Ask and Answer Flower Questions Archive - Aug 2008

By Ahmad Salloum: Can Jasmine grow in middle NJ (Monmouth county; zip code 07722)? I have the right soil (sand/clay)?

Answer By The Flower Expert: Since most of New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate except in northwestern regions of the state that have a humid continental climate with cooler winters, Jasmines can be grown there. But the Jasmines , be protected from frost in winters.

By Someone : Iam travelling to the Ligurian coast in Italy next week. Which flowers (seeds)can I bring back to South Africa?Where I stay - misty, wet and warm summers, cold dry winters, acidic soil

Answer By The Flower Expert: Ligurian coast bordering France and Genoa, is well known for its vast production of flowers especially roses.

By Anthony: once my asiatic lilly flowers start to die off how and where on the plant do I prune them to get more flowers to grow throughout the summer?

Answer By The Flower Expert: Most flower bulbs like Asiatic lilies do not require much pruning. If you want to increase the flowering and don't want the plant to go to seed, remove the undeveloped seedpod (ovary) just after the plant has bloomed. Cut just below the seedpod to remove it.

By Katie: I am looking for care instructions for a floweing plant that I have but I don't know what it is!!! I thought that it was an amaryllis when I bought it 2 years ago but when I've looked up amaryllis I see that ther pictures show up and it's not what I have. This is what my plant looks like: red bloom and it looks plastic and almost heart shaped with a long yellow center sticking out; the green leaves are quite large as well. Do you have an idea?

Answer By The Flower Expert: I think you are talking about Anthurium. It is an exotic flower.

Anthuriums (Anthurium species) Anthuriums are rigid flowers with a thick and waxy feel and appearance. The anthurium flower is in fact the spathe of the plant. In the middle of the spathe is an upright organ called the spandix. The flowers actually grow on the spandix. Their colors range from whites to pinks and reds. Learn more about Anthuriums.

By Emily: Can you plant a Birds of Paradise plant without a root ball? It is in an arrangment and I would like to save them if I can

Answer By The Flower Expert: Cutflower Birds of Paradise will not grow when planted.

Bird of paradise can be propagated from seeds or division.

Seeds are slow to germinate (it may take up to 8 weeks or more) and it will take 4-7 years for the plant to begin blooming. For best results, sow fresh seed in the spring.

By Jamie: We are putting bird of paradise in an arrangement for a wedding. How do we get the plant to open?

Answer By The Flower Expert: The blooms of the Bird Of Paradise are actually a succession of blooms that open together instead of one large flower as many people think.

By Wilson: how do you prune gardenias?

Answer By The Flower Expert: Gardenias can be pruned as far back as you like but first, cut plants back when they are dormant ( depending upon where you live). This will allow the stems to "heal their wounds" when the plants aren't actively growing. This way you can still enjoy flowers the next year.

While pruning, don't cut all the leaves off. Some leaves need to be left so the plant can still produce food for the root system. The following spring, use an acidic fertilizer with chealeted iron and high nitrogen so the plant can produce healthy leaves and buds. If you only want your plant to become bushier, simply pinch out the tips while the plant is dormant. Pinching will helps to promote a heavier bloom the following year.

By Anthony: once my asiatic lilly flowers start to die off how and where on the plant do I prune them to get more flowers to grow throughout the summer?

Answer By The Flower Expert: Most flower bulbs like Asiatic lilies do not require much pruning. If you want to increase the flowering and don't want the plant to go to seed, remove the undeveloped seedpod (ovary) just after the plant has bloomed. Cut just below the seedpod to remove it.

By Janet: I would like to know when the Bird of Paradise is in season in Soutern California. Thank you in advance for the information

Answer By The Flower Expert: In the US, Birds of Paradise is widely used as an ornamental in Southern California and Florida.

They bloom best in the cooler seasons in California and are hardy to about 28 degrees.

Bird of paradise plants do not survive the winter's cold in December and January. These plants are best grown in pots that can be moved to protected areas when a heavy frost is predicted. Growing these plants in containers has an added advantage in that the plants bloom when the clumps are crowded.

One of the most common reasons mature Strelitzia do not bloom well is insufficient light. They require nearly full sun in the summer and as much light as possible in winter to bloom. Be sure to bring the plant in before first frost (although it can tolerate a limited amount of time down to about 28ºF).

By Tina: I noticed a lot of large red ants coming out the soil as I water the plant. Should I be concerned about them harming the plant? If they are, what type of pesticide should I use?

Answer By The Flower Expert: These insects are Dasymutilla occidentalis wasps, not ants. Common Name: Red velvet ant or cow killer. Females are wingless and covered with dense hair, superficially resembling ants. The red velvet-ant is the largest velvet-ant species, reaching about 3/4 inch in length. They are black overall with patches of dense orange-red hair on the thorax and abdomen.

By Robert: I grew some Africa Zinnia outside in a full sun they started real good but they died. I live in Georgia i dont know if that is important are not but that is what happen?

Answer By The Flower Expert: It thrives well if its needs are met. Here is the growing tips for zinnias.

