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Reiman's Picks - Reiman Gardens |
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Reiman's Picks
Posted on Aug 22, 2011
at 11:46 AM
An Ocean of Yellow
Coreopsis palmata is a prairie flower that is native to Iowa as well as at least thirteen other nearby states, including the majority of the Midwest and several southern states.
Coreopsis has an interesting meaning: bug-like; referring to the dried fruit which looks like a tick. This is derived from the Greek words koris, meaning “bug”and –opsis, denoting a resemblance. The species name, palmata, describes the leaf shape as a hand with fingers. All together, meaning a fruit resembling a bug with leaves like fingers. Knowing this tells us where Coreopsis palmata gets a few of its many common names, including: tickseed, stiff tickseed, finger coreopsis, prairie coreopsis, stiff coreopsis and just plain coreopsis.
Early European settlers travelling through the tall grass prairie are said to have encountered larges patches of Coreopsis flowers and coined it the Ocean of Yellow. With bright yellow flowers and the ability to spread quickly throughout an area, this is was probably a spot-on description.
Prairie coreopsis is an erect perennial with deep green foliage and brilliant yellow inflorescence. This plant can grow to be two or three feet tall with flower heads measuring two to three inches across. Each flower head is made up of a countless number of disk florets in the center, surrounded by about eight ray florets. Even though tickseed has no floral scent, it still manages to put on quite a show with its radiant color and long bloom time in early summer. Typically, Coreopsis blooms for about 3 weeks during June and July, but deadheading will extend this period. The flowers are not the only interesting feature on this plant: the three long, narrow lobes of the leaves add texture and appeal. Reddish tints often appear on foliage during fall months, giving this plant year-round interest.
Tickseed prefers to grow in the full sun with dry conditions. Natural habitats include meadows, sand prairies, mesic prairies, gravelly hill prairies, thickets, limestone glades and abandoned fields. Accordingly, Coreopsis is easy to grow and incredibly drought tolerant.
In the home landscape tickseed is best used as a mass planting where it is allowed to spread, such as in a border, native garden, naturalized area, prairie or wildflower meadow. It is important that Coreopsis gets enough sun and not too much water; otherwise it tends to sprawl and become unsightly.
At the Reiman Gardens Coreopsis palmata is featured in the Jones Rose Garden, where it displays its stunning color along with dozens of other summer-blooming perennials. A fun way to preserve the natural history and culture of the land is to include native plants and flowers in your landscape.
Posted on Aug 22, 2011
at 11:40 AM
Bergenia cordifolia, or Pig Squeak as it is commonly called, has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. This plant can be found in the Himalayan Mountains and was often used by the Nepalese for its antibacterial properties to treat earaches and urinary problems, as well as curing kidney stones. Modern research has also supported the idea of it being antibacterial, though at Reiman Gardens we are by no means guaranteeing any of these results.
This plant isn't called Pig Squeak for nothing. Along with its medicinal side, there is also a whimsical side to this plant. By pulling a thumb and forefinger along a leaf, kids and adults alike enjoy the "squeal" the plant makes. This noisy plant is comprised of thick, glossy leaves and is a perennial that grows to be about 12-15 inches tall and approximately a foot across. It can be divided in the spring or fall.
Pig Squeak is considered an evergreen with green foliage in the summer and red or bronze foliage in winter. In early spring, it produces pink flowers that tower above the rest of the plant on thick stalks. It should be planted in moderately moist soil and does well in full sun, partial sun, and full shade. According to USDA hardiness zones, it can be grown in zones 3 through 8.
Pig Squeak has a variety of uses in the landscape. Whether it's on a deck or in the garden, there's a place for it. It can be planted in a container for people with no room for a garden or for those with more space, it does very well as groundcover or edging.
At Reiman Gardens, this plant can be found growing on the north and south side of the Mahlstede building. At first glance, this plant is a nice addition to the Gardens, but with a little more digging, gardeners will find that Pig Squeak is well-worth the garden space. After all, who doesn't enjoy a squeaking plant? The antibacterial properties don't hurt either.
