Globe Amaranth Plant Profile

Globe Amaranth Plant Profile

Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is a drought tolerant annual flower. It blooms in tight balls in an array of colors including pink, purple, white, red, and orange.

It's native to Central and South America and is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11. It thrives in hot, full-sun locations with well- draining soils.

It's a prolific bloomer and it's a great choice for cutting gardens. It does well in both fresh and dried bouquets.

It's easy to propagate from seed and it can self-seed if you let it.

This is a low-maintenance plant. You can dead head it or pinch it back to encourage a bushier shape if you like. It does not need fertilizer, though a top dressing of compost in the root zone can be beneficial.

Gomphrena attracts pollinators, including hummingbirds, to the garden. It's generally considered to be deer resistant.

Gomphrena: You Can Grow That!

 

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Photos, Video, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Editing by Colin Davan

 

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If you liked this video, we think you will like these other Plant Profiles:

~ Celosia Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/11/celosia-plant-profile.html

~ Monkey Balls Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2020/11/plant-profile-monkey-balls-gomphocarpus.html

~ Blazing Star Plant Profile

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2022/07/blazing-star-plant-profile.html

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Senetti Plant Profile

Senetti Plant Profile

Senetti (Pericallis hybrid) is a cool-season annual with colorful flowers resemble daisies in brilliant mauve, purple, and blue tones.  They are prolific bloomers. They were bred by Suntory Flowers in Japan by crossing members of the Compositae and Asteraceae families and are Cineraria relatives.

Senetti can live in temperatures as low as 35 degrees and they stop flowering once it reaches 80 degrees. They are hardy to USDA zones 9 to 12.

Plant Senetti in full- to part-sun conditions with moist, but well-draining soils.  Feed them with liquid fertilizer. Do not let them dry out.

They do well in containers and are great paired with other cool-season annuals such as pansies, snapdragons, alyssum, and African daisies.

After their first blooms are done, cut them back by half and enjoy a second flush of flowers a few weeks later.

Senetti: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.

Audio and text by Kathy Jentz

Video and editing by Cassie Peo

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African Daisy (Osteospermums) Plant Profile

African Daisy (Osteospermums) Plant Profile

African Daisy (Osteospermums spp.) is a tender perennial that is sold as a cool-season annual. It thrives in the shoulder seasons of our Mid-Atlantic growing year—similar to pansies and sweet alyssum. They are hardy to USDA Zones 9 through 11.

They have a daisy-like bloom that is available in a range of colors from pinks to peaches to purples and bicolors.

African Daisies prefer to grow in full sun in evenly moist, but well-draining soils. They do well in containers.

They attract pollinators and are an ideal cut flower.

To encourage blooming, add a slow-release fertilizer when you plant them and apply a liquid fertilizer every two weeks after that.

Deadhead them frequently. In the summer, you can cut the whole plant back to encourage new growth and flowers by autumn.

They do not usually grow true from seed, but you can propagate them from cuttings or experiment by collecting the seeds and seeing what you get from them.

African Daisy (Osteospermums spp.): You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.

Audio and text by Kathy Jentz

Video and editing by Cassie Peo

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Spider Flowers (Cleome hassleriana) Plant Profile

Spider Flowers (Cleome hassleriana) Plant Profile

Spider Flowers (Cleome hassleriana) is an annual flower that blooms in mid-summer to early fall. It is also known as Grandfather’s Whiskers and Spider Legs.

The flowers are usually pale to dark pink, purple, or white. The foliage is palm-shaped and the stems are somewhat spikey. It is native to South America and is hardy to USDA Zones 10-11.

It can grow to several feet tall, depending on the variety. It is surprisingly sturdy and normally doesn’t need staking.  There are more than 180 kinds of Cleome including the fragrant ‘Rose Queen’ and the compact ‘Linde Armstrong’. ‘Señorita Rosalita’ is a newer introduction that is thornless, odorless, and sterile.

Cleome does best in full sun and well-draining soils. They are fairly drought-tolerant and do not need fertilizing. They will die after being hit by a frost.

Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators are highly attracted to this plant. Some theorize that bats are the main pollinator of this plant in its native tropical habitat.

Cleome are easy to start from seeds and they are prolific reseeders.

