How to Grow Staghorn Fern? A Complete Guide to Its Care Essentials

Staghorn fern, also known as bat fern. It is a perennial evergreen epiphytic herbaceous plant in the Polypodiaceae family. The leaf tips fork and resemble deer antlers. It prefers warm, humid and semi-shaded environments. It is a typical epiphytic fern.

(1) It is usually planted in a specially made pot (that is, drilling several small round holes in the pot wall, each with a diameter of 3-5 cm). When planting, first fill the holes and gaps in the pot wall and bottom with fresh palm fiber; then add leaf mold, peat soil and wet sawdust; then plant the plant into the pot, water thoroughly, and place it in a cool place. You can also use a small amount of fern roots, moss or leaf mold plus decomposed cake fertilizer as the substrate, tie the plant to a section of stem with bark, and hang it in a shady, humid place.

After the plant resumes growth, hang it under a ceiling or on a bookshelf where scattered light can reach it.

(2) During the peak growing season, water more and spray water frequently. It is best to apply dilute cake fertilizer water or a mixed nitrogen and potassium chemical fertilizer 1-2 times a month. By adding an appropriate amount of leaf mold or moss to the pot every other year, the plant will grow well.

(3) The optimum growth temperature is 20-25°C; in winter, the room temperature should not be lower than 10°C, and the amount of watering should be controlled. It is afraid of strong light. If you want to keep it outdoors, place it under tree shade or a shade shed, and also pay attention to frequently spraying water on the leaves and sprinkling water on the ground. If exposed to strong light and dry wind, the plant will grow poorly and may even die. Because the white fuzz on the leaf surface of the staghorn fern easily falls off, try to avoid touching it with your hands, otherwise the ornamental effect will be affected.

Java fern Microsorium pteropus (Bl.) Ching Java fern gallery: how to grow Java fern / how to propagate Java fern

Complete Flower Planting Manual

Flower Planting Manual

Key points for spring flower planting

Flower Planting Manual (February edition)

    Weather characteristics of February: This month is the last month of winter, and also the cold period second only to January in the year. By the end of February, the weather begins to gradually warm and transition to spring, and quite a number of flowers also begin to shift from winter dormancy to recovery. The main flower-related tasks this month are as follows: first, continue to do a good job of cold protection and heat preservation for potted flowers in protected facilities; second, do a good job of pruning and repotting some woody flowers after flowering; third, do the preliminary preparation work for cuttings, grafting propagation and sowing propagation of some flower species.

   1. Sowing. In February, flower species that can be sown in greenhouses or plastic tunnels include: pot marigold, cyclamen, dwarf sunflower, asparagus fern, gloxinia, tuberous begonia, safflower, cornflower, blanket flower, strawflower, scarlet sage, marigold, peacock chrysanthemum, petunia, California poppy, phlox, calceolaria, schizanthus, snapdragon, nasturtium, pansy, etc. By the end of February, species that can be sown outdoors in open ground include: seeds of Magnolia, Michelia, Photinia, Acer, and Malus (Rosaceae) that have been sand-stored and have already cracked and shown white, as well as camphor tree, tulip tree, privet, Ardisia crenata, firethorn, palm, goldenrain tree, soapberry, horse chestnut, lilac, etc.; seeds of wintersweet, summer wintersweet, wisteria, etc., should be soaked for 24 to 48 hours and sown after the seeds have absorbed enough water. Tuberose bulbs and amaryllis bulbs can also be potted in greenhouses or plastic tunnels in February.

    2. Cuttings. Woody ornamental plant species that can be propagated by open-field cuttings or by cuttings covered with plastic film for moisture retention in February include: plum blossom (after flowering, cut one-year-old branches of cultivars such as Gongfen and Lü'e), nandina, cotton rose (southern regions), crape myrtle, daphne (southern regions), edgeworthia, pomegranate, forsythia, winter jasmine, jasmine, serissa, hibiscus, hypericum (plum), spiraea, mahonia, boxwood types, oil hemp stalk, etc. Sand-stored branches of lilac and Chinese trumpet creeper can also be cuttings at this time. In early February, branches of Weigela, deutzia, hydrangea, tamarisk, plane tree, grape, fig, etc., can also continue to be cut and stored for cuttings at the end of March.

    Ornamental plant species that can be cuttings indoors in February include: Chinese hibiscus, bougainvillea, African violet (leaf cuttings), begonia, red-back eugenia, scarlet sage, geranium, jasmine, chloranthus, finger citron, jade plant, jade leaf, echeveria, gem plant, epiphyllum, orchid cactus, pilea, kalanchoe, longevity flower, Rieger begonia, clerodendrum, schefflera, Guangdong aglaonema, cordyline, etc.

   3. Grafting. Indoors, use one-year-old robust black pine seedlings as rootstock to graft Japanese white pine, Japanese black pine, lacebark pine, etc., then plant in the ground and cover with film for heat and moisture retention. Use one-year-old seedlings such as apricot and wild peach as rootstock, and use cut grafting to propagate red-leaf plum, plum blossom, ornamental peach, longevity peach, purple-leaf peach, etc. In areas south of the Yangtze River, when the leaf buds on wintersweet branches grow to the size of wheat grains, use wintersweet seedlings with a diameter of about 0.8 to 1.2 cm as rootstock, and use cut grafting to propagate excellent cultivars such as 'Suxin', 'Xinkou' and 'Huti' wintersweet. Using bagging and inflating measures for moisture retention can achieve a relatively high survival rate. Use robust branches of the rose cultivar 'Elizabeth' as rootstock scions, and use cut grafting or cleft grafting for scions of excellent rose cultivars. Adopting the measures of grafting first, then cuttings, and then covering with plastic film for moisture retention and cold protection can greatly increase the grafting survival rate.

    4. Layering. Ornamental plant species that can be propagated by layering in February include: plum blossom, wintersweet, Chaenomeles speciosa, osmanthus, purple magnolia, gardenia, weigela, Buddhist pine, Chinese cypress, snowball, Viburnum macrocephalum, winter jasmine, forsythia, hypericum, hydrangea, snowball viburnum, Spiraea thunbergii, red maple, Michelia, etc.

    5. Division. Herbaceous flower species that can be propagated by division in February include: iris, blackberry lily, zephyr lily, dwarf lilyturf, large-leaf lilyturf, silver-edge lilyturf, Reineckea carnea, Rohdea japonica, bleeding heart, hosta, purple hosta, small tuberose, bromeliads, purple-back Rohdea, Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium faberi, sword fern, spider plant types, kalanchoe, canna, arrowroot, Monstera deliciosa, Syngonium, bird of paradise, clivia, aloe, etc. Woody flower species that can be propagated by division in February include: nandina, cotton rose, hypericum, mahonia, hydrangea, Chaenomeles speciosa, edgeworthia, winter jasmine, forsythia, Caragana, Spiraea thunbergii, red-flowered spiraea, jasmine, chloranthus, tiger thorn, purple magnolia, four-season osmanthus, bamboo, Pleioblastus fortunei, etc.

    1. Collecting seeds. In February, seeds of nandina, holly types, Ardisia crenata, winter cherry, etc., can be picked. After treatment, sand storage and germination promotion are carried out, and sowing can be done only after the seeds crack and show white. For clivia plants blooming in greenhouses, artificial pollination can be given in order to obtain clivia seeds with better genetic quality.

    In February, pay attention to checking various sand-stored flower and tree seeds to see whether there is mold on the seeds. If mold occurs, clean them promptly; if the seeds are found to be dry, appropriately supplement with water spraying to maintain a certain humidity in the sand and seeds; if a small number of seeds have already cracked and shown white, sow them in a relatively short period of time. Once the radicle extends too long before sowing, it is very easy to break the radicle and affect the seedling emergence rate. Large sand-stored seeds can be sown by dibbling, while small seeds can be sown in drills or rows. After sowing, pay attention to covering with grass or plastic film for moisture retention and cold protection.

    2. Transplanting and planting. In February, the soil in southern regions is not frozen and the temperature is relatively high. Herbaceous flower species that can be transplanted and planted include: dianthus types, snapdragon, hollyhock, silver-edge holly, daisy, pot marigold, etc.

    In February, the vast majority of deciduous flowering shrubs and some evergreen tree species can be planted. Among deciduous types, such as hibiscus, pomegranate, redbud, crabapple types, ginkgo, sweetgum, maple types, wisteria, crape myrtle, wintersweet, plum blossom (before sprouting and leafing out), magnolia types, soapberry, silk tree, horse chestnut, red-leaf plum, cherry blossom, papaya, Chinese trumpet creeper, linden, tulip tree, ornamental peach, Chinese tallow, spiraea, trident maple, deutzia, Sophora japonica, dragon-claw Sophora, plum, elm-leaved spirea, hypericum (plum), weeping willow, golden weeping willow, cotton rose, smoke tree, persimmon, apricot, etc.; evergreen tree species such as Michelia types, camphor tree, Elaeocarpus, French holly, Machilus, purple nanmu, etc., can be delayed until late February to early March for planting; osmanthus, privet, Chinese juniper, dragon juniper, oriental arborvitae, black pine, etc., should be given moderate pruning when planting.

    1. Cold protection. The weather in February is still cold. After two consecutive months of indoor (tunnel) maintenance, potted ornamental plants have consumed relatively more nutrients in their bodies, and the resistance of the plants has greatly decreased, so work on moisture retention and cold protection should continue carefully. If greenhouses or plastic tunnels have heating facilities, continue heating and prevent harmful gases or smoke from entering the tunnel or greenhouse; if straw curtains are hung on the top or around the tunnel, continue hanging them; when sudden temperature drops occur after snow, even more care should be taken.

For overwintering potted flowers placed in protected facilities, ventilation should continue to be done well. Especially by the end of February, ventilation time can be extended during the period of highest temperature in the day. It is worth noting that when indoor potted flowers are placed in the sun, it is best to place them inside a south-facing window without opening the window.

For a small number of cold-sensitive flowers kept in homes, such as Aglaia odorata, Phalaenopsis, peacock arrowroot, Syngonium, iron cross begonia, croton, pink taro, etc., in particularly cold weather, plastic bags can be put on at night, or they can be placed in the bathroom and heating appliances such as "bathroom heaters" can be turned on to raise the temperature, ensuring they can overwinter safely.

    2. Watering. Because the temperature in February is relatively low, for most potted flowers, it is enough to keep the potting soil moist and ensure safe overwintering. At this time, root growth has stopped and metabolism is at a relatively low level, so water demand is low. Once water accumulates in the potting soil, it is very easy to cause root rot and plant death. For relatively dry indoor environments, frequently spray water and mist on the leaves of the plants to increase the air humidity of the local environment. If the indoor air is excessively dry, in mild cases the leaves will lose green color, and flower buds will stop growing; in severe cases the leaves will shrink and wrinkle, and flower buds will shrink and fall off. For example, camellia, sasanqua, rhododendron, plum blossom, bitter orange, kumquat, winter cherry, etc., may all suffer bud drop, fruit drop, and even death. In addition, the water temperature for watering or spraying should be basically consistent with the indoor or tunnel air temperature and soil temperature.

[page]    For those potted plant species placed indoors that will bloom around the Spring Festival, such as cineraria, primrose, kalanchoe, camellia, sasanqua, Belgian rhododendron, pot marigold, etc., and fruit-viewing plants such as firethorn, nandina, bitter orange, finger citron, lemon, Ardisia crenata, four-season tangerine, winter cherry, etc., not only should the potting soil be kept moist, but water must also be sprayed on the leaves, flower buds and fruits. Only in this way can the leaves be emerald green, the flower buds rapidly expand, and the fruits be brightly colored. Especially for peony, plum blossom, Chaenomeles speciosa, and Hall crabapple placed in plastic tunnels for forcing, the branches must also be sprayed with water 1 to 2 times a day to accelerate the expansion of their flower buds so that they can bloom as scheduled. For purchased Cymbidium orchids cultivated in greenhouses and plastic tunnels, because the temperature and humidity in their original greenhouse or plastic tunnel differ greatly from those in the home, if their leaves are not frequently sprayed with water, the leaves often shrivel and dry out. For potted plants and bonsai placed in air-conditioned rooms, especially Japanese white pine bonsai, etc., it must be ensured that the potting soil is moist, and the plants should be sprayed with water 1 to 2 times a day, otherwise the plants may very likely die.

    Although most potted flowers need little water in February, inspection should be strengthened. Especially during several consecutive days of rising temperatures, supplementary watering and spraying should be strengthened in a timely manner.

   In February, for green trees and flowering shrubs transplanted in autumn and winter, supplementary watering should be done in a timely manner. Especially for evergreen trees and flowering shrubs, appropriate leaf spraying should also be given around noon on fine days to prevent the leaves from shrinking and falling off afterward and affecting spring recovery growth.

    3. Fertilizing. In February, base fertilizer can continue to be buried for most ground-planted green trees and flowering shrubs. Fertilizer types include: cake fertilizer, barnyard manure, chicken manure and pigeon manure, pond mud, septic tank cleanings, etc. They can be applied by digging ring-shaped trenches around the outer perimeter of the plant root system and then covering with soil, to meet the needs of plant growth and flowering and fruiting in spring and summer.

   In February, for potted flowers placed in greenhouses (plastic tunnels) at 10°C to 15°C, such as camellia, sasanqua, cineraria, primrose, cyclamen, Belgian rhododendron, shrimp plant, golden shrimp plant, daphne, plum blossom, European narcissus, hyacinth, tulip, Christmas cactus, orchid cactus, colorful bromeliads, Tillandsia, Guzmania, clivia, etc., low-concentration potassium dihydrogen phosphate can continue to be applied to facilitate plant growth and bud formation and flowering. For most potted flowering trees, foliage plants, and tree-stump bonsai placed in plastic tunnels, including small and miniature bonsai, because they are still in a dormant state, fertilization should be stopped, otherwise it is very easy to cause root rot and plant death.

    4. Pruning. In February, for ground-planted or potted plum blossom, wintersweet, forsythia, winter jasmine, etc., after flowering, severe renewal pruning can be carried out. For flowered branches, only 2 to 3 buds are retained at the base, and all the rest are cut off, to promote many new shoots in the current year and even denser branches and buds the following year. In addition, water sprouts, dead branches, and poorly shaped branches should also be pruned at the same time. For tree-stump bonsai types that are mainly pruned, such as Chinese elm, Japanese apricot, banyan, trident maple, Fukien tea, oak, white ash, water willow, Elaeagnus, Chinese holly, holly, serissa, juniper, Chinese juniper, etc., continue pruning; for stumps that have not been repotted for 1 to 2 years, repot them while pruning.

    5. Repotting. Late February to early March is a favorable time for repotting the vast majority of potted ornamental plants. Generally, repotting is best done when the plant's winter dormancy is about to end, the root system is resuming growth, and the leaf buds have not yet sprouted. Flower species that can be repotted by the end of February include: Chinese hibiscus, geranium, Aglaia odorata, Michelia alba, jasmine, chloranthus, two-color jasmine, red-back eugenia, sword fern, Monstera deliciosa, rubber tree, fuchsia, begonia, four-season begonia, painted-leaf begonia, Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium faberi, Cymbidium ensifolium, sago palm, clivia, Haworthia, aloe, Christmas cactus, orchid cactus, sedum, jade plant, jade leaf, kalanchoe, amaryllis, asparagus fern, spider plant, Norfolk Island pine, schefflera, Rohdea japonica, bird of paradise, shrimp plant, golden shrimp plant, coral plant, clerodendrum, camellia, sasanqua, Chaenomeles speciosa, hydrangea, nandina, croton, Syngonium, arrowroot, Ardisia crenata, firethorn, bitter orange, kumquat, finger citron, etc.

