Xeriscaping Doesn't Mean ZERO Scaping

Xeriscape is a landscape design emphasizing little to no water usage and is a realistic alternative to traditional landscaping in any climate. Low water use landscaping does not mean one is limited to cacti, succulents, and rocks. Instead, it involves designing a landscape that utilizes low-water plants and reduces turf. Other benefits of xeriscape include reduced yard maintenance and reduced water bills while attracting wildlife to your yard. 

The most vital part of your xeriscape plan is ensuring that watering and irrigation zones are laid out efficiently. A successful xeriscape relies on minimized water usage through efficient irrigation methods. A drip system can deliver water directly to a plant’s roots deep within the soil, reducing evaporation and allowing us to water with less frequency.   

Turf uses large amounts of water. By limiting, or eliminating, turf in your landscape planning, you can significantly cut down on water usage. Turf areas will be irrigated differently than border areas containing flowers and shrubs. Flowers and shrubs can utilize a drip system using less water while turf requires irrigation or sprinkling using significantly more water. 

Now it is time to decide where to place everything, choose low water usage plants, shrubs, and trees. Drought-tolerant species can withstand Idaho’s dry conditions. Arrange plants with similar water requirements together. Some recommendations for drought-tolerant plants include Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and Penstemon. Wavy-leaf oak and Mountain Mahogany are examples of drought-tolerant trees. Make choices that will provide pops of color in your yard throughout the year.

Before planting, you must enhance the soil quality to retain moisture. Soils in the Treasure Valley tend to be heavy with clay. Add organic matter, compost, and mulch to improve the soil and enhance water retention. The use of mulch can also aid in weed abatement. Plastic and other non-porous materials are not recommended for use in the garden for keeping down weeds.

Finally, you may also want to add rocks and boulders for visual interest. Often, rocks are arranged in such a way that it appears there is a dry stream bed running through the yard.

Regularly maintain your xeriscape by pruning, weeding, and adjusting irrigation as needed. Watering early in the morning reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation. Early morning irrigating also reduces the risk of disease because plants have time to dry out during the day.

Shrubs Native to Southwestern Idaho

 Interest in native plants continues to grow, and for good reason! Whether for water  conservation, wildlife habitat and food sources, or simply an adherence to local flora, gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike find themselves curious about native plants.  

Plants native to southwestern Idaho are evolved to withstand hot and dry summers, cold winters, periodic droughts, and infrequent wildfires. It should be noted that native plants  are not necessarily synonymous with Fire Wise plants, a type of plant selected to withstand fires. Native plants provide a critical food source and habitat for insects, small mammals, and birds. Native plants have adapted to be more drought tolerant compared  to nonnative plants. Below are five shrubs that are native to Idaho and well adapted to  the growing conditions of the Treasure Valley. 

Purshia tridentata (Antelope bitterbrush) grows to about 5-8’ tall and 4-6’ wide. The flowers of this shrub The flowers of this shrub are small, bright yellow, fragrant, an appear in late spring. Bitterbrush serves as a critical food source to herbivores, especially during harsh winters. As the name implies, the seeds have a bitter flavor.

Artemesia tridentata (Basin Big Sagebrush)  grows 3-5’ tall on average in a rounded or to many sagebrush species, this shrub actually produces two types of leaves: one that is deciduous and another that is persistent (or evergreen). The leaves produce an essential oil that repels some wildlife but attracts fragrant others, such as pygmy rabbits and Greater Sage-grouse, which are dependent on it. 

Artemisia tridentata ssp. xericensis (Foothills sagebrush) is a naturally occurring hybrid between basin big sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush. This shrub grows 3’  tall and flowers in September. One way to distinguish between this shrub and the basin big sagebrush is by shining an ultraviolet light on it when wet. Foothills sagebrush glows  a blue color, while basin big sagebrush does not.

Ericameria nauseosa(Gray rabbitbrush) grows to 2-7’ tall and 1-4’ wide and blooms yellow in late summer or early fall. This shrub This shrub is an excellent food source and habitat for small mammals and birds. While native, Gray rabbitbrush is, in fact, highly flammable.

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Green rabbitbrush) grows up to 3’ tall and 1-2’ wide.
Yellow flowers appear in late summer. The Latin species name viscidiflorus means “sticky flowers” and refers to the pungent smell and sticky texture of the rabbitbrush. Green rabbitbrush is both highly flammable and capable of resprouting vigorously after fire. It is an excellent food source, especially to rabbits.

