Ken & Romey continue talking about plants to consider in Northern Arizona:

• Purple Leaf Plum Trees
• Pear Trees create beautiful flowers.

*We discuss “chill hours” and what that means to fruits in different elevations across the state.

Chris and Romey talk about the Piyon Pine Scale attacking trees in Arizona.

• How to spot them.
• Treating them?  Ken created a systemic called “plant protector” he made for listeners in Northern Arizona. Find it at Watter’s Garden Center.

Caller:

• Frank – He is having trouble getting his Jacaranda tree or Hibiscus plant to bloom..what can he do to promote blooming? They’re about 10 years old.

Recommendation – He needs to find a fertilizer high in phosphorous for both. That is what promotes blooming.  Freezing can slow blooming, but there are several other factors to consider. Hibiscus can use a fertilizer specific to roses. Bonide has a product you can use.

*Grass species that thrive in the cooler climates.  (Fescue Grass is #1 variety in NAZ)

*Ken supplements “Creeping Thyme” in the lawn to cut down on maintenance.

Callers:

• Nancy – Her rosemary plants have spit bugs all over them and wants to know how to get rid of them?

Recommendation – If you use it for culinary purposes, use an organic spray like triple action or neem oil to eliminate them, while ensuring it’s safe to eat later.

• Debbie – She has an indoor/outdoor cat and it’s chewing on the oleander plants. Will Repels All from Bonide work to keep it out of them?

Recommendation – Bonide makes a product for rabbits, dogs, etc. Just make sure to treat specifically for dogs and cats, not just deer and other critters.

Ken shares one more of his favorite plants, the dahlia.  They grow very big and have several colors to choose from.

Thanks to Chris from Vicente Landscaping, Ken Lain from Watters Garden Centers and Jay with Harper’s Nursery & Landscaping Center.