Herbaceous Plants and Garden Design

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended frequency for fertilizing annual and perennial flower beds?

Every three weeks (correct)

Once a month

Once every two months

Once a year

What characteristic of some annuals can lead them to become weedy?

They require frequent pruning.

They produce flowers in winter.

They reappear from the previous year's seeds. (correct)

They are slow to establish.

What should you do before adding fertilizer to the soil?

Apply mulch

Leave the soil dry

Weed the area

Water the soil (correct)

What type of plants do onions and garlic represent?

Plants that form bulbs Signup and view all the answers

How many pounds of fertilizer should be added per 100 square feet when planting a new perennial garden?

5 pounds Signup and view all the answers

In what type of garden design are self-seeded plants generally utilized?

Cottage-style gardens Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with bulbs in the fall after observing them for more than one season?

Dig them up and store in a frost-free location Signup and view all the answers

When is the best time to fertilize perennials that bloom in late summer or fall?

Monthly until September Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using annuals in window boxes and hanging baskets?

They offer continuous blooms from early summer until frost. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants is NOT an example of a plant that forms corms?

Narcissus Signup and view all the answers

Why might a gardener choose to remove volunteer annuals from a formal garden?

They can disrupt the precise layout. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper method for applying winter mulch to perennial plants?

Wait until the soil freezes Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes tubers from bulbs and corms?

Tubers are swollen, modified, underground stems Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use for annual flowers in educational settings?

They provide fast gratification for young gardeners. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of applying organic mulch to flower beds?

To retain soil moisture and suppress weeds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about annuals is true?

They can produce flowers until killed by frost. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about larger bulbs?

They yield larger blossoms Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with mulch in early spring?

Pull mulch off plants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials can be used for mulching?

Composted leaves Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a cultivated purpose of annuals?

Ground cover Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about bargain bulbs?

They will always bloom well Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic benefit of colorful annuals?

They add quick and vibrant color to gardens. Signup and view all the answers

When should bulbs typically be planted?

When the ground warms after the last frost Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants has a solid interior and is developed from swollen stems?

Corms Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge associated with growing perennials from seed?

They grow more slowly than annuals and may not bloom the first year. Signup and view all the answers

How does adding organic material to soil benefit plant growth?

It improves water retention and root aeration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following flower colors is NOT associated with Cockscomb?

Purple Signup and view all the answers

What is a major reason for buying seedlings from nurseries for certain plants?

Buying seedlings conveniently bypasses the difficulty of propagating fine seeds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the cost of purchasing perennials?

Costs generally relate to how long the plant has been in production. Signup and view all the answers

During which season is it typical for Larkspur to bloom?

Spring and summer Signup and view all the answers

How many inches tall can Salvia grow, according to the provided information?

18-36 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of globe amaranth?

It can produce flowers in white, pink, and purple. Signup and view all the answers

What is the bloom color of the Japanese iris?

Various Signup and view all the answers

Which perennial has a height range of 12-36 inches and blooms in blue?

Perovskia atriplicifolia Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is known for its yellow blooms and is typically 3 inches tall?

Eranthis hyemalis Signup and view all the answers

What is the common height range for Achillea filipendulina?

24-36 inches Signup and view all the answers

Identify the plant that blooms purple and grows to be 24-36 inches tall.

Eupatorium purpureum Signup and view all the answers

Which perennial is categorized as a spring bloomer with a height of 12-14 inches?

Mertensia virginica Signup and view all the answers

What color blooms does Achillea millefolium have?

Various Signup and view all the answers

Which perennial is known for its short stature, reaching only 3-6 inches in height?

Chionodoxa luciliae Signup and view all the answers

Which plant blooms in various colors and has a height range of 36-48 inches?

Phlox paniculata Signup and view all the answers

What is the bloom color of the butterfly weed?

Orange Signup and view all the answers

Perennial plants can survive for decades and may outlive the gardener.

True Signup and view all the answers

Tender perennials can survive outdoor winter conditions with proper protection.

False Signup and view all the answers

Woody perennials include trees and shrubs.

True Signup and view all the answers

Hardy perennials generally die mysteriously without any clear signs of disease or insect issues.

True Signup and view all the answers

The classification of perennials is only based on their lifespan.

False Signup and view all the answers

Alan Bloom's Hardy Perennials is published by Random House.

