Join other Green Industry professionals for the IPPS-Eastern Region's 2024 Annual Conference at the Marriott Columbus OSU, Columbus, Ohio, from September 23-27, 2024!

Embark on a transformative journey at the forefront of horticulture, guided by our theme: "Rooting for a better planet." This conference is more than an event; it's a commitment to cultivating a sustainable future for our industry. This year we've packed the event with inspiring speakers, engaging tours, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Secure your spot at the IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference by registering today. Register Here

For more information on the IPPS Annual conference including pricing and schedule please visit here IPPS Conference

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Conference! Click here to complete the application.

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

COMMON NAME: Sweet Black-Eyed Susan

BOTANICAL NAME: Rudbeckia subtomentosa

USDA ZONE: 4-8

SUNLIGHT: Full Sun to Partial Sun

SOIL CONDITIONS: Tolerates most soil types and moisture.

HABIT: 1-2’ x 3-5’

FEATURES: Yellow daisy-like flowers 3” across cover this long-lived perennial that blooms in the heat of late summer and into fall. Sweet Black-Eyed Susan forms large deep-rooted clumps with multiple stems that are great for the back of the garden.

Pollinators appreciate Sweet Black-Eyed Susan during the height of summer and into the fall season. This plant puts on quite a show of bright yellow blooms with dark brown centers. It works well for plantings that need height and brings drama to the garden during months when other plants are not as showy. While Sweet Black-Eyed Susan grows well in sun it also tolerates a little shade and can work nicely to bridge the gap between sun and shade plantings. As a native plant to most counties from central to eastern Iowa, it thrives in the tough conditions Iowa can throw at it and is longer lived than most Rudbeckia.

COMMON NAME: Canna Lily

SUNLIGHT: Full Sun

HEIGHT: Average 36” (varies by variety)

SPREAD: Average 12”

SOIL CONDITIONS: Well drained soil

FEATURES: Attractive foliage, large flowers, a sturdy way to add height to your planting area

WHY WE LOVE IT: Cannas are an excellent choice for less-than-ideal soil. The height they are offer isn’t at the cost of necessary staking as it is with many other tall annuals. Many varieties grown by “bulbs” or rhizomes and can be saved and shared from year to year. Some varieties are available in seed. Cannas often give a very tropical feel to a planting area. The primary colors of cannas stay in an orange, red, pink, and yellow. My favorite type to plant is Canna Cannova varieties which are available in seed and bloom very prolifically.

COMMON NAME: Very Fine Wine Weigela

BOTANICAL NAME: Weigela florida

USDA ZONE: 4-9

SUNLIGHT: Full Sun

SOIL CONDITIONS: Moist well-drained, but tolerable of almost all soils

HABIT: 2.5’ tall and wide

A new “vintage” (haha) of the Fine Wine that, like a fine wine, got better with time! This little gem is all the things a designer could want in a plant. It has an abundance of interest due to its blanket of pink flowers in the Spring and its dark contrasting red/purple foliage that stays until frost. It is a very low maintenance plant as it is compact at the perfect 2.5’ x 2.5’ mounded shape, is extremely cold hardy and is deer resistant. It adds a spectacular contrast when mixed in mass with other greens of the gardens, and is a great early bloomer while other heavy blossom summer perennials and roses and hydrangeas are still putting on initial growth.

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