Protecting Chinese Hibiscus From Frost

Sowing hardy annuals – If you read in a book or magazine that hardy annuals should be planted just before the ground freezes so that they will not germinate until spring, remember that this advice is not for the South. In the Mid-South and southward hardy annuals are planted as early as September, though October is the main planting month.

Sowing the plants early in the fall results in the development of vigorous young plants before winter arrives. Along the Gulf Coast and in Florida some species will bloom in midwinter. Here in my garden, situated about 150 miles from the Coast, English daisies and pansies will bloom by Christmas if the winter is mild and the plants are heavily watered and fertilized. In some areas a freeze will sometimes injure the early-planted seedlings, but this is the chance that must be taken.

Caring for chrysanthemums – In the Middle South October is a critical month for chrysanthemums. Early varieties are opening now and mid-season kinds will be open by the last of the month. The large exhibition kinds should be properly staked or tied up to insure straight stems; and, of course, the side shoots should be pinched off.

Look out for the cucumber beetle, the chrysanthemum’s worst insect enemy in the South. This insect, yellowish-green with twelve black spots, multiplies at an astounding rate and, if not checked, can destroy a crop of flowers in a few days. My strategy in controlling these pests is to begin weekly applications of a sevin-malathion spray when the flower buds are well developed. The plants would be damaged if I waited for the insects to appear before beginning the spray program. Only the tops should be sprayed, for insects attack only the flowers.

When color begins to show in the buds, fertilize the plants and water them well.

Protecting chrysanthemums from frost is a perennial problem in the Mid-South. People have even erected frames over the beds. These are covered with polyethylene or sheet plastic. The frames are constructed so that they can be dismantled and stored easily when they are no longer needed.

Do not wait until frost threatens but prepare some type of protection now so it will be ready. I usually dig some plants with balls of earth and move them into the garage. Late varieties will continue blooming for weeks. The garden types can be potted up and moved indoors for home decoration. This will provide plenty of indoor color for Thanksgiving and maybe some for Christmas and a good time for christmas cactus propagation.

Protecting Chinese hibiscus from frost – I have noticed that gardeners who attempted to protect their Chinese hibiscus by pruning, packing with straw etc – lose many of their plants. In areas where hibiscus needs some winter protection it is perhaps better, when practical, to dig and store the plants where they won’t freeze, such as in a basement or heated garage. In spring the plants can be placed in the garden again.

Recommended grasses for Southern lawns – There is no perfect lawn grass, but for sunny areas in the South Bermuda is great. St. Augustine and centipede are both good for sunny and shaded areas. Spot burning or dying out of areas in the lawn is probably due to a deficiency of iron; as a remedy try applying iron sulfate at the rate of one teaspoonful to a gallon of water.

Learning is an unending process so find out more about christmas cactus propagation. Drop by today at http://www.plant-care.com/christmas-cactus-propagation-care-and-growing.html.