FLORIDA

The Right Crepe Myrtle
Though most of us buy crepe myrtle selections primarily for their flower colors, we should also consider the forms of growth: wide and spreading, upright and narrow, rounded or vase-shaped. The ultimate height of the tree is very important too. If you want a small tree, up to 12 feet tall, consider 'Acoma' (white flowers, spreading), 'Caddo' (bubblegum pink, spreading), 'Cheyenne' (red, rounded), or 'Pecos' (medium pink, vase-shaped). If you want a larger tree, around 20 feet tall, consider 'Apalachee' (light lavender, upright), 'Comanche' (coral pink, upright, rounded), or 'Centennial Spirit' (dark red, upright). Trees taller than 20 feet include 'Arapaho' (dark red, upright), 'Biloxi' (light pink, vase-shaped), 'Natchez' (white, rounded), and 'Twilight' (dark purple, upright). Select a tree that fits the space of the site so that you don't have to prune it drastically each year. All crepe myrtles need full sun to flower well. --David W. Marshall

North and Central
Beautiful ornamental grasses--To provide your garden with graceful plants that need minimal water once established, use 'Adagio' Japanese silver grass, 'Cabaret,' Japanese silver grass, porcupine grass, or zebra grass.
Flowering shrubs--Hydrangeas, gardenias, and yesterday-today-and-tomorrows (Brunfelsia pauciflora) are good choices for spots that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. For full sun, try oleander, golden dewdrop, and firebush (Hamelia patens).

Central and South
Lawn care--With frequent rains, gray leaf spot can develop in St. Augustine lawns. If it becomes severe enough, you may have to use a fungicide such as Bayer Advanced Fungus Control for Lawns. In areas of full sun, high numbers of chinch bugs can cause straw-colored patches in the lawn. If there are damaging numbers of chinch bugs, you can spot treat with an insecticide such as Spectracide Triazicide Once Done! Insect Killer.

South
Mangoes--To enjoy tasty fruit, plant a mango tree in full sun, allowing a distance of 25 feet from buildings, other trees, or utility wires. Water the new tree every other day for the first two weeks. Then decrease waterings to twice a week. Feed monthly with a product such as RiteGreen Citrus, Avocado, & Mango Fertilizer 4-6-8.

Entire State Watering--Summer rains are usually fairly frequent in June. If so, adjust your irrigation system so you don't overwater your plants. If your landscape is well established, you may not even need any supplemental irrigation now. Water only when rainfall isn't received and the soil begins to dry out. Easy-care color--Continue to plant for summer color. Summer Wave Hybrid torenia is an excellent choice for areas that receive morning sun but have protection from the late-afternoon sun. For more shaded areas, use Brazilian plume flowers, impatiens, caladiums, coleus, and Persian shields. In full sun, plant pentas, Profusion Series zinnias, sun coleus, 'Purple Knight' Joseph's coat, melampodiums, and bat-faced cupheas.