    6. Pest and disease control. For powdery mildew appearing on the leaves of potted cineraria in greenhouses, and gray mold appearing on primrose leaves, etc., at the early stage of disease, spray with 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 1500 times dilution, once every 10 days, for 2 to 3 consecutive sprays.

For gray mold appearing on the leaves and corollas of potted cyclamen in plastic tunnels, spray with 50% iprodione (main ingredient iprodione) wettable powder at 1000 to 1500 times dilution.

For potted Belgian rhododendron in plastic tunnels, stop spraying foliar fertilizers such as "Duoxiaohao" on the leaves, because at this time the temperature is low and the humidity in the tunnel is high, so foliar fertilizer sprayed on the plants is difficult to absorb and instead easily breeds mold on the leaf surface, and in severe cases forms unsightly disease spots.

For aphids, scale insects, ants and sooty mold appearing on potted flowers in greenhouses (such as bitter orange and kumquat), when there are few insects they can be brushed off with a brush, and when there are many insects they can be killed by spraying with 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 2000 times dilution. After aphids, scale insects and ants are killed, sooty mold will also disappear accordingly.

For insect bodies such as Chinese tamarisk scale, white peach scale, oyster shell scale, black-brown round scale, etc., appearing on potted flower plants in plastic tunnels, they can be brushed off with a hard brush, or killed by dipping a cotton swab in alcohol, or sprayed with 2.5% fenvalerate emulsifiable concentrate at 2500 times dilution, or controlled by burying 3% carbofuran or 20% fenamiphos granules in the flowerpot.

Continue to clean up dead branches and fallen leaves under flowers and trees, and insect-infested branches and diseased leaves on potted flower plants, and burn them in a centralized manner, which can significantly reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases the following year.

    7. Composting fertilizer. Pour tea seed cake, rapeseed cake, soybean cake, etc., into a water pool or water vat, add clean water, and carry out sealed fermentation, so that it can be diluted during the growing season and used to water potted flowers. Or pile and ferment cake fertilizer, etc., spread it out to dry after about 2 months, and after fully drying, pack it well in plastic bags. The thoroughly composted and dried cake fertilizer in granular powder form can be scattered in flowerpots as topdressing. For Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium sinense, Cymbidium hybridum, Phalaenopsis, Cattleya and other potted flower types, it is more convenient than applying liquid cake fertilizer. Especially when growing flowers on a balcony, it is both convenient and hygienic, and can also reduce the occurrence of leaf diseases. In addition, it can also be used for mixing cultivation soil.

    8. Turning and freezing soil. In early February, continue to turn over garden land that has not yet been plowed. After overwintering and freezing, when spring returns and the weather warms, then dig trenches and make beds for seedling propagation or transplanting flowers and trees.

    Plant species that can be trained and shaped by wiring in February include Chinese cypress, Buddhist pine, Chinese juniper, juniper, oriental arborvitae, true cypress, ginkgo, serissa, creeping juniper, Japanese white pine, Huangshan pine, black pine, thousand-head red pine, water willow, Caragana, small golden coin plum, winter hazel, Chaenomeles speciosa, crape myrtle, banyan, Chinese elm, trident maple, etc.

Continue to re-wire and adjust plants that were shaped 1 to 2 years ago. If indented binding constriction marks are found on the plants, first remove the metal wire or non-metal wire, and replace it with new binding material for wiring and fixation.

For shallow-pot tree-stump bonsai, landscape bonsai, small and miniature bonsai, stone-attached bonsai, etc., continue to do a good job of heat preservation and cold protection, keeping them always in an environment not lower than 0°C, to prevent the plants from freezing to death or the artificially cemented rocks from freezing and cracking apart, causing unnecessary losses.

Flower Planting Manual (March edition)

(1) Flower species suitable for courtyard planting

    1. Ground-planted flower species

If the front of your courtyard is open and spacious, with good light and ventilation conditions, or the distance from the row of buildings in front is greater than 30 m, and the soil has been improved to a certain extent, then you can plant some flower species that are relatively sun-loving and have higher requirements for the growing environment. Ground-planted flowers and trees such as: white magnolia, ginkgo, osmanthus, purple magnolia, Michelia, Yulan magnolia, papaya, Chaenomeles speciosa, Hall crabapple, Midget crabapple, Viburnum macrocephalum, snowball, persimmon, cotton rose, tulip tree, plum blossom, rose, fig, camellia, crape myrtle, peony, pomegranate, wisteria, cherry blossom, grape, ornamental peach, nandina, red maple, redbud, hibiscus, Canary Island date palm, etc. If your courtyard is relatively shady and humid, then choose flower and tree species adapted to shady and humid conditions, such as palm, Photinia, Aucuba, French holly, privet, broad-leaf mahonia, southern magnolia, camphor tree, dragon juniper, Elaeocarpus, Buddhist pine, Fatsia japonica, Chinese juniper, cedar, wintersweet, banana, clustered bamboo, etc. Regardless of the light, dryness and wetness in your courtyard, when choosing ground-planted flowers and trees, you should pay attention to the following points: first, the minimum temperature that the flowers and trees can tolerate should not be lower than the local minimum temperature, to avoid freezing damage; second, they should be adapted to local soil and water conditions, to avoid not adapting to the environment; third, they should have fewer pests and diseases, a longer flowering and fruiting period, fragrance, and auspicious flower names; fourth, the number of flowers and trees should not be too many. A small courtyard can have 1 to 2 plants, while a large courtyard can plant several more; fifth, the height of adult large trees should not exceed the windows and balconies on the second floor, so as not to hinder the lighting of upstairs residents and affect neighborly relations; sixth, avoid planting flower and tree species that cause human allergies or contain toxic substances; seventh, choose large-sized plants that grow relatively slowly but are basically formed, so that greening and beautification effects can be achieved earlier, such as ginkgo, Japanese fir, osmanthus, plum blossom, Buddhist pine, etc., whose height should not be less than 2 m; eighth, leave some open space for planting herbaceous flowers and placing potted ornamental plants.

There are many types of herbaceous flowers and groundcover plants suitable for ground planting. Sun-loving and light-loving ones include dianthus, snapdragon, ornamental kale, pansy, scarlet sage, cockscomb, globe amaranth, cockscomb, marigold, hollyhock, impatiens, lupine, daisy, pot marigold, corn poppy, zephyr lily, dahlia, etc. Herbaceous flowers and groundcover plant types that are relatively shade-tolerant include: dwarf lilyturf, large-leaf lilyturf, Reineckea carnea, hosta, purple hosta, Lycoris, Rohdea japonica, purple-back Rohdea, Aspidistra, iris, Acorus, saxifrage, etc.

    2. Potted flower species

There are many flower species suitable for pot cultivation in home courtyards. When conditions are relatively good, you can choose to plant some flower species that require relatively meticulous management, such as plum blossom, Aglaia odorata, camellia, poinsettia, wintersweet, Belgian rhododendron, Norfolk Island pine, Brazilian iron, money tree, king coconut, Michelia alba, chloranthus, jasmine, Ardisia crenata, bromeliads, money tree (dragon-phoenix wood), Fagraea (commonly known as African jasmine), cinnamon types (commonly known as peace tree), calla lily, primrose, Cymbidium hybridum, anthurium, Cymbidium ensifolium, Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium sinense, cyclamen, Oncidium, Vanda, Rieger begonia, tuberous begonia, bird of paradise, Chinese hibiscus, clivia, pothos, Fittonia, croton, Syngonium, Syngonium, finger citron, bitter orange, lemon, tulip, hyacinth, calceolaria, fish-tail palm, areca palm, bottle palm, etc. For courtyards with relatively poor conditions, you can grow some types with relatively extensive management requirements, such as nandina, sago palm, rhapis palm, chrysanthemum, Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium faberi, amaryllis, winter jasmine, forsythia, Caragana, serissa, Chaenomeles speciosa, four-season osmanthus, cactus types, asparagus fern, rubber tree, epiphyllum, orchid cactus, Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron, schefflera, pilea, red-back eugenia, bougainvillea, large thorn, camellia, sasanqua, red azalea, banyan, etc.

(2) Propagation of courtyard flowers

    1. Sowing. Courtyard flower species that can be sown in March include: crape myrtle, redbud, wintersweet, summer wintersweet, red maple, tulip tree. For the latter five species, the seeds must be soaked in cold water for 24 to 36 hours before sowing, and sown after they have absorbed enough water. Flower and tree species that can be sown for seedling propagation after sand storage and germination promotion include: sago cycad, ginkgo, bamboo-leaf podocarp, Buddhist pine, Chinese fan palm, purple magnolia, Michelia types, osmanthus, horse chestnut, nandina, holly types, pomegranate, Viburnum macrocephalum, etc. Herbaceous flowers that can be sown include: impatiens, marigold, globe amaranth, zinnia, scarlet sage, cockscomb, colorful pepper, winter cherry, four-season primrose, mallow types, four-o'clock, bird of paradise, clivia, asparagus fern, etc. Some cold-intolerant species should be sown in plastic tunnel covers.

    2. Cuttings. Flower and tree species that can be propagated by cuttings in March include: Chinese hibiscus, geranium, epiphyllum, orchid cactus, Portulacaria afra, gem plant, echeveria, hydrangea, nandina, Chaenomeles speciosa, silver bud willow, hypericum, Buddhist pine, pomegranate, fig, Fatsia japonica, gardenia, forsythia, winter jasmine, Chinese cypress, daphne, firethorn, etc. Cold-sensitive flowers should be cuttings in tunnels or indoors.

    3. Grafting. Flower and tree species that can be propagated by grafting in March include: using 1- to 2-year-old black pine seedlings as rootstock, side grafting to propagate Japanese white pine, Osaka pine, Japanese black pine, etc.; using 1- to 2-year-old white magnolia and purple magnolia seedlings as rootstock, cut grafting to propagate Michelia, Yulan magnolia, etc.; using 1-year-old peach and apricot seedlings as rootstock, cut grafting to propagate plum blossom, longevity peach, ornamental peach, red-leaf peach, etc.; using finger-thick seedling wintersweet as rootstock, when its leaf buds grow to the size of wheat grains, select scions from excellent cultivars of wintersweet, carry out cut grafting and give bagging for moisture retention, resulting in a relatively high survival rate; using triangular cactus as rootstock, graft and propagate Christmas cactus and various cactus balls, preferably in plastic tunnels. In addition, camellia, cherry blossom, osmanthus, red maple, etc., can also be grafted in March.

    4. Layering. Flower and tree species that can be propagated by layering in March include: camellia, sasanqua, plum blossom, wintersweet, red maple, Buddhist pine, Chinese cypress, straight cypress, Michelia, Chaenomeles speciosa, snowball, gardenia, osmanthus, purple magnolia, etc.

    5. Division. Flower species that can be propagated by division in March include: orchid grasses, bleeding heart, Aspidistra, asparagus fern, sago palm, nandina, mahonia, Chaenomeles speciosa, snake plant, purple triangular wood sorrel, large-flowered canna, shell ginger, dahlia, bird of paradise, etc.

(3) Management of Courtyard Flowers

    1. Management of Ground-planted Courtyard Flowers and Trees

(1) Transplanting. March is the best time for transplanting and establishing ground-planted flowers and trees. Among them, the transplanting of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume), white magnolia (Magnolia denudata), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), Jane magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana), Chinese tulip tree (Liriodendron chinense), red maple (Acer palmatum f. atropurpureum), etc., should be arranged as much as possible before the plants sprout and unfold their leaves; for evergreen flowers and trees, when transplanting, some pruning of branches and leaves should be done to reduce transpiration and improve the survival rate; for wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), redbud (Cercis chinensis), rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), horse chestnut (Aesculus chinensis), ornamental peach (Prunus persica), red-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera f. atropurpurea), cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata), etc., transplanting is fine even after they have sprouted, but appropriate pruning should still be done. Whether deciduous or evergreen trees, when transplanting, a sufficient and well-formed root ball must be kept; generally the diameter of the root ball should be greater than 6 times the diameter of the trunk.

(2) Fertilizing. For ground-planted flowers and trees that were not given buried fertilizer in winter, before they sprout, a ring-shaped trench can be dug around the outer edge of the root system, about 15 to 20 cm deep, and well-rotted cake fertilizer, barnyard manure, chicken droppings, pigeon manure, etc., can be applied, or a multi-element compound fertilizer, to lay a good material foundation for their growth throughout the year.

[page]    (3) Pruning. For plants that have not yet been pruned, especially Japanese apricot, wintersweet, forsythia (Forsythia viridissima), and winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) after flowering, in addition to necessarily pruning off dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and overgrown flowering branches, for one-year-old branches, they can be cut off 2 to 3 cm from the base of the branch, retaining only 2 to 3 buds; through severe heading back, they will sprout more new branches in spring and develop more flower buds in summer and autumn, which is beneficial for flowering the following year. For camellia (Camellia japonica), sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua), etc., after flowering, branches that damage the plant's shape can be pruned off, and at the same time some thin and weak branches and crossing branches in the inner canopy can be pruned off. For pomegranate (Punica granatum), rose of Sharon, osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), etc., which form flower buds and bloom on new branches grown in the current year, pruning can be done in March to adjust the plant shape and improve the ventilation and light penetration of the plant.

(4) Pest and Disease Control. For branches and leaves on plants that have already been infected by pests or diseases, they should be promptly cut off and destroyed, which can reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases in the current year; for some flowers and trees susceptible to pests and diseases, such as Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), Chinese quince (Chaenomeles sinensis), Japanese quince (Chaenomeles speciosa), grape (Vitis vinifera), Hall's crabapple (Malus halliana), etc., after leaf unfolding, timely spraying of Bordeaux mixture, etc., can prevent the occurrence of powdery mildew and rust.

    2. Management of Ground-planted Courtyard Herbaceous Flowers

Herbaceous flower species that can continue to be transplanted and established in March include: Chinese pink (Dianthus chinensis), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), daisy (Bellis perennis), hollyhock (Alcea rosea), musk mallow (Malva sylvestris), variegated lilyturf (Liriope spicata var. variegata), autumn zephyr lily (Zephyranthes candida), pink zephyr lily (Zephyranthes grandiflora), iris (Iris tectorum), ribbon grass (Reineckea carnea), fountain grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus), red woodsorrel (Oxalis articulata), etc. For herbaceous flowers transplanted before February, or those transplanted before the Chinese New Year, if the plants have already resumed growth, such as ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis), etc., weeding and loosening the soil can be done first, followed by topdressing with low-concentration liquid fertilizer, such as well-rotted odorless cake fertilizer water, 0.5% urea solution, or other quick-acting compound fertilizer solutions.

    3. Management of Courtyard Potted Flowers and Trees

(1) Repotting. For potted wintersweet, Japanese apricot, Hall's crabapple, Japanese quince, firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica), Chinese fringe tree (Chionanthus retusus), etc., placed in the open, repotting can be done before they sprout and leaf out, replacing the soil with loose, fertile, fresh culture soil rich in organic matter, laying a good foundation for spring and summer growth. For indoor white orchid (Michelia alba), Milan tree (Aglaia odorata), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), Chinese rose, jasmine (Jasminum sambac), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), sasanqua, camellia, Belgian azalea (Rhododendron hybridum), coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), Buddha's hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), lemon (Citrus limon), split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa), bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus), clivia (Clivia miniata), elephant ear (Alocasia amazonica), arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum), calathea (Calathea spp.), etc., repotting should be done before they are moved outdoors.

(2) Hardening. In areas north of the Yangtze River basin, most potted flowers are still being maintained indoors in March, and both cold protection and ventilation must be given equal attention. Because the weather this month is unstable, with cold waves occasionally moving south, in early to mid-March, insulation and cold protection work must continue; in late March, doors and windows of the room can be opened during the day for ventilation and air exchange, and closed at night, so that white orchid, Milan tree, pearl orchid, jasmine, Chinese hibiscus, poinsettia, split-leaf philodendron, elephant ear, rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), etc., can gradually undergo hardening and adapt to the outdoor environment, avoiding the impact of premature sprouting on the year's growth and normal flowering. For potted flowers north of the Yellow River, insulation and cold protection work must continue this month, and must not be taken lightly.

(3) Pruning. For indoor Chinese hibiscus, fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida), bleeding heart vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae), jasmine, pearl orchid, white orchid, sago palm, rubber tree, fishtail palm (Caryota ochlandra), areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), croton (Codiaeum variegatum), asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus), begonia (Begonia spp.), etc., in conjunction with repotting, necessary pruning should be done, including cutting off diseased and pest-infested branches, dead branches, misshapen branches, thin and weak branches, and some yellowed leaves. For trident maple, Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), true cypress (Juniperus chinensis), Huangshan pine (Pinus hwangshanensis), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), Chinese elm, Chinese fringe tree, Mongolian oak, red-bark cleyera (Cleyera japonica), etc., which are mainly appreciated for their tree stumps, wiring and pruning can also be done in March before sprouting to further improve their shapes. For Japanese apricot, wintersweet, Chinese rose, ornamental peach, winter jasmine, forsythia, etc., severe heading back can be done after flowering and before sprouting.

(4) Flower Species Suitable for Balcony Planting

Urban residents cannot all have a small courtyard, nor can they all live on the ground floor with a good small environment for growing flowers; more often, they grow some highly resistant ornamental plants on balconies to decorate the interior, improve the living environment, and create an atmosphere of returning to nature for themselves.

Ornamental plants suitable for balcony planting include one category of relatively drought-tolerant plant species, whose body surface or cuticle is thickened, or covered with wax, or whose plant body is fleshy and thick with abundant sap, or whose leaves are smaller, transformed into needle-like shapes, with minimal transpiration water consumption, or which are native to arid desert regions and can withstand wind and heat, and are therefore very drought-tolerant, such as sago palm, cacti (bunny ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys), peanut cactus (Chamaecereus silvestrii), jade plant (Crassula ovata), golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), San Pedro cactus (Trichocereus pachanoi), bishop's cap cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma), rat-tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis), coral tree (Erythrina variegata)), elephant bush (Portulacaria afra), jade plant, jewel leaf plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense), Echeveria (Echeveria spp.), living stones (Lithops spp.), night-blooming cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), Dutchman's pipe cactus (Epiphyllum hybridum), leaf cactus (Pereskia aculeata), kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), etc. There are also wintersweet, winter jasmine, spider lily (Lycoris radiata), calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), etc. These flowers generally will not die if not watered for 2 to 3 weeks in spring, and are quite suitable for balcony planting. There is also another category of flower species that are relatively resistant to direct sunlight exposure and dry hot winds, can accept full light, and can withstand short periods of abnormally high temperatures, and are also suitable for balcony (especially high-floor balcony) potted cultivation, such as pomegranate, Chinese rose, banyan tree (Ficus microcarpa), ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), agave (Agave americana), amaryllis (Hippeastrum rutilum), Chinese sweet plum (Sageretia thea), Mongolian oak, Chinese elm, trident maple, Adina rubella, black pine, juniper (Juniperus rigida), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis cv. Kaizuca), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex chinensis), Vitex negundo, Euonymus oxyphyllus, longevity peach, moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora), etc. In addition, jasmine, pearl orchid, five-needle pine, Milan tree, cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Buddha's hand, bitter orange, lemon, rubber tree, split-leaf philodendron, bird's nest fern, camellia, Schefflera octophylla, Norfolk Island pine, etc., can also be used as slightly lower-layer balcony potted plants, but water and shading management should be strengthened.

(1) Propagation of Balcony Potted Flowers

Herbaceous flowers suitable for balcony potting, such as scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum), winter cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum), marigold (Tagetes erecta), garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina), petunia (Petunia hybrida), etc., can be sown and raised in shallow pots at this time.

If a small amount of asparagus fern or clivia seeds have been collected, after washing them clean, they can first be sown indoors, and when the outdoor temperature reaches about 15°C, they can be moved to the outdoor balcony for cultivation.

Succulent plants such as Dutchman's pipe cactus, night-blooming cereus, jade plant, jewel leaf plant, Echeveria, elephant bush, coral tree, jade plant (Crassula ovata), etc., can be propagated by cuttings indoors at this time using plain sand or clean sandy loam, and moved to the balcony after spring returns and the weather warms.

Using a large flower pot filled with loose sandy loam, or vermiculite, perlite, etc., as a cutting medium, propagate by cuttings indoors near a window with good light: gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), fuchsia, Chinese hibiscus, bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis), Buddhist pine, dwarf pomegranate (Punica granatum var. nana), Japanese quince, heavenly bamboo, winter daphne (Daphne odora), coral ardisia, etc., but the pot opening must be covered with plastic film to retain moisture.

On the balcony, when grafting five-needle pine, Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora), Japanese apricot, longevity peach, red maple, wintersweet, etc., bagging for moisture retention must be done, otherwise survival is not easy.

(2) Management of Balcony Potted Flowers

    1. Cold protection. Most ornamental plant species suitable for balcony potting are still indoors in March. While taking measures such as insulation, cold protection, ventilation, and light exposure, plants that need repotting should be repotted in a timely manner. For highly resistant flowers and trees placed on the balcony, the pot soil should be kept from freezing. If the pot soil freezes, it can easily cause frost heaving of potted flowers and trees, which will not only affect the normal growth of the plants in the current year, but in severe cases can cause plant death. Measures such as building a temporary shelter on site or moving them indoors or into a shed for cold protection can be taken.

    2. Pruning. For tree stumps such as wintersweet, Chinese holly, wintergreen, black pine, five-needle pine, Buddhist pine, trident maple, Chinese elm, Chinese sweet plum, Adina rubella, Chinese privet, etc., pruning and shaping can be done; trunks and branches that need shaping can be wired and shaped in March; for plants that have not been repotted for 2 to 3 years, soil replacement can be done; for bonsai placed on the balcony, keep the pot soil moist, watering once every 3 to 5 days, and appropriately spray water. For Japanese apricot, winter jasmine, forsythia, wintersweet, longevity peach, camellia, etc., necessary shaping and pruning can be done after flowering to promote maintaining a good plant shape; conduct a comprehensive cleanup of the plants, cutting off pest- and disease-infected branches and leaves and destroying them; for dry and cracked cut surfaces on tree stumps, apply lime sulfur mixture, etc., for anti-corrosion treatment.

    3. Preparatory facilities. If conditions permit, a small water pool can also be built on the balcony, with a hard board (prefabricated reinforced concrete) placed on top, using the humidity produced by evaporation from the pool; in summer, place some flowers that prefer humid air on it, such as orchids (Cymbidium spp.), split-leaf philodendron, giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhizos), elephant ear, coral ardisia, heavenly bamboo, etc. The stored water is ideal for watering flowers.

    In March, before potted flowers are moved out of the room, you can also set up tiered racks on the balcony for placing potted flowers in advance, and choose the support points for hanging shade nets in summer, so that once potted flowers are moved out and encounter excessively strong sunlight, shade measures can be quickly put in place.

    In March, you should also prepare the culture soil for repotting, and prepare sufficient various fertilizers and pesticides, etc., to meet the needs of balcony flower growing throughout the year.

Flower Planting Manual (April Chapter)

Weather characteristics of April: As the force of cold air moving south from the north weakens, the warm and humid airflow from the south becomes stronger and stronger, and the temperature rises significantly. After Qingming, although there is occasionally the influence of cold air moving south, it can no longer pose a threat to potted flowers in most areas south of the Huai River; only in areas north of the Huai River and Yellow River does the harm of snow and frost remain. After Guyu, the late frost period has ended in areas south of the Huai River and Yangtze River, the minimum temperature is not lower than 5°C, and rainfall increases significantly. Most potted flowers can be moved outdoors for maintenance; but in areas north of the Huai River, potted flowers can only be moved out after the late frost ends in May. In April, from south to north, flower-related activities include the following:

I. Flower Propagation

    1. Sowing

Flowers suitable for sowing in April include spider flower (Cleome hassleriana), four-o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor), moss rose, dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), scarlet sage, garden balsam, morning glory (Ipomoea nil), cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit), red morning glory (Ipomoea coccinea), redflower tobacco (Nicotiana × sanderae), petunia, China aster (Callistephus chinensis), coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora), snake's head chrysanthemum (Coreopsis tinctoria), marigold, red-yellow chrysanthemum, zinnia (Zinnia elegans), asparagus fern, fairy primrose (Primula malacoides), nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), summer cypress (Kochia scoparia), maple-leaved mallow (Abutilon pictum), Mexican fire plant (Euphorbia heterophylla), basil (Ocimum basilicum), asparagus fern (Asparagus cochinchinensis), cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), ladybell (Adenophora stricta), sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), etc. Magnoliaceae flower and tree species that can be sown in April after sand storage include: white magnolia, Huangshan magnolia (Magnolia cylindrica), Baohua magnolia (Magnolia zenii), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Tianmu magnolia (Magnolia amoena), Wudang magnolia (Magnolia sprengeri), official magnolia (Magnolia officinalis), two-lobed officinal magnolia (Magnolia officinalis subsp. biloba), Oyama magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii), mountain magnolia (Magnolia delavayi), Michelia (Michelia spp.), manglietia (Manglietia fordiana), red-flowered manglietia (Manglietia insignis), Ruyuan manglietia (Manglietia ruyuanensis), big-fruited manglietia (Manglietia grandis), yellow orchid (Michelia champaca), banana shrub (Michelia figo), many-flowered Michelia (Michelia floribunda), Lechang Michelia (Michelia chapensis), Yunshan white orchid (Michelia yunnanensis), golden-leaved Michelia (Michelia foveolata), Emei Michelia (Michelia wilsonii), Chinese tulip tree, hybrid tulip tree, North American tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), etc.; other greening flowers and trees that can be sown in April include: Japanese fir (Abies firma), golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis), Norfolk Island pine, golden larch (Pseudolarix kaempferi), crape myrtle, redbud, silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis), pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira), Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum), Huangshan goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria bipinnata), soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi), sweetgum (Liquidambar formosana), maples (Acer spp.), Ormosia henryi, wintersweet, summer wintersweet (Calycanthus chinensis), white plum (Exochorda racemosa), Chinese wolfberry (Lycium chinense), heavenly bamboo, coral ardisia, windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), etc.

Other ornamental plants that can be sown as collected in April include: gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii), asparagus fern, primrose (Primula spp.), winter cherry, Japanese fatsia (Fatsia japonica), and naranjilla (Solanum mammosum), etc. Among them, Japanese fatsia can have its already blackened, whitish, softened fruits picked at the end of April, the seeds rubbed out and washed, then sown on fertile seedbeds; the seeds can also first be sand-stored until they crack and show white, then sown, covered with grass to retain moisture. Generally after about two weeks, after about 70% of the seeds have emerged, the covering grass should be promptly removed, and a shade shed should be built at the same time; for cultivating naranjilla, the picked golden-yellow fruits can have their outer skin peeled off, the seeds washed out, soaked in warm water for 24 hours, and sown in fertile sandy soil; after 10 days the seeds can germinate and emerge; when the seedlings grow 6 to 8 true leaves and the plant height reaches 15 cm, they can be transplanted, either potted for fruit appreciation or ground-planted for cultivation as special cut flower material.

   2. Grafting

Flower and tree species that can be grafted in April include: wintersweet, dragon-claw pagoda tree (Sophora japonica var. pendula), ornamental peach, longevity peach, red-flowered black locust (Robinia hispida), as well as cactus (Echinopsis tubiflora) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), etc.

    3. Division

Greenhouse foliage plants that can be propagated by division in April include: peace lily (Spathiphyllum kochii), snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), cast-iron plant, ferns (Pteridophyta spp.), rhapis palm (Rhapis excelsa), spider plant, agave, silver-king evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum), Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), calathea (Calathea spp.), aloe (Aloe vera), pepperomia (Peperomia spp.), split-leaf philodendron, bird's nest fern, etc. [The following text is garbled and cannot be accurately translated.]

    4. Cuttings

For most flower and tree species that root easily, as long as their leaf buds have not yet sprouted, cutting propagation can be done in April. The main species include: boxwood (Buxus spp.), mahonia (Mahonia spp.), heavenly bamboo, cypress (Cupressus spp.), Buddhist pine, pomegranate, crape myrtle, redbud, firethorn, spiraea (Spiraea spp.), Chinese tulip tree, bridal wreath (Spiraea prunifolia), paper bush (Edgeworthia chrysantha), Japanese quince, etc.

II. Repotting and Transplanting

    1. For potted flowers that could not be repotted in March, as long as the new shoots are not too long, or if not too much old soil is removed and the root system is not severely cut back during repotting, repotting can be done in April. However, it should be pointed out: for deciduous flowers and trees, if the new shoots are too long, especially for Japanese apricot, repotting must absolutely not be done after leaf unfolding.

    2. April is the best period for transplanting open-ground flowers and trees. Whether deciduous or evergreen flowers and trees, as long as their leaf buds have not yet unfolded or the new shoots are not long, they can be transplanted with a root ball in April; for evergreen flowers and trees, such as camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), southern magnolia, banana shrub, white orchid, a portion of branches and leaves must be pruned off to reduce the transpiration of the canopy; for deciduous flowers and trees, it is best to transplant before leaf unfolding, such as white magnolia, horse chestnut, linden (Tilia tuan), crabapple (Malus spp.), wintersweet, red-leaf plum, ornamental peach, Japanese apricot, apricot (Prunus armeniaca), etc.; generally, the diameter of the root ball for transplanting flowers and trees should be no less than 6 times the diameter of the trunk of the transplanted flower or tree, so that without damaging the root ball, there will be no worries after transplanting.

