Nursery Industry Q&A

Editor's Note: This article is the first installment of a monthly feature sponsored by Miramar Wholesale Nurseries (MWN), San Diego, Calif. Each month, MWN will answer frequently asked questions about the nursery industry. If you would like to submit questions for future installments of this feature, please e-mail them to bwest@lawnandlandscape.com.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Sometimes the simplest things trip us up. Like forgetting what day it is or not remembering your driver’s license number. Simple, but important – just try writing a check without them. So when landscapers come into the commercial landscape center at Miramar Wholesale Nurseries, while the staff is prepared to handle the tough questions, it’s the simple ones they hear most frequently. This is understandable, because without the fundamental issues covered it’s impossible to develop a landscape plan.

So here they are, a few of the most frequently asked questions of nursery staff – with answers, of course. And as you will see, even the simplest question can have a complex answer.

Q. What’s the difference between deciduous and evergreen?

A. Rephrase this as, “to rake, or not to rake?” Deciduous trees lose their leaves seasonally, evergreens do not. However, some species of plants can exhibit traits of both deciduous and evergreen. The oak is one example. Check with nursery staff to determine if the tree – and species – you’re purchasing is deciduous or not. Incidentally, evergreens can be planted any time, but wait for late winter when the leaves have all fallen to plant a deciduous tree.

Q. What’s the difference between an annual and a perennial?

A. Annuals complete their life cycle in one year – from seed to bloom to death. The life cycle of a perennial lasts for at least two years, although many bloom year after year, and still others retain foliage color throughout the year. Perennials make a good foundation to a garden, guaranteeing continuous foliage color and/or flower color. Seasonally fill in around the perennials with annuals to create a mood, a theme, or just for color.

Q. What hardiness zone are we in?

A. This is an important question. Let's look at southern California, for example. Cold winters in the mountains, scorching desert summers, coastal breezes all year long – these temperature and humidity differences influence the type of plant that will survive on your property. Hardiness zones help narrow the field when determining what plants thrive in a particular area.

One of the most commonly used zone indexes is Sunsets Western Garden Book Climate Zone, and those are the numbers reflected here. The western edge of Southern California encompasses zones 20 to 24; this includes the area from the border of Mexico up to Irvine. Along the immediate coastal slopes is zone 24; as you move inland from the coast, the zones drop to between 20 and 23. Much of Riverside County supports zones 18 and 19. Climb to Julian or Idyllwild and the zone falls to 3. Continue to the desert and the zone is 13.

Q. What size hole should I dig to plant a tree?

A. Fortunately there’s a formula to follow: Dig your hole 1-1/2 times the size of the box it’s planted in. Make the hole wider at the bottom to give the roots room to spread, and loosen the soil in the hole so roots can penetrate. Mix about 1/3 of the soil removed with potting soil to fill around the roots. 

Q. Why are my plant’s leaves turning brown/yellow?

A. Proper watering will solve these problems. Brown leaves mean you’re not giving your plant enough water. The leaf tips dry out first, and usually become brittle and paper-like, taking on a scorched appearance. Yellow leaves indicate you’re giving your plant too much water. The leaves, and often the stems, become elastic as they yellow, then fall off. Simply increase or decrease water until the leaves become healthy.

This feature is sponsored by Miramar Wholesale Nurseries (MWN), Southern California's leading supplier of landscape plant material and supplies. MWN grows a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and distinctive trees at each of its three locations to supply landscape professionals and nurseries in the region and around the country with high-quality plant materials. MWN is a member of TruGreen LandCare, a ServiceMaster company.