Ask the Expert

I grow herbs in pots on my deck. Each year, my rosemary does just fine through the winter and then develops powdery mildew in spring. Because I use the rosemary in cooking, I want to be careful what I spray on it. What do you advise? L.F. BRYANT

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Rosemary is a tough, carefree plant if you treat it right. It likes lots of sun and heat, well-drained soil, and very little fertilizer. The cause of the mildew is probably too little sun combined with poor air circulation, which results in the foliage staying damp during the rainy season. Adjust these conditions, and things should improve. Don't spray fungicide on any foliage that might end up in food.

Are hollyhocks considered annuals or biennials? When is a good time to plant seeds? KIM LLOYD

KINGSTON, TENNESSEE

An annual lives only one growing season, while a biennial grows foliage the first year, blooms and sets seed the second year, and then dies. Hollyhocks are generally regarded as biennials, though they may survive an extra year or two. Perhaps "short-lived perennial" is a more accurate term. In any case, to have flowers next spring, sow seeds this spring in a sunny spot. If your heart is set on enjoying flowers this spring, buy established plants in pots.

Our 'Nellie R. Stevens' holly is about 25 feet tall. Since last fall, a great number of leaves have turned yellow and are falling all the time. Is there a remedy, or should we cut it down? MRS. BOBBY YOW

ASHEBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

Before you do anything drastic, take a close look at the foliage that's dropping. If the affected leaves are on the inside of the holly branches, they are older ones. Old leaves, even on an evergreen, naturally drop in fall and winter. If this is the case, be patient. Just sprinkle some azalea, camellia, and holly fertilizer over the root zone of the plant this spring, and it should be fine. On the other hand, if the outer, young leaves are the ones that are dying, your holly isn't long for this world.

My church wants suggestions for sun-loving flowers and low-growing shrubs we could plant on the grounds that don't need a lot of trimming or watering. SUSAN HEARN

LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA

Try these shrubs-'Snow White' or 'Snow Pink' Indian hawthorn, 'Cameo' flowering quince, dwarf yaupon holly, 'Firepower' or 'Gulf Stream' nandina, 'Nikko' slender deutzia, 'Snowmound' spiraea, 'Knock Out' rose, and rosemary. For flowers, try black-eyed Susan, daylily, bearded iris, purple heart, sedum, yucca, lantana, narrow-leaf zinnia, and Wave Hybrid petunia.

CHECK THIS OUT

It takes real talent to find the dark side of daffodils, violets, and pansy fertilizers. Listen to Steve's daily rants on the Grumpy Gardener audio journal. You might even learn something useful. Visit southernliving.com/april2007.

ACCORDING TO STEVE

When Northerners move down here, they pine for cherished things left behind, such as plaid slacks, road salt, mince pie, and yodeling. If they're gardeners, the plant they miss most is the old-fashioned lilac, beloved for its colorful, fragrant flowers. Most lilacs won't bloom in the South, because our winters aren't long and cold enough. Sad to say, a lilac without flowers is about as attractive as Charo without a softfocus lens. (FYI: Charo; Martin Luther King, Jr.; and I all share the same birthday. King understandably hid this from the public.)

Well, good news, Red Sawks fans. At least three old-fashioned lilacs accept our heat and bloom well even in the Lower South-'Lavender Lady,' 'Blue Skies,' and 'White Angel.' If you can't find them at your garden center, you can order them from www.carrollgardens.com. Now, I know I'm going to get letters complaining about stereotyping. I'm sincerely sorry. I'm sure no New Yorker has ever taken a shot at a Southerner. Pass the mince pie and road salt, please. -STEVE BENDER

* FOR MORE INFO

"Garden Letters" archive: southernliving.com/april2007

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