Ask and Answer Flower Questions Archive - Nov 2007

By A Panjwani: Can Jasmine plants be kept indoors

Answer By Webmaster: Jasminum plants are outdoor or plants which need sun.

So, I do not think that jasmines would grow well in indoors.

By Debra: What causes black spots on Rose leaves

Answer By Webmaster: Black spot on the leaves of roses is, caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae is the most common problem of roses.

The fungus that causes black spot thrives under wet conditions. Therefore, infection occurs primarily during spring (May and June); it is this period when fungicide sprays are most needed to prevent black spot.

By Brookelee: Do Morning Glory need salt walter or do they need fresh water

Answer By Webmaster: In my view normal water is needed by Morning Glory.

By gwen: A flower that starts with j. and 3rd letter N and is 7 letters long

Answer By Webmaster: Is that the flower called Juniper (with j. and 3rd letter N and is 7 letters long) you are talking about. If so , the meaning of Juniper is - Protection; succour

By Meghan: Can stems/branches of cherry blossoms be purchased to be put in a centerpiece for a wedding reception?

Answer By Webmaster: Yes, you can use cherry blossom branches as centrepices for a wedding.

Debra: Can tulips be grown in containers

Answer By Webmaster: Tulips are well suited for growing in containers and provide a superb display provided a few basic principles are followed. Protect from severe frosts particularly when combined with penetrating winds. During these periods store in the garage, or wrap with sacking or straw and cover with polythene rubbish liners.

It is essential during dry periods in the growing season that tulips are sufficiently watered. If not the results will be stunted and shriveled flower heads.

By Jodi: What is the price range of Tree peony

Answer By Webmaster: Peonies are flowers which bloom from March to May.

But, Fernleaf Peonies are dwarf in stature, and bloom very early. They are difficult to propagate and therefore are less available and more expensive.

Tree peony can range from $10 to $35, and herbaceous peonies are not so very expensive.

By Peggy: Pruning Daisies for Winter

Answer By Webmaster: Pruning should not be done in the fall. Pruning will stimulate re-growth which is very undesirable prior to freezing temperatures. Pruning should be reserved for late winter and early spring.

By lillian hart: Where can we find lavender plants

By Webmaster: The most common species in cultivation is the Common Lavender Lavandula angustifolia (formerly L. officinalis).

The native range extends across the Canary Islands, North and East Africa, south Europe and the Mediterranean, Arabia, and India.

By a Visitor:What is the best time to dig and replant spring flowering plants.

Answer By Webmaster: The best time to dig and replant spring-flowering bulbs is early fall, when mums are at their peak.

So, you can replant your mums this fall.

So, at some point you must choose between keeping your mums or your bulbs, which is not difficult since mums multiply very quick.

By A Visitor: When are the flowers most in bloom in Hawaii?

Answer By Webmaster: The best blooming season for flowering trees in Hawaii islands is the Summer season starting from the onset of spring.

By a Visitor: What are Hybrid Teas

Answer By Webmaster: Hybrid Teas are the most popular type of rose grown today. They bloom from May to frost and range from two to six feet in height.

By Sophia: Can gerberas jamesonii cultivars be cross pollinated

Answer By Webmaster: Gerbera jamesonii cultivars are slightly round in shape. They can be cross pollinated with flower gerbera.

By Beth:Can daisies be grown in lawns?

Answer By Webmaster: Yes, you are right, they can be grown in lawns.

By Katia: How often should we water gerbera flowers?

Answer By Webmaster: Indoor watering: One of the best way of watering plants grown indoors, is by placing the plant into a shallow saucer, fill the saucer with water and allowing the plant to draw up as much water as it needs.

As in the outdoor plants, medium should never be allowed to dry, especially when gerbera seeds are starting to germinate. When watering is necessary, apply a sufficient amount to allow excess water to drain out of the container. Any water that collects in the saucer beneath the germination container should be discarded.

By Cheryl:Can jasmine make a dog sick if eaten?

Answer By Webmaster: Yes, jasmine is not adviced for the dogs, as they show some symptoms like Vomiting, diarrhea, mydriasis (pupil dilation), hyper-thermia, muscle collapse.

By Paula: How many species are tiger lilys

Answer By Webmaster: Hemerocallis fulva is also known as Orange Daylily, Tawny Daylily, Tiger Lily, and Ditch Lily. It is a member of the small genus Hemerocallis.

