Bergenia plants, or pigsqueaks, are low-growing perennials perfect for borders, beds, and neglected pathways. They’ll spread over time, filling your garden with bright-colored blooms and squeaky foliage. Join seasoned grower Jerad Bryant and learn how to plant, grow, and care for these lush flowering plants. Easy-growing perennials are incredibly valuable in the home garden. They require little care and maintenance to thrive and grow well in a wide range of environments. Poor soils, harsh exposures, and low moisture levels are no match for rugged perennials. Bergenias, or piqsqueaks, are a group of tough plants that fit the bill. They sprout thick, glossy, and round leaves that squeak when you rub them together. In spring, pink, white, and purple blossoms emerge atop thin stems above the foliage. Attract pollinators, fill empty spaces, and beautify your garden with bergenias. They’re adaptable and dependable, working well around your yard. Learn how to best take care of them, and they’ll thrive for years to come! What Are Bergenias? These spreaders are evergreen, semi-evergreen, or deciduous depending on the species and the growing location. They’re exceptional garden plants, tolerating droughts, frosts, and extreme weather events. When other plants fail, piqsqueaks thrive! Native Area These perennials originate from parts of Asia. They’re native to the Himalayas and other mountain ranges in China. Though they’re native to mountainous regions, they work well across the globe in various gardens. Part of why bergenias are tough and durable is because of their native range. They need frost, drought, and heat-tolerant qualities to survive extreme alpine weather conditions. When you plant them at low elevations instead of up high in the mountains, they retain their durable qualities without growing weak or frail. Characteristics Many pigsqueaks resemble each other, though some species have distinct qualities. They sprout heart-shaped green leaves with toothed edges that sprout off long stems in a central rosette. They resemble cabbage plants before they form their heads. After new leaves appear in spring, flowering stems emerge from the rosettes. Clusters of white, pink, or red blooms open on each stem, creating a lush effect in the springtime garden. They attract hummingbirds with their sweet nectar. Some bergenias are extremely hardy; they have a thick, rugged rootstock that protects them from water loss in summer and frigid temperatures in winter. Though tough, their leaves may wilt after many weeks without water. Planting Whether you’re transplanting potted plants or growing seedlings from seed, getting bergenias into the garden is a simple, straightforward process. Many hybrid varieties are only available as potted plants from nurseries and retailers, while heirloom varieties and bergenia species grow well from seeds.

Are you looking for the perfect fig for your garden? The ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig is just one of many fig cultivars that are ideal for a garden and landscape setting. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces ‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs and how you can grow your own delicious fruits! Many people are familiar with figs, either fresh or dried. They may seem like an exotic fruit but they are remarkably easy to grow at home. Edible figs, also known as common figs (Ficus carica) originated in the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. These edible fruit trees have been cultivated for thousands of years, and there is now a wide assortment of tasty cultivars available for the adventurous gardener. Edible figs grow on small to medium-sized trees with a typically rounded, shrubby appearance. Each fig cultivar displays slight variations in stature, as well as the taste and appearance of the ripe fruits. The ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig has distinctive bright yellow-green fruits and a sweet, honey-like flavor. Edible figs are easy to grow and make excellent landscaping plants. They require a mild climate, plenty of bright sunlight, and rich, moist soil. If you can provide these growing conditions, you should have no trouble growing a fig tree. ‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs are one of the smaller varieties and are an ideal option for container gardening and smaller landscapes. Now, let’s dig a little deeper into the wonderful world of figs. If you can grow your own, it won’t be long before you’re harvesting your first crop! Plant Natural History Edible fig trees (Ficus carica), also referred to as the common fig, are native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. In their natural habitat, they live in warm climates with plenty of sun and average-quality, well-drained soil. They’re an important part of their natural environment because they provide quality food for many species of wildlife. Humans have a long relationship with fig trees and have cultivated and eaten figs since ancient times. Edible figs were introduced to Europe, China, and finally, North America, where they were grown for their abundance of delicious fruits. These fruit trees are well-loved and have been bred extensively. There are now hundreds of different cultivars, including the ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig tree. Almost all of the commercially available figs are cultivars of the original parent species. Characteristics ‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs are one of the many common fig cultivars. This particular variety is known for its jumbo-sized fruits, which can reach about three inches across. The fruits are well-rounded, with a stout but prominent “neck” at the top of each fruit. At maturity, the fruits develop bright yellow-green skins. On the inside, the tender flesh is pale amber-yellow. These figs have a delicious, sweet, honey-like flavor with a bit of seedy crunch. These figs are fully edible, with soft skin and extremely tender flesh. ‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs are self-fertile and don’t require another fig nearby to set plenty of perfect fruits. These trees bloom in the spring but don’t expect to see your tree covered with flowers. Fig flowers are uniquely formed. They are inverted and appear more like small, hard, green fruits than a traditional petaled flower shape. Fig trees have thick stems and smooth, gray bark. The main stems begin branching very close to the ground and can have a somewhat sprawling appearance. Overall, fig trees look densely branched and rounded in form. The leaves are broad and have three prominent lobes. They stay green throughout the summer and turn yellow in the fall before dropping for the winter. How to Grow ‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs are easy to grow as long as you can provide the right conditions for them to thrive. Do you live in a mild climate and have moist soil and plenty of sunlight? If you do, these trees should be right at home in your landscape. Sunlight This fig variety requires a location with full sun. They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Fig trees grown in partial shade will lack vitality and won’t produce as many figs as those grown in full sunlight. Water Edible fig trees like regular soil moisture but not wet soil. Give your fig tree a thorough watering once a week, especially during the first couple of years after planting. Once fully established, fig trees become somewhat drought-tolerant. Soil ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig trees benefit from nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. The soil should be high in organic matter, and you can add some organic compost to the planting site to help enrich poor soil. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic. Climate and Temperature The ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. These trees will survive mild winters and hot summers. Excessively hot and humid climates may increase the likelihood of some fungal and bacterial diseases, such as leaf spot, fruit rot, and powdery mildew. Severe freezes may kill some or all of the branches, but as long as the roots are undamaged, the tree will re-sprout. Fertilizing A young one- to two-year-old fig tree typically does not need any extra fertilizer. As your tree matures, apply an annual dose of a well-balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can decrease your tree’s fruit production. Rather than fertilizer, you can add a top dressing of organic compost mulch over the roots each year. As the mulch breaks down, it will naturally boost the soil nutrients for your tree. Pruning Check your tree periodically for dead and damaged branches, and prune these off as you notice them. Edible fig trees don’t require extra pruning unless you want to keep them a particular shape and size. Do your pruning in the late winter before your tree starts to leaf out for the season. Wear gloves when pruning a fig tree to avoid contact with the sap. Mulch Add a layer of biodegradable mulch around your fig tree, keeping the mulch away from the trunk of the tree by a couple of inches. Mulch will help preserve soil moisture around the roots and will also help protect the roots from winter freezes. As the mulch breaks down, it will help nourish the soil. Mulches have the added benefit of helping prevent weed growth around your tree. Overwintering container-grown figs If you are growing a ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fig tree in a container, protect it from severe winter weather. Store your container in an unheated garage or basement, keeping the soil just slightly moist to keep the roots from drying out. When the weather begins to warm in the spring, move your potted fig outside again. Harvesting ‘Yellow Long Neck’ figs will become plump, rounded, and bright yellow-green when fully ripe. Keep a close eye on them during harvest time and harvest them daily as they ripen. If you are unsure when to harvest, simply pick a fig and try it. If it is tender and sweet, then it’s ripe and ready to pick. If it’s still firm and bland tasting, it needs a little more time on the tree. Harvest your figs carefully by bending the stem where it meets the branch, and they should snap off with little resistance. Handle the fruits carefully because they bruise easily. Storage Fresh-picked figs can be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for several days. If you need to store them longer than this, consider drying them (for an easy snack), freezing them (for making smoothies), or using them for canning and preserving. Try making pickled figs, fig jelly, or fig relish!

