Question #1: A rhododendron I planted on the southeast corner of my house took a hit during the recent ice/snow storm. Many of the leaves are brownish-red and falling off and some are drooping. Is this shrub a goner or will it recover? Is there something I can do to help it?
Answer #1: You will need to take a wait and see approach. It really is too early to determine if your rhododendron will survive. The cold hardiness of your particular shrub and its health before the storm will play an important role in its survival. During harsh winters broadleaf evergreens are commonly prone to winter damage or winter burn. Healthy plants recover during the season after the new growth is produced. When the weather warms up prune out dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Keep it watered if we should experience dry periods during the growing season and into next fall. There is no need to provide additional fertilizer, as overfertilized plants are very attractive to insect pests.
Question #2: We have ordered asparagus crowns to plant this spring. When should they be planted? Should we wait until after the first frost? That seems kind of late.
Answer #2: No, it is not necessary to wait until after the last frost to plant your asparagus crowns. They can be planted about 4-6 weeks prior to the last expected frost date in your area. If you plant them much earlier than that the soil would be too cold and the crowns could potentially rot. Choose a site with good drainage and full sun. Amend the soil in the bed with composted manure, compost, leaf mold or a combination of these types of organic matter. For detailed information on growing asparagus look under ‘growing vegetables’ on the ‘Grow It Eat It’ section of our website.
Question #3: I loved the article about the native American holly in the current issue of the Home and Garden e-newsletter. We have three on our property but they never seem to produce berries. The article touched on the subject but is there a way for me to tell if I have male or female trees. I do understand that I need both.
Answer #3: Yes, that is true hollies are dioecious, meaning they have male and female flowers on separate plants. To determine whether you have male or female hollies you will need to wait until they flower this spring. Both male and female flowers have four petals so you will need to look further into the flower to see what structure they contain. Male flowers will have 4 prominent stamens, which look like stalks. On top of the stamens are the anthers which hold the pollen. Female flowers have a distinct green raised ‘bump’ in the center which is the ovary. To be sure do an internet search to find photos of the male and female flowers. Only female plants will berry. To subscribe to our e-newsletter, go to our website, look on the homepage and click on the appropriate button.
“Ask the Plant and Pest Professor” is compiled from phone and email questions asked the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), part of University of Maryland Extension, an educational outreach of the University of Maryland. To ask a home gardening or pest control question or for other help, go to https://extension.umd.edu/hgic Or phone HGIC at 1-800-342-2507, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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