III. Bonsai Shaping

April is one of the best periods for bonsai shaping. The ornamental plants most suitable for beginners to practice shaping are those with strong adaptability, whose branches and trunks can withstand repeated twisting and wiring by beginners without seriously affecting their normal growth, such as Buddhist pine, Cuibai (Juniperus chinensis cv. 'Cuibai'), Japanese snowbell (Serissa japonica), Adina rubella, true cypress, Euonymus oxyphyllus, crape myrtle, squarrosa false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera cv. 'Squarrosa'), false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera), banyan tree, Chinese box (Buxus sinica), Chinese elm, winter jasmine, paper bush, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), black pine, Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), etc. Other species suitable for shaping in April include wild hawthorn (Crataegus cuneata), five-needle pine, Huangshan pine, ornamental peach, firethorn, red-bark cleyera, Chinese fringe tree, trident maple, Mongolian oak, fragrant olive (Osmanthus fragrans), golden bullet tree (Diospyros cathayensis), Hall's crabapple, Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), Chinese quince, Elaeagnus pungens, Chinese holly, golden larch, tiger thorn (Damnacanthus indicus), etc.

As bonsai plants begin vigorous growth, metal wire or non-metal wire should be used in a timely manner for continuous wiring, guiding, and correction, so that they can always maintain a good ornamental state. For the maintenance of five-needle pine bonsai, special attention should be paid to the following three aspects this month: First, timely bud removal; when winter buds sprout and granular needle leaf primordia appear on them, 1/2 to 2/3 of the bud length can be removed to promote shorter and denser new shoots; second, remove female and male cones; when needle leaf bundle buds and male and female cones can be distinguished on new shoots, promptly remove all female cones borne at the tips of new shoots and male cones located at the base of new shoots, reducing nutrient consumption during reproductive growth; third, control watering; from the beginning of new shoot elongation, watering must be strictly controlled, watering only when dry, substituting spraying for watering, to ensure that newly grown needles are short and clustered, keeping the branch pads flat and well-formed.

IV. Fertilization Management

    1. Fertilizing

For potted camellia, sasanqua, wintersweet, azalea (Rhododendron simsii), winter jasmine, forsythia, winter daphne, kumquat (Fortunella margarita), bitter orange, winter cherry, Christmas cactus, Chinese orchid (Cymbidium goeringii), large-flowered cymbidium (Cymbidium hybridum), Chinese cymbidium (Cymbidium sinense), phaius orchid (Phaius tankervilleae), etc., because flowering or fruiting consumes a large amount of nutrients, when they resume growth after warm spring, topdressing with nitrogen-based fertilizer, such as well-rotted dilute cake fertilizer water, is needed to promote growth; for potted flower species about to bloom, such as Chinese rose, redbud, pomegranate, Jianlan orchid (Cymbidium ensifolium), Chinese hibiscus, white orchid, etc., topdressing should also be given, the type can be potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc., with concentration controlled at about 0.2%. For ground-planted white magnolia, purple magnolia, banana shrub, Japanese apricot, wintersweet, crabapple, etc., after flowering, topdressing should also be done in a timely manner to meet the needs of vegetative growth.

    2. Shaping and Maintenance

Money tree (Pachira macrocarpa) can be braided in April. Dig up seedlings of money tree that were sown or purchased, spread them in a cool place for 1 to 2 days to let them lose some moisture, then braid the trunks in odd numbers of 3, 5, or 7 into a braid; after braiding, press with a heavy object to fix the shape, then choose a suitable pot for planting; the money tree has extremely strong vitality, and even if it cannot be processed into a braid or planted in time, spreading it out for 3 to 5 days will not affect its survival and subsequent normal growth.

    3. Adjusting Plant Shape and Preventing Diseases

For potted flowers moved outdoors, promptly remove dead branches, yellow leaves, and withered stems, adjust the plant shape, and strengthen water and fertilizer management; for flower species prone to diseases, promptly spray lime sulfur mixture or Bordeaux mixture to prevent possible diseases.

    4. Management of Fruit-Appreciation Potted Plants

For potted fruit-appreciation flowers and trees blooming in April, such as Chinese quince, ginkgo, firethorn, Aucuba japonica, Hall's crabapple, etc., especially dioecious or cross-pollinated species, during the flowering period, attention should be paid to creating favorable conditions for pollination and fertilization, so that they can normally fertilize and set fruit, and do not miss the good opportunity.

    5. Management of Cutting Beds

For newly cut ornamental plants, before they have formed callus tissue, special attention should be paid to water spraying and misting management; except for those with intermittent misting equipment, water (mist) must be sprayed 2 to 3 times a day, always keeping the cutting medium moist, creating the best environment for their callus formation and rooting.

Flower Planting Manual Summer

Flower Planting Manual (May Chapter)

Weather characteristics of May: The temperature continues to rise, and rainfall gradually increases from south to north in our country. After each rainfall, the temperature rises significantly. There is much rainy spring weather; after the Xiaoman spring rain ends, the weather turns stuffy and hot, marking the imminent arrival of summer. Therefore, May, at the turn of spring and summer, is a key period for growing and maintaining flowers, and it plays an important role in laying the foundation for the summer and autumn growth of potted flowers. May flower growing from south to north mainly includes the following contents:

I. Flower Propagation

    1. Sowing

The main flower and tree species that can be sown as collected in May include: fairy primrose, Japanese fatsia, leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei), loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), etc. May sowing and seedling raising should pay attention to the following three points: First, keep the sowing seedbed moist, neither waterlogged nor too dry and dehydrated; second, the sowing seedbed should be covered with grass to retain moisture, to prevent sudden changes in seedbed moisture and dryness, causing seeds to "return to bud"; third, after emergence, remove the covering grass in several batches, and promptly build a shade shed to avoid burning the seedlings.

Osmanthus can have its mature blue-black fruits picked at the end of May, mixed with sand and rubbed to remove the flesh, rinsed clean, and stored in moist clean fine sand, where they can be kept until February of the following year. Only when the seeds crack and expose the tip of the radicle can they be sown in the ground. During storage, attention should be paid to preventing rodents from stealing them, and keeping the sand moist.

For loquat sowing, the soil covering should not be too deep; generally no more than 2 to 3 cm is appropriate.

    2. Cuttings

Flower species suitable for cutting propagation in May include: scarlet sage (pink, purple, white), globe amaranth (white), marigold, French marigold (Tagetes patula), dragon's mouth flower (Antirrhinum majus), Impatiens hawkeri, coleus (Coleus scutellarioides), begonia (Begonia spp.), sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), Chinese rose, azalea, dahlia, fuchsia, coral flower (Jatropha multifida), poinsettia, geranium (Pelargonium hortorum), bougainvillea, Chinese hibiscus, coral tree (Erythrina variegata), nasturtium, white jasmine (Jasminum officinale), jasmine, pearl orchid, red mulberry (Acalypha wilkesiana), deutzia (Deutzia scabra), hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), kerria (Kerria japonica), pomegranate, rose of Sharon, butterfly bush (Buddleja lindleyana), Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora), gardenia, night-blooming cereus, epiphyllum (Epiphyllum spp.), Dutchman's pipe cactus, jade plant, jewel leaf plant, Oyama magnolia, Magnolia biondii, Japanese quince, umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius), lantana (Lantana camara), red-back clerodendron (Excoecaria cochinchinensis), shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), bleeding heart vine, Chinese evergreen, cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Schefflera octophylla, oleander (Nerium oleander), firethorn, mahonia, and Buddha belly bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa) with aerial roots, etc.

    3. Grafting

In May, use 1- to 2-year-old potted purple magnolia seedlings or cuttings to graft and propagate white orchid and banana shrub; use 1- to 2-year-old green maple (Acer palmatum) seedlings for bud grafting to propagate red maple, feather maple, and cloak maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum); use vigorous 2- to 3-year-old purple azalea (Rhododendron pulchrum) cuttings to cleft graft and propagate Western azalea; use wild rose (Rosa multiflora) as rootstock for bud grafting to propagate excellent varieties of Chinese rose; use annual wormwood (Artemisia annua) as rootstock for grafting to propagate excellent varieties of chrysanthemum; use 2-year-old seedling wintersweet as rootstock; softwood grafting of excellent wintersweet varieties, and potted rootstocks can also be used for grafting. In addition, cactus and three-ribbed arrow (Hylocereus undatus) can be used as rootstocks for grafting and propagating Christmas cactus.

    4. Layering

Flower and tree species that can be propagated by air layering in May include: white orchid, rubber tree, Milan tree, Western azalea, camellia, croton, banana shrub, red maple, etc.; flower and trees that can be propagated by ground layering include: Japanese apricot, wintersweet, Chinese rose, gardenia, Buddhist pine, osmanthus, Chinese trumpet creeper, etc.

II. Potting and Transplanting

    1. Potting

For potted flowers used for street decoration during National Day, most species must be potted and established in May; after 3 to 4 months of careful maintenance, they can bloom on time by late September and early October, thereby creating a joyful, enthusiastic, and colorful holiday atmosphere. The main species include: scarlet sage (pink, white, purple), globe amaranth (white), cockscomb, zinnia, sulfur cosmos, China aster, summer cypress, marigold, dragon's mouth flower, asparagus fern, Impatiens hawkeri, coleus, begonia, etc.

    2. Transplanting

At the end of April and beginning of May, when white magnolia flowers have finished blooming and just before sprouting and leafing out, transplanting has the highest survival rate. Some flowers and trees that sprout later and are easy to transplant can also be transplanted with a root ball and established in early May, such as crape myrtle, rose of Sharon, redbud, pomegranate, silk tree, etc.

III. Flower Management

    1. Watering

As the temperature continues to rise, the water demand of potted ornamental plants will gradually increase. In addition to combining root watering and foliar spraying, attention must also be paid to the quality of irrigation and spraying water. It is best not to use tap water directly, especially not tap water that has been treated with bleaching powder. For this purpose, tap water can first be poured into a pool or small vat, and then an appropriate amount of acidifying substance can be added to increase the acidity of the water, such as ferrous sulfate, with concentration controlled between 0.1% and 0.2%. Potted flower species suitable for acidic water quality mainly include: camellia, sasanqua, Japanese apricot, azalea, red azalea (Rhododendron mucronulatum), gardenia, winter daphne, clivia, chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium), crabapple, red-flowered camellia (Camellia chekiangoleosa), etc.; foliage plants include: sago palm, bird's nest fern, split-leaf philodendron, rhapis palm, rubber tree, ferns, Buddhist pine, croton, red (green) gem (Fittonia verschaffeltii), giant taro, green emperor (Aglaonema spp.), arrowhead vine, calathea, bromeliads (Bromeliaceae spp.), Brazil wood (Dracaena fragrans), money tree, Schefflera octophylla, etc.; fruit-appreciation plants include: bitter orange, firethorn, kumquat, Buddha's hand, lemon, heavenly bamboo, winter cherry, coral ardisia, etc.

    2. Pruning and Bud Removal

(1) Pruning. For the heading back of white orchid not long after being moved outdoors, special attention should be paid because its branch pith is loose, and the cut surface easily loses water, dries up, and extends downward. For this reason, the cut should be made 8 to 10 cm above the bud eye intended to be retained, and must not be too close to the bud eye. For potted Chinese rose pruning after flowering, the height should be moderately lowered by 10 to 20 cm, so that the bud eyes located in the middle of the branch can develop flower buds.

(2) Bud removal. For bud removal on potted wintersweet plants, attention should also be paid to the location of bud removal; generally it should be 3 to 5 cm above the selected leaf bud site, otherwise the wound will dry and shrink, affecting the selected leaf bud downward. For Chinese rose potted in the current year, promptly remove the terminal bud to promote the formation of a good plant shape.

    3. Shading

After entering May, potted plants that prefer semi-shade or shade should be moved under a shade shed or under tree shade, such as: split-leaf philodendron, rhapis palm, calathea, bird's nest fern, giant taro, red (green) gem, green emperor, pink arrowhead (Syngonium podophyllum cv. 'Pink'), fan palm (Livistona chinensis), arrowhead vine, orchids, azalea, bird of paradise, camellia, sasanqua, etc.; for light-loving flowers and trees, sufficient light must be given, such as wintersweet, sago palm, Chinese rose, firethorn, jasmine, white orchid, etc.; bonsai plants, such as Chinese elm, Chinese sweet plum, trident maple, Adina rubella, Mongolian oak, Japanese snowbell, black pine, soft pine (Pinus armandii), etc., require sufficient light; while Buddhist pine, tiger thorn, red-bark cleyera, Cuibai, five-needle pine, etc., can be appropriately shaded.

    4. Fertilizing

For camellia, azalea, sasanqua, Japanese apricot, Milan tree, jasmine, white orchid, gardenia, wintersweet, Chinese rose, winter daphne, clivia, orchids, crabapple, etc., respectively after flowering, remove residual flowers and withered stems, and topdress with a compound fertilizer mainly nitrogen and supplemented by phosphorus, once every half month, to restore vegetative growth and at the same time lay a foundation for developing new flower buds; for foliage-oriented species, such as rubber tree, split-leaf philodendron, giant taro, red (green) gem, green emperor, bird's nest fern, cast-iron plant, ferns, etc., topdress once every half month with well-rotted dilute cake fertilizer water; for foliage plants with colored spots and patterns, such as golden-edge snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii'), colorful bromeliad (Neoregelia carolinae), golden-heart Brazil wood (Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana'), croton, caladium (Caladium bicolor), white butterfly arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum 'White Butterfly'), pink arrowhead, etc., 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be applied as a foliar topdressing, which can make the leaf color appear more beautiful and vivid.

    5. Pest and Disease Control

For Chinese rose, rose (Rosa multiflora), rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa), etc., attention should be paid to controlling powdery mildew and brown spot; for leaf-eating pests that appear, promptly spray pesticides to kill them; for citrus swallowtail butterfly larvae, leaf-eating pests that commonly appear on bitter orange, kumquat, golden bean (Fortunella hindsii), Buddha's hand, lemon, rue (Ruta graveolens), etc., spray pesticides early to kill them.

IV. Bonsai Shaping

Ornamental bonsai plant species that can still be shaped in May include: Japanese apricot, small-leaved gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans), mountain gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), Buddhist pine, Japanese snowbell, Cuibai, Adina rubella, fragrant olive, ginkgo, etc. It is worth noting that when shaping, one must be careful and cautious, trying not to damage the bark and trunk, otherwise it will affect the normal growth of the plant.

Flower Planting Manual (June Chapter)

    Weather characteristics of June: By June, the temperature rises further. The Yangtze-Huai River basin enters the plum rain season; this year the plum rain began on June 12 and ended on July 7. At this time, evenly matched cold and warm air masses meet in this region, causing frequent frontal or cyclonic activity. June is the season with the most rainfall in the year, often with long periods of continuous rain. For some flowers that are dormant or semi-dormant in summer, and for most bonsai, maintenance should be especially careful, to avoid root rot caused by excessive rain, or excessive growth caused by insufficient light, disrupting the shape or affecting normal flowering and fruiting of ornamental plants. June flower growing from south to north mainly includes the following contents:

I. Flower Propagation

    1. Sowing

    Flower and tree species that can be sown in June include: primrose, lotus seed (Nelumbo nucifera), sago palm, loquat, wintersweet, etc. For wintersweet, when the urn-shaped fruit capsule on the mother tree turns from green to yellow, then from yellow to brown, and the seeds inside are brown, they can be picked; promptly peel open the fruit capsule, release the seeds, first soak in cold water for 24 to 36 hours, and after the seeds have absorbed enough water and swollen, bury them in clean wet sand to promote germination; after about 2 weeks, the seeds can crack and show white, at which time sow in furrows; the soil covering thickness is generally 2 cm to 3 cm, cover with rice straw to retain moisture, and after most seeds' cotyledons have emerged, remove the covering grass in 2 to 3 batches, and promptly build a shade shed.

