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Unusual responses to weather are normal for trees and plants
By Tony Tomeo
It seems that only a while ago, we were hoping that the warm weather would end. Now, summer seems to have been too mild for too long--until the recent warming weather. Young tomato plants that were actually scalded by the early heat in May have been less productive than they should have been by this time of year.
The most difficult environmental condition to modify is the weather. All the soil amendments, fertilizers and irrigation will not compensate for it. All one can do is wait for better weather. As things warm up, most plant species can continue production as if nothing out of the ordinary has happened. Unfortunately, not all species respond to the unusual weather the same way. Some may exhibit symptoms that are perfectly normal, but may cause concern for garden enthusiasts who witness them.
For example, the summer dormancy of blue oaks described in this column a few weeks ago may be observed among some of the more exposed trees. Summer dormancy occurs when a tree is unable to preserve its own foliage during exceptionally warm, dry periods. Instead, the foliage is abscised before any more resources are expended in keeping it green. The tree produces new foliage when the weather is more conducive; the leaves then fall as normal in autumn.
This procedure is common among many of California's native species. Those in irrigated landscapes may respond similarly to those in the wild as a result of temperature and humidity. Many species that are not native, but endemic to similar climates, have developed similar defense mechanisms.
Of course, not all species that respond in this manner defoliate completely. In fact, many drop only a few of the older leaves. For many species, abscised foliage may remain attached, but discolored.
Examples of herbaceous plant species that behave in this manner (usually with inadequate irrigation) include many vegetable plants, such as tomato, pepper, potato and eggplant. Tree species that may drop foliage include California buckeye, blue oak, California sycamore and the non-native fig trees. The symptoms are harmless to the species involved and require no corrective procedures. One can only wait for the weather to change.
Aside from that, I hope I did not cause too much confusion with a recent mistake in the column. A local landscaper, Gregg Catanese, has just informed me that digitalis, discussed two weeks ago with other toxic species, is in the family Scrophulariaceae rather than Solanaceae.
Flower of the Week: Fuchsia
Almost all of the named cultivars of fuchsia that produce the largest, most impressive flowers are the same species, Fuchsia hybrida. The unique flower structure exhibits both a very showy corolla (petals) as well as a set of showy outer sepals. There is much floral variation among the more than 500 cultivars available.
Flowers may be as small as half an inch long or as large as 3 inches long. Sepals may be red, pink or white. The corollas may be just about any color, except yellow, true orange and true blue. The petals of the corolla may be single (one set of simple petals) or double (multiple sets of large, ruffled petals). Some of the double flowers are exceptionally ruffled. Large-flowered cultivars usually produce larger leaves.
Plant form is also variable, ranging from upright to 8 feet tall to trailing forms that require support to get more than 1 foot tall. The trailing types are more commonly grown in hanging baskets or as standards, on vertical, staked stems.
Fuchsias prefer rich, well-drained soil and regular irrigation. They should be sheltered from direct sun exposure, but perform best with bright ambient light. High humidity, if possible, is preferable. Broadcast irrigation (overhead) increases humidity, keeps foliage clean and inhibits infestation of aphids, which can otherwise become a problem. Frost protection may be necessary in winter for plants that are exposed.
Sparse branches may be pruned or pinched to promote development of axillary buds. Removal of faded flowers and developing fruit will promote development of new flowers. Fuchsias respond very well to regular application of a complete fertilizer.
Although many of the more esoteric cultivars are available only from collectors and fuchsia enthusiasts, there are more common cultivars available than any garden enthusiasts would know what do with. Most nurseries stock at least some fuchsias.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
More than 500 cultivars exist for the fuchsia, a popular garden plant that produces multi-colored, distinctively shaped flowers.
