… autumn color displays in trees and shrubs? A. Certain plants have a built-in genetic code that is responsible for their intense fall color displays. But even with these genes in place, trees … in full sun. During the growing season, chlorophyll, indicated by the green color in leaves, is produced by the food-manufacturing process known as photosynthesis. As daylight decreases, so … anthocyanin, the red pigment. If ideal weather conditions are not present, fall color is not as brilliant. When fall days are cloudy or drought conditions exist, less sugar is …
Type: Plant Info
… Cercis ), tuliptree ( Liriodendron ) and many others. Description & Symptoms Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that plugs the vascular system of woody plants. Symptoms include … of branches may occur over several years. In chronic cases, branches survive but growth is slow and leaves are small and sparse. Both acute and chronic symptoms can appear on the same … wilt fungus cannot be eradicated from the soil, and fungicidal treatment of infected plants is ineffective. Wilted branches should be pruned out. Severely infected trees and shrubs should …
Type: Plant Info
… period from about November to February. Then the clivia should be kept in an environment that is about 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and should be watered very sparingly. When the rest period is over, bring the clivia into a room with average home temperatures and moderate to bright …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. My neighbor puts epsom salts in the soil around his rose bushes instead of fertilizer. Is there any advantage to this? A. Epsom salts have a long tradition of being used in the garden, … fast-acting source for magnesium and sulfur. For soils on the alkaline side, the added sulfur is a benefit. Epsom salts, however, do not contain any of the three major components of most …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. I have an established planting of peony bushes that are attacked by blight every year. What is the best way to prevent this disease from recurring? A. Peonies can suffer from several fungal … turn black and never open. These fungal problems favor damp, crowded conditions where there is inadequate sun and air circulation. Always plant peonies in full sun in soil with good …
Type: Plant Info
… Q. I would like to cut back on pesticide use in my vegetable garden. Is there anything I can start to do as I plant this spring? A. Most insect pests attacking … require controls specific to that insect. But rotating the crops in your entire vegetable bed is a good cultural practice that can help to control future problems. Insects and diseases often …
Type: Plant Info
… this hurt the bulbs or future blooms? A. Premature sprouting due to unseasonably warm weather is not unusual. This will not affect the bulbs themselves. However, subsequent below-freezing … of early leaves, and, if buds have formed, prevent flowers from developing properly. No action is necessary to protect the bulbs themselves, but if more than 1 to 2 inches of leaf and/or …
Type: Plant Info
… Viburnum farreri 'Candidissimum', also sold as 'Album', is a naturally occurring white form of this fragrant species, native to the northern provinces of China. It is one of the treasures made available to gardeners through the efforts of Reginald Farrer, …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… takes its common name from the soft fuzzy reddish covering on its winter buds. This species is native to the southern U.S. White flowers in May are followed by fruit that goes from green to pink to blue and persists into winter. Fall foliage color is deep burgundy. The Royal Guard cultivar has a more columnar habit than the species; it was …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… ‘Chenault’ is a burkwood viburnum cultivar. It is a rounded shrub with shiny dark green leaves that are smaller and more finely textured than …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
