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| Q. My oleanders have brown leaves. Do they have the bacterial disease
that kills them? |
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A. Most likely, what you are seeing is freeze
damage. Oleanders are tropical plants that can suffer from the extreme
cold we had this winter and spring.
If new growth is coming along fine, and it's the old
growth that's brown, also look to see if you have split branches.
Simply cut back the damaged areas. So far this year, we're not seeing
the bacterial disease.
Oleanders are very poisonous, so be cautious planting
them around children, but they are deer-resistant, and a good choice
for deer neighborhoods. Just don't tell the deer!
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<<view past Questions of the Week |
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 Crape
myrtle (Lagerstroemia) Called the "Lilac of the South,"
and "Flower of 100 Days," crape myrtle is a popular and attractive
summer flowering tree or shrub. They come in many colors, but once
you know the color you want, also check to see if the variety is
appropriate for your situation.
There are dwarf varieties, shrubs from 2-6", and small trees. There's
one for every landscaping scheme, but select the one that is the
size you need.
Don't buy a tree variety and then have to mutilate it every year
to keep it in check! Also, be sure to select one that is resistant
to powdery mildew, to avoid spraying every year. The Cooperative
Extension Service can mail you a list of the many attractive varieties.
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<<view past Plants Of The Week |
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Before it gets any hotter, get out and mulch to cut down on summer
weeds and to hold in soil moisture. As the mulch breaks down, it
will condition the soil as well.
Prune the spring-blooming plants soon, since by end of summer they
will be setting next year's flowers.
If your fruit trees aren't fruiting, it's not you! The late freeze
harmed our fruit trees, and production is small, if any. But, keep
after the pruning, removing any water shoots, and keeping the interior
bright and airy to assure better luck next year.
If you're seeing scale, apply a light summer garden oil. Or, bag
up your specimens and bring to the Cooperative Extension Service
to analyze your problem-whether it's brown grass, scale, or other
garden discomforts.
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