Classic Landscapes Knowledge Base

Cultural Requirements

1. Choose an appropriate planting site-Pick a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant them away from large trees and turf areas, in order to give them ample growing space.
2. Plant in well-drained, loose soil-A liberal incorporation of Organic Matter (ie. peat moss) to the area will encourage optimum growth.
3. Provide a deep, weekly watering during dry weather-Water early in the day to allow quicker drying of foliage, and avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar disease.
4. Apply well rotted manure or compost to the soil in early spring-This adds nutrients, holds soil moisture, and lowers soil pH. An all-purpose fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, should be applied in late spring to release nutrients quickly for healthy growth.

1. Prevention and control-Rake up leaves in the fall to prevent over-wintering of pests and disease. Pruning infected branches, picking off infected buds, and using watering techniques that avoid getting foliage wet are ways of preventing and controlling problems. Chemical and organic fungicides can be used to regain control if pests get out of hand.
2. Environmental problems-Wilting, curling of leaves, yellowing of leaves with the veins remaining green, or premature leaf drop may appear due to undesirable cultural techniques. This can occur due to lack of water during the first growing season, or lack of nutrients due to poor soil conditions. Follow the Cultural Requirements above to help control these symptoms.

• Aphids- Green or black pear-shaped insects found on new growth, causing puckering, curling and yellowing of new leaves.
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• Spider mites- Microscopic spiders, often found in hot dry weather, causing mottled yellow colour of foliage and fine webbing on underside of leaves.
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• Rose curculio- Black-headed insects with a long snout, that feed on unopened flower buds causing them to drop prematurely.
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• Gall-forming wasps-Small wasps that make nests in stems and Crown of plant, causing rounded growths.
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• Rose slugs-Greenish-yellow slug-like insects that skeletonize foliage.
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• Blackspot fungus-Random purplish-black spots on foliage and premature dropping of buds and leaves (most often in cool, wet weather).
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• Powdery mildew fungus-Grey, cottony growth on foliage, caused by crowded, wet foliage or lack of sunlight.
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• Rust spores-Circular orange pustules on lower leaves causing foliage to shrivel or drop prematurely.
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• Botrytis fungus-Greyish mold that appears on flower buds causing them to turn brown and decay.
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