About Amy's Answers
Amy is not afraid to get her hands dirty. As a self-taught gardener, she takes on her fair share of landscaping projects, picking up a ton of knowledge as she goes. If you have a plant care or landscaping question you’ve been too afraid to ask, you’re in the right place!
My weigela plants are not spreading, and have little white spots on them. What can I do?
With shrubs, it seems to take a year or two to get them established before they really put on growth.
What should I do to get my Campfire Roses ready for winter?
That is a great question, and I'm glad you asked!
I've had my hydrangea for three years, but it never flowers. What am I doing wrong?
Have you tried giving it extra protection in the winter?
Is it safe to transplant potentilla in September?
Potentilla is a very tough plant and can take a lot of abuse.
My ninebark doesn't have much direct sunilght and the leaves are wilting with dark spots. What should I do?
Posted on Sep 12, 2017
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Posted in Care
It sounds like your ninebark needs to be moved to a different spot.
Where is the best spot to cut gardenia flowers?
Your question reminded me of a gardenia corsage from long ago!
How long does it take for Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea blossoms to turn pink?
Posted on Sep 12, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
I wish there was an easy answer to your question!
Can hibiscus plants be split?
Posted on Sep 12, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Dividing, or splitting woody shrubs can be difficult.
Would the Diamond Rouge Hydrangea do well in San Francisco?
Posted on Aug 31, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
We have found they need cooler nights to trigger the change in flower color.
Does Midnight Magic Crapemyrtle have a deep root that would destroy foundation?
This shrub is smaller and compact.
One of my Above and Beyond Roses is growing faster than the other, but neither are showing signs of budding. What do you suggest?
Sometimes, gardening is such a puzzle. Here’s a few things to look for when comparing the smaller one to the larger one.
Looking for a Deer Resistant shrub in Zone 8 for partial shade. Please help!
Posted on Aug 25, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Thanks for the reminder – I’m supposed to be coming up with a list for a friend in Tennessee!
The flowers on my Vanilla Strawberry are too heavy for the stems. What do you suggest?
Posted on Aug 25, 2017
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Posted in Care
I’m glad your hydrangea is happily flowering! Now, we need to get it grow sturdy stems.
When is the best time to plant a crapemyrtle?
Posted on Aug 21, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Good question! It varies between locations.
Is Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea fragrant?
Posted on Aug 21, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
What an interesting question!
My Diamond Rouge Hydrangeas turned brown, defoliated, and are now growing again. Is something wrong?
Posted on Aug 15, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
It sounds like they are recovering from the shock of going from the nursery to their new home in the garden.
I put fabric and mulch around Hawaii Hibiscus to keep out weeds. Should I remove them to fertilize?
Posted on Aug 15, 2017
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Posted in Care
Hawaii Hibiscus is so pretty and easy to care for!
What plant would pair nicely with Phlox?
Posted on Aug 15, 2017
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Posted in Design
You have so many options!
What plants are deer resistant?
Posted on Aug 15, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Well, nothing is absolutely deer proof.
How should I prepare my Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea for the harsh winter on a lake?
The thought of an icy cold winter wind blowing across the lake just gives me the shivers!
What shrubs would do best in full sun with wet soil?
Posted on Aug 8, 2017
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Posted in Design
Great landscaping question!
Is a butterfly bush deciduous?
Posted on Aug 8, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Yes, butterfly bushes are deciduous.
There are yellow leaves on my newly planted Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea. Any recommendations?
It is probably just pouting!
The flowers on my Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea are weighing down the branches. Should I be concerned?
It sounds like you have a very happy hydrangea!
When is the best time to transplant a dwarf crapemyrtle?
Posted on Aug 4, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
It would be best to transplant them in the spring.
Are the dimensions for Crimson Fire after pruning, or the typical dimensions of a mature plant without pruning?
Posted on Aug 4, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
The sizes we list are for the mature height and width without pruning.
I can't plant my hydrangea outside yet. What do you suggest?
Posted on Aug 4, 2017
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Posted in Care
I would find a safe place outdoors, perhaps on a front porch or under a tree, to keep the hydrangea until you can plant it.
What flowering shrubs would do well in full sun?
Are you looking for large or medium sized flowering shrubs?
How do I get rid of small black spots on my Limoncello Barberry?
There are a couple reasons why this could be happening, but good news, I have solutions!
My new Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea looks dried up. Can I plant this inside during the winter?
