Q: Do you suppose {that a} newspaper article on correct pruning methods can be efficient in education householders on find out how to correctly care for his or her priceless timber and shrubs? As I drive and stroll round Northwest Arkansas, I see some horrible pruning accomplished by householders or their landscapers. As an example, I see limbs on timber lower vertically anyplace alongside their size reasonably than lower on the trunk or at a bud or twig junction. The heavy, thick trunks or canes that died from the killing temps within the 2020-’21 winter look awkward surrounded by the brand new canes of the final rising season. They might be eliminated at their base with only a hand noticed, significantly bettering their look. There may be an artwork and science to pruning again a decorative tree that has gotten too tall. You do not simply head it again; you narrow at a junction or the place there’s a bud that may develop within the route you like. I simply see that householders want some assist!
A: Properly stated. I do not suppose you may ever speak about right pruning too usually. I’ve written many articles through the years, together with many different horticulturists, on correct pruning — particularly on crape myrtles, however you may nonetheless see crape homicide wherever crape myrtles are grown. It’s best to know why you might be pruning, find out how to prune and when to prune. Timing is as necessary as how a plant is pruned. That is the season for pruning summer-flowering timber and shrubs, roses, fruit timber, grapevines and decorative grasses; however all of them have particular wants. Do your homework, or ask a query earlier than you begin pruning.
■ ■ ■
Q: I want some assist. Final spring two of my peonies had a illness (blight?). On one facet the brand new shoots turned black after they had been about 6 inches tall. I eliminated them and the remainder of the plant appeared to be OK. I’ve tried to do a little analysis (books and web), however I am undecided what to do to get in entrance of this because the shoots emerge this yr. Final yr I learn to make use of Maneb, however I can discover no reference to it this yr. A number of the adverts that got here up had been for copper fungicide and Daconil. I need to use a product that may work and I can not get a definitive reply. One article beneficial sulfur. I’m hoping you should have the reply.
A: There are a lot of ailments of peonies that may trigger stem issues. Since your plant went on to do OK after elimination of the broken stems, I believe botrytis, which could be managed. There are different ailments that may be extra lethal. Botrytis is worse in a cool, moist spring. Whether it is hotter or drier than final yr, you won’t have an issue this yr; however to be on the protected facet, you may drench the stems and soil line with both a copper fungicide (suppose Bordeaux) or Daconil (chlorothalonil). I might drench once you see the stems rising, then take note of the climate. If it turns cool and moist, apply one other software after a rain. Good luck.
■ ■ ■
Q: I’ve these little white bugs on my datura. I introduced it in September and haven’t had an issue. What can I do to assist?
Wanting like flecks of dandruff, whiteflies flutter about when disturbed. (Particular to the Democrat-Gazette)
A: It seems that you’ve got whiteflies. The adults are small, pure white, moth-like bugs. They usually flutter about once you disturb the plant, wanting virtually like flecks of dandruff. The feminine bugs will lay eggs on the undersurface of the plant which may hatch in every week, and the numbers will proceed to extend. In case your plant is small and with only some leaves, attempt washing the leaves (prime and backside) with a soapy sponge, then rinse the leaves. Repeat as soon as every week for a few weeks or till you do not see any extra whiteflies. In case you have a dense plant with quite a lot of foliage, then that is not possible. There are houseplant sprays and spikes with systemic pesticides that may work. In case you have different houseplants close by, separate them. Whiteflies can assault a lot of houseplants, and in a closed atmosphere, they will rapidly construct up, so concentrate.
Retired after 38 years with the College of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Janet Carson ranks amongst Arkansas’ finest recognized horticulture consultants. Her weblog is at arkansasonline.com/planitjanet. Write to her at P.O. Field 2221, Little Rock, AR 72203 or e mail jcarson@arkansasonline.com