Question:
Three years ago, we planted several English Lavender. They are full and bushy but they get no water except when we periodically drag a hose to them. Should the flowers be trimmed off after blooming? What other maintenance do they require? Right now, they get a lot of wear and tear from neglect.
Answer:
I wouldn't change a thing that you are doing. English lavender is a small evergreen shrub that is planted for its gray-green foliage, along with their fragrant, purple flowers. The biggest problem I see with Lavender is that they get over watered and become ratty looking in time. Another problem is the companion plants mixed with the Lavenders. These plants require more water and fertilizer. So, the plant selection of the surrounding plants is important. Lavender plants thrive on neglect so your plants should be the exception but grooming the plants in the spring after flowering is recommended. First off, you should remove any and all deadwood. Next, trim off the old, spent flowers along with the stems. Your goal is to remove about one-third of the growth from last year. Also, make sure your hand shears are sharp to avoid injuring the plant(s). A pair of head shears or electric trimmer can be used. Pruning the plant(s) back to bare stems should be avoid at all costs. After pruning, I’d apply EB Stone Organic All purpose fertilizer or similar product to encourage the growth. One feeding a year is all that is necessary. And finally, mulching the plants with a three inch layer of organic matter for moisture conservation is encouraged. Again, I wouldn't change a thing you are currently doing or suggest anything different.
Question:
When I lived on the East Coast, my Nandina's always produced beautiful red berries. This is not the case here. What do I need to encourage them to produce more berries?
Answer:
Nandina, also known as Heavenly Bamboo, produces prolific clusters of berries with an acid soil. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.0. To measure your soil’s pH, purchase a pH kit at your favorite garden center. I’d select one that allows you to make multiple tests as three is a good number taken from several spots around the plants(s). You then would average the results. The soil sample should be from about an inch below the soil surface and use a plastic trowel. A metal trowel may alter the results. You adjust the pH by applying GreenAll pH Adjustor or Soil Sulfur or similar acidifier. The amount varies depending on your test reading. Next, Nandina has shallow roots, so add a three inch layer of mulch, to insulate the roots from the hot afternoon sun. This also helps with ‘Berry Drop’ and or incomplete flower set. Flower set is also influenced by a wet spring. And finally, an application of a balanced plant food during the growing season, helps with flowering and berry set.
