FLORIDA

Well known in Central and South Florida for its almost year-round yellow flowers, thryallis (Galphimia glauca) can also be grown in North Florida. (The evergreen shrub is not damaged by cold until temperatures drop to a sustained low of about 25 degrees.) Even if thryallis is killed back by a hard winter freeze, it will usually resprout from the ground in the spring. Thryallis grows to a height of 5 to 9 feet, with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. Though it flowers best in full sun, it can get by with less. Thryallis is very easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of soil types. The shrub has few pest problems but is only moderately salt tolerant. It can be used as a specimen plant or as a hedge planting. Avoid heavy shearing, however, as sheared plants often thin out at the bottom. Shearing also reduces the number of flowers.

Entire State
Fertilizing--Give flowers, such as pansies, petunias, and dianthus, regular feedings every four to eight weeks. This keeps them blooming. Use a fertilizer such as Pansy Booster 19-6-12 or Osmocote Outdoor & Indoor 19-6-12.

Central and South
Seasonal color--Pansies and violas are among the most popular choices for color. But other good selections include twinspurs, nemesias, dianthus, snapdragons, petunias, sweet alyssums, geraniums, calendulas, and gaillardias. In South Florida you can also plant impatiens, nasturtiums, torenias, verbenas, marigolds, begonias, coleus, and caladiums.

Poinsettia--This popular Christmas flower can be planted outdoors after the holiday season. Make sure you locate it where it will not receive artificial light at night, though, or it won't flower next year. Give it full sun to partial shade. Also allow it adequate space, as it can grow 6 to 9 feet tall and wide. To keep it from becoming too leggy, prune it back several times during the growing season but not after Labor Day.

North and Central
Leaves--Recycle fallen leaves by using them as mulch around plants or by composting them. An easy way to gather them from lawn areas is by using the bagger on your lawn mower. If it doesn't have a bagging attachment, simply use your mower to blow the leaves into areas where you want them.

Trees and shrubs--This is the prime planting season for trees and shrubs. The next three to four months offer cooler weather and usually some winter rains. It's the perfect environment to get new plants started before the stress of warmer weather arrives. Don't forget to water, though, during dry periods. When you water new plants, be sure to saturate the root-balls.

South Citrus--Tangerines, tangelos, and early oranges are ripening now. Flavor doesn't improve once the fruit is picked. So provided temperatures don't dip below freezing, just keep it on the tree until you're ready to use it.

Water--This is typically a dry month in this part of the state, so don't forget to water the lawn and other plants. As temperatures are lower, you won't have to water as frequently. Apply ½inch of water once or twice a week as needed.