Remove faded flowers and developing seed pods from spring flowering bulbs that are to be kept for bloom next year. Do not remove any of the green foliage. Wait until the foliage turns mostly yellow before you cut it back.
Bulbs that reliably rebloom here do not need to be dug up; they can be left in the ground. Bulbs that rebloom well in our area include leucojum, many narcissuses and some daffodils, Dutch iris, amaryllis, ground orchid (Bletilla), Easter lily, wood hyacinth, freesia, star flower (Ipheion), hyacinths (will rebloom but the spikes are much smaller) and calla lily.
Many other bulbs, such as tulips, crocus, anemones, scilla and muscari, will rarely repeat bloom or will produce inferior flowers next year, so they should be pulled up when finished blooming.
- Established perennials should be fertilized this month if you haven’t already done so. This is most efficiently and economically done with a granular fertilizer with about a 3:1:2 ratio (such as 15-5-10) scattered evenly through the bed following package directions. After the fertilizer is applied, water the bed by hand to wash any fertilizer granules off the foliage and down to the soil.
- It’s time to move container plants you have over-wintered indoors outside for the summer. Remember these plants have grown accustomed to low light and must be gradually introduced to higher light outside. Start them off in shade the first week and then gradually introduce sun-loving plants to more sun to prevent scorching their leaves.
- Keep ornamental vines under control with regular pruning and training or they will quickly get out of hand. If a vine is grown for its flowers, heaviest pruning should be done after its main blooming period.
Speak Your Mind