Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine

Read all about perennials and landscape trees and shrubs in the ONLA publications "Perennial Plants for Ohio" and "Landscape Plants for Ohio." The descriptions and photographs of plants were provided for these publications by the OSU ENLT Team along with other industry plant lovers. These full-color publications are available at [ http://Buckeyegardening.com ] for $5.00. Click on "garden store" and then "ONLA plant guides." ONLA members can purchase these in quantities at a reduced price at [ http://onla.org ].

*WOODY PLANT OF THE WEEK. SILVER LINDEN (Tilia tomentosa). Lindens are a mainstay in commercial, community, and home landscapes in Ohio. One that is spectacular right now is the silver linden with its shimmering foliage. An ONLA Plant Selection Committee winner, silver linden is a medium to large shade tree that does quite well in street tree sites that can accommodate its size. Dark green upper leaves and silvery lower leaf surfaces shimmer attractively in the wind. The 'Sterling' cultivar has magnificent overall structure with broad pyramidal crown. It was a true standout in the OSU Shade Tree Evaluation Plot (1960s-1990s) at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, and specimens of silver linden were kept for display once the research plot was decommissioned. This and other Tilia spp. will be one of the featured genera in the new TREE (Tree Research Evaluation and Extension) Plots at Secrest.

*PERENNIAL OF THE WEEK. CONEFLOWER (Echinacea purpurea). The world of coneflowers has exploded exponentially in recent years, making it difficult for the gardener to select the best plant for the garden! Recent introductions have a variety of features including double-flowered, fragrance, and various heights. Coneflowers begin to bloom now in central Ohio and last throughout July and into August. Frequent deadheading prolongs blooms. These plants adapt to varying environmental conditions and tolerate heat and dry soils. Gardeners can leave the seed heads on the plant toward the end of the season for the goldfinches. However, beware that the species coneflower and other varieties may spread aggressively. Some of the new varieties include: 'Big Sky' series (maroon and yellow flowers); 'After Midnight' (purplish); 'Hope' (large center) ; 'Meadowbrite' series (orange and yellow); and many more. Don't forget those that have been around awhile as well, such as the 1998 Perennial Plant of the Year 'Magnus' (purple, 36-40" tall) and 'Kim's Knee High' (shorter with pink flowers).

*WEED OF THE WEEK. GROUND IVY (Glechoma hederacea). Ground ivy, or creeping Charlie, is a perennial broadleaf weed in lawns and landscapes. Ground ivy has creeping stems that root at the nodes. The leaves emit a mint‑like odor when mowed. They are opposite, nearly round in outline or sometimes kidney‑shaped with long petioles or leaf stems. Leaf margins have large rounded teeth and leaf veins arise from the same point. The leaves look like miniature geranium leaves. Its stems are square and trailing, mostly without hair.

Ground ivy has rhizomes and fibrous roots that are also produced at the base at each node of the trailing stem. Its flowers occur in clusters of 3 in the area between the stem and petiole (leaf axils). Flowers are blue‑violet, 3/8" - 5/16". Ground ivy is very difficult to control. A "three-way" herbicide (e.g. Trimec), which includes 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba, will provide some control of ground ivy in lawns, but may require multiple applications. Exercise caution when applying this herbicide during hot days to avoid injury to turfgrass or other desirable plants. Follow the pesticide label for directions.

For more information, see:

• University of Illinois Information on Ground Ivy in Violets
• University of Illinois Information on Ground Ivy