Episode 173: Flower Power Retrospective (Part 3)

Linda Levitt, Master Gardener Volunteer, rejoins "Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley" with Flower Power Retrospective (Part 3). In this episode you'll hear two previously aired short segments about flowers that have been compiled together for easier listening.

In the first segment, Linda discusses how to grow popular fall flowers that include Mums, Asters and Montauk Daisies. Including these beautiful plants in your flower gardens will bring lots of fall color to your landscape. Chrysanthemums are a large genus in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The plants can grow 2-4 feet tall with blooms that are white, yellow, or pink in the wild species, but also come in multiple cultivars with many colors and shapes of flowers. Mums are divided into garden hardy and exhibition types. Garden hardy mums can be planted in gardens while exhibition mums are more florist types and need special growing care. Garden mums are often sold in the fall but can be planted in the garden for the following year. They need organic soils in full sun but can tolerate some shade in the south. Be sure to cut the plants back in summer to encourage bushiness and a later bloom time. Use in the border, in pots, or on the patio or porch for fall color. Asters are also members of the Asteraceae family. They have daisy-like flowers and come in a variety of colors. They are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They typically bloom in late summer and fall, adding color as the seasons change. They have mounding as well as erect varieties and may be propagated by seeds, division, root cuttings, or stem cuttings. Deer, rabbits, and other mammals may nibble at the flower buds but they don't tend to eat the entire plant because of its pungent smell, bitter taste. The plant tolerates the nibbling, which serves as beneficial pruning. Asters are an important food and nesting source for wildlife. The Montauk Daisy (also known as the Nippon daisy) is native to Japan but cultivated as an ornamental elsewhere. This perennial tolerates light shade in hot climates. New growth may be cut back slightly in spring to maintain plant compactness and encourage bushy form. Removing spent flower heads may promote additional blooms. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. It produces wonderful, long-lasting fresh-cut flowers. They are also good for drought-tolerant gardens.

The second segment features Holiday plants including how to care for them. Amaryllis, Holiday Cactus and Poinsettias are all discussed. Amaryllis bulbs, native to Africa, come in various sizes. Amaryllis may be purchased as bare or planted bulbs, and are prized for their exotic trumpet-shaped flowers (typically red, white, pink, salmon, apricot, rose, or burgundy) on leafless stalks that can be 1-2 feet long. They add dramatic color to homes and gardens and make wonderful gifts to gardeners from beginners to experts. Amaryllis flowers, which can be single or double) range from 4 to 10 inches in size. The holiday cactus is a genus of succulent plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae) that are native to Southeast Brazil. This genus includes the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus. It has fleshy stems, showy flowers and grows well as a houseplant, preferring moisture but adapting to a variety of home environments. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, but doesn't like direct sun. Periods of lower light in the fall will encourage winter blooms. They may be propagated by stem or root cuttings.The poinsettia is native to Mexico and Guatemala. In the United States, it is typically grown as a potted plant and is popular as a decorative flower (available in shades of red, pink, and white) during the holidays. The plant grows best in part shade at temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry, but do not overwater. The cup-shaped yellow "flowers" bloom in the winter through the spring and cluster above showy red leafy bracts or modified leaves.

We hope you've enjoyed this retrospective series. As Linda Levitt reminds us "don't forget to stop and smell the flowers'".

Host: Jean Thomas

Guest: Linda Levitt

Photo by: Teresa Golden

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas

Resources

• Chrysanthemum Care (psu.edu)
• How to Grow and Care for Nippon Daisies | The Spruce
• Poinsettias (psu.edu)
• Holiday Cacti: University of Illinois Extension
• Amaryllis | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu)
• Poinsettias (psu.edu)

Last updated May 15, 2025