Reiman's Picks

The Bismarck Palm: A Noble Spectacle

Reiman’s Pick
For the Week of August 4

The Bismarck Palm: A Noble Spectacle

By Kayla Kling, Education Intern, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University

Known for its large gorgeous leaves that can reach up to nine feet across, the Bismarck palm creates an amazing focal point within a southern landscape or within a large container or conservatory in the north. The Bismarck Palm received its name from the former chancellor of the German Empire, Otto Von Bismarck. Its scientific name is Bismarckia nobilis, “nobilis” being Latin for noble. It is typically grown in Florida, California, and Texas, where the warm and sunny climates help reach its full potential.

This spectacular tropical fan palm has a massive and corpulent trunk, which is necessary to hold up the bulky leaves.  It is a single trunk with radiating large leaves on petioles (or “stems”).  The leaves appear like silver-blue fireworks exploding from the stem and prove a remarkable site. The flower stalks are four feet long and produce 1.5 inch long fruit. Some have said that the nuts from this palm can create unique vases.  The Bismarck palm is native to the drier parts of the African island of Madagascar and desires subtropical landscapes. Yet, after establishing itself for two to three years the palm can survive in climates of 26°F. It requires frequent watering (two to three times per week), but once established the Palm grows rapidly. In five years it can grow 15-18 feet high by 10-20 feet wide, with an average growth of one to three feet per year. Yet, if this palm is grown indoors it may not reach such heights, due to temperature and sun exposure.

The immense tropical fan commands attention wherever it is grown. But because of its large size and cultural needs, the Bismarck palm is not recommended as a permanent plant in Iowa and is best as a young plant in containers instead. Occasional pruning is beneficial for the development of strong structure.  Be advised that the Bismarck palm does not like to be frequently moved from pot to pot. In southern states the palm is often used as a focal point in the landscape. The Bismarck palm is adaptable to many different types of soil and prefers full sun, but is tolerant of some shade. Once the palm has established it is also drought tolerant and not as subject to disease and nutritional deficiencies as many other landscape palm species. The Bismarck palm’s tropical flare is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11 or may be successful in a container or featured in a tropical conservatory.

The Bismarck palm is clearly visible as a strong focal point when walking down the main hallway of Reiman Gardens’ Conservatory Complex. Stop by soon to see this fascinating attraction.

Do You See Spots? The Leopard Plant

Reiman’s Pick
For the Week of August 4, 2008

Do you see Spots?  The Leopard Plant

Maria Olson, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University

A plant where the foliage is covered with yellow spots may give one the impression that it has been infected by a disease or pest. Yet, there is a particular plant that displays this unusual characteristic; Farfugium joponicum ‘Aureomaculata’, more commonly known as the leopard plant.

The leopard plant is considered a warm climate herbaceous perennial and when full grown can reach a height of two feet.  The foliage is what makes this leopard plant so distinctive. It displays large, thick green leaves that have a glossy, leathery texture, while covered with random yellow spots.  As a contrast, the other leopard plant varieties have white variegation with fun ruffled leaf edges.  The leopard plant also produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in the fall. These flowers are present for a relatively long period. Although the flowers are quite lovely, the leopard plant is mainly grown for its attractive foliage.

This particular plant is one that is not common in the Midwest. Rather, the leopard plant is typically hardy in USDA zones 7-10. It performs best when planted in fertile, moist and well-drained soil and enjoys partial shade. When in nature, you will most likely find this plant in warmer climates inhabiting stream sides and wet meadows. In the Midwest it can be treated as an annual in moist planting beds or be grown in containers to add some tropical excitement to a northern garden.

When visiting Reiman Gardens this summer, make sure to stop by the Conservatory to view this one-of-a-kind plant. The leopard plant can be found on the south end near the large Bismark Palm. With its outstanding lush foliage covered with yellow spots, this plant is a hard one to miss.

The Luna Moth (Actias Luna)

The Luna Moth (Actias Luna)

By Ximena Cibils, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University

Lepidopterans (Butterflies and Moths) are a symbol of harmony and beauty in our natural world. Since ancient times, people have been attracted to their colorful patterns, their graceful behavior and their extremely complex life cycle.

Moths and butterflies can be found all over the world having evolved almost 75 million years ago. There are approximately 140,000 different species of moths worldwide each having many different color patterns, shapes and sizes.

Actias Luna, commonly known as the ‘Luna Moth’, is native to North America and being part of the Saturniidae family, this Moth is in the same family as the Giant Silkworms and Royal Moths.

The Luna Moth is considered one of the largest and most interesting moth species in North America. They usually make their home in woodlands and in urban areas where their host plants (the caterpillar’s feeding plants) are found. The Luna Moth’s host plants include: Sweet gum (Liquidambar), Walnut (Jutland), Birch (Betula), Alder (Alnus), Persimmon (Diospyros), Hickory (Carya and Annamocarya), and Sumac (Rhus). Some of these host plants are more suitable to the moth’s life cycle. Work conducted in the butterfly lab at Reiman Gardens suggests that Luna Moths using Sweet Gum as their host plant did better than the other host plants tested.

A complete life cycle of a moth includes the egg, larvae (five different instars), pupa and adult stages. The Luna Moth may have one or more generations per year, depending on the temperature of the area.