    2. Cuttings

In summer, temperatures are high and humidity is high, and the cambium in flower and tree branches is highly active, making it the best time for cutting propagation of flowers and trees. There are two major categories of flowers and trees suitable for softwood cuttings in summer. One category consists of species that are difficult to root or root slowly from hardwood cuttings, such as osmanthus, camellia, banana shrub, Chinese holly, wintergreen, lilac (Syringa oblata), purple magnolia, Japanese quince, snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum), Chinese snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum f. keteleeri), coral tree, coral tree (Erythrina variegata), Belgian azalea, Buddha belly bamboo (with aerial roots), rubber tree, dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), etc.; the other category consists of species that root relatively easily, such as boxwood, Chinese rose, firethorn, forsythia, winter jasmine, jasmine (Jasminum officinale), Japanese snowbell, pomegranate, rose of Sharon, broom (Caragana sinica), jasmine, pearl orchid, dragon-leaf pearl (Chloranthus spicatus), lantana, kerria, bougainvillea, Buddha's hand, lemon, Buddhist pine, heavenly bamboo, Chinese trumpet creeper, red-back clerodendron, honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Chinese hibiscus, cordyline, Hypericum monogynum, Hypericum kouytchense, golden willow (Salix babylonica var. aurea-pendula), dragon-claw willow (Salix matsudana var. tortuosa), banyan tree, Brazil iron (Dracaena fragrans), Ardisia crenata, paper bush, croton, deutzia, mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius), crape myrtle, Weigela florida, Weigela florida, bridal wreath spiraea (Spiraea prunifolia), peach-leaf coral (Aucuba chinensis), Schefflera, mahonia, Japanese fatsia, bridal wreath (Spiraea prunifolia), hydrangea, poinsettia, etc. It also includes a large number of other herbaceous flowers, such as five-clawed golden dragon (Ipomoea cairica), ground ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), nasturtium, sage (Salvia spp.), Qianqiu tea (Salvia spp.), heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), umbrella plant, geranium, coleus, begonia, pansy, globe amaranth, zinnia, French marigold, marigold, sulfur cosmos, etc.

Taking the fully enclosed moisture-retaining cutting of camellia and osmanthus as an example: the cutting time is from early June to mid-July, and when the young shoots of osmanthus and camellia are semi-lignified, it is most ideal; the medium can be yellow subsoil, sandy loam, or vermiculite; the cuttings are current-year new shoots, 10 cm to 15 cm long, retaining only 2 to 3 leaves at the tip; the lower cut is dipped in 500 mg/kg No. 1 ABT rooting powder or naphthalene acetic acid solution for 10 seconds, and after briefly drying, inserted into the seedbed; the insertion depth of the cutting is 1/2 to 2/3 of the cutting length, with plant and row spacing of 2 cm × 8 cm; after watering thoroughly, set up bamboo arches on the seedbed, then cover with plastic film, press the edges firmly with mud, build a double-layer shade shed for shading, keep the bed surface moist, control the temperature inside the film at about 30°C, and maintain humidity above 90%; generally after one month the cuttings can root in large numbers.

    3. Grafting

Grafting: use potted seedling wintersweet as rootstock to graft excellent varieties of wintersweet; use potted purple magnolia and white magnolia seedlings as rootstock to graft white orchid, banana shrub, etc. Bud grafting: use wild rose seedlings as rootstock to graft and propagate excellent Chinese rose varieties; use 1-year-old seedlings of apricot, peach, plum, etc., as rootstock for bud grafting to propagate longevity peach, ornamental peach, purple-leaf plum, red-leaf peach, dwarf flowering cherry (Prunus japonica), Japanese apricot, elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba), etc.; use 1- to 2-year-old green maple seedlings as rootstock for grafting to propagate red maple, feather maple, red maple (Acer palmatum 'Sanguineum'), etc. Cleft grafting: use oil tea (Camellia oleifera), red-flowered camellia, or single-petaled seedling camellia as rootstock for cleft grafting of camellia and sasanqua; use 'Purple Butterfly' and 'Jade Butterfly' among purple azalea as rootstock for cleft grafting or side grafting of Belgian azalea or Western azalea.

    4. Layering

    Flower and tree species that can be propagated by layering in June include: azalea, honeysuckle, hydrangea, snowball viburnum, Chinese snowball, Weigela florida, oleander, osmanthus, camellia, Japanese apricot, wintersweet, lilac, gardenia, red maple, Milan tree, pearl orchid, jasmine, white orchid, etc.

    5. Division

    Flower species that can be propagated by division in June include: sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), calla lily (after flowering), Buddha belly bamboo, umbrella plant, purple-back evergreen (Tradescantia spathacea), bromeliads, Haworthia (Haworthia fasciata), cast-iron plant, spider plant, acorus (Acorus gramineus), golden-edge lilyturf (Liriope spicata 'Variegata'), etc.

II. Seed Collection and Transplanting/Establishment

    1. Seed Collection

    Herbaceous flower seeds that can be collected in June include: Chinese pink, cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), snapdragon, dwarf catchfly (Silene armeria), tall catchfly (Silene armeria), hollyhock, musk mallow, primrose, pocketbook flower (Calceolaria herbeohybrida), amaryllis (sow as collected), etc.

    Flower and tree seeds that can be collected in June: after wintersweet seeds are collected, if nursery conditions do not permit, the extracted seeds can also be dry-stored until spring of the following year before sowing, without affecting the germination rate; peach, apricot, etc., should be sown as collected, or their seeds can be sand-stored until they crack and germinate before sowing in the ground; osmanthus seeds collected in June, after removing the fleshy fruit skin and washing clean, should be stored in wet sand to promote seed embryo after-ripening, and when they germinate, choose a nursery site for sowing.

    2. Transplanting/Establishment and Potting

    In June, a considerable number of herbaceous flowers need transplanting/establishment or potting, including: evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), spider flower, garden balsam, New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri), primrose, ornamental pepper, winter cherry, red tobacco (Nicotiana × sanderae), petunia, marigold, French marigold, zinnia, globe amaranth, scarlet sage, dragon's mouth flower, summer cypress, sulfur cosmos, cockscomb, red-green grass (Alternanthera bettzickiana), etc.

In summer, some large flowers and trees are no longer transplanted, so as not to affect their survival rate and post-transplant growth. However, for some small flowering shrubs, such as Japanese fatsia, leatherleaf mahonia, mahonia, Hypericum monogynum, gardenia, golden-edge privet (Ligustrum sinense 'Variegatum'), red-leaf barberry (Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea), boxwood, under special circumstances, transplanting with a root ball is also acceptable, exactly as the old saying goes: "Transplant at any time, just don't let the tree know," but after transplanting, water spraying and shading management should be strengthened.

III. Flower Management

    1. Watering

    In June, potted flower watering should pay attention to the following aspects: First, watering time; it is best at 10 a.m. or 5 p.m., and under normal circumstances watering once a day is sufficient; second, watering temperature; the irrigation water and pot soil temperature should be kept basically consistent. If the difference between water temperature and soil temperature is too great, it will cause irritation to the root system and leaves of potted flowers and thereby affect their growth; third, combine watering and spraying. When there are several days without rain, in addition to watering the pot, also spray water on the leaf surface and around the potted flowers, thereby increasing the humidity of the local space. If there are continuous cloudy days, decide whether to water and spray according to the dryness and wetness of the pot soil.

Flower species that enter semi-dormancy or dormancy in summer. Semi-dormant ones such as: red woodsorrel, geranium, fuchsia, clivia, calla lily, begonia, etc. When the temperature reaches above 30°C, because their growth activity is very weak and metabolic level is low, watering should be reduced, and keeping the pot soil moist is sufficient; deeply dormant species such as: cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), spider lily (Lycoris spp.), ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus), Dutch peony (Paeonia lactiflora), etc., under high temperatures show aboveground stems and leaves withering, underground nutrient fibrous roots dying, and they overwinter in the soil as underground stems or tuberous roots in a dormant state; watering must be stopped for them, move them to a cool place, and keep the pot soil from becoming excessively dry.

[page]    If there is continuous rainfall, after the rain stops, comprehensively inspect the potted flowers. If water accumulation is found in the pots, pour it out as soon as possible; after the pot soil dries, loosen the soil, so as to avoid root rot; or before heavy rain arrives, lay the potted flowers down, and after the rain stops, set the potted flowers upright again.

    2. Fertilizing

For vigorously growing species, such as split-leaf philodendron, spider plant, arrowhead vine, calathea, sword fern, bird's nest fern, sago palm, cast-iron plant, giant taro, red (green) gem, green emperor, green queen (Aglaonema spp.), rubber tree, anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), red-back clerodendron, rhapis palm, Norfolk Island pine, Brazil iron, Buddhist pine, money tree, wintersweet, Chinese rose, white orchid, Milan tree, jasmine, pearl orchid, Japanese apricot, camellia, sasanqua, winter daphne, azalea, fragrant osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), lantana, bleeding heart vine, shrimp plant, bitter orange, lemon, kumquat, pomegranate, crape myrtle, firethorn, etc., topdress once every half month with well-rotted dilute cake fertilizer water. For species currently blooming, also topdress with an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to meet the needs of growth, flowering, and fruit setting.

For those flower species in dormant and semi-dormant states, fertilization must be stopped; especially for fleshy flower species, such as jade plant, Christmas cactus, Haworthia, candle plant (Senecio articulatus), squirrel tail (Sedum morganianum), trailing ice plant (Lampranthus spectabilis), carrion flower (Stapelia gigantea), sedum (Sedum spp.), when the temperature reaches above 35°C, fertilization should be stopped to avoid rotting.

    3. Pruning and Bud Removal

    3. Pruning and bud pinching

(1) Prune vigorously growing species such as Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), true juniper (Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), water willow (Adina rubella), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex chinensis), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), snow willow (Spiraea thunbergii), tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana) and other vigorously growing species. Branches that affect the shape should be pruned or cut back early, which can keep the plant well-layered and good-looking, and can also encourage it to produce more short branches and new buds, forming a perfect shape early.

(2) Bud pinching: For flowers such as Milan (Aglaia odorata), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), and Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), spent flowers and withered stems should be removed promptly, and the branches that have bloomed should be appropriately cut back to encourage the lower lateral branches or flower buds to bloom again; for flowering trees such as white orchid (Michelia alba), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium var. amara), azalea (Rhododendron), camellia (Camellia japonica), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), plum blossom (Prunus mume), and crabapple (Malus spectabilis), in order to help them form a good plant shape and produce more flower buds, more flowers, and better flowers in the current or next year, the overly vigorous branches should be topped and bud-pinched to inhibit the growth of the main and lateral shoots and promote the sprouting of lateral buds.

    4. Shading

    In June, shade-loving or semi-shade-loving flowering trees must be moved under a shade shed to prevent damage to the plants from scorching sun exposure. Such as hosta (Hosta plantaginea), purple hosta (Hosta ventricosa), asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus), camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), azalea (Rhododendron), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), orchids (Orchidaceae), palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), ferns (Pteridophyta), Philodendron (Philodendron), Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum), Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Peperomia (Peperomia), giant taro (Alocasia), red (green) gem (Fittonia), green emperor (Aglaonema), red queen (Aglaonema), fan palm (Livistona chinensis), Daphne (Daphne odora), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), etc. Light-loving flower species must be given sufficient light, such as pomegranate (Punica granatum), wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), June snow (Serissa japonica), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), peach blossom (Prunus persica), plum blossom (Prunus mume), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex chinensis), water willow (Adina rubella), oak (Quercus), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), Zuisho Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Zuisho'), white orchid (Michelia alba), Milan (Aglaia odorata), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), Mahonia (Mahonia fortunei), grape (Vitis vinifera), etc.; Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), tiger thorn (Damnacanthus indicus), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), Buddha belly bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa), Guanyin bamboo (Bambusa multiplex), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), bamboo-leaf podocarp (Podocarpus macrophyllus var. maki), etc., can be given appropriate shading.

    5. Pest and disease control

(1) Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), papaya (Chaenomeles sinensis), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), crabapple (Malus) and others are prone to damage by trunk-boring longhorn beetles, and poison sticks should be used promptly to block and control them.

(2) Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), rose (Rosa multiflora), rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) and others are prone to powdery mildew and brown spot during the plum rain season, and Bordeaux mixture should be sprayed early for control.

(3) White orchid (Michelia alba), plum blossom (Prunus mume), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) and others are prone to aphid damage, and suitable pesticides should be selected early for spraying and killing.

(4) Orchid leaves are prone to anthracnose infection, and fungicides such as carbendazim should be sprayed early for control.

(5) Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium var. amara), lemon (Citrus limon), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), finger citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) and others have young leaves that are prone to being eaten by citrus swallowtail butterfly larvae, and contact insecticides, stomach poisons, and other pesticides can be sprayed to kill them.

IV. Bonsai shaping

The plant species that can be shaped in June are mainly some adaptable, wiring-tolerant woody ornamental plants, and must be plants that were potted and hardened off in early spring or grown in the ground. They are: Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens), Huashan pine (Pinus armandii), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex chinensis), goji (Lycium chinense), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), Hall crabapple (Malus halliana), Xifu crabapple (Malus micromalus), plum blossom (Prunus mume), ornamental peach (Prunus persica 'Duplex'), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), June snow (Serissa japonica), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), boxwood (Buxus sinica), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis), water willow (Adina rubella), true juniper (Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), snow willow (Spiraea thunbergii), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), etc. Shaping in June must be careful, with light wiring and slow bending; do not rush or use excessive force.

    Solar terms in June: June 5 Grain in Ear; June 21 Summer Solstice.

