THE ROGERS PARK GARDEN GROUP

Plant Forum

Meeting: May 20, 2008 Gale Greenhouse

Plants:             4

                        Annual Vinca, Catharanthuus rosea

                        Canna, Canna xhybrida

                        Coleus, Taraxacum officinale

                        Bizzy Lizzy, Impatiens walleriana

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Common Name:                                  Busy Lizzie

Scientific Name:                                 Impatiens walereanna

Grown in Rogers Park?                       Yes

Habit:                                                              annual

Hardy:                                                 No

Month(s) in bloom:                            spring through fall

Time to prune:                                    cut back as needed

Height:                                                dwarf ? 6?-12?, regular 18?-30?

Cultural notes & comments:

A traditional annual used because it grows well in most conditions and is a prolific bloomer.  Shade to morning sun and keep moist.  Preplanting with a phosphorus fertilizer will assist in flowering as well regular feeding through the growing season.  Available in many colors and bicolors as well.  Clearly a favorite for practical and aesthetic concerns.

Brought in by:                                     Brian Houck

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Common Name:                                  Coleus

Scientific Name:                                 Solenostemon scutellarioides

Grown in Rogers Park?                       Yes

Habit:                                                              annual

Hardy:                                                 No

Month(s) in bloom:                            summer & fall but grown for foliage

Time to prune:                                    as desired, flowers usually removed

Height:                                                dwarf to 12?, regular up to 24?

Cultural notes & comments:

As opposed to impatiens this would NOT be a plant to use a phosphorus fertilizer with when planting.  Phorsphorus will help induce better flowering and this is not typically desired with Coleus as the foliage is considered the most attractive feature.  Many leaf colors, variegations, shapes and sizes are available with outstanding landscape uses.  Grown more in shady locations Coleus likes regular watering and consistent fertilizing.  As a member of the Mint Family, coleus has the identifying trait of truly square stems.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coleus

Brought in by:                                     Brian Houck

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Common Name:                                  Red-leaf Canna

Scientific Name:                                 Canna xhybrida cv?

Grown in Rogers Park?                       Yes

Habit:                                                              Herbaceous perennial

Hardy:                                                 No

Month(s) in bloom:                            summer through fall

Time to prune:                                    October

Height:                                                dwarf 3?-4?, regular 5?-7?

Cultural notes & comments:

Without a identifying tag knowing the name of a variety takes a great deal of experience as there are many cultivar names available now.  The word ?culti-var? is a combination of the two words ?cultivated? and ?variety? which signifies this is a plant not found in the wild and selected for some outstanding characteristic(s).  Newer cultivars may be under patent still but restrictions on propagation apply only to wholesale and retail would-be propagators.

Cannas enjoy lots of watering and can be aquatic.  However, you?ll find if grown drier, the foliage will be more tightly held to the stalk and the height will be considerably reduced.  As cannas can be floppy (especially with older, taller cultivars) this can be a helpful way to grow your plant.  Should you experience a great deal of one time insect damage, up your fertilizer and water to quickly grow new foliage.

Cannas are typically dug in Oct/Nov, stalks removed and roots stored in a cool, dry, non-freezing place through the winter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canna_(plant)

Brought in by:                                     Brian Houck

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Common Name:                                  Annual Vinca, Madagascar Periwinkle

Scientific Name:                                 Catharanthus rosea

Grown in Rogers Park?                       Yes

Habit:                                                              Annual

Hardy:                                                 Yes

Month(s) in bloom:                            spring through fall

Time to prune:                                    as desired

Height:                                                12?-18?

Cultural notes & comments:

Often Annual Vinca is referred to as the Impatiens of the sun.  The landscape use is nearly equivalent though the color range is more limited:  white, pink, reddish, lavender and purple.  Gardeners sometimes observe rot/dieback in patchy locations and a cause is not easily identified.  One common problem lies in how these annuals are planted.  They are sensitive to the level at which the root and stem are planted.  Should the stem become covered with soil, bacterial and fungal pathogens are likely to enter and rot the plant.

Otherwise, Annual Vinca is very easy to grow, enjoys hot/sunny garden locations and responds well to regular feeding.  Leaves should be dark green and glossy as a good indicator of proper fertilizing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosy_Periwinkle

Brought in by:                                     Brian Houck

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