GARDENING CALENDAR

TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE

BEXAR COUNTY BY DAVID RODRIGUEZ

April 12, 2008

Caladium tubers are a tropical shade loving addition for anyone’s landscape. Their large colorful leaves will add that splash of pink, white or red combinations to that dark lonely lost corner.

If given proper care and extra watering, shade loving super Elfin impatiens will give months of spectacular color in containers or bed plantings.

If indoor plants have outgrown their existing containers, repotting them up two inches to the next size will greatly encourage them to grow. For best results lightly loosen roots and use a fresh premium potting mix with enriched compost and some slow-release container fertilizer.

Keep an eye on your Red-tip photinias for entomosporium fungal leaf spot (maroon spots, yellowish growth) as control is very difficult. Use Banner or Daconil herbicides for best results. Plants are less susceptible to this disease if left alone to grow to a size of ten feet plus with minimal pruning.

Before placing a plant in your landscape, consider its mature size and its need for sunlight or shade.

David Rodriguez is the County Extension Agent-Horticulture with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener “Hotline” (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu.