ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 19, 1996 TAG: 9612190022
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Hoein' & Growin
SOURCE: DIANE RELF
In December, the mention of holidays and flowers prompts most of us to think of poinsettias. Our holiday customs have become so entrenched with the use of red poinsettias that other well-deserving flowering plants go unnoticed.
Not to take anything away from the appealing display of a poinsettia, but more and more consumers are opting for something a little different in the way of red yule flowers.
Other flowering plants available in florist shops, supermarkets, garden centers and greenhouses can ensure color throughout the holidays if carefully selected and tended.
Amaryllis
grows rapidly
An amaryllis can be purchased at any stage in its development - from a single bulb all the way to the "puffy bud" stage. Make sure one-third of the bulb (the "nose") is above the soil line; place it in a sunny, warm location and watch the leaves and flower stem elongate. No fertilizer is necessary until after flowering. The soil should be kept on the dry side - avoid waterlogging. Temperatures should be above 60 degrees F for this tropical plant. High light intensities will help ensure the leaves and flower stem do not stretch and topple over.
An average of four weeks is required from planting the bulb to the first open flower. When you see the flower buds begin to swell and turn color, another day or two will result in open flowers. Larger bulb sizes (10 or more inches in circumference) will result in at least four flower buds, providing a longer bloom period. Amaryllis can be found in white, pink, and orange shades as well as red.
Gloxinias flower
for several weeks
Gloxinias, close relatives of African violets, are low-growing, spreading plants with large, fleshy leaves and small, trumpet-shaped flowers. A high-quality plant will have at least three to five open flowers and at least that many more buds. It will continue to flower for three to four weeks. Treat gloxinias like African violets - avoid high-intensity, direct sunlight; water from the saucer with warm (at least 70 degree) water; keep on the moist side but not water-logged; and avoid cold or hot drafts. If allowed to wilt or if placed in too dark a location, most of the buds may fall off. Gloxinias also come in purples, whites, pinks, and bicolors.
Begonias are
another choice
The Rieger begonia looks very similar to the garden tuberous and "Nonstop" begonia. The leaves are somewhat glossy and brittle, and both single and double flowers may be found on the same plant. Riegers are relatively tolerant of sun exposure and temperature and prefer a slightly moist medium. A high-quality plant will be at least half covered by flowers.
Kalanchoe is durable
Perhaps the most durable of the red-flowering potted plants available this time of year are the kalanchoe and the ornamental peppers and cherries. The peppers and cherries do have a longer home-life; both should last at least a month in the home.
You will quickly see the close relationship of the kalanchoe and the common jade plant - thick, firm, fleshy leaves. However, the kalanchoe's leaves are flatter and more tightly packed. This plant likes it warm and dry. If you tend to forget to water your plants, this is the best candidate.
However, drought stress will mean shorter flower life. Though one should not think of "abusing" a plant, if you need something for the top of the TV or near the heating registers, this may be it. When buying a kalanchoe, look for lots of color and few or no dead flowers. At least two or three flower clusters should be present on a 4-inch plant, at least four or five on a 6-inch plant.
This information is from Kevin L. Grueber, Extension Specialist, Floriculture.
Diane Relf is environmental horticulturist with Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech.
LENGTH: Medium: 82 linesby CNB