The genus Hemerocallis/Orange Daylily/Tawny Daylily/Tiger Lily/ Ditch Lily comprises of about 20 species.

By A Visitor: How to plant rhizome cuttings of Anemone Ranunculoids?

Answer By Webmaster: The Rhizomes of Anemone ranunculoides should be planted horizontally about beneath the surface and the soil covered with a thin organic mulch.

Then later the plants may be divided, and each rhizome planted separately for a relatively quick increase.

Do not plant them straight.

By A Visitor: When and how do we cut bird of paradise flowers are harvested

Answer By Webmaster: Birds of Paradise are harvested in the tight-bud stage to extend shelf life.

Cut off one inch of Birds of Paradise stem and immediately place in fresh water at room temperature. To bring out extra flowers, insert your thumb inside the unopened sheath through the open upper part of the sheath. Gently remove the membrane that separates each flower by cutting it off. Refrigerate as needed to keep fresh.

By A Visitor: What is the difference between Hoopsii blue and Baby Blue Eyes Spruce

Answer By Webmaster: I find the striking difference between the two species is their height.

Hoopsii blue grows to a height of 15-30 ft, spreads 8-12 ft.

Whereas Baby Blue Eyes Spruce grows about 12-25 ft, spreads 8-12 ft.

Both the species have deepest blue colored foliage.

By A Visitor: Caring of Mandavilla plant

Answer By Webmaster: Mandevilla needs to overwinter in a room where temperatures will consistently stay between 50 and 60 degrees. The plant still needs some indirect sunlight, but your primary concern is for cool temperatures over much of the winter. Run a thermometer test in the room of your choice to make sure the environment is best for mandevilla. At temperatures below 55 degrees, you can water every 12-14 days because the soil can be allowed to go bone dry. Don?t be alarmed if leaves drop from the mandevilla. Leaves will regrow in March when you move the plant to a warmer room.

When the first leaf shoots develop (these shoots are thin and generally long), you can give the plant a light cosmetic pruning. Go to the uppermost shoots and prune a quarter-inch or so above the leaves to redirect the plant?s future growth.

After about 3 weeks (if you can hold out that long weather permitting) prune the plant back. Not just tipping the plant but cutting it down to about 12 inches above the soil line.

Now lets make the plant run on the dry side. Remember that we have given the plant some fertilizer and removed a lot of growth so the requirements for water should drop.

When you bring the plant inside place it in as much light as possible. You are looking for maintenance not growth. You'll probably get some quick new growth, just try to maintain it.

Try to maintain the plant on the dry side throughout the winter.

When spring comes you can move the plant outside. Expect the growth produced during the winter to be burned off.

Some people like to place the plant in a clear plastic bag and over wintered it in their heated garage. It may work, as we do not know the definiteness of the method.

Napkinone: When do we plant moon flower seeds spring or fall?

Answer By Webmaster: Ipomea alba, or the moon flower, seeds should be sowed in individual pots in a greenhouse in early spring. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Napkinone: How do I get a pawpaw tree started?

Answer By Webmaster: The Paw Paw seed should be sowed in late in the fall and letting it overwinter; the seed will germinate the following year in late July to late August.

By A Visitor: Describe the Air dry Method in flowers

Answer By Webmaster: In upside down method of drying, prepare the place where flowers are to hang. Since they must be dried quickly, a dim attic with good air circulation is ideal. String wires or cords in parallel lines, about six inches apart. All foliage should then be stripped from the flower stems and the smaller flowers tied in bunches with differing stem lengths, so that the flower heads do not touch each other. Large flowers should be tied individually. The bunches and individual flowers should then be fastened to the strung lines, far enough apart so they do not touch. Leave them for two to three weeks--most flowers will dry in this length of time. When they are thoroughly dry, flowers may be packed in boxes according to size.

By A Visitor: What is the meaning of the flower Kalanchoe

Answer By Webmaster: The meaning of the flower Kalanchoe flower is Endurence, lasting affection.

Symbolic meaning: Endurance

Some facts about Kalanchoe flower are :

Common Names: Flower of Longevity, Flower of Luck

Plant Classification: Crassulaceae

Country of Origin: Madagascar Island

Flower Colors: Red, Pink, Orange Red, Peach Red, Yellow, Milk White

Flowering time: December to April

By David: How often do you have to water mexican bird of paradise

Answer By Webmaster: Mexican Birds of Paradise bloom all year except for coldest month.

