Gardening Questions & Answers

Pruning Clematis

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:09:00 +0000

I have a couple of clematis vines one named 'Niobe' and I forget the other one's name. I have heard that different Clematis require different pruning. How do I know when and how to prune a particular Clematis?

Clematis are pruned in 3 different ways depending upon its season of bloom and weather it blooms on old wood or new.

Group 1: This group contains some of the most vigorous clematis. They flower on old wood. Although this group does not require pruning (other than to remove deadwood), you may wish to prune in order to control its size. Any pruning should be completed as soon as flowering has finished.

Group 2: This group contains the early and mid-season large flowered hybrids which usually begin flowering before the end of June. They also flower on old wood. The only pruning usually required in this group is to prune out dead wood in late winter/early spring. To do this prune back to (just above) a plump pair of buds.

Group 3: This group contains late flowering species and hybrids. They flower on new wood. Prune this group back hard (approximately 30cm (12") from ground level, cutting just above an old leaf joint) in late winter/early spring.

Here are a few examples:

*Group 1*	*Group 2*	*Group 3*

‘Alpina’	‘Rhapsody Fretwell’	‘Pink Fantasy’
	‘Nelly Moser’	‘Polish Spirit’
	‘Niobe’	‘Terniflora’
	‘Henryi’	‘Warsaw Nike’
	‘The President’	‘Princess Diana’
	Multi Blue’	‘Prince Charles’
	‘Duchess of Edinburgh’	‘Jackmanii’
	‘Hybrida Seiboldii’	‘Rouge Cardinal’
	‘Scartho Gem’	'Etoile Violette'
	‘Dawn’
	‘Filigree’
	‘Elsa Spath’
	‘Josephine’
	'Blue Light'

Growing Pink And Blue Hydrangeas Side By Side

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:42:00 +0000

Can you plant blue and pink hydrangeas side by side? Also, if you want tall hydrangeas, what do you do? thanks!
Evelyn Rimando

Evelyn in answer to your question yes you can (as you can see) grow pink and blue hydrangeas side by side but that is a qualified yes. Whether a hydrangea flowers in blue or pink is determined predominantly by the pH level in the soil. Growing your big leaf hydrangea (hydrangea macrophylla) in acidic soil will give you blue blooms while growing the same plant in an alkaline soil will produce pink. (Note: you can alter your soils pH by adding a soil acidifier like aluminum sulphate or adding lime to alkalize it).

The qualifying part is that while the above is true each variety colours up at different pH levels. The 2 hydrangeas pictured above are growing in the exact same soil but the one that turned blue will do so at a higher pH than the hydrangea growing beside it.

As far as growing tall hydrangeas there are so many different varieties available in different colours, shapes and sizes. Check with your local nursery to find one that has the height you are seeking.

Originally posted and answered on Oh My Bloom

Pruning Shrubs Renovation Verses Renewal

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:26:00 +0000

I have some over grown shrubs that require pruning. I have been reading up on how to prune and found that some sources talk about renovation pruning while others talk about renewal pruning.What is the difference between them or are they the same thing?

Basically in renewal pruning the entire shrub is pruned to within a few inches from the ground.

Shrubs that respond well to this type of pruning include: barberry, forsythia, flowering quince, nine bark, privet, red twig dogwood, flowering almond, spirea, weigela, blue beard, potentilla, shrub roses St Johnswort, abelia and butterflybush.

Renovation pruning on the other hand involves removing 1/3 of the oldest canes or branches at or near ground level. The following year another 1/3 is removed and new growth is reduced by approximately 1/2. On the third year the final 1/3 of the oldest branches or canes are removed. From this point forward prune annually to maintain a pleasing shape.

Shrubs that respond to this type of pruning include: rhododendron, forsythia, quince, lilac, barberry, rose of sharon, spirea, weigela, privet, bottlebrush buckeye.

Note: The best time to do either of these pruning techniques is in late winter, early spring while the shrubs are still dormant.

Tip: To help you to remember which is which think of renovating your home. A home renovation involves only part of the home where as new home construction involves the whole.

Cracking And Splitting Tomatoes

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:42:00 +0000

My tomatoes are cracking and splitting. Is there anything I can do to stop or prevent this?

Cracking is usually caused by changes in the growth rate of the fruit. Big fluctuations in rain fall and temperature can also contribute to cracking. Some varieties are more prone to cracking than others. Rapidly growing tomatoes tend to be more susceptible.

Maintain a consistent soil moisture and if the problem persists consider planting a more crack resistent variety next season.

My New Guinea Impatients Keep Dying

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:46:00 +0000

I was given a new guinea impatiens hanging basket and because it was still quite cool at nights I kept it indoors with a good amount of light and well watered. Within 2 days it wilted and looked totally dead so I tossed it in the compost and bought another to replace it. It lasted a little longer but also totally wilted and looked dead. Not having time to compost it, I put it outside on the patio table. It has poured rain the last 2 days and last night continued to look totally dead and waterlogged. However, this morning when we looked, it has totally revived (It's a miracle, the second coming!) Any suggestions as to what might have caused it to wilt in the first place and why two days in cool rainy and windy weather may have caused it to revive?

