Portulacas like warm weather, sun, not much water

Q :I’ve planted several half-barrels with portulaca, told that they are colorful and easy to grow. After nearly a month, they seem to be just sitting there! What’s up? — S.E., West Side

A: Portulaca, commonly called moss rose, is a very easy plant to grow as long as the conditions are correct.

First, I’d blame the weather for the portulaca “just sitting there.” This plant likes it hot. With some unseasonable low temperatures so far this season, I’ll bet they are biding their time before showing off. As soon as the temperatures stay consistently higher, they’ll connect. Well, that is dependent on a couple of other things, too. This plant likes to grow best in lots of sun. If you have it planted somewhere shady, on top of being kept cool, it’s not going to perform the way it wants to. So if you’ve planted the portulaca in pots, move them into a sunnier location.

Then think about the watering. Are you out there making sure the plantings have ample water? If so, back off. Portulaca grows best if it’s kept a smidgen on the dry side. Kept wet, the plants are more apt to rot, don’t grow a deep allencompassing root system, won’t flower as prolifically as they are known for and look peaked all season long.

That’s all I can think of: aim to keep them on the dry side — not arid, mind you — offer lots of sun and know that as soon as our summer heat comes on so will your portulaca plantings.

Q: I have a couple of tropical hibiscus plants that have been indoors all winter. Do you think I can put them back outdoors now? — L.H., West Side

A: I’m confident that the time is right. The evening and nighttime temperatures are brisk, but this variety of plant should be able to withstand it and in theory the weather should begin to warm from now on. I’d suggest a wee bit of a pruning just as they head outside so any new growth is more adapted to the weather, so to speak. Do make sure some of the mature leaf is left below where you prune so the plants can still feed its self, OK?

If the hibiscus have been growing in the same soil for several growing seasons consider re-potting with fresh potting soil, give the root mass a wee bit of a haircut, too, so the plants will perform marvelously for you this growing season.

Initially, set the pots in a spot offering dappled light or shade for several days so the plant gets used to being buffeted by the weather, then relocate to sunnier locales if you choose. To be plunked into full sun just out of the gate would be harsh. And since you’ve tended them all winter, you want them to think you still care.

I believe you’d be safe setting your cheerful, easy to grow bloomers back

outdoors to enjoy the season.

Q: The house we just bought has a flower bed with what I think are daffodils. The flowers are long gone and tattered, and the leaves are yellowed. What do I do with these plants? — N.H., West Side

A: Get yourself a sharp pair of stout scissors or hand pruners and cut all of that above ground growth to ground level. Everything you’ll cut off needs be pitched or added to a compost pile if you’re going to have one. Keep the area watered periodically throughout this growing season, perhaps add a few blooming perennials to remind you to water, and know that the bulbs were re-fed and are now resting conserving their strength to surprise you next spring. Easy as that! Happy Diggin In.