Q: My red spider lilies never fail to produce blossoms in early September. My son in Mississippi planted some several years ago, and his just will not bloom. He says he didn’t plant them too deep. His lilies sprout like normal, but they are only putting up leaves, not blossoms; the leaves die down in spring, as do mine, and disappear during the summer. Then in the fall, his plants just put up more leaves but will not bloom. ― Marlene Fellows, email
A: Are you sure he planted spider lily bulbs? A spider lily’s scientific name is Lycoris radiata. It is sometimes called “surprise lily.” A Lycoris squamigera bulb is similar in appearance and is also called “surprise lily.” Both bulbs are common at gardener plant swaps. If he just grabbed a paper bag labeled Surprise Lily, it might be either of these. The big difference between the two is that L. radiata leaves have a distinct gray stripe down the center of each leaf. L. squamigeria leaves are silvery green and are typically broader and taller. Even if it is a true spider lily, it may just need more time. They have a reputation for being reluctant to bloom until fully established.
Q: My hosta has yellow leaves with brown edges. Is it a fungal disease or a symptom of heat and drought? ― Diana Mendes, email
A: Absolutely, it’s heat and drought! Cells at the edge, tip, or top of plants are always the youngest and need the most water. If they don’t get it, they turn brown.
Q: We had a bad problem with armyworms in our Bermuda lawn in September. What would you recommend to prevent them, and what process should we follow if they come back? ― Sue Brown, email
A: You can’t get rid of them permanently, since many arrive here riding on storm winds from Florida. Control of the visitors is not hard. Any sprayable lawn insecticide can be applied in a coarse spray over the grass. Wet the grass thoroughly and do not mow for three days after application. Products containing Bacillus thuringiensis (also known as B.t.) are effective only on small (1/2 inch or less) worms. Irrigate before treating to move caterpillars up and out of thatch that has accumulated under the grass. The good news is that armyworms will not hurt a healthy lawn permanently. Fall armyworms rarely kill grass, but some lawns may be severely weakened.
GARDEN QUESTIONS? Send them to Walter at georgiagardener@yahoo.com. Questions with good pictures, if appropriate, are preferred but not required.
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