Question #1: Last year on the PBS program, Oklahoma Gardening, a yellow coleus was featured. What is the name of the plant and were can it be purchased? Two to three weeks ago a vine was featured called "sky vine". Where can this be purchased? Thank you for any information.
Answer: The coleus I believe you were referring to is "The Line" It is golden yellow with a dark line down the mid-vein. It can probably be purchased from Morning Star Farms in Vian, OK. Phone number is 918 773-5389. It can also be found from TLC in Oklahoma City. I don't know if it can be found in the Tulsa area. Some of the larger nurseries/garden centers may occasionally carry it.
The Sky Vine (Thunbergia grandiflora) can probably be purchased at TLC in Oklahoma City or ordered through Logee's Greenhouses.
********************************************************************************************************************************************* Question #2: How do I winterize my bougainvillea for our Oklahoma cold? Should it be trimmed back and covered with mulch, trimmed in the spring or will it make it through the winter without digging it up?
Answer: Bougainvillea are tropical and will not overwinter outdoors in Oklahoma. It needs to be brought inside to a well lighted area prior to freezing weather. I have heard of some people storing them in their garages with windows and watering only once a month through the winter with great success. After danger of frost has past in the spring, you can bring it back outdoors, prune back any dead or damaged stems and begin watering and fertilizing again.
********************************************************************************************************************************************* Question #3: I need some help. My flowering plants, annuals and perennials, are surrounded by mulch and especially my iris are not doing well. I though it was root rot, but during my search I found that iris are resistant to root rot. The leaves initially turn down, then yellow/brown, and then a red wine color. It looks like they need watered,although they aren't dead they look bad. Lately, I have noticed what looks like a powder. It is puffy and always appears yellow. After appearing yellow on the first day, it will turn tan and on the third day it is brown and dried up. It can be picked up and will stay together without breaking apart. Initially when it comes up it is a puffy yellow clump. I have searched and searched to try and identify what it is, but have been unsuccessful. Can you help me?
Answer: What you are describing sounds like slime mold. It is a fungus that grows and lives off dead organic matter (your mulch). It comes and goes depending on weather conditions, but is not detrimental to your plants. The only time it causes decline in plants is when it grows on plants and shades them from the sunlight thus cutting off photosynthesis. No chemical control is necessary. Mechanical removal or just washing it off with water is usually the most effective method.
Your irises are suffering from something else. It is possible that you have too much mulch which could limit oxygen exchange from the soil and air. Plant roots need oxygen or they will slowly decline. Often the symptoms look like lack of water. Try removing some of the mulch around the irises, only 1 to 2 inches is usually necessary. If you are using several types of mulch materials you may also be creating impermeable layers that will also reduce the amount of water that is actually getting to the roots in addition to oxygen.
There could be several other things that could result in similar symptoms, but I would start by assessing your mulch conditions.
******************************************************************************************************************************************* Question #4: I would like to try some elephant ear bulbs this year what is the best method to plant them. Will I need to dig it up in the fall or can they be left in the ground?
Answer: Elephant ears are tender bulbs and do need to be stored during the winter. After a frost kills the leaves, dig the tubers immediately and allow them to air dry. Store them in dry peat moss and in a cool, dark, dry location.
It may be difficult to tell which end to plant down and which end to plant up. If you are uncertain it is best to plant the tuber on its side. One should select a planting area in mostly a shaded area in Oklahoma with good drainage and plenty of room for the plant's large leaves. Elephant ears need to be water regularly and frequently during the summer to obtain the large leaves. But is the soil is too wet, the bulb can rot. Over the bulb with approximately 4" of soil.
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