Flower Planting Manual (July Chapter)

Weather characteristics of July: On July 7, the plum rain period ends in the Jianghuai region. On July 16 the first fu begins, and on August 15 the fu period ends; most parts of the country enter the hottest period of the year. In most parts of China, the average July temperature is above 24°C, and in areas south of the Jianghuai it is 28°C; only in northern Northeast China and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the average July temperature below 20°C. July flower care management mainly includes the following:
I. Flower propagation
    1. Sowing
    Herbaceous flowers that can be sown in July include: cineraria (Pericallia hybrida), Chinese primrose (Primula obconica), ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), campanula (Campanula) and others. When sowing, attention should be paid to moisture retention, shading, and increasing ventilation and light transmission.
    In July, mature fruits of plum (Prunus mume), peach (Prunus persica), mountain peach (Prunus davidiana), elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba) and others can also be harvested. After washing off the flesh, sow immediately in furrows, or store the washed stone fruits in moist sand until they crack and then sow; wintersweet seeds can be sown as soon as collected, or the seeds removed from the fruit capsule can be dried and stored until the following spring for sowing, without affecting their germination rate.
    2. Cuttings
    Herbaceous flower species suitable for cutting propagation in July include: Scutellaria indica, begonias (Begonia), coleus (Coleus scutellarioides), Pilea (Pilea cadierei), scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), marigold (Tagetes erecta), French marigold (Tagetes patula), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), geranium (Pelargonium), Dutch aster (Aster novi-belgii), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), coral flower (Pachystachys lutea), pepper plant (Peperomia), Epipremnum pinnatum, Polygonum chinense, kalanchoe (Kalanchoe), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), etc.
    Woody flower species suitable for cutting propagation in July include: red-back eupatorium (Excoecaria cochinchinensis), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii), Hypericum (Hypericum), Hypericum patulum, Weigela (Weigela florida), hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), weigela (Weigela florida), snowball viburnum (Viburnum macrocephalum), Spiraea thunbergii, Daphne (Daphne odora), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), edgeworthia (Edgeworthia chrysantha), Magnolia sieboldii, bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), Milan (Aglaia odorata), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla), Mahonia (Mahonia fortunei), pomegranate (Punica granatum), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), June snow (Serissa japonica), michelia (Michelia figo), coral tree (Viburnum odoratissimum), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Guelder rose (Viburnum macrocephalum), Viburnum dilatatum, boxwood (Buxus), fig (Ficus carica), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), azalea (Rhododendron), camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), dragon-claw willow (Salix matsudana var. tortuosa), golden silk willow (Salix babylonica) and others. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) can also be propagated by scale cuttings.
In addition, in July some flowering trees can also be propagated by water cuttings. They are: gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), oleander (Nerium oleander), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), fig (Ficus carica), pomegranate (Punica granatum), fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), etc. To propagate flowering trees by water cuttings, first, prepare a thick 1 cm to 2 cm foam plastic board, perforate it, and use it as fixing material for the cuttings; second, keep the cutting water clean, and put in a few pieces of charcoal for anti-corrosion.
    3. Grafting
One-year-old mountain peach (Prunus davidiana) or peach (Prunus persica) seedlings can be used as rootstock, and bud grafting can be used to propagate ornamental peach (Prunus persica 'Duplex'), longevity peach (Prunus persica 'Densa'), red-leaf peach (Prunus persica 'Atropurpurea'), plum blossom (Prunus mume), elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba), red-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'), beauty plum (Prunus mume 'Meiren') and others; use cuttings of wild rose (Rosa multiflora), pink cluster rose (Rosa multiflora var. cathayensis), and 'Shi Zimei' as rootstock, and bud graft to propagate variety roses (Rosa chinensis), cut-flower roses, and rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa); use potted purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) and white magnolia (Magnolia denudata) seedlings as rootstock, and graft to propagate white orchid (Michelia alba), michelia (Michelia figo) and others; use potted 2-year-old seedling wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) as rootstock, and graft to propagate superior wintersweet varieties; 2-year-old wintersweet seedlings can also be used as rootstock, using the method of softwood side grafting with bagging for moisture retention, grafting at 3 cm to 4 cm above the ground, and after 7 to 10 days it can be judged whether it has survived; use 'Purple Butterfly' and 'Jade Butterfly' among Rhododendron pulchrum as rootstock, and cleft graft or side graft to propagate Belgian azalea or Western azalea; use cherry seedlings as rootstock, and bud graft to propagate superior cherry blossom varieties; use current-year seedling of Malus baccata, Malus hupehensis, or Hall crabapple (Malus halliana), crabapple (Malus spectabilis) as rootstock, and carry out "T"-shaped budding to propagate superior crabapple varieties; use Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) seedlings as rootstock, and bagged grafting to propagate red maple (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'), feather maple (Acer palmatum 'Dissectum') and other seedlings.
    4. Layering
    Flowering tree species that can be propagated by layering in July include: Milan (Aglaia odorata) (air layering), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora), Guelder rose (Viburnum macrocephalum), oleander (Nerium oleander), weigela (Weigela florida), broom (Caragana sinica), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), climbing Chinese rose, winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), etc.
    5. Division
    Ornamental plant species that can be divided in July include: hosta (Hosta plantaginea), purple hosta (Hosta ventricosa), Acorus (Acorus), umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), purple-backed oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), Haworthia (Haworthia), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Liriope (Liriope), Reineckea carnea, autumn zephyr lily (Zephyranthes candida), Boston fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), iris (Iris), Tradescantia zebrina, etc. II. Seed collection and transplanting and planting out
    1. Seed collection
    Herbaceous flower seeds that can be collected in July include: hollyhock (Alcea rosea), mallow (Malva), morning glory (Ipomoea), baby's breath (Gypsophila), petunia (Petunia), phlox (Phlox drummondii), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria), sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus), daisy (Bellis perennis), delphinium (Delphinium), pansy (Viola tricolor), ice plant (Mesembryanthemum), etc.
    Flowering tree seeds that can be collected in July include: wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), plum (Prunus mume), peach (Prunus persica), mountain peach (Prunus davidiana), elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba), etc.
    2. Transplanting, planting out, and potting
    July is the main period for potting herbaceous flowers for display during National Day. The herbaceous flowers transplanted and potted at this time can be seedlings from sowing or cuttings. After 3 months of careful maintenance, they will bloom just around National Day for holiday decoration. They are mainly: scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), early chrysanthemum, globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), marigold (Tagetes erecta), French marigold (Tagetes patula), Kochia scoparia, China aster (Callistephus chinensis), sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), etc.
    In July, trees are generally not transplanted, but under some special circumstances, it is also feasible to transplant some flowering shrubs with soil balls, such as Mahonia (Mahonia fortunei), Hypericum (Hypericum), golden-leaf privet (Ligustrum vicaryi), red-leaf barberry (Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), dragon juniper balls (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca') and others. However, targeted pruning must be done, shade sheds must be built promptly, and the frequency of water spraying must be increased. After they basically survive, switch to normal management; do not be careless.
III. Flower management
    1. Watering
Flower species that enter semi-dormancy at high temperatures, such as red wood sorrel (Oxalis corymbosa), geraniums (Pelargonium), fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida), clivia (Clivia miniata), calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), begonias (Begonia), sedum (Sedum), kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), cacti (Cactaceae), Haworthia (Haworthia), Stapelia gigantea, string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), Senecio radians, Daphne (Daphne odora), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera), purslane tree (Portulacaria afra), aloe (Aloe) and others, because the temperature is too high, their growth activity basically stops and metabolic level is very low, so watering should be reduced, the potting soil should be kept moist, and attention should be paid to shading and ventilation to create a relatively cool environment for them. If watered too much, it easily causes root rot and also seriously affects their recovery growth after autumn.
Flower species that enter deep dormancy at high temperatures, such as cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), Lycoris (Lycoris), Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus), bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) and others, in July show withered aboveground stems and leaves, and the underground nutrient fibrous roots die, surviving the summer as underground stems or tuberous roots dormant in the soil. For deep-dormant flowers, stop watering, move them to a cool place, and just keep the potting soil not too dry.
For vigorously growing flower species, especially foliage plants, such as sago palm (Cycas revoluta), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), white orchid (Michelia alba), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), Milan (Aglaia odorata), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), Calathea (Calathea), Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum), red (green) gem (Fittonia), giant taro (Alocasia), green emperor (Aglaonema), green queen (Aglaonema), Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia), Brazilian iron (Dracaena fragrans), money tree (Pachira aquatica), camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium var. amara), lemon (Citrus limon), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), pomegranate (Punica granatum), redbud (Cercis chinensis), wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis) and others, not only should the amount and frequency of watering be increased, but also appropriate leaf spraying should be given, combining spraying and watering. Especially during continuous cloudy days, because the temperature is relatively high and the air is dry, watering and spraying should likewise be given; do not be negligent. Once the potting soil is found to be too dry and the leaves wilted, first spray the leaves, and after the leaves recover and stand up, then water the roots. Do not pour water heavily at the roots, otherwise it is very easy to cause woody flowers to "drop green leaves," or cause the plant's nutrient fibrous roots to rot, and even cause plant death.
For potted plum bonsai, because July to August is its flower bud differentiation period, appropriate "water withholding" should be given to promote normal flower bud differentiation. The method is: keep the leaves of the potted plant slightly curled inward on both sides to control vegetative growth; if the vegetative growth of the branches cannot be controlled, when the second new shoot produces 2 to 3 leaves, keep only one leaf at the base and pinch off the rest; flower buds can still differentiate in the leaf axil of this leaf.
    In July, when watering potted flowers, avoid the few hours around noon; watering before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. is suitable, so as to avoid too great a difference between water temperature and soil temperature, which affects the growth of potted ornamental plants. If continuous rainy weather occurs this month, check the flower pots promptly after the rain. If water accumulates in the pots, pour it out promptly, and after the potting soil is slightly dry, loosen the soil once more, so as to avoid root rot of potted plants.
    2. Fertilizing
    In July, fertilization management should be strengthened for four major categories of ornamental plants. The first is species with especially long flowering periods, blooming from spring and summer into autumn, such as white magnolia (Magnolia denudata), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), Milan (Aglaia odorata), jasmine (Jasminum sambac) and others; the second is species that bloom abundantly in autumn, such as chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis) and others; the third is species for winter flower and fruit viewing, such as bitter orange (Citrus aurantium var. amara), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), azalea (Rhododendron) and others; the fourth is foliage plants, such as palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), rubber tree (Ficus elastica) and others. As for the type of fertilizer, for the first three categories, in addition to the necessary nitrogen fertilizer, appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should also be applied to meet the plants' comprehensive needs for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and provide sufficient nutritional guarantee for bud formation, flowering, and fruiting; for foliage plants, dilute cake fertilizer liquid or urea liquid should be mainly used. As for the fertilization method, dilute liquid fertilizer applied by watering is preferable.
    Herbaceous flowers that should be fertilized more in July include: scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) (white, purple, pink), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), China aster (Callistephus chinensis), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), petunia (Petunia), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana), Cymbidium ensifolium, marigold (Tagetes erecta), four-o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), etc. Woody flowers include: crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), pomegranate (Punica granatum), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), michelia (Michelia figo), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), white orchid (Michelia alba), Milan (Aglaia odorata), night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), crabapple (Malus), Brunfelsia, bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), azalea (Rhododendron), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), etc. There are many kinds of foliage plants, such as bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), Brazilian iron (Dracaena fragrans), palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum), Calathea (Calathea), giant taro (Alocasia), red gem (Fittonia), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa), etc.
   In July, fertilization must be stopped for ornamental plants in dormant or semi-dormant states, especially for succulent ornamental plants such as sedum (Sedum), Senecio (Senecio), ice plant (Mesembryanthemum), Stapelia (Stapelia) and others; fertilization must be stopped even more to prevent plant rot.
    3. Pruning and bud pinching
Ornamental plants that can be topped and bud-pinched in summer must be vigorously growing, strongly sprouting, pruning-tolerant species. Pinching means directly removing the young shoot tip buds with the fingers. Bonsai plants suitable for pinching mainly include: Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), red nanmu (Syzygium buxifolium), Euonymus bungeanus, boxwood (Buxus sinica), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis), Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens), water willow (Adina rubella), Vitex negundo, Forsythia (Forsythia), hackberry (Celtis sinensis), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), Fraxinus chinensis, trident maple (Acer buergerianum), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), June snow (Serissa japonica), orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata), etc. Pruning means using scissors to cut off part of the new shoot to promote the sprouting of lower lateral buds and form beautiful crown pads or tree shapes. Bonsai plant species suitable for pruning are mostly woody ornamental plants that are inconvenient to pinch with fingers, such as prickly juniper (Juniperus rigida), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), creeping juniper (Juniperus procumbens), oak (Quercus), cat's thorn (Ilex cornuta), true juniper (Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii), etc.
For potted flower species that bloom continuously for a long time, such as Milan (Aglaia odorata), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus) and others, their spent flowers and withered stems should be removed promptly, and the branches that have bloomed should be cut back as necessary, which can promote the sprouting of lower lateral buds and reblooming. For azalea (Rhododendron), camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), crabapple (Malus), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), plum blossom (Prunus mume) and others, overly long branches protruding from the crown should also be cut back to form a better crown shape.
    4. Shading
    July is the month with the strongest sunlight and highest temperature of the year, so special attention should be paid to shading management for potted ornamental plants.
For shade-loving or semi-shade-loving ornamental plants, they must be moved under a shade shed to avoid damage to the plants from scorching sun exposure. Such as ferns (Pteridophyta), hosta (Hosta plantaginea), purple hosta (Hosta ventricosa), Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), azalea (Rhododendron), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), orchids (Orchidaceae), palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), red (green) gem (Fittonia), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), pepper plants (Peperomia), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Tradescantia zebrina, Brazilian iron (Dracaena fragrans), Epipremnum pinnatum, bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), Calathea (Calathea), Reineckea carnea, etc.
For light-loving species, sufficient light can be given, such as pomegranate (Punica granatum), wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), June snow (Serissa japonica), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis), peach blossom (Prunus persica), plum blossom (Prunus mume), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), water willow (Adina rubella), oak (Quercus), Zuisho Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Zuisho'), white orchid (Michelia alba), Milan (Aglaia odorata), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), etc. For Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), bamboo-leaf podocarp (Podocarpus macrophyllus var. maki), michelia (Michelia figo), tiger thorn (Damnacanthus indicus), cloud bamboo (Asparagus setaceus), Guanyin bamboo (Bambusa multiplex), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora) and others, appropriate shading is necessary.
For small, miniature, and shallow-pot bonsai, because this month's temperature is too high and the air is relatively dry, in addition to necessary shading, the flower pots must also be buried in wet sand, which can reduce evaporation from the potting soil surface and also help protect the plant's nutrient fibrous roots.
    5. Flowers in air-conditioned rooms
In air-conditioned rooms, choose flower species with a relatively high degree of leaf leatherization, or with a thicker cuticle layer on the leaf surface, slightly tolerant of dry environments, and with strong resistance, such as rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), Mahonia (Mahonia fortunei), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), golden-flowered hibiscus (Hibiscus), fan palm (Livistona chinensis), palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica) and others; it is not advisable to choose Boston fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), coleus (Coleus scutellarioides), giant taro (Alocasia), Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum) and others. In addition, during management, attention should be paid to combining watering and spraying, and keeping them away from air-conditioner outlets to prevent wind from directly blowing on the plants and causing leaf tips to wither and leaf edges to scorch.
    6. Pest and disease control
(1) When orchid new shoots unfold leaves in July, the leaf tips are easily infected by anthracnose, which gradually spreads to the whole plant and, in severe cases, can cause the plant to wither and die. This disease can occur throughout the year, and poor ventilation, high temperature and high humidity, and continuous overcast rain are even more conducive to the reproduction and spread of the pathogen. Ventilation should be strengthened, and during the onset period spray 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder at 800 times dilution or folpet at 500 times dilution for control.
(2) When reddish-brown sawdust-like insect frass accumulates on the root crowns or trunks of plum blossom (Prunus mume), peach blossom (Prunus persica), crabapple (Malus), red-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'), cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata), elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba) and others, it is mostly caused by the larvae of the peach red-necked longhorn beetle boring and feeding. Methods such as manual removal and killing, injection of systemic insecticides, insertion of poison sticks, and soil application of carbofuran can be used for control, and can effectively kill the larvae inside the trunk. Note: when injecting pesticides, avoid dimethoate and omethoate to prevent phytotoxicity.
(3) In July, promptly control the boxwood leaf roller (Glyphodes perspectalis) that damages boxwood (Buxus sinica), spoon-leaf boxwood (Buxus harlandii), pointed-leaf boxwood, and pearl boxwood. When this pest occurs severely, it can eat all the leaves bare. Once discovered, promptly spray pesticides such as trichlorfon, dimethoate, or fenvalerate. If long-term use of a certain pesticide has caused resistance, switch to a new pesticide type.
(4) In July, in some areas, citrus swallowtail butterfly larvae will continue to damage the young shoot leaves of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium var. amara), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), Fortunella hindsii, finger citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), lemon (Citrus limon), Citrus wilsonii, rue (Ruta graveolens) and others, and stomach-poison pesticides should be sprayed promptly to kill them.
(5) For the white wax insect that damages privet (Ligustrum lucidum), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), water ash (Fraxinus), and white ash (Fraxinus chinensis), late July to late August is its emergence period. The right time should be chosen to spray pesticides such as Supracide for control, which can prevent the white wax insect from causing damage again the following year.
(6) The Japanese wax scale (Ceroplastes japonicus) is a major pest damaging big-leaf Euonymus japonicus, plane tree (Platanus), Pittosporum tobira, camellia (Camellia japonica), red-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'), cedar (Cedrus deodara) and others. In severe cases, the insect bodies often cover branches and leaves. Early July is the peak hatching period of the nymphs, and pesticides such as dimethoate and Supracide can be sprayed promptly for control.
IV. Bonsai shaping
    In July, because the temperature is high, air humidity is low, and plants are in a period of vigorous growth, branches are prone to infection by pathogens after injury and are not easy to heal and recover, so most tree stump species are no longer suitable for wiring and shaping. Those that can still be shaped are some adaptable, wiring-tolerant plant species, and they must be plants potted and hardened off in spring or grown in the ground. They are: winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Buddhist pine cypress (Podocarpus), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), June snow (Serissa japonica), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), boxwood (Buxus sinica), water willow (Adina rubella), etc.
    In July, plant shaping must be careful and meticulous, with light wiring and slow bending, applying force gradually; do not operate hastily or use too much force, otherwise it is very easy to cause the plant's branches and trunk to break and endanger its survival.
    Solar terms in July: July 7 Minor Heat; July 23 Major Heat.