Cleome: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.

Audio, text, and editing by Kathy Jentz

Video by Christine Folivi

Photos courtesy of Proven Winners, https://www.provenwinners.com/

 

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Celosia Plant Profile

Celosia Plant Profile

Celosia (Celosia argentea) is an annual flowering plant in the Amaranth family that is also known as Woolflower or Feather Cockscomb. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be bright yellow, orange, deep red, purple, or pink. They have a long season of bloom from June until heavy frost.

They originate from East Africa and are hardy to USDA zones 10 and 11, so in most areas they are started by direct-sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings after the threat of frost is gone in spring. Celosia will self-sow and return year after year in the same spot, if you let them.

There are three major forms of Celosia blooms. The spicata are very narrow and candle-like, the plumosa are flame-like, and the cristata are broader and can form into interesting shapes like coral or fans.

Celosia make sturdy and long-lasting cut flowers and can be dried easily – though they lose their bright coloring and fade after time.

The foliage of Celosia can be bright-green or dark-red. The leaves are edible and should be gathered when young and tender (before the flowers emerge). They are traditionally boiled or steamed as a side dish that tastes similar to spinach.

Celosia grows best in full sun and well-draining soils. It can be grown in containers or in beds. They may require staking if they grow too tall or top-heavy.

Celosia: You Can Grow That!

BTW, 2023 will be the Year of the Celosia -- find out more here.

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.

Audio and text by Kathy Jentz

Video and editing by Brandie Bland

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Brazilian Verbena Plant Profile

Brazilian Verbena Plant Profile

Brazilian Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is a tall flowering plant that is also known as “Verbena on a stick”, “Purpletop Vervain,” and “Tall Verbena.” It is a hardy perennial to USDA zones 8-11 and a self-seeding annual that comes back for years in colder zones. It is native to Brazil and Argentina. (Note that in some mild climates like California and Australia it has naturalized and some consider it to be a weed.) With its puff of purple flowers sitting atop long stems, Brazilian Verbena looks great planted in groupings or planted in combination of low-growing plants. It requires full sun and well-draining soils. It is drought-tolerant once established as well as deer- and rabbit-resistant. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Brazilian Verbena is also excellent for cut-flower arrangements. A few new cultivars are on the market. Verbena bonariensis ‘Purple Haze’ has 1-inch sized balls of flowers and ‘Vanity’ is a more compact version the straight species. It is very pollinator-friendly and has a subtle evening fragrance. Brazilian Verbena: You Can Grow That! The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners. Audio and text by Kathy Jentz Video and editing by Brandie Bland ➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!) ➤Remember to TURN ON notifications to know when our new videos are out ➤ FIND Washington Gardener Magazine ONLINE ~ WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com ~ http://twitter.com/WDCGardener ~ https://www.instagram.com/wdcgardener/ ~ Facebook.com/WashingtonGardenerMagazine ~ Podcast: GardenDC

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Fuchsia Plant Profile

 Fuchsia Plant Profile

Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.) is a woody shrub that is grown as an annual plant in our region. It produces dozens of enchanting flowers on dangling stems that dance in the breeze.

Fuchsia make a great choice for tall containers and in hanging baskets. The flowers come in a range of reds, pinks, purples, and whites. There are hundreds of hybrids available of various color combinations with either single or double flowers.

They are native to the Caribbean and South America and are mainly hardy to Zones 10-11. Once the temperatures dip below 50 degrees during the day, they are finished blooming for the season.

They prefer part to full shade conditions and rich soils that are kept consistently moist—but not too soggy. They need regular fertilizing throughout the growing season. Fuchsia thrive in humidity and also don’t mind the hottest part of summer.

The flowers are beneficial for pollinators and are especially adored by hummingbirds.

Some varieties can be grown as houseplants and select hybrids like ‘Gartenmeister’ are semi-hardy in areas with mild winters.

Fuchsia: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.

Audio and text by Kathy Jentz

Video and editing by Brandie Bland

➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!)

➤Remember to TURN ON notifications to know when our new videos are out

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Nasturtium Plant Profile

Nasturtium Plant Profile

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.) is an annual flower that is often grown in vegetable gardens as well as in mixed flower containers. There are trailing Nasturtiums that are vining types that will need trellises or supports and bush-type Nasturtium that grow in a more compact mound. They are native to Central and South America.