Posted on Jul 26, 2017
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Posted in Care
It sounds like it is stressed and needs some extra TLC.
Is the Psychedelic Sky Butterfly Bush a sterile plant or the invasive variety?
Some areas of the country have a bigger problem with butterfly bushes reseeding than other areas.
It has been very hot and my Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea receives a lot of sun, resulting in brown leaves. Should I move it to the shade?
You are right, it probably is too much sun and heat and that’s why the flowers are turning brown.
I fertilized and watered my hydrangea diligently, but it's wilting. What do you suggest?
Good question and I hope we get it figured out in time!
My Moonlight Magic has green spots on the leaves and they are dropping rapidly. What can I do?
Posted on Jul 24, 2017
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Posted in Care
Did it recently get hot and dry where you live?
One Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea is thriving, while the other is droopy and shriveled. What could the problem be?
Posted on Jul 24, 2017
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Posted in Care
It’s always strange when one plant does well and another struggles. Especially, when the conditions seem to be the same.
I'm losing a rhododendron. It's in partial shade with southwest exposure. Would a weigela do better in this spot?
What a bummer!
Can I prune Purple Magic Crapemyrtle into a tree?
Posted on Jul 18, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Your success will depend on the winters and how much dieback they experience.
My Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea has bloomed white in color and has yet to turn pink. What can I do?
Give it a little bit of time for the magical transformation to take place.
Is it normal for red twig dogwoods to sprout a white leaf stem?
Posted on Jul 17, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
It happens from time to time, shrubs will send up a stem with white leaves.
Will Amber Jubilee become more dense and full if I prune the tops?
Posted on Jul 14, 2017
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Posted in Care
You can definitely bulk up a plant by pruning it.
Can I prune ninebark in mid July?
Posted on Jul 14, 2017
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Posted in Care
Yes! July is a good time to prune a ninebark.
I am noticing some dark frayed edges on the leaves of my newly planted Amber Jubilee. Could this mean bugs?
Posted on Jul 14, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Yes, you are probably right!
The leaves on my Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea are turning yellow. What should I do to fix this?
The yellow leaves are telling you that it needs a drink of water!
How can I prepare my Moonlight Magic for winter?
There are some things you can do but much of it depends on the winter.
Does the Tahiti Hibiscus produce seedlings that would need to be pulled up? I'm not looking for extra work!
Posted on Jul 10, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Tahiti and the others in that collection will produce seedlings.
Do crapemyrtle's lose their leaves in the winter?
Posted on Jul 7, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Yes, but surprisingly, it’s a really good shrub for the winter landscape!
I am looking for a dwarf tree that would do well in harsh afternoon sun. Would Amber Jubilee Ninebark do well?
That is a great suggestion!
Could you recommend a mophead hydrangea that would do well in Central Florida?
Posted on Jun 28, 2017
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Posted in Design
I’m so glad you are thinking about adding mophead hydrangeas to your garden!
Do barberries lose their leaves in the fall and winter?
Posted on Jun 28, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Yes, but they take their time dropping the leaves.
I want to keep my First Edition Purple Magic Crapemyrtle as small as possible- how can I achieve this?
Posted on Jun 27, 2017
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Posted in Care
Great question! The mature size of a crapemyrtle can depend on how cold or warm the winter temperatures are, and the early spring weather.
The Above and Beyond Rose is covered in blooms. Should I deadhead the earlier blooms or let it be?
Posted on Jun 27, 2017
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Posted in Care
It won’t hurt to let it go and let the old flowers and petals just fall off.
When deadheading roses, should the stem be cut at the old bud or the next leaf?
Posted on Jun 22, 2017
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Posted in Care
Good question! You could deadhead at either part, depending on your preference.
When would be the best time to plant the Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea?
Posted on Jun 20, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Now is a great time! Get it in the ground and enjoy the flowers this summer.
Does the Hibiscus Hawaii set seed, or is it one of the seedless Rose of Sharon?
Posted on Jun 20, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Hawaii is not a sterile variety. It will set seed, as will the other ones in that collection.
Little white spiders with webbing are on several of my plants killing the leaves. How do I get rid of them?
Posted on Jun 20, 2017
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Posted in Care
I wonder if they are wooly aphids.
My Snow White Fantasy bloomed a couple weeks ago but now the petals are falling off. Should I prune it?
