| A. Cyclamen,
poinsettias, and rosemary topiaries are living plants that require
light. Between events, put them outside in a warm protected space.
Indoors, give them as much bright light as possible, but avoid drafts
and the fireplace. Over-watering is the biggest problem. If they’re
in a foil wrap, remove the pot, water thoroughly and let drain in
the sink. Don’t water until they’re dry to the first
inch of soil. You shouldn’t have to water often, but don’t
let them get so dry that the soil becomes almost impermeable. After
the holidays, move the cyclamen and rosemary to outdoor containers
or plant in the garden.
On living Christmas trees: Many times they’ve spent years
in their pots to get big enough to sell. As a result, they are root-bound,
with large thick roots girdling the root ball. Remove these roots
by cutting or spreading them out when you plant. If you planted
a specimen that’s suitable to Central Texas, its demise is
probably a result of strangling by its own roots.
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Topiary Rosemary
Rosemary is the new kid on the block when it comes to plants for
holiday decorating. During the holiday season garden centers feature
rosemary plants sheared up like mini Christmas trees or topiary
spheres.
They can be decorated with ribbons or even small dried peppers
for that distinctive southwestern look. The plants are wonderfully
fragrant when touched and make a great table centerpiece for a holiday
gathering.
They need lots of light, so to keep them looking great place the
plants in a bright window or leave them outdoors as much as possible.
After the holidays they can be planted outdoors in sunny, well-drained
areas of the landscape. Or plant them in a large container surrounded
by flowering bedding plants.
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