|
|
This Month's Tips and Plants
|
Colorado Nursery Association
|
|
|
|
-
-
The following practices will keep your flowers healthy while conserving water:
Proper soil preparation prior to planting will help conserve water.
-Prepare soil before planting by loosening soil to 12 inches. If it is a heavy clay or sandy soil, add 2-3 inches of compost on the soil surface and then till in to a 12-inch depth.
Proper mulch
-Apply 1-2 inches of organic mulch between flowers to reduce evaporation and control water-using weeds.
Fertilization
-Fertilizing perennials is generally not needed if proper soil preparation is done prior to planting. Fertilizer causes lush growth that requires more water. If fertilization is needed, a slow release fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
-Moderate fertilization for bedding plants is recommended either as liquid or granular or a combination of both.
Irrigation
-Annual and perennial flowers under water stress will have drooping leaves and a lack of blooms. Foliage often appears gray-green in color. Water when signs of stress become obvious. Apply irrigation in the evening or early morning to minimize evaporation.
-Overhead spray irrigation is the least water wise method as much water is lost to evaporation and wind drift. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are more efficient because they deliver water to the ground level near roots. Hand watering is another alternative that maximizes delivery of water to the soil and roots.
Plant selection
-Some perennials are more efficient at utilizing water than others. Choose your plants to match the site conditions.
-Gray-leaved annuals and perennials are often more drought tolerant. Spring bulbs are drought avoiders as they complete their life cycle prior to the onset of hot weather.
*Contributed by Dr. Jim Klett, Larry Vickerman, and Carl Wilson
*These photos and information available in the Rocky Mountain Plant and Perennial Plant Guides, available at CNA member nurseries. See the member listings for your nearest CNA member nursery.
| | | |
|
- pinyon.jpg
PINYON PINE
Height - 15-25 feet
Spread - 15-20 feet
Growth rate - slow
A heavy branching round headed tree with shot green needles. The seeds from the pine cones are edible. The cones and needles are resinous. This is anative to the Rocky Mountains and is very drought tolerant.
|
- bluemistspirea.jpg
BLUE MIST SPIREA
Height - 3-5 feet
Spread - 3-5 feet
Bloom time - late July-August
This shrub has lavender-blue to purple lightly scented flowers in mid-late summer that attract butterflies. It has narrow blueish leave it may die back in the winter so cut it back and it will grow back the next summer and it flowers on the new growth anyways.
|
- sedumspectible.jpg
SHOWY SEDUM
Height - 18-24 inches
Spread - 18-24 inches
Bloom time - August to frost
This plant with succulent greyish leaves can bloom in white, pink or russet tones. There are many cultivars to choose from. This plant makes a good rock garden plant with late season color and attracts insects including butterflies.
|
|
|
|
