August

LATE-WINTER AND WINDY

The most enjoyable part of August is just to use your eyes and look around at the early Spring. Magnificent Magnolias, Camellias, Azaleas, and of course, the freesias and Cliveas, start to flower at this time.

This is the best month for planting bare-rooted roses. Fruit trees, nut, citrus, and deciduous flowering trees and vines can be planted now, also Azaleas and Camellias.

Don't forget, if you are re-planting a rose in the spot where a rose recently died, then you will need to replace all of the soil in that hole. Dying roses seem to leave a 'calling card' that can make the next rose planted either die or be seriously retarded in its growth. Replace the soil with a good quality potting mix to ensure the new rose bush gets a head start.

Other things to plant now are seeds and seedlings of Ageratum, Antirrhinum (snapdragon), Balsam, Cleome, Delphinium, Dianthus, Gloxinia, Godetia, Gypsophila, Larkspur, Linaria, Lupin (annual) Marigolds, Petunia, Statice and Virginia stock.

Bulbs to plant: Agapanthus, Bearded Iris, Calla lilies, Canna lilies, Daylilies. Eucomis, Gladiolus, Hippeastrum, Tuberous Begonia, Valotta (Scarborough Lily).

HINTS AND TIPS:

Now is the time to move larger plants around your garden, just before the new spring growth starts.

Consider making a few structural changes late July, early August. Add an arch to support a climbing Iceberg rose, which will flower for more than 6 months of the year.

Garden Maintenance

Now is the time to fertilize Citrus, Strawberries, and summer flowering shrubs such as Fuchsia and Heliotrope. For annuals and Agapanthus use a soluble fertiliser. Use blueing compound on Hydrangeas and again in September and October – if you want blue flowers and lime if pink is preferred.

Pruning should be completed on Roses by now. Camellias can be trimmed after flowering. Prune Oleander, Fuchsia, Hypericum, Heliotrope, Tibouchina, and Poinsettia into shape when bracts have finished.

Spray Azaleas as buds colour up for Petal Blight. Consult your nursery for more information on sprays. Bordeaux mixes are good for reducing fungal problems and white oil can be used to kill off scale.

Put cloches around young plants to reduce the effects of wind and to give the plants a head start. Cloches are also good to use to prevent frost damage if you live inland and get frosts. Do not prune frost damage until the weather gets a little warmer. The frost damaged parts of the plant will protect the other young shoots.

© 2020 West Wollongong Garden Club Inc.