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COOPERATIVE EXTENSIONUnivBfsily ofArizona andU.S. Department ofAgncuRure coc^>erating.

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'^RotiertECtf^ Extension Agent,

HorliaAure

the Cochise County Master Gardener

NEWSLETTER

VOL. 4, NO. 1 JANUARY 1993

VERBENACEAE

Barbara KtshbaughStaff Writer

Walking through my garden with a visitor one day. I pointed outthe lantana which had been successfully transplant^ from a neighbor'syard. The visitor told me it was not lantana but verbena instead.Determined to learn the difference, I purchased one plant of each at thenursery.

At a glance I could perceive no difference. Both plants had similarpurple flower clusters at the end of stems. Upon closer inspection, theverbena had tiny orchid-type blossoms with open centers while the lantanaflower had a solid center. The verbena had spearmint-shaped leaves andthe lantana were smooth-edged.

Both plants belong to the verbenaceae family of which there areover 200 species. Vert>enaceae are perennial but usually purchased as anannual. The verbena is quite hardy and blooms almost continuously untilcold weather. The plant spreads easily and fans out quite close to theground, uplifting the flowers at the ends of the plant. At twilight theflowers seem almost to glow with color. The lantana is a bushier typeplant, taller and quite messy in appearance when frost comes. It is notfrost tolerant.

Purple is the most common colorfor verbenaceae, however pink, yellow-orange, cream, and white are al^ available. For our area the purple verbena isrecommended since it is frost tolerant,easily transplantable, and gives thatethereal sundown shine.

A most beautiful color print ofdeseit sand verbena is displayed in theApril 1992 ArizonaHighways magazine.

Verbena

450 HasKeii • Willcox, AZ • 384-35942500 fry Blvd . sierra vista. AZ • 458-1104

WHERE DO FLIES GO IN WINTER?

Jackie Dillon-Fast

Steff Writy

TTie answer to this question dependslargely on the species of fly. We generallynotice flies at two points in theirdevelopment: when they are adults flyingaround busily preoccupied with mating andegglaying and when they are maggotsminingbetween leaf surfaces, tunnelling intoroots, and feeding on developing fruit in ourgardens. Flies, in fact have four stages ofdevelopment: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.In the l^guage of entomologists this iscalled a complete metamorphosis. Mostspecies of fly spend the winter buried 1 to 6inches beneath the soil in their third or pupalstage of development. Some species,however can overwinter as adults or even asmaggots (the larval stage of development).

The fly life cycle begins with the adultlaying eggs on a host, usually on leaves ordeveloping fruit, and occasionally in the soilaround the base of the plant (dependingagain on the species of fly). The eggs thendevelop into maggots, the feeding stage forthe fly. Maggots resemble plump wormsand may be legged or legless; hairy, spiny,or smooth; whiteor yellow, brown or green;with chewing mouthparts for munching onfoliage and fruit. Although they mayincrease in sizeduring the larval stage, theychange very little in appearance.

After feeding voraciously in yourgarden,the maggot enters the third stage ofde»^elopment—the pupal stage. Duringpupation the insect stops feeding or evenmoving, often forming a hard case aroundits body (a cocoon or pupal case) forprotection. Within this casing the insectprofoundly changes from the worm-likemaggot to the winged, legged, antennaedadult fly. The adult fly does not feed butspends its time in procreation followed

quickly by death. This final stage is theshortest and most active stage in the life ofthe fly.

For gardeners the easiest and mosteffectivetime to control the fly population isjust after egglaying or as the maggotsemerge, which for single generation speciesmay be in early or late spring, and formultiple generation species will occurthroughout the growing season. The numberof generations produced in any given yearwill depend on the species of fly andenvironmental conditions such as theavailability of food, the presetice ofpredators,and the control measures taken bythe gardener.

HOW TO XERISCAPE

1. Start with a plan2. Limit turf areas

3. Install efficient irrigation system4. Harvest rain water

5. Improve the soil6. Use low water plants7. Remember appropriate

maintenance

Staff:

Jackie Dillon-Fast

Carolyn GruenhagenBarbara KishbaughT.J. Martin

Elizabeth Riordon

Virginia WestphalArticles to be published in nextmonth's newsletter must be receivedat the Sierra Vista CooperativeExtension Office by January 27.