In Iowa, Luna Moths are bivoltine, consisting of two generations (two complete life cycles) per year and is completely temperature dependent. During Iowa’s winter, from late October to early April, it enters a dormancy state as a cocoon. The cocoon is a silken coating spun around the larva. Sometimes they use leaves to wrap up in, as well.  After the cocoon is ready, the caterpillar of the Luna Moth will molt (shed its skin) one last time.  This creates a pupa that will be encased by the cocoon. When the temperature rises, the adult moth emerges from the cocoon, typically between May and August.

The adult stage of the Luna Moth’s life cycle lasts approximately one week and its focus during this stage is reproduction. An adult female moth can lay approximately 100-300 eggs in her life, usually placing them on the leaves of their host plants. As adults, Luna Moths do not eat because they lack functional mouth parts and are only active at night.

To identify the Luna Moth look for the following:

• Distinctive wing shape, with two eyes spots on each forewing.
• Long sweeping hindwing tail
• Yellow, green to pale green variations in color
• Males have a strongly feathered antennae.  This characteristic plays an important role in reproduction.
•  Females release pheromones, chemical compounds that are specific for each species, while male moths perceive these pheromones by these specific antennae characteristics.

The natural world is always full of surprises, and right now, Luna Moths can be found in Iowa at night. So be observant and you could find one in your backyard.

Pergola? Arbor? Trellis? Bower?

Pergola? Arbor? Trellis?  Bower?

The Linguistic Lowdown

Author: Tyler Baird, Outdoor Horticulture Intern

  Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University

In landscapes across the globe there’s a never ending debate on the correct usage and definition of the terms pergola, arbor, trellis and bower.  Are these four terms synonyms or have their greater meanings been lost?

Searching through any respected reference reveals a simple Yes!  Dictionary definitions of all four words essentially have the same meaning.  Webster’s definitions are as follow: 

Arbor- a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines. 

Pergola- 1. arbor, trellis  2. a structure usually consisting of parallel colonnades supporting an open roof. 

Trellis- a frame of latticework used as a screen or as a support for climbing plants.  Bower- arbor, a shelter made with tree boughs or vines twined together.

Although the meanings have great parallels some distinctions are still made.  When using the terms in everyday garden conversation it is helpful to think of an arbor as a single arch structure.  A series of connected arching structures is called a pergola, and a trellis is the lattice part of the arch structure upon which the plant material grows.  A bower is most unique in that it actually uses live materials to form its structure.  For those few individuals that have experienced this distinctive feature, the term bower is from the Middle English word bour or dwelling.  Hats off to those that have seen a bower or have tried to create one in their own garden.

You can view examples of arbors, pergolas, and trellises throughout Reiman Gardens’ displays in Joey and Jesse’s Herb Garden, its rose gardens, and Home Production Garden.  Most are in close proximity to each other for easy comparison.  You can also try to impress your knowledge of these structures upon the guests you bring along for the visit.  For those in search of a bower, you might have better luck in the far reaches of England.

Bee Balm--Not Just for the Bees

Reiman’s Pick

For the Week of May 26

Bee Balm—Not Just for the Bees

Emily Thomsen, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University

On December 16, 1773, a party of Boston citizens disguised as Native Americans boarded three ships docked in Griffin’s Wharf.  Outraged by Parliament’s attempt to impose a tax on tea, the group of men threw the ships’ tea cargos overboard.  After the events of the Boston Tea Party, colonists were left without the main ingredient for their favorite beverage.  They turned to a local plant, the Bee Balm, for the needed tea leaves.

Years before colonists used this plant, Native Americans relied on it to relieve stomach aches, fevers, insomnia, and nosebleeds. Scientifically named Monarda after Dr. Nicholas Monardes, the Spanish botanist that first described it in 1571, the plant is more commonly known as Bee Balm, Bergamot, or Oswego Tea.  The moniker of Bee Balm came to be when people created a mixture from the plant’s flowers to lessen the pain of a bee sting. The name Oswego Tea originated from the native Oswego Indians in the locale of what became Oswego, New York.

Considered a perennial, Bee Balm can reach a height of anywhere from one to four feet depending on cultivar.  It is characterized by a cluster of small, tube-like flowers which rest at the top of the square stem.  The flowers can be any variation of red, white, violet, or pink, and they typically bloom from early to late summer.  Fine hairs envelop the oppositely arranged green leaves and hard stem of the plant.  Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, this plant requires full sun, along with moist, well-drained soil and good air circulation between plants.  Unfortunately, Bee Balm is susceptible to powdery mildew and can be invasive if not maintained properly—be sure to select an appropriate cultivar such as ‘Marshal’s Delight’ or ‘Jacob Kline’ to reduce problems with foliar disease.  The plant is easy to care for, requires minor maintenance, and attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.  

At your home, Bee Balm may be planted along fences, to create a natural fence line between lawns or as part of a native perennial garden.  Additionally, because of its fondness for the sun, Bee Balm will work well in sunny areas. It will also make a beautiful and fragrant addition to any perennial or mixed border. For those that enjoy growing their own food and ingredients, Bee Balm can be the start of an herb garden as well.  Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are used in tea, and they make a good potpourri.

Visit Reiman Gardens this summer to experience Bee Balm, along with Chamomile, Hibiscus, Lemon Balm, Mint, Lavender, Scented Geraniums, and other plants used to make teas. These functional and charming plants are shown in the “A Mad Tea Party” display in Joey and Jesse’s Herb Garden.