Master Gardener^sm Column for the Week of January 31, 2005
Tom Pezanowski
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^sm Volunteer

The window is still open for pruning your shrubs and trees. Now is the time to cut back your pampas grass to within 12 inches of the ground. Use hedge clippers because of the vastness of the grass clump and wear gloves as the leaves have sharp edges. Make sure you remove the dead leaves and debris from the center of the clump so sunlight can get through to start the spring growing process. Established clumps of pampas grass can be divided and planted elsewhere in your landscape. In early spring, fertilize the pampas grass with 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 (one cup of fertilizer per foot of diameter of the clump) and work the fertilizer into the soil at the base of the clump.

At this time check the undersides of the leaves on your shrubs for signs of insect infestations. Gardenias, hollies, and other shrubs may show signs of white spots under the leaves which is an indication of white flies or aphid infestation. Also, the top of the leaves may have the black sooty mold substance which even rain may not wash off.

February is a good time to spray the shrubs with a horticultural oil (such as Volck). The trade name of Volck is provided to aid the consumer in recognizing oils, not as recommendation of any particular product. The oil will suffocate the insects as well as their eggs and fungal spores. Follow the directions on the oil container for diluting the oil with water as well as safety concerns. First clean up all leaves and debris under the shrub and soak the branches, leaves, and trunk as well as the ground. Rose bushes can also be sprayed at this time with a horticultural oil to control back spot, powdery mildew, and rust.

Recommendations of specific chemicals are based upon information on the manufacturer's label and performance in a limited number of trials. Because environmental conditions and methods of application by growers may vary widely, performance of the chemical will not always conform to the safety and pest control standards indicated by experimental data. Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this article as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^smVolunteer

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Date Created 1/21/2005