Q. In one of your answers: Shinseiki Asian pear is “considered nearly completely self pollinated” Does it mean there is no need another pollinator? Lisa- from New York A. A little background – most fruit trees have a built in mechanism to prevent self fertilization – presumably because self fertilization similar to inbreeding reduces the…
Category: Southwest U.S. Gardeners
Gardening questions from CA, NV, UT, AZ, CO & NM
Pruning Asian Pears in California
Q. I live in San Diego, California and I am wondering when the best time to prune an Asian Pear Tree (fruitless). It has tons of white flowers now, but once the flowers are gone we would like to shape it because it has several branches extending out. What is the best month to prune…
When To Prune Flowering Plum
Q. I have a huge, beautiful fruitless plum tree. I’ve never pruned it but it’s time. When is it a good time to prune it? Thank you! Cher – Burbank, California A. The time to prune it is after it finishes blooming in the spring.
Growing Prunus caroliniana ‘Bright and Tight’
Q. How tall will Prunus Caroliniana ‘bright and tight’ grow? Will these shrubs grow as vigorously in a wine barrel container? Jamie Jameson – Monterey, CA A. The Carolina Laurel Cherry is an evergreen tree/shrub that is native to the east coast from North Carolina over to Texas. This variety has a more compact habit…
Declining Rhododendron
Q. I have a rhododendron. Dark green upon planting. Western exposure. Leaves and new growth turn pale green and droop. Tries to set buds and flower but buds do not mature and flowers are extremely small and die back quickly upon opening. Paul Faro – San Leandro CA A. Sounds to me like you have…