Fall Plant Notes and Plant Identification Overview

Quiz Context and How to Study

• The notes you take on today’s plants are what the upcoming quiz will cover. Focus on what each plant does, its growth habit, and seasonal context.
• Example framing for quiz questions:
  • If asked for a low-growing trailing plant from the list, identify options by botanical name and explain why it fits the habit.
  • If asked to source plants for a shop display (e.g., silver foliage or fall display), propose options from the list and justify selections.
• The instructor mentioned that some items may be on pages we haven’t fully seen yet; be prepared to adapt using the notes and plant characteristics described in class.

Fall Plant Focus and Seasonal Patterns

• Fall display plants are highlighted in lecture with emphasis on frost tolerance and color intensity in cooler weather.
• Fall-oriented examples mentioned: ornamental peppers, flowering cabbage and kale, purple majesty ornamental millet, red mountain grasses, mums (chrysanthemums).
• Key seasonal observations:
  • Some plants do best in fall (e.g., peppers and cole crops) and are typically not seen as main-season annuals.
  • Colors often become more vibrant as temperatures drop and frost tolerance increases.
  • There is a strategy of replacing some summer annuals with fall staples for display (e.g., fall split with mums, kale, cabbage).

Page-Referenced Plants and Key Details

• Page 1 – Calibrachoa and related notes

  • Number 8 on Page 1: Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa spp.), also known as Million Bells.
  • Calibrachoa is smaller than petunia: smaller flowers and smaller overall plant size.
  • Distinct genus from petunia, confirmed by 1980s research; still closely related but not the same genus.
  • Common/market names include calibrachoa, Million Bells, and the trademarked group Super Bells.
  • Brand/trademark context: Super Bells and Superbells Magic are cultivar collections under Proven Winners, e.g., Superbells Magic (a collection name) with cultivars like ‘Double Grapefruit Pink Lemonade’.
  • Practical implication: when identifying calibrachoa, look for smaller flowers and smaller leaves compared to petunia; beware that brand names (Super Bells, etc.) refer to collections rather than a single cultivar.

• Page 1 – Fall display candidates and colors

  • Number 11: Capsicum annuum (ornamental peppers) – described as a fall display plant; peppers are cold-tolerant for fall displays and are typically hardy in cool weather.
  • Nebraska (Number 7): Flowering cabbage and kale – fall display plants; colors intensify in the cold and can tolerate frost; used for fall color displays.

• Page 4 – Ornamental millet and other fall-focus plants

  • Purple Majesty – Ornamental millet (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Purple Majesty’). A fall/border plant used with mums; color is striking in autumn.

• Mums and related notes

  • Mums (Chrysanthemum) are listed among fall options; often sold as hardy fall mums, but practical experience shows they don’t always come back in the landscape unless planted and established properly.
  • If planted and established in-ground, mums can be true perennials; when bought as hardy fall mums for containers, performance depends on establishment and care.
  • Observed behavior: fall plantings placed in front of the house may look good for a month, then fade; replanting and establishment determine whether they return as perennials.
  • Pinching/pruning during the growing season affects eventual size and form; when mums do return, they may form a larger clump and may flop if not managed (e.g., waist-high, sprawling growth).
  • Practical tip: fall mums can be treated as annuals in containers if not established; true perennials depend on in-ground planting and conditions.

• Fall-friendly cool-season additions and alternatives

  • Coleus and darker fall-toned coleus are sometimes offered again in fall to maintain a container with a fall color theme (dark red/orange/yellow hues similar to mums).
  • Calibrachoa and other warm-season annuals may be replaced by these fall-oriented options to sustain color through autumn.

Other Key Plant Groups and Descriptions

• Ornamental peppers and fall color schemes

  • Ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum) are shown as a fall, display-friendly option with colorful peppers; careful to identify the botanical name when ordering.

• Brassicas for fall landscaping

  • Cabbage and kale (Brassica oleracea, variety groups) are popular fall staples; noted for color intensity in cooler weather and frost tolerance.

• Ornamental millet: Purple Majesty

  • A striking focal plant for fall arrangements; diverges from typical grasses with a purple/rose coloration in foliage/plumes.

• Mums and perennials discussion

  • Mums are often used as fall annuals; the return as perennials depends on in-ground establishment and regional climate.
  • The discussion highlighted the discrepancy between display performance in pots versus long-term survival in the landscape.

• Tubers, bulbs, and large-leaf ornamentals

  • Page 14: Calocasia, Alocasia, Xanthosoma trio
  • Calocasia (Colocasia) species and Alocasia species, sometimes all grouped with Xanthosoma as common names for large-leaf tropicals.
  • These are typically sold with common name “elephant ears” due to large, dramatic foliage.
  • They can be sold under multiple names (Calocasia/Colocasia/Alocasia), which can be confusing; they’re often grown from tubers or rhizomes and used as dramatic focal plants.
  • Visuals include large leaf outlines and classic arum-like habit; used in containers or as landscape focal points in warm climates or protected spaces.

