Geranium

Geranium is genus of 422 flowering biennial, annual and perennial plants. They are commonly known as cranesbills.  They are mostly found in eastern part of Mediterranean region. Temperate and mountains of tropics are also its habitat. The genus name is derived from Geranium Greek word meaning crane. The reason of English name is due to shape of fruit capsule. It is a very productive plant with longest blooming time period. They keep on flowering during the heat of midsummer.
It is a genus of hardy perennials that bloom profusely. Its leaves are as much attractive and beautiful as the flower is. The leaves may have shades of true blue, pink, white and lavender colours. The flowers have variety of colours including white, pink, red, salmon or violet with various intensities.
In Northern zones partly to full sun and in southern zones part shade will help to grow it to its best. Full sun will brighten up their colours. They all respond well to regular watering but they have adapted to withstand short dry periods. They have ability to flourish well in average fertility and well drained soil. Slightly acidic to neutral soils with a balanced light fertilizer in early spring boost their growth. Catmints, lily, delphinium and Shasta daisies are good companions for geranium. They have a tendency to slouch after blooming. After first blooming period, cut the plant back to soil. It will encourage the plant to produce new crop of fresh foliage. It may also trigger irregular blooming in some species.
Geranium flourishes well in beds as well as containers. Sow the seeds in early spring. Try to avoid covering the base of stem as it may cause root rot. Geranium plant requires cautious watering. They fail to do flower delivery rome well on overwatering. You can leave them outside little longer as they can withstand cold in fall.
They do not need division. Some of the strains may need division. Divide them carefully in beginning of spring. In early spring, apply slow release balanced fertilizer or carry out organic amendments on appearance of new growth. In mid spring stake he taller or sprawling varieties. With the end of spring they may need frequent watering if climate has become dry. In summer groom the plant so that its growth can be encouraged. Or they can be cut back to soil so that new fresh foliage give pleasant look for rest of the season. In winters cut the plant back to soil and mulch soil for protection of plant.
Botrytis and bacterial blight are threats of infection for these plants.

Bird of Paradise

Bird of paradise is one of the most colourful plants in the world. They are so because of their spectacular shape that resembles bird’s beak and plumage. That is why they are also named as crane flowers. These are one of the most beautiful exotic flowers. They naturally occur in South Africa. These are considered as symbol of tropical flowers.
Bird of Paradise
Florists like them because of their bright colours and unusual shape and extensively use in flower arrangements. These are useful as midsized staples but they do not stay fresh more than a week. This flower is a popular symbol of paradise. It is an exceptionally attractive flower for landscapes. Leaves of plant resembles to small banana leaves. That is why they are classified in family of banana, Musaceae. The leaves are waxy, thick and glossy and evergreen thus making is attractive ornamental plant. These flowers are produced on horizontal inflorescence. The plant grows to a height of 5 feet. The flowers are produced on top of pedicles. The plant has three orange sepals and three modified blue petals. Two petals join and form a structure similar to arrowhead.
The female part is is extension of blue tongue, away from stamens. Sunbird is its common pollinator. When pollinator lands on flower, it deposits pollens on breast of bird. When the bird moves to other flower, the pollens are transmitted.
Popular varieties of bird of paradise are white birds of paradise, African desert banana, giant birds of paradise and cane lily.
Moistened soil is needed in summer and spring while in fall and winter let them dry out slightly before watering again. They need indoor temperature of almost 50◦ F. In spring and summer they need fertilizing every other week with water soluble fertilizer. Peat based potting soil is more suitable. Prune flower delivery rome out the plant in fall and winter. Bird of paradise has active growth. Shift the plant to pots; it will give them plenty of room for growth.
They need sufficient sunlight. Regular watering will improve root system of plant. Feed the plant growth season in spring with slow release pellets or liquid fertilizer. To prolong the vase life, flower preservatives are used.
The plant can be propagated through division as well as through seeds. But propagation through division is easier. They can be grown inside easily. The biggest drawback of this flower is that it start flowering after 3 to 5 years of planting. It is relatively pest free plant. Occasionally it is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars or snails. Possibility of fungal leaf is also there.

Susan

Black eyed Susan is a species of flowering plant belongs to family of Asteraceae. They are native to central United States. Its scientific name is Rudbeckia hirta. It is named after a Swedish botanist Olaus Olai Rudbeck. Common names of these flowers are brown eyed Susan, golden Jerusalem and golorosia daisy etc.
These are annual flowering plants while some are biennial or perennial. It is a state flower of Maryland. The cut flowers have vase life of 6 to 10 days. It is a low maintenance plant. They can grow well in low watering conditions.  These are of good choice for beginner gardeners. These are available in yellow and golden colours mostly; average plant height is from 18 to 72 inches. Their blooming time is late summer to fall. They can grow well unattended but separate the clump after every three to four years otherwise it will result into small plants and small sized flowers.
Susan need full sun and soil of moderate fertility and well drained soil. They will fail to bloom in rich or poorly drained soil. The seeds need sun light to germinate so the seeds are not covered with soil and only pressed down. They can be grown in autumn or winter in unheated greenhouse. Soil temperature higher than 18◦ C ensures good germination of seeds. These can be transplanted in spring season. Replant in moderate conditions. Seeds develop after a month of flowering. To prolong blooming period of plant deadheading is of prime importance. If short and bushier plants are needed wait until the plant grows to height of 12 inches. Then cut 4 to 6 inches below flowering petals. It will promote lateral growth and more flowering. For winter prune the plant back to ground. It will regenerate in next spring season.
Susan can also be propagated by division. Coreopsis, butterfly weed, daylily and clasping coneflowers are good companions for Susan.
Major threats to flower delivery rome black eyed Susan are powdery mildew, leaf spot,
Powdery mildew cause yellowing of lower leaves or brown spots appear on leaves. To avoid spread of disease, remove the leaves in dry conditions. These leaves must be disposed off. Treat infected plant with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide. Take special care while watering plants. Wet leaves increases the chances of get infected.
Black eyed Susan is a symbol of justice. Its root wash is used for washing of sores and snake bites. Its infusion is used to treat worms and colds in children. Drops from root extracts are used for earaches. The plant is diuretic.