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Ask the Expert

Southern Living, Feb 2007

When and how should I prune established blueberry bushes?

JAMES BRACKIN

TOWN CREEK, ALABAMA

In general, established bushes need little pruning. However, now would be a good time to remove weak, spindly growth; crossing branches; and old, unproductive canes. This reduces the number of flowers and results in bigger berries. Long, fast-growing shoots of rabbiteye types should be cut back by half in July. This controls the size of the shrub and puts more of its energy into making flowerbuds.

I have a 50-year-old blue hydrangea that is too big and has to be moved. Can this be done safely? LINDA SEAY

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Yes, provided you recruit a lot of help. Because the plant is still dormant, you can do this now. The critical factor is getting a big enough rootball. From your description, it would have to be about 3 feet wide. Use a spade to dig a trench around the hydrangea 18 inches out from the base and 18 inches deep. Then prevail upon some burly guys to sever any roots from the bottom of the ball, wrap the ball with burlap to keep it from breaking, and haul it out. Untie the burlap, and roll it down to the bottom of the root-ball when you replant.

ACCORDING TO STEVE

It is sadly apparent that if I expect you to read about any plant problem, it had better be a pretty one. No slime mold or brown rot for you. No, ma'am. So here you go, just what you ordered-a bevy of beautiful camellia blossoms blanketing the ground. Don't they make you goose pimply all over? Wouldn't you love this shot for your screen saver? Now that I have your attention (and to stop reading at this point would mean that you'd wasted your time), here's the problem. When camellia blooms lie en masse on the ground, they may become food for a nefarious fungus called petal blight, which turns them into ugly, brown mush. The fungus can then spread to flowers that are still on the plant and show up year after disgusting year. The solution: Pick up and discard all fallen flowers before they become infected. If you'd like to read about more lovely sources of fungal infection, drop me a line. Oh, the things we could do.

-STEVE BENDER

Ask the Expert

Southern Living, Feb 2007

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