Q A couple of years ago we built an arbor and I put trumpet vines on each side. They grew and grew and got way too invasive, so I've cut it all down and will be digging up the roots. What kind of flowering vine would be good to plant? I've thought about clematis but am thinking I need something that will vine up the trellis and then re-bloom on the old wood. I don't want to have to cut it all off every year.
A What about "Armand" clematis, which is evergreen? Another option would be five-leaf akebia or Carolina jasmine.
Q Are there still disease problems with red tip photenia? If so, any other suggestions for a fast growing and tall hedge row?
A The leaf spot disease is a problem that is not going to go away on photenias, and for that reason, I don't recommend planting them. Some other options include holly -- "Nellie R. Stevens," foster or luster leaf -- cleyera, elaeagnus, "Chindo" viburnum or "Little Gem" magnolia.
Q I've noticed that some Japanese maples are currently dropping seeds. Will these sprout this summer or are they carried over until next spring before they sprout?
A While not all varieties are equal, most Japanese maple seeds will ripen in the fall and germinate the following spring. Many gardeners who own Japanese maples find small seedlings near their trees and can dig and transplant them.
Q Can you please identify this plant? The foliage is 30 inches tall, and the flower spike contains more than 20 bright red, 2-inch flowers; each with five petals and sepals.
A The plant in question is a summer bulb called crocosmia. Orange or bright red flowers are most common. In full sun, they are stunning. In the shade, they won't bloom but will spread.
Q Is this a butterfly bush? Can you identify?
A No it is not a butterfly bush but a young or small crape myrtle.
Q Can you tell us what this flower is? How do you take care of it?
A It is commonly called butterfly weed or Asclepias tuberosa. This is the milkweed that everyone recommends we plant for the monarch butterfly. The more common color is a bright orange, but there are now yellow and even pink varieties. They form a strong tap root and so are not easily transplanted, but once established are tough, drought-tolerant perennials. Deadhead the spent flowers to keep them blooming longer. They do best in full sun.
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 07/01/2017