Clematis

/Clematis/

Clematis

Your plant appears to be a lovely Clematis. Clematis is slow to get established. Often it can be three years before they really start to climb and flower. Clematis grow and flower best in full sun, with their roots mulched or shaded and their faces in the sun. Water regularly and feed with a slow-release or organic fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. If brought indoors during the winter months, provide as much bright light as possible and keep moist but not soggy. Do not allow plant to sit in water as this may lead to root rot. Take outdoors when weather is no longer frosty.
Consult a garden center knowledgeable about clematis or visit: International Clematis Society Homepage
clematisinternational.com/‎ for more information on clematis.

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:17-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Vine Plants|0 Comments
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Basil Leaf Spot

This may be bacterial leaf spot, characterized by black or brown spots that appear on the leaves and streaking on the stems of the plant. Bacterial leaf spot occurs when infected soil is splashed onto the leaves of the basil plant. While there is no fix for bacterial leaf spot, you can minimize the damage by making sure that your basil plants have plenty of air circulation and that they are watered in a way so that the bacteria is not splashed onto the leaves. It is also important not to over water the plants, and be sure the soil drains well.

You might consider replacing this plant with a new one. If you choose to use the same pot, as a precaution you'll want to remove and discard this potting soil and wash the pot with hot, soapy water before using it again.

By | 2016-03-25T03:41:38-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Vegetable Plants|3 Comments
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Panting Tongues

Glottiphyllums are native to the southern parts of South Africa and are another member of the strange family of Mesembryanthemums. They are characterized by soft, strap-like leaves that look like a dog's long, panting tongue, and have large yellow ice plant-like flowers. The plants are generally low-growing and form clumps of compact rosettes. They are considered very easy to grow and are quite tolerant of growing conditions. Over watering (while not recommended) will not kill them; rather, they will simply become more ample and fleshy. Their leaves are long, semi-transparent, and very glossy green. They are nearly stemless and often prostrate. Full sun to light shade. Drought tolerant. Hardy to USDA Zone 9, best to protect from frost.

By | 2016-03-25T01:55:03-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Succulents|0 Comments
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Early Lettuce Seedlings

It's early days for these lettuce seedlings so don't give up on them. They look weak and spindly, but we're guessing that it's because they are indoors at this point. Harden them off soon by putting them outside in a shaded location during the day for the next week, bringing them in at night. After that week, transplant them into the garden. Although they may show some shock when exposed to "the real sunshine" they should recover - water them when the soil looks and feels dry and fertilize with the liquid organic fertilizer of your choice. They should be fine once they have room to stretch their roots and are toughened up by the conditions outdoors. Plants raised inside are always kind of wimpy because they aren't made strong by the wind and other environmental stresses.

By | 2016-03-25T00:01:52-07:00 March 25th, 2016|Vegetable Plants|0 Comments
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Lichen

We can't see much in your photo because it's so blurry. But from the general shape and color, we think you may be looking at lichen. If you can send us a clear photo focussed on the area of concern, we'll do our best to confirm. Here's what Clemson University says: "A lichen is an unusual organism composed of a fungus and an alga living together in the same body. Lichens often appear as green to gray-green leafy or crusty growths on the trunks or branches of plants. Typically, they occur in abundance on plants that are declining in health or vigor. They are harmless to the plant, and are in no way responsible for the poor health of the plant. Less vigorous plants tend to be more open, increasing sunlight penetration, and subsequent lichen growth."

By | 2016-03-24T23:22:47-07:00 March 24th, 2016|Trees|0 Comments
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Hydrangea Not Blooming

We see no sign of disease on your plant, but you should know that not all hydrangeas will bloom reliably in your region. Do you know the exact cultivar name of this hydrangea? Some hydrangeas will produce flower buds that can be killed by a cold winter (like we had last year). The plant will live, but it won't produce any flowers. Additionally, some hydrangeas bloom on old wood and others bloom on new wood or on both. If you have a hydrangea that blooms on new wood and you prune it every year, you're cutting off the branches that would be producing flowers the next year. To find out the answers to these questions, we need to know what kind of hydrangea you have, and we can't tell that from looking at the leaves alone.

By | 2016-03-24T22:05:02-07:00 March 24th, 2016|Shrubs|0 Comments
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Spider Mites

This looks like spider mite damage. Mites like stressed plants so the transplanting could have attracted them. Look for the fine webbing and small spider like mites on the leaves. The mites themselves are very difficult to see with the human eye, so hold a piece of paper below the leaf and tap or shake slightly to see if anything falls off, or, take a spray bottle of water and spray it in the leaf axils. A magnifying glass can also help. While the mites are very difficult to see, their webs catch the water and becomes more easily visible. You may wish to show your photo to a local garden center for confirmation of the problem, so they can help you select the right control. Horticultural oils and neem oil are natural controls for mites.

By | 2016-03-24T20:01:47-07:00 March 24th, 2016|Fruit Plants & Trees|0 Comments
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Calathea

Calathea ornata is a species of perennial plants in the family known as the prayer plants. It is native to South America, and is cultivated in temperate countries as a houseplant. Loves heat and humidity. It is affected by spider mites.Calathea ornata has large, elliptical, dark green leaves with closely arranged, thin, pink lines that radiate from the mid rib. The underside of each leaf is maroon. Resembles Calathea majestica, except that Calathea ornata leaves are broader. Two common cultivars can be found on sale, namely, 'Roseo-lineata' and 'Sanderiana'. 'Sanderiana', is a bigger plant with broader, shorter leaves, which grows to a height of 1 m whereas 'Roseo-lineata' can grow only up to 60 cm. The pink lines of Calathea ornata tend to fade as they mature.

By | 2016-03-24T17:12:18-07:00 March 24th, 2016|House Plants|0 Comments
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Hayscented Fern

We can't say for sure without a long shot that shows the overall shape and size of the plant, but this looks like the native hay-scented fern, with 1-3 foot, deciduous fronds up to a foot wide, of a medium green and fine-cut texture. It can form large colonies (and quickly - it will run right over delicate woodland wildflowers). Your picture appears to show the beginning of its fall foliage, a golden (sometimes as soft as butter) yellow.

From a distance, hay scented fern can be confused with lady fern or silvery glade fern, but it may be recognized by the sweet scent of new mown hay which is released when the blade is crushed between the fingers or when it is dried.... and by its colony habit, and talent for spreading via underground root-like stolons.

By | 2016-03-24T12:30:45-07:00 March 24th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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Japanese Knotweed

Your plant appears to be Japanese knotweed, an aggressive weed that is difficult to eradicate. You'll need to dig up every last bit of root. Then, as bits of root you miss send up new leaves, dig those out too. You can win against this plant - in the long run! Mowing or cutting back greatly reduces the strength of this perennial plant (at any season). Preventing those blooms from going to seed will reduce next year's "crop" of weeds. And after cutting back (or over the winter), try covering the area with cardboard, or several layers of newspaper. Water well and mulch over top of this, and keep an eye out for rogue sprouts appearing in spring. If you choose to apply herbicide, this is one of the best times of year to do it.

By | 2016-03-24T10:55:16-07:00 March 24th, 2016|Weeds|0 Comments
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