Perennials can be planted now with proper winter care

Q: Recently, you suggested transplanting a volunteer tree. I was at one of our local nurseries and noticed several perennial plants that I think will do great in my landscaping. Do you think I’d be able to purchase and plant them now, having them settle in over the winter and pop back next spring? — B.G., Albuquerque

A: I think that as long as you have done your research, the plants are a good fit in your plans, and you stay dedicated to their care over the next several months, then yes, I think the chances are good they’d survive.

I do have a couple of suggestions.

First and foremost, make sure the plants have a still healthy root system. You should be able to tip a pot and sort of wiggle the plant out to see. If the roots are well-tended they’ll more than likely look healthy, white and plumpish. Smell the roots, too. Do they have a healthy, earthy scent? That’s good. Just beware of ones that seem smooshy, stinky or completely dried out and crispy.

Remember that until you purchase, these plants aren’t yours, so be respectful. Don’t dump away any of the soil in order to check on the root health, and don’t damage any of the above ground growth.

Next, when you get your new treasures home, get them into the ground as soon as possible and don’t go pruning them back. Consider the above ground growth they are wearing as a sort of insulating crown. It might be damaged over the coming winter months, but it’s best left on for the most part. If the weather changes and you find it too uncomfortable to work outside, it’d be best to at least bury the pots with the plants still in them until you can take up the task of planting. Just know that the sooner you get them planted, the better.

Root stimulator is always a good way to get some activity and help settle the newbies in, and you must remember to water, all through the winter months. You won’t need to water if we’re continually blessed with precipitation, but it’s always a good idea to dampen everything if it stays on the dry side. Dry soil and frigid temperatures are plant killers, so that’s where your dedication comes in.

Planting a bevy of end-of-season perennials now so they’ll settle in and be ready to reward you next spring can be very rewarding in more ways than one. So I think if you’ve found treasures that you are confident will work in your landscaping, then go for it.

Q: I planted several pots of pansies and violas, and they are still so pretty. I am in the habit of tenting the pots every night to offer a bit of extra protection for them. Do you think that’s a good idea? — H.P., Albuquerque

A: Covering your winter pansies and viola plantings can be a good thing on one condition. You have to remember to uncover them every morning.

A pot of winter gems, left covered during the day, could easily be fatal. Especially if you have them in spots that get a fair amount of sun during the day. They could be cooked to a certain extent and that wouldn’t be good at all.

I’m tickled that you use the term tented, too. Allowing a cover to lay directly on the plantings could damage what’s living underneath, so good on you with the tenting aspect you’re offering. Just remember, you need to uncover them every morning in order to keep them healthy. Keep them happy and they’ll keep you happy.

Q: I have been selected to get poinsettias to decorate our stores for the holidays. Trouble is, I know absolutely nothing about plants. What am I looking for when picking happy poinsettias? — N.G.T., Albuquerque

A: Oh goody, it’s poinsettia season! I love them and with proper care you can keep them healthy for the weeks to come.

Here are a few tricks of the trade.

First, poinsettias hate drafty locations. Especially cold, drafty locations. Aim to place them where the temperatures will stay more on the consistent side with little to no cold drafts.

Next, know that they will not take kindly to drying out, ever. That said, they despise being kept soggy. If the plants you choose are wearing a decorative foil wrapper, then your job will be to cut away the bottom and place the pot on a collection saucer. Do not allow water to collect in a wrapper that doesn’t drain.

If you’ve ever looked closely at poinsettias, you’ll see the knobby yellow things at the top of the branches. Those are the actual flower, not the colorful “leaves” — actually called bracts — the poinsettia is famous for. Look for flowers that are still closed or sort of compressed looking. These will be the plants that will have the longest shelf life, so to speak.

Don’t be nervous, remember to purchase saucers when you’re choosing the poinsettias, cut away the bottom of any wrapper and keep them moist. Truly, poinsettias are easy.

Enjoy them while you’re Diggin’ In this holiday season!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.