Viewing comments posted by OldGardener

It has been estimated that 5% of the artichoke-type garlics may have "neck bulbils" (smaller cloves about the stem of the garlic) in addition to the main head.

This vigorous citrus has a more "weepy" nature and tends to have fewer thorns than its brethren. Space 15-20 feet apart. If trimmed, can be held to 6-8 feet tall. This variety is more drought tolerant and less fussy in terms of pH (withstands more alkaline soils). Susceptible to root rot (avoid over-watering), scab, and leaf miners. Bears fruit November through the winter - fruit can be left hanging on the tree for months.

I used to use nasturtiums as a ground cover under the wine grapes as they always reseeded well. However, after a few years, they became a little too aggressive, covering the walkways too. Although I like the peppery taste, other family members found them to be a bit too spicy.

Do NOT remove the stem that bloomed as it will bloom next year. Each stem blooms for multiple years.

Do NOT remove the stem that bloomed as it will bloom next year. Each stem blooms for multiple years.

Do NOT remove the stem that bloomed as it will bloom next year. Each stem blooms for multiple years.

Do NOT remove the stem that bloomed as it will bloom next year. Each stem blooms for multiple years.

From the cliffs of Lord Howe Island, this Dietes has wide 2 to 3 inch strappier leaves.

Many plants sold as Dietes irioides are actually Dietes grandiflora. D. grandiflora has dark, brownish markings on the inner tepals but D. iridioides does not.

• Butterfly Iris (Dietes grandiflora)
• Uploaded by flaflwrgrl

• African iris (Dietes iridioides)
• Uploaded by OldGardener

Many plants sold as Dietes iridioides are actually Dietes grandiflora. D. grandiflora has dark, brownish markings on the inner tepals but D. iridioides does not.

• African iris (Dietes iridioides)
• Uploaded by OldGardener

• Butterfly Iris (Dietes grandiflora)
• Uploaded by flaflwrgrl

A diploid from the Philippines, it is considered a dessert-type banana. There is a Cavendish banana called Lacatan but this is not the same banana.

Some nurseries list this as hardy to zone 10.

This banana holds up to wind better than most due to its stronger stem and its root system. Mid-sized fruit has white flesh and is reminiscent of vanilla pudding. Prior to ripening, the fruit is bluish-green.

Although each flower has 6 stamens, 5 are fused and only the 6th produces pollen and is fertile.

Pale yellow, 4" fruit (finger length) is said to taste like a banana/apple cross with a touch of either strawberry or papaya.

Depending on the site, the lowest growth zone may be 6, 7 or 8. Also, height seems to vary greatly depending on locale and conditions - ranging from 12 inches to 4 feet.

Some sites list it as zones 10, 11 and others as zones 8-10. Many sites show the height of the parent plant (10 feet or better) for this cultivar. That is wrong! This is an extremely dwarf Duranta with a max height of 24".

Frequently used as a front of border "hedge". May be pruned to shape but forms a neat mound unattended. Often paired with flowering trailers in baskets.

Beware the thorns - thin and sharp.

Some of our agapanthus grow 3 feet tall with 4 to 5 foot blooms.

Missouri Botanical Garden has this listed as growing from 6 feet to 10 feet tall and warns that the leaves, stems and roots are toxic.