Dry root balls can stall ixora growth
LOU TOMAN/SUN SENTINEL FILE plantings. If needed, adjust the pH to proper acidity during the spring months.
Our climbing rose is growing on a trellis that needs repair. How far back can I cut the plant without causing major harm?
Healthy rose bushes can withstand severe pruning, but it would be nice to save as much of the framework of your climbing plant as possible. Try to keep the major shoots forming the bush. Often four to six large shoots create the basic portion of a climbing rose with lots of offshoots. Remove sections of these side shoots and then cut the
major ones back as needed. It would be possible to prune the plant back to a few feet from the ground, but hopefully, such drastic trimming is not needed.
Oak leaves seem to be so plentiful this year. Is there more than normal?
Lots of oak leaves have fallen this year to use as mulch or add to the compost pile. You might have noticed there seemed to be lots of acorns fall through winter too. Large amounts of each are likely due to several years of good growing conditions. Adequate rains along, with landscape fertilizer applications, have encouraged growth and good acorn production. Leaf set looks good this year, but trees often take a break from fruit production after a heavy fruiting year. If the good rains return, expect a similar leaf drop next winter.
I received a gift pot of tulips. If I cut them back will they bloom again?
Many wish more buds would pop up after attractive tulip blooms fade, but none are likely to appear. What is even worst, if you keep the plants another year, they are not going to flower locally. Florida does not provide the extended cold needed to bring tulips into bloom. Trying to coax them into bloom again would take about two years of growth and extensive refrigeration. It sounds brutal, but toss the plant and keep the pot. Or let the plant die down and send the bulbs to a friend in a colder climate.
We have a shady flower bed where very few plants do well. What seasonal color do you suggest that may last through summer?
Look for begonias, coleus, impatiens and caladiums to provide your spring through summer color. Most garden centers have these in containers to plant in the ground or add to planters for a shady site. Traditional impatiens prefer shade to filtered sun, but the others do well if the site has some sun in the morning or afternoon and the rest is shade. All are durable and do not mind the summer heat or rains. Caladiums start to decline by late summer, but begonias, coleus and impatiens can last through fall.
We grew hydrangeas in our former landscape and obtained several for Easter. What is the proper care after planting in the local landscape?
Hydrangeas can be very demanding, so try to keep care to a minimum by finding the ideal spot. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sun for the entire day. If possible, look for a location that is also naturally moist.
Improve sandy soils with lots of organic matter to help them remain moist. Hydrangeas like to be consistently moist but not wet. Water when the surface of the soil begins to dry to the touch, which can be daily as the plants become established. Maintain a 2-3-inch mulch layer, starting a few inches from the stems. Feed with a slow-release landscape fertilizer during the warmer months, following label instructions. Also, keep a fungicide handy to apply as needed: Hydrangeas often suffer from powdery mildew and leaf spots.