Watering Needs: Infrequent deep watering, needs good drainage.

By A Visitor: Notes on Rhododendrons and Azaleas

Answer By Webmaster: Rhododendrons and azaleas are spectacular flowering shrubs. Unfortunately, most rhododendrons and azaleas (there are over 900 species and innumerable varieties) cannot be successfully grown in Iowa because of a lack of cold hardiness. A small number, however, can tolerate our harsh winter weather. Selection of cold hardy varieties, correct placement in the landscape, and proper planting are the keys to successfully growing rhododendrons and azaleas in Iowa.

Botanically, all azaleas are actually rhododendrons. However, the deciduous types are commonly called "azaleas", while the evergreen species and varieties are referred to as "rhododendrons".

By Lydilyn: Describe the changes of flower after pollination

Answer By Webmaster: In the pollination process, The anther holds pollen. The anther swells when the pollen are ripe and splits open, releasing the pollen in response to sunny, dry conditions. The ovary is located at the base of the petals. Stigma is a sticky tip of a stalk-like style.

A long pollen tube grows from the pollen landing on the stigma down the style towards the ovule, which is located in the ovary. The ovule is fertilized by the male nucleus of the pollen after passing down the tube. Once fertilisation occurs, a fruit usually forms after the petals fall. A swollen ovary wall forms flesh of the fruit.

By A Visitor: What is a Moonbeam

Answer By Webmaster: Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' is called Threadleaf because its leaves are almost as wirey as the flower stems, or Tickseed because of the appearance of the black seeds. The scientific name Coreopsis means "Looks Like a Bug."

The cultivar 'Moonbeam' is sterile so propagation is by division or cuttings. It can be dug up every few years & divided into multiple plants. That is, if it survives more than a couple of years. It blooms so wholeheartedly for so long that it has a tendency to just wear itself out after two years.

By Olsen: Can we grow love bleeding heart vines in Florida in full sun?

Answer By Webmaster: Yes, Bleeding heart vine can be grown in sunny places and well drained soil for planting.

Bleeding Heart vine flower needs good sunlight.

By Anne: Are angel wing begonias poisonous to cats?

Answer By Webmaster: Angel wing begonia plants are not poisonous or there is no known record of toxicity. Exposure to these plants is not expected to cause any symptoms.

By Naomi: Where Can I Buy, The Most Beautifulest Flowers In The World

Answer By Webmaster: The rose is the beautiful flower in the world.

The individual flower of a Phalaenopsis orchid is perhaps the most beautiful flower in the world. Everything in the flower is outstanding. The soft contour lines, the pastel colors and shades, even the amazing details around their reproductive structures is spectacular.

By Simona: What is the appropriate flower or rose colour to express thanks - appreciation

Answer By Webmaster: Lisianthus is the flower with a meaning of Appreciation.

Descended from a North American prairie wildflower, the lisianthus is the symbol of appreciation. Which makes it the perfect choice to remember the heroes in your life and show them how much they mean.

Melissa: What are JAPANESE WISTERIA (Wisteria floribunda), CHINESE WISTERIA (Wisteria sinensis)

Answer By Webmaster: The flower are JAPANESE WISTERIA (Wisteria floribunda), CHINESE WISTERIA (Wisteria sinensis): Both are vigorous twining vines, hardy from zone 5 to 9, growing 25 to 30 feet.

Both types are loved for long dangling clusters of fragrant blue flowers in spring and have strong woody stems that need very sturdy support posts. The flowers of the Japanese type are longer than those of the Chinese type.

SILKY VARIETIES (W brachybotrys, also known as W. venusta) produce a profusion of short (6-inch), fat clusters of large, strongly scented flowers that open all at once, usually in midspring when leaves are just opening. Broad leaves with 9 to 13 leaflets have silky hairs. Most vines twine counterclockwise (an exception is noted). Silky wisterias have velvety seed pods and bloom best in full sun.

Gerard: Describe the climatic conditions needed for Agapanthus plant and do they thrive in containers

Answer By Webmaster: Agapanthus plant should be placed in full Sun. And New England has Warm summer subtype climate.

They will thrive in containers, but they take from 3-4 years before the plants flower.

By A Visitor: When can the Hibiscus can be transplanted

Answer By Webmaster: Hibiscus can be transplanted at any of the year.

As in your case, the hibiscus cannot survive the subzero weather.

