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 severe crop loss. Plants can harbor this pathogen for up to two weeks before the symptoms appear. This pathogen is spread through contaminated soil, litter, dead leaves, gardening equipment, clothing and hands. It does, however, need a host plant in which to grow and will not grow on anything but the host plant (chrysanthemums). If you are interested, the USDA-APHIS has more information on Chrysanthemum White Rust.

The importance of this action is the fact that cut chrysanthemums from the Netherlands are currently banned in the United States. Everyone in the floral industry should be aware that “For the time being, cut mums identified as having originated in the Netherlands will be confiscated and destroyed, WITH NO COMPENSATION” according to the March 19th SAF Wednesday E-Brief.

Growers, retailers, importers and wholesalers all play a part in the U.S. floral industry. As a result, it is essential for all the players to know and understand the implications of global trade and the issues that may arise from it. Fortunately there are many organizations, like the USDA-APHIS and SAF, that work to protect and inform floral industry members of issues that directly and indirectly affect them.

As a grower, I understand the importance of this situation and the impact that uncontrolled pathogens have on crops. Prevention is of up-most importance in terms of both financial and environmental concerns. The Bloomin’ Blog is always open to discussions concerning floral industry issues. As concerns arise we will attempt to inform the floral community and encourage discussion of these issues. I encourage you to discuss floral industry concerns here or in other floral industry communities as they arise. Communication is the key to success for all of us and for a stronger healthier industry.

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.

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 Read the rest of Covering The Ground With Light Purple Bell Shaped Flowers. »