• Cosmos – yellow/orange and more color varieties

  • Page sections 15–17: Cosmos spp.
  • Cosmos sulphureus – yellow-orange varieties; tall, with bright, daisy-like blooms and a strong, airy foliage habit; can reach several feet tall (up to around 4 ft in some cases).
  • Cosmos bipinnatus (often pink, white, or purple varieties) – common garden cosmos; similar tall habit but usually with finer, dissected foliage.
  • The speaker emphasized recognizing cosmos by bloom color (yellow/orange for C. sulphureus) and by tall growth habit.

• Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) – Flowering and drying utility

  • Page 30: Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), also called gumfreya during discussion.
  • Drying use: excellent cut flower and very good as a dried flower; stems hold shape and color well after drying.
  • Texture note: leaves can feel rough or plasticky when very dry; the plant is valued for its hardiness in drying arrangements.
  • Flower shape: globe-shaped heads; colors include pink, purple, red, white; some cultivars with elongated blooms exist.

• Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) and other low-growing/ground-hugging plants

  • Page 40: Lobelia erinus – a classic blue/purple trailing annual used for spillover in window boxes and mixed containers.
  • Important species note: there are other lobelias (e.g., perennial lobelias) that are not the same as Lobelia erinus; correct species identification is important for care and winter survivability.

• Lantana and trailing lantanas

  • Mentioned as a trailing option in the context of low-growing/spiller plants; some varieties do trail and are used in containers and landscapes.

• Osteospermum – African daisy

  • Observed on May campus with colors in the daisy family; commonly used as a bright, mid-season bloom in warm weather.

• Silver foliage and trailing/silver-leaf groups

  • Trailing dusty miller (Helichrysum petiolare; common name trailing dusty miller) with soft, fuzzy gray-green foliage; noted for trailing habit and silver coloration.
  • Related silver/gray or variegated trailing options discussed in class, including:
  • Lotus vine (Lotus sp.), noted for silver-toned trailing habit in some cultivars.
  • Flectranthus (e.g., Swedish ivy relatives) with silvery/green variegation, often used as trailing or spiller in containers.
  • Other trailing or variegated fans (e.g., mizzou trailing red, Dorotheanthus-related notes) used as examples of similar trailing habit with various color themes.
  • Concept: many plants can give a similar silver/gray visual effect and trailing habit, so when one option isn’t available, growers often substitute with a visually similar plant.

• Polka dot plant and other foliage-focused selections

  • Page 3: Hypoestes phyllostachya (Polka dot plant)
  • Noted for striking foliage with speckled patterns; used as interior plant but also seen in outdoor displays under shade or partial sun.
  • Practical quiz tie-in: identify polka dot plant by foliage pattern: spotted leaves rather than flowers being the primary feature.
  • Page 3 also mentions Xenia (addressed during discussion) as a label encountered on the list; the exact identity was discussed in the moment.

• Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) and Lobelia refreshers

  • Page 41: Sweet alyssum – very low-growing, white flowers are common; fragrant flowers with a soft scent.
  • Sweet alyssum is a classic trailing/spiller plant for edging and window boxes; not heat-tolerant in high summer, but can rebound when temperatures cool in fall.
  • Combined with Lobelia, these create a spillover effect in containers and allow for a soft, floral edging option.
  • Fragrance and bloom habit make it desirable for spring/fall plantings; heat sensitivity noted.

• Dorotheanthus and related “Livingstone daisy” family notes

  • Mentioned in the context of trailing plants with vivid color; these can be variable by year with availability depending on nurseries.

• Passion flower (Passiflora) note

  • Final remark: passion flower was mentioned as a plant of interest, noted as particularly neat; used as exotic or specialty climber in appropriate climates and spaces.

