LandscapingNews
Plant of the Month: Alyssum
Scientific Name: Lobularia maritima Common Name: alyssum, sweet alyssum Uses: annual, perennial, border Soil: average soil, will tolerate dry soil. Watering: once weekly during dry periods Blooms: small white flowers throughout the growing season Exposure: Full sun to part shade. Fertilize: Spring Spacing: 4” pots, 8-10” apart
Growth Habits: This small plant works well in borders or massed. It also works well in pots. It’ s easy to care for and is very fragrant. It will work year round here, but does need to be protected from frost. If the plants get too leggy, just give them a shearing and they will stay compact and continue blooming.
February Landscaping Tips
• If you bought any fruit trees at the local sales, keep them in their pots for another month or two. Wait until the soil warms up to plant them and any chance of another freeze is gone. If another freeze is predicted, move them indoors and keep them protected.
• Prune back any woody shrubs and roses after any chance of a freeze has passed. Historically, February 14 is the date for this.
• Cut back liriope.
• Plant new shrubs or trees as needed.
• Fertilize and prune established fruit and nut trees.
• Mulch before spring to help retain moisture built up during the winter.
• Keep your landscape irrigated in the event that we have no rain. Test your irrigation system if you have one to make sure that it is operating correctly. If it needs repairs, get this done before the spring rush.
• Fertilize trees and shrubs so that the nutrients can be absorbed by the roots for spring growth.
• If needed, apply a pre-emergent herbicide that controls broad-leaf and grassy weeds.
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