THE AGENT'S CORNER

Rirfiart E. Call

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QUESTION: What should I do to lceq> mypoinsettiabloomingand growing throughoutthe year?ANSWER: Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcher-rima) is a tropical plant that originated inMexico. As a member of the Euphorbiafamily they have white latex sap. They requite bright but not direct sunlight. Dimlight or darkness will shorten its life. Theseplants should be watered when the soilsurface feels dry to the touch. If a poinsettiais allowed to wilt its life span will be shortened. Watering should insure that the entireroot ball is moistened. Poinsettias should

not be allowed to sit in water because their

roots are very prone to root rots. Idealtemperatures should never exceed 72°Fduring the day time or 65**? at night. Plantsdo well in high humidity environments.Low humidity and temperatures over 75are detrimental to the plants. Beware ofplacing plants near heat vents, on top oftelevisions, or in areas that are drafty orhave sudden changes from hot to cold.Concentrations of 1/8 to 1/4 of recommend

ed strength houseplant fertilizer aiH>lied ateach watering will "spoon-feed" the plantand help maintain a healthy plant during theholidays. During the winter months withless sunlight and cooler indoor temperaturesplant growth will be slowed, therefore theamount of fertilizer should be decr^ised as

well.After the colorful bracts, (we think of

them as flowers), fall, place the plant in acool room and let the soil stay nearly dryuntil spring. RepcK the plant in new soil andcut back the stems to six inches above thepot rim. Then move to a sunny location,water well and watch for new growth. Increase fertiliiter 1/4 to 1/2 strength each time

you water. Pinching back terminal growth^courages branching and more blooms.Poinsettias are short-dayplants; meaningthatflowering is induced as day lengths shorten.To insure return holiday blooms keep inabsolute darkness from sundown to sunupfor 10 weeks beginning in October. If thisis too much work the old plant can be discarded and a new one inirchased for the nextholiday season.

QUESTION: My Christmas Cactus did notbloom this year. What happened?ANSWER: There are several "holiday"cacti. They are Christmas Cactus (Schl-umbergera bridgesii) with smooth leaf margins or edges; Thanksgiving Cactus (S.truncata) which blooms earlier and has sawtooth leaf margins and two q^sitely pointed tips at the end of each leaf; and the Easter Cactus (S. gaertneri) which bloomsnaturally in the spring and has smooth leafmargins. These cacti species originatedfrom the Brazilianjungle and grow naturallyas epiphytes in the branches and bark oftrees.

Theseplantsare short-dayplants, likepoinsettias. Flowering is initiated by cooltemperatures (45 to 55*'F]^drier soil, and thenaturally shorter days of spring or fall. TheChristmas Cactus did not bloom because oneor more of these conditions were not met.

To induce flowering determine whattype of cactus species you have. Ten weeksbefore blooms are desired place the plant ina coo) closet or dark cupboard from sundown to sunup, never letting any light reachthe plant during seclusion. Keep the soildrier than normal. Once flower buds are set

you can cease this practice and increasewatering. (Source: Houseplams. The American Horticultural Society, 19^. pp. 81 and85.]

PLANT A HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN

Eliabcth RiordoiiSiairWritiir

Hummingbirds were here in SouthernAn»)na before gardeners and would stayev«i if no one cared to feed them. A

hummingbird garden is actually a way todraw the naturally occurring birds into aplace where you can easily relax and watchthem.

Most of a hummingbird's diet is smallinsects. Nectar or sugar water is a treat andan energy boast but pr(4>ably isn't a dailynecessity. Without it you will see anoccasicMtal hummer, but witha well-designedand properly maintained feeder you willhave a delightful year-round experience.(Watch for next month's article onhummingbird feeders.)

Bright hues of red, purple, pink, andorange are noticed and explor^ by thebirds. Try planting anything with thesecolors. If you walk outside wearing a redhat or shirt you will soon hear a buzzinghummerchecking you out. Even a tiny bitof color will be of interest to them. Youdon't need a mass of color. Simplyremember that hummingbiids look for r^s.Bees, moths, and butterflies head towardsyellow and white.

Your hummingbird garden needs to becomfortable for birds, people, and bird food(i.e., small insects). Dry stone over plasticwith home perimeter insect crnitrol andregular weed killer won't provide a reliablesu|^ly of little birds. A shady, or for thewinter sunny, irrigated patch of insecticide-free grass will provide masses of littlegnatswhich you will barely notice, but which willbe necessary bird dietary protein. Spiderswill also feed on the gnatsand providewebswhich arc used as hummingbird nest glue.

Red and orange flowers will bring thehummers. Even a geranium in a pot will be

investigated. Salvia, nasturtium, coreopsis,impatiens, amaranth, and penstemmen wereof interest to the birds in mygarden. Sweetsmelling flowers like honeysuckle andcosmos will draw both hummers and insects.

Hummingbirds like to perch within sightof feetters while they chirp out a territorialsong. Bare branches cm medium to hightrees and bushes give them a place to sitwhere they arc easily reserved. Undiearedbusies provide open sheltering networks ofleaves and branches for nest building andwither protection.

Put out a feeder, plant nasturtiums andcoret^sis seeds, put in red flowers, and sitin the sh^e in your unweeded, unpoisoned,untrimmed, unsheared (naturally-shaped,therefore) garden and have a great bird-watching rest this summer.

DID YOU KNOW...

9 The wingbeat of at least one speciesof hummingbird is up to 4,800 strokes aminute.

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA RELEASES "IMPROVED PLANTING STANDARDS'*

The University of Arizona Plant Sciences Department recently release Jnew recommendedPlanting Standards to improve the viability of new trees when transplanted inour Arizona soils.These planting standards are a compilation of research studies of other Un versities, AmericanForests, International Society of Aboriculture, and independent research of leading nationalHorticulturists with modifications for Arizona soils and climates.

Dr. Jimmy Tipton, Horticultural Specialist at the University of / rizona CooperativeExtension stated, "We currently have our own studies in progress and ill be releasing ourfindings in about five or six months. However, the evidence of the other studies is sooverwhelming we decided to release this information now."

IMPROVED PLANTING STANDARDS

1. Planting hole should be three to five times the diameter of the root ball and no deeper.The sides of the hole should be rough or sloping. Trees develop a root syst ;m that extends oneand a half to four times the canopy diameter and lies within two feet of th«: soil surface. Thislateral root system supports the tree and absorbs water and nutrients. Traisplanting practicesshould encourage root spread.

2. Set the topof the root ball at or slightly above the soil surface. Trc ss planting in holesdeeper than the root ball tend to subside as irrigation compacts the soil ber ea^ the root ball.

3. Remove the tree from the container. Avoid lifting the tree by its trur k. Disentangle andspread any roots that had circled in the container. Score the sides of the to >t ball to encouragelateral root growth.

4. Place the tree in the hole and backfill. Donot add amendments to tht; soil. Donot tampwith your feet. Form irrigation borders (if used) just outside the root ball. Amended backfillstend to restrict root spread and reduce topgrowth. Amended backfills also tend to wick wateraway from the root ball.

5. Spread mulch on the soil surface to a depth of three to four inches. Keep mulch awayfrom the tree trunk.

6. Do not prune unnecessarily. Root initiation and growth is stimulate 1by stem buds andleaves. Therefore shoot pruning reduces root growth and prolongs establis iment.

IsttMtd in furtherincc of Ci>op<r8tive Exienekm wortt. tcig ofM«y 8 «od 30» 1914, in<<x)f»enition with the Jnited States Depanm^rR ofAgnculture, lameaA. Chriaten^int Effector, Cooperative £klenaion> College of Agricniiure, TheUniversity of a *izona andArizona C<HitRtescoQpcfRting. The Umveraity of Arizona ColSege of Affkuliupg iaanequal oppomtnity efiq»loyer authorized tof rovide rtaearch. educationalinformation and other services only toindividuals and institufiona that hincfion without refard tosex, race, reliftor, color, national origin, age.Vietnam Era Veteran*s status, i>r handtcaftping condition.Theinformatton given herein issupplied with the undenRanding that nodiscrimtnation isimended and noendorscfnt ntbyCoiq>erative Extensionis implied.Anyproducts, services, or organizations that are mesRioned, shown, or indirecily implied in thispublication do n »t imply endorsemeiR by theUniverstty of Arizona. 0

THE UNIVERSITY Of AWZONATUCSON AWZONA SSMI

•usM«u'0* Mimti alV uoe

Address correction requested

NEW MASTER GARDENER CLASS

The 1993 ^ring class of MasterGarbing will convene on Fdiruary 24 at6:00 pm at the County Health buildinglocated on Foothills Dr. in Sierra Vista.The three hour class sessions will be heldeach Wednesday thereafter for 12 weeks.Class size will be limited to 20 people.

Master Gardening is a partnershippr^ram where instruction on gardening,soils, irrigaticNi, landscaping, and pestdiagnosis and control are taught. Uponcourse completion students volunteer serviceto assist communities in the county withgardening, conservaticm, and environmratal^ucation, programs, and projects. Withcompletion of the course and volunteerservice persons will become MasterGardeners.

There is a $50 fee for the course to covermaterialsand those interested in attending orfor further information are asked to call theUniversityofArizonaCoi^rative Extensionoffice in either Willcox (384-3594) or SierraVista (458-1104).

euucfUTiPOSTAGE S PEES PAID

USOAPERMIT No. OEM

COMING EVENTS

• The Arizona Native Plant Societywill be holding a plant salvage on January 9and 23. You are asked to meet at 9:00 amwith shovels, crowbars, etc. at theintersection of Hwy 80 and Davis Road(ai^roximately 3 miles S.of Tombstone) forthe drive to the 47 Ranch. For informationcall C^thy Wertz at 432-4055. Commercialcollectors are welcome. Cacti, ocotillo, indother plants will be available.• On January 16 the Arizona NativePlant Society will be meeting for a clean upin Gold Gulch Canyon, Bidjee. Meet atRicardo's in Nicksville at 8:30 am or at theWarren baseball park at 9:00 am. A potluck lunch will be served at 1:00 pm.• The next meeting of the ArizonaNative Plant Society will be January 27 at6:30 pm at Cochise Community College inSierra Vista. Tucson botanist, MarkFishbein will speak on Sky Island AllitmceConservation Program. For details callNancy Stallcup at 378-1169.