Chicago Botanic Garden Winter 2019

18 chicagobotanic.org Winter garden goals Mulch perennial beds once the ground has frozen. Disconnect outside water sources, drain hoses, and store indoors. Do this before temperatures dip below freezing. Order catalogs from seed, bulb, and nurs- ery sources so you can begin to plan next year’s garden. Come to Super Seed Week- end for ideas. Recycle Christmas tree branches as mulch for garden beds. Monitor plants for signs of winter damage from animals, ice, snow, or wind. Water evergreens and conifers as need- ed during periods of winter thaw. Choose de-icing products that are potassium- or calcium-based rather than sodium-based to protect plants. Amaryllis: Give a gift of blooms • Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) are among the best-known bulbs grown for forcing indoors. • Unlike other bulbs, amaryllis do not need chilling before they will bloom. • Plant breeders have introduced dozens of new varieties ranging in size from min- iatures no bigger than 4 inches across to giant doubles that can reach 8 inches in size, with dozens of frilly petals. • Most common: the large, red cultivars such as ‘Red Lion.’ (See amaryllis in the Greenhouses this season.) • ey are easy to care for, requiring bright light and not very much water. ey perform best if allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Cooler rooms prolong owering, so make sure not to place amaryllis next to a heating vent. • Have patience. From the time they push up leaves, the bulbs may take two to four weeks or more to ower. Gardening Tips from Garden experts Learn more chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo