Editor's Notebook

MAY 2004

For some reason, whenever I see a hybrid rhododendron in the South, I hear taps being played. Oh, I know why. It's because these magnificent flowering shrubs drop like flies when exposed to our Southern growing conditions. Rhododendrons like acid, fertile, well-drained soil and loathe clay. Also, most selections don't do well in extended summer heat, drought, and humidity.

So if you're determined to have a rhododendron no matter what, do two things. First, plant in partial sun in good soil where excess water runs away from the base of the plant. Second, buy a heat-tolerant selection that likes it here. Good choices include 'A. Bedford' (lavender-blue), 'Anah Kruschke' (purple), 'Anna Rose Whitney' (deep pink), 'Caroline' (orchid pink), 'Nova Zembla' (red), 'Chionoides' (white), 'Roseum Elegans' (lilac-pink), Trude Webster' (pink), 'Scintillation' (pink), and 'Vulcan' (brick red). Ignore this advice at your own peril-unless you like to play the bugle. -STEVE BENDER

What flowers do you recommend that like lots of sun but need little care?

MARY ESTRADA * HOUSTON, TEXAS

Number one on the list-especially because you're from Texas-is 'Laura Bush' petunia. This is not a political statement; it's a fact. Unlike most other petunias that stop blooming or die when the weather gets hot, it blooms non-stop from spring until a hard freeze. 'Laura Bush' grows 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide and bears rosy purple blooms. Other carefree summer performers include lantana, 'Homestead Purple' verbena, narrow-leaf zinnia (Zinnia angustifolia), globe amaranth (Gomphrena sp.), and angelonia. Another great choice is Dragon Wing begonia, which is profiled on page 70.

I have a large planting of purple cone-flowers (Echinacea purpurea). They love their location but get very tall (more than 4 ½ feet), which causes them to flop over. What should I do? Cut them back?

MARVELEE CONVERSE

RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS

You could try cutting them back by half in late May or early June. Though this will delay blooming, it should also reduce the ultimate height. Another option is using one of those grow-through plant supports to keep them upright. You might also consider replacing your existing cone-flowers with a shorter, more compact selection called 'Kirn's Knee High.' This one tops out at about 3 feet tall. You can order it from Niche Gardens, (919) 967-0078 or www.nichegardens.com.

Rabbits are eating up all of my gerbera daisies. Is there anything I can do to repel them? DEBBSE HENDERSON

SMITHFIELD, NORTH CAROLINA

Try showing them a Britney Spears music video. If that doesn't scare them off, it's time to get really mean. Spray your plants according to the label directions with a product called Ropel Liquid (you can get this at garden centers). It makes things taste extremely bitter, so rabbits don't want to eat them.

Grass is invading my flowerbeds. How can I get rid of it easily? KIM DONEY

RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

Wow, a letter from South Dakota! We're surprised you didn't send it to Black Hills Living. In any case, we're happy to help. Go to a garden center, and get Ortho Grass-B-Gon, which kills grass and grassy weeds without harming broad-leaved plants such as flowers and shrubs. Follow the label directions carefully. To keep weeds from sprouting in your beds after you've finished planting, apply a preemergence herbicide called Treflan atop the soil. You'll find the same chemical in a product called Preen. You may want to install brick, stone, or steel edging around your flowerbed to keep lawn grass from invading.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2004
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