J.D. Chi

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Stories By J.D. Chi

  • Citrus Trees In Tennessee

    Citrus Trees in Tennessee. Though Tennessee is not a big producer of commercial citrus, it is possible to grow citrus in a home landscape, both in the ground and in pots. The state is in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 6 and 7, and citrus trees are best grown in the warmer part of the state, as they need ample heat to produce sugars and cannot tolerate frost. The best choices for Tennessee are cold-hardy varieties, and even these should be planted in pots or where there is some protection. Lemons, limes, sweet oranges and grapefruit are not good selections for Tennessee, as they are particularly susceptible to frost.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lilac Plants For Florida

    Lilac Plants for Florida. A staple in northern climates, lilacs (Syringa) are a deciduous shrub that produce a fragrant, cone-shaped cluster of flowers in purple or white. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is the most well-known and can grow to 20 feet in the proper climate. Florida's heat and humidity are not conducive to growing lilacs and these plants will not survive in the central or southern parts of the state. In North Florida and on the panhandle, the 'Blue Skies' and 'Miss Kim' cultivars can survive, and there are some options for similar plants throughout the state.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • What Types Of Soil Are Found In Georgia?

    What Types of Soil Are Found in Georgia?. Known for its red-clay soil, Georgia is divided into eight soil provinces from the mountains to the coast. A key producer of corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans, Georgia is known as the "Peach State" but is the third-largest producer of peaches in the U.S. Soil in Georgia ranges from loamy, nutrient-rich soils near the coast to thick, heavy clay or sandy soils inland.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Blossom Stages Of The Orange Tree

    Blossom Stages of the Orange Tree. Like most fruit trees, before orange trees bear fruit, they must first produce blossoms from which the fruit will set. Orange blossoms are small, fragrant flowers that can cover a whole tree and perfume the air. Orange blossoms, which go through three stages before dropping from the tree, are the state flower of Florida. Most blooms do not evolve into fruit, as they fall from the tree.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers Native To Cuba

    Flowers Native to Cuba. Located in the tropics, south of Miami, Florida, Cuba is an island nation with lush vegetation. According to DTCuba.com, the island has not only good growing weather, but good soil, making it easy to grow a range of tropical plants. Many plants, including flowering vines, shrubs and perennials, are native to Cuba; ironically, the Mariposa, Cuba's national flower, is not native. Plants native to Cuba may be grown in the U.S. in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and 11.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Animals That Eat Hibiscus Plants

    Animals That Eat Hibiscus Plants. Showy flowers and lush, green foliage make hibiscus plants an attractive food source for many animals, so keeping pests out of the garden can be tricky. Many kinds of animals, ranging from deer to turtles, find hibiscus plants to be a tasty meal, particularly in growing suburban areas where food sources for the animals are becoming more scarce. There is no cure-all control, though fencing and chemical or organic repellents targeted at specific animals are available. To keep hibiscus-eating animals at bay, you may have to try several deterrents before finding one that works.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Nut Trees That Can Grow In The Northwest States

    Nut Trees That Can Grow in the Northwest States. Nut trees generally require a chill period (a set number of hours per growing season when temperatures are below 45 degrees F), making the Northwest a good growing zone. Most nut trees ripen in the late summer and drop their nuts by early fall-but nuts may be harvested before they drop, by picking or shaking the tree. The Northwest, which includes Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming, is located is U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 6, though coastal Oregon and Washington are in Zone 8, which has a milder winters.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • White Flowering Trees In Massachusetts

    White Flowering Trees in Massachusetts. Massachusetts, which is located in New England along the eastern seaboard, is a four-season state and encompasses zones 5 and 6 on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. On the eastern, or coastal side, Massachusetts is zone 6 and experiences minimum temperatures of -5 degrees F. The central and western regions are in zone 5, where temperatures may drop to -15 degrees F. Many trees thrive in this climate, including some that provide white flowers, even during the winter.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Zone 7 Evergreen Azaleas

    Zone 7 Evergreen Azaleas. Defined on the USDA Plant Hardiness Map as a swath beginning in west Texas, covering most of the mid-south and ending in the mid-Atlantic states, temperatures in Zone 7 reach a minimum of 0 degrees F. This region experiences freezes but compared to northern states, has short, mild winters. Many azaleas, which are part of the Rhododendron family, are hardy in this region, are evergreen and bloom in mid-spring, according to the 1997 "Sunset National Garden Book." Azaleas thrive in acidic soil and most prefer partial sun.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Stages Of Fruit On A Persimmon Tree

    Stages of Fruit on a Persimmon Tree. Native to much of the U.S., from Connecticut to Kansas and south to Florida and Texas, persimmons are baseball-sized fruit with glossy orange or yellow skin and sweet pulp. Persimmon trees (Diospyros) can grow to 60 feet and are deciduous--glossy green leaves change to yellow, pink or purple before dropping in fall. Persimmon trees bloom in spring and some trees require cross-pollination in order to set fruit, so trees should be planted in pairs. Persimmon trees may be astringent or non-astringent. Harvest astringent fruit when it is soft ripe. Plant trees in full sun and water regularly.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • What Fruit Trees Grow In Victoria, B.C.?

