Nematode Management for Bedding Plants

William T. Crow

Lobelia erinus Lobelia

Edward F. Gilman and Teresa Howe

Viola x wittrockiana Pansy

Edward F. Gilman and Teresa Howe

The publication “Viola x wittrockiana Pansy” provides an overview of the pansy, a biennial plant often grown as an annual. Known for its brightly colored flowers, the pansy thrives in cool weather and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. The document discusses the plant’s growth habits, including its preference for part shade and ample moisture, especially during hot weather. It also covers planting guidelines, pest management, and the various cultivars available, highlighting the pansy’s versatility in garden borders, containers, and as cut flowers. First published 1999.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Kalanchoe, Christmas Kalanchoe, Madagascar Widow's-thrill

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, commonly known as kalanchoe, Christmas kalanchoe, or Madagascar widow’s-thrill. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its dark green, succulent leaves, and vibrant flower clusters. The document highlights its suitability for various uses such as groundcover, rock gardens, and containers, due to its tolerance of low moisture conditions. Additionally, it outlines the plant’s growth requirements, propagation methods, and potential issues, making it a comprehensive guide for gardeners and horticulturists interested in cultivating this ornamental perennial. Original publication date October 1999.

Senecio cineraria Dusty Miller

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

The publication on Senecio cineraria (Dusty Miller) highlights its attractive silver-white, finely divided foliage, which adds visual interest, especially in low light. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and is used in mass plantings, borders, or containers. It prefers full sun or light shade and well-drained soil, with moderate drought tolerance. The plant has no major pest or disease concerns and is typically propagated by seed. The cultivar 'Silver Queen' is noted for its compact, lacy leaves. Original publication date October 1999.

Lavandula angustifolia Lavender, English Lavender

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its gray foliage, purple flowers, and growth habits. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5B through 8 and prefers sunny locations with dry, somewhat infertile soil. The document highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping and its significance in the production of lavender oil for perfumes and cosmetics. Additionally, it mentions various cultivars and their specific features, as well as care tips for optimal growth and maintenance. Original publication date October 1999.

Capsicum annuum Ornamental Pepper

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum), detailing their growth habits, planting requirements, and uses. Ornamental peppers are annuals or perennials in warmer climates, known for their colorful fruits that range from red, purple, yellow, orange, to white. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and require a rich, evenly moist growing medium. The document also highlights their non-invasive nature, moderate growth rate, and resistance to pests. Additionally, it covers the plant’s physical characteristics, including height, spread, leaf arrangement, and fruit features. Original publication date October 1999.

Zinnia spp. Zinnia

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document is about the Zinnia spp., commonly known as zinnia. It describes the plant’s various heights (6 inches to 3 feet) and vibrant flower colors (except blue). Zinnias thrive in full sun, tolerate most soils, and are used in mass plantings, containers, and as cut flowers. The document also covers planting guidelines, pest and disease management, and highlights the plant’s fast growth rate and high drought tolerance. Original publication date October, 1999.

Gomphrena globosa Common Globe Amaranth

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the common globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), detailing its characteristics, planting requirements, and uses. The plant is described as an annual with globe-shaped flowers in various colors, commonly used in mass plantings, rock gardens, and containers. It thrives in full sun and moderately dry soil, showing resistance to heat and minimal pest issues. The document also outlines its growth habits, including height, spread, and leaf arrangement, and notes its availability and non-invasive status. Propagation is typically by seed, and the plant is noted for its drought tolerance and suitability for areas with limited irrigation. Original publication date October 1999.

Coleus x hybridus Coleus

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the coleus plant, known for its vibrant foliage rather than its flowers. It details the plant’s growth requirements, including sunlight, water, and soil preferences, and offers tips for encouraging fuller growth through pinching and removing flower spikes. The document also covers the plant’s propagation methods, potential pests, and its various uses in landscaping and container gardening. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s characteristics, such as height, spread, leaf arrangement, and color, making it a versatile choice for gardeners.  Original publication date October 1999.

Helianthus annuus 'Sonja' Sonja Sunflower

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the ‘Sonja’ sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Sonja’), a short-lived annual plant known for its large, striking flowers. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and flower size, as well as its growing conditions and pest resistance. The document also compares ‘Sonja’ with other sunflower cultivars like ‘Valentine’, ‘Floristan’, and ‘Hallo’, highlighting their differences in appearance and susceptibility to pests. Additionally, it offers practical information on planting and maintaining sunflowers in Florida, emphasizing their seasonal growth patterns and potential uses in landscaping. Original publication date October 1999.

Helianthus debilis Beach Sunflower

Edward F. Gilman, Sydney Park-Brown, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis), a perennial plant native to Florida. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its small, sunflower-like flower heads, dark green deltoid leaves, and dense, spreading habit. The beach sunflower is noted for its high drought and salt tolerance, making it suitable for coastal areas. It is commonly used as ground cover and attracts butterflies. The document also outlines the plant’s growth requirements, such as full sun and well-drained sandy soils, and highlights its minimal pest issues and various cultivars. Original publication date October 1999.

Catharanthus roseus Periwinkle, Madagascar Periwinkle, Vinca

Edward F. Gilman, Teresa Howe, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a comprehensive overview of Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as periwinkle or Madagascar periwinkle. It details the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and growth habits, as well as its flowering and fruiting patterns. The document also covers the plant’s preferred growing conditions, such as soil type, light requirements, and drought tolerance. Additionally, it discusses the plant’s uses in landscaping and its potential invasive nature. The document highlights common pests and diseases that affect periwinkle and offers guidance on propagation methods. Original publication date October 1999. 

Pentas lanceolata Pentas, Egyptian Starcluster

Edward F. Gilman, Suzanne Shuffit, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides a detailed overview of Pentas lanceolata, commonly known as pentas or Egyptian starcluster. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, growth rate, and flowering habits. The document highlights the plant’s adaptability to various soil types and its moderate drought tolerance. It also notes the plant’s popularity with butterflies and hummingbirds, and its use in containers, hanging baskets, and as an accent in gardens. Additionally, it covers planting guidelines, maintenance tips, and propagation methods, emphasizing the plant’s suitability for hardiness zones 8B through 11. Original publication date October 1999.

Gardening with Annuals in Florida

Sydney Park Brown

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems