Plant Evaluation Notes Chicago Botanic Garden
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The Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Notes (PE Notes) are reviews of recommended plants for gardens in the Upper Midwest, as determined through scientific evaluation over a period of time -- four years for perennials, six years for shrubs and vines, and seven to ten years for trees. The program studies and recommends plants that are readily available in area nurseries.
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A Comparative Study of Joe-Pye Weeds and Their Relatives
Over a 12-year period, the Chicago Botanic Garden evaluated 26 taxa of Eutrochium species and related genera with the goal of identifying outstanding Joe-Pye weeds for Upper Midwestern gardens.
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A Comparative Study of Cultivated Asters
Over our 6-year trial, seven asters received five-star excellent ratings for their overall performance. Top-rated asters displayed consistently strong habits, superior flower production, excellent disease resistance, and full winter hardiness throughout a six-year evaluation term. Additionally, 19 asters received four-star good ratings for their strong performances.
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A Comparative Study of Phlox paniculata Cultivars
From 2001 through 2009, the Chicago Botanic Garden (USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, AHS Plant Heat Zone 5) evaluated 78 Phlox taxa in full-sun trials. Download the results in this PDF.
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A Comparative Study of Tradescantia Cultivars
Spiderworts may be pegged as common garden plants, but their unique flowers and strong habits mark them as uncommonly good garden plants. A kaleidoscopic palette of colors marks the ephemeral blossoms of Tradescantia cultivars. Just over half of the spiderworts in the study received four-star good ratings for their performance and ornamental qualities. As plants begin to turn shabby from decline or leaf spotting, shearing stems to the base will encourage a flush of new growth later in the season.
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Comparative Studies of Veronica and Veronicastrum
Throughout spring and summer the spiky flowers of Veronica rise like sentinels in the
sunny garden. Speedwells can be long-lived provided that garden soils drain freely, which is especially important during winter months. A midsummer shearing after the first bloom encourages late summer flowering. Deadheading throughout the bloom cycle produces many new, spikes later in the season. -
A Comparative Study of Platycodon grandiflorus Cultivars
Balloonflower is a bushy, clump-forming perennial, up to 3 feet tall, with winsome buds and exuberant blossoms in midsummer. In the border or cottage garden, balloonflowers are good companions to other summer-blooming perennials and are long-lived under normal conditions.