11 Things Monrovia Plant Lovers Should Know

11 Things Monrovia Plant Lovers Should Know

Ever wonder why those plants in the signature green can hit the ground running when you install then into your garden or pot into a container? It’s a lot of small things that make a big difference. Here’s a peek behind the curtain into what goes into making a Monrovia plant.

Why are our blueberries so fruitful?

Blue berries

It’s all in the pruning! The more you prune a young blueberry, the more branches it forms. Each branch forms a cluster, and each cluster bears fruit. We prune our blueberries more frequently, so you’re getting a fuller plant with more fruit in your first year.  What else? We whip up a custom soil mix for our edibles. This provides them with all they need to fruit early and often.

We have clippers and aren't afraid to use them

We’re insane about plant structure. Unlike many growers, we prune our plants many times in order to produce specimens that are uniform in shape. Along with a dense habit so they look great in your garden, day one. (These topiaries have been pruned several times to get the perfect shape)

topiaries by door

Did that vine go from zero to 15 ft?

Clematis

You’re not seeing things. We plant several of one kind of rooted-up vines (such as this clematis) in one pot. This is to ensure vigorous growth in your garden.

We don't have a "bad side."

Topiaries in various styles

From swirls and poodles, to balls and cubes, our topiary look good from all angles and are without bare spots. Why? Well, we shape them into topiary at a younger stage. Many growers only do a topiary pruning once before shipping. We prune at least 3 times so they have a chance to grow into their shape. Wanna see? 

Thanks, but we're not in a hurry.

Wisteria

It can take up to 10 years for a plant to be ready. For one to leave the cozy nest of our nursery and go into your garden. (Big enough, acclimated to cold or heat, ready to put out flowers–we’re looking at you wisteria). However, we think it's worth the wait.

We're a greener shade of green (and not just the color)

Pollinators

We seek to lead the industry in the reduction of pesticides by using beneficial insects, natural microorganisms, and organic mulches.  Just a few quick 2014 stats:

  • 881,369,000 beneficial insects released

  • 22,000,000 plants weeded by hand, reducing use of herbicides

  • 2.5 billion gallons of water saved through recycling

We Start with Better Plants

Hydrangeas

May seem obvious, but we search the world and work with the best breeders to develop plants for you that have improved features and better traits. Longer or repeat blooming, smaller or compact size, stronger fragrance, drought-tolerance, lower maintenance, etc. (Hey, we’re gardeners too, and this matter to us as it does to you!)

Soil is our dirty little secret

Monrovia's unique soil mix

Good stuff in. Good stuff out. We custom blend more than 40 unique soil mixes to serve the special needs of each plant type. Then to each we add mycorrhizae, an organic natural fungus. What’s that to you? This leads to stronger roots and a better transplant into your garden. (Which is why they thrive immediately and are healthy and vigorous).

Four Thousand and Counting

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That mind-boggling figure is the number of varieties of plants we grow. Yes, even by our industry standards, that’s a lot. (You’re gonna ask so here it is–10,000,000. That’s how many plants we sold in 2014 alone.) 

North, South, East, and West

conifers growing in monrovia conneticut nursery

Plants that are grown near you have already acclimated to whatever Mother Nature throws at them. This is why we have growing grounds in Connecticut, Georgia, California, and Oregon. Your plants may come from closer than you think!

...at the end of the day

lineofcans

…the reason why our plants excel in your garden is pretty much due to the experience of the craftsmen who grow them for you. How much experience? The average length of service here is TEN years. Yes, they know their stuff.

Previous Post  Next Post 
2017-05-01 01:16:00
Linda Kelso
Thank you for this information. I have liked Monrovia since I first encountered it and this video shows me why. Just know your efforts are appreciated.
reply Reply
Rod Shoja
is there a way I can visit?
reply Reply
Charline Race
What plants do you grow in Georgia, and is there an "open house" or field day there to see what's growing and even buy on site?
reply Reply
gary Mirenda
I have a Chinese wisteria I purchased from another grower 15 years ago and it hasn't bloomed. Tried fertilizing and trimming roots at the surface. Is this normal? Stem base is about 8" across. It gets sun over 7 hrs a day.
reply Reply
gary Mirenda
Is there good organic alternative to spraying pesticides on apple and peach trees?
reply Reply
James Dennis Wilson
Living in Texas, any plant that survive the Texas heat in July, August and September is a tough one. Do you have any Cascading plants that will take hot sun afternoon, facing west. Your recommendation would certainly be appreciated. Also any low level ground cover Roses with double blooms. Thanks
reply Reply
James Dennis Wilson
Keep sending me great information about plants.
reply Reply
Ginny Johns
I was on a field trip thru one of your growing facilities in Louisiana. Learned a lot!
reply Reply
michaele anderson
10,000,000 ...goodness... so impressive. I don't think I've ever had a Monrovia produced plant fail and I've bought a lot of them from different nurseries.
reply Reply
Sharon Erskine
I always have great results with your plants, they are healthy and strong. Thank you for the extra seps!!
reply Reply
Christine Meissner
Very informative, especially putting several of the same plants in one container to ensure vigorous grow.
reply Reply
chris Koslosky
I love you plants i have many flower gardens and a lot of your plants are my stars thank you for this look into your company. I buy them in Omaha NE. from Mulhals and in Lincoln NE from Campbells.
reply Reply
Ed Mitchell
Great newsletter! The best. Really useful information and reminders.
reply Reply
Jeanette Wells
Good morning, Firstly , I so much enjoy reading your website! I love using potted plants in my garden in that it provides vertical interest and that the planted pots are movable for various reasons. This is a question rather than a comment. Does Monrovia sell a potting soil and if so, where would I most likely find the product? Thank you.
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