Q My son gave me a braided hibiscus tree last spring. I would like to know if it can survive our winter in my garage. It has also grown quite large. Can I trim the branches back, and if so, by how much? A Move it into the garage before a killing frost. Make sure that you put it in the warmer area of your garage, not close to the opening, where it can get too cold. Water it about once a month to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry. I would avoid pruning it too much when you move it inside, since it will die back some during the overwintering process. You should prune the dead growth when you move it back outside. Also next spring, repot the plant. They quickly become root-bound in a container. If they are rootbound, it is hard to keep them watered in the growing season and it also hinders new growth. Hibiscus bloom on new growth, so you want to encourage as much as you can.
Q When can I safely cut back my crape myrtle bush? It has grown too tall and wide. I don’t want to ruin it for next year.
A All crape myrtles, whether they are dwarf plants or trees, bloom on the new growth, so it’s best to prune them before new growth begins in late February. Today we have many varieties to choose from - some growing only 6 inches tall (no, really) and spreading, up to the familiar standards, which can grow into fabulous small trees with beautiful bark. Choosing the correct variety for your location can make pruning less of a necessity.
Q I have a lilac bush that hasn’t been pruned in at least six years. It’s about 7 feet tall and has some really large limbs. It blooms in spring and fall, and has a few remaining blooms. When should I cut it back and how much?
AI am surprised you still have blooms, since the buds are set now for next spring’s blooms. If your large lilac fits the location it is growing in, it doesn’t have to be pruned. If you need to reduce its size, then do so soon after it finishes blooming in the spring - as soon as possible. Try never to remove more than one-third of the plant in any one season. Lilacs don’t thrive in heat and humidity and can be a bit slow to recover, so don’t prune too much.
Q I have recently moved to Northwest Arkansas and I am not familiar with the types of trees that do well in this climate. I’m looking for a hardy tree that can withstand the weather elements and will provide shade. It would also be nice if it was a tree that required minimal care. What kind of tree would you recommend, and also, when is the best time to plant? I’m not certain if the tree should be planted in the fall or spring.
A Fall is the best time to plant a tree. The trees are dormant or going dormant, and we still have some residual soil heat. There are many great trees to plant. For large shade trees, try willow or Shumard oak, lacebark elm, tulip poplar, bald cypress or little leaf linden. For midsize trees there are blackgum, red maple, Chinese pistache, golden raintree and hop hornbeam (standard and fastigiate are nice). Regardless of how tough a tree is, it needs regular water the first three years of establishment.
Q I picked up a seed pod at a home in Savannah, Ga., or Charleston, S.C., and planted two seeds. This iswhat I got. It is a vining plant with purple flowers and darker purple seed pods. Any idea what it is?
AThat is a hyacinth bean. While the beans can be eaten, they aren’t very good. It is grown primarily as an ornamental. Save some seeds to plant next year. It is an annual that doesn’t really kick in until the soil warms up, and then it starts blooming midsummer and continues up until a frost. The flower and the seed pods are both showy. Purple is the most common color of flowers, but there is a white variety too.
Janet Carson is a horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Write to her at 2301 S. University Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72204 or email her at jcarson@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle, Pages 35 on 10/26/2013