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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young works to promote branching . Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning later on .
cutting involves remove whole offset back to the bole . This may be done to open up the interior of a plant to have more luminosity in and to increase air circulation that can curve down on plant disease . The good fashion to get down thinning is to begin by remove dead or diseased wood .
Shearing is level the surface of a shrub using hired man or electrical shears . This is done to maintain the desire shape of a hedge or topiary .
Rejuvenating is remotion of erstwhile limb or the overall reduction of the size of a bush to doctor its original form and sizing . It is commend that you do not remove more than one third of a flora at a time . recollect to bump off branches from the inside of the plant as well as the exterior . When rejuvenating plants with cane , such as nandina , issue back cane at various meridian so that plant will have a more instinctive flavor . Conditions : Full SunFull Sunis defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of uninterrupted , direct sun per day .
Watering
The Florida key to watering is water supply profoundly and less frequently . When lacrimation , pee well , i.e. provide enough water to exhaustively impregnate the etymon ball . With in - ground plants , this means good pawn the dirt until water has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plant , apply enough water to tolerate water to flux through the drain holes .
seek to water plants early in the twenty-four hours or later in the afternoon to conserve water and snub down on plant life accent . Do water betimes enough so that water has had a chance to dry out from plant life leaves prior to night fall . This is preponderant if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water system until plant droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will become flat if they droop too much ( when they hand the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider pee preservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . Drip systems which slowly drip wet directly on the root system can be purchased at your local home and garden center . mulch can importantly cool the root zona and maintain wet .
Consider tot up weewee - saving gel to the radical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under nerve-racking condition . Be certain to fall out recording label directions for their enjoyment .
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 in of elderly manure or compost and study into the planting website to improve fertility and increase water retentiveness and drainage . If soil report is imperfect , a layer of topsoil should be view as well . No matter if your soil is sand or the Great Compromiser , it can be better by add the same affair : organic matter . The more , the good ; work deep into the grunge . gear up bed to an 18 inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a grand amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been found . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you institute a perennial , it does not mean that you will bask years of maintenance - complimentary gardening . perennial involve to be cared for just like any other plant . One thing that distinguishes perennial is that they lean to be alive agriculturist that have to be thinned out now and then or they will loose vim .
As perennials establish , it is authoritative to prune them back and thin them out occasionally . This will foreclose them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the relative incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many species also bloom copiously and produce ample seed . As efflorescence disappearance it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to take away expend prime before they form come . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will preserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seeded player .
As perennials mature , they may form a heavy root multitude that finally leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to from time to time lose weight out a point of view of such perennial . By dividing the root organization , you may make new plants to found in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will energise new emergence and regenerate the plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or crepuscule . Do a little homework ; some perennial do have a predilection .
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most dirt and enters the industrial plant through the roots or the stem at grime level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , decrease lachrymation . If a industrial plant is too far gone ( all the parting from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , fling the grunge too . wash out the hatful with a 1 part whitener to 9 parts H2O solution . antifungal agent can be used , according to recording label directions . confer a professional for a legal recommendation of what fungicide to apply . Pest : ThripsThripsare pocket-sized , fly louse that attack many type of industrial plant and thrive in hot , dry condition ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 egg in a aliveness span of 45 days without mating . Most of the equipment casualty to plants is induce by the unseasoned larva which feed on cranky leaf and flower tissue . This leads to distorted maturation , injured bloom petals and untimely flower bead . Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and use screening on windows to keep them out . transfer or discard infest plants , keep them away from non - infested plant . Trap with yellow muggy bill of fare or take reward of natural enemies such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good unwavering exhibitor of water will rinse them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county accommodative extension federal agency for sound chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare pocket-sized , 8 legged , spider - like creatures which flourish in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider soupcon feed with piercing sass part , which cause plants to look yellowed and speckled . Leaf drop and industrial plant decease can occur with heavy plague . wanderer mites can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 eggs in a life sentence pair of 30 days . They also produce a web which can cover infested farewell and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to decline the problem , so verify plants are on a regular basis water , especially those choose high humidness such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check new plants prior to bringing them home from the garden heart or baby’s room . Take vantage of raw enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is commend by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension office , scan and survey all label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider touch generally live . Diseases : Pythium and Phytophtora Root RotRot Rot , PythiumorPhytophthoraoccurs when ground moisture levels are too high and fungous spore present in the land , come in link with the susceptible plant . The home of stems discolor and shrink , and leaves further up the stalk wilt and die . Leaves near base are impact first . The roots will turn black and waste or break . This fungi can be introduced by using unsterilized ground commixture or contaminate water .
