Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Landscaping Tips For August

August is the best time to divide iris and daylilies. Cut back the foliage to a small fan. Lift the clump and pry apart the rhizomes. Throw away the old center and divide into single or double fan rhizomes. Allow rhizomes to dry at least one hour before replanting. This helps prevent rot. For repeat blooming daylilies, dividing should be done every 3-5 years or blooming will significantly diminish.

Typically August is a drier, hotter month. Continue to check new plantings or plants, which are drought intolerant. To minimize any stress during dry periods, water your trees adequately, mulching can also help moderate your tree's moisture level. Some trees that are more sensitive to drought-stress include; mountain ash, Japanese maple, pagoda dogwood, paper birch and river birch along with lindens can defoliate due to drought stress. Deep watering during periods of extended drought will benefit your tree.

As daylilies finish flowering deadhead spent flower stems. This will encourage repeat bloomers, such as Stella de Oro and Happy Returns, to put out more flowers later in the month.

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