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Late July 2012

 

In This Issue
Hibiscus
Deadheading and Cutting Back
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Greetings!  
 
 
F I N A L L Y . . . . . .   Its a bit cooler and we have some  moisture in the ground - at least the top few inches.  From what I hear though, we should enjoy it while we can because the heat will be returning shortly.
  
 

Perennial Hibiscus

 

Perennial Hibiscus with their huge blossoms (6-10 inches in diameter) are one of Hibiscus Lord Baltimore size the stars of mid-Summer to early Fall garden.  They are available in shades of deepest red, to pink, to white - some with contrasting "eye" colors.  The leaves are green, bronzey, or red with toothed edges, and some are deeply lobed.  The five overlapping petals of the big blooms form stunning a pinwheel effect, and the hummingbirds are enticed to "check them out".

 

Hibscus love the sun and need moist, well-drained soil.  Keeping them watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage, and deadheading will improve their appearance.  They should be heavily mulched their first winter.  Then in spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears.  It is a late riser and will be one of the last perennials to emerge in spring.  Once it emerges its vigorous growth rate more than makes up for its late start.  In a few years it will have the presence and size of a Hydrangea.   Its only drawback is that Japanese Beetles like it, so you will have to watch for them and treat early if you see any damage.

  

'Peppermint Schnapps' is a newer hybrid with 8-10 inch pink flowers that are dashed  with steaks of deep reddish-pink throughout the petals.  They are matched  with a bright red eye in each flower.  This is a sturdy upright plant and can grow to six feet tall and wide in several years.  

 

 

 Hibiscus Lord Baltimore

 

 'Lord Baltimore' is an old standard with crimson-red flowers with ruffled petals.  It is a very heavy bloomer.

 

 

 

 

Hibiscus Turn of the Century 'Turn of the Century' is a showy bi-color or even tri-color with shades of pink and white and then its red eye.  The petals alternate the colors accenting the "pinwheel" effect.  These blooms are about 6" across.

  

 

 

 

Hibiscus Cranberry Crush  'Cranberry Crush' is a newer variety and a Proven Winner .  The glossy, deep scarlet red flowers 7-8" wide are produced all up the flowering stems rather than just at the top like most other cultivars.  These blooms cover the plant from midsummer to early fall.

 

 

While we have a brief respite from the heat, it might be a good time to venture out into the garden for a little cleanup.  There is probably a lot of heat-damaged foliage on perennials and annuals that needs to be removed or cut back.  Annuals, as well as many perennials that are dead-headed should still have some blooming time left.  Just be sure to water them thoroughly after cutting back and fertilize lightly with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Fertilome Blooming and Rooting.  Here is a great article from Midwest Gardening with lots of tips on deadheading and cutting back  methods and timing  http://www.midwestgardentips.com/deadheading.html



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226 E. US Highway 6, Valparaiso, IN                       9-5:30 Mon-Sat.  [email protected]                                 10 - 4:00 Sunday

Website:  FourSeasonsValpo.com                         Phone:   219.464.4941