Susan Petrick

This response is rather late in coming but perhaps still helpful for next year. When a hanging basket dries out the soil shrinks away from the edges of the container. When you go to water the plant you may think you have given it a big drink when actually much of the water has run down this gap and has drained away without wetting the soil. A good way to tell if a plant has absorbed the water you feed it is to lift the plant pot and feel its weight. A well watered plant is heavy.

To re-moisten a dried out container grown plant try submurging the plant in a sink, tub or container full of water. DO NOT LEAVE THE PLANT IN THIS WATER FOR LONGER THAN 20 MINUTES OR IT WILL DROWN.

Also New Guinea Impatients are particularly sensitive to drying out. They often never fully recover.

Note: (Question originally posted and answered at: http://www.ohmybloom.com/group/answeringyourquestions/forum/topics/new-guinea-impatiens )

Lichens On Tree Trunk And Branches

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:11:00 +0000

My mountain ash tree has green stuff growing on the trunk and branches, it looks like moss or something. Will it harm my tree and how do I treat it?

The green stuff growing on your mountain ash tree is called lichens. It will not harm your tree and no treatment is necessary.

Planting Near Black Walnut Trees

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:10:00 +0000

I am trying to decide what I can plant as a privacy hedge when the growing area is affected by Black Walnut trees. They are not on my property but a lot over and are possibly 150 years old, so the roots go far, even though the canopy doesn't.

Lynn that is a tough one; Not only are you dealing with a shaded canopy and tree roots but you also have to contend with juglone, the toxic substance produced by walnut trees that serves to inhibit the growth of surrounding plant material. The poisonous zone extends about 20 to 30 metres from the trunk of a mature tree and far beyond its canopy.

There are a few plants that are immune to the effects of juglone and one of them is winged euonymus. Winged euonymus can make a handsome hedge and will provide you with beautiful autumn foliage. It also holds up quite well in a shadier location but you may lose the brilliant autumn red colour.

Another tree immune to the effects of juglone is the Japanese Maple, although this tree may not give you the look you are going for. Good luck

Question was originally posted on the facebook group Canadian Gardeners

When To Start Tomato Seedlings

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:02:00 +0000

When should I start my tomato seedlings so that they will be ready for the outdoor season? Also when is the best time to plant them outside?

Tomato plants generally germinate within 5 to 10 days when kept at the optimum temperature range of (21 to 27C). Cooler temperatures will delay germination while higher temperatures will speed it up. All in all is usually takes about 7 weeks for seedling to be ready to transplant.

Plant tomato plants outdoors when the temperature is a consistent 10 °C (or warmer). Typically 1 to 2 weeks after the average last frost date for your area. In zone 5 I typically plant tomatoes outdoors the third week of May making the first week of April a great time to start seedlings.

Shade Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:12:00 +0000

Most of my front and back are shaded during the summer because of large large trees. I am always open to new plants to try in my backyard. Can you send other suggestions or better yet photos of your yards?

Sue

Here is a list of some of the low light plants you could try: Japanese Painted Fern, Ligularia, Snakeroot (has a beautiful fragrance), 'Anna belle' Hydrangea and Lamium, Bleeding Heart, Astilbe, Solomon Seal, Periwinkle, Lily of the Valley, Fox Glove,Trilliums, Lungwort, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Spiderwort, Jacob's Ladder and many others. There are even a few Heuchera varieties (like Chocolate ruffles) that do fairly well in lower light.

Bleeding Heart

Japanese Painted Fern

Ligularia

Astibe

Hostas with Soloman Seal, Ivy,
Annabelle Hydrangea and Forsythia

Spiderwort

Special Note: Many shade tolerant plants are also moisture lovers make sure you are able to accomodate their watering needs.

Photo Credits: All photos by: White Swan Properties

Propagating Damask Roses

noreply@blogger.com (White Swan Properties) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:42:00 +0000

I have a beautiful little York & Lancaster Damask rose that I want to propagate. What is the best way to do that?

Heirloom roses like Damasks usually respond well to stem cuttings. Take your cuttings in late spring/early summer just as the flowers are beginning to fade. Your cuttings should be aprox. 7" to 8" and cut from the host plant at a 45 degree angle. There are several great books and Google posts that detail exactly how to prepare these cuttings. Once you have your cuttings prepared, have dipped them in rooting hormone and planted them in 3" to 31/2" peat pots it will be crucial to keep them moist and warm and to keep the humidity levels up. You can accomplish this by placing a plastic bag or glass jar over the potted cutting, opening it only to remoisten the soil. When you begin to see new growth in about 4 to 5 weeks remove the plastic and plant the peat pot and all into your prepared garden space. It is usually a good idea to take at least 3 cuttings just in case 1 or 2 do not make it. Good luck!

This question and answer was originally posted on Oh My Bloom in the group smell the roses