It is best to move them to a warmer place like florida.

Put all of them separately in different pots and move them, watering them intermittently.

By A Visitor: What's the correct way to convey the letters of a camp on a basket of flowers, or should only the card be signed by the group?

Answer By Webmaster: It is always best to sign on a card as a group, as the reciever would immediately understand the the sender of the flower basket. It is also wise to include a contact name and address on the card.

By Dorne: How does putting fresh flowers around fruit and veg effect the vase life of flowers

Answer By Webmaster: Never store or enclose flowers with fruit or vegetables. Many fresh fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas which will shorten flower longevity.

By Eric: Is there a flower that means life changing, or a new life?

Answer By Webmaster: A flower with the meaning of "new life" is Baby's Breath. Baby's Breath shows the symbol of the hope of procreation and new life, both for the married couple as a new unit and for future offspring.

By Debra: How to store zinnia seeds marigolds and morning glories for the next year

Answer By Deabra: Zinnia seeds: Test the flower's seed to make sure it's ready, even before you pick it, by peeling back the petal until the seed's exposed. It should be green or brown (if very dry) but NOT white or light colored. Let the heads dry thoroughly for several days before putting them in a paper bag. The paper will absorb any excess moisture as the heads over-winter. Then put the paper bag in a large plastic bag to extra insurance.

Morning Glory

How to store Morning Glory seeds: Morning glory seeds will develop just below the wilted flower - the area where the petals meet the stem just below will swell slightly, and that's where the seeds form. If you want to be sure to collect some before they fall, but not pick them too early before they're ripe, wrap a bit of netting or small, light pieces of cloth around the wilted flower and leave it in place for a few weeks, removing them in late October or early November.

Sometimes plants that self seed will just drop their seeds in place on the soil and sprout next year - that could happen as well, but it's always good to collect seed to save just in case. Store the seed in an envelope put in a jar or plastic carton, and keep it in a cool place.

Marigold

How to store Marigold seeds: As to what do you save them in, put them in a paper envelope or a paper envelope that you fold yourself. You need the porous nature of the envelope to keep the seeds from getting too much moisture and rotting. Some seeds don't last long, but marigolds do last for a few years, so if you don't use them all, you can store them for next year.

By Blahblah: What is the national flower for Vietnam?

Answer By Webmaster: Nelumbo nucifera is the National Flower of India and Vietnam.

By Michele: How can I save seeds from my cosmos flowers to use next year?

Answer By Webmaster: Collect the seed heads when they turn dry and rub off the seeds. As generous reseeders, you can either save the seed for next year's garden by removing the dried flower heads to get the seeds.

By Sharavante: How does jasmine[creeper] cope with being grazed by animals

Answer By Webmaster: As Jasmine is a creeper, tie the creeper in such a way that it creeps on trellises or any other place where it cannot be eaten. In that way we can make the Jasmines not grazed by animals.

By Kristie: Do you have any suggestions for a taupe flower or filler for a bridal bouquet in April?

Answer By Webmaster: Lily of the Valley in Spring is a Popular, small bell-shaped blooms on small stalks in white, pink and taupe.

By Eliza: Pollination process in Tiger Lilies

Answer By Webmaster: There is no information about the pollination in Tiger Lilies. The only thing is, it is seen that the Tiger lily bulbs are grown vegetatively.

By Keith: Will the Kangaroo Paw grow outdoors in Central Oregon, USA?

Answer by Webmaster: Kangaroo paw needs a dry weather conditions for its growth. Probably Kangaroo paw may survive in the dry plains of Central Oregon.

By Cuijiaopeng: National flower of the Haiti,Dominica,Puerto Rico,the United States Virgin Island,Anguilla and Saint Kitts and Nevis

Answer By Webmaster: National flowers of the following countries are:

Haiti - The yellow elder

Dominica - Bois carib

Puerto Rico - Puerto Rican hibiscus is the Puerto Rico State Flower. Puerto Rican hibiscus is also commonly known as Thespesia grandiflora.

Virgin Island - Yellow Elder or Yellow Trumpet (Tecoma stans) - The yellow flowers have a very sweet fragrance nd attract hummingbirds, butterflies and/or birds.

Anguilla - White Cedar Tabebuia heterophylla

Saint Kitts and Nevis - Poinciana or flamboyant or otherwise called as Delonix Regia

By Joy: Why are the leaves of my anthurium plant suddenly dry and brown?

