Electric Blanket Shrub/Groundcover Rose

Electric Blanket Rose

Electric Blanket Rose, a shrub/groundcover type of rose, has clusters of lightly scented coral colored double flowers. The foliage is glossy dark green and highly disease resistant, making this rose relatively maintenance free. It's growth habit is low to the ground, reaching only 2'-3' in height, making it a good choice for small spaces. Uses include slopes, rock gardens, or just as a front for taller hybrid teas or other tall rose bushes or perennials. As with all roses, they prefer full sun, regular fertilization, and 1" of water a week for best flower production. Calico suggests you come in and see these beauties before they are sold out!

By Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at AJ Rahn Greenhouses

Delosperma - Ice Plant

Delosperma or Hardy Ice Plant is a perennial succulent.This is a great groundcover for rock gardens or for slopes. It takes heat well, and needs very little water to keep looking good. This plant is hardy for zones 5-11. Their bloom time is from late spring through summer.
The ice plant needs full sun and well drained soil, and watered when completely dry. Too frequent watering may cause the roots to rot.
Whether grown in containers or in the landscape, this is a great plant to grow.

By Gayla Parker
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Crotons

The colorful croton is an attractive indoor houseplant. The more light these plants receive, the more colorful they are. During the warm summer months, using the croton as an accent plant in your landscape, whether in the ground or potted on your deck or patio, adds color and an exotic look.
To keep these beauties happy and healthy, give them a monthly shower and keep the soil evenly moist. Use an all purpose fertilizer during the spring and summer growing period.

By Doris Koop
Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Cannas

Cannas are tropical flowering plants with large leaves and gladiolas-like flowers. They are grown as annuals in Cincinnati, however the bulbs can be dug up in the fall and stored indoors, then replanted the next spring. A must have for your summer garden, they are easy to grow and low maintenance. Check out our fine selection of varieties from tall stately Praetoria, which grows to 6', to the beautiful Chocolate Sunrise which grows to 3'. They do well planted in the ground or in large containers with other flowering or foliage plants.

By Michelle Lynn
Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Columbine (Aquilegia)

The Columbine is a hardy old fashioned perennial wildflower native to most temperate areas of the world. The plants are one to three feet high and generally begin blooming in early to mid-May. They will often continue to bloom through June if the flowers are removed as they fade. The beautiful spurred flowers range from 1"-3", and come in hybrid colors ranging from black to white, with every color of the rainbow between. The foliage is light and delicate.

Columbines do best when they are grown in moist, rich, well drained soil in full sun to light shade. Columbines are a favorite flower for hummingbirds, but do tend to lose vitality after 3-4 years and are best replaced at that time.

Plants should be set out in the garden in spring or late summer. Plant them one to two feet apart with the crown (where the roots and tops meet) at soil level. Once established, feed them monthly with a soluble all purpose (5-10-5) fertilizer and keep them well watered during the growing season. In our zone (5-6) it is best to provide a good cover of mulched leaves in late fall to protect them from alternating freezing and thawing temperatures during the winter.

They are deer resistant, attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and are a great cut flower.

By: Sandy Weinkam

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

"Tomaccio" Tomato

A.J. Rahn's will be the exclusive greenhouse in Cincinnati to carry the 'Tomaccio' tomato. The 'Tomaccio' is a very sweet cherry tomato that yields 13-18 pounds of fruit. The uniqueness of this variety is that the tomatoes dry naturally like raisins. It will be available at the end of April.

By: Gayla Parker

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Calico's Pick of the Week

Regal Geraniums/ Martha Washington

Pelargonium domesticum

The Regal, or Martha Washington geraniums, are a spectacular cool-season flowering annual. This geranium has large trumpet-shaped flowers. Coral, pink and lavender are some of the colors available. This type of geranium requires more water than regular geraniums.

By: Michelle Lynn

Gardening expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses