Spring is traditionally bulb-blooming time worldwide.
In our area the daffodils, crocus and tulips are not “keepers.” They can be grown if refrigerated for three months to simulate winter, but may not open with a bloom as large as if grown in the north. For those homesick northerners, these bulbs can give you a brief memory.
Amaryllis offers unadulterated beauty for practically no effort. Some of my bulbs were holiday flowers nine years ago. They have grown fat and spread into a large area. They seem to enjoy our sandy soil.
All summer, however, they get fertilized with 4-6-8 to keep the bulb healthy to provide those enormous spring flowers. After the bloom has faded, be sure to cut off the stalk.
The hibiscus that were pruned in February are loaded with buds. It’s not too late to shape those straggly branches in March. It’s even OK to prune back to close to the trunk.
I never thought about it, but in my travels I saw a small hibiscus hedge with several colors integrated. I rather liked it. Now, if I only had a larger yard, I’d try it.
Many bromeliads have finished blooming. Keep an eye out for the new growth, a pup.
Ruth Davies is a Pinellas County Master Gardener. She can be reached at sunflower1368@juno.com.