False Signup and view all the answers

The book 'Growing Bulbs' was published by Timber Press in 1986.

True Signup and view all the answers

Periodicals such as 'Garden Design' and 'Fine Gardening' focus solely on vegetable gardening.

False Signup and view all the answers

Hansen and Stahl authored a book titled 'Perennials and Their Garden Habitats'.

True Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Herbaceous Perennial Plants' refers to a specific style of garden design.

False Signup and view all the answers

Foxgloves, forget-me-nots, and hollyhocks are examples of common annuals.

False Signup and view all the answers

Biennials require a growing season in summer and a rest period in winter before flowering.

True Signup and view all the answers

Some biennials can be planted in a permanent position after their first year.

True Signup and view all the answers

New cultivars of biennials are developed to ensure they flower only in their second season.

False Signup and view all the answers

Annuals live for several years as they germinate, bloom, and produce seeds.

False Signup and view all the answers

Hollyhock 'Queeny Purple' is an example of a biennial that can bloom in its first season.

True Signup and view all the answers

Many biennials do not require winter protection in cold climates.

False Signup and view all the answers

It is important to identify first-year leaves of biennials to avoid pulling them as weeds.

True Signup and view all the answers

Herbaceous perennials are unsuitable for water gardening.

False Signup and view all the answers

A barrel with a fountain bubbler can hold water lilies.

True Signup and view all the answers

Japanese iris and ligularia are examples of plants that can be used in water features.

True Signup and view all the answers

Fall-planted bulbs do not need to be watered carefully as they establish their roots.

False Signup and view all the answers

Spring bloomers should be fertilized when they reach a height of about two inches.

False Signup and view all the answers

It is advisable to pull out the leaves of spring-blooming bulbs as soon as they start to wither.

False Signup and view all the answers

Wildlife, especially birds, are attracted to water features in gardens.

True Signup and view all the answers

Fertilizing spring-blooming bulbs after they flower can help in dry areas.

True Signup and view all the answers

A perennial plant is considered long-lived if it lasts at least three seasons.

False Signup and view all the answers

The soil should be prepared by digging at least 12 inches deep for herbaceous perennial gardens.

False Signup and view all the answers

Peonies are an example of herbaceous perennials that are generally pest-resistant.

True Signup and view all the answers

It is beneficial for perennial plants to have a long bloom time to enhance garden aesthetics.

True Signup and view all the answers

Weeds such as dandelions and morning glory should be removed prior to soil preparation.

True Signup and view all the answers

Plants that grow strongly can potentially overwhelm other plants in a garden.

True Signup and view all the answers

Visiting nurseries and gardens can help improve a gardener's design confidence.

True Signup and view all the answers

The primary purpose of installing a new perennial garden is to have colorful blooms all year round.

False Signup and view all the answers

Some cool-season annuals such as pansies and ornamental kale can be planted in ______ to replace summer annuals.

fall Signup and view all the answers

Biennials require ______ full years to complete their growth cycle and die after the second year.

two Signup and view all the answers

The first year, biennials grow ______ and roots but do not flower.

foliage Signup and view all the answers

Since the 1980s, American garden design has moved away from flower displays that are attractive for only a few ______.

months Signup and view all the answers

Some biennials are spectacularly showy because the ______ can be huge.

inflorescence Signup and view all the answers

Gardens often include spring-flowering bulbs, containers of annual flowers, herbs for cooking or tea, and ______ for winter texture.

grasses Signup and view all the answers

In today’s smaller gardens, combinations of evergreen and ______ shrubs keep the scene fascinating year-round.

deciduous Signup and view all the answers

Herbaceous perennials laid out in long borders demanded intense management without providing ______ interest.

year-round Signup and view all the answers

Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica), and ______ are common biennials.

hollyhocks Signup and view all the answers

Biennial plants require a summer growing season and a winter ______ before flowering.

rest Signup and view all the answers

Many biennials need winter protection in ______ climates.

cold Signup and view all the answers

Annuals live briefly; they germinate, grow, bloom, and go to seed in ______ year.

one Signup and view all the answers

Hollyhock ‘Queeny Purple’ and digitalis ‘Camelot’ are newer cultivars bred to produce blooms in the ______ season.

