Blooming Trees
One of the best things about gardening in the
South is our short, mild winters. Many trees that we think of flowering
in the spring actually bloom in late winter. The blossoms of saucer
magnolias (Magnolia x
soulangeana), shown at right, brighten the skies
with their tulip-shaped blooms. Other trees that begin to bloom now
include flowering peaches, 'Okame' flowering cherries, flowering plums,
star magnolias (Magnolia stellata), and redbuds. Star magnolias also
offer fragrance with their blossoms. Place these small trees near
pathways or entry points in your landscape to fully appreciate the
fragrance of their flowers. Reliable selections include 'Royal Star,'
'Pink Stardust,' and 'Waterlily.'
Hellebores
The early blossoms of these evergreen
perennials are a welcome reminder that winter is nearly over and spring
is near. Now (while they are blooming) is the best time to find the
largest selection of these dependable plants. They prefer light shade
and fertile, well-drained soil. They are best suited for the Upper,
Middle, and Lower South.
Blueberries
Grow your own fruit by adding this easy plant
to your garden now. Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei) grow
well in the heat of the Lower and Coastal South. Try selections such as
'Beckyblue,' 'Climax,' and 'Tifblue.' Northern highbush blueberries (V. corymbosum) are best for the Upper and Middle South. Try selections such
as 'Bluecrop,' and 'Bluejay.' Blueberries prefer acid soil (pH 4.5 to
5.5) that is well drained with lots of organic matter. It's important to
plant at least two or more selections for optimal pollination so you can
have lots of fruit.
Cool-weather vegetables
In the Lower and Coastal South,
begin setting out transplants of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and
onion sets. Sow seeds of spinach and lettuce.
Pansies and violas
Keep your flowers looking good by
removing spent blossoms (deadheading) and trimming leggy, discolored
foliage with scissors. Water your plants regularly, and be sure they
have good drainage. Use a liquid fertilizer, such as Schultz All Purpose
Liquid Plant Food 10-15-10 or Miracle-Gro All-Purpose Water Soluble
Plant Food 15-30-15, to feed your flowers. These plants love the
sunshine and need between four to six hours every day to look their
best.
