Ask the Expert

I went to a church plant sale, and this sweet old lady took me aside to show me a plant she called "centennial rose." I've had it for three years now. It has taken off and is 13 feet tall. The flowers start out white, turn light pink, and then become deep pink. Can you give me some information about it?

DONNA MARTIN

LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS

Sure-that's why I'm considered an expert Your plant is a Southern pass-along called Confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis). In the Coastal and Tropical South (such as South Texas, where you live), it grows into a large shrub or small tree. In the Lower South, it often dies to the ground in winter and comes back the next year. Elsewhere, it isn't reliably winter hardy. Although it boasts handsome foliage, its best feature is its large, showy flowers in late summer and fall. Some selections have single blooms of white, pink, or red, but the one everybody seems to want is a double-flowered form with blooms that change color the way you describe. Confederate rose is easy to pass along by rooting cuttings in water. Or you can order it from Woodlanders, www.woodlanders.net

When do you prune a camellia? A friend has one that's 14 feet tall.

MARY MCWILLIAMS

ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Common camellia (Camellia japonica), like the one your friend has, doesn't require much pruning except to control size. The best time to do this is right after the plant finishes blooming in spring. If you prune in summer or fall, you'll cut off flowerbuds.

I planted periwinkles this spring. They started off beautifully, but then they started wilting and dying. What is causing this?

GAIL SEXTON

ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Madagascar periwinkle, a popular annual also known as vinca, often falls victim to stem and root rot when planted in heavy, poorly drained clay soil. I think that's what happened here. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do for the dying plants other than rip them up and throw them away. If you try periwinkle again, plant the disease-resistant Nirvana Series.

I have English ivy in my front yard. Over the years, Virginia creeper has invaded. Is there any way other than pulling to eliminate the Virginia creeper without damaging the ivy?

BILL MCDOUGALD

BIRMINGHAM. ALABAMA

Spray the Virginia creeper with Roundup this month at a time when the temperature is below 85 degrees. It will kill the creeper but not the ivy, because mature ivy leaves are protected by a waxy coating. The only time Roundup kills ivy is in spring, when the new growth is soft and light green.

TIP OF THE MONTH

If you tend to get poison ivy on your arms while working in the yard, try this to prevent it. Cut the toes out of a pair of socks, and pull them up on your arms. The heel fits over the elbow just right. Then put on garden gloves.

BETTY NICKELS

TAMPA. FLORIDA

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More of your questions answered online: southernliving.com/august2007

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