Depending on the variety you choose, the flowers either bloom in bright, fiery tones or muted peaches and butter yellows. The leaves are round and usually deep green.

Nasturtium can act as a trap crop in your edible garden drawing away aphids from other vulnerable plants. They are also attractive to pollinators and are visited by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed. Just soak the seeds overnight and then direct-sow them in the ground or a container after the last spring frost has passed. They like growing in “lean” soils and do not need any fertilizers. The soil should be well-draining and the location must be in full sun for best flower production.

The only care they need is regular watering, but not too much water as they don’t like overly moist soils.

Nasturtiums are edible! The leaves and flowers have a peppery, sharp taste. They are often used as a colorful garnish in salads.

The large seedpods can also be pickled and used like capers. To do this, harvest the seedpods before they harden. Once they harden, you can collect the seeds to plant next year.

Nasturtium: You Can Grow That!

 

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.

Audio and text by Kathy Jentz

Video and editing by Jamie Oberg

 

➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!)

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GardenDC Podcast Episode 102: Annual Combinations

In this episode, we talk with Carrie Engel, Retail Greenhouse Manager at Valley View Farms in Cockeysville, MD, all about annual flower combinations. The plant profile is on the Summer Snowflake and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events.

BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://anchor.fm/gardendc/support.

Show Notes: 1:07 Meet Carrie Engel of Valley View Farms and learn all about annual flower combinations! 1:48 Carrie talks to Kathy about the cold weather — “I’m ready for the frost to be gone.” 3:03 Was Carrie born with a green thumb? — “Absolutely not!” 5:16 Where you can find Valley View Farms 8:37 Carrie discusses whether they grow annuals from seeds or plugs 11:00 “Sometimes we goof.” — Carrie 12:47 What Carrie defines as the season for annuals 18:13 Fuchsia is one of Kathy’s favorites — “I don’t feel like they sell enough of them at our local nurseries.” 20:40 Kathy comments on the custom potting offered at Valley View Farms — “That is a great customer service.” 21:16 The kinds of pots or containers Valley View Farms uses for combinations 23:47 Kathy jokes that sweet potato vine doesn’t need fertilizer — “They can be monsters when left on their own.” 24:16 Carrie’s advice for when a plant takes over the pot 30:40 Carrie’s favorite combinations of bedding plants 34:08 “Everything gets to do whatever it wants in spring, because I don’t have time.” — Carrie talks about controlling her plants 41:14 Carrie’s favorite herbs and vegetable plants to include in combinations 42:41 Carrie talks about a child reacting to her mint —”That’s my toothpaste!” 46:27 “Just have fun with it.” — Carrie 50:04 How to contact Carrie 51:14 “Once you sort of know the rules you can break them.” — Carrie 51:43 Learn about the Summer Snowflake in this week’s Plant Profile! 53:25 What’s new this week: the interns harvested their plants! 54:00 News in the gardening world: outdoor event at The Vollmer Center of Cylburn Arboretum, Annual Bonsai Festival at the U.S. National Arboretum, World Bonsai Day, and more! 56:32 Let’s Make Art is perfect for crafty gardeners! 58:38 Check out “The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City” by Teri Speight and Kathy

>>> Meet Carrie and Kathy in person on Sunday, June 5, 2022, 2-3pm at Valley View Farms in Cockeysville/Hunt Valley (Baltimore), MD, for a "Q&A Book Party". Free to attend. More details: http://www.valleyviewfarms.com/ 

Please review our podcast at Podchaser.com for #Reviews4Good at:

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To access the Let's Make Art 20% Discount Offer, Use Code: zen.ai/gardendc

If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 65: Annuals A to Z

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/06/gardendc-podcast-episode-65-annuals-to-z.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 55: Container Gardening Basics

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-55-container.html

~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 56: Next Level Container Gardens

https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/04/gardendc-podcast-episode-56-next-level.html

The episode is posted at: https://anchor.fm/gardendc/episodes/Annual-Combinations-e1hres8

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Episode Credits:

Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz
Editing and Show Notes: Dorvall Bedford

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