Native shrubs play an important role in Idaho’s ecosystem as they are uniquely adapted
to the growing conditions and provide an important food source and habitat for a variety

of animals. Here's a good list for more info.

Why Mulch? Conserve Water and Reduce Weeding

There are so many benefits to using mulch in your garden and landscape! Spreading a layer of mulch on top of the soil protects plants from extremes in temperature. It helps protect plant roots and crowns in winter. Use dark colored mulch in the spring to warm up the soil faster for warm-season crops. To protect plants from the heat of summer, use light colored mulch to lower soil temperature. A layer of mulch also allows soil to hold more water. Using organic mulches adds nutrients to the soil as they decompose making soil more fertile over time. Additional organic matter also makes soil easier to till and creates a better environment for growing vegetables.

Mulching correctly, to a depth of about four inches, also creates a barrier that helps to control weeds. It must be deep enough to keep sunshine from hitting the soil and germinating weed seeds. Another potential benefit of a well-mulched garden is increased yields. Fruits and vegetables are cleaner and less subject to rot when not in contact with soil. Rows can be closer together as there is less need to cultivate, possibly no need to cultivate at all! 

Mulching need not be expensive. You can mulch with materials found around your yard or garden. A light layer of dried grass clippings or shredded leaves can be used with caution. If applied too thickly, grass and leaves can form a mat that interferes with the movement of water and oxygen through the soil. Pine needles last a long time and are excellent mulches for acid-loving plants. Compost is the best organic mulch provided that the compost is “finished”, meaning the decomposition process is complete and no longer generating heat.

Mulch can be applied at any time and may need to be reapplied throughout the growing season. It is important to note that as organisms break down and decompose some mulches, such as hardwood bark, straw, or sawdust, soil nitrogen levels can become depleted which inhibits plant growth. You can compensate for this by mixing some composted material into the mulch, such as grass clippings. Be careful not to apply mulch too deeply as air may not be able to penetrate the mulch layer and result in oxygen depletion. At the end of the growing season, mulch can be tilled into the soil or simply left to decompose over the winter. However you decide to do it, with care mulch can improve life in the garden and the life of the gardener. Happy mulching!

Mexican Sunflower-(Tithonia): To Plant or Not To Plant

(Picture of Tithonia by Jeff Schalau)

Sharing is fun, especially when it comes from the garden. Of course I enjoy sharing produce with others, but my real love is in sharing flowers. It is an activity I can do with my wife that brings joy to our family, friends, and neighbors. I plant and raise the flowers, and my wife arranges them in mason jars to give away to whoever needs them. Maybe they just had a baby or just lost a loved one. Maybe they are sick or just had surgery. Or maybe they just need a pick-me-up or something to smile about. My wife and I were blessed to share our flower arrangements with 47 people last year.

I am always looking for new flowers to share. One flower I started using two years ago is Tithonia Rotundifolia of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as Mexican Sunflower. It has much the same open growth habit as of regular sunflowers. It grows over 6 feet tall and has vibrant orange/red, 3-to-4-inch flowers with a yellow center. They are beautiful in arrangements.

This year I hoped to still use Tithonia, but first I wanted to check out the allelopathic detriment Tithonia may have on other plants around it. The 2024 CCMG manual glossary defines allelopathy as: “The excretion by some plants’ leaves and roots of compounds that inhibit the growth of other plants.” 

Jeff Schalau, an agent of agriculture for the University of Arizona, reported, “In my garden this year, the Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) looks to have had serious allelopathic effects on my adjacent lettuce bed. The lettuce plants within four feet of the Tithonia are noticeably stunted.” 

(Picture of the affected lettuce)

(Plot growing the same lettuce seed but isolated from Tithonia)

Good thing I don’t grow lettuce. Although Tithonia can have negative effects on other plants (Schalau also mentions legumes and cereals), it appears that it is only within close proximity. In my own garden, beans and tomatoes were planted about 10 feet away from the Tithonia but produced great, as did chard, peas, and peppers.

So of what benefit is Tithonia? As the North Carolina state extension Gardener Toolbox discusses, one of its ecological positives is its role as a pollinator. It is commonly used in gardens to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and other pollinators. I remember in my garden last year I had to pick them early each day before the plants were covered with bees. 

