Coral Charm peony

Peonies enchant us with their dramatic showy flowers and the good news is that they are easy to grow!  There are hundreds of cultivars, with colors ranging from white to pink, red, coral, and even new yellow varieties.  Flowers can be saucer-like single flowers, semi-double or even double with hundreds of densely packed petals. Some are delightfully fragrant and most make wonderful cut flowers. Peonies are very long lived plants, even surviving more than 50 years in one spot.  Their foliage, rich green and glossy, has a neat compact form that can add much to the perennial border, from spring’s green to autumn’s beautiful maroon color.

Peonies need a sunny location with a well drained soil. They will not tolerate water-logged soils.  Since they remain in the same location for a long time it is best to prepare the site well. Containerized plants can be planted at any time in the growing season, while bare-root peonies are best planted in the fall.  Dig the hole larger than is needed for the plant, half fill the hole with compost, refill with the soil that came from the hole, and mix in a handful of bone meal. When planting, be sure not to plant no more than one to two inches deep from the firm, dark red eyes or growth buds on the root.

Peonies are easy care plants. They are not heavy feeders and if they have too rich a site or too much fertilizer, will produce large amounts of foliage and few flowers. Once growth is underway in the spring they need a steady supply of moisture, especially following bloom time, since this is when the following year’s buds are formed. The foliage should be cut down in the autumn to help prevent foliar diseases. They do not need winter mulch. To achieve extra large flowers, find the uppermost, central bud. Pinch off the small buds along the side stem and on either side of this larger, central bud.

Few pests or diseases bother peonies. The most common problem is botrytis blight, a fungal disease that is encouraged by cold, damp weather. Symptoms include browning and withering of the developing buds and death of the stem beneath, sudden death of young shoots, blackening and decay of leaves. To control botrytis, remove diseased stems, cutting back into healthy growth. Dusting with a powdered sulfur will help. All debris should be thrown in the garbage and not added to the compost pile.

• Why do peonies not bloom?
• Plants are immature
• They may be planted too deep
• Buds were killed by a late frost or by botrytis
• The ground is too dry
• Excessively hot weather
• Too crowded by other plants, too much root competition, or poor air circulation
• Too much shade
• Too much nitrogen – cut back on the fertilizer

The Growing Place offers more than 30 different kinds of peonies.  Surely you have a spot for this stunning heirloom flower!

red admiral on allium

KC Swininoga, University of Illinois Master Gardner, Perennial Sales Associate

Some believe that when a butterfly lands on you it brings good luck. Just one more reason to enjoy a sunny day walk in your garden among the red admiral and painted lady butterflies that are everywhere right now! Swarms of red admirals have been observed in the Chicagoland area this spring due to our mild winter. Red admirals are friendly little butterflies and perhaps one will land on your shoulder.

Favorite food sources for adult red admirals also include tree sap, fermenting fruit, and bird droppings! They will also feed on nectar from a large range of blooms. Some flowers that the red admiral enjoys (these are available in our Native Prairie and Woodland Plant collections):

• Virginia Blue Bells (Mertensia virginica) – woodland native that offers soft pink buds that open to clusters of sky blue blooms. A spring ephemeral that disappear when trees are in full foliage and return the next spring.
• Prairie Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii) – a close cousin of the common milkweed with larger and deeper pink showy flowers. This species of milkweed is also better behaved, spreading more slowly into a tighter drift.
• Wild Hyacinth (Camassia scilloides) – sweet star-like flowers in light violet blue to white cluster on slender stems. A bulb plant to add to your spring garden.

All of these share the moist woodland, savanna, and prairie environment that red admirals also inhabit. They do well in sun to part shade, moist to average garden sites.

painted lady on buddleia

If you have been out gardening recently you must have noticed painted ladies flitting about! This little lady (or gent) gets its name from the splashes and dots of bright color that adorn its wings. Another common name for Vanessa cardui is “Cosmopolitan Butterfly” because it is found in so many places around the world and because it enjoys so many plants.

