Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, December 25, 1994 TAG: 9412290021
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D1 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: JOHN ARBOGAST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Topping your crape myrtles would not necessarily be helpful in solving this problem. Some crape myrtles just seem to be more compact while others get a lanky appearance. I can't say if that is due to a variety difference.
Try cutting your crape myrtles back by about half in the
spring just as soon as new green parts appear on the branches that have been bare for the winter.
Generally, with many plants, the harder they are pruned back, the more vigorous the new shoots are stimulated to grow. However, I can't say if that always holds true with crape myrtles.
Q: What can you tell me about the hummingbird moth - habitat, lifespan, also types of flowers that will attract these fascinating moths? I saw a Hummingbird Moth on two occasions this past summer and they are spectacular. I would like to plant more of the types of flowers that will attract them. Also, will these insects feed from hummingbird feeders? S.O.H., Troutville
A: The following information is from Dr. William Robinson, extension specialist in Entomology at Virginia Tech:
"You're probably talking about one of the species of 'spinx' moths, which are day-flying moths that do visit flowers. It's unlikely that they would come to a hummingbird feeder. They're not really that
dependent on nectar; plant more of the kinds of flowers to attract them that you noticed these moths around this past summer.
I wouldn't predict what plants can be relied on to attract these moths.
To get specific answers on lifespan, habitat, etc., I would suggest that you go to the research section of a large library and search through books on moths. You will find that there are several species of 'spinx' moth."
Q: No mention of pussy willows is made in various Southern gardening books. Is it possible to grow the bush in this area? L.W.M., Blacksburg
A: The plant that folks call pussy willow does grow quite well here in Roanoke. According to Dr. Michael Dirr, in his book "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants," this plant is adapted to the "plant hardiness zone" that includes Blacksburg, which is a colder zone than Roanoke. The lack of mention of pussy willows in your Southern gardening books could be due to the fact that it's not adapted to the deep south. Also it may not be mentioned because of judgments such as Dirr gave in saying that neither goat willow, which he said is affectionately referred to as pussy willow, nor the true pussy willow that is native to wet areas, is a "plant of the first order."
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.
John Arbogast is Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for Roanoke
by CNB