Warm season grasses typically grow actively in the spring and summer, will generally have attractive coloring in the fall, and will go dormant in the winter. Cool season grass experiences it’s period of active growth in the late winter or early spring. They will bloom in the early part of the summer, and then enter a period of dormancy or slow growth later in the summer into the fall. A number of grasses of this type are evergreen.
What are the best conditions for transplanting blueberry bushes?
We purchased a home that has a yard with two blueberry bushes. The blueberry bushes are in a sun location, isolated from each other and surrounded by our lawn. They are approximately three feet high. Can we transplant these bushes? If so, would they prefer sun or shade, dry soil or compost-rich soil? Also, when is a good time to perform the transplant?
Blueberry plants prefer a moist, rich, acidic soil. The ideal soil should be evenly moist, but not constantly wet or subject to flooding. The soil should be amended with sphagnum peat, compost or other organic matter. The ideal soil pH for blueberries is 4.5 to 6.0. Most of our native soils are much higher than this and will require the addition of sulfur, iron sulfate or aluminum sulfate to lower the pH. A soil test would be helpful to determine the amount of sulfur needed. Transplanting blueberry bushes is best done in early spring before growth begins. The best fruit production is achieved when 2 different varieties are planted close enough for cross-pollination. The plants should be no more than 10 feet apart. Blueberries prefer full sun.
When is the proper time to cut back a butterfly bush and hibiscus?
I have several butterfly bushes. Are they to be cut back in the winter or the spring? What about hibiscus – should they be cut back?
Butterfly bush and other “woody perennials” such as St. John’s wort (Hypericum) and blue mist spirea (Caryopteris) often require pruning in early spring. In severe winters, the tops are often killed back. Remove any stems that are not leafing out by mid-April. The established root system will quickly return the plant to its normal size. There are several types of hibiscus. The perennial hibiscus noted for its large, dinner plate-size flowers should be cut back in early spring to 4 to 6 inches. The shrub hibiscus, also known as althea or rose of Sharon, does not need to be cut back. It is one of the last shrubs to leaf out, often not doing so until late May.
Related:
Creating habitat for butterflies
Transplanting butterfly bushes
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