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Saturday, May 19, 2012

Questions Below


Gerbera Daisy

The Gerbera currently ranks as the fifth most popular flower in the world behind the rose, carnations, chrysanthemum and tulip.
Yesterday I planted this salmon color and a red one in pot on deck.
There are several other types of flowers in there, this is a color spot for me. 

RHODODENDRON QUESTION

I have never had one until moving to this house 3 years ago.
Please tell me if they can be pruned.
When?
How do you tackle a leggy woody plant such as this one? I have read many opinions, and do know how to prune most plants generally.

This Rhodo does bloom, but I feel it needs to be fuller.
Some people tell me not to touch it.
Others say do a 1/3 cut.
I felt by pruning it may make it fill in later.
 I know not to expect any flowers for that following year.
Please share your Rhodo information.


Meanwhile I will hold the fort down...
someone has to do it.







18 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

you poured a glass just for me!!! i'll be right over! :)

love that gerbera!

PKB said...

And you didn't invite me over for a glass of wine? LOL I don't know about Rhodos but my brother-in-law is a plant expert. I will pass the message along to him. You are right my flower is a Spanish Lavender! I am headed to the Open Studios today.

Ellie said...

Oh I know nothing about gardening - sorry!!! But hope you get an answer soon.
That looks like a lovely glass of wine and the sunset is awesome.

Michiko Johnson said...

What it was time for my watching and making suggestion your gardening with my golfing with beautiful of wine after that...
It was too cold in here ...
hope for time need to be back soon.
Your help me all my greater power time...

Janie said...

Michiko,
I see no webpage for you, I can't comment on your blog. Did something happen?

Are other people not able to see Michiko's blog? I cannot access it, or leave her any comments. But she can comment on others.

Remi said...

Great pictures Jane.

Michiko Johnson said...

Jane,
I has no comment, I hope you can find it your self.
sorry but I can coming your way.
Michiko

Michiko Johnson said...

My name is Michikoj@dodo,com,au
I hope so..
Michiko

MadSnapper said...

no help from me, never had one. i like the wine in the flowers

Marie said...

pretty photos! I have no clue, never had one. I just love your humming bird!

Heidi said...

Hi Jane,
I like the way you are holding down the fort...

Coneflower Ranch said...

Gerberas are one of the most photogenic flowers IMO,from every angle, love them!

You live in such a place of beauty and serenity, so inspiring.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

I have never had a rhododendron before not sure what to do with that. I love all your pictures, so beautiful!

Michiko Johnson said...

I still be back to watch about beautiful your expressions pictures.

Ms. Becky said...

Hi Janie
I'm not real familiar with rhodies, but my sis who lives in OR has several. I think the rules for both states would be about the same given the climates are similar.

When flowers fade, remove or "dead-head" the spent clusters. Be careful to snap off flower heads, and not leaf shoots. This will keep the plant from using energy to form seed heads and removes a hiding place for overwintering insects.

But don't despair If you don't get around to deadheading, the plant will survive.

Otherwise, rhododendrons require very little pruning unless branches are dead or injured. If you have older shrubs that have grown spindly, you can rejuvenate them by heavy pruning. The best time to prune these plants is soon after flowering, so not to interfere with flower bud formation for the following year.

I suspect you're now wondering "what is considered heavy pruning"? That usually means removing one third of the larger branches down to the ground, keeping the shape of the shrub. The important thing is to not be afraid of the process. Just do it. Remember, plants are like hair - they grow back. What's the worse that can happen? You won't kill it and it may look a bit different for awhile. Just have fun with it. Hope that helps.

I love your Gerbera - that's my favorite color of bloom.

Those glasses of wine look inviting. I love that shot. Happy day to you Janie.

Melissah said...

The colour of the bird is amazing - your blog is full of beautiful inspiration. Thanks for stopping by my blog - I answered your query about the camp - it's actually 4 different paces!
I just signed up as your latest follower!

Melissah

Diana said...

Great pictures - really like the wine shots! Have a wonderful day :)

Michiko Johnson said...

Dear Janie,
I love so much your beautiful space for my side sports.
Thank you for all ways thinking about me.