Flower Planting Manual Autumn

Flower Planting Manual (August Chapter)

Flowers suitable for courtyard display
    August has high temperature, strong light, and low humidity, and is the hot, dry period second only to July in the year. In most parts of the country, the average monthly temperature is between 24°C and 28°C. Potted ornamental plants suitable for courtyard display are some light-loving or high-temperature-tolerant species. Among the woody flowers are mainly: Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), Zuisho Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Zuisho'), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis), Japanese golden larch (Sciadopitys verticillata), lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), Japanese fir (Abies firma), Huashan pine (Pinus armandii), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), Fagraea ceilanica, cinnamon (Cinnamomum kotoense), Milan (Aglaia odorata), pomegranate (Punica granatum), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), variegated banyan (Ficus), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), lantana (Lantana camara), coral tree (Erythrina), Dutch iron (Yucca), croton (Codiaeum variegatum), Brazilian wood (Dracaena fragrans), palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), money tree (Pachira aquatica), Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla), Frangipani (Plumeria rubra), four-season osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), oleander (Nerium oleander), Washington palm (Washingtonia), palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), bottle palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis), Mahonia (Mahonia bealei), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), etc. Herbaceous flowers include: impatiens (Impatiens balsamina), large-flowered canna (Canna), shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet), scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), China aster (Callistephus chinensis), begonia (Begonia), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), marigold (Tagetes erecta), French marigold (Tagetes patula), phlox (Phlox drummondii), ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), calendula (Calendula officinalis), Lycoris (Lycoris), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), four-o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), etc. In addition, there are cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Guangdong evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum) and others.
Propagation of courtyard flowers
1. Sowing. In August, woody flowers that can be sown include: peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba), red-flowered camellia (Camellia), summer wintersweet (Calycanthus), American summer wintersweet (Calycanthus floridus), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) and others. They can be sown as soon as collected, or the seeds can be stored in moist sand until they crack and show white, then sown in the ground. Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) can be sand-stored to promote germination and then sown in bags. Pomegranate for fruit viewing is harvested after mature cracking, the fleshy layer outside the seeds is rubbed off, sand-stored until germination, and then sown. Herbaceous flowers that can be sown include: baby's breath (Gypsophila), Senecio (Senecio), petunia (Petunia), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Oxalis (Oxalis), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), etc. Greenhouse flowers that can be sown include: slipper flower (Calceolaria), cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), cineraria (Pericallia hybrida), wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens), Chinese primrose (Primula obconica), coleus (Coleus scutellarioides), calendula (Calendula officinalis), etc.
2. Cuttings. Using a mixed substrate prepared from alkaline-leached rice chaff ash and moist fine sand at a 2:1 ratio, carry out moisture-retaining bed cuttings or pot cuttings to propagate the following flowering trees: firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), Mahonia (Mahonia fortunei), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), michelia (Michelia figo), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), coral tree (Erythrina), Milan (Aglaia odorata), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), Guelder rose (Viburnum macrocephalum), snowball (Viburnum), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), galo wood (Ailanthus), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla), Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa), hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), etc. Using yellow subsoil or sandy loam as the substrate, cuttings can be taken of boxwood (Buxus), pomegranate (Punica granatum), hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), French holly (Viburnum tinus), golden-edge privet (Ligustrum), red-leaf barberry (Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), fig (Ficus carica), oleander (Nerium oleander), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), June snow (Serissa japonica), spiraea (Spiraea), Spiraea thunbergii, gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), etc. In addition, herbaceous flowers such as scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), marigold (Tagetes erecta), sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) and others can also be cut this month.
3. Grafting. In August, the following flowering trees can be grafted: in northern regions, use Chionanthus retusus as rootstock and graft osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans); use purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) and white magnolia (Magnolia denudata) as rootstock, and bud graft to propagate Yulan magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana); use potted purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) as rootstock, and graft white orchid (Michelia alba); use current-year seedlings of peach (Prunus persica) as rootstock, and bud graft plum blossom (Prunus mume), ornamental peach (Prunus persica 'Duplex'), longevity peach, purple-leaf peach (Prunus persica 'Atropurpurea'), double-flowered elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba), elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba) and others; use cherry seedlings as rootstock, and bud graft Japanese cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata); use wild rose (Rosa multiflora), pink cluster rose (Rosa multiflora var. cathayensis) and others as rootstock, and bud graft superior variety Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis); use seedlings of Malus baccata, Malus asiatica, Malus hupehensis and others as rootstock, and bud graft Xifu crabapple (Malus micromalus), Hall crabapple (Malus halliana); use green maple (Acer palmatum) as rootstock, and crown-change graft red maple (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'), feather maple (Acer palmatum 'Dissectum'); use single-trunk rubber tree (Ficus elastica) as rootstock, and cleft graft variegated weeping fig (Ficus); use single-petal camellia (Camellia japonica) as rootstock, and cleft graft superior variety camellia (Camellia japonica); use seedling wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) as rootstock, and cleft graft or side graft superior variety wintersweet. In addition, cleft grafting can be used to propagate large-flowered wisteria (Wisteria sinensis).
4. Layering. In August, ornamental plants that can be propagated by layering include: honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora), Banksian rose (Rosa banksiae), climbing Chinese rose, weigela (Weigela florida), hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), Guelder rose (Viburnum macrocephalum), snowball (Viburnum), oleander (Nerium oleander), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), broom (Caragana sinica), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), Forsythia (Forsythia), Chaenomeles speciosa, Hall crabapple (Malus halliana), Xifu crabapple (Malus micromalus), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), michelia (Michelia figo), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), coral tree (Viburnum odoratissimum), rubber tree (Ficus elastica) (air layering), Milan (Aglaia odorata) (air layering), red maple (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum') (air layering), etc.
5. Division. In August, ornamental plant species that can be propagated by division include: Reineckea carnea, hosta (Hosta plantaginea), purple hosta (Hosta ventricosa), baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii), multi-headed green emperor (Aglaonema), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), Solomon's seal (Polygonatum odoratum), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius), Adina pilulifera, red (green) gem (Fittonia), iris (Iris), blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis), purple triangular wood sorrel (Oxalis triangularis), Guangdong evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), Dutch aster (Aster novi-belgii), fine-leaf Acorus, Boston fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), Calathea (Calathea), Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum), Haworthia (Haworthia), etc. In addition, Lycoris (Lycoris), calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), freesia (Freesia) and others can also be divided and planted as small bulbs this month.
Management of courtyard ground-planted flowers
1. Transplanting. In August, for some flowering shrubs, when moved with large soil balls and supplemented by heavy pruning, strengthening shade, watering, and spraying management after transplanting can achieve a relatively high survival rate, such as golden-leaf privet (Ligustrum vicaryi), red-leaf barberry (Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea), golden-edge oriental arborvitae, golden-heart (edge) boxwood (Buxus), Hypericum (Hypericum), Mahonia (Mahonia fortunei), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), azalea (Rhododendron), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), michelia (Michelia figo), dragon juniper balls (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), Sabina chinensis balls, boxwood balls (Buxus), pomegranate (Punica granatum), hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), French holly (Viburnum tinus) and others. In the courtyard, herbaceous flowers can also be transplanted and planted out, such as scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), marigold (Tagetes erecta), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), French marigold (Tagetes patula), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) and others, and they can be expected to bloom between September and October.
2. Pruning. In August, roadside hedges in the courtyard such as boxwood (Buxus), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), privet (Ligustrum lucidum), golden-leaf privet (Ligustrum vicaryi), French holly (Viburnum tinus), Photinia (Photinia) and others should continue to be pruned. Ground-planted ball plants, such as Photinia (Photinia), dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), Sabina chinensis, bayberry (Myrica rubra), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), Pittosporum tobira, Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex chinensis) and others, must also be pruned again. For ground-planted flowering trees that bloom continuously for a long time, such as Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), pomegranate (Punica granatum), hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), lantana (Lantana camara) and others, spent flowers should be removed promptly, and the shoot tips should be appropriately cut back. For ground-planted herbaceous flowers, such as scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), early chrysanthemum, French marigold (Tagetes patula), marigold (Tagetes erecta) and others, topping and pinching should be carried out.
3. Watering. In August, for flowering shrubs transplanted in spring and herbaceous flowers planted out, watering and spraying management should be strengthened. For plants whose trunks are tied with straw ropes, the straw ropes should be sprayed wet to ensure that the plants do not show wilting of new shoots and young leaves. Spray more and water cautiously to ensure no water accumulates at the roots.
4. Fertilizing. In August, for ground-planted red-flowered Loropetalum, golden-edge (heart) boxwood (Buxus), red-leaf barberry (Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea), golden-leaf privet (Ligustrum vicaryi), purple-leaf dwarf cherry (Prunus), croton (Codiaeum variegatum), red mulberry (Acalypha wilkesiana), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) and others, in order to keep the leaf color bright for a long time, quick-acting fertilizer with a relatively balanced three elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied. For species that continue to bloom, such as Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), daily-fragrant osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), four-season osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), flowering pomegranate (Punica granatum), hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), lantana (Lantana camara) and others, as well as species about to bloom, such as osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum), cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), autumn anemone (Anemone hupehensis) and others, appropriate amounts of quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied promptly by watering. For camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), plum blossom (Prunus mume), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) and others in flower bud differentiation, a small amount of monopotassium phosphate solution can be sprayed by foliar topdressing.
5. Pest and disease control. In August, for scale insects occurring on cedars (Cedrus deodara), privet (Ligustrum lucidum), Pittosporum tobira, osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Photinia (Photinia), camellia (Camellia japonica) and others, promptly spray 40% Supracide at 1500 times dilution for control. For chrysanthemum tiger and aphids occurring on ground-planted chrysanthemums, spray 90% trichlorfon crystals at 1000 times dilution to kill them. For larvae such as rose sawfly and tobacco cutworm that chew Chinese rose leaves, promptly spray 10% fenvalerate at 1000 times dilution for control.
6. Seed collection. In August, woody flower species whose seeds can be collected include: peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), elm-leaved spirea (Prunus triloba), red-flowered camellia (Camellia), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), summer wintersweet (Calycanthus) and others. Herbaceous flowers whose seeds can be collected include: peony (Paeonia lactiflora), sun plant (Portulaca grandiflora), four-o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa), phlox (Phlox drummondii), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) and others.
Management of courtyard potted flowers
1. Watering. In August, watering should be done between 9 and 10 a.m., and after 4 p.m., keeping water temperature basically consistent with soil temperature and air temperature. For acid-loving ornamental plant species, 0.1% ferrous sulfate can be added to the irrigation water. It is worth noting that for ornamental plants with dense hairs on the leaf surface, such as slipper flower (Calceolaria), gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa), iron cross begonia (Begonia masoniana), hairy-leaf begonia (Begonia) and others, water droplets that fall on the leaf surface are not easy to evaporate and can easily cause leaf rot, so only a small amount of misting can be done; the flower bud cluster of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) and the center of the leaf cluster of clivia (Clivia miniata) must not be drenched with water, as dirty water flowing into the leaf cluster can cause heart rot; for bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), water less and spray more, and inject water into the leaf tube to meet their needs. This month, while watering and spraying potted plants, be sure to loosen the soil, once every 10 days, otherwise repeated watering will cause the potting soil to become compacted. For flower species in dormant and semi-dormant states, control watering and spraying, just maintaining the potting soil slightly moist; by spraying water around the small environment around the flower pot, create a relatively cool and moist environment for them.
2. Fertilizing. In August, for foliage plants such as Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), red (green) gem (Fittonia), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), beautiful date palm (Phoenix), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), fishtail palm (Caryota), fan palm (Livistona chinensis), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Brazilian wood (Dracaena fragrans), Dutch iron (Yucca), money tree (Pachira aquatica), Boston fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), Schefflera (Schefflera), Fagraea ceilanica (African jasmine), cinnamon (Cinnamomum kotoense) (peace wood), coin tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum), green emperor (Aglaonema), green queen (Aglaonema), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia), Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), miniature coconut (Chamaedorea elegans), croton (Codiaeum variegatum), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica) and others, low-concentration liquid fertilizer can be applied, such as urea liquid, special flower fertilizer, or cake fertilizer water. For long-flowering species, such as Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), white orchid (Michelia alba), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), flowering pomegranate (Punica granatum), Milan (Aglaia odorata), four-season osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), daily-fragrant osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), lantana (Lantana camara) and others, as well as fruit-viewing bitter orange (Citrus aurantium var. amara), finger citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), lemon (Citrus limon), Ardisia crenata, firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), golden bullet (Fortunella), fruit pomegranate (Punica granatum), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), papaya (Chaenomeles sinensis) and others, in addition to ensuring nitrogen supply, appropriate amounts of quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should also be applied, such as monopotassium phosphate. For potted herbaceous flowers that bloom in autumn, such as scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), drought chrysanthemum, marigold (Tagetes erecta), French marigold (Tagetes patula), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), China aster (Callistephus chinensis), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum), miniature sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and others, apply dilute liquid fertilizer once every half month to ensure lush leaves and abundant flowers after autumn. For flowering tree species in flower bud differentiation, such as camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), plum blossom (Prunus mume), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), azalea (Rhododendron) and others, low-concentration phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied as foliar topdressing. When applying organic fertilizer to ornamental plants, do not let the fertilizer liquid drip on the leaves, so as to avoid leaf rot. To be safe, spray the leaves once promptly after fertilizing to wash away fertilizer droplets that may adhere to the leaves. For ornamental plant species in dormant and semi-dormant states, such as clivia (Clivia miniata), wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens), calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), Daphne (Daphne odora), aloe (Aloe), kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), purslane tree (Portulacaria afra), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera), sedum (Sedum), purple triangular wood sorrel (Oxalis triangularis), cacti (Cactaceae), cactus balls (Cactaceae) and others, stop all forms of topdressing, otherwise it is very easy to cause root rot or death of the plant.
3. Shading. In August, the heat is still strong, and shading management for courtyard potted flowers remains very important. For cool-loving ornamental plant species, such as Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), giant taro (Alocasia), Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum), Calathea (Calathea), red (green) gem (Fittonia), palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), green emperor (Aglaonema), green queen (Aglaonema), orchid grass (Orchidaceae), Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia), pepper plants (Peperomia), bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), Adina pilulifera, mirror grass (Pilea peperomioides), ferns (Pteridophyta), Buddha belly bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa), phoenix-tail bamboo (Bambusa multiplex), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Reineckea carnea, miniature coconut (Chamaedorea elegans), network plant (Fittonia), purple velvet (Gynura aurantiaca), blood-leaf orchid (Ludisia discolor), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), black-leaf alocasia (Alocasia), crystal anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), red palm (Anthurium andraeanum), begonias (Begonia), lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus), purple hosta (Hosta ventricosa) and others, continue to provide shade shed shading. Pull up the shade net at 9 a.m. and remove it after 4 p.m. If there are not many potted flowers, they can also be moved indoors for the 6 to 7 hours around noon. If conditions permit, they can also be moved under the dense shade of large trees, and moved out from under the tree shade in mid-September.
4. Pruning. In August, continue to pinch or prune vigorously growing, pruning-tolerant, easily sprouting tree stump bonsai, such as Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), Fraxinus chinensis, water willow (Adina rubella), boxwood (Buxus sinica) and others. For Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), flowering pomegranate (Punica granatum), Milan (Aglaia odorata) and others, cut back after each flowering. For potted chrysanthemums, do a good job of bud removal and disbudding?BR>5. Pest and disease control. In August, control pests such as scale insects, citrus swallowtail butterfly, rose sawfly, and peach red-necked longhorn beetle. Pay attention to the prevention of orchid leaf diseases, including anthracnose, gray mold, and leaf blight. Pay attention to the control of chrysanthemum aphids, leaf miners, and stem borers.
Potted plants suitable for balcony display
In August, the balcony still has strong light and dry, hot air. Only some potted ornamental plants with very strong resistance or long placed on the balcony can adapt. Such as black pine (Pinus thunbergii), Zuisho Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Zuisho'), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), water willow (Adina rubella), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex chinensis), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), fruit pomegranate (Punica granatum), flowering pomegranate (Punica granatum), boxwood (Buxus sinica), oriental arborvitae stump (Platycladus orientalis), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), creeping juniper (Juniperus procumbens), oak (Quercus), Fraxinus chinensis, Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), agave (Agave), lantana (Lantana camara), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), Milan (Aglaia odorata), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) and others. In August, some flowering trees on the balcony can be moved to air-conditioned rooms, such as large-flowered cymbidium (Cymbidium), Dendrobium (Dendrobium), Cattleya (Cattleya), Chinese cymbidium (Cymbidium sinense), Vanda (Vanda), Oncidium (Oncidium), South American cycad (Zamia), black-leaf alocasia (Alocasia), crystal anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), red palm (Anthurium andraeanum), giant taro (Alocasia), red (green) gem (Fittonia), Calathea (Calathea), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), king coconut (Cocos nucifera), baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii), Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), palm grass (Rhapis excelsa), money tree (Pachira aquatica), clivia (Clivia miniata), fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida), network plant (Fittonia), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), Brazilian wood (Dracaena fragrans), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica) and others.
Propagation of balcony flowers
In August, on the balcony, use large-diameter flower pots covered with plastic film to keep moisture and take cuttings of some ornamental plants. The cutting substrate can be rice chaff ash mixed with fine sand at a 2:1 ratio, or vermiculite alone. Ornamental plant species that can be cut include: Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), begonia (Begonia), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), coral flower (Pachystachys lutea), daily-fragrant osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), Guangdong evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), michelia (Michelia figo) and others; during the 5 to 6 hours around noon, move them indoors. Indoors, some ornamental plants can also be water-cut, but the water must be changed frequently, such as: Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus), Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla), Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), fig (Ficus carica), Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa), Frangipani (Plumeria rubra), geranium (Pelargonium), Guangdong evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida) and others.
Management of balcony flowers
1. Watering. In August, watering and spraying balcony potted flowers must be done carefully. First, avoid too great a difference between water temperature and soil temperature and air temperature; second, pay attention to the time of watering and spraying, which can be done before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.; third, while watering, do not neglect loosening the soil of potted plants; fourth, it is best to add a small amount of ferrous sulfate to the irrigation water to meet the needs of most ornamental plants for a slightly acidic soil environment. If the balcony is relatively spacious, bricks can be used to build a simple sand pool, place 10 cm thick wet sand inside, and then place some potted flowers that prefer moisture on the wet sand, such as: Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii), camellia (Camellia japonica), tea camellia (Camellia sasanqua), Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum), Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium ensifolium, bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), red (green) gem (Fittonia), pearl orchid (Chloranthus spicatus) and others. Usually use spraying instead of watering, which is very beneficial for their safe overwintering in summer. For large-flowered cymbidium (Cymbidium), tiger-head orchid (Cymbidium), Oncidium (Oncidium), Cattleya (Cattleya), fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida), Dendrobium (Dendrobium), crystal anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), black-leaf alocasia (Alocasia) and others, they can be moved to air-conditioned rooms, using spraying instead of watering, to ensure they can pass the summer normally. For flower species placed on the balcony that are relatively high-temperature tolerant, such as Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), Milan (Aglaia odorata), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), pomegranate (Punica granatum), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), boxwood (Buxus sinica), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora 'Zuisho'), wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), water willow (Adina rubella), agave (Agave), sago palm (Cycas revoluta) and others, water 1 to 2 times a day and spray 1 to 2 times a day.
2. Fertilizing. In August, stop fertilizing balcony potted plants in dormant and semi-dormant states. For vigorously growing foliage plants, spray or apply 0.3% urea liquid, or scatter multi-element compound fertilizer granules on the pot surface. For flowering trees mainly for flower and fruit viewing, such as white orchid (Michelia alba), Milan (Aglaia odorata), pomegranate (Punica granatum), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium var. amara), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana), finger citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), kumquat (Fortunella margarita) and others, continue to apply quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. For Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex chinensis), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), water willow (Adina rubella), boxwood (Buxus sinica) and others, after each pruning, apply a thin fertilizer.
3. Shading. In August, for potted plants placed on the balcony receiving full light, especially shallow-pot stump bonsai, such as five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), plum blossom (Prunus mume), trident maple (Acer buergerianum) and others, cover the pot surface with soft grass, moss, or wet cloth, which can both retain moisture and lower temperature and protect the plant's nutrient fibrous roots distributed in the surface soil from damage. If the balcony is relatively spacious, shade netting can be used to block light. If there are not many and relatively precious potted flowering trees on the balcony, it is best to move them indoors for the 5 to 6 hours around noon.
4. Pruning. In August, for most tree stump bonsai placed on the balcony, such as Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Chinese boxthorn (Sageretia thea), June snow (Serissa japonica), Fraxinus chinensis, oak (Quercus), small bayberry (Myrica), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), Chinese juniper (Sabina chinensis), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), boxwood (Buxus sinica), firethorn (Pyracantha fortuneana) and others, pinching or pruning is still needed this month. For spent flowers, withered stems, dead branches, and yellow leaves on other potted ornamental plants, also remove them promptly.
5. Pest and disease control. In August, red spider mites are most likely to occur on the balcony, and should be promptly sprayed with 25% fenbutatin oxide wettable powder at 1500 times dilution. For a small number of scale insects appearing on flowering trees, they can be removed by sticking with transparent tape. For aphids that often appear on chrysanthemums, spray with 90% trichlorfon crystals at 1000 times dilution.

