The symptoms on your bee balms (Monarda spp.) are most likely due to powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease on bee balms. Symptoms are most severe on overcrowded plants and those growing in partial shade.…
Dozens of native prairie and woodland perennials are wonderful ornamental additions to the landscape. These plants are all native to the state of Iowa. The list includes plants that grow in a wide variety of conditions, from sun to…
Bee balms (Monarda species) perform best in full sun. The planting site should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Plants grown in partial shade won’t flower as heavily and are more susceptible to powdery mildew.…
There are many native woodland wildflowers that are great additions to the shade garden. Most are ephemeral with a relatively short (but impactful) bloom time in early spring before the foliage dies back to the ground in early summer.…
One of the first signs of spring is the emergence of crocuses, daffodils, and other spring-flowering bulbs. Several other perennials also bloom in early spring and complement these familiar bulbs.
The butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a member of the milkweed family. Plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall and produce flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers from July through September. Their flowers attract several…
Early spring is the best time to divide asters. Dig up plants in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each plant clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each division should contain several shoots and a…
Bee balm (Monarda species) spreads rapidly via underground stems or rhizomes. In addition, the center of the plant often dies out within a few years. To control their spread and rejuvenate plants, it’s advisable to dig and…
Early spring is the best time to divide ‘Autumn Joy’ and other upright, clump-forming varieties sedum (Hylotelephium). Dig up plants in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each clump into sections with a…
