Ed Hume Answers Your Gardening Questions
Ed Hume cannot answer all of the garden questions he receives, but questions
of general interest will be answered here every month. Email your questions
to HumeSeeds@aol.com. Please
note: we do not accept attachments.
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Other June Links
 We live in a mobile home and
are having a real problem finding a plant that will grow on the south side
of the unit. The white aluminum surface, which reflects hot sunlight, is
just too severe for most plants. We have unsuccessfully tried Rhododendrons,
Azaleas, Camellias and Viburnums. However, the Junipers seem to be just fine.
Can you suggest any plants that will survive in this spot that will flower
too?
 Yes, there are several that
will tolerate the reflection quite nicely. One of my favorites is Stranvaesia,
it flowers in the spring, has berries in late summer and fall, and has evergreen
foliage. Choisya ternata, Mexican Orange, also seems do well in such locations.
It has white spring, fragrant flowers, and medium bright green evergreen
foliage. Berberis; Escallonia; Firethorn; Osmanthus and Abelia are other
possible choices.
My peonies are doing exceptionally
well this spring. I have one old plant that has over two dozen flower buds.
Should I pick-off some of these buds? My neighbor says there are too many
buds for the plant and it will weaken the plant if I don't pick off some
of the buds?
You mention that it is an
old plant, so I don't see any reason why you cannot let them all develop
into flowers. One of the first jobs I ever had in the horticultural field
was with a firm that grew Peonies, Shasta Daisies and Iris. They always let
all the buds on the mature plants bloom-out, and it never affected the plants
the next year. About the only time peony buds are pinched, is if there are
two or three on the same stem. Then it is done so that the terminal (top
flower) develops into the largest possible bloom.
I have a beautiful double
lavender Lilac that my brother wants a start of, for his garden. When is
the best time to take cuttings and how do I do it?
Probably the best way to get
a start of the plant for him is to simply give him a root sucker growth.
That's how many of the professionals start their new plants. If you want
to try cuttings, take them in July or August. Take the cuttings from new
mature growth. The cutting should be only about six to ten inches long. Remove
all the bottom leaves, dip the cutting in a rooting hormone like 'Rootone'
and start them in sand or a combination of 50% sand and 50% peat moss. There
is no need to start the cuttings indoors, simply place them directly into
the garden.
About three of my Rhododendrons
still don't look very good. The plants froze-back during the winter, the
leaves turned brown, the buds did not open properly and now the new growth
is coming further down the branches. So I have pruned them back to the new
growth and wonder if they should be fed too?
Yes, they should be fertilized
with a 'Rhododendron' or 'Evergreen' type fertilizer. Apply it according
to label instructions, being certain to water-in thoroughly after application.
You did the right thing by cutting back to the new growth, there is no need
to leave the dead branches on the plant. Besides, the plant should look a
lot better, after pruning.
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