    What Fruit Trees Grow in Victoria, B.C.?. Located on the southern tip of Canada's Vancouver Island, Victoria, British Columbia, has a temperate climate, but is susceptible to cold snaps. Sitting on the edge of Pugent Sound, the area is also influenced by the coast. Victoria is well known for its stunning floral displays in spring and fall, and is home to Butchart Gardens, a Canadian national historic site. Its growing season is relatively short, making it a good spot for cold-weather fruit trees, including stone fruits. Winter temperatures in Victoria can drop as low as -7 degrees Fahrenheit.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Fruit Trees That Grow In Tyler, Texas

    Fruit Trees That Grow in Tyler, Texas. Located in East Texas, in suburban Dallas, Tyler has a relatively warm climate that is defined by the USDA as hardiness zone 7b and 8a. Temperatures in this area can drop to 5 degrees Fahrenheit during the coldest winters, and summers may be hot, wet and humid. Soil in East Texas is usually naturally acidic. Many fruit trees, including some stone fruits, grow well in this area, though it is not appropriate for fruits like apples that need many hours of colder temperatures to properly set.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Tropical Plants In Oregon

    Tropical Plants in Oregon. Located in Zone 8 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Portland, Oregon shares the same zone as Tifton, Georgia and parts of Texas, but the climate is quite different. While temperatures in these areas do not traditionally drop below 10 F, Portland lacks the humidity of the south. It is, however, protected from coastal influences by the Coast Range of mountains. The growing season in Portland is about 275 days and rainfall is moderate. Some tropical plants grow well in this area, however, winds may tear delicate leaves.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Fruit Trees Recommended For Tidewater, VA

    Fruit Trees Recommended for Tidewater, VA. The Tidewater region of Virginia is considered to be the eastern part of the state, bounded by Interstate 95 to the west and the Chesapeake Bay on the east. On the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map, this area is defined as Zone 7, which has mild winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures can reach 0 degrees F, but the area has coastal influences, which lessen the severity and length of freezes. Fruit trees that require a moderate amount of chill hours (temperatures below 45 degrees) thrive in this region.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Nut Trees In Montana

    Nut Trees in Montana. Among the colder states in the nation, Montana is in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3b and 4a. Temperatures may drop to -30 degrees F in the winter. Montana experiences hard freezes, gets plenty of snow and has sub-zero temperatures through much of the winter. The growing season is short, about 75 days. Montana summers are temperate and dry. Some cold-weather nut trees thrive in the this climate, and bear fruit in fall or winter.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Vegetables That Grow Well In Reno, Nevada

    Vegetables That Grow Well in Reno, Nevada. Though Reno, Nevada is at a high elevation, the area is considered temperate and has a growing season of more than 200 days, due to the influence of marine air that spills over the Cascade Mountains. Designated as Zone 7 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Reno's climate is warmer and less volatile than surrounding areas. Root vegetables do particularly well in this area, as do tomatoes, if planted in summer. This area is quite dry during the summer, so pay special attention to keeping soil around vegetables moist.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • What Nut Trees Grow Well In South Mississippi?

    What Nut Trees Grow Well in South Mississippi?. The southern part of Mississippi, which includes Biloxi and the Gulf Coast, is located in Zone 8 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This area has mild winters and hot, humid summers. Rainfall can reach more than 50 inches annually. Winter temperatures may dip to 10 degrees F, but frosts and extended periods of cold weather are rare. The most well-known nut tree in the South is the pecan, which grows well in South Mississippi. Other nut trees are also suited for the climate, but may be susceptible to illness. Most nut trees bear nuts in winter.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Plants Similar To Azaleas

    Plants Similar to Azaleas. Colorful, evergreen shrubs and bushes that are popular in the south, azaleas (Rhododendron) offer early color in many sizes and shapes. These easy-to-care-for plants thrive in partial shade with moderate water, making them similar to their more cold-hardy cousins in the Ericaceae family, including rhododendron, mountain laurel and blueberries. Most plants in this family prefer acidic soil and are evergreen.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • The Best Peach Trees To Plant In Kansas

