Field and Garden: Flower choices abound for N.D. yards

“I think we should plant perennials next year,” remarked my wife the other day.

We’ve planted and enjoyed a large patch of zinnias the last two years. I would probably plant them again, but Melissa is ready for a change. She has an English-style cottage garden in mind. Melissa likes the variety, color and wildness that cottage gardens possess.

The question is: what should we plant?

I recently found an NDSU Extension publication that could help us decide: “Annual and Perennial Flowers for North Dakota.”

The publication lists 112 flowers that are recommended for our state and presents the information in a helpful format. Plants are grouped into categories such as low growing or tall growing, preference for sun or shade, and season of bloom.

The publication can be downloaded from the NDSU Extension website. If you prefer, I can mail you a paper copy of the publication.

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Here are some lawn and garden questions that I’ve recently received:

Q: What are the spots on my hollyhock leaves?

It’s likely that the plants are affected by rust. The initial symptoms include small orange to yellow spots on the undersides of infected leaves. Over time, these leaves can turn brown, wilt and die.

The disease usually starts on the lower leaves and gradually spreads to the upper ones. Plant stems can also be infected.

Hollyhock rust is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet conditions.

The fungus survives from season to season on infected plant parts, so it’s crucial to cut back the plants this fall, removing all stalks, stems and leaves from the area.

To improve air circulation among the plants, consider thinning the hollyhock population next spring.

If the problem persists year after year, fungicide treatments are also available.

Q: What’s causing the leaves on some branches of my apple tree to turn yellow?

There could be several causes, but I noticed some canker-like lesions on the affected branches. This is a symptom of the fungal disease black rot, which also causes leaf spots and fruit rot.

If it is black rot, then it’s recommended to mark the branches and trim them out early next spring, before the temperatures rise above 32 degrees.

Good sanitation is also important. Rake up fallen leaves. Remove and discard all dried and shriveled fruit from the trees

Q: How can I control the suckers growing around my chokecherry trees?

Aspen, poplar, birch, plum, and chokecherry are notorious for producing suckers that sprout from their roots.

The simplest and most effective strategy for controlling suckers is to prune them off at the soil surface.

Some commercial products claim to control suckers hormonally without harming the main tree. However, there has been little research on their effectiveness, so they cannot be recommended.

Do not use herbicides, as they can be translocated to the main tree, potentially causing its death.

If you have questions about your lawn or garden, please contact me in the Extension office (652-2581, jeff.gale@ndsu.edu.