Q I have sprouted seeds from my "Harmony Pearl" anemone. Would it be better to plant them in the ground now? Or should I take them indoors for the winter and plant them in the spring? They have their true leaves and look healthy.
A If they have been outside the entire time, I would get them planted. After a killing frost, add some extra mulch. Wait for them to go dormant before mulching. Now that we finally have had some rain, I recommend quick planting to give them time to get growing before a hard frost.
Q We are planning to put in a hedge to screen us from the property next door. I think elaeagnus would be best to reach at least 6 feet, and it would grow quickly. There are many varieties of elaeagnus, and I am somewhat confused as to which one would be the best and will grow in north-central Arkansas. Also, how invasive are the roots, and what is the best month to plant?
A There are several varieties of elaeagnus, but I would avoid Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellate), since both can be invasive. Thorny elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens) is a great evergreen shrub that is blooming right now. The flowers are as fragrant as gardenias, but hidden within the bushes. They tend to have a few wild sprouts periodically throughout the year, requiring a little pruning. Another one that is not as common in central or northern Arkansas is Elaeagnus multiflora or goumi berry, which does produce edible berries but is deciduous. Overall, your best bet would be the thorny elaeagnus. They are quite winter hardy, so fall planting would work well -- any time from now through spring is fine.
Q When are the best times to transplant established azaleas? I want to give three plants a new home that will face more sun (west) over very little sun now. They are good plants, but I just want to show them off more. I did transplant one of my four plants from the same area (taking a chance) in the late spring, cool early summer. It survived the summer and dry fall even though at times it seemed touch-and-go, and now it's prospering.
A I would not transplant as we are heading into winter, since we have had some winter damage even on well-established azaleas the past two winters. You can move them at the end of winter, but it could limit their spring blooms. Waiting until immediately after bloom is another option, but there would be more stress on the plants since they will be actively growing. As long as you are willing to water and pamper them a bit, they should be fine with either of those options.
Q While we were visiting my son in California this summer, he gave my wife a cutting from a jade plant. My wife put it into a small container of potting soil to root, which it has done. It has put out new leaves and should probably be repotted. What kind of potting soil should she use, something for cacti and other desert plants, or just ordinary potting soil?
A Jade plants are an easy houseplant to grow, provided you don't overwater. General potting soil should work well, but limit how large the pot is that you start them in. They are slow growing, and you want to gradually increase the pot size. Don't go with a small pot and then move to a giant one; step them up gradually every year or two.
Janet B. 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 on 10/31/2015