first Signup and view all the answers

When choosing a plant, be sure to read the information about that particular ______.

cultivar Signup and view all the answers

Some gardeners start biennials in a nursery bed and move them to permanent positions in their ______ year.

second Signup and view all the answers

Identifying the first-year leaves helps avoid pulling the plants as ______ before their second-year flowering.

weeds Signup and view all the answers

Late fall maintenance generally includes cutting back dead stems of herbaceous ______ and pulling out annuals after they are killed by frost.

perennials Signup and view all the answers

Many tall herbaceous flowering plants must be tied to ______ or provided with another support system.

stakes Signup and view all the answers

The seeds of many perennials, such as purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), attract ______ in late summer and fall.

birds Signup and view all the answers

All flower gardens eventually have some ______ or diseases.

pests Signup and view all the answers

To reduce disease infestations, space plants properly to allow good ______ circulation.

air Signup and view all the answers

Commercial systems such as grates with legs work fine, but you can also improvise supports from bamboo ______, twigs, or branches.

stakes Signup and view all the answers

Many short perennials such as ______ require support to keep flower heads upright.

peonies Signup and view all the answers

Several diseases commonly affect annuals, bulbs, and herbaceous ______.

perennials Signup and view all the answers

Watering during periods of dry weather in the ______ is crucial for the health of fall-planted bulbs.

fall Signup and view all the answers

A ______ can be surrounded with Japanese iris, ligularia, and adapted native plants for an attractive water feature.

pool Signup and view all the answers

Fertilize spring bloomers when they are about an inch tall, using a ______ granular formula.

5–10–10 Signup and view all the answers

Do not add a layer of gravel or other material to the weeds before planting, and watch for emerging annual weed ______ at the bottom of the pot.

seedlings Signup and view all the answers

Some gardeners place a simple, shallow bowl of water in the garden to reflect the ______.

sky Signup and view all the answers

You can reuse potting mixes year after year unless the plants in them were seriously ______.

diseased Signup and view all the answers

Water spring-blooming bulbs after flowering ends and let the leaves wither naturally until they turn ______.

brown Signup and view all the answers

When watering plants, be sure to water thoroughly and then allow the plants to ______ out before watering again.

dry Signup and view all the answers

In dry areas, it is advisable to water spring-blooming bulbs after flowering ends to avoid ______.

damage Signup and view all the answers

Shallow-planted bulbs may frost-heave and are easily dug out by ______, which munch on them.

rodents Signup and view all the answers

Many herbaceous perennials adapt well to water ______ in garden designs.

gardening Signup and view all the answers

Some water lilies are winter-hardy and can survive even in ______ climates.

cold Signup and view all the answers

Do not place bulbs directly on ______ when planting.

fertilizer Signup and view all the answers

Root systems of plants cannot begin to grow without adequate ______.

moisture Signup and view all the answers

Mulch hardy bulb and corm plantings lightly with two to four inches of composted leaves, shredded fir bark, or composted ______.

sawdust Signup and view all the answers

Follow the package directions for slow-release fertilizers, as an additional application may be necessary ______ through the growing season.

midway Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Herbaceous Ornamental Plants

Annuals provide color and beauty in gardens.
Annuals are useful for window boxes, containers, and youth gardens.
Annuals are fast-growing from seeds or transplants.
Perennials are slow-growing and may not bloom in the first year.
Perennials can begin from seed and then be transplanted to a final location.
Starting perennials from seed is a slow process.

Flower Garden Maintenance

Annuals are colorful, long-blooming, and easy to grow.
Annuals can become weedy by self-seeding.
Cottage gardens benefit from self-seeded plants.
Formal gardens require precise balance and volunteer annuals must be removed.

Using Herbaceous Perennials in Garden Design

Bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers, and tuberous roots are part of perennial plants.
Organic mulch can be used in perennial and annual gardens to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the look of the garden.
Mulch consists of compost, composted sawdust, chopped or composted leaves, or other materials.
Apply mulch in spring and late fall.
Avoid covering the crown of a perennial with mulch.

Fall Cleanup

Remove dead or damaged plants in the fall.
Dig up corms and store in a frost-free environment.
Choose solid, healthy plants when selecting bulbs.

