QUESTION OF THE WEEK
How can I tell how many shrubs to plant to create a hedge or border?
Answer: First, find out from your local nursery how large the plant will grow here. Sometimes plant tags are written for other parts of the country. Plants grown here may not get as large, or they may be much smaller.
Also, ask how quickly it grows. Some shrubs, like Texas mountain laurel, are extremely slow growing. Others, like dwarf yaupon or boxwood, are fairly fast.
It also depends on your soil. Shrubs that can take a variety of conditions are going to grow much faster in deep, rich, compost-improved soil than in shallow soil over a rock bed.
With that, you can determine your spacing. If you want a quicker hedge with a slower variety or in poor soil, you may want to plant a little closer. Be sure to water and fertilize regularly, especially the first few years. Also pay attention to pruning to encourage new growth and a lush form.
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PLANT OF THE WEEK
Pentas
(Pentas lanceolata)
 Also called Egyptian star clusters, this versatile annual does well in sun or part shade. For very bright shade, pentas are an excellent choice. These summer bloomers come in a variety of shades, including lavender, red, cherry red, pinks and white. The new Butterfly series is a more compact plant.
But all pentas attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees to their nectar.
They want good well-drained soil. Pinch back to promote flowering. Some years they may make it through winter in a protected spot, but generally we treat them as annuals to feed the wildlife through the summer and the fall migrations.
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PLANTING TIPS OF THE WEEK
- Prune spring-blooming plants.
- Continue pruning shrubs if reducing their size or promoting a fuller shape.
- Watch for aphids and treat on a regular basis.
- Deadhead roses and lightly shear or pinch back abundant growth on fall-bloomers.
- Remove flower stalks from spring bulbs, but leave the foliage in place until it completely browns.
- If spring beetles like the harlequin have damaged perennials, simply trim back the foliage to encourage new growth.
- Continue planting summer crops.
- Apply a preventive for powdery mildew and blackspot and/or keep an eye out to be ready to arrest it at first signs of trouble.
- Continue seeding summer annuals.
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THIS WEEK'S FEATURE
Tricia Martin from Forever Gardens layers perennial color for sun and shade.
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