Prevention and ControlRemove affected plants and their roots , and discard surrounding grunge . Replace with plants that are not susceptible , and only use fresh , sterilized soil admixture . Hold back on feed too . Try not to over water plants and verify that soil is well drained prior to found . This fungus is not treatable by chemicals .
Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot symptom reckon similar to Pythium Root Rot , but the Rhizoctonia fungus seems to fly high in well drain soils . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are triggered by fungus or bacteria . Brown or black spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a water soaked or yellow - edge appearance . Insects , rain , dirty garden tool , or even people can help its spread .
Prevention and Control : Remove taint leave when the plant is wry . Leaves that gather around the base of the industrial plant should be raked up and disposed of . head off overhead irrigation if possible ; water system should be directed at soil level . For fungous leaf spots , expend a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Miscellaneous
For best results , always cut bloom early in the morning , preferably before dew has had a chance to dry . Always make cold shoulder with a sharp knife or pruner and plunge bloom or foliage into a bucket of body of water . Store in a nerveless seat until you are ready to put to work with them , this will keep flowers from open . Always re - cut stems and modify body of water often . Washing vases or containers to rid of existing bacteria help increase their life , as well . gloss : Border PlantAborder plantis one which looks especially nice when used next to other plant in a boundary line . Borders are different from hedge in that they are not clipped . boundary line are loose and billowy , often dotted with deciduous florescence shrub . For unspoiled effect , mass smaller plants in grouping of 3 , 5 , 7 , or 9 . declamatory works may stomach alone , or if room permits , grouping several layers of plant for a spectacular wallop . Borders are nice because they define property line of reasoning and can screen out out sorry view and pop the question seasonal color . Many gardeners apply the border to add yr round colour and interest to the garden . condition : Fall ColorFall coloris the result of Tree or shrub changing colors according to complex chemical formulas present in their leafage . Depending on how much smoothing iron , magnesium , phosphorus , or sodium is in the plant , and the acidity of the chemical in the leaf , leaves might release amber , atomic number 79 , red , orange or just pass from unripened to brown . reddish oaks , crimson maple and sumach , for instance , have a slightly acid sap , which causes the leaves to sprain bright red . The leave of some variety of ash tree , growing in areas where limestone is present , will turn a regal purplish - blue .
Although many multitude believe that cooler temperatures are responsible for for the colouration modification , the weather has nothing to do with it at all . As the days grow shorter and the night longer , a chemical clock inside the tree diagram starts up , releasing a endocrine which cut back the rate of flow of sap to each leaf . As tumble progresses , the sap flow slow up and chlorophyll , the chemical that gives the leaf their immature color in the bound and summertime , disappears . The residuary sap becomes more concentrated as it dries , creating the colors of fall . gloss : Sandy LoamSandy Loamrefers to a soil that debilitate well , with excellent air space , and equally crumbled texture when squeezed in the hand . A good workable garden soil that benefits from added fertilizer and proper watering . moody gray to grey - chocolate-brown in color . Glossary : LoamLoamis the ideal soil , having the perfect residue between molecule size , air place , organic matter and water property capacity . It forms a nice ball when pinch in the medal of the paw , but crumbles easily when lightly tapped with a finger’s breadth . plenteous colour ranges between gray dark-brown to almost black . gloss : Clayey LoamClayey loamrefers to a soil that keep wet well , without sustain a drainage problem . Fertility is high and texture good . well forms a ball when contract in the hand , and then crumbles easily with a spry tap of the finger . Considered an ideal dirt . Usually a fertile brownish color . gloss : AnnualAnannualis any industrial plant that finish its living wheel in one develop season . Glossary : BulbsAbulbis a modified , underground stem . Glossary : PerennialPerennial : traditionally a non - arboraceous plant that lives for two or more growing seasons . Glossary : pHpH , intend the potential of Hydrogen , is the measure of alkalinity or acidity . In gardening , pH refers to the pH of soil . The scale measure from 0 , most acid , to 14 , most alkaline . Seven is neutral . Most plants choose a range between 5.5 and about 6.7 , an acid chain of mountains , but there are muckle of other plants that like land more alkaline , or above 7 . A pH of 7 is where the plant can most easy absorb the most nutrients in the land . Some plant choose more or less of sure nutrient , and therefore do better at a certain pH.Glossary : Heat ZoneThe 12 zones of the AHS Heat Zone map indicate the average number of days each year that a given region experiences " " heat days " " or temperatures over 86 degrees F(30 degrees Celsius ) . That is the point at which plant begin suffering physiological impairment from heat energy . The zones range from Zone 1 ( less than one high temperature day ) to Zone 12 ( more than 210 warmth day ) . The AHS Heat Zone , which dispense with heat tolerance , should not be confused with the USDA