Posted on Jun 20, 2017
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Posted in Care
Mockorange flowers in the spring and then again in the summer!
My Gardenia buds drop off before opening. Is this normal?
Gardenias are really intended for zones 7-9.
My Miss Kim Lilacs are over 8 feet tall. Can they be pruned down to 4 feet without killing them?
Miss Kim Lilacs are supposed to mature to 6-7’. You must be giving yours lots of love!
Do weigelas require a lot of water when in direct sunlight?
Posted on Jun 19, 2017
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Posted in Care
Anything newly planted will get wilty when the summer sun comes on and the temperatures rise.
What type of shrub and ground cover would you recommend for a full sun bed?
There are a few options I can think of!
Why does the hypericum stem decay?
Stem decay can happen when the soil is just too wet, waterlogged, or there is poor air circulation.
What is the reason the hypericum plants leaves become black?
The black leaves are probably caused by a fungus – too much water and poor air circulation.
Do you know how to get rid of white substance on crapemyrtle leaves?
Posted on Jun 16, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
It’s probably calcium deposits on the foliage. If so, it isn’t a problem to worry about!
Does the Toscana Barberry have thorns?
Yes, it does have thorns. However, the foliage is so pretty that it might be worth reconsidering!
DOES THE FRINGE FLOWER GROW FASTER THAN BOXWOODS? WOULD THEY COVER THEM UP?
Posted on Jun 13, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
That’s a good question. Boxwoods are slow growing and will eventually reach 3-4’.
CAN I CUT MY VANILLA STRAWBERRY DOWN FOR A FULLER LOOK WITHOUT PREVENTING FLOWERS?
Posted on Jun 13, 2017
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Posted in Care
Great question! Fortunately, Vanilla Strawberry flowers on new growth, so spring pruning is okay.
Will Above and Beyond do well in part shade?
Definitely, it will be best in full sun. In the spot you have in mind, it probably won’t have as many flowers.
What's a good plant for a border?
I think a mix of plants makes the best border and a healthy border.
ARE CHAPEL VIEW JAPANESE CEDARS AND DISTYLIUMS DEER RESISTANT?
Posted on Jun 9, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Great questions! And, good news.
ARE ENDLESS SUMMER VARIETIES DEER RESISTANT?
Posted on Jun 9, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
That’s a good question, and I wish I had better news for you!
MY NEWLY PLANTED BLOOMSTRUCK HAVE WILTED WITH THE RECENT HEAT. WILL THEY COME BACK?
Posted on Jun 9, 2017
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Posted in Care
I bet that spike in temperature caused the wilting as it took the plants by surprise!
MY GARDENIA LEAVES TURN YELLOW AND THE BUDS TURN BROWN BEFORE FALLING OFF. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?
Great question! It depends on which part of the plant you are watering.
I AM LOOKING FOR A YELLOW-FLOWERED PERENNIAL, BUT DON’T KNOW THE NAME. HOW COULD I FIND OUT?
Great question! There are a few perennials that it could be.
AM I OVERWATERING OR UNDERWATERING MY HYDRANGEAS?
Posted on Jun 9, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Sometimes, it is hard to tell if there is too much or not enough water. However, the answer is in the dirt.
Why are my Diervilla's new branches dark green rather than the variegated?
Posted on May 31, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
A cool start to spring will sometimes cause the edges of the leaves to be slight green.
Will the Campfire Rose spread beyond the border where I plant it?
Posted on May 30, 2017
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Posted in Design
You are in luck! Campfire Rose is a shrub rose and doesn’t spread.
My azalea have a lot of dead branches on them, is it lack of rain last summer?
Posted on May 30, 2017
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Posted in Care
Lack of rain could be one of the causes. Plants really need regular watering through the season.
What can I plant in slopy sandy soil, and shady area that prevents ground erosion and is deer resistant?
This sounds like a tough site!
My house has no landscaping - help!
No landscaping means lots of opportunity! A five year plan is a great idea.
I have a dead spot on my Alberta Spruce. Is there a fertilizer that will help?
Posted on May 26, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Do you know what caused the dead spot?
My Light-O-Day Hydrangea plants aren't blooming this year. What am I doing wrong?
Posted on May 26, 2017
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Posted in Care
You know, I love the variegated foliage so much that I sometimes forget about the flowers!
Is the Sapphire Surf plant a late starter?
Posted on May 25, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Has your plant not yet leafed out? You may want to first consider your zone.
