 |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
To print this article, use the Print feature in your web browser program
| EXPERIMENT TO FIND A GOOD PLANTING SITE FOR JAPANESE MAPLES | |
| Published: November 01, 1997 | |
Too much, too little sunlight critical in development of foliage colorQ:The edges of the leaves on my Japanese maple tree are burned and ugly. I have looked at Japanese maples in local nurseries this week and most look the same. Where are the colorful fall leaves for which these plants are so greatly admired?A:In the South, Japanese maples must be sheltered from hot afternoon sunlight and drying winds. Trees that are growing in protected areas in filtered sunlight are more likely to be spared the leaf burn that you describe. Heavy shade will reduce the intensity of the color, so finding the right planting site is tricky.Its possible to correct leaf burn after it occurs. Barb and Jet, horticulturists at The Gardens Nursery, have had success with the following method. In August, they strip burned leaves from the trees. They fertilize the trees with Osmocote 14-14-14 and water daily. Voila! New leaves are produced and these will soon turn color just as the label promised. They agreed, unfortunately, that its too late to do this now. I asked whether or not the procedure would be helpful in improving the fall appearance of Oriental magnolias. Although the foliage of Oriental magnolias isnt colorful in fall, the leaves are often spotted with rust and are generally unattractive. Barb and Jet pronounced it worth a try next August. Desert rose signals that it is going dormantQ:My desert rose plant is still blooming, but the leaves are turning yellow and dropping. Is this normal? It is planted outdoors in a container.A:Desert rose (Adenium obesa) originates in regions where it rains frequently in the summer, but is very dry in the winter. The plant grows actively during the rainy season when it stores nutrients for later use. During the winter dry season the plant goes dormant and sheds most of its leaves.For winter, leave your plant in a sunny spot indoors or out where it will receive no rainfall. Water sparingly or not at all. Next March, begin regular watering and feeding monthly with a liquid fertilizer. Continue until the leaves drop next fall. Care of Louisiana irisesQ: When can I cut my Louisiana irises back?Q: When and with what should Louisiana irises be fertilized. A: The foliage of Louisiana irises can be cut back, any time after bloom in April, although some growers prefer to keep the foliage. The rhizomes are usually dug and divided every three years in mid-to-late August or September, and the foliage is cut back at that time as well. When planting or transplanting Louisiana irises, fertilizer such as 8-8-8 should be dug into the planting bed along with a combination of organic materials such as compost, rotted manure, rotted leaves, peat moss and/or pine bark mulch. Another application of fertilizer may be made in early February, about two months before expected bloom. For established beds, an application of 8-8-8 should be made in early fall, and again in early February. Remember the three other important factors to ensure good bloom: at least a half-day of direct sun, a thorough soaking every week, and a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the rhizomes from sun scald. |