Q.
We have a royal poinciana at our condo that looks dead. A nearby condo has a tree loaded with foliage. Does our tree need fertilizer and pruning? When do we apply fertilizer and how much do we use? – Jack Seltzer, Boca Raton
A.
Poincianas are supposed to be bare of foliage from December to May. Don’t worry about pruning; they normally drop off dead branches as needed. They bloom from June to August with the heaviest bloom in June. The tree at the nearby condo could be similiar in foliage. If it has yellow flowers in the summer, it could be peltophorum, which would still have its leaves. If it is a poinciana and is still holding its leaves, it is probably over watered, which will eventually cause root rot and kill the tree. Keep the poinciana dry so it can go through its normal cycles of rest and bloom. Fertilize in March, June and October with an all-purpose fertilizer like Lesco 13-3-13.
Q.
Could you identify the enclosed plant samples for me? I received them as a gift. – Carmen Rizzo, Boca Raton
A.
The single leaf sample looks like silverthorn. The other sample and flowers or fruit enclosed were all squished and I could not identify them. Send a picture and I will try again.
Q.
What is wrong with my avocado leaves? I plant the tree near a lake so water is no problem. – John VanderVeen, Fort Lauderdale
Q.
My avocado leaves are turning brown. I started the plant from a pit. – Dana Postilio, Deerfield
A.
Both samples were affected by spider mites early in the season. The rain washes the mites off in the wet season. The plants will continue to grow and fruit without spraying. You might hose the leaves off from March to May in the morning before 10 a.m. once a week if there is no rain. The seed-grown avocado will take 8-10 years to bear fruit. Fertilize in March, June and October with a citrus/avocado fertilizer like 4-6-8.
Q.
I took a trip through upstate New York and saw a shrub with red leaves called burning bush. Will it grow here? What other plants have red flowers or leaves that do well here? – Michael Wido, Fort Lauderdale
A.
The shrub burning bush is Euonymous alata, which is spectacular for 2 weeks in the fall but dull the rest of the year. Red flower choices include pentas, red cloak bush, chenile plant, Louis Philippe rose, copper leaf, ‘Super King’ ixora, crotons ‘Stoplite and Gloriosa’ and many other choices. All will offer red color through the year.
Note: Robert Haehle will give a free plant clinic at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Living Color Garden Center, 3691 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale. Bring samples of your plants for diagnosis.
Robert Haehle is a horticultural consultant based in Fort Lauderdale. Send your gardening questions to him in care of Lifestyle, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33301-2293. Please include your FULL name, address and daytime telephone number. Personal replies will not be possible.