You may find painted ladies sunning or drinking from moist soil. Its favorite nectar source is thistle, but there are several other flowers that the painted lady enjoys (these are available in our Native Prairie Plant collection):

• Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) – from late summer to fall, blooms of bright violet blue top fragrant foliage. Hummingbirds often join the butterflies feeding on this one.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – mid to late summer blooming butterfly garden essential!
• Royal Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) – the vibrant pinkish-purple flower tufts cover the stems of this liatris variety, giving it a frillier look than others you may be familiar with.
• False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) – showy deep yellow flowers top this plant all summer long and into fall.

All of these perennials like full sun, and average soil, although false sunflower will do well with part-shade too, and are reliable performers.

As for the painted ladies – their dance in the sun lasts for about two weeks and finishes with the laying of tiny watermelon-like eggs on the tops of leaves. The next generation will emerge just weeks later to begin the dance anew.

• Think about what colors coordinate with your porch or patio. What color is your door? Your house? Your pots? Do you want the plants to stand out from across the street or be a happy surprise when you pass the container?
• Add height with a small trellis or obelisk. There are several choices in annual vines to add height and dramatic flowers such as morning glory, black-eyed susan vine and mandevilla
• Foliage texture can add drama all its own. Contrast ferny delicate leaves with big burly plants to liven up your pots. Play with foliage colors that complement or contrast. For example, there are varieties of coleus for sun and shade that add a big punch of color and texture.
• Don’t be afraid to incorporate garden accents or artwork into your pots. A ceramic mushroom, pretty garden stake or glass dragonfly can provide that final creative touch.
• Consider the scale of your home. Many times homeowners choose containers that are too small for the size of their house. Go bigger!

Need help with ideas? Ask us! Our Container Garden Designers are happy to work with you to create combinations or build a custom piece. We even come to you! The Growing Place offers four-season container services either at our locations or we will come to your home. Ask us for details!

Rain gardens are not only beautiful but also extremely important to our environment. An average sized home in the Chicagoland area, where our annual rainfall is about 30”, would generate about 41,000 gallons of reusable water a year. Running a sprinkler for two hours can use up to 500 gallons of water. Capture some of that rainwater with a rain barrel or build a rain garden. A rain garden will reduce erosion, purify storm water run off and filter pollutants. Erosion is reduced in our rivers and streams as less water enters the system. Rain gardens also help to replenish our ground water as water is not a renewable resource. Rain gardens can be a wonderful learning experience for children. They attract wildlife such as birds, frogs, and insects, as well.

A rain garden is a low-lying garden that collects, slows and filters rainwater run off from your downspouts, driveway, patios or sidewalks. The water seeps back into the soil with the help of plants with deep roots. Plants that thrive in a rain garden environment are some of the easiest plants to grow as they tolerate both wet and dry soils, making them very adaptable. Remember, all plants may require supplemental watering while establishing and during long dry periods. The Growing Place offers several varieties of wet tolerant trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Stop by the Aurora location on Saturday, April 28 for a free lecture ‘Designing for Tough Sites’ to learn more about how to create a rain garden and which plants can thrive in wet to dry conditions. Ask us for our handout too!

Prairie smoke

You may have noticed a recent article in Chicagoland Gardening magazine discussing The Natural Garden and where to find the native plants they specialized in. The Growing Place is pleased to carry Natural Garden Natives from Midwest Groundcovers among our extensive selection of plants. We’ve greatly expanded our native offerings, but we love the plants from Natural Gardens because they are from local seed sources. Check out the special native displays featured in Perennials in the Sun and the Shade sections. We carry natives in a variety of container sizes from a two inch trial size up to a gallon pot. As you browse the tags, look for NGN to signify which plants come from The Natural Garden.

There are many exciting native plants available, but three that our staff are particularly fond of are swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) and blue cardinal flower (Lobelia siphilitica). Swamp milkweed is a favorite larval food for monarch caterpillars.  This sun loving perennial has fragrant clusters of rose pink flowers in summer on strong stems. Growing three to four feet high and two to three wide, swamp milkweed prefers average to moist soils.

Prairie smoke is a diminutive charmer perfect for the front of the border in full sun to part shade. Growing six to 12 inches high and wide, its nodding pink flowers rise above fuzzy basal foliage. Unusual seed heads look like silvery smoke. Prairie smoke prefers average soil and is drought tolerant once established.