Practical Takeaways for Study and Application

• Distinguish calibrachoa from petunia by scale and leaf size; Calibrachoa flowers are smaller and plant habit is more compact.
• Understand brand nomenclature vs. cultivar names (e.g., Super Bells, Superbells Magic) and how these relate to the common name Million Bells and the genus Calibrachoa.
• For fall displays, plan around frost tolerance and seasonal color intensity; use ornamental peppers, brassicas (cabbage/kale), and ornamental millet to achieve bright fall color.
• Mums may look great in containers but are not guaranteed to return unless properly established in-ground; consider long-term care and climate when deciding whether to rely on them as perennials.
• Recognize the tuber/bulb/bulb-like and rhizome-based plants:
  • Dahlias (Dahlia spp., e.g., Dahlia annata) grow from tubers and can reach tall heights; some varieties are called dinner plate dahlias for their large blossoms.
  • Colocasia/Alocasia/Xanthosoma group forms large-leaf “elephant ear” foliage; these are typically tuberous or rhizomatous and sold under multiple genus names.
• Cosmos species offer varied color palettes and heights:
  • Cosmos sulphureus provides yellow-to-orange blooms and can reach up to several feet tall.
  • Cosmos bipinnatus typically has pink/white/purple tones with a lighter foliage texture.
• Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is valued for dried flower performance and long vase life; its texture can be described as rough to the touch when dry; heads are globe-shaped and come in multiple colors.
• Low-growing, trailing, or spilling plants are often used to edge containers:
  • Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) for fragrance and white blooms; tolerant of cool seasons but not heat-loving.
  • Trailing dusty miller (Helichrysum petiolare) for silver-gray foliage and cascading habit.
  • Lobelia erinus provides blue/purple trailing accents; ensure species accuracy for care and winter survivability.
• Silvery/gray foliage can be achieved with several plant groups (e.g., Helichrysum, Lotus vine, Flectranthus) to create a consistent color theme; availability may vary by year and nursery.
• Always verify plant IDs when reading lists or labels (e.g., page numbers 26–38 for page-three items; page-one items include calibrachoa and capsicum; page-four items include Purple Majesty millet) to connect lectures with quiz questions and practical ordering.

Quick Example Scenarios (Quiz-Style prompts you might see)

• If asked: Identify a small-flowered trailing plant suitable for a fall container from the list, which would you choose? Provide the botanical name and reason.
  • Possible answer: Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa spp.) is a small-flowered trailing option commonly referenced as Million Bells; note its smaller size than petunia and its variety in trademarked collections like Super Bells.
• A display needs a bold fall accent with large dramatic leaves; which plant fits this profile and what care considerations apply?
  • Colocasia/Calocasia/Alocasia (elephant ears) with large leaves, best in warm climates or protected spaces; grown from tubers/rhizomes; ensure they’re kept out of freezing conditions.
• For a dried-cut flower display, which plant fits best and why?
  • Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) because of its sturdy, long-lasting dried flower heads and dense color; stems hold up well when dried.
• You’re curating a low-growing border with a strong fragrance; which two plants from the list are ideal and what are their colors?
  • Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) for fragrance and white/pale pink tones; trailing habit; complements other fall color accents.

Real-World Relevance and Considerations

• Plant availability varies by season and year. The lecturer emphasized substitutions when specific items aren’t available; understanding plant habits helps you pick close substitutes with similar aesthetics and functions.
• Brand names and collections (e.g., Calibrachoa, Million Bells, Super Bells Magic) are marketing tools; use the botanical name for accurate identification, especially when ordering from suppliers.
• Fall plant selection hinges on frost tolerance and establishment potential; some plants thrive in cool weather but may struggle in heat or require in-ground planting to survive winter.
• Care practices such as pinching influence final plant shape and flowering performance; improper pinching can lead to legginess or floppy growth in flowering plants (notably mums when not well established).

Summary of Notable Plant Identifications to Memorize

• Calibrachoa (Million Bells) – smaller flowers; page 1, item 8; distinct from Petunia (smaller plant and leaves)
• Capsicum annuum (ornamental peppers) – fall display plant; page 1, item 11
• Brassica (Cabbage and Kale) – fall color; page 1, item 7
• Purple Majesty – ornamental millet (Pennisetum setaceum) – fall display; page 4
• Mums (Chrysanthemum) – fall display; discuss perennial potential vs. annual use
• Red mountain grasses – fall display, frost-tavorable color; noted as common fall planting
• Dahlias (Dahlia annata) – tubers; tall and dinner-plate forms; proper tuber handling in winter
• Colocasia/Alocasia/Xanthosoma (elephant ears) – large leaves; sold under multiple genus names; warm-climate favorites
• Cosmos spp. – C. sulphureus (yellow/orange) and C. bipinnatus (pink/white/purple); heights up to several feet
• Gomphrena globosa (Globe amaranth) – dried flower use; rough texture when dry; globe-shaped heads
• Lobelia erinus – blue trailing; page 40; species-specific care matters
• Lantana (trailing) – low-growing options for spillers
• Osteospermum (African daisy) – bright mid-season color; warm climates
• Helichrysum petiolare (Trailing dusty miller) – silver-gray trailing foliage; key for silver themes
• Lotus vine and Flectranthus – trailing silver/variegated options used as spillers
• Hypoestes phyllostachya (Polka dot plant) – foliage-dominant with spotted leaves; common as interior plant but listed in outdoor contexts
• Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) – white, fragrant, trailing; heat sensitivity noted
• Passion flower (Passiflora) – climber; noted as an interesting addition