Articles
Gardening Articles
Research-based horticulture information to help keep your plants and gardens thriving.
Cicadas
The buzzing of cicadas means it’s the height of summer. Learn more about these insects in Wisconsin, including their biology and lifecycle, in this article…
Irish and Scotch Moss, Sagina subulata and Arenaria verna
With a lush, velvety appearance, Irish or Scotch moss forms a luxurious carpet of green or gold, respectively. Not a true moss but a flowering plant, these evergreen ground cover plants resemble moss until their small white star-shaped flowers begin to bloom. Learn more about these plants that make a great filler between flagstones or spilling over rocks…
‘Husker Red‘ Foxglove Beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’
With showy panicles of tubular white flowers and deep maroon foliage, ‘Husker Red’ foxglove beardtongue is a star in the garden in late spring into early summer. One of few Penstemon species to thrive in humid climates, P. digitalis is a nice addition to rain gardens, perennial borders and natural areas. Learn more about this selection of this eastern North American native in this article…
Fothergilla
Fothergillas are multi-season beauties grown as ornamentals well outside their original range. Learn more about these easily grown members of the witch-hazel family…
Twinleaf, Jeffersonia diphylla
With short-lived pure white flowers and curious-looking seedpods, this early spring bloomer named after a US President makes a great addition to native plantings or as a shady groundcover. Its common name of twinleaf comes from the interesting butterfly-shaped leaves. Learn more about Jeffersonia diphylla in this article…
Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla
With attractive ferny foliage and eye-catching blooms, chamomile can be a nice addition to the ornamental garden or herb garden. This Eurasian annual is easily grown from seed for its yellow and white daisy flowers that are harvested to make chamomile tea. Learn more about Matricaria chamomilla in this article…
Grape Hyacinth, Muscari armeniacum
For a hit of intense blue in the garden in mid-spring, Muscari armeniacum can’t be beat. This small perennial bulb produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers that resemble bunches of grapes, giving rise to the common name grape hyacinth. Learn more about this European species in this article…
Rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum
Rhubarb is an old-fashioned perennial is very easy to grow and is an early season harvest from the garden. Rhubarb can also be used as an edible landscape plant. This article provides some history and how to grow rhubarb in gardens and landscapes.
Lenten Rose, Helleborus ×hybridus
Early in the spring when little else but spring bulbs are blooming, Lenten Rose is pushing up its flower spikes and deeply divided, leathery, umbrella-like leaves. The long-lasting sepals in an open, bell shape offer ornamental interest long after the seeds have developed. Learn more about this herbaceous perennial native to Asia and Europe in this article…
Woodland Phlox, Phlox divaricata
For soft blue flowers in partly shady spots in spring, nothing beats woodland phlox. This North American native thrives in dappled shade and moist, well-drained soils. With an open, relaxed habit it fits well in informal shady beds, rock gardens and wild or naturalized areas. Learn more about this pretty late spring to early summer bloomer in this article…
Prairie dropseed, Sporobolus heterolepis
One of the showiest prairie grasses, Sporobolus heterolepis is frequently cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive fountain of fine textured, emerald-green leaves, delicate flower and seed heads, and colorful fall color. Learn more about this elegant native North American bunchgrass that makes a great addition to almost any type of landscape…
Ginger, Zingiber officinale
Many species of tropical gingers are grown for their flashy blooms, but the plants of culinary ginger aren’t particularly ornamental. Instead, culinary ginger is grown for the aromatic rhizomes which are the source of the hot, pungent flavor enjoyed in ginger ale, gingerbread and many Asian foods. Learn more about this tropical plant which is surprisingly easy to grow in containers…