Now that I know Tithonia better as a great pollinator and understand the precautions needed to decrease allelopathic effects, I will invite this beautiful flower back into my yard. Who knows? Maybe my wife and I will share 50 arrangements this year.

Idaho Native Flowers

When you hear the phrase “native flowers”, what do you picture? Maybe a landscape full of beautiful, colorful, and beneficial flowers? Or does your mind conjure up an image of valueless, unattractive, and dull flowers? In this article, I will present three native flowers to consider planting in your landscape or garden: Common Yarrow, Wild Blue Flax, and Common Camas, emphasizing reasons to plant Idaho native flowers.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial that grows early spring and blooms through mid-summer. It has long leaves that appear fern-like and flowers that range from white, yellow, pink, or red. Yarrow was a food source in the 17th century and North American tribes used it to treat many ailments. Its rapid growth from seed and rhizomes encourages spreading. It also tolerates many conditions and soil types and is relatively pest-free. Because it attracts beneficial pollinators and is a food source for big horn sheep, deer, sage grouse, and their chicks, Yarrow seed has been added to other nature seeds to rehabilitate disturbed sites along roadways and parks and is very well suited for xeriscaping. Yarrow is also good for composting.

Wild Blue Flax (Linum lewisii) is an annual which blooms from May to June. It produces concentrations of small, cheery blooms balanced on thin green stems. Flowers last a day and are replaced with fresh blooms of light blue, blue, yellow, and red. Blue Flax produces a lot of seeds and reseeds itself. It is adaptive to most soil conditions and is drought tolerant with minimal problems with disease. It is a food source for deer, antelope, and birds and may provide protective cover for small animals and birds. Blue Flax is also valued by land management for helping with erosion control.

Common Camas (Camassia quamash) is a perennial herb grown from an edible bulb in the Lily family. It blooms from April through June and produces many seeds. A single plant may live from fifteen to twenty years. Flowers range from light to deep blue. Camas is a food source for elk, deer, moose, and gophers. Common Camas is still considered to be one of the most important (root) foods and medicinal plants of the North American Indigenous population. The bulbs are usually harvested after flowering in the summer. It is recommended that people use caution when identifying and harvesting Common Camas so as not to confuse plants with Death Camas which can be toxic if eaten.

Native flowers are not invasive, but rather protect the biodiversity that supports our local ecosystem maintaining land development and conserving resources. Native plants are almost effortless to grow and nurture. Native plants are masterfully adapted to our unique environment, saving time and money. Along with providing beauty and benefits, with some experimentation and education, you could format your landscape for year-round attraction. For these reasons, consider planting Native flowers and help support and safeguard Idaho’s legacy.

Start Your Garden Journal NOW!

A gardening journal is a perfect place to organize and

store all of your garden-related information that will guide you in making future decisions about the plants you choose to grow, how to combat any nutrient deficiencies and pest invasions/disease problems which you encountered, and dreams about future landscape designs for your space. There is no right or wrong way to keeping a gardening journal; it is simply a personal horticultural record of your observations as well as yours hopes and dreams for your garden. 
There are as many different formats or styles of journals to choose from as there are gardeners. Based on your personal preferences, you could simply use a blank hard-cover composition book, a spiral notebook, a graph paper notebook, a scrap book, a three-ring binder with plastic dividers and pockets for seeds, a custom designed disc-bound notebook or even a digital format (there are many apps to try!). Whatever system you select, make sure it is easy and convenient for you to use.

The contents of your garden journal will depend upon what you find interesting or useful in your garden; it can be a detailed scientific collection of information, a creative expression of the beauty in your garden or anything in between. The scientific gardener could include charts and graphs to record temperatures and fertilization schedules. The artistic gardener could add pressed flowers or leaves and artwork. There are several recommended categories that ought to be included in your garden journal. Recording your hardiness zone and the first and last frost dates are critical to planting the right plants at the right time in the right places.

Recording the dates of direct sowing, transplanting, blooming, and harvesting times will also be quite useful. Creating a map will help you remember the varieties of plants you planted and their locations. Some other suggested topics you may want to include are the sunlight patterns during the growing season, unusual weather and temperatures patterns with dates to help you determine best planting times, a maintenance and fertilizing schedule, any diseases or pests your plants encountered along with the most effective treatments, the soil quality, seed inventory lists, and your goals for the next year. 