    The Best Peach Trees to Plant in Kansas. Peach trees, like many other stone fruits, require cold weather to properly set fruit, making Kansas a good location for the trees. The whole state is in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 5 and 6, making it a prime growing spot for these sweet fruits. Peaches (Prunus persica) require between 600 and 900 hours of chill time (temperatures below 45 degrees F) during the dormant winter season and warm summers for fruit to properly ripen. In Kansas, several peach tree varieties will thrive, and all should be planted in full sun and get regular water. Most peach trees require a cross-pollinator, so plant them in pairs.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Eucalyptus Trees In Louisiana

    Eucalyptus Trees in Louisiana. Most eucalyptus are native to Australia and grow best in cool, dry climates, including California and Arizona, where winters are mild. Some species of this fragrant, ornamental tree are hardy to as low as 0 degrees F and can thrive in more diverse climates, including Louisiana. Though the trees need little water to survive, they can tolerate wetter climates, but are more likely to thrive in central to north Louisiana than the humid southernmost parts of the state. A popular fragrance used in potpourri and candles, eucalyptus branches are also used in floral arrangements.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Names Of Tall Single Stem Garden Flowers

    Names of Tall Single Stem Garden Flowers. Add a pop of color to a home landscape with a tall, showy flower, either toward the back of your garden or as a mass planting. Many tall flowers, including varieties of lilies, callas and cannas, grow on a single stem and are available in a rainbow of colors. Most tall, single-stemmed flowers thrive in warm climates or as summer annuals in cooler climates. Whether bulbs, tubers or rhizomes, note the flower's hardiness level before planting, as some should be dug and stored through the winter.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Types Of Hanging Plants With Purple Flowers

    Types of Hanging Plants With Purple Flowers. Hanging baskets can add interest to any garden or landscape by moving color off the ground and into unexpected places. Many plants do well in hanging baskets, but all need ample water and should be properly pruned. Plants with purple blooms are widely available for hanging baskets, including some plants that cascade out of the basket and others that have vine-like trailers.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Vinca Varieties

    Vinca Varieties. When referring to vinca, gardeners should be aware of this unique situation--there are two plants that share the same name. Vinca, also known as periwinkle or myrtle, is a shade-loving perennial that produces lavender, blue or white flowers while Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea), also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a sun-loving perennial that produces white, pink or bi-color blooms.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Famous Flowers In Provence

    Famous Flowers in Provence. Located in the South of France, the flowers of the Provence region have helped make artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Cezanne famous. Also home to the vibrant, extensive Nice flower market, Provence is a popular destination for tourists and flower lovers. Because of its cool, mountainous Mediterranean climate, many wildflowers flourish in this area. Lavender is the most famous, but you'll find plenty of colorful blooms throughout the region, particularly in late spring to early summer.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Plants Of The Lily Family

    Plants of the Lily Family. There are more than 4,000 varieties and 280 genera in the lily family, according to Botantical-Online.com. Most lily plants are grasses that begin as bulbs, tubers or rhizomes, and many have showy flowers, ranging from pink-and-white stargazer lilies to bold tulips or hyacinth. As a group, lilies do best in partially shaded areas with moist soil. These plants are generally easy to care for and will add a blast of color to any garden or landscape.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • The Effects Of The Freeze On Bougainvillea

    The Effects of the Freeze on Bougainvillea. Bougainvillea is a brightly-colored vine that is often trained to grow along pergolas, fences, trellises or walls. This thorny vine gets its color from the bracts that surround small clusters of white flowers. Bracts may be magenta, purple, yellow or white. In warmer climates, the blooms may provide color all year. Bougainvillea are traditionally known as warm-weather plants. They thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness zones 8 and above, and in general, cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures. If you are growing bougainvillea in a cold region, plant it close to a dwelling or on a down slope to reduce the risk of frost. If frost threatens, cover the plant to protect it. Younger plants are more susceptible to frost damage than mature plants.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Tropical Plants In Oklahoma

    Tropical Plants in Oklahoma. Defined as zones 6b and 7a on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Oklahoma can experience minimum temperatures of minus 5 degrees F in the northern part of the state. The state's biggest city, Oklahoma City, is in zone 7a, which nominally is warmer in the winter. Several cold-hardy tropical plants, including palm varieties, can survive in Oklahoma with proper care. Tropical plants used in colder climates are best suited for southern exposures and should be protected from wind by a fence or structure. In addition, adding an extra layer of mulch to the tropical plants before winter will protect roots.

    By J.D. Chi November 4th, 2022 Read More