Winter Wisdom

Brought to you in cooperation with the Kansas State University Johnson County Research and Extension Master Gardeners.   Each week we feature interesting topics for winter reading.

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Week of 1/29/01

Evergreen plants, particularly broadleaf evergreens like hollies and some azaleas, appreciate a good soaking when it warms enough to get the hose out.  This is especially true in a dry or snowless winter.  We should all be grateful for the insulating effect of snow and for the moisture it provides as it melts.  The last measurable snow we had was quite beneficial and resulted in soil that was left comparatively moist.

Remember that it is deep watering that is most helpful, so when you do get out to water, make sure the water soaks in to the roots.

Lack of winter moisture often causes drying and browning of foliage and branches.  Plants like Leatherleaf Viburnum, (Viburnum rhytidophyllum), P.J.M. Rhododendrons, and hollies like the popular Ilex Meservae hybrids, are susceptible to drying and to sunburn if they are planted where the winter sun hits them.  Often, these plants are protected by the leaves of deciduous trees, but once the leaves are gone, they can find themselves exposed to more direct light than they normally are used to.  There are several products marketed which help control the drying effects of excessive transpiration when sprayed on leaf surfaces and the underside of leaves.

Another source of browning found in evergreens planted near streets or driveways is materials containing chemical salts that are used to melt ice.  Read the labels of any products you may use to be sure that splashing or runoff are not injurious to plant materials.  If plants are splashed, wash them off thoroughly at the earliest opportunity.

Articles submitted by Bill Latimer, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Assistant and Dennis Patton, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Agent.

Previous Weeks' Winter Wisdom

* Winter Wisdom is an information service of the Kansas State Johnson County Research and Extension Master Gardeners.  Research-based responses are provided by Extension Master Gardener volunteers weekdays from March 1 through October 31, from 9:00 am to 4:30pm .  To telephone, call (913) 764-6306 or visit the Extension Office at 13480 South Arapaho Drive, Olathe, Kansas.  Visit their website at www.oznet.ksu.edu/Johnson 

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