Outdoor Flowers and Foliage
Seedlings Around Lenten Roses
Q: I have dozens of small seedlings around my Lenten roses. What do I do now? A: Transplant the seedlings into a semi-shaded “nurse” bed, just a few inches apart. Fertilize in late May with a controlled release fertilizer (Osmocote,...
Hunting “Piggies”
Q: As a kid, we would hunt what we called “piggies” in the woods. As I remember, the leaves were sort of heart-shaped and when we found them we would bend away the leaves so the little piggies could be...
Rose mosaic virus
Q: One of my roses looks sick. Can you identify and let me know the remedy? A: This is rose mosaic virus.. Like human viruses, there is no cure for plant diseases caused by a virus. The major source of...
Iris Rust Identification and Control
Q: My iris leaves have distinct yellow streaks. The blooms coming up are healthy. A: This is iris rust. Rust is a common problem on iris. Dew, rain, fog, high humidity and overhead watering all encourage the development of iris...
Rose – Black Spot Control
I have never found a rose that was one hundred percent resistant to black spot, the most common rose disease. The tell-tale yellow leaves adorn roses throughout Atlanta to one extent or another. The best way to avoid black...
Flower That Looks Like Moss On A Long Stem
Q: In floral arrangements I often see a cut flower that looks like a clump of moss on a long stem. Do you have any idea what it could be? A: Cool looking isn’t it!? I have no doubt you...
Small Seedlings Around Lenten Roses
Q: I have dozens of small seedlings around my Lenten roses. What do I do now? A: Transplant the seedlings into a semi-shaded “nurse” bed, just a few inches apart. Fertilize in late May with a controlled release fertilizer (Osmocote,...
Is Golden Jackpot Barberry Invasive Here?
Q: Is the Golden Jackpot barberry invasive here? A: It is hard to know. Japanese barberry is very invasive in some parts of the country, like New England, but does not seem to be as vigorous in the Southeast. Yellow-leafed...
Differences Between 34-10-10 And 3-4-3 Fertilizer
Q: What is the difference between Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron fertilizer (34-10-10) and Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron fertilizer (3-4-3)? A: As you know, fertilizer products are made by mixing different chemicals together. These chemicals supply the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that plants...
“Piggies” Plants From My Childhood?
Q: As a kid, we would hunt what we called “piggies” in the woods. As I remember, the leaves were sort of heart-shaped and when we found them we would bend away the leaves so the little piggies could be...
Landscaper Chopped Off A Third Of My Encore Azaleas
Q: The community landscape crew used a hedge trimmer to chop off about a third of my healthy, newly-planted Encore azaleas. I presume the spring blooming will not happen but I’m wondering if they will survive this butchering? A: If...
Which Plants In My Landscape Are Poisonous?
Q: I have young children and would like to know which plants in my landscape are poisonous. A: Many landscape plants and houseplants are “poisonous” to one degree or another. It is always important to remember that “The dose makes...
Getting Rid Of Black & Blue Salvia
Q: Several years ago, I planted ‘Black & Blue’ salvia. It has now spread across the entire back of my house and I want to get rid of it. Other than pull it up, a tough job due to the...
Should I Leave My Tropical Hibiscus Outside?
Q: Is there a alternative to leaving plants like tropical hibiscus outside instead of bringing inside? I recently moved and do not have the room I once had in the garage. A: Trying to get a tropical hibiscus to survive...
Do Coleus Belong In The Shade Or Sun?
Q: I planted coleus in my garage flower bed last year and they all died. I read somewhere that direct sun would be an enemy to coleus. But my neighbors grow them in sunshine despite this. A: Once upon a...
When Can I Plant The Bulbs Of My Yellow Tulips?
Q: Someone gave me blooming yellow tulips in a pot for Christmas. They have stopped blooming and shed the petals. When can I plant the bulbs? A: I don’t have much hope your gift tulips will ever bloom again. The...
My Paperbush Flowers Were Very Small This Year
Q: My paperbush (Edgeworthia) flowers were very small this year. I think the cause was the long, hot, dry summer at a time when they usually set their flowers for winter. A: I think the problem was caused by cold,...
Deer Have Chewed Up My Azaleas
Q: Deer have left my azaleas alone for thirty years but this year a young buck has completely defoliated my plants. What should I do with them now? A: Deer have incisor teeth in their lower jaw but not in...
