Ground cover, hedges create privacy and sound barriers
Green shoots are popping up everywhere, from new growth in walls of bamboo, spindly shoots coming up from the base of oleanders and the starts of palm fronds peeking out from the tops of tall trees.
Readers continue to send in gardening questions, many relating to freeze damage, and Texas A&M AgriLife extension horticulturist Paul Winski offers answers. Send questions to diane.cowen@chron.com, and we’ll find answers for you.
Q: We lost our privacy hedge in the freeze. What do you recommend planting under a tree canopy?
A: Winski has a handful of ideas for creating a new hedge. He recommends: abelia (abelia grandiflora), euonymus (euonymus japonicus), podocarpus (podocarpus macrophyllus), nandina (Nandina domestica), boxwood (buxus sempervirens) and loropetalum (loropetalum chinense.)
Q: I was going to purchase a slow-release Milorganite fertilizer and potassium spikes to try to save our palm trees and sago palms. I also was considering TreeHelp Palm Tree Spikes. What do you recommend?
A: If the palm is not actively growing due to freeze damage, don’t apply any fertilizer, Winski says. Allow the tree to recover and wait until you see new growth. Once the tree has recovered and new growth is evident, a controlled-release fertilizer with an 8-2-12 ratio with an additional 4 percent magnesium is recommended.
Q: I am trying to give my plants a chance to come back, but I am beginning to lose hope. I have several Pride of Barbados that are several years old. Should I pull them up, or wait a little longer?
A: Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherima) is a late-summer bloomer, so don’t give up on it just yet. There is plenty of time for that plant to reemerge from its root system, and its vibrant flowers are worth waiting for.
Q: What type of evergreen hedge would you recommend for sound insulation and privacy?
A: Consider a buffer zone — not just a hedge — to help provide the privacy and sound insulation that you require, Winski says. An area with evergreen ground cover and shrubs will help reduce the sound in the garden. Here are several species to consider for your planting. Ground covers: Asian jasmine (trachelospermum asiaticum), lily turf (liriope muscari) and mondo grass (ophipogon japonicus). Shrub options include abelia (abelia grandiflora), yaupon holly (ilex vomitoria), elaeagnus (elaeagnus pungens), wax myrtle (myrica cerifera), clumping bamboo (bambusa sp.), waxleaf ligustrum (ligustrum japonicum), Japanese yew (podocarpus macrophyllus), ‘Blue Point’ juniper ( juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Point’). Many of these shrubs are available as either dwarf, medium or large forms; check with your local nursery and see which will work best in your landscape.
Q: I just noticed new growth from the base of my lemon tree. Should I trim all of the dead branches to encourage new growth or just some of the branches?
A: Allow the new growth to grow a bit more before pruning. Once it is about 12 inches tall, you can remove the dead branches. If your tree was grafted, there is a chance that you are seeing the rootstock emerge, which will not be the same as the scion or top growth. If the lemon was started from seed or a rooted cutting, then it will be true to type.
Q: Last year my lawn took a hit from sod webworm. What is the best product to use to prevent another infestation this year? Is Triazicide OK?
A: Triazicide is labeled for the control of sod webworms. The life cycle that causes the damage to your turf is the larvae or caterpillar stage, Winki says. Other options for controlling this grasseating pest are acephate, bendiocarb, carbaryl or the microbial insecticides Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Please read and follow all label directions before making any applications.
Q: I am considering installing a trellis and would like to know what plants are most fragrant and look really nice for such a project? I have a neighbor who thinks he has star jasmine growing on a front trellis, and it has the best, most pleasant fragrance.
A: Star jasmine (trachelospermum jasminoides) produces pinwheel-like flowers with a sweet fragrance.
Q: Are there any clementines or mandarins (Halos or Cuties) that are native or naturalized to our Gulf Coast area?
A: Winksi says he is not aware of any of the mandarins being “native or naturalized” to the area. Most mandarins originally were bred in China and introduced to the West via Japan. The most common mandarin varieties are: Kishu, Ponkan and Pong Koa.
Q: What are the most fragrant gardenia species for our area? Are there any that will flower longer than spring and summer?
A: Gardenias are prized for their fragrant white flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Rating a variety “most fragrant” would be subjective at best. There have been many new introductions lately that offer different growth habits and flower types. Some of the varieties currently available are ‘Crown Jewel,’ ‘Little Daisy,’ ‘Frost Proof,’ ‘August Beauty,’ ‘Double Mint,’ ‘Jubilation,’ ‘Celestial Star’ and ‘Snow Girl.’