Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 30, 1994 TAG: 9412240010
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN ARBOGAST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
This plant features silver stems and small, grayish foliage that when crushed has the aroma of sage. Both leaves and stems also give winter interest, and it grows to an ultimate height of nearly 4 feet, which gives it the designation of a sub-shrub with a woody base. It has 12-inch or longer spikes of light blue to lavender flowers arranged in whorls along the stem from July through September. This plant adapts to sunny, dry locations; has excellent heat and drought resistance; and also is a reasonably good cut flower.
Look for Russian Sage in '95 garden catalogs or make notes to purchase this award-winning perennial through local garden centers in the spring.
Q: I have a pampas grass plant that I planted in '93. It made one bloom this year. How do I care for it and when and how much should the pampas grass be cut back? P.C.C., Covington
A: Pampas grass is a tough ornamental grass that doesn't require much care other than the annual cutting back. You may choose to cut it down to around 8 inches. However, pampas grass is a Southern grass that might not survive frigid winters in Western Virginia without protection.
So, if you believe predictions for a nasty winter ahead, cut the current pampas grass growth in early winter before severe weather strikes. Then cover the stubble with several inches of loose winter protection, such as a big pile of clean straw anchored with strings or fencing. On the other hand, since your pampas grass must be in a protected location to have survived the winter of '94 and then bloom this summer, or if predictions for your area call for a mild winter, leave the plant alone to enjoy the golden brown dried parts through two-thirds of winter and then cut all the growth a few weeks before new spring shoots are anticipated.
Q: I have a septic tank in my yard that is 15 feet from an 18-year-old, 20-foot tall clump birch. The tree was planted one year after the septic tank was installed. The largest trunk is about 6 inches in diameter. What are the chances that the roots from this birch will grow into the septic tank and cause damage by cracking the concrete or clogging the tank with roots? Could a person slice through the soil with a subsoiler and cut the roots to prevent further growth? How deep would this need to be? E.M., Pearisburg
A: My opinion is that the birch tree roots could cause problems for the septic system, but this could be a judgment call. Let's look at the facts: The mature branch spread of this birch will likely be close to the tank spot; tree roots extend farther out than the branches, but, birches are fairly shallow rooted.
It might be possible for your clump birch and septic tank to co-exist if the soil is trenched to cut roots down to the depth of the tank, making this cut about five feet away from the tank.
However, since root pruning causes side roots to form rather than preventing further growth, this job would have to be done at least once a year.
Q: What if anything can be done about the yellow, white or red onions that flower and set seed? The "bulbs" I buy locally all have a certain percentage that seems to have increased in recent years. B.A.M., Forest
A: The production of seed stalks by garden onions seems to occur because of: planting of sets more than 1 inch in diameter; too early planting; and/or exposure to cold temperatures.
Q: I have been given a plant called "hen-and-chickens." I don't know the proper care of this plant and mine is dying, turns yellow, gets spongy and rots. L.P., Rocky Mount
A: It sounds like your hen-and-chickens received root damage in transplanting or has been receiving too much water. This ground cover behaves like its cactus-like appearance. Strong sun and good drainage are the only requirements. Watering is not usually necessary except during exceptionally long droughts.
If you have hen-and-chickens growing in a container, be sure the soil does not stay wet for long periods. The botanic name of this plant is Sempervivum tectorum if you want additional information.
Send short questions about your lawn, garden, plants, or insects to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P. O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. We need your mail, but this column can't reply to all letters. Those of wide appeal will be answered each week. Personal replies cannot be given. PLEASE DON'T SEND STAMPS, STAMPED ENVELOPES, SAMPLES, OR PICTURES.
by CNB