LandscapingNews
Plant of the Month: Poinsettias
Many people buy or receive poinsettias during the holiday season.
December Landscaping Tips
• Make sure that you water your landscape once a week if there’ s been no rain.
• Plant your tulips and hyacinths that have been in your refrigerator around Christmas for spring blooms.
• Clean and sharpen any garden tools.
• Mow fallen leaves to encourage decomposition, or rake and gather for mulch or composting.
• Have some old sheets or freeze protection available in case we have a freeze. Do not use plastic directly on the plants.
Poinsettias were introduced to the United States by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U. S. ambassador to Mexico in 1828. He found the plant growing beside a country road and brought cuttings back to his greenhouse in South Carolina. There are now over 100 varieties of Poinsettias available.
First, I want to dispel the rumor that poinsettias are toxic. They contain a milky sap that contains latex. The latex can cause a reaction to those who are sensitive to the substance. If this is consumed, it may cause vomiting and diarrhea, but it won’ t kill you.
If you would like to keep it growing after the holidays, follow the instructions below to help it survive until next year.
Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month. Do not fertilize the plant while it is in bloom. You can keep the plant growing actively all summer with regular watering and feeding every two weeks with a 20-20-20 water soluble fertilizer. To get your plant to rebloom next year, begin covering it with a box or bag for at least 12 hours a night, beginning at the end of September.
• Don’ t forget to keep your feeders and bird baths full. This is when the wildlife really depends on you.
• Plant trees.
• Plant shrubs.
• Check the water level on fresh Christmas trees daily so they won’ t become a fire hazard.
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