LANDSCAPE PLANNING FOR FEBRUARY
This time of year can feel like a stall in landscape and yard maintenance. However, just because Spring may feel far in the distance and our foliage has gone dormant, doesn’t mean it’s not time to start thinking about those blooms to come. Pruning and beginning seed growth indoors are two items to keep in mind this February.
One of the most notorious plants to prune is the Crape Myrtle (Crepe Myrtle). Late February to early March is considered a good time to lightly prune your Crape Myrtle, right before the new growth in the Spring would begin. It is important to emphasize that Crape Myrtles only need to be lightly prune. There is a common mistake to chop off the top of Crape Myrtles, lovingly referred to as crape murder, this, however, results in weakening branches and stunts the bark from being able to mature into its full pattern. Instead pruning should only be done to maintain a neutral shape and framework for the supporting, main trunks. To start, remove any suckers or branches that rub or ruin the natural form of the Crape Myrtle. From there do not chop off the tops and allow the shrub to continue its natural growth.
Photo from How to Prune Crape Myrtles (finegardening.com)
Shrubs that have the potential to overgrow like Azalea. Holly, Wax Myrtle, and Yew, all should be pruned during their dormant season. Late February to early March is a suggested time for this as it will allow the shrubs to have a fresh start for Spring. Cut these plants back to six inches above the ground, do not worry about how leafless the plant may look after it will grow back quickly and full.
With freezes still possible now is not the time to plant anything new in the ground. However, mid-February is a great time to begin planting seeds indoors to get them started before transferring them outside after the dangers of freezes pass. Perennials are the perfect plants to start planning for now. Some suggested perennials include Daylily, Hosta, and Peony. Now could also be the time to start planning and purchasing any Summer and/or Fall flowering bulbs. Watch out for diseased bulbs noted by discoloration or feeling soft/rotten. Bulbs can be stored in a cool and dry place until you’re ready for planting. Just don’t stack them too high or they will be too warm all together and decay, no more than two or three stacked.
Now is the perfect time to start planning! As warmer weather starts to head Carolina’s way, we can all think up the perfect yard to defrost in. Don’t forget to clean up any yard debris too as the weather gets warmer and grass will start to turn greener.