Bulb, Corm, Rhizome, Tuber, and Tuberous Root

Bulbs have a basal plate where roots originate.
Corms have a solid stem.
Tubers are swollen modified stems.
Examples of plants that form bulbs are onions, garlic, narcissus, tulips, and lilies.
Examples of plants that form corms are crocus, watsonia, and gladiolus.
Examples of plants that form tubers are caladium.

Herbaceous Ornamental Plants

Annuals complete their life cycle in one year, germinating, growing, blooming, and producing seeds before dying
Biennials live for two years, requiring a summer growing season and winter rest before flowering in their second year
Perennials live for multiple years and include trees and shrubs, which are woody perennials
Bulbs are a type of perennial plant with underground storage organs

Annuals

Annuals need to be replanted each season
Some newer cultivars of biennials, like hollyhock ‘Queeny Purple’ and digitalis ‘Camelot’, have been bred to flower in their first season

Perennials

Many familiar garden flowers, like peonies and Shasta daisies, are herbaceous perennials
Hardy Perennials survive winter in the ground, reviving from their crowns in spring
Some perennials can live for decades
Tender Perennials cannot survive outdoor winter conditions and need to be lifted, stored, and replanted in the spring
The classification of a perennial can vary depending on the climate zone

Garden Design for Perennials

Choose plants that have cultural needs that match your garden’s characteristics:
- Long-lived (lasting at least four seasons)
- Strong growth without overwhelming other plants
- Long bloom time
- Attractive when out of bloom
- Pest-resistant
Soil preparation is key to strong future growth:
- Remove weeds, especially perennial weeds
- Dig thoroughly to loosen soil to at least 12 inches
- Double-digging (20 to 24 inches deep) is often recommended
Watering and Fertilizing:
- Water thoroughly after planting and during dry periods
- Fertilize spring bloomers when they are about an inch tall, using a granular or liquid fertilizer
- Water spring-blooming bulbs after flowering ends
Wildlife: Water features, such as fountains and pools, can attract wildlife, especially birds
Designing with Water Features: Plant water-tolerant species around ponds, such as Japanese iris, ligularia, and rodgersia

General Guidance for Gardeners

When reading information about a plant, be sure to consider the cultivar as well as the species, as cultivars may have improved characteristics
Consider the hardiness zone and climate before planting
Look for extraordinary plants at association garden sales, specialty nurseries, mail-order catalogs, and from knowledgeable local gardeners
Develop design confidence by visiting gardens and nurseries and keeping an idea notebook
Maintain harmonious color patterns throughout the seasons
Seek advice from knowledgeable garden resources

Annuals

They live for a single year and require replanting each season
Include a wide variety of colors and bloom times
Can be used in containers, window boxes, and gardens
Commonly used for summer displays

Biennials

Complete their life cycle in two years
Produce foliage and roots in the first year, and flowers and seeds in the second
Grow best in undisturbed conditions
Need summer growth and winter rest
Often used in perennial gardens

Perennials

Live for more than two years
Provide year-round interest and beauty in the garden
Include spring-blooming bulbs, herbs, and grasses
Can be used in containers and water gardens

Garden Design

Modern gardens are designed for year-round appeal
Include a combination of evergreens, deciduous shrubs, conifers, and perennial flowers
Plants are selected for their multiseason qualities, including foliage texture and color

Staking

Crucial for tall herbaceous flowering plants
Prevents stems from bending and breaking
Can be done with bamboo stakes, twigs, or branches
Support should be placed while plants are young

Watering and Fertilizing

Plants should be watered thoroughly after planting and during dry periods
Fall-planted bulbs require water to establish root systems
Spring bloomers should be fertilized when they reach an inch tall
Fertilize spring-blooming bulbs after flowering ends

Pest Management

Use integrated pest management principles
Grow strong plants to resist disease and insect problems
Space plants appropriately for air circulation
Remove dead leaves and weeds to reduce hiding places for pests

Water Gardens

Growing in popularity
Herbaceous perennials can adapt well to these environments
Include Japanese Iris, Ligularia, and native plants
Can be used for attracting wildlife
Bowls of water reflect the sky and attract birds

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of herbaceous ornamental plants, focusing on the distinctions between annuals and perennials. Learn about their cultivation, maintenance, and the essential roles they play in garden design. This quiz covers the characteristics of planting, growing, and maintaining vibrant flower gardens.