References:
http://www.gardencrossings.com/plantname/Bergenia-Winter-Glow
http://www.karensgardentips.com/plant-profiles-how-to-grow/plant-profile-pigsqueak-bergenia-cordifolia/
http://www.greathomeremedies.com/herbs/bergenia.html
http://daviswiki.org/Pig_Squeak
Posted on Aug 22, 2011
at 11:35 AM
Rattlesnake Master or Eryingium yuccifolium looks like something taken out of the southwestern United States. The name is derived from an old belief that its roots have the ability to heal snake bites. Although there is currently no scientific evidence to support older claims of medicinal properties by Native Americans, Rattlesnake Master was a popular herb used in the 18th and 19th centuries. The first person to document its medicinal uses was an 18th century Indian trader by the name of James Adair. James Adair recounted tales that the Indians would chew on the root, blow it in their hands, and then handle rattlesnakes without any damage. Despite many of these stories, the use was not wide spread, but rather used in bitter teas as an antidote for various maladies. These included venereal disease, snakebites, impotence, expelling worms, and to induce vomiting.
This is quite a striking plant growing anywhere from 2 to 5 feet in height. The foliage of the plant is stiff with small prickles running along the up to 3 foot long leaves edge. The leaves of the Rattlesnake Master are most similar to that of a Yucca plant. The flowers are born in spherical, thistle-like heads that are around 1 inch diameter, and the individual flowers are a greenish white and are surrounded by larger pointed bracts. The fruit essentially looks the same as the flowers, the only difference is it is a darker dull brown and it remains on the stalks for the remainder of the season. The fruits are sometimes gathered and used in dried flower arrangements, but they provide equal interest in the winter landscape.
This particular plant is more of an accent plant, and a grouping of 3 are quite sufficient. This plant should also be used in the rear of the bed because the flower stalks can and most likely will reach up to 5 feet in height. This is a great plant to use in roadside plantings, prairie restoration, prairie landscaping, wildlife cover, and also in wildflower gardens because of its attractive appearance.
Rattlesnake Master can be seen throughout Reiman Gardens, but a great place to visit it is in the South Mixed Border right by the Dancing Chimes. It is a great example of what this plant looks like in the landscape and a nice example of how to use it in your own garden. Who knows when you might need the Rattlesnake Master’s healing powers.
Posted on Aug 22, 2011
at 11:25 AM
Crazy about Caladiums
Bored of the same old-same old? Are you ready to let a little wildness escape from your typical green foliage? One of the first caladium growers, Theodore Webb, has something to offer you. They have traveled from the dense shaded areas of the Amazon in Brazil, to the coasts of the United States, and finally to the last stop being our personal gardens. Which we all know has been in need of color. Caladiums offer a little contrast amongst flower beds and home décor alike. Tom Webb’s horticulture love began when he was hired by a town near West Palm Beach for renovating a local golf course. After discovering for himself the infamous caladium bulb in Tampa, Florida he quickly rose to the challenge of propagating the plant and selling it in the 1930’s. Today there are over fifteen different variations providing any gardener with great selection.
Now as for living in Iowa and growing caladiums, readers are in for a treat. Caladiums love the humidity that Iowan summers can offer. They also enjoy those particularly shady spots that may pose as struggles for other vegetation. The downfall about the USDA hardiness zone we reside in is the unpredictable rain. Caladiums will not do well in areas that do not drain effectively. Have pudde issues? I would suggest either a new location or a new plant. Do you have limited ground space? Not a problem! Caladiums enjoy container-growth almost as much as ground-growth! They are roughly 12-30 inches in height and their dazzling leaves vary in width. Leaf appearance varies on the variety that a gardener chooses. Caladiums are to be treated as an annual and removed (it’s possible to replant the next season) before Iowa’s winters.
Location Location Location! The tricky part is deciding where to put your Florida Moonlight, Rainbow Mix, or White Queen in the garden! Caladiums tend to flourish in well shaded, humid, and wind shielded areas. They’re slightly picky and don’t enjoy being too wet. Their large leaves may compete with each other if planted too close together. So what are you to do with such a spoiled plant? Add its colorful foliage to border a garden or next to your home. Feel free to pot the bulbs in baskets, hangers, and planters. It’s okay to showcase their heart shaped leaf, because those who pass by will enjoy. It’s been said they look great in the foreground, but their tropical summer feel is perfect for anywhere you are looking to add a small amount of color.
Caladiums can be found at Reiman Gardens in the conservatory. They surround the metal flora in the inner conservatory, adding a delightful spectacle for visitors. Now whether you’re looking at adding a little Amazon flare to your garden or simply a little love with the Caladiums’ heart shaped leaf. Caladiums offer fabulous colored foliage to any home planter or bed border.
Posted on Jun 30, 2011
at 3:31 PM
Many plants gain popularity because of their brightly colored flowers. This week’s plant, Justicia brandegeana, is well liked because of its vibrantly colored bracts. Justicia brandegeana originates from Mexico. The genus which has over 400 different species is named after James Justice, a Scots gardener and also the author of a 1754 book, British Gardener's Directory. The species is named for a famous American botanical explorer, Townsend S. Brandegee. He introduced many plants from Mexico to California which were known for being drought tolerant.