Flower Planting Manual (September Chapter)

Flowers suitable for courtyard display
In September, temperatures gradually decline across most parts of China, with monthly average temperatures between 20°C and 24°C. This month is suitable for a wide variety of potted ornamental plants displayed in courtyards. Among the woody ornamental plants are: Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis), Japanese umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata), lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), Japanese fir (Abies firma), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), nagi (Nageia nagi), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), Australian cycad, Chinese fagraea (Fagraea ceilanica), cinnamon species (Cinnamomum spp.), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), pomegranate (Punica granatum), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), variegated fig (Ficus aspera), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), Dutch iron plant (Yucca), croton (Codiaeum variegatum), Brazil wood (Dracaena fragrans), money tree (Pachira aquatica), umbrella tree (Schefflera), bamboo palm (Rhapis excelsa), frangipani (Plumeria), bottle palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis), leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), gold-dust aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), palm tree, Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), fishtail palm (Caryota), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa), beautiful date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), red maple (Acer palmatum), South American cycad, spruce species (Picea spp.), Schefflera, Garcinia (Clusiaceae), Buddha belly bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa), silver wattle (Grevillea robusta), Aglaia odorata, Michelia alba, orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata), dewberry tree, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), etc. Herbaceous flowers include: large-flowered canna (Canna generalis), scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), early chrysanthemum, bamboo begonia (Begonia maculata), marigold (Tagetes erecta), five-color pepper (Capsicum annuum), spider lily (Lycoris radiata), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), dragon's mouth flower (Antirrhinum majus), etc.
Propagation of Courtyard Flowers
1. Sowing. Woody flowers that can be sown include: tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), red camellia (Camellia chekiangoleosa), michelia species (Michelia spp.), magnolia species (Magnolia spp.), manglietia species (Manglietia spp.), buckeye species (Aesculus spp.), summer sweetshrub (Calycanthus chinensis), Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), etc. Among these, buckeye seeds can be sown in furrows, with the hilum facing down, and the covering soil should not be too deep, ideally 2 to 2.5 cm; cover with plastic film or straw to retain moisture. Summer sweetshrub seeds can be soaked in cold water for 24 to 36 hours before sowing, and seedlings will emerge about 2 weeks after sowing. Except for summer sweetshrub, whose seeds can be dry-stored until the following spring for sowing, all the other species must be stored in moist sand. September is a great time for autumn sowing of herbaceous flowers. Herbaceous flower species that can be sown include: hollyhock (Alcea rosea), dianthus (Dianthus), tall catchfly (Silene armeria), dwarf catchfly (Silene pendula), pansy (Viola tricolor), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), dwarf petunia (Petunia), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), daisy (Bellis perennis), corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), iris (Iris), verbena (Verbena), etc. In addition, greenhouse flowers such as cyclamen (Cyclamen), primrose (Primula), globeflower (Trollius), cineraria (Pericallis), wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens), gerbera (Gerbera), and pocketbook plant (Calceolaria) can also be sown at this time, but must overwinter in a plastic tunnel.
2. Cuttings. Using a medium of half sand and half rice chaff ash, woody flowers that can be propagated by moisture-retaining cuttings in the courtyard include: firethorn (Pyracantha), mahonia (Mahonia), michelia (Michelia), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), Weigela, gold-dust aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'), fuchsia (Fuchsia), Viburnum macrocephalum, snowball viburnum (Viburnum opulus), weigela (Weigela florida), Brunfelsia, jasmine (Jasminum sambac), chloranthus (Chloranthus), golden-vein shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana), coral flower (Russelia equisetiformis), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Schefflera, ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa), etc. Using ordinary sandy soil as a seedbed, woody flowers that can be propagated by cuttings include: boxwood species (Buxus spp.), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), hypericum (Hypericum), spiraea (Spiraea), pomegranate (Punica granatum), rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), bridal wreath (Spiraea prunifolia), hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), French holly (Viburnum tinus), golden privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum'), red barberry (Berberis thunbergii), nandina (Nandina domestica), fig (Ficus carica), oleander (Nerium oleander), serissa (Serissa japonica), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), Chaenomeles speciosa, tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), etc. Some herbaceous flowers can also be propagated by cuttings, such as scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), marigold (Tagetes erecta), sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), cold chrysanthemum, etc.
3. Grafting. The following flowers can be grafted: using peony root sections as rootstock, graft superior varieties of tree peony; using peach (Prunus persica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), etc. seedlings as rootstock, bud-graft flowering almond (Prunus triloba), ornamental peach (Prunus persica 'Duplex'), longevity peach, red-leaf peach, plum blossom (Prunus mume), etc.; using green maple (Acer palmatum) seedlings as rootstock, bag and moisture-retain to cleft-graft red maple (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'), feather maple (Acer palmatum 'Dissectum'), etc.; using Magnolia denudata seedlings as rootstock, bud-graft superior varieties of Magnolia denudata and Magnolia soulangeana; using potted Magnolia liliiflora as rootstock, graft Michelia alba; using citrus seedlings as rootstock, bud-graft kumquat (Fortunella margarita), etc.; using Chionanthus retusus as rootstock, graft osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans); using potted seedling wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) as rootstock, graft superior varieties of wintersweet.
4. Layering. Ornamental flowers that can be propagated by layering include: Chaenomeles speciosa, weigela (Weigela florida), hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), oleander (Nerium oleander), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), Forsythia, osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), michelia (Michelia), camellia (Camellia japonica), chloranthus (Chloranthus), French holly (Viburnum tinus), snowball viburnum (Viburnum opulus), Viburnum macrocephalum, bridal wreath (Spiraea prunifolia), spiraea (Spiraea), etc.
5. Division. Ornamental plants that can be propagated by division include: spring orchid (Cymbidium goeringii), cymbidium (Cymbidium faberi), sword-leaf cymbidium (Cymbidium ensifolium), peony (Paeonia lactiflora), tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), Guangdong evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), purple triangular wood sorrel (Oxalis triangularis), golden glow (Rudbeckia laciniata), snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), Anthurium 'Little Angel', multi-head green emperor (Aglaonema), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), Chaenomeles speciosa, purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), silver-striped lilyturf (Ophiopogon jaburan 'Argenteus'), cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), big-leaf lilyturf (Liriope muscari), etc. In addition, hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis), tulip (Tulipa), freesia (Freesia), calla lily (Zantedeschia), spider lily (Lycoris radiata), Mediterranean bluebell (Scilla peruviana), etc. can also have their bulblets divided and planted at this time to cultivate large flowering bulbs.
Management of Courtyard Field-Grown Flowers
1. Transplanting. Because September temperatures are still relatively high, unless there