Garden Friends are Asking
Q: What are these weird brown dots on my hydrangea leaves?
A: This is harmless damage caused by the four-lined plant bug. Your hydrangea is still okay and will be in the future! While their feeding may leave small, unsightly marks, these little bugs won’t cause long-term damage to your hydrangeas. They only affect the appearance of the leaves, not the health of your plant. So, no need to worry—your hydrangeas will continue to bloom beautifully.
Q: Should I deadhead my bigleaf hydrangea (macrophylla) after it is done blooming?
A: It is your preference, it will not impact the health of the plant. If you want to deadhead you should look for the first full set of leaves below the flower (not the leaves connected to the flower) and cut there. If you choose to not deadhead, it will not impact the health of the plant because it blooms on new and old wood. So if you like the look of the older flowers they are perfectly okay to stay.
Q: Should I be cutting back my annuals?
A: This one is your preference as well, it will not impact the health of the plant. However, pruning annuals will allow for more mounded growth and will promote stronger, fuller blooms. Pruning back annuals such as Supertunias® or Superbells® will promote a more mounded growth pattern to create those FULL containers of annuals you see.
Q: How much should I be watering my plants and how often?
A: There are a few key aspects to be aware of when it comes to watering your plants: how does your soil drain from your container and what does your plant like? (does it like to dry out or prefer to be a bit moist)
When it comes to watering you can top water your plants which is essentially recreating a rain effect or you can deep water your plants. Deep watering is putting your hose right to the soil and watering directly into where the water needs to be and give them A LOT of water! The best advice is to water deep and thoroughly with plants now that summer is kicking in! AND your plants will tell you what they need too. If you are watering every day and they look like they need more - give them an extra boost and if you check an inch into the soil and it is still moist you could go every other day! For the containers, some containers drain out really fast and some hold moisture better just be sure to keep this in mind when you are watering your cuties.
Q: Can I still plant in the heat of summer?
A: While many people love to do a mid-summer refresh on their annuals there is typically concern about whether I should be planting in the heat of the summer. Yes, it is totally possible to plant during the summer there are just some extra components to look out for:
- Newly planted flowers and shrubs need extra water to establish their roots in the ground. Water deeply in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
- Remember your pretties need to be fed. We recommend feeding every third watering will keep them strong and healthy during the summer heat.
- Plant those new pretties in the ground right away that way they can begin growing and thriving in there new home.
- You can always opt for heat-tolerant hardy plants that will love the warmth.
Planting in summer can yield beautiful results with a bit of extra care and attention.
Q: Why did my rose arrive looking dull and not as vibrant?
A: If you have ordered roses and they arrive with blooms looking a little dull there is no need to worry! The transition from inside the greenhouse to your garden can sometimes cause your roses to look a bit dull. Think of them just trying to learn and settle into their new environment. Once they’re planted, they’ll show off their true colors with new, beautiful blooms. Your roses are still healthy and ready to thrive in your garden!
Q: Can I divide my perennials and when is the best time to do so?
A: Certain perennials grow so rapidly that dividing them every 3-5 years helps maintain their vigor and keeps their blooms vibrant. Here are some key points to look for to know if you should divide your perennials:
- Does the plant look crowded?
- Does the center of the plant seem woody or dry?
- Were its flowers smaller or less prolific the last few years?
If the answer was yes you should divide them and do so in the opposite season of bloom. Dig up the whole clump of the perennial you want to divide so you can easily see its root system. Each piece you pull or cut away from the original clump should be no smaller than what would fit in a 1-quart (4-6”) pot. Immediately replant the divided pieces into the garden or containers before their roots dry out.
Not all perennials should be divided though, the list below should not be divided:
◾ False indigo - Baptisia
◾ Heartleaf brunnera - Brunnera
◾ Clematis
◾ Bleeding heart - Dicentra
◾ Baby’s breath - Gypsophila
◾ Coral bells - Heuchera
◾ Foamy bells - Heucherella
◾ Rose mallow - Hibiscus
◾ Red hot poker - Kniphofia
◾ Lavender - Lavandula
◾ Beardtongue - Penstemon
◾ Russian sage - Perovskia
Q: How long before frost can I plant?
A: The general rule is to plant six weeks before your first frost. Planting your new shrubs/perennials into the ground and letting them establish is a better choice than trying to overwinter them. Knowing your zone is key and you will know your zone best! Some gardeners will still plant until six weeks before the ground freezes since they know how plants react to the climate for whether you should lean to the first frost or ground freezing mark. Both are perfectly fine guidelines just knowing your zone and giving the cuties time to establish is key.
The last thing to do to prep your plants for winter is to mulch. You want to mulch any new shrub/perennial/delicate perennials that you planted in the fall. This will help keep the soil temperature more consistent while the young roots acclimate to their new home and protect them until it's time to wake up in the spring.
Q: Can AquaPots® Lite containers be left outside in colder zones?
A: Yes, you can leave containers outdoors over the winter. They’re made from heavy resin that can withstand cold temperatures. We have noticed that in some conditions, the volcanic ash exterior on some Legacy Stone containers can crack. These cracks are only superficial and will not impact the functionality of the container.
