Sweet Broom Plant

Sweet Broom
Cytisus spachianus

The Sweet Broom plant has very fragrant, bright yellow flower spikes that bloom in early spring and again in the fall. Their fragrance is a very strong sweet citrus scent, most pronounced on bright, sunny, cool days. Here in zone 5 and 6, they have to be brought in to overwinter. They keep nicely when treated as an indoor houseplant in winter, then set flower buds if kept cool in late Jan., early Feb. Pruning of these woody plants is best done immediately after blooming.
After blooming in spring, these plants can be used as wispy green tall plants in summer planters, with summer annuals planted beneath them, then as the weather cools again in the fall, you will be rewarded once again with another set of colorful, fragrant yellow flowers.
Plant care requirements include full sun, general purpose potting soil, and fertilization with a general purpose type every other week during the growing season. Water when dry, being sure to water thoroughly when you do water, then wait until they are pretty dry before watering again. Here at the greenhouse, we plant them outdoors in early spring with pansies and English daisies, since they are frost tolerant to 15F.
As an unusual cool weather annual, these easy care plants will bring many weeks of colorful, fragrant enjoyment in your pansy display, then serve as the pillar in your summer container when joined with your filler and spiller plants.

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Lenten Rose

Helleborus
Lenten Rose

The Helleborus is a very early blooming perennial, showing it's delicate flowers in late winter to early spring. Though the flowers may look delicate, they will withstand late snow cover and late frosts. Their common name is Lenten Rose, given because their bloom time is during the Christian season of Lent. Their foliage is evergreen in zones 6 and above, but even at colder zones may retain their dark green leathery leaves all winter with only minor tip browning. Flower colors range from white to pinks, peach, rose and purples, frequently with darker spotting on the petals. They may be single petaled as seen above, while some varieties display double sets of petals. The blooms can last up to six weeks! Many have their flower heads nodding at the ground, while some of the newer cultivars face upwards.
These plants prefer humusy, well drained soil in part to full shade, and best of all they are quite deer resistant. Once established, they are very drought tolerant, but choose your planting site carefully as they really don't take well to being transplanted. New plants can be taken from offshoots of the original plant. To keep these plants thriving, fertilize in early spring with a slow release fertilizer.
The first few years I had one of these plants, I totally missed the blooms because I didn't begin to look for them until the crocuses and daffodils were blooming. By that time, I discovered finally, they were finished blooming. So don't wait for warm weather to check for blooms, get out there and check for that first hint that spring is just around the corner, and the thought that winter is on it's way out will bring a smile to your face!

By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe
Crasulaceae

The Kalanchoe is a very easy care, beautiful flowering houseplant. A member of the succulent family, and a relative of the Jade plant, it's growing needs are simple, yet it provides continuous flowering for up to six months with proper care. The foliage is fleshy, succulent, oval shaped, and dark green. Flower color ranges from red to shades of pink, as well as yellow, orange and white, appearing in tight clusters atop the foliage.
Indoors, these plants prefer bright to sunny windowsills, with room temperatures 55F or warmer. They are quite sensitive to cold temperatures, so don't allow them to be up against a cold window. Being a succulent, over watering can be a problem. Only water these plants when the surface is dry to the touch, and in winter, let them dry even deeper. The best soil is a well draining cactus/succulent soil, and a simple houseplant fertilizer every other week during the growing season is more than adequate. If placing outdoors in the summer, be sure they are protected from direct afternoon sun or the foliage will become sunburned.
When flowers are finished, cut off the flower heads and let the plant rest for six to eight weeks in a lower light situation and reduce water. After this rest period, replace the plant back in the high light area and begin to water more frequently, but only as noted above when needed. Within a few weeks, flower buds should begin to appear. This plant flowers naturally in spring and summer, but is forced into bloom at all times of year for indoor color.
For an easy care, colorful, long blooming houseplant, the Kalanchoe is just the right choice.