Stunning, unforgettable and bold are a few of the many adjectives that can be
used to describe hardy hibiscus. Once you’ve seen them in bloom, you know it’s worth the little bit of extra effort it takes to keep them coming back year after year. In milder climates, these plants are woody shrubs; here, they die back to the ground each winter and, if protected, sprout again the following spring.
To protect these hibiscus during winter, simply cut them back to within a few inches of the ground after a killing frost in fall. In late fall or early winter, just as the ground begins to freeze, cover the crown of the plant with at least 12 inches of shredded leaves or straw.
In spring, remove the mulch after
the ground has thawed.
Hardy hibiscus are among the very last plants to start growing again in spring, but your patience will be rewarded with dozens of colorful plate-size blooms in mid to late summer. Keep in mind
that most hardy hibiscus will grow 3’ to 5’ tall.
Look for these perennial hibiscus varieties at Bachman’s:
Cristi
4’ tall
6” to 8” ruby-red flowers
Fantasia 3’ tall
8” to 9” lavender flowers
Fireball
4’ tall
7” to 8” red flowers
Kopper King 3½’ tall
10” to 12” white/ red flowers
Old Yella
3 ½’ tall
12” yellow flowers
Plum Crazy
4’ tall
7” lilac flowers
Tomato-Fruit or Vegetable?
Speaking strictly in botanical terms, tomatoes are berries.
Legally, it’s a different matter altogether; in that realm tomatoes are considered a vegetable. This determination was made in 1893 when an importer
contended that tomatoes were fruit and, therefore, not subject to vegetable import duties.
The United States Supreme Court held that the tomato had to be considered a
vegetable when it was served in soup or with the main course of a meal and a fruit when eaten out of hand or as dessert.
Confused? You’re not alone.
Russian sage
As you’ve driven around town the last few weeks, you may have noticed plants with tall, misty blue spikes in area gardens. These
plants are commonly called Russian sage. They’re a relatively new addition to our gardens that originated in Russia. The correct
botanical name, perovskia (pe-rof-skee-a), is a mouthful, but you don’t have to pronounce it to enjoy it.
This tall semi-woody
perennial can grow up to 4’ tall, but there are some selections, like Little Spires, that only reach 30”. Perovskia likes full hot sun and well-drained soil and is very drought tolerant once established.
Plant Russian sage with other perennial like rudbeckia, echinacea and
prairie grasses. Perovskia will bloom from July into September. After the first killing frost, cut the plant down to about 12” to 18” above the ground. The woody stems will
produce the buds for the next year’s growth.
Did You Know?
Eggplants originated on the Indian subcontinent.
Tips
Mid August is the time to start the campaign for a beautiful lawn next spring. It’s the best time of the year to kill weeds, reseed, core aerate, de-thatch and fertilize.
Harvest potatoes as the tops start to die back. Carefully dig up one plant to determine if the size is to your liking. If not, give it another week or so. The size will increase as long as there is green growth.
Onions should be harvested when the tops fall over. Use onions started from sets (small dry bulbs) first because they don’t keep
as well as onions started from seed or plants.
Herbs are in abundance now. Dry them by making small bundles and hanging them in a dark, dry spot. Once dry, store in airtight jars.
The microwave also can be used to dry herbs. Clean and prepare
a cup of herbs, spread them out on a paper towel making sure they
are in one thin layer. Microwave on half strength for about 3
minutes. Check the herbs and repeat. Since every microwave
is different and each herb has a different moisture content, it’s important to check the herbs and adjust the timing accordingly.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
