Q We planted two pomegranate bushes this spring, and they are looking healthy but the top branches are a bit leggy. Should we trim them back this late? We think it would be fun to get a pomegranate or two at some point if that is realistic. Any tips to help us successfully winter them?
A I would let them be for the winter unless they are weak and might break off with winter weather. If we have a severe winter, we can see some winter dieback on pomegranates. Letting the extra growth hang on all winter simply serves as a buffer. Prune as needed in the spring before growth begins. There are quite a few new varieties available in our market, and they are showing promise in fruit production, but it takes a few years to get them established.
Q We were hit hard in the Rogers tornado recently as it took many of our tall shade trees. My hostas now are completely in the sun. Should I move them now to a new shade spot in our yard or should I wait until next spring when they come back up where they are now? I know I don't have much time before we get really killing frosts here in Northwest Arkansas.
A I am sorry you had storm damage and glad you are all right. For your hostas, you have choices. You can move them now as they are going dormant or wait until they emerge in the spring. If you have the time, I would move them now. This allows them to get their root system established this winter before they begin growing next spring.
Q I have several questions and comments. First, I have some Encore azaleas that are still blooming. Do I need to prune them after they finish? I want to tell you how much I enjoy your columns and your blogs. I have to say I enjoyed your old blog better than the new one, not by content but by ads. I think they detract a bit. You probably have no control, but I wanted to say that. I read in a recent blog about a trip to Costa Rica. I am not a Master Gardener (but would like to be one day), but would still like to travel with you. Is that doable, or do you have to be a Master Gardener?
A Encore azaleas bloom in the spring and fall, with some scattered blooms even in the summer. Even though they bloom multiple times, pruning should only be done in the spring after their first set of flowers. Pruning now would limit flowering in the spring and would expose the plants too much for winter.
Thank you for reading my columns and blogs, and I know there is a difference with advertising. My original blog was through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, and thus no ads, while the new Planit Janet blog is through the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette which is in the business of selling papers (news), so there is a difference. If you read many commercial blogs, most of them do have advertising. I hope you can continue to read it. As for my trips, they are not limited to Master Gardeners — anyone interested may participate. If you would like to receive travel updates, you can email me to be added to the travel list at [email protected]. I do hope you can become a Master Gardener one day. It is a wonderful program through your local county extension office.
Q My butterfly ginger is still blooming even in this weather! My question is how do I handle it when it finishes blooming? Do I let the foliage die down on its own or cut it down and mulch the plant? We are getting ready to have cold nights, and I do want it to come back. This plant is about 4 years old and this season is the first it has ever bloomed.
A Butterfly ginger is a wonderful perennial plant for partial shade. It should bloom every year, so I am not sure why it hasn't the past three years. Enjoy it until a freeze kills it back, then cut off the spent foliage, add a light layer of mulch and wait for its return next spring.
Retired after 38 years with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Janet Carson ranks among Arkansas' best known horticulture experts. Her blog is at arkansasonline.com/planitjanet. Write to her at P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR 72203 or email
HomeStyle on 11/09/2019