constant will keep the kale from falling prey to either of these too often. If the problems become too excessive, basic fungicide and insecticide treatments should be more than enough. However, the kale should never be ingested after undergoing these treatments as the chemicals are extremely poisonous to humans.

Additional Information on Flowering Kale

Further details on the history of the flowering kale can be found at the UCC faculty website.

A detailed fact sheet on the flowering kale and closely related plants can be found at the University of Massachusetts Amherst website.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of meddygarnet

Forget-Me-Not is flowering plant in the genus of Myosotis which has about fifty different species. Blooming in spring, these flowers are very small, about one centimeter in diameter. The flowers have five lobes that can be blue, pink or white and have yellow centers. However, a blue colored flower is the most common variation of the plant. Forget-Me-Nots are extremely popular in gardens and in the wild they grow to five to twelve inches tall.

Growing Requirements for Forget-Me-Not

In order to grow Forget-Me-Not flowers, one should prepare the soil by mixing in compost before placing the seed in. The seeds should be planted in early spring so that the flowers will bloom on time later in the season. Distance between the seeds does not normally matter because Forget-Me-Nots are not sensitive to crowds.

The seeds should be watered often in order to be kept moist. Forget-Me-Nots are normally found on river banks in the wild and grow the best in moist environments. The plants can tolerate only partial sun and shade, therefore they should not be planted where they are subjected to intense sunlight. They grow the best under trees, around tall shrubs, and in rock gardens with some shade.

Taking Care of Forget-Me-Not

Most of the flowers only last for one season and when they begin to wilt in late summer they should be removed in order to allow for replanting the next year. Forget-Me-Nots need to have wilted flowers trimmed because the plant will drop new seeds in order to maintain the population. This reseeding could prove problematic because while the flowers are not sensitive to crowding, the resources available can be stressed.

Forget-Me-Nots should be watered regularly. One should take special care when weeding around seedlings as they can be fragile and easy to destroy or dig up.

History of Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-Me-Nots have various legends and folklore surrounding them in many cultures around the world. The flowers are native to New Zealand but have escaped gardens from which they were introduced and into the wild. One popular legend states the flowers were named when a 15th-century knight fell into a river as he went to pick a bunch of flowers for his lover. As he was drowning in the water he threw the flowers to the woman and shouted, “Forget me not.” Today the flower is a symbol of a woman’s faithfulness and love. According to Christian lore however, the flowers originated when the child Jesus Christ created them in remembrance of Mary’s eyes.

The flowers are also very prominent in literature. They appear in poems, epics, and novels from many famous authors such as Henry David Thoreau and J.R.R. Tolkien.

More Information on Forget-Me-Not

Additional information about Forget-Me-Not can be found at the following websites:

Learn about the Scientific Classification and Legend of Forget-Me-Not at The Flower Expert.

Find details on Forget-Me-Not growing conditions at Dave’s Garden.

Get a detailed, scientific view of Forget-Me-Not at Microscopy.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of Jeff_U.

Commonly known as cranesbill, geraniums encompass some four hundred species of flowers. In the wild, the flower is mostly found in the Mediterranean region and has five petals that are lifted up. They come in white, pink, purple, or blue. Some come in bush or shrub like arrangements and others grow as a single stem with one or two blooms. The flowers all have distinct veins making them easy to spot and recognize.

Growing Requirements for Geraniums

Geraniums need to be placed in well-drained soil but also need to be rich in humus. These plants are long lived and can often survive the winter if taken care of properly. The flowers require full sun but some can survive in partial shade just fine. These plants should be planted in late May for the best results and cuttings should be taken in August for the next seasons plants. Geraniums will not survive a frost and so should not be planted until any threat of a frost is past.

Taking Care of Geraniums

Geraniums require regular watering but too much and the roots will rot. Fertilizers should be used at least once in order to keep the soil rich in nutrients. The plant should be watered directly after a fertilizer treatment in order to make sure that the compounds reach the roots. Pinching off buds will encourage the branching of stems and additional blooms. Also, dead or wilting flowers should be removed in order to promote healthy blooms for the entire season and even through the wintering period. If the plants are grown indoors they will survive the winter season.