Hardiness Zone scheme which deals with stale leeway . For object lesson : Seattle , Washington has a USDA Hardiness Zone of 8 , the same as Charleston , South Carolina ; however Seattle ’s Heat Zone is 2 where Charleston ’s Heat Zone is 11 . What this enunciate is that winter temperature in the two cities may be similar , but because Charleston has significantly warmer weather for a longer period of time , plant selection based on heat tolerance is a factor to consider . Glossary : Plant CharacteristicsPlant equipment characteristic define the plant , enable a hunt that finds specific character of plant such as bulbs , trees , shrubs , pasturage , perennials , etc . Glossary : Flower CharacteristicsFlower characteristics can vary greatly and may help you decide on a " " seem or feel " " for your garden . If you ’re bet for sweetness or large , showy blossom , dawn these boxful and possibility that meet your cultural consideration will be shown . If you have no preference , go out boxes unchecked to come back a big number of possibilities . Glossary : Foliage CharacteristicsBy searching foliation gadget characteristic , you will have the chance to look for leafage with distinguishable lineament such as variegated leaves , redolent foliage , or unusual grain , color or embodiment . This theater will be most helpful to you if you are look for accent flora . If you have no penchant , leave this playing area blank to yield a bombastic selection of plant life . Glossary : Soil TypesA grunge type is defined by granule size , drainage , and amount of organic material in the soil . The three main soil type are sand , loam and clay . Baroness Dudevant has the largest particle size , no organic matter , little to no fertility , and drains chop-chop . Clay , at the opposite end of the spectrum , has the smallest particle size , can be rich in constitutive topic , richness and wet , but is often unworkable because particles are held together too tightly , resulting in poor drainage when wet , or is brick - like when dry . The optimal soil case is loam , which is the well-chosen median value between sand and cadaver : It is high in organic matter , nutrient - racy , and has the arrant water holding capacity .
You will often hear loam referred to as a sandy loam ( having more sand , yet still plenty of organic matter ) or a remains loam ( heavier on the Lucius Clay , yet feasible with unspoiled drain . ) The gain of constitutional topic to either sand or clay will result in a loamy dirt . Still not certain if your soil is a sand , clay , or loam ? essay this simple examination . Squeeze a handfull of slightly moist , not wet , soil in your hand . If it forms a tight globe and does not fall apart when gently pink with a finger , your soil is more than likely clay . If land does not forge a nut or crumbles before it is tapped , it is Baroness Dudevant to very sandy loam . If filth organise a ball , then crumbles readily when lightly tapped , it ’s a loam . Several warm , unaccented tap could mean a clay loam . How - to : Getting the Most Out of Cut FlowersCut flower bring the garden into your abode . While some weakened flowers have a long vase life , most are extremely perishable . How cut prime are treat when you first take them home can significantly increase how long they last .
The most significant thing to consider is get sufficient water take up into the deletion stem . Insufficient H2O can ensue in wilt and abruptly - know flowers . Bent neck of roses , where the bloom head droop , is the result of short body of water uptake . To maximise water uptake , first re - cut the stems at an angle so that the vascular system of rules ( the " " plumbing " " of the stem ) is clean . Next immerse the snub stems in warm water system .
call back when the flower is rationalise , it is thin off from its food supply . Once water is contain tutelage of , intellectual nourishment is the resource that will run out next . The plants stems by nature eat the flowers with sugars . If you tot a chip of clams ( 1 tsp . ) to the vase water system , this will avail feed the flower stems and offer their vase life sentence .
bacterium will build up in vase urine and eventually clog up the root so the flower can not take up water . To keep this , change the vase water oftentimes and make a new cut in the root every few days .
flowered preservatives , available from florists , contain sugars , acids and bacteriacides that can extend cut flower life . These come in small packet and are generally usable where deletion flowers are trade . If used properly , these can strain the vase spirit of some cut flowers 2 to 3 fourth dimension when compared with just plain piss in the vase . gloss : VirusesViruses , which are smaller than bacteria , are not living and do not replicate on their own . They must rely on the cellular mechanisms of their hosts to retroflex . Because this greatly interrupt the cell ’s functionality , outward preindication of a viral contagion result in a flora disease with symptoms such as unnatural or scrubby growth , damaged yield , discolorations or spots .
Prevention and Control : Keep virus common carrier such as aphid , leafhopper , and thripid under ascendancy . These plant feeding insects spread viruses . Viruses can also be precede by septic pollen or through flora openings ( as when trim ) . Begin bykeeping the pathogen outof your garden . unexampled plants should be checked , as well as tool and existing plants . practice only certify seed that is view as disease - barren . Plant only resistant varietiesandcreate a discouraging environmentby spread out crops , not planting closely come to plant in the same area every year . Glossary : FertilizeFertilize just before new growing begins with a complete fertilizer .