Blue cardinal flower thrives in moist to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Blue tubular flowers, favorites of hummingbirds, are borne on upright stalks beginning in August. Blue lobelia reaches two to three feet high and 18 to 24 inches wide and can be a terrific choice for rain gardens.

To find out more information about native plants and their importance to pollinators, ask us! We have several handouts available. Also, take a look at Doug Tallamy’s wonderful book Bringing Nature Home, available in our Garden Treasures Shops. We are excited about the opportunity to guide you toward developing your own beautiful yard while also improving our environment. We can make a difference, one yard at a time!

Hummingbirds tend to prefer tubular flowers in red, orange or blue that may hang downward. Choose a wide variety of plants that bloom at different times and plant them in drifts for easy foraging. A handout is available at The Growing Place, but a few favorite plants of hummingbirds are:

• Beardtongue (Penstemon)
• Bee balm (Monarda)
• Cardinal flower (Lobelia)
• Columbine (Aquilegia)
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
• Sage (Salvia)
• Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum)

You may also choose to put out a nectar feeder. We have a large variety of feeders in many colors and sizes. To make nectar, add one cup of sugar to four cups of boiling water. Stir until sugar dissolves, cool the solution and fill your feeders. The solution may be refrigerated up to one week. Change the nectar and scrub the feeder every three to five days to prevent mold growth and fermentation.

Fothergilla blooms

This spring’s extraordinary temperatures mean we are enjoying many of our spring blooming shrubs right now, instead of later in April and May. As you get out and enjoy the garden, ask yourself – do you have a spot for color and fragrance? Many flowering shrubs can be slipped into existing beds or provide the basis of a new garden area.

There are many options, from small to large, shady or sunny. The powder puff honey-scented flowers of dwarf fothergilla are lighting up shady corners. This small shrub only reaches about two to three feet high and wide and is an outstanding four season plant. It has wide ruffled green leaves on stiff stems and spectacular fall color of red, yellow and orange. There are larger cultivars such as ‘Blue Shadow’ that reaches four to five feet high and wide and is treasured for its steel blue foliage. ‘Mt. Airy’ is more upright and will be five to six feet high, but only three to four feet wide.

'Orange Storm' quince

For a bigger spot, consider flowering quince. Their stems are covered in flowers in shades of red and orange. Reaching about four to five feet high and wide, quince enjoys full sun to part shade. We are particularly excited about a new cultivar ‘Orange Storm’ that features brilliant orange double flowers. Quince branches may also be cut and brought indoors for forcing in late winter.

Dwarf Korean lilac

Nothing is quite as spectacular in full bloom as lilac. The heirloom varieties charm us with fragrance and huge clusters of blooms in white, pink and purple. These sun-loving shrubs can become quite large, so plan on giving them plenty of space. Dwarf cultivars such as dwarf Korean or ‘Miss Kim’ bloom a little bit later in clouds of pale lavender. Why not try ‘Bloomerang’, the first reliable reblooming lilac? ‘Bloomerang’ will blossom in spring, then again in September. A shorter lilac at only four to five feet, you’ll see a better rebloom if you give it a light trim after its first flush of flowers.

Our Container Designers at The Growing Place recommend that if your container has been outside, empty it and compost the used potting soil to minimize the chances for disease and insect problems. Inspect each container for damage including cracks and chips. Using a mild bleach solution, about one part bleach to 10 parts water, and a firm brush, to thoroughly scrub pots inside and out to clean and disinfect.

Place your pot in the desired spot before refilling with new potting soil so you don’t have to try to move a heavy container. Make sure it is raised off the ground for drainage, using pot lifters, bricks, or caddies. Think about adding new pots and rearranging your containers to freshen your look. The Growing Place carries concrete, glazed ceramic, terracotta, cast iron, fiberglass and more. Our designers are happy to work with you to coordinate colors and shapes to create a look. Check out the Container Garden Magic demonstrations on March 31 and each Saturday in May to get ideas on combinations.

