INLA Newsletter | May 2025

INLA NEWSLETTER

May 2025

IN THIS ISSUE:

Plant Picks of the Month
ICNP Certification

Perennial Plant Pick of the Month

by Tyler Baird

Asarum canadense

COMMON NAME: Wild Ginger

BOTANICAL NAME: Asarum canadense

USDA ZONE: 4-6

SUNLIGHT: Part to full shade

SOIL CONDITIONS: Medium to wet soils.

HABIT: .5’-1’x1’-1.5’

FEATURES:

Wild ginger, aka Canadian Wild Ginger is a groundcover that is early to leaf in the spring. It is grown for its heart shaped foliage that have appealing veins and dark green color.

WHY WE LOVE IT:

This is a very tolerant ground cover that spreads slowly by rhizomes. The rate of spread is slow enough that it does not become aggressive or a problem in the garden. The foliage is very attractive and emerges early to provide a nice green ground layer in the spring. This plant will tolerate deer, heavy shade, erosion, and wet soil which makes it a good option in many areas where other plants struggle. It also does not have any notable serious insect or disease problems making it a worry-free addition to the garden.

Annual Plant Pick of the Month

by Dylan Schrock

Vinca Cora Xdr Cascade Cherry

COMMON NAME: Annual Vinca, Periwinkle

BOTANICAL NAME: Catharanthus roseus

SUNLIGHT: Full Sun

HEIGHT: 6-14”

SPREAD: 8-10”

SOIL CONDITIONS: Prefers well drained soil but can handle many different types of soil conditions

FEATURES:

Glossy green foliage, showy 1-3 inch flowers, spreading and upright varieties allowing for different uses

WHY WE LOVE IT:

The hot and humid summers we often have in Iowa are what this plant thrives in. Vinca doesn’t require the constant watering that many annuals do. It will flower beautifully through dry spells. As the hot summer drags on vinca never gets the ‘spent’ look that annuals often do after a long season. It looks fresh right up until frost and gives beautiful flowers through the whole season. My favorite varieties come from the ‘cora xdr’ line which features many colors of both upright and cascading vinca.

Vinca Cora Xdr Cranberry

Woody Herbaceous Plant Pick of the Month

by David Selmer

COMMON NAME: Northern Bush Honeysuckle

BOTANICAL NAME: Diervilla

USDA ZONE: 4a-7b

SUNLIGHT: Full Shade to Full Sun

SOIL CONDITIONS: Moist well-drained but drought-tolerant

HABIT: 3-4’ x 3-4’ Mounded

FEATURES:

This plant is not the invasive honeysuckle Lonicera! To the contrary, it is a native and attracts many of our favorite pollinators including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its light yellow flowers.

WHY WE LOVE IT:

This plant is extremely durable to just about any condition. It grows in full shade to full sun. it is drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. It stays true to its habit and doesn’t require maintenance – though will welcome a trim in spring like most cut-back shrubs as it blooms on new wood. There are many great cultivars including the Kodiak series by Proven Winners that have wonderful colored foliage including Orange, Red, and a Dark Maroon. It is an excellent way to add some color interest – especially in shady spots where weigela, ninebark, and barberry won’t thrive. In fact the bright red color in the Fall makes this plant an excellent native replacement for the popular invasive burning bush.

ICNP Certification

If you’re looking to get ICNP certification, please contact Bob Smith at Kirkwood Community College, and we will try to organize a time to sign your business or individuals up to test and become an Iowa Certified Nursery Professional.

Contact Bob at 319.398.5899 x5127 or Bob.Smith@kirkwood.edu

INLA Membership Enrollment

If you haven’t returned your 2024-25 Membership Enrollment, please follow the link below and take a moment to register online!

INLA Membership Online Membership Form

Thank you for your membership!

Collette Jurek

Russo Outdoor Power Plus

Schiller Park, IL

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