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Hellebores, helleborus orientalis
Also known as Lenten roses or Christmas roses, these non-native, hardy, low-maintenance perennials thrive in our shady gardens. For us, they begin blooming in February and can last well into April and May. Pollinators really appreciate their winter flowers with so few to choose from this time of year.
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Light: They prefer partial to full sun during the winter months, then semi-shade in summer, making them ideal for planting under deciduous shrubs. They go partially to fully dormant during our summers. Sheltered spots near trees or shrubs help protect them from harsh conditions.
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Companion Plants: Pair them with ferns like southern and northern maidenhair, heuchera, ajuga reptans, strawberry begonia, native columbine, bletilla striata, and bulbs like snowdrops and anemones. They are also well suited to live under deciduous shrubs like native azaleas and hydrangeas and smaller trees, like Japanese maples and our native fringe tree.
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Soil: They love well-draining, rich, and slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
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Planting: Best planted in fall or early spring. Allow about 12-18 inches between plants for proper airflow. Plant so that the crown is just at or slightly below soil level.
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Pruning & Maintenance: Remove old, damaged leaves in late winter before new growth emerges so the blooms (which come first) are more visible. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent excessive self-seeding.
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Pests & Diseases: Their leaves are highly toxic (be sure to wear gloves) and therefore, generally resistant to deer and rabbits. They are also resistant to most pests and diseases, but poorly drained soil will lead to root rot, especially in their dormant season. Planting under thirsty deciduous trees is helpful.
NOTE: Unfortunately for Seabrook and Kiawah gardeners, members report these plants are no longer deer-resistant.
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Propagation: They will reseed after several years and larger clumps can be divided in early fall or spring.
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As the snow melts and Charleston experiences many bright, sunny, yet, still cold days of February, we gardeners must avoid the temptation to begin cleaning up the debris in our beds and pruning our plants. It’s still too soon.
Leave the leaves, leave the dead stems and branches on perennials, give clean cuts to only broken branches, and only remove foliage that has disintegrated to mush. Wildlife continues to depend on this ‘mess’. Instead, we recommend you consider these other valuable chores as we all wait for the failsafe time in the month of March.
Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra elatoir
Need a good gardening task for early February, when it's still too risky to start cutting most things back? Why not tackle cutting back any often neglected cast iron plant.
- This versatile, non-native plant can provide much-needed vertical structure. Yet, when they are left full of damaged, dusty, crowded leaves, they are an eyesore!!
- Cut the entire stand to the ground unless your patch still has blemish-free leaves (i.e., no cobwebs, wasp nests on the backs of leaves, sooty mold, scale, or brown spots or edges). Make it an annual task to cut to the ground only the disfigured foliage.
- The remaining light and airy collection of foliage will create an appealing and vibrant display in your garden. Air circulation and rainfall will keep the remaining foliage clean and somewhat glossy and allow this workhorse of a plant to offer beauty and structure to a very shady spot.
In late February to early March, you cut back your Holly Ferns, Liriope, and Broadleaf evergreen ornamentals before the new growth emerges.
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Cast Iron plant in need of a little TLC. | |
Cast Iron plant when properly cared for | |
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Clivia, Clivia miniata
Clivia blooms in late winter to early spring with proper care.
- Now's the time to encourage flowering by reducing watering and keeping temperatures around 50°F (10°C) for 6-8 weeks.
- Resume watering and fertilizing in early spring when flower stalks begin to emerge. If it doesn’t bloom, ensure it gets cooler temperatures in winter and is slightly root-bound.
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Giving Roses Some Valentine's Day Love | |
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What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to show your roses some love?
- Pruning is vital to the health of the rose bush. It helps prevent disease by removing areas that may harbor infestations and also encourages flowering.
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Your roses may look stark after a good pruning, but after a good pruning they will recover fully and quickly. It’s almost impossible to kill a rose bush by over-pruning.
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Following these few simple steps will ensure your roses are happy and healthy and will provide you with a season of beautiful blossoms.
