Growing Perennials
Herbaceous perennials generally live for three or more seasons, but usually the tops die back to the ground each fall. The crown and roots of the plant resume growth in spring. A few perennials are...
Category: Flowers
Dividing Perennials
The three main reasons for dividing perennials are to control the size of the plants, to help rejuvenate them, and to increase their number. Dividing and replanting keeps rapidly spreading...
Flowering Bulb Insect Pests
The most common pests of flowering bulbs in general are aphids, bulb mites, slugs and snails. In addition, thrips, bulb flies, borers and leafrollers among others can also cause problems for certain...
Vinca Diseases
Annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus) is commonly used for summer color in landscapes. It thrives in sunny areas and is fairly drought tolerant. It is also called Madagascar periwinkle or just vinca....
Daylily Diseases & Insect Pests
Diseases and insects generally are not a serious problem on daylilies (Hemerocallis species) in the home garden, especially when good cultural practices are followed. Daylilies prefer a well-drained...
Armored Scale Insects & Control
Many armored scales are serious pests of ornamental shrubs, trees, groundcovers and turfgrasses in South Carolina. Almost 40% of the Clemson Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic sample submissions for...
Powdery Mildew
Introduction Powdery mildew is the name given to a group of diseases caused by several closely related fungi. Their common symptom is a grayish-white, powdery mat visible on the surface of leaves,...
Pansy Diseases & Insect Pests
Pansies are among the most popular garden flowers grown today. They are most commonly grown as annuals, producing the best flowers and growth when temperatures are mild in the fall and spring....
Gray Mold (Botrytis Blight)
Botrytis blight or “gray mold” is a widely distributed disease caused by the fungus Botrytis species. It can infect some vegetables, soft fruits, flowers, trees and shrubs, especially...
Goldenrod & Ragweed
There are approximately 28 species of goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in South Carolina, and they all produce masses of bright, golden flowers which light up old fields and the sides of our rural roads....
Scaevola or Fan Flower
Fan flower (Scaevola aemula) is an excellent summer annual to grow in hanging baskets, window boxes, containers, or as a bedding plant. Native to Australia, scaevola have become popular in the...
Hosta
Hostas are easy-to-grow, shade-tolerant perennials grown mainly for their beautiful foliage. Height/Spread The size of hostas varies greatly. The largest measures 4 feet in height with 20-inch-long...