Unseasonable weather can cause unusual tree behavior
By Tony Tomeo
The recent weather certainly does not indicate that autumn arrives in September. In fact, I was only reminded by petting Privet, the meteorological terrier, and noticing his inner coat is filling in. Before I met him, I would have thought that the weather would need to change first, then growth of the inner coat would be stimulated. Instead, he starts wearing a coat proportionate to the severity of the impending winter weather, prior to its arrival. Therefore, contrary to current weather, either cool or rainy weather will be arriving early this year. Privet won't give me any more information than that.
Since spring, weather has been unseasonable in one way or another. First, spring was too warm. Then, summer was too mild for too long. When warm weather finally arrived, the nights were unusually cool. Now the weather seems to be about what it should be for this time of year; but it is impossible to know how long that will last.
As I described in an earlier article, the weather has produced mixed reactions among many California native species as well as species endemic to similar climates. Many such species have partially defoliated after the very warm spring. Although this is a normal reaction during very warm and dry weather, it usually does not occur until mid-summer.
Now, many other species not endemic to the area are also exhibiting symptoms associated with the unusual weather. For example, a Chinese pistache near my home is already coloring in response to the earlier cool nights. Also, the profusion of tomatoes stimulated by warmth in spring ripened very slowly and unevenly. Some even rotted on the vine while waiting for the tops to ripen.
Many of the symptoms associated with the unusual weather have not yet been expressed. Later in autumn, many more species will continue to color and defoliate prematurely. Some species may bloom earlier or later than normal and more or less profusely.
Normal gardening procedures, however, need not be altered. The first phase of cool season vegetables, such as broccoli, lettuce, spinach and the various root vegetables should be planted now as they normally would be, regardless of the warm weather. If planting is delayed, these vegetables may get a slow start when cool weather finally arrives.
Vegetables planted in "phases" are planted in small groups at regular time intervals, rather than in large groups all at once. This ensures that one group will begin production just as the prior one is finishing. Root vegetables include beet, carrot, radish, turnip and parsnip.
Agapanthus, bergenia, daylily, yarrow, bearded iris and many other perennials may be dug and divided now if given extra irrigation during warm weather. Cuttings may be started from pelargoniums (geraniums), fuchsias and marguerite daisies now that they are not blooming as profusely.
Tree of the Week: Strawberry Tree
Yes, the fruits are edible, but I would not recommend trying them. Most people describe them as starchy and insipid. Others, as sour. A few who try them actually get them when they taste good and sweet. They can, however, be narcotic in large quantities. The round, roughly textured, bright red berries that can be seen now have been developing for a year. The small, white, urn-shaped flowers for next year's berries appear at the same time that the fruit ripens. Dark green leaves are about 2 or 3 inches long.
The strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, is not particular about soil quality, but will tolerate more irrigation in landscaped areas with good drainage. Otherwise, established plants do not require much irrigation. They grow slowly or moderately to about 20 feet tall and can eventually get as wide. They often grow moderately to about 10 feet, but are very slow beyond that. They should never be sheared, but may be pruned up to expose their picturesque, multiple, shaggy trunks. Staked trees with single trunks are often available, but lack structural interest at maturity.
Garden enthusiasts who would like a favorite species featured that I have not yet discussed are invited to send pictures to my email or to 152 Carlton Ave., Suite 4, Los Gatos, 95032. If mailing, please include a phone number I can call if I have any questions. Featured species should be reasonably available and well-suited to local climate and soil conditions, as well as appropriate to the season. Two weeks' advance notice is preferred.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
The strawberry tree, a relative of the madrone, is identified by its round, nubby berries, which go from green to yellow to red as they ripen. The fruit is edible but not particularly appealing.
