Question: 9-5201
We have 13 Amaryllis bulbs from larger bulbs that have not bloomed yet. Any suggestions? Terry, Beckley, WV

Mort's Answer:
Amaryllis need rest periods in between blooms. A cellar with temps between 60-70 degrees will suffice. If they bloomed indoors last winter and were allowed to run the cycle, they will eventually bloom. An annual cycle will include allowing the flower to dissipate on the hollow stem and letting the strap like leaves mature before resting the bulbous root for the summer. In central and south Florida or southern California they will do well outdoors and can be left through the winter. You need not wait for bulblets to form each spring. You can cut the bulb in half. Be sure to include some of the stem and root material in each section. Very large bulbs can be cut in quarters. If you put them outdoors in the summer after they have bloomed in the winter indoors, they may not have enough energy left to run a cycle. A prolonged resting period would be best, if you had a winter and summer bloom. Remove all but an inch of the stem before resting them in sawdust or sphagnum moss for the summer.

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Question: 276-5201
Last year my Asiatic lilies bloomed prolifically. This year they were pink. What caused this change? Shirley, Old Saybrook, CT

Mort's Answer:
The torrential rains that occurred this spring and summer probably deleted most of the minerals that give the soil its acidity. Colors are definitely affected by mineral elements in the soil, as is the taste of fruits and vegetables. New England soil is iron rich and the balance will return next year. You could add some 5-10-10 granular fertilizer with trace elements to lower the PH.

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Question: 331-5201
What are some of the Award winning new flowers for 2002?

Mort's Answer:
Cleome , Sparkler Blush, Geranium , Black Magic Rose, Pansy , Ultima Morpho, Petunia Tidal Wave Silver, Rudbeckia, Cherokee Sunset, Vinca, Jaio Scarlet Eye and the Ornamental Pepper, Chilly Chili, are the All -American Selections for 2002. The Pansy is the first with blue and yellow bicolor blooms. This F1 hybrid Pansy is heat tolerant and will bloom in extreme heat. The pastel blue and yellow against a green foliage is a treat for the eye. Ultima Morpho will take 80 days from seed to flower. Chilly Chili has two inch fruit, is not pungent and is edible. Peppers are yellow, orange and red. This sweet pepper will thrive in hot temperatures. Cherokee Sunset Rudbeckia is an annual with yellow, bronze, mahogany and orange 4 inch flowers. The flowers are double and semi-double. Plants will grow to 30 inches. Cherokee Sunset will flower in 20 weeks from seeding. Jaio Scarlet Eye Vinca has a white eye on a Scarlet/ Rose two inch flower. This vinca grows to a foot and flowers in 70 days. One of the latest Wave etunias, Tidal Wave Silver has a silver-white flower can grow to 3 feet high, if planted 8 inches apart. It also can spread three feet apart, if planted two or more feet apart. Like all the Waves, it makes an excellent hanging plant. It takes 90 days from seed to bloom. Black Magic Rose Geranium has dark chocolate leaf centers with green edges. This zonal geranium is easy to grow and an excellent candidate for containers. The flower is bright rose with a white eye. It takes 80 days to flower and grows 10 inches high and 14 inches wide. Sparkler Blush Cleome is a pink that does not need staking. It grow to three feet high and three feet wide. It only takes 11 weeks to flower and will bloom in a small six inch pot.

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Question: 277-5201
My azalea did not bloom this past spring. What could cause this problem? Barbara, Wheeling, WV

Mort's Answer:
A late frost will nip many flowers in the bud. Early blooming azalea need protection from the north wind. Often times, the wind will dry the buds. The best location for these early bloomers is on the east or west side of a structure with an evergreen plant or fence as a buffer from the north side. If the azalea is on the south side, the heat of the sun may cause the buds to swell prematurely. When the late frosts hit, the tissue is destroyed. Deciduous azaleas with heavy bud shells and PJM can often survive in unprotected areas but they should be planted in the partial shade with shelter.

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Question: 409-3410
What is the best way to get Bird of paradise to bloom? Catherine, Norwich, CT

Mort's Answer:
It needs dormancy for a month before January. The best way to do this is to stop watering and lower the temperature to 40.

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Question: 278-5201
Can you tell me how to plant Bleeding Heart? Marie, Brunswich, GA

Mort's Answer:
Dicentra spectabilis is best grown in partial shade. These fleshy plants are popular as a border plant. They will grow from 18-24 inches and die back to the ground each winter. They have red or rose colored flowers. Do not put any fertilizer in the hole. Water thoroughly at the time of planting and again a week later. In the fall after the root has been established, you can put a handful of 5-10-10 fertilizer around the top of the root.

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Question: 279-5201
When should I cut back my Buddleia? Anna, Providence, RI

Mort's Answer:
Butterfly bush can be cut back in the fall or spring. You can wait until late October this fall. You can cut it to a foot from the ground. Cover the crown with peat and/or shredded leave mulch. If you suspect a mean winter (which I do), I would wait until spring. This means that the branches and leaves will protect the crown from the severity of the ice and snow.

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