Q I have leaf spots on my big leaf hydrangea. What should I be spraying with?
A I don't think you will find a hydrangea in Arkansas that doesn't have some leaf spots or mildew on the foliage after all the heavy rain and humidity we have had. It is too late in the growing season to worry about spray programs. I know they are not the most attractive right now, but many plants are beginning their fall decline. Rake up and destroy the leaves as they fall and monitor the plant next spring for any problems.
Q I have a hydrangea plant that has been growing in a pot for several years. It is root-bound and I would like to plant it in the ground, but I was told to wait until spring. Suggestions?
A While I often advise planting in the spring versus fall for big leaf hydrangeas because planting triggers new growth and new growth isn't very winter hardy, your plant would be hardier in the ground than it would be in the pot. So, I would find a good location in a well-drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade and get it planted soon.
Q OK, I reluctantly surrender. My three 10-year-old red tips have to go. Ninety percent of their lush foliage has gone away this summer, despite spraying. The area is heavily shaded, against (west of) a 6-foot privacy fence and in a well-drained area in Northwest Arkansas. Do you have any suggestions for a more carefree replacement? And should I replace now or in the spring?
A Fall is a great time to plant hardy trees and shrubs. You have several options. There are many holly species, which form great hedges, from the old-fashioned Burford holly to "Nelly R. Stevens" and Foster hollies. You could also plant one of the smaller Southern magnolias such as "Little Gem" or "Bunny Ears." Thuja occidentalis "Emerald" arborvitae is great in Northwest Arkansas, and Cryptomeria is another needle-type evergreen that would do well as a hedge.
Q What is this plant? [The reader sent a photo.]
A This is a perennial commonly called obedient plant -- Physostegia. Unlike its name, it can be far from obedient, since it can spread quite easily. It gets the common name because you can move the individual flowers around and they stay put. Why you would want to do that, I am not sure. It does have a long season of bloom, but it is in the mint family and can spread.
Q What kind of vine is this? [The reader sent a photo.] It's in my yard and fence row.
A The plant in question is a native vine called Virginia creeper. If allowed to grow unchecked it can be invasive. It does have great fall color, and in the right place it can be a good vine, but you need to monitor its growth and keep it contained.
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 09/29/2018