Justicia brandegeana is commonly called shrimp plant because each spike somewhat resembles a large shrimp. The spike is made up of red to yellow bracts. The plant is covered with this feature for most of the year. The flowers are white and very thin. They can be seen sticking out from between the bracts and usually have a short life span. The leaves are light green and slightly pubescent. Most range from about 2-3 inches in length.
In the south, it is known as a broad-leaf evergreen and is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. It may die back in a hard frost, but usually grows back in the spring. In Iowa, it is used primarily as a house plant. As the plant ages, it tends to get leggy and in some cases needs to be staked. It is important to prune it back to keep it from starting such habits. It produces its brightly colored bracts best when it receives plenty of light. The shrimp plant prefers to be watered when the top three inches of soil are dry. Leaves tend to drop off if the plant is too wet or dry.
The shrimp plant can be seen at Reiman Gardens as part of our Lady Bug Breakfast display in the Conservatory Complex which can be seen through November 2011. It can also be seen the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing throughout the year.
 
Posted on Jun 30, 2011
at 3:17 PM
Get a dose of a tropical climate this summer at Reiman Gardens. Besides actually visiting those far-off places, what better way to fulfill these cravings than to take in some of the tropical plants and butterflies that Reiman Gardens provides all year round?
Of recent interest is a new Irwin Mango tree (Mangifer indica ‘Irwin’) that has been planted in the Home Productions Garden. Yes, mangoes, considered to be the queen of fruits in some tropical areas around the world. This particular cultivar was first planted in southern Florida on the property of F.D. Irwin in 1939, and it first bore fruits later in 1945. Irwin Mangoes are now Florida’s leading market cultivar.
The Irwin Mango tree is considered a dwarf tree, which makes it ideal for container growing. Their fruits, which are renowned for its consistent and heavy production, are born in clusters with an orange to pink skin and a dark red blush. The Irwin Mango provides a wonderful, sweet flavor and fiberless texture that allows it to be considered high quality and a tasty choice for consumers. The tree’s flowers are about one foot long purple panicles that turn a reddish pink as they begin to wilt.
Normally grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, this tree is truly a sight to see in our Midwest landscape. Irwin Mango trees grow best in full sun with a moist, yet well drained area. Their busiest time to produce fruits is between late June and July. Temperatures below 40°F can greatly affect the processes of flowering, fruiting, and leaf growth, especially with younger trees. Plants are also susceptible to leaf damage due to a powdery mildew. Luckily the Irwin Mango grows well in containers, because even though this tree doesn’t normally grow in our zone, we will be able to bring it inside and take care of it before the first frost of the year!
This tree is one of beauty because it is in the realm of the unknown. Providing a break from the sights of our everyday landscape, the Irwin Mango tree can transport you into that tropical environment even if only for a moment. Not being practical as a year-round, outdoor tree for us gardeners here in the Midwest, it is definitely worthy of a gander next time you are out enjoying the beautiful landscape of Reiman Gardens.
 
Posted on Jul 30, 2010
at 1:54 PM
Reiman’s Pick
For the week of July 26, 2010
Livening up your garden: Ornamental Pepper, Capsicum annuum
Courtney Long, Outdoor Horticulture Intern
Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
Peppers are typically thought of as a vegetable for eating, but there are numerous peppers now available grown not for their edible fruit, but for their beautiful fruit. Ornamental peppers are wonderful additions to outdoor containers or annual flower beds where their brightly colored, fruits spice-up gardens from spring to frost.
Pepper plants are warm season annuals native to tropical areas in America. They have been grown by Native American’s since pre-historic times. Peppers are easy to grow in full sun, fertile and well drained soil.
At Reiman Gardens there are several different varieties of peppers growing this summer, two of which are ornamental. The Capsicum annuum ‘Garda Tricolor’ has light to medium green foliage, and contains cone shaped fruit with shades of purple, red and yellow. These fruit all develop at once, appearing like confetti, creating a unique look. While the fruits are edible, they are primarily grown for their beauty.
Also found at the Gardens is Black Pearl ornamental pepper, Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’. In 2006, Rob Griesbach and John Stommel of the Agricultural Research Service’s Vegetable Laboratory received the All-American Selections (AAS) award for this unique ornamental pepper cultivar. Black Pearl pepper gets its name from its small, shiny, black, round fruit which are produced all summer on short compact plants. Once the fruit matures, they become a brilliant red color and contrast beautifully against the purple leaves and dark stems.