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Maintaining Your Garden Tools | |
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Properly maintained tools make gardening a much more enjoyable experience. Here are a few tips for getting your tools ready for the spring.
Cleaning
- Remove dirt and debris: Use a wire brush or scraper to remove soil, sap, and plant residue. A putty knife can help with stubborn bits.
- Wash with soapy water: Soak tools in warm, soapy water or use a hose to rinse off any remaining dirt. For rust-prone tools, avoid soaking them for long periods.
- Use vinegar or a rust remover: For stubborn rust, soak the tools in a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar, 1 part water) or use a commercial rust remover. Afterward, scrub off the rust with a wire brush.
Sharpening
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Pruners, hoes, and shovels: Use a sharpening stone or file to smooth out any nicks and keep edges sharp. You can also use a specialized tool sharpener for blades like shears and lawnmower blades.
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Hedge trimmers: If the blades are too dull, use a sharpening file or have them professionally sharpened.
NOTE: For a step-by-step guide to sharpening, visit the HORT blog here.
Lubricating & Checking
- Spray or wipe down metal parts: Once cleaned, apply a thin layer of oil to the metal parts of your tools. Vegetable oil, motor oil, or specialized tool oils can prevent rust and keep parts moving smoothly. Don't forget to lubricate hinges on pruners, shears, and lawnmowers.
- Use a silicone spray for handles: For wooden handles, use linseed oil to prevent drying and cracking. For plastic handles, use a spray lubricant or wax.
- Also tighten any loose screws, bolts, or fasteners. For tools like rakes and shovels, check the handles for cracks. If you find any damage, consider replacing the handle or tool before it breaks in use.
Storing
- Hang tools up or store them off the ground: This helps prevent rust and damage. A tool rack or pegboard is ideal, and keeping tools off wet surfaces will extend their life.
- Dry thoroughly: After cleaning and before storage, ensure all tools are completely dry to avoid rust.
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Carolina Jessamine, Gelsemium sempervirens
This native, evergreen vine, known for its fragrant yellow flowers, is one of the first signs of spring in the Lowcountry. You will see it climbing through the trees when driving through the country.
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Light: While Jessamine tolerates partial shade, here, it thrives best in full sun. Growth may become leggy in partial shade as the vine stretches toward light sources.
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Soil: Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Although Carolina Jessamine prefers moist conditions, it can withstand periods of drought once established.
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Planting: It's best as a climber on fences or trellises. Be sure to space individual plants 4 to 8 feet apart. Planting from containers during the cooler fall months is advisable
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Pruning: This vine is relatively low-maintenance, and doesn't require pruning unless it begins to take over.
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A New Curatorial Team for The Vine | |
Kim Ashley and Beverly Rivers, pictured above pruning roses, generously helped curate this month's Vine. | |
Philly in Bloom: A Special Give-a-Way! | |
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Spring is calling, and we’ve got the ultimate garden lover’s dream giveaway! We’re giving away 4 tickets to Longwood Gardens (March 3) along with 4 tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show (March 4) in one amazing package.
Here’s the deal: One lucky winner will get first pick—they can take all 4 tickets for both days or just 2 for both days. If they choose 2, we’ll draw a second winner to receive the remaining tickets. No splitting between days!
But hurry—this is a limited-time giveaway! Entries are open TODAY through TOMORROW at NOON! The lucky winner will be contacted on Monday afternoon.
Tickets only—transportation and accommodations are not included. No cash value. Open to CHS HORT members only.
Don’t miss your chance to experience two of the most spectacular floral destinations in one unforgettable trip!
Enter now and good luck!
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The Vine Online offers members Lowcountry-specific, horticultural advice, following in the tradition of the HORT's printed publication The Vine.
This monthly gardening e-guide is sent exclusively to HORT members. Thanks for being a member.
As Board Chair, Madeleine McGee is eager to hear your ideas and learn what's helpful and what's missing.
Our Mission: To provide quality educational programming that:
- supports efforts, both big and small, to create beautiful, sustainable green spaces;
- fosters community partnerships; and
- preserves the Lowcountry's horticultural legacy.
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