Calico's Pick of the Week

Anthurium

There are over 900 species of Anthurium, both flowering and foliage plants. Of these, the best known are the flowering plants.
One might think that the flower is the large leaf like bract, called the spathe, but it is really the tiny spikes on the spadix of the bract that is the true flower. The bracts are the primary attraction and will last a month or more. Anthurium are repeat bloomers, providing color for a long time. The colorful bracts are often used in cut flower arrangements.
Anthurium prefer medium to bright light. Water thoroughly, then let dry slightly before watering again. Avoid cold drafts and feed during growing periods.

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

Calico's Pick of the Week

Scented Geraniums-Pelargonium

These plants are called scented geraniums because they have fragrant foliage. Many scented geraniums are extremely decorative due to their unique leaves.
Essential oils from scented geraniums are used in perfumes and colognes. Scented geraniums also have culinary uses. The leaves can flavor cakes or can be used as a garnish.
Scented geraniums are easy to grow, both indoors and out. Bright light and well drained soil are required. Do not over fertilize your scented geraniums.
Among our varieties are citronella and an intense lemon- scented variety. Touch them and you will see why they are called scented geraniums!

By Michelle Lynn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn's Greenhouses

Susan's Classroom-June Care

Susan's Classroom-June Care

June is upon us and it's time for "Cincinnati summer". We've really had a beautiful spring, some say a little on the wet side, but that's ok. Hibiscus, Mandevilla vines, and Caladium are a few plants that thrive in hot humid weather. Mandevilla won't even bloom unless it's very warm, and Caladium will go dormant if night temperatures drop below 55F. Now that it is getting very warm, it's time to turn up the watering. Adjust to the flow of the weather, and don't let a few showers fool you into thinking the rain was enough to get to the roots of the plants. Feel the soil down about an inch near the plant and respond accordingly. If the soil is wet, don't water. If it feels dry, water it thoroughly so the water gets to the roots where the plant can use it. Remember that hot, sunny, or windy days will dry out plants very quickly, especially if they are newly planted. This is true for shrubs and trees too, and they should be watered even more deeply. Your plants are depending on you to keep them at their blooming best all summer, so don't hide out in the air conditioning and expect them to fend for themselves. They'll reward you with many months of beautiful color if you just take care of them. Enjoy!

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