Every year we highlight new plants that we think you’ll enjoy growing. This year’s line-up includes plants in the fruiting, rare and tropical categories, as well as a Logee’s hybrid. We hope you’ll like the selection as much as we do…

Adenium ‘Joyful’

Desert Rose ‘Joyful’

Adenium ‘Joyful’ says it all in its name. The stunning pink flowers, highlighted with creamy-white petal edges and white around the throat, bring joy to all who look upon them. It’s a beautiful sight when in full bloom since the colorful flowers offset the narrow green leaves. Give warm and sunny conditions with temperatures above 60° and watch ‘Joyful’ thrive.

Silver Pothos ‘Silvery Anne’

Silver Pothos ‘Silvery Anne’

Silver Pothos ‘Silvery Anne’ is a trendy, hard-to-find houseplant. The elegance and interesting shimmery, dark green leaves have silver spots and flecking throughout and silver leaf edges. It creates a beautiful display when grown in a hanging basket with the foliage gracefully draping over the pot’s edge. Also known as Silver Philodendron or Satin Pothos, make sure to give humid conditions with bright but indirect sunlight.

Begonia ‘Amelia’s Kaleidoscope’

Begonia ‘Amelia’s Kaleidoscope’

The next new introduction is our exclusive Logee hybrid called Begonia ‘Amelia’s Kaleidoscope.’ This medium to full size rhizomatous begonia has magic in its leaves. Juvenile leaves appear coppery-bronze and age to a chartreuse-lime color when mature with an overall netting pattern that brings this begonia to life. The kaleidoscopic colors are richer and deeper in the summertime and turn lighter in winter. It is a strong and vigorous grower with pink flowers rising above the foliage during the wintertime. We named this begonia after Amelia, one of Logee’s growers, who believed in this hybrid. Thanks, Amelia!

Macadamia Nut Tree

Macadamia Nut Tree

And finally, in the fruiting category, we are featuring the Macadamia Nut Tree. This Australian native can be grown in a large pot and, believe it or not, fruiting starts when the plant is just 2’ tall. Long chains of intensely fragrant, pink flowers bloom in spring and summer. Grow in full to partial sun with a phosphorous-free fertilizer and you’ll see fruit forming after the flowers have passed.

Thanks for visiting Logee’s to learning about some of our fabulous new plants for 2019. Before you go, please be sure to request your free Logee’s catalog. You can learn more about the fruiting, rare and tropical plants mentioned in this article below:

• Macadamia Nut Tree
• Begonia ‘Amelia’s Kaleidoscope’
• Adenium ‘Joyful’
• Silver Pothos ‘Silvery Anne’

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By Laurelynn Martin and Byron Martin

Our new release, Begonia ‘Martha Stewart,’ has won the coveted prize of being featured on the front cover of our Fall 2018 catalog. We couldn’t think of a better way to thank our friend and fellow gardener, Martha Stewart, than to name one of our hybrid begonias after her. We are grateful not only for her support of Logee’s the past fifteen years, but of the plant world at large. Here’s how it all happened…

Martha loading her car with plants from Logee’s

This past winter, Martha stopped by Logee’s after she had an appearance with Snoop Dog at Mohegan Sun, just 35 minutes south of us. She toured our greenhouses and we were able to show her our newest begonia hybrids in our Production Range. We showed her five unnamed begonias. Some had large-lime green leaves, others had red tones with pointed leaves and others had the classic Rex patterning with large spreading growth habits. We left it up to Martha which one she felt would be most representative of her love for begonias.

Much to our delight, she chose an elegant, spiraled-leaf begonia that portrays class and style much like Martha herself. Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ is a rhizomatous cross between Begonia ‘Baby Dress’ and Begonia ‘Desert Dream’ giving way to a compact growth habit, 6-8” in height with a mounding display of leaves. Sprays of pink flowers rise above the foliage during the winter just when color is needed the most. The leaf color is constantly changing and starts out with soft tones of tan, chartreuse and beige with inner spirals of deep bronze. With increased light and during the long summer days, the bronze tones deepen to a rustic orange.

Here are a few photos showing the process of growing this begonia. First, the beginning of the growing process for Begonia ‘Martha Stewart,’ where it is grown from leaf wedges:

Next, we see a 2.5” pot of Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’:

Here is Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ in 5” pots:

And finally, a specimen plant of Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’:

Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ is a strong grower and does well in the home environment with low humidity and dry conditions. Begonias do best when they are dried down between waterings. Give them partial sun with a minimum temperature of 60 degrees and soon you will be enjoying the spiraled wonder of your own Begonia ‘Martha Stewart.’

Thanks for visiting Logee’s and learning about Begonia ‘Martha Stewart.’ Before you go, please be sure to explore our selection of fruiting,  rare and tropical plants. And don’t forget to request your free Logee’s catalog, too!

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In celebration of this special time of year at the height of the growing season, Logee’s invites you to experience the joy of fruiting, rare and tropical plants. Bring your family and friends, and spend a day exploring a botanical paradise. This event is the real-life expression of the Logee’s mission statement: “Bringing a diversity of people and plants together to experience the joy of gardening.” Here is an overview of the day’s events:

Logee’s 2019 Summer Solstice Celebration

This Summer Solstice Celebration is also an expression of giving back to our community. This is a fundraising event for the Access Community Action Agency — a non-profit organization to help empower individuals and communities to overcome the barriers that impair their ability to be economically stable.

Logee’s is not just a 19th century historic greenhouse set in the heart of New England — it’s a must-see destination for any plant lover. Worth the drive from anywhere, Logee’s is a hidden gem you’ll be glad to discover. Logee’s retail store and six retail greenhouses are open daily, year-round. For more information about the store, Logee’s history, special events, or the hundreds of unique plants Logee’s has to offer, please visit Logees.com or Explore.logees.com to see “what’s growing on” at Logee’s.

How to Find Logee’s Greenhouses:
141 North Street
Danielson, CT 06239

Thanks for visiting Logee’s. Before you go, be sure to explore our fruiting, rare and tropical plants. And don’t forget to request your free Logee’s catalog, too. Hope to see you at Logee’s on June 15th!

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Martha Stewart with Logee’s Owners, Laurelynn and Byron Martin

What a delight to see our friend and fellow gardener, Martha Stewart. She was in town for an event at Mohegan Sun last weekend and made the 35-minute trip north to come visit us at Logee’s. On our tour around the greenhouses, we were quite pleased that she chose some old and new begonias to add to her collection. Of course, many know that Martha’s Begonia Collection is outstanding, and she has beautiful specimens of rhizomatous, rex and fibrous begonias.

At Logee’s, we hybridize many of our own begonias, such as Begonia ‘Autumn Ember’, Begonia ‘Lime Royale’ and Begonia ‘Desert Dream’ to name a few. While we took Martha on a tour of our Production Range, we stopped at our begonia bench and Martha chose a Logee hybrid that will be named after her called, Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’. We are quite excited to release this begonia in the Fall of 2018 in honor of our friend and true plantswoman, Martha Stewart. We are quite sure you will want this one for your collection, too.

Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ – Available Fall 2018

While at Logee’s, another noteworthy plant that is going to Martha’s collection is the rare Red Finger Lime, Australian Red Lime (Citrus australasica hybrid). Being the culinary expert that she is, Red Finger Lime will not only delight guests with the red rind, but the break-apart lime-colored juice vesicles inside. We were able to give her a large specimen in hopes of it flowering this spring and producing fruit just in time for the holidays.

Australian Red Lime

While we were walking through our 19,000 square foot production range with her floral designer Kevin Sharkey, Martha told us about her latest book called Martha’s Flowers, A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering and Enjoying. This is her 90th book, and will be released on February 27th. Congratulations Martha, we can’t wait to read it!

Martha Stewart and her floral designer Kevin Sharkey, holding Citrus medica ‘Turunji’

Speaking of flowers, Byron thought Martha should have Lady of the Night (Brunfelsia gigantea) because of its intense nighttime fragrance and large, 2” pure white flowers. He found a 2.5” pot with two flowers in bloom and assured her that the fragrance would intensify at night and would fill her home with its heady, intoxicating fragrance.

Lady of the Night (Brunfelsia gigantea)

Finally, one of the largest plants that Martha was able to take with her was the rare Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum). This was a three-year old specimen and was about 4’ tall. We are so excited that she will be growing this in her greenhouse and will get to witness the largest and most unusual flower in the world.

Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)

It may take a couple more years before the Corpse Flower reaches its full blooming size. But if we know Martha, she has a knack for getting plants to bloom. Personally, I can’t wait to see what decorative garden container she will choose for the outstanding Amorphophallus titanium. Keep us posted Martha!

Martha delighted with her Logee’s plants packed in the back of her car

Thank you for visiting Logee’s. Don’t forget to request your free Logee’s catalog while you’re here. You can learn more about Martha Stewart’s latest visit to Logee’s in her own words at The Martha Blog, or get more information on some of Martha’s plant selections below:

• Australian Red Lime
• Lady of the Night
• Corpse Flower

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Logee’s 2018 Early Spring Catalog

Our Early Spring catalog will be arriving in homes the first week of January. We have 40 new plant introductions that are sure to excite both novice gardeners and plant geeks alike. Here’s a preview of some of our favorite new plants from the catalog:

Hibiscus ‘Pinot Noir’ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid)

Hibiscus ‘Pinot Noir’

We often get feedback from customers who’ve never grown a hibiscus before, and they are tremendously excited when their first flower blooms. The boldness and exquisite colors can really only be appreciated when seen in person. ‘Pinot Noir’ has exceptionally large, 8-9” flowers that are light lavender with maroon centers and hints of pink in the petals. Like all hibiscus, ‘Pinot Noir’ does best in full sun and remember to give it plenty of water and fertilizer to so it reaches its fullest blooming potential.

Variegated Heart Leaf Hoya (Hoya kerrii ‘Variegata’)

Variegated Heart Leaf Hoya (Hoya ‘Kerrii’ variegata)

One of our favorite hoyas of all time, Variegated Heart Leaf Hoya has large, waxy leaves that resemble hearts. Each leaf has a creamy, white border with a green center making this succulent a cherished addition to any plant collection. Although a slow grower, the heart-shaped leaves make a unique display as the heavy vine wraps itself around a trellis for support.

Sapodilla ‘Alano’ (Manilkara zapota hybrid)

Sapodilla ‘Alano’ (Manilkara zapota hybrid)

Considered by many to be the finest Sapodilla in the world, ‘Alano’ has medium-sized, oval fruits that are sweet and delicious. The fruit holds onto the tree for several months and typically ripens from November to June. Once ripe, the soft fruit can be scooped out of the brown peel and eaten with a spoon. ‘Alano’ is a slow grower with a compact habit so it can be fruited in a large pot for northern gardeners, and it tends to fruit while the plant is young so it makes an excellent plant for home gardeners.

Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Originating from Southwest China, The Chinese Money Plant makes an attractive potted plant on any windowsill, and it has a fascinating lore of bringing money into one’s life. We love its dwarf size and the large, green, coin-like leaves. We had the Chinese Money plant in our collection in the 1980s but it has gained tremendous popularity in the past few years so we’re reintroducing it. Chinese Money Plant adapts well to low light and is an easy-care plant making it suitable for even the beginning gardener.

Azalea ‘Bollywood’ (Rhododendron hybrid)

Azalea ‘Bollywood’ (Rhododendron hybrid)

Add vibrant color to your spring garden with Azalea ‘Bollywood.’ Prolific, deep pink flowers appear in late spring, and the variegated green and white foliage is attractive in any season. This compact plant only grows 2’ tall making it ideal for the garden border or a container. Hardy in zones 5-9.

• Hibiscus ‘Pinot Noir’
• Variegated Heart Leaf Hoya
• Sapodilla ‘Alano’
• Chinese Money Plant
• Azalea ‘Bollywood’ (Rhododendron hybrid)

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‘Tis the Season to Save 20% at Logee’s!

It’s that time of year again. And to help you celebrate, we’d like to give you the opportunity to save 20% on everything in the store*.  Just enter the promo code “FB20” (without quotes) in the “Key Code” box during checkout, and your discount will automatically be applied to your total:

Enter promo code FB20 in the Key Code area

We have a large assortment of rare, tropical and fruiting plants that you’ll just love. A Christmas Cactus makes a great holiday gift, as does our Tillandsia Air Plants. You might also like Begonia ‘Autumn Ember’, its orange leaves emerging with a splash of vibrant color this time of year. And of course, there’s the exotic Meyer Lemon, a Logee’s fan favorite all year-round.

Now’s the time to buy something special for that someone special — or treat yourself, you’re special, too! But you better hurry, because this limited-time 20% discount offer is only valid from 12:01AM on Friday, 11/24/17 until Monday, 11/27/17 at 11:59PM. (*Please Note: This discount cannot be combined with any other offer, and excludes gift certificates.)

Click here and start shopping! Just remember to use “FB20” during checkout. Offer also available in our retail store at 141 North Street in Danielson, CT.

Thanks for visiting, and Happy Holidays from Logee’s!

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Logee’s Greenhouses, founded in 1892, is celebrating its 125th year in business and decided it was time for updated siding and new windows. After years of moisture and humidity rolling up from the attached greenhouses, the big picture windows had moisture trapped between the panes and the cloudiness cut down on the light for plants and simply the attractiveness of the front store…

The big picture windows have been replaced with clear glass…

Also, new vinyl siding was put on to replace the 100-year-old clap boards that had certainly seen better days. To match the new siding, the front gardens are being groomed and bushes trimmed and tropical plants planted outside for the season…

Our building has been re-sided and new plants out front for the coming season. Once we get a bit more sun and less cold rain the plants out front will thrive and fill in to make an abundant lush tropical garden…

Thanks for your interest in learning about our recent improvements at Logee’s. Before you go, please be sure to explore our selection of rare and unusual plants. And don’t forget to request your free Logee’s catalog while you’re here, too!

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At Logee’s, we are constantly on the hunt for rare and unusual plants. We often visit places with rare plants that can’t be found anywhere else. Talking and networking with the local nursery growers gives us a unique insight on growing these rare beauties.

Recently, we traveled the islands of Hawaii and found plants that we will trial in our greenhouses and then release to our customers if the plants are suitable. There are several requirements for plants to be considered for the Logee’s collection. First and foremost, we look for something unusual, like an impressive bloom. This tree flower, called Panama Flame (Brownea macrophylla), although big and beautiful does not meet our second requirement, namely that it grows well in a container.

Logee’s co-owner, Byron Martin, with an impressive Panama Flame bloom

A third trait we look for is a wide appeal to gardeners of all skill levels. We stopped at a road side stand and met a hobbyist grower, Bob, who gave us a Beehive Ginger and bouquet of flowers. We have grown Beehive Ginger before but his tips about how to use Beehive Ginger were enlightening. If you squeeze the beehive cone, scented ginger water comes out and can be splashed on as a refreshing morning scent.

Logee’s co-owner, Laurelynn Martin, with Bob, a hobbyist grower

One of our most exciting finds was meeting with Maui Native Nursery owner, Jonathan. Jonathan’s nursery seeks out rare and endangered species so he can help the islands reclaim their native vegetation.

Byron with Jonathan, owner of Maui Native Nursery

We had heard about this rare plant that is native to the Island of Kauai and only grows on rocky cliffs. Jonathan’s nursery had hand collected seed and grown many of these plants. He has released several hundred to us so we can grow this rare Cabbage on a Stick plant (Brighamia insignis) at Logee’s and introduce them to our customers in our Fall catalog.

The plant has wonderful white flowers that mature to yellow and have a gardenia-like fragrance. When Jonathan recently got married, he surrounded the wedding altar with this rare plant that in Hawaiian lore is said to bring blessings and good luck to the newlywed couple.

The ‘Cabbage on a Stick’ plant

Searching in nurseries, botanic gardens, conservatories, road side stands and talking with growers throughout the Hawaiian Islands gives us a unique insight into where and how our tropical plants grow in their native land, and we are grateful to the gardeners and growers who hosted us. Thanks for your interest in learning about our travels. Before you go, please be sure to explore our selection of rare and unusual plants. And don’t forget to request your free Logee’s catalog while you’re here, too!

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Join us and have fun exploring the Potting Shed, the Fern House, the Herb House and the famous Lemon Tree House. Wander through the tropical pathways of the Big House and see the beauty of Angel’s Trumpets, and the Kumquat tree six different varieties of citrus grafted on it. The seven-circuit labyrinth will be open for walks and tours. The Festival of Fruits and Flowers will also feature local artisans, music and vendors of food, crafts and specialty items.

125 Years of Logee’s

Logee’s Greenhouses was founded by William D. Logee in 1892 in Danielson, Connecticut. He started the business as a cut flower grower and soon became interested in tropical and unusual plants. In 1900, he bought a small Ponderosa Lemon Tree from a grower in Philadelphia. It was known as the “American Wonder Lemon” (Citrus limon) due to the size of the fruit, which could become a massive 5-pound specimen. 

One of our gigantic “American Wonder” lemons

The plant was shipped by train, then picked up by horse and buggy and planted directly into the ground in the original greenhouse. The same tree still stands in the same greenhouse (appropriately called the Lemon Tree House), and it has been producing 5-pound lemons every year. Hundreds of thousands of cuttings have been harvested from this original tree to produce the Ponderosa Lemon trees that Logee’s sells. This year, as Logee’s celebrates its 125th anniversary, the American Wonder Lemon Tree continues to be a star attraction. 

Many additional greenhouses were built on the property as the company grew and produced more and more plants. The second-generation owner was Joy Logee Martin who loved begonias and geraniums. When Joy’s son, Byron Martin and his business partner, Laurelynn Martin took over as third generation owners, they turned their attention to bold, beautiful flowering plants, fragrant plants, fruiting plants and rare plants that perform well in containers.

Logee’s is a destination greenhouse for anyone who loves exotic and unusual plants. Our retail store is open daily. Remember to mark your calendar and help us celebrate our 125th Anniversary on June 17 for our Festival of Fruits and Flowers.  Hope to see you there!

Logee’s Greenhouses
141 North Street
Danielson, CT 06239
Tel: (888) 330-8038

Thank you for visiting Logees.com. Before you go, please be sure to explore our selection of rare and unusual plants. And don’t forget to request your free Logee’s catalog while you’re here, too!

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Hibiscus ‘Night Runner’

Fancy, dinner plate-sized hibiscus are some of the most dramatic and spectacular blooms in creation. The larger than life swirl of color and fancy ruffled petals are always a welcome sight at Logee’s.

Our newest Hibiscus ‘Night Runner’ is a rosa-sinensis hybrid and the flowers reach 8” across on mature plants. The magnificent coloring is what captivates the eye with its vibrant orange and violet rings that surround the red inner petals and white center and then reach outward to the frilly yellow petal edges.

This fancy cultivar has a lateral bushy growth habit and simply needs to be staked and pruned to encourage upright growth. Historically, hibiscus in their native habitat, originating in Asia and the Pacific islands, are often used as flowering hedges and the stunning multi-floral colors stop people in their tracks with their beauty.

How to Care for Hibiscus ‘Night Runner’

Caring for Hibiscus ‘Night Runner’ is easy in the north, if given full sun and a southern exposure. Also, as an indoor plant, the temperature needs to be kept above 60°F. When grown outside in the summertime and stretching into the fall, pay attention the temperature. Hibiscus ‘Night Runner’ can take dips into the high 30’s and 40’s but any sustained time of extremely low temperatures can damage the plant.

Water
Watering is another important component of flowering ‘Night Runner.’ Make sure to dry the soil out some between watering, but not to the point of wilt. It is important to keep the root system healthy and not have the roots sitting in cool temperatures and wet soil.

Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Organic Fertilizer

Fertilizer
Another tip to get ‘Night Runner’ to bloom continuously over the summer is to feed your hibiscus during the active growing season. Simply put, when the days start to lengthen, either top dress with a granular balanced fertilizer, such the Dr. Earth Organic Exotic Blend 6-4-6, or a liquid fertilizer which can be added the water once a week (similar to our Dyna-Gro Plant Food 7-9-5).

Some people find it easier to add the balanced liquid fertilizer when they water. However, we like to apply an organic granular slow-release fertilizer because once you top dress your hibiscus, a small amount of fertilizer will be released to the plant each time you water. This will satisfy the feeding needs for a couple of months.

Pests
Hibiscus ‘Night Runner’, like other hibiscus, can be susceptible to certain insects such as white fly, aphids, spider mite and thrip. Mostly we see outbreaks when the plant has summered outside all season and then brought in to a warm house at the end of the outdoor growing season. We highly recommend doing preventative sprays with neem oil and this will eradicate most problems.

Overall, with a little bit of attention to watering and fertilizer, Hibiscus ‘Night Runner’ is easy to grow and will reward you with prolific blooms all summer long.

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