Ask The Expert: I have inherited a house plant ,that I can not identify,how can i find out
what it is,it has the texture (kind of a mix between an ice plant and an aloe vera-it grows fast and tall,some times it puts out small flowers on a spiny vine Betty

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Ask the Expert: Carnations/Oleander

I have two questions.  I would like to grow Carnations like you get from the florist, is this possible?  I know you can get a Dianthus but it does not look like a florist carnation.  I have thought about Oleander also.  Are these possible growing in zone 6-7, Southeast Missouri?  If so where is the best place to purchase these?

Thanks, Mary

Ask the Expert: What kind of tree is this?

The only tree of this kind in our yard. Perplexing because it has flowers. Deva

According to a recent article in SAF’s Wednesday E-Brief, U.S. Floriculture inspectors in Santa Barbara County, California confiscated and destroyed a box of cut mums from Holland. This was done as part of the ongoing effort to protect U.S. Chrysanthemum growing operations from white rust. An introduction of white rust to U.S. Chrysanthemum growing operations could cause extensive losses to the U.S. Chrysanthemum industry.

White rust is caused by the Puccinia horiana fungus which can spread quickly causing (more…)

Ask the Expert: I have an azalea that has bloomed.

Do I remove the blossoms or let them fall off by themselves?  Karen

Ask the Expert: Do do bamboo plants need bigger pots as they grow?

My lucky bamboo plant is growing and I wonder if I need to provide a bigger pot as it grows?

Aurele

Ask the Expert: about Clematis

I have a clematis that is 2 or 3 years old, it bloomed beautifully this past month. Now that it is done, do I cut off the spent bloom and will it re-bloom again?
Thanks, Mary

Ask The Expert: How does one tell the difference between the “Lucky Bamboo” plants that seem to twist and those that don’t twist — in their infancy?
Thanks,
Mark

Ask the Expert: Iris identification

Years ago someone gave me a start of this iris and I would like to know the name. Maybe Frank Adams variety but I’m not sure since so many look the same. I would really appreciate an opinion. Debra I have attached pictures below.

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Ask the Expert: What kind of ground cover perrenial is it?

I’m assuming its a ground cover. Because it just covers the ground. Spreads out I mean.Its leaves are dark green round shape with round pointy edges. It is kind of like a vine too but doesn’t get to long, it spreads out and only gets about 6 inches tall. It has very small light purple upside down bell shaped flowers. It has a light minty smell and the bees love the flowers. I thought it was a mint but I have several mint and it is not a mint Ive seen or thought it was. It comes back every year under my grape arbor in the spring and sticks around till fall. This is the first year Ive let it grow thus noticing the flowers on it. I would appreciate it if you could possibly tell me what it is. I can get a picture of it and send it if just the description alone doesn’t help. I live in Missouri by the way if that help narrow it down.
Thanks,
Deva (more…)