Do the branches on my Ruby Tears need to be weighed down?
Posted on May 23, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
You just get to sit back and enjoy your new tree!
Can you help me prune my healthy growing shrubs to keep them neat and small?
I try to keep pruning at a minimum by planting the right size shrub in the right size place.
Only one of my hydrangeas is leafing out this Spring. What am I doing wrong?
Posted on May 19, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Sometimes, it’s hard to figure out what went wrong with a plant.
Would Amber Jubilee Ninebark shrubs work well in front of the trees in my backyard?
Posted on May 17, 2017
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Posted in Design
I think Amber Jubilee Ninebark looks great anywhere!
Are any hydrangea deer resistant?
Posted on May 17, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Unfortunately, deer really like hydrangeas.
Is Little Devil Ninebark Deer Resistant?
Posted on May 17, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
That's a really good question. In some areas of the country, ninebarks are deer resistant.
Is the Tahiti Hibiscus Sterile?
Posted on May 15, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Tahiti and the group of single petal hibiscus are not sterile.
WHAT CAN I PLANT IN A ROCKY, SLOPING AREA TO HOLD THE GROUND & KEEP WEEDS AT BAY?
Posted on May 11, 2017
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Posted in Design
This sounds like a tough site!
I'm looking for a plant to create a privacy fence. What do you recommend?
Using shrubs as a privacy fence is such a fun idea!
What is the difference between a reblooming hydrangea and an endless summer hydrangea?
Posted on May 8, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Great question about the Endless Summer Hydrangeas!
Are there any Hydrangeas that can take full sun?
This is a great question! Sun and shade symbols can be confusing.
When Will I see buds on my Midnight Magic this Spring?
Posted on May 8, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Waiting and watching for signs of life in the spring can be so hard! And, it doesn’t help that crape myrtles take their time leafing out.
How deep are the roots of spirea bushes?
Posted on May 7, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
I’m curious, are you planning to dig one up and move it? Or, are you planting one in a container?
How do I maintain the large blooms on my Funky Fuchsia Buddleia?
Posted on May 6, 2017
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Posted in Care
I’m glad you like Funky Fuchsia butterfly bush! Aren't the flowers incredible?
How do you trim a Weigela Shrub?
Weigela is such a pretty plant! And, fortunately, if you make a mistake pruning, it’s forgiving and will grow right back and fill in again.
My ninebark is mildew resistant, but I'm noticing some on my plant. What do I do?
Posted on May 5, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Although plants may be resistant to something, outbreaks can still happen.
Can you tell me more about the Standing Ovation Serviceberry?
You are off to a good start on your landscape with Standing Ovation Serviceberry!
Can I plant my Gardenia in a container?
Posted on May 3, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
I’m really glad that you asked this question. I receive quite a few questions about gardenias from all across the country.
Will holly bushes survive in the winter?
Posted on May 3, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Evergreen hollies would probably struggle in those conditions.
I'm a new gardener, where do I begin?
Don’t worry about being new to gardening! We are all learning as we go.
My Crape Myrtles looks brown and weak this spring - What can I do?
Great question! With crape myrtles, you have to be patient.
Can I plant Shining Sensation in a container?
Posted on Apr 27, 2017
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Posted in Design
I love container gardening! It’s fun to try different plants in containers, especially ones that attract hummingbirds.
I HAVE A HILL COVERED IN JUNIPER AND WANT TO RE-LANDSCAPE WITH LOW MAINTENANCE SHRUBBERY. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Posted on Apr 27, 2017
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Posted in Design
Sounds like you have quite the project on your hands!
What can I plant for a replacement hedge?
For your replacement hedge, are you wanting something evergreen or a mix of shrubs? And, how tall do you want it be when it is mature? Also, sun or shade?
Why aren't my plants coming back this Spring?
It can be hard after winter waiting to see what will leaf out and what doesn’t, and with a new plant, it can be iffy.
How do I care for my plants in a hot climate?
Posted on Apr 23, 2017
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Posted in Care
Don’t be dismayed! We have some plants for you to try and suggestions on how to get them off to a great start and keep them alive.
How do I care and pair plants with my orange hibiscus?
Posted on Apr 23, 2017
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Posted in Design
I think I've got just what you're looking for...
How do I get more blooms on my Endless Summer Hydrangea (macrophylla)?
Posted on Apr 23, 2017
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Posted in Care
It’s so frustrating when something goes wrong with a plant. I think it could be one of many things.