Keeping a garden journal will help you celebrate your successes, learn from your mistakes, and be prepared to deal effectively with gardening issues. By simply observing and recording the dynamics of life in your garden, you will create a powerful resource for future successes in your gardening journey. 

5 Reasons to Add Hummingbird Groundcover to your Yard

Who doesn’t want to find late-season bloomers for their garden? Let’s face it, most of our favorite blooms fade out by August. I discovered Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet Zauscherhneria garrettii (Fire Chalice)® or (Orange Carpet)® or Z. latifolia (Woody's Peach Surprise)® as a way to add color, then discovered it has many other benefits.

1. As a late season evergreen perennial, Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet Fire Chalice, blooms year after year. It is adaptive to low water conditions. This superb plant spreads to form a loose mat of low growing, bright green foliage. Starting late July, it lights up the garden with a profusion of bright red or orange flowers. With a drooping habit, it looks great in containers, rock walls, and hanging over raised beds. Regular watering when in bloom keeps the flowers popping for 4 to 8 weeks.

2. The plant's continuous bloom is key to bringing back birds year after year. The crimson color inch-long blooms attract hummingbirds and provide much-needed nectar forage.

3. Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet Zauschneria garrettii

Orange Carpet ®  is a native plant. It originated from the mountains of southern Idaho and thrives in our climate. 

4. You can use it in a lot of ways - not only as ground cover, but also in containers, rock garden, and mass-plantings. You can plant it anytime during the spring or summer.

5. My personal favorite: deadheading is not required! (!!)
Other late season bloomers that attract hummingbirds: Hummingbird Mint (Agastache), Scarlet Hedge Nettle, Beard Tongue Penstemon, Salvia, Columbine, Coral Bells, Red Birds in a Tree, Texas Red Yucca, Bee Balm.

Where to buy Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet: Look for a seedling at nurseries that sell native plants.
I have found it at:

• Adams Gardens & Nursery-Nampa,
• Edwards Greenhouse,
• Draggin' Wing High Desert Nursery-Boise.
• It is available online at High Country Gardens.

Gardening to attract hummingbirds requires nectar-rich flowers as well as water and shelter because not all birds will visit feeders. Adding Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet to your bird buffet can help insure the future for the birds, replacing food lost due to human activities like agriculture and urbanization.

Earthworms for Your Garden

Have you ever wondered what the best worms are for your garden? There are many benefits to having them, but which ones can give you the most benefits? This article will shed some light on our wriggly little garden friends and help you understand their benefits.

In North America, we have about 180 species of earthworms, and approximately 4,000 species worldwide. They play a critical role in breaking down and decomposing plants and other organic material in our yard, garden, and compost pile. In their wake, they also leave nutrient-dense waste (called “castings”) which is second to none when it comes to improving your soil.

Earthworms can be divided into three groups, each having unique characteristics. Anecic worms play an important role in soil formation and leaf decomposition by pulling leaves into their deep vertical permanent burros. These are also known as nightcrawlers. Endogeic worms build lateral burrows in the soil and have little effect on the surface as they are the only worms that prefer to eat large amounts of soil rich in organic material. They also play a role in the aeration and decomposition of dead plant roots. Epigeic worms, which include the common red wiggler, live on top of the soil eating rotting organic matter, and have a high rate of reproduction. They are also commonly used in vermicomposting systems.

As much as we love earthworms, some problems can arise in their presence. The biggest complaint that homeowners have is that they create lumpy surfaces in grass and other areas that people prefer to keep level (see photo to the left). On a worldwide level, humans can create issues when we introduce worm species to new places and create an imbalance in the local ecosystems. But, generally speaking, the benefits of native earthworms far outweigh their inconveniences.

What are the main benefits to earthworms? To start, worm castings contain concentrated humus and may contain 5 times more nitrogen, 7 times more phosphorus, and 1000 times more beneficial bacteria than the original soil that helps plants thrive. Worms aid in soil aggregation, creating pores for the movement of air, water, nutrients, and roots. Worms can also eat their body weight in food a day.

So, what are some ways to attract and keep worms? In general, it is recommended to disturb the soil as little as possible because we have learned that we can disrupt the soil food web, release precious carbon, and more. Tilling also harms our earthworms. Reducing or eliminating tilling is a great start to keeping earthworms in your yard or garden. Additionally, covering the soil with mulch and organic matter on the surface will help feed the worms as well as reduce the need for tilling and weeding.