History and Uses of Geraniums

The common garden geranium is a South African native and was introduced to the European garden in around 1600. The plant’s seeds had found their way to England by 1631. These plants are extremely popular in gardens, and because of their native environment, they are known for being heat and drought tolerant.

Common Geranium Diseases and Pests

The geranium can be infested by common bugs and insects including a species known as Angle Shades. However, the plant has actually been known to deter mosquitoes and Japanese beetles. In fact, scientific studies found that the beetle can become paralyzed after parts of the flower were consumed by the insect. But for those insects that eat geraniums, insecticide treatments can help prevent extensive damage.

The diseases affecting the geranium the most is the flower break and line pattern viruses. Both come from the same family of viruses. Funguses can also affect the flowers and treatments of fungicides can help with the problem.

Additional Information on Geraniums

Additional information on geraniums can be found on the following websites:

Details on general information and taking care of cuttings can be found on the University of Rhode Island website.

Details on overwintering the geranium plant can be found on the Iowa State University website.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of R.Kyle.

Impatiens have about one thousand species and are sometimes known as jewelweeds or touch-me-nots. Most impatiens are less than half a meter tall but there are several species that have been known to grow up to two meters. The leaves of these plants are shiny and a special coating on the underside gives them a very greasy feel. The leaves are known to reflect light off of the water that collects on the leaf. Many people report the phenomenon as being prism like. Many of the flowers are horn shaped and grow to a few centimeters to an inch in length. However, some species do have flattened flowers with large petals and a tiny spur-like middle. Impatiens can be found in nearly every color.

Growing Requirements for Impatiens

Impatiens need to be sown indoors six to eight weeks before being planted outdoors. Once planted outdoors, around spring time but after the last frost, they should be planted in areas with good sunlight and good soil quality. Impatiens have a rapid growth rate and do very well as houseplants. They flourish in window boxes, hanging baskets, and pots. The flowers will bloom in early summer and last until fall.

Taking Care of Impatiens

The plant, whether being kept indoors or outdoors, should be watered regularly. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and thus the soil needs be drained well. Also, the water needs to be room temperature. Impatiens should be fertilized once every two weeks.

History and Uses of Impatiens

Impatiens are often used in North American home remedies in order to treat mild afflictions such as insect bites, bee stings, and poison ivy rashes. Also in ancient cultures impatien petals were used as ingredients in nail polish, hair dye, and other beauty supplies.

The plant is native to North America but was imported to Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. The plants are commonly used in home remedies in these cultures as well.

Impatiens Diseases and Pests

Impatiens are susceptible to tomato spotted wilt virus which causes blisters and pustules on the leaf. This particular disease infects upwards of three hundred different plants. However, recent scientific studies show that the strain infecting impatiens is slightly different and therefore has been renamed the Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus. This virus can also cause stunted growth, deformed leaves, collapsing stems, and in extreme cases, death. The virus is most prominent in greenhouse environments. Special sprays can treat this disease.

Spider mites and aphids can severely damage impatiens in the height of the season. However, simple and regular insecticide treatments can keep the problem at bay.

Additional Information on Impatiens

Additional Information about Impatiens can be found on the following websites:

Details on all general information can be found on the West Virginia University website.

Details about the various diseases affecting impatiens and their treatments can be found on the University of Massachusetts Amherst website.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of tolomea.

Marigold flowers are a quick growing flower that have vibrantly colored flowers that are known to attract butterflies and other pollinators. With over fifty-six species the plant can grow up to two meters tall with the flower head being around 4-6cm in diameter. The plant has lush, green leaves that can overpower the flower buds if the conditions are right. The floral blooms are white, orange, yellow, and golden. There are often maroon highlights as well. Marigold seeds should be planted in April so that they will bloom by June and continue throughout the season until the first frost.

