Potted sun stars (Ornithogalum dubium) are nearly unknown in the U.S., but in Europe, they are prized and sought-after pot plants, consistently fetching top price at the flower auction. O. dubium is a geophyte, or bulbous perennial plant. Depending on the cultivar, the bulbs produce five to eight deep green, glossy leaves that are arranged
Potted sun stars (Ornithogalum dubium) are nearly unknown in the U.S., but in Europe, they are prized and sought-after pot plants, consistently fetching top price at the flower auction. O. dubium is a geophyte, or bulbous perennial plant. Depending on the cultivar, the bulbs produce five to eight deep green, glossy leaves that are arranged
Even while the market continues to look for a wider selection of high-quality crops, hydrangea remains underused, both as a cut flower and a pot plant. Until recently it was next to impossible to get properly prepared rooted cuttings for a blue hydrangea program in the U.S., so that is likely a factor. Why should
This spring I was rushing to attend the local flower show in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was hosted by the American Daffodil Society and needed some gifts. But what? Flowers? Sweets? Books? Perhaps a good bottle of wine? I am a guy who plans everything, but identifying and locating a suitable gift is not easy. I
It’s March at Longwood Gardens and the Himalayan blue poppy is once again on display in our indoor gardens, turning the conservatory into a dazzling show of sky-blue blooms. Unfortunately, the show ‘Lingholm’ meconopsis puts on lasts for only a short time. Each flower spike carries three to five buds opening in close succession over
I am always surprised to hear growers say they think freesias are not an interesting product. Many say freesias are not in vogue, that they’re old-fashioned or a crop without profit. I say today’s freesia cultivars make excellent cut flowers, and with the right treatment they can be excellent potted plants, too. Longwood Gardens visitors
Who would connect tulips with stories from the Orient? The prevalent perception is that tulips are native to Holland. Yet, before they were introduced to Holland, they had been cultivated in the Orient for ages. At the court of the Turkish sultan, tulips were grown in the palace gardens. Early tulips were cultivated from wild
The growers at Longwood Gardens force tens of thousands of daffodils into flower every winter, providing a glimpse of what’s to come: spring. Now, I want to empower you with the essentials you need to grow equally impressive daffodils. Daffodil Basics Daffodil bulbs can be obtained in different grades, as well as standard dry bulbs
In the last issue of Greenhouse Grower, I wrote about Longwood Gardens’ lily program and included tips for summer production of Asiatic potted lilies. I covered basics on lily bulb and cultivar selection and choosing the right potting mix. In this article, I will further detail lily production, the growing environment, water and fertility programs,
Over the last few years, the Longwood Gardens lily program expanded to include an assortment of lily cultivars: Easter lilies, Asiatic, Oriental and hybrid lilies. Next year, Longwood will be growing lilies almost 10 months of the year, and its visitors are always delighted to see such amazing lily displays. This year’s OFA Short Course was