Creating a welcoming place for earthworms in your garden, yard, and compost pile has many benefits that you can’t get anywhere else. These little creatures offer big payoffs if you attract and keep them around. Happy worm farming!

Tomato Cages

It’s about this time of year when gardeners begin to get excited about growing tomatoes. Regardless of whether the tomatoes you grow will be used in sauce, salads, or soups, the plants will require proper support. Let’s talk about some options for tomato cages!

There are as many designs and material options for tomato cages as preferences for their use. Here are some things to consider about materials:

Wood
Wooden cages can be built or purchased and are relatively inexpensive, but the wood will eventually rot so you may get fewer years of use from this type of support.

Wire
Supports made of wire will last longer than wood, but sometimes they aren’t strong enough to support larger, indeterminate varieties of tomatoes.

PVC
PVC works well but sometimes takes longer to put together and the sun will eventually weaken them. Additionally, these cages tend to be bigger and bulkier.

Heavier Gauge Metal
Concrete reinforcing mesh is made of stronger metal that will last many years and you can make them very tall to accommodate tomato plants that reach for the stars. But making cages out of this material is more difficult and expensive.

Once you determine the material you prefer, it’s good to consider the design elements of your tomato cage. Pruning and harvesting your tomatoes will require spaces for reaching through with your hands or tools, so make sure your cage accommodates that. The bottom of the cage needs to be open enough to allow for easy weeding and watering. It’s also good to consider where and how you will store your tomato cages over winter. Collapsible options are convenient, but sometimes weaker than cages that take up more space and weigh more.

Once you have determined what design and material you want to use, numerous websites will give you detailed instructions on building your tomato cages and the pros and cons of the multitude of designs available.

One thing is certain, you will need to support your tomatoes to get a healthier and more abundant harvest. Enjoy!

Adding Milkweed to your Landscape

There was a time that it was common to see milkweed growing alongside ditch banks in the farming areas of Idaho. As housing developments replaced farm lands the ditch banks disappeared and the use of chemical agents became more common. You may ask, “Who cares?”  If the monarch butterfly could talk to us, you can be sure they would say that they care. Monarch butterfly larvae, or caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed leaves. Without the milkweed host plant the larvae are unable to develop into adult butterflies. 

Members of the community who enjoy the presence of butterflies and understand their value as pollinators also care. Recognizing a fall in the population the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service applied for endangered species protection for the Monarch butterfly in 2014.

A large part of the effort to support monarch preservation is providing milkweed plants to replace those that have been lost in the environment. It is important to use milkweed native to the area in which you live. Milkweed creates toxins. Monarch butterflies have used these toxins to their benefit as anti-predator and anti-parasite defense. Milkweed plants that are not native to an area can contain larger amounts of the toxins and create harmful levels for the monarchs.

The state of Idaho has 6 varieties of milkweed native to our environment according to the Idaho Native Plant Society newsletter.

Antelope horn milkweed  (Asclepias asperula)  is found in southern Idaho, especially in the Preston area.

 

  

 Pallid milkweed (Asclepias cryptoceras) is found on clay or gravelly soils in southwestern Idaho (Owyhees) to Utah.

Photo ©Luis Stevens

Narrow-leafed  or Mexican whorled milkweed  (Asclepias fascicularis) is found in Idaho’s western Panhandle. Very weedy.

Jennifer Anderson, hosted by the
 USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is common in eastern U.S., also found in Idaho and in Utah.

Robert Tatina, hosted by the
 USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is Idaho's most common species. It grows up to 1 meter tall with fragrant flowers in late summer. The corona is in the shape of horns, and contains nectares. Each inflorescence usually grows only one follicle (seed pod).

Photo ©Al Schneider

Poison or Horsetail milkweed (Asclepias subverticillata) is a weedy species with small white flowers and narrow leaves.

Seeds for most of these milkweed species can be found from seed vendors on-line. Milkweed seeds are wild seeds. They have evolved to thrive in a natural environment, not your backyard. The seeds  require conditions that mimic environmental conditions to germinate. The LadyBird Johnson Wildflower Center has developed and tested a protocol that results in good germination rates for native milkweed species. The process involves four steps that take 4 to 8 weeks to complete. So start now!

