KTRS 550 Inside Out Program Featured Plant of the Week

This is an exciting and reliable Hydrangea for the lower Midwest. So far in typical clay soil and varying degrees of warm temperatures, ‘Limelight’ has showcased clean refreshing pistachio green blooms that shifted to a soft cream by mid- season. She blushes a lingering soft rose when autumn makes his appearance, which she holds into the chill of the late hours of the season.
She is young and yet to display the fullness of maturity but she has not disappointed her many admirers with her blossom’s color shift.
She has looked comfortable in her surrounding for two full seasons in the morning sun.
She escapes the heat of mid-day, shaded by an admiring companion that wishes to remain anonymous.
Not any thirstier than most hydrangeas, her flower size and quantity may diminish if there is excessive heat, drying winds and not adequate moisture
I best appreciate her in the garden but I am told she is a great addition in fresh and dried arrangements as well!

Easy House Plants Recommended for KTRS 550 listeners

So here you go –Several suggestions for easy-care- house plants:
Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant) - The ZZ can survive in just about any setting. It is a slow grower and has little demands for water and light, a very unique plant.
Peace lily – This is a long time favorite I frequently give to beginner indoor gardeners. This plant calls out when it is thirsty by completely collapsing in its pot. Soon, watering it becomes rather routine and less stressful for the plant. It also has a wide range of light tolerance.
Pothos or Philodendron - Most of the varieties grown for indoor use are trailing plants like ivies. There are lots of variations, including leaf sizes and yellow and white marbled foliage. With lower light levels the leaf coloration may not be as vibrant. These have few pest problems and require limited quantities of water.
Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis) This ivy, also known as Canary Island ivy, has very large (4 to 8 inches long), heart-shaped, glossy leaves. ‘Gloire de Marengo’ is a widely grown cultivar that has creamy white edges around a gray and green center.

Aglaonema - One of my favorite groups of plants. Lots of color choices! Also many new Aglaonemas handle cold much better which make them perfect for four season rooms that occasionally take a chill!
Aspidistra - Also know as the cast-iron plant. This tough as nails houseplant was a favorite in Victorian times. Often touted as the toughest of house plants, it can also be boring to a point but still a safe choice.
Asplenium bulbiferum – Also known as Mother fern. This is my new favorite. It is a lacy fern with glossy looking greenish-yellow fronds.” Bulbiferum” refers to the production of small bulblets along the edge of each frond which adds to its delicate look. This is a wonderful and durable houseplant recommended by my friend Ricki Creamer of Red Cedar Country Gardens. Jim, her husband thought it did so well, it must be artificial (of course it wasn’t) Planted with her Algerian ivy, it sits in her kitchen, needing only average light and minimum care!