Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
In the garden
QI had my house pressure washed and the chemicals got all over my hydrangea bushes. They look like they are dying. What can
I do?
AWater, water, water. This will help to flush out any chemicals left in the ground. The recent hard rains probably have helped you. If the plants were really dry beforehand, they would suffer even more damage as they would try to absorb moisture in any form. Give it a week or two, then cut off any burned foliage and branches. See what happens. Next time, water the plants well before pressure washing, cover them with a tarp while the spraying is done, and then water well after you remove the tarp.
QI am looking for recommendations for a hanging potted plant to place on our front porch eave. We have had ferns, succulents and flowering arrangements, but they do not last the summer. They face the west and get sun as the sun rises at high noon and later descends to the extreme west.
AI am not surprised by your lack of success with ferns or succulents, as ferns prefer shade, and succulents actually like morning sun and afternoon shade. I would consider using a tropical — a nice one for a hanging basket would
be mandevilla or bougainvillea. They will thrive in hot, humid weather and love full sun. Another option would be lantana or portulaca. I assume you water. As long as they don’t totally dry out and you fertilize periodically, any of these should give you great color all summer.
QThis is a plant my son has had in his yard for the 15 years he has owned his home; it came with the house. He doesn’t know what it is called. The blooms only last a couple days. Hummers and butterflies aren’t attracted to it. I should mention his home is in Southern California. Do you know what this plant might be?
AThe plant in question is a brugmansia, commonly called Angels trumpet. This plant can overwinter outdoors in Arkansas, but many move it inside for the winter to make sure it grows larger and blooms earlier. I think its range of hardiness is limited to central Arkansas and southern parts, but I know some Master Gardeners who have had it survive in Fayetteville. If it is planted in the ground, it dies back totally until spring, and the starts the season over. The flowers can be pink, white, orange or apricot. The entire plant is poisonous.
QWe saw this gorgeous orange/red flower on a recent trip to Hannibal, Mo. Do you know what it is and whether it will grow in Maumelle?
AThe flower in question is a poppy, Papaver rhoeas. This poppy is an annual that reseeds itself. Commonly called Flanders poppy or Shirley poppy, it can come in a wide array of colors, but red is by far the favorite. Sow the seeds in the fall and wait for blooms the following spring.
QThere are rather scrubby trees along old U.S. 71 near Mountainburg that look like wisteria. Lavender clusters of bell flowers. Surely, it’s not wisteria? Can you help?
AThis late in the season, my guess would be bristly locust. If you can get a picture we can make sure.