Recognizing the importance of the monarch butterfly, a partnership of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic programs, The Monarch Joint Venture, has been working to support the goals of North American Monarch Conservation Plan. They provide educational resources to the public about Monarchs and Milkweed.

MonarchWatch is another resource for the gardener interested in supporting and attracting pollinators. They offer guidelines for gardening methods that support Monarch butterflies and offer Monarch Waystation designation when their guidelines are followed.

The addition of milkweed to the milkweed to the environment around your home will provide needed host plants for Monarch butterflies. When nectar producing plants are also added your landscape can attract a variety of pollinators. Successful gardening is a partnership. The gardener provides the plants needed by the pollinators to survive and the pollinators give the gardener new seeds to continue the process.

Soil blocking for your Spring Seed Starting

Soil blocking presents several advantages for home gardeners, making it an attractive option for those seeking efficient, sustainable, and rewarding gardening practices.

Space Optimization: For home gardeners with limited space, seed blocking offers a compact and efficient way to start seeds indoors. By using soil blocks rather than traditional pots or trays, gardeners can maximize their growing area and cultivate a greater variety of plants in a smaller space.

Cost-Effectiveness: While initial investment in seed-blocking equipment may be required, the long-term savings are significant. Soil blocks can be made using simple tools or purchased commercially, eliminating the need for disposable seed trays and pots. Moreover, seed blocking reduces seed waste by ensuring each seed is planted with precision, saving money on seed purchases in the long run.
Improved Seedling Health: Seedlings grown in soil blocks tend to experience less transplant
shock compared to those grown in traditional seed trays. The intact soil blocks protect delicate roots during transplanting, resulting in healthier, more resilient seedlings with higher survival rates.
Water Efficiency: Soil blocks retain moisture more effectively than traditional planting 

mediums, reducing the frequency of watering needed for seedlings. This is especially beneficial for home gardeners who may have limited time for watering or live in regions with water restrictions.
Ease of Transplanting: Transplanting seedlings from soil blocks is straightforward and minimizes root disturbance. Gardeners can simply place the soil block directly into the planting hole, eliminating the need to handle delicate seedlings or disturb their roots. This reduces transplant shock and ensures a smoother transition to the garden bed or container.
Reduced Disease Spread: Traditional seed trays and pots can harbor pathogens and promote the spread of soil-borne diseases. In contrast, soil blocks are less likely to harbor harmful microbes, reducing the risk of disease transmission among seedlings. 

Environmental Sustainability: By reducing the use of plastic pots and trays, as well as minimizing seed and water waste, seed blocking aligns with environmentally friendly gardening practices. Home gardeners can feel good about minimizing their ecological footprint while enjoying the benefits of healthier plants and bountiful harvests.  

Summary: Soil blocking offers home gardeners an array of benefits. With its simplicity and effectiveness, seed blocking is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to maximize their gardening success while minimizing their impact on the environment. 

SOIL BLOCK RECIPE   

Shamrocks - So Many Lucky Choices...!

 Shamrocks have long been a symbol of 
Ireland and have even been considered a symbol of good luck. They are popular houseplants and fun gifts for friends and neighbors on St. Patrick’s Day. Shamrocks are easy to grow indoors if you follow these simple and easy to remember steps:

Light
Shamrocks prefer bright, indirect sunlight, be sure to place your plant in a window where it will receive plenty of light. Shamrocks will flower, even during winter, if they receive enough light. Each night the plant's leaflets fold up, then reopen in sunlight the following day.

Food
Shamrocks like food! Fertilize them regularly with either a liquid houseplant or a time-release fertilizer during their growing season. As always, we recommend following label instructions.

Iron Cross Shamrock

Soil
As a houseplant, they prefer moist soil. 
Avoid allowing your shamrock to dry out during the growing season.

Temperature
Give your shamrock a growing temperature between 50 and 70 °F during the growing season. They can be placed outside after danger of frost has passed and are a beautiful addition to your pots or in a grouping of pots.

Dormancy
Shamrocks have a dormant period. When your shamrock goes dormant, usually in late summer, don’t fret! Just place it in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight for 2-3 months. The purple-leaf types  only need one month of dormancy.  

Since your shamrock grows from small bulbs, it is easy to divide and create new plants. Here's a short video showing how to propagate shamrocks.

Happy St. Paddy's Day to you!