Whether they are planted in seasonal containers or in planting beds, ornamental peppers are sure to add a unique twist to your home landscape. Visit Reiman Gardens and see which type of pepper fits your fancy.
Reference:
Posted on Jul 23, 2010
at 2:09 PM
Reiman’s Pick
For the week of July 19,, 2010
Louis Hilgemann, Outdoor Horticulture Intern
Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
It was nearly a decade after the end of World War II and spirits were high in America. Home ownership was skyrocketing as people were moving out to the suburbs to start a family. People now had the time and money for vacations, and Florida was a main destination. It was here in the sunshine state that the plastic flamingo was born.
First introduced in 1952 by Union Plastics, the lawn flamingo was not an initial success for the Massachusetts company. They asked Don Featherstone to redesign the flamingo in 1956 after multiple versions didn’t sell. Featherstone studied National Geographic photos and sculpted two clay flamingos. Union Plastics bought the molds and pumped out millions of these plastic flamingos in the late 1950’s early 1960’s.
The environmental movement of the 1970’s resulted in flamingo’s popularity to plummet only to be revived in the 1980’s retro/nostalgia trends and the hit television show “Miami Vice”. Rising oil prices, raw materials, electricity, and other production costs took a toll on Union Pacific, eventually causing this company to close down.
Today a company in New York is manufacturing pink plastic flamingos from the original Featherstone mold. With many imitations out there, the original can be easily identified by Featherstone’s signature on the flamingo’s backside. Come see dozens of these original Featherstone flamingos congregating the Pattern Garden’s “Flamingotorium”.
Posted on Jul 23, 2010
at 1:53 PM
Reiman’s Pick
For the Week of July 12, 2010
Samantha Blakley, Education Intern
Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
Over the years, Acanthus, commonly known as bear’s breeches, has been used to compliment Greek artwork and Corinthian columns in the landscape. This simple plant incorporates texture with bold colors to add something special to your garden area. This is one of the earliest cultivated garden plants in the Mediterranean region where it is native. This plant is very adaptable in the landscape and can be grown now in many regions of the world.
Acanthus spinosus, spiny bear’s breeches prefers well drained soils and can be grown in full sun to partial shade. It is two to three feet tall with a similar width and grows in a spreading habit. When planting, it is important to allow plenty of space between plants for this reason. This plant is a tender perennial and is hardy to Zone 6, so benefits from winter mulching for protection in our climate. The leaves are a dark green to purple color and the spiked blooms are white or purple. Acanthus spinosus blooms from June through August.
This plant has many different uses in the landscape. It was originally used to compliment large structures such as columns. Today it works well in mixed perennial borders in the middle or towards the back because of its large size. The bold texture of the leaves adds contrast when used with finer textured plants such as ferns or grasses.
Spiny bear’s breeches is currently on display and growing in the Events Plaza at Reiman Gardens. Its unique texture and color combination is adding a lot to the area!
Sources:
Posted on Jul 12, 2010
at 8:30 AM
Reiman’s Pick
For the week of July 12, 2010
Pete Segebart, Outdoor Horticulture Intern
Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
When early settlers came across the Midwest’s central plains, it was a struggle to travel through virgin prairies. Getting lost in the tall-grass prairies was a mistake easily made with grasses towering above the highest bow of a wagon.. To get their bearings, some say the compass plant was very useful at pointing pioneers to their destinations. The large and deeply lobed leaves at the base of the compass plant almost always point in a north-south direction.
Today, though aided by maps and GPS systems, spotting a compass plant is still just as exciting. You need a sense of direction, but it’s easy to see how it could accurately guide travelers through the grassy jungles of the tall-grass prairie.
Topped with large, yellow, daisy-like flowers, at heights ranging from six to twelve feet, the compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) is very easy to identify in the landscape. Its robust, course-textured leaves can reach lengths of over two-feet long. Its pale, green color is derived from small, white hairs that also offer a natural cooling effect to the leaves. Compass plants are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 and have a deep root system. Amazingly, compass plant can live up to 100 years and from mid-July to September will bloom.
Compass plant can be used in your garden to give it a somewhat wild character, plus the roots assist with storm water management. Its roots are so deep, water will easily percolate into the soil rather than flow down to a storm drain. Compass plant performs best in full sun with moist to slightly dry, soils.
The native compass plant’s bold appearance and symbolism of landscape history makes it a great addition to a Midwest garden. This plant can be found standing tall throughout the Stafford Garden with its leaves proudly spreading north and south.
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