Growing Requirements for Marigold Flowers

Marigolds prefer full sunlight but can be grown in partial shade. The soil must be well fertilized and drained of free standing water but moist. Tall marigold should be spaced at least 40 cm apart while dwarf species should be spaced at least 20 cm apart. This kind of spacing will not only ensure that the plant has enough room to grow to full size but will present a uniform display of flowers in the landscaping.

Taking Care of Marigolds

Marigolds should be watered in the morning but not very often. The taller species of the plant should not be watered directly from above because it will water log the plant and cause rotting. Because marigolds prefer organic rich soil, fertilization treatments should be done often. The plant will not require much care beyond removing dead and wilting foliage. Also, tall marigolds should be staked to prevent bending when exposed to heavy winds and rainfall.

History and Uses of Marigold Flowers

The flowers have distinctive uses as medicines and culinary herbs in places such as Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and other similar locations. The marigold also has spiritual significance in many cultures around the world. For example, the marigold is present during the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico among many other festivals and holidays.

Native to the new world, the marigold plant is used in daily rituals and worship practices. They are used in weddings as well. Also, the plant appears as national symbols, in literature, poems, and musical lyrics.

Marigolds: Diseases and Pests

Marigold is itself a pest control used to fight large nematode populations. Some species also repel deer, rabbits, and rodents. Marigold is particularly vulnerable to insects such as spider mites and spittle bugs. All of these can be treated with insecticides. Common fungal diseases can also affect marigold and can be prevented by keeping the plant in good health and treating with fungicides.

Additional Information on Marigolds

Details on general information can be found on the West Virginia University website.

Details about marigolds and pest control can be found on the University of Florida website.

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CC Flickr photo courtesy of photofarmer.

Morning Glory is a popular name that encompasses over a thousand different flowering species. These flowers are commonly used to decorate walls and fences due to the fact that they grow as vines with funnel-shaped flowers in white, red, blue, purple, and yellow colors. Coveted for their very rapid growth and the ease of care, morning glories can grow 15-20 feet tall in less than one season.

Growing Requirements for Morning Glory Flowers

The seed coating on morning glory seeds is very thick and tough. Before planting they should be soaked in water for one full night in order to soften the seed and allowing for easy germination. The seeds should be planted in a very sunny spot and near a wall or trellis for vertical support.

Because morning glories grow very fast and big, they are very sensitive to crowding. They should be planted in prepared soil (fertilized) one-half inch deep and at least one foot apart. Morning glories need the room to spread up and out.

The seeds should be planted around spring to early summer. They prefer warm to hot temperatures and as much sunlight as possible. It should be noted that morning glories cannot survive transplanting.

Taking Care of Morning Glory Flowers

Morning glory is called such because of a very distinctive feature. The flowers open only in the presence of sunlight and close at night. For maximum growth the plant should have full sunlight. Also, they should be fertilized at least once a month so that the plant always has the nutrients it needs to grow.

These plants are somewhat hardy, meaning they can pretty much grow on their own and don’t need extensive care. They only need to be watered once to twice a week depending on how dry the season is. Furthermore the plant will survive light frosts but not deep freezes.

History of Morning Glories

The first morning glory appeared in China before spreading to Japan and then to almost all tropical and temperate climates. The ancient Chinese used the plant for medicinal purposes. Other ancient cultures utilized the flower’s chemical properties in order to make latex and rubber materials. The morning glory quickly became a decorative flower as well, because of its ability to provide shade where there previously was none.

The flower can also be used in Asian culinary dishes and makes numerous appearances in old and modern literature. Victorian writers were particularly fascinated with it, using it to represent ‘love in vain’.

Morning Glory Flowers: Toxicity and Diseases

Gardeners with children and pets should be particularly careful with morning glory flowers and seeds because they do have some toxic properties. If ingested they can cause hallucinations, indigestion, a stupor, and if ingested in large quantities can even cause a coma.

Morning glories are not normally affected by insects or diseases. However, if a problem does occur basic insecticides and fungicides are usually enough to treat the plant.

More Information on Morning Glories

Details of the growing process can be found at Gardener’s Net.

Details of the chemical properties can be found on the MIT website.

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