What plants stay green all winter in a cold climate?
Posted on Apr 23, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
A bit of green and hope that spring is coming helps me get through winter!
Can Weigela grow in my zone?
Posted on Apr 22, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Weigela is a great plant, and thrives in zones 4-8.
How much should I trim my Lagerstoemias?
Posted on Apr 21, 2017
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Posted in Care
I usually wait to see new growth in the spring before pruning.
Should I cut back old growth on my red flame hypericum in the spring?
Posted on Apr 21, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Great question! I usually wait to see new growth in the spring before pruning.
I'm moving - How do I transplant my plants to my new house?
Posted on Apr 21, 2017
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Posted in Care
This is a great question! It would be best to dig them up now while the weather is still mild.
My Plant hasn't started to bloom - did it survive the winter?
Posted on Apr 21, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
You should see leaves or leaf buds real soon. It can be hard waiting after winter to see what plants made it and what plants didn't.
Does the Limoncello Barberry retain its leaves year round?
Posted on Apr 21, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Barberries are deciduous shrubs, meaning they will lose their leaves in the winter.
Are there plants that will attract bees, but not wasps?
Posted on Apr 20, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
This is a great question. Bees are pollinators and are much more interested in plant pollen than in people. Wasps, on the other hand, are predators and can be aggressive.
I spotted yellow leaves on my plant, what does it mean?
There are a couple of things that may be the cause your plant's new look.
Can I plant an Azalea in a container?
Posted on Apr 17, 2017
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Posted in Design
That’s a great question and a little bit tricky to answer! Azaleas would definitely be best in the ground year round.
Can hydrangeas survive in zone 10?
Posted on Apr 14, 2017
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Posted in FAQ
Great question! If you are on the edge of zone 9, you can probably grow hydrangeas.
How do I prune Spirea?
Posted on Apr 13, 2017
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Posted in Care
When you start seeing leaves and the forecast looks like spring has really arrived in your area, it’s time to prune.
How do I landscape the slope in my yard to prevent erosion?
This is such a great landscaping question, and one you can have some fun with!
What can I plant in my yard to add greenery to cut flower arrangements?
Cinnamon Girl or Vintage Jade distylium would perfect!
I live in the south. What blooming shrubs can I plant in the shade?
First Editions has some great options for shady spots in your area.
When do I fertilize my Azaleas?
Posted on Apr 10, 2017
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Posted in Care
Great question - It’s best to fertilize azaleas after they flower, before the first of June.
How can I garden on a budget?
First, start with your soil. It’s always a good idea to add some compost when planting.
How much should I prune Amber Jubilee?
Posted on Apr 5, 2017
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Posted in Care
Thanks, Lynn, for your question! Knowing how much to prune – if at all – depends on how much space you have.
Do any of the new varieties get along with Black Walnuts?
Posted on Apr 4, 2017
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Posted in Design
That’s both a tough question and a great question! I’m glad you asked.
How and When do I prune my Hypericum?
Here's a shout out to Bill in Washington who asked about pruning his Red Star Hypericum.
Which plants pair well with Cinnamon Girl Distylium?
Posted on Mar 30, 2017
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Posted in Design
You are so lucky to live in a part of the country where it is a warmer zone and Cinnamon Girl Distylium thrives.
I want to add color to my yard, what do you recommend?
Thanks for your question, Alice! I think adding a pop of color to your landscape bed is a great idea.
How do I winterize my plants in the Fall?
I'm glad you asked because this is something many people forget to do. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, certain varieties should be covered and protected from the cold winter.
What kind of fertilizer do I use for my hibiscus?
This is a great question! Usually with flowering shrubs, they need phosphorus. Not hibiscus!
How do I prune my Hydrangea (Paniculata)?
Such a bummer to hear your hydrangea isn't blooming like you hoped. Lucky for you, we've created a video to give you the care advice you need to get those blooms back.
How do I use fertilizer in my garden?
What’s the old saying? Spring forward, fall back? The same applies here.
Where is the best place to plant a hydrangea along a house?
Posted on Feb 6, 2017
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Posted in Design
I absolutely love hydrangeas! And, I really don’t think you can have too many.
Will the New Diamond Rouge Hydrangea Thrive in my area?
Posted on Jan 20, 2017
Thank you Karen, for your question about the Diamond Rouge Hydrangea.