February 14, 2009

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

There are a couple of shrubs that do really well in shade and still stay fairly dense.  One is Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia). Another good one is Aucuba japonica. Both of these will do well if you provide a moderate amount of water, but they don’t take a lot. They may appear to be water hogs, but really, once they’re established they do quite well here.  They don’t have too many disease and insect problems to deal with so they are a good choice for our shady areas. 

Another name for Aucuba and some forms of it with speckled foliage are called Gold Dust Plant. 

For a native plant in shady areas, consider American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).  It’s not a good screen, since it’s deciduous, but it does well in very dry shade areas. Along with not needing much water, it attracts birds to its late fall and winter berries. 

past Questions of the Week 

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Globe mallow (or desert mallow) is not as common in Central Texas as it is out west, such as Arizona and New Mexico. But it does very well here.  Its silvery gray leaves heighten colors around it all year.  At the end of the cool season, it flowers with orange to pink hues. Globe mallow can be sheared or allowed to grow in a more natural form.  Along with its visual aspects to the garden, it also performs well with a minimal amount of water.  It’s also resistant to disease and insect problems. 

This perennial wants full sun, and well-drained soil.  It grows to about 30 x 30”.

past Plants of the Week 

PLANTING TIPS OF THE WEEK

• Plant cabbage, kale, and kohlrabi.
• Plant potatoes. Cut them into two or three pieces, and dry for a day or two before planting.
• Continue adding lettuce and spinach.
• Plant woody ornamentals, trees, and fruit trees.
• Fertilize annual ornamentals and vegetable gardens.
• Prepare summer vegetable and ornamental beds by mixing in about an inch of compost.

more Planting Tips 

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