Answer By Webmaster: Probably you anthurium became brown because of overwatering.

Remove dead & unsightly foliage and faded or brown flowers.

Do not over-water the anthuriums as it may cause root damage and yellowing of the leaves.

By Tony:Can you take kangaroo paw seeds to japan

Answer By Webmaster: Generally, most of the countries, do not allow cutflowers and foliages beyond a certain amount, which would be considered as commercial. And then the importer has to follow the rules of of the commercial imports.

But we do not know the details of the Japan seeds import polices.

Girard: When can I transplant sediums, seeing that they a fall plant, can I do, in the end of September

Answer By Webmaster: Their common name is stonecrop and are available from June to October.

Yes, you can transplant sediums now because until fall they do not bloom. Even if they do not bloom this year, they will get established, and bloom the next year.

Their common name is stonecrop. They are native to Asia. Originally they are grown for their healing properties rather than their ornamental value.

The propagation is simple: each piece of the plant may be rooted and will grow into a good plant in a short time. They also grow from seed.

By Kristine: What chinese flowers protect against evil?

Answer By Webmaster: To our knowledge, Garlic - used in healing for thousands of years, it is also used as protection against a whole range of both physical and metaphysical evil influences. It was believed to possess occult magic and in ancient China was used to ward off the evil eye.

By Chena: What flower means freedom? or what is the meaning of the Hawiian flower?

Answer by Webamster: Flowers with the Meaning of freedom is Water-Willow and Birds if Paradise.

A Hawaiin flower means, the flower is a very special "Exotic flower."

Each Island of Hawaii has its own Exotic Flower specialty.

Hawaii is the Anthurium Capital of the World.

By Carol: What to do as my yucca plant moved from a clay soil to a normal soil is not flowering after 3 years

Answer By Webmaster: Actually, Yucca plant prefers clay soil for their growth. As you have planted in normal soil, it might not have flowered or grown.

By Lynette: Should we put Carnations indoors during Winter

Answer By Webmaster: Carnations do not need to put indoors.

By Carolyn: Are there any particular flowers, fruit, vegetables and styles of decoration used for Thanksgiving?

Answer By Webmaster: Autumn flowers in bright and bold colors, such as Alstromeria, Amaranthus, Anemone, Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Cockscomb, Cosmos, Freesia, Gerbera Daisy, Gladiolus, Roses, Statice, Sunflower, Zinnia etc., are ideal for Thanksgiving Day - the festival of Autumn.

By Chloe: What is the scientific name for Malaysian mums?

Answer By Webmaster: Chrysanthemum is the scientific name for Malaysian mums

By Shah: What is the world's smallest flower

Answer By Webmaster: The undisputed world's smallest flowering plants belong to the genus Wolffia.

They are minute rootless plants of the duckweed family (Lemnaceae) that float at the surface of quiet streams and ponds. Each plant is shaped like a microscopic green football with a flat or rounded top depending on the species.

Two of the smallest species are W. angusta, an Australian species recently described in 1980 by Dr. Landolt, and the worldwide tropical species W. globosa.

By Mark: What are the common flowers use in making perfumes

Answer By Webmaster: There are number of flowers used in making perfumes. Some of them are: Jasmines, Roses, Violets, Lily

By Peter DeBrino: How to care for a dahlia bulb for the winter

Answer By Webmaster: Dig and store Dahlia bulbs if that has not been done.

When the foliage has turned yellow or brown on your tender bulbs, and before first frost, you will need to protect or dig them up and store them for the winter.

A blanket of mulch should protect tender bulbs through winter in the Southern coastal regions, the Soutwest or coastal areas of California. In other areas of the U.S. these tender bulbs should be dug up and replanted after the danger of frost has passed.

Cut tall stems back to a few inches so you can work with the base of the stem.

Using a digging fork for large clumps, or a hand trowel for small bulbs, loosen the soil around the plant so you can easily lift the bulb.

Shake excess soil from the roots and spread the bulbs on newspaper to dry in a cool, shady place out of the reach of animals.

Once the bulbs have dried for a few days, you can store them in a perforated paper or mesh bag, or in a box with damp peat moss to keep them moist. Experiment with which storage method is best for you.

Store the packaged bulbs in a dark, cool and dry place that maintains a temperature of 50 to 60° F. A basement, cupboard, crawl space or an attached garage may be appropriate.

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.