FEBRUARY
PLANT SPOTLIGHT
EMU VALENTINE
The Emu Valentine shrub got its name because it is in full bloom during the month of February. The Emu Valentine has unmistakable bright pink/red flowers and small, dark green leaves. m. The leaves are deep green and waxy.
FUN FACT! The flowers and other parts of the plant are used to make medicinal teas and supplements for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infections, metabolism, and even cancer.
HOLIDAYS
AVERAGE TEMPS
VALENTINE'S DAY
PRESIDENT'S DAY
HIGH 72
LOW 49
FROST DAMAGE
Desert winters can be harsh on trees and shrubs. Frost damage occurs when temperatures fall low enough to freeze the water inside the plants. Damaged portions of a plant will appear dry and rust-colored. Pruning of frost-damaged trees and shrubs needs to wait until after the danger of freezing weather has passed. In fact, leaving plant material that has already been damaged by a freeze helps protect against additional damage.
SEASONAL CUTBACKS
Some of the most common plants in our desert landscapes are due for their annual cutbacks in early spring. So what are cutbacks? Cutbacks are also know as renovation pruning or hard pruning. Specific plants at specific times are pruned down to 12”-18” in size. The seasonal cutback promotes rich, healthy new growth, and improve the long-term aesthetics of the landscape, with a more natural flowering cycle throughout the year.
This type of pruning is usually performed in the winter and early spring to rejuvenate shrubs and ground covers, and to encourage growth after the dormant period. It can also help manage plants that have outgrown the space, are encroaching over sidewalks, or are obstructing lines of sight.
This time of year, depending on weather, you can expect to see seasonal cutback to varieties of Bougainvillea, Lantana, Yellow Bells, Oleander, Ruellia, and other common shrubs.
WHY?
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Promotes healthy plants by eliminating frequent pruning schedules
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Frequently pruned shrubs are in a continuous state of stress, requiring more water to recover
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Light and air are unable to penetrate shear-pruned plants, making them woody in the center
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Allows for natural seasonal flowering
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Plants that are not shear-pruned resist stress better than plants routinely and excessively pruned
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Increases aesthetic value of the landscape
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Allows landscapers to concentrate on more pressing issues such as checking irrigation