As you are selecting flowers to plant, look for those with lots of buds, rather than lots of blossoms.  You may not have instant color, but you’ll be rewarded with a longer stretch of bloom time.

Corn gluten remains effective for five to six weeks after application. It will not harm established lawn or perennials. If you are planning on planting seeds in the treated area, wait until after the effectiveness period or they will not sprout. A by-product of the commercial corn milling process, it poses no health risk to water sources, people or pets.

To be effective, corn gluten must be applied in early spring as seeds are starting to germinate or in fall after seed has fallen. In our area, plan on applying it around mid to late March, or when forsythia blooms. Make sure to apply it according to label directions on a dry day when no rain is expected within the next 24 hours. A period of drought stress is critical to effectively starve the seedling roots of moisture, so hold off watering up to five days after application. Allow some drying periods to improve corn gluten’s effectiveness. Sometimes, if we have several days of rain, weed plants may be able to re-grow roots or sprout.

We are selling it in liquid form in a 64 ounce ready to spray bottle for $27.99 and it will cover 2000 square feet.

Pre-order and save! Pre-ordered plants are available starting at $29.99 for trees and $9.99 for shrubs. After March 30^th, some trees will be available for sale at both locations. Pre-ordered plants require a 50% deposit. Screening shrubs are available as pre-order only and come in quantities of five plants per bundle. Looking for something special? Ask us! We may be able to order a tree not featured on this list.

Bare Root Trees

FireFall Maple – $39.99: An adaptable, fast-growing shade tree, this seedless maple features bright orange to scarlet fall color. Lightly branched, 6ft.

Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple – $39.99: A large oval shade tree, this maple features thick glossy dark green foliage turns brilliant yellow, orange and red. Lightly branched, 6ft.

Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry – $29.99: This clump serviceberry thrives in full sun to part shade and features four season interest with pretty white flowers, edible fruit, yellow to red fall color, and smooth grey bark. Clump form, 3ft.

Redbud – $39.99: One of our favorite spring blooming trees, redbud prefers full sun to part shade and features large heart shaped leaves that turn a clear yellow in fall. Lightly branched, 6ft.

Pagoda Dogwood – $29.99: An elegant, small clump-form tree, pagoda dogwood needs part shade conditions, blooms white in May and has reddish-purple fall color. Lightly branched, 4ft.

Tulip Tree – $39.99: Fast-growing shade tree with beautiful greenish-yellow flowers. Spectacular golden fall color.

Spring Wonder Sargent Cherry – $39.99: A small, vase-shaped cherry with single pink flowers and outstanding glossy reddish bark. Lightly branched, 6ft.

Triumph Elm – $39.99: Highly disease resistant elm with dark, glossy foliage and a sturdy branching habit developed by The Morton Arboretum. Lightly branched, 6ft.

Bare Root Screening Shrubs

Shrubs are PRE-ORDER ONLY, through 3/30.

Pre-ordered shrubs are $9.99 each and sold in bundles of 5.

Peking Cotoneaster – 3ft – Small pink-white flowers appear in spring among the glossy green foliage. Reaches 8 to 10 feet high and wide in full sun to part shade.

Cheyenne Privet – 2ft – A tough, fast growing shrub with fragrant white flowers in June, this privet reaches 10 to 12 feet high and 8 to 10 feet wide in full sun to part shade.

Renaissance White Bridalwreath Spirea – 12in – Similar to the fountainy heirloom bridalwreath spirea, but chosen for improved disease resistance. Prefers full sun to part shade, it reaches 6 to 8 feet high.

Chinese Lilac – 2ft – Beautifully fragrant purple flowers bloom for 4 to 6 weeks atop fine textured foliage. Reaches 10 to 12 feet high and wide in full sun to part shade.

Arrowwood Viburnum – 12in – This viburnum features creamy white flowers in May and toothed foliage turns bright yellow to orange in fall. Reaches 10 to 12 feet high and 8 to 10 feet wide in full sun to full shade.

Techny Arborvitae – 15in – Rich dark green needles often have a deeper winter color on this hedging shrub. Reaches 12 to 15 feet high and 6 to 8 feet wide in full sun.

To Order:

Call 630-355-4000, Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm