Hibiscus Shrub Part 2

Hibiscus can be planted any time but most people buy them when they have already flowered. If planted during summer, they do need to be watered regularly until mature.

Since the hibiscus has a short flowering season, they should be located towards the back edge with smaller plants such as perennials and bulbs in front. Once the hibiscus plant gets growing and matures, it needs little care. Experts do recommend a little mulch or compost in early spring.

Sometimes the hibiscus shrub does act dead, but this is just dormancy. The hibiscus comes alive in late spring or early summer. The first leaves are usually pale white-yellowish but soon start to darken.

When pruning is done well, the shrub does produce an aggregate of pretty flowers. The great thing about hibiscus is that all flowers come at the same time. Hibiscus also look great when they are planted in discrete locations rather everywhere. Experts recommend that during spring the plant should be trimmed to a single rigid stem and all dead side branches should be cut.

Letting the shoots develop in future will develop into a nice thick head. If pruning is done each spring, one can produce more flowers each year.

In general, hibiscus plants and flowers are resistant to pests and disease.
For more on the hibiscus, please visit www.tnnursery.net

Hibiscus Shrub Part 1

One of the all time favorites for gardeners is the hibiscus. This deciduous flowering plant is commonly found in Asia. However, the eastern Asian variety tends to grow laterally whereas the western species tends to grow more erect and has larger flowers. Over the years, many hybrids of the hibiscus plant have been created. The hibiscus blooms in early summer but bears no fruit.

One of the reasons why hibiscus is preferred by landscapers is that it has a fast growth rate. The plant does require a lot of sun to thrive. In partial shade the flowers do not tend to be as big. The hibiscus thrives best in zones 5-8 and at maturity varies in height from 5-8 feet.

The soil must be rich, well drained and moist. The hibiscus is best used as a screen or hedge. Since the shrub does tend to grow laterally, individual plants should be spaced at least 6-8 feet apart.

Depending on the cultivar one buys, the flower may vary in color. Hibiscus flowers range in color from milky white, lilac, pink, lavender, brilliant white or rich purple. The hybrids usually better able to stand up to rain and the petals do not always get damaged from sleet or ice.

The mint flavored shrub- Wintergreen Part 2

Wintergreen shrubs are more commonly known because of their medical benefits. People who consume the berries of the wintergreen plant claim that the extracts can relieve joint pain, headache, fever, sore throat and various muscle pains. Wintergreen extracts are also widely used to flavor confectionary, candies, chewing gum and chocolates. It is also used to impart the minty odor to chewing and dipping tobacco; and dental products like tooth paste and mouth wash.

Besides humans, the berries are eaten by animals and birds and leave a nice residual minty flavor.

The Wintergreen shrub also contains a chemical substance which is very similar to aspirin. It is believed that this chemical is the reason why wintergreen can help relieve fever and body aches.

The wintergreen is relatively easy to grow when the soil is well drained and there is ample sunlight. The plant does require a lot of water during the early period of growth because of its heavy rooted system.

The mature plant does need some pruning to maintain its shape. Because the plant offers an immediate impact on landscape, it is a good choice for many home owners.
For more on the wintergreen shrub, please visit www.tnnursery.net

The mint flavored shrub- Wintergreen Part 1

Wintergreen is a group of plants closely related to the genus Gaultheria. Wintergreen is an evergreen shrub because of the year around green foliage. The Wintergreen plant is also known as Canada Tea, Checkerberry, Chink, Mountain Tea, Hill berry, Spiceberry, Teaberry, Redberry tea, Ground berry, Box berry, Grouse berry, Ivory plum, and Red pollom. Wintergreen leaves are usually collected throughout year to be used for health purposes.

The wintergreen is found in temperate climates and in the wild can be seen growing from northern eastern Canada, west to the prairies and south to Georgia and Florida. In the wild, wintergreen can be seen growing along hedges or borders of small alleys and lanes.

The wintergreen is preferred by landscapers because it remains dark green throughout winter and produces bright red berries.

The Wintergreen plant is an evergreen, shallow creeping shrub that releases and aromatic minty smell. The shrub grows to a height of 4-8 inches. The leaves are dark green and glossy; and the blooms are small white bell shaped flower.

The wintergreen is most well known for its bright red edible cherries. While the berries are used for medical purposes, the leaves are also used to extract a variety of aromatic oils