Decorative gourd
Photo by Dave Brigner
September 28, 2008
Common name: Decorative gourd
Light: Full sun
Height: 10-12 ft.
Spread: 4-6 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10
Origin: Africa
The Decorative gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes 125 genera and 825 species. This family also contains cucumbers, pumpkins and melons. The species sinceraria (formerly and often called vulgaris) is a variable one. The shape of the gourd, such as bottle or snake gourd, differentiates them. Items such as bowls, birdhouses and instruments are made from the hollow dried shell of the fruit. They are commonly painted or wood burned to make intricate designs. Before stone pottery and clay, gourds were commonly crafted into vessels for food and water use. Although not commonly used for food, the young immature gourds are edible and the juice is a common beverage in China. In South Africa, the leaves are eaten as a vegetable or made into a relish. Decorative gourds need much room to grow so growing on a trellis is ideal. These are long-season plants and should be started indoors from seed in early spring. In the fall the gourds should be hit with two or three light frosts, then harvested and brought indoors for drying before the first freeze. Decorative gourds are located in the Community Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Gibraltar clover
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday September 21, 2008
Common name: Gibraltar clover
Light: Full sun
Height: 3-4 feet
Spread: 4 - 6 feet
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 6
Origin: Japan
Gibraltar clover (Lespedeza thunbergii) is a deciduous and herbaceous perennial. Its small oval bluish-green legumelike leaves grow quickly from its branching stems. By late summer, the large shrublike plant produces numerous pinkish-purple pealike flowers at the branch tips that gracefully arch and continue to flower through early to midfall. Gibraltar clover has a symbiotic relationship with certain bacteria in the soil that enables the plant to "fix" atmospheric nitrogen, which can then be used by all nearby plants. Gibraltar clover needs plenty of room to grow. It's ideal for the perennial border and butterfly garden. Its form is attractive when grown on slopes, especially in masses. The plant thrives in average garden soil and should be cut to the ground in early spring. Leaving the branches through the winter will provide protection for birds and other wildlife. Gibraltar clover can be seen in mixed perennial gardens in the Grand Mallway at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Marguerite Potato Vine
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday September 14, 2008
Common name: Marguerite Potato Vine
Light: Full sun
Height: 6-8in.
Spread: 24-36in.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9
Origin: Cultivated variety
Nearly 500 species are included in the genus Ipomoea, the Morning glory family. They include perennials, herbs, shrubs and small trees. The most well known is Ipomoea batatus, commonly called the sweet potato. Ipomoea batatus ‘Marguerite’ is a variety that has become more widely used. This fast growing tropical vine has three-lobed bright chartreuse leaves, which are noticed from a distance. Like the species, they form tubers (potatoes) that can be eaten or stored for the winter like other tuberous tropicals and replanted the following year. This plant works well in mixed containers, hanging baskets and for annual groundcovers. They contrast well when planted under larger tropicals used as focal points such as Elephant ears or dark purple varieties of Colocasia esculenta. Other varieties include ‘Ace of Spades’ having dark purple heart-shaped leaves and ‘Blackie’ with dark purple, almost black leaves. Mass plantings of Marguerite potato vine are planted at the Entrance Beds at Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Hypericum
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday September 7, 2008
Common name: Hypericum
Light: Full sun
Height: 2-4 ft.
Spread: 2-4 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5
Origin: Cultivated variety
There are nearly 400 species included in genus Hypericum, which include annual and perennial herbaceous plants and a few small trees. Many of these commonly use the name Hypericum or St. John’s wort. Hypericum (Hypericum calycinum ‘Hidcote’) is one of the more widely used varieties as it has unusually large flowers for most Hypericums. The 5-petalled fragrant flowers are rich yellow with prominent dark yellow stamens, which attract bees and butterflies. Deer do not prefer Hypericum. Their 2-4 inch leaves are dark green and lance-shaped. This ornamental low-growing shrub is ideal to use in mixed shrub borders, as a low hedge and a high-growing ground cover. Hypericum is low maintenance once established. They can be pruned in late winter or early spring while still dormant to maintain a lower height. Flowering will not be affected as they bloom on new growth. Hypericum is located in the Entry Plaza at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
