Dutchman's Pipe
Aristolochia littoralis

Dutchman's Pipe has an unusual looking flower that attracts butterflies and blooms all summer and fall. This vigorous climber with the Meerschaum pipe shaped buds and heart shaped deep green leaves will thrive in shade or part shade, in well drained moist soil conditions. It is zoned 5-9, so will survive the winter in our area of Greater Cincinnati. It will grow and climb 8-10' in height and flowers on old wood.
Application of general purpose fertilizer at the beginning of each growing season and then periodically throughout the season will bring a plethora of flowers to enjoy as well as marvel at their unusual looks. Their leaves are an excellent food source for Swallowtail butterfly larvae.
This plant is also known as the Calico Flower because of it's color when fully opened.

By: Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn's Greenhouses

Hummingbird Attractors

Hummingbird Attractors

Most of us fill our gardens with plants that we find to be beautiful. Fortunately, our plants not only attract our attention but also attract the attention of hummingbirds. Encouraging hummingbirds to visit during the spring and summer can be done by planting plants that they like and by supplying them with nectar by using hummingbird feeders.
There are a large variety of plants that attract hummingbirds. Although the color red is their favorite, you are not limited to using only red flowers. The following is a small sample of some of the flowers that commonly attract hummingbirds:

Bee Balm(Monarda), Colombine(Aquilegia), Butterfly Bush(Buddleia), Delphinium,
Hollyhock(Alcea), Trumpet Vine(Campsis), Cardinal Vine(Lobelia), Rose of Sharon,
Lantana, Fuchsia, Canna, Impatiens.

You may choose to further encourage these tiny birds to become frequent visitors by using commercial feeders. The proper nectar solution for a feeder is one part sugar to four parts water. Using a stronger solution could be too difficult for them to digest. Adding red food coloring is unnecessary since most feeders have red parts made to attract the hummingbirds. The solution should be changed every few days to prevent it from fermenting. In addition, the feeders should be thoroughly cleaned once a week with hot, soapy water and rinsed with boiling water. Filling the feeder with a small amount of food will help remind you to clean it before refilling with new solution.
Hummingbirds are very territorial, so hanging more than one feeder may help keep peace among males who visit the feeders. Feeders placed at different heights may also discourage aggressive behavior.
Providing water also encourages the hummingbirds to visit your garden. They find sprinklers and misters irresistible and will often bathe in the drips collected on the leaves of nearby plants.
Most gardeners love to share the beauty of their gardens with their friends. You will certainly want to count these beautiful and entertaining little birds among some of your most cherished friends.

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

Wax Begonias

Wax Begonia

One of the most common annuals for the spring, summer and fall growing season is the Wax Begonia. In praise of this 'lowly' plant, I would like to tout some of it's many virtues. First and foremost, it blooms all season until frost. It doesn't require deadheading. It will thrive in full sun or full shade and all light between. It grows in a beautiful compact mound and creates a perfect border. Colors range from white, to light and dark pink, to red, and the foliage can be a soft green to a dark burgundy. With proper watering and occasional fertilizer, these carefree plants will offer delightful color and shape to any garden setting! Seriously!

By: Susan Rahn
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses