Why Latin Names for Plants?
Why does Northern Sunset use those confusing, scientific names for their plants?
You will find that in addition to their unique common name, all Northern Sunset Perennials have their Scientific, or Latin, name listed prominently. We understand that Latin names, with their genus, species and cultivars may seem very confusing. Not to mention their pronunciation!! It was confusing for us too, in the beginning.
However, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to using scientific names. In truth it is the only way to make sure you are getting the plant that you want. Latin is a universal language in the horticultural world. If you know a plant's Latin name, you could order it from Russia and they would know what plant you want!
However, if you use the common name of, let's say, Black-eyed Susan, you could get one of 5 very different plants. It could be either:
- A biennial native plant that seeds prolifically, Rudbeckia hirta
- Another native, Rudbeckia triloba, a perennial, also known as Brown Eyed Susan
- A perennial, Rudbeckia fulgida speciosa, also known as Showy Coneflower
- A cultivar, Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm
- A vine, Thunbergia alata
- Or a daylily variety, Hemerocallis x Black Eyed Susan
We encourage you to be an informed consumer. By doing a little research, either online or by using a good reference, you can be sure that the plant you want is the plant you get. A good Internet search engine can be used with Latin and/or common names, and the result may give you a picture to boot. A good reference book is a great way to spend a cold winter evening by the fire, dreaming of the beautiful garden you will create in the spring.
And, by the way, the easiest way to figure out how to pronounce a scientific name is to remember that there are no silent letters, every one is sounded out.
We were "green" before green was cool...
At W. & E. Radtke, we were raised on the value of plants and the effects of plants in the environment. We try to minimize our impact on the environment whenever and wherever it is economically feasible.
- We grow the majority of our plants outdoors. This allows plants to come out of dormancy and into bloom on Mother Nature's schedule, enabling us to use less energy for heating and cooling, and minimal hormones or growth regulators.
- Plant tops and roots removed during production are composted and added back to the potting soil.
- Hay used for over-wintering our product is composted and added to our stock fields.
- Pots, trays, and labels are responsibly recycled back into the industry.
- Pesticides are used, but only when necessary and only on the affected crop. We use bio-rational products whenever possible, including predator insects, and only when scouting shows the need.
- Irrigation and storm water runoff is recycled to holding ponds that are used for irrigation.
- Irrigation is done on an as needed basis.
- Slow-release fertilizers are incorporated into our soil mix for less leaching.
- Liquid fertilizers are applied only as needed.
- Landscape cloth used for overwintering is reused each year.
- Used pallet material is used as biodegradable mulch, and then composted when it is no longer viable.
- We send fully loaded trucks, planning the most efficient routes, as often as possible.
- We adhere to the Invasive Species Voluntary Code of Conduct for Nursery Professionals http://www.weradtke.com/wholesale/images/codeofconduct.pdf
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