HomeFront: In the garden with...

Suzanne Shuffitt

Wednesday, January 06, 2010 -

Send to Friend   Print

The key to successful gardening is knowing how to nurture your own little piece of paradise. Expert gardener Suzanne Shuffitt answers commonly asked questions so you can make your own garden grow.

Should I prune my crape myrtle now?


Yes, the absolute best time to prune your crape myrtle is the last of February into March. For the most detailed and accurate illustrations on how to prune them properly go to wilsonbrosnursery.com and click on “crape myrtle pruning instructions.”

Years ago, we planted an oak tree in our front yard. It’s beautiful, but ,there’s no grass under it.  We’ve re-sodded a couple of times, but the grass keeps disappearing. I don’t like the bare area. What should we do?
It sounds like the canopy of the oak has increased so much that it has greatly reduced the light under the tree. Basically, you have two choices: Choice #1: Have the tree pruned or “limbed up” so that more light can shine through. If you want to try sod again, make sure you select a variety that is shade tolerant. Choice #2: Landscape the area with shade-loving plants. Ferns, liriopes, agapanthus, cast iron plants, azaleas, camellias or groundcovers like ivy and jasmine can be used in shady situations. Do a little homework first. Drive around and observe the neighbors’ shady landscapes. Notice how much shade the plants seem to like and compare that to how much shade you have under your tree.

I am so confused about my French hydrangeas that are planted in my garden. I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do to make the blooms pink. Please help!

First, let’s understand that it’s the aluminum in the plant that determines the color of the bloom. Second, there are numerous factors in the soil that influence the amount of aluminum that a hydrangea can absorb. (And I’m guessing that you really don’t want a lesson in soil science right now!) Therefore, let’s keep it simple!

Pink hydrangeas will remain pink if the soil is alkaline — which is a pH of 6.5 or higher. For short-term changes to soil pH, most recommendations suggest drenching soil around well-watered French hydrangeas with hydrated lime (available at garden supply stores) mixed at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Apply drenches monthly in February, March and April.

And just to be fair, blue hydrangeas need an acid soil in order to absorb the aluminum. Most recommendations call for drenching soil around well-watered French hydrangea with aluminum sulfate mixed at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Apply drenches monthly in February, March and April, avoiding contact with leaves since this solution can damage foliage. Do not increase the above recommendation. Too much aluminum sulfate may damage surrounding plant material.

Good luck and let me know if you want to tackle red or white hydrangeas next year!

Send to Friend   Print