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Garden Guide - July 4, 2007

Lilies

The true lily (Lilium) is one of the backbones of the perennial garden. There are hundreds of species and thousands of hybrids of the lily family, including Asiatic, Oriental and L.A. hybrids (longiflorum X Asiatic). Each has its advantages for the Minnesota garden. Asiatic lilies, for example, are very hardy and multiply quickly. They bloom in June/July and come in a wide range of colors and heights. Oriental lilies bloom later in the season. They are noted for large fragrant blooms in white and all shades of pink. L.A. hybrids are a relatively new introduction to Minnesota. They are the hybrid crosses of Asiatic lilies and Easter lilies (Longiflorum). The result is an Asiatic looking lily with a very large bloom. Because lilies are all true bulbs, plant them in well-drained soil and in full sun. True fans of lilies might be interested in joining the North Star Lily Society. You can learn more at www.northstarlilysociety.com.

North Star Lily Society’s Annual Flower Show
"Show Me The Lilies"
Saturday, July 7th–1 to 5
Sunday, July 8th–10 to 4
Heritage Room - Bachman’s on Lyndale
More information at www.northstarlilysociety.com

A Word On Diseases

There are a lot of plant diseases that affect the look and health of our plants. Some are transmitted by insects; others by people or animals. Some diseases cause purely cosmetic damage, while others can be fatal. One of the best ways to keep your plants disease free is to keep them stress free. Water regularly in the morning, fertilize at the right times and watch for the presence of disease so you can treat it before it gets out of hand. Stressed plants are more susceptible to diseases and less likely to survive.

Hosta, a Minnesota Favorite

Hostas, by far, are Minnesota gardeners’ favorite plants, and it’s easy to understand why. Hostas are hardy and for the most part care free. What’s the best thing about hostas? Maybe it’s their ability to grow in shade or part sun. Or it could be their tolerance of a wide range of soils and moisture levels. Or maybe it’s the hundreds of varieties you can choose from and the incredible range of sizes. Slugs are the most worrisome threat faced by hostas. To avoid slug problems, plant hosta varieties that have a heavy thick leaf because these seem to be more slug resistant. If slugs do show up, use Sluggo®, a safe and effective treatment that won’t harm kids, pets, birds or you.

Avoid The Summer Doldrums

Following a fantastic display of spring and early summer color, it may seem like a daunting task to keep your perennial garden bursting with color, but there are lots of great plants that are up to the challenge. For loads of color in July and early August in a sunny area, make sure your garden includes tall garden phlox, daylilies, hardy garden lilies, rudbeckia, coreopsis, butterfly weed, campanula, lobelia, shasta daisies, echinacea, gaillardia, monarda, hollyhocks, liatris, catmint, balloon flower, poppies, salvia, scabiosa and veronica. Many sunny perennials (especially daylilies, monarda and lobelia) will do well in light shade, too. For color this time of year in a shady area, try astilbe, hosta (many varieties have attractive, fragrant flowers), gooseneck loosestrife, cimicifuga, hardy geraniums and ligularia. And don’t discount the incredible color contribution made by the various shades and textures of foliage provided by coral bells, lamiums and ferns. As you can see, with a little bit of planning, your perennial garden can skip the summer doldrums completely.

Did You Know?

Kiwi fruit is native to China not New Zealand

TIP

Your tropical hibiscus should be in full bloom now. If not, excess nitrogen or low light may be the reason. Move the plant to a sunny location and use Bachman’s Mighty Bloom® liquid fertilizer.