Acanthus brings bold, structural foliage and form to the shady border. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in exploring the handsome architectural perennial that thrives in partial sun and shady garden sites. Acanthus is an architectural perennial with bold vertical interest and handsome, lush leaves. The scrolling foliage unfurls to form broad, frond-like leaves with a tropical look. Distinctive bloom spikes emerge in early summer on tall stalks, densely lined with creamy white and purple flowers to steal the show. The lush, glossy specimens grow primarily for their ornamental leafy structure with the added benefit of the towering bloom spikes. In the right situation, Acanthus grows easily with little maintenance and long-lasting display qualities. Acanthus Overview What is Acanthus? Acanthus, or bear’s breeches, comprises about 22 species from Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a long garden history. The architectural specimen has dark, glossy, deeply lobed leaves. The name is from the Greek “akantha,” meaning spines, in reference to the spiny leaf margins on some species. The specimens appear as early as the fifth century in architecture and art. As a leaf motif in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, they adorn Corinthian column capitals. In Greek mythology, Akantha was a nymph who rebuffed the god Apollo’s romantic advances, for which he turned her into a thorny plant. Acanthus is stately in formal and informal settings as specimens or small groups. Pair them with hosta, heuchera, ferns, iris, astilbe, epimedium, and Solomon’s seal for gorgeous layered combinations. Annuals like begonia and caladiums share the same growing conditions. Their blooms also make striking cut flowers. The vigorous growers spread through rhizomes to form clumps. In optimal conditions that mirror their Mediterranean climate, they spread aggressively. Some are invasive in Oregon and California. They root easily and can be difficult to remove once established. Most varieties benefit from being kept in bounds by walkways or edging. In areas with winter climates or hot summers, plants are more well-behaved with less spread. Hybrids are more compact and better behaved, suited to various garden situations. Characteristics Bear’s breeches’ long, basal leaves have sturdy central spines and form a rosette. In spring and summer, tall bloom spikes appear with vertical rows of creamy white flowers and purple-rose bracts. The hooded, two-lipped blooms line the spikes and resemble a large foxglove or oversized snapdragon. The perennials are drought-tolerant, deer and rabbit-resistant, with few pest and disease issues. They may be slow to establish but settle in by the second growing season. Several of the species are in cultivation. A. mollis and A. spinosus and their cultivars are the most widely grown for ornamental landscapes. A. mollis is a popular, historic European species that grows four feet tall and two to three feet wide. The bloom spikes top five feet in late spring and early summer. Individual flowers measure one inch. A. spinosus grows three to four feet with summertime blooms in June through August. The flower stalks rise three to four feet tall above the foliage. Leaves are deeply cut with spiny margins. A. hungaricus resembles A. spinosus but with slightly less divided, spiny foliage in dense clumps. It has pale pink to white flowers with attractive, ornamental leaves. This species is synonymous with A. balcanicus. A. montanus, or mountain thistle, is indigenous to tropical climes of West Africa. Hardy in zones 7 to 10, plants reach four to six feet tall. The shrubby perennial has deeply lobed, symmetrical leaves up to one foot long in silver and dark green. Mountain thistle is most susceptible to winter damage in lower zones. A. dioscoridis is native to Turkey, Syria, Armenia, and Iran. It has pink petals in early summer and divided leaves on one to two-foot plants. Acanthus sennii, or Ethiopian bear’s breech, grows at high elevations. Dark, glossy leaves have black stems. Late summer and fall flowers are bright red-orange. Native Area The ornamentals are native to Mediterranean climate zones with loose, well-draining soils and moderate temperatures. They grow in woodlands and slopes as understory spreaders. Occurring naturally in arid, mild climates, they may fade in heat and humidity or extreme winter conditions. Some hybrids perform well across zones without aggressive spreading. Planting As a rhizomatous spreader, Acanthus gradually forms a clump and continues to sprawl in optimal conditions. Planting it near a walkway or bounded bed helps keep it in check. Root barriers or areas where it has room to run work, too. When planting, space plants three feet apart to allow for air circulation.