African Zinnia is a mounded plant with small daisy-like flowers; long lasting cut flowers. Prefers full sun and alkaline soil; exceptionally heat tolerant. Easy to grow in poor soil. Good drought tolerance; more mildew resistance than zinnias. Use for cut flowers, edging, ground covers, planters and rock gardens.

By Jim: I was recently in Italy and was exposed to the Jasmine bush. It had a very nice scent and I want to know if it can be grown in the Chicago, Illinois, USA area or will the winter kill the plant?

Answer By The Flower Expert: n general, jasmines are tropical plants. They thrive in full sun.

If the area in your garden recieves full sun, they will thrive, keeping n view of the plants requirements.

By Ahmad Salloum: Can Jasmine grow in middle NJ (Monmouth county; zip code 07722)? I have the right soil (sand/clay)

Answer By The Flower Expert: Since most of New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate except in northwestern regions of the state that have a humid continental climate with cooler winters, Jasmines can be grown there. But the Jasmines , be protected from frost in winters.

By Janet Pierson: Hi - I would like to know when the Bird of Paradise is in season in Soutern California. Thank you in advance for the information.

Answer By The Flower Expert: In the US, Birds of Paradise is widely used as an ornamental in Southern California and Florida.

They bloom best in the cooler seasons in California and are hardy to about 28 degrees.

Bird of paradise plants do not survive the winter's cold in December and January. These plants are best grown in pots that can be moved to protected areas when a heavy frost is predicted. Growing these plants in containers has an added advantage in that the plants bloom when the clumps are crowded.

One of the most common reasons mature Strelitzia do not bloom well is insufficient light. They require nearly full sun in the summer and as much light as possible in winter to bloom. Be sure to bring the plant in before first frost (although it can tolerate a limited amount of time down to about 28ºF).

By Katie Slimko: I am looking for care instructions for a floweing plant that I have but I don't know what it is!!! looks like: red bloom and it looks plastic and almost heart shaped with a long yellow center sticking out; the green leaves are quite large as well. Do you have an idea?

Answer By The Flower Expert: I think you are talking about Anthurium. It is an exotic flower.

Anthuriums (Anthurium species) Anthuriums are rigid flowers with a thick and waxy feel and appearance. The anthurium flower is in fact the spathe of the plant. In the middle of the spathe is an upright organ called the spandix. The flowers actually grow on the spandix. Their colors range from whites to pinks and reds. Learn more about Anthuriums.

By Bill: What are Micronutrients?

Answer By The Flower Expert: Micronutrients are plant nutrients that are essential for plant growth but are only needed in small amounts to be effective. There are six micronutrients:

Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Zinc (Zn) .

These micronutrients are essential but in a lesser quantity. They should be given in high quantities. If they are given in excess, then the plants are susceptible to salts injury.

Micronutrient toxicities can occur if substrate pH is too low.

Excess micronutrients on the plants can cause dieback of the growing tips, marginal necrosis of leaves.

New Guinea Impatiens need only moderate levels of micronutrients.

By some one:Iam travelling to the Ligurian coast in Italy next week. Which flowers (seeds)can I bring back to South Africa?

Answer By The Flower Expert: Ligurian coast bordering France and Genoa, is well known for its vast production of flowers especially roses.

By Anthony: once my asiatic lilly flowers start to die off how and where on the plant do I prune them to get more flowers to grow throughout the summer?

Answer By The Flower Expert: Most flower bulbs like Asiatic lilies do not require much pruning. If you want to increase the flowering and don't want the plant to go to seed, remove the undeveloped seedpod (ovary) just after the plant has bloomed. Cut just below the seedpod to remove it.

By Jim Gran: I was recently in Italy and was exposed to the Jasmine bush. It had a very nice scent and I want to know if it can be grown in the Chicago, Illinois, USA area or will the winter kill the plant?

Answer By The Flower Expert: In general, jasmines are tropical plants. They thrive in full sun.

If the area in your garden recieves full sun, they will thrive, keeping n view of the plants requirements.

You did not specify the type of jasmines you wanted to plant.

By Robert: I grew some Africa Zinnia outside in a full sun they started real good but they died. I live in Georgia i dont know if that is important are not but that is what happen. Please help me for the next time i grow them.

Answer By The Flower Expert: You did not specify the growing conditions you put in your zinnias. Anyways,

It thrives well if its needs are met. Here is the growing tips for zinnias.

African Zinnia is a mounded plant with small daisy-like flowers; long lasting cut flowers. Prefers full sun and alkaline soil; exceptionally heat tolerant. Easy to grow in poor soil. Good drought tolerance; more mildew resistance than zinnias. Use for cut flowers, edging, ground covers, planters and rock gardens.

By Sondra Howel: Where can I order a book with pictures of various floral designs?

By Webmaster: Mastering the Art of Floral Design by Paula Pryke's is the best book it gives good information and pictures of various floral designs. You can buy them at Amazon. Mastering the Art of Floral Design by Paula Pryke's is the best book it gives good information and pictures of various floral designs.You can also look at these books also The Complete Book of Floral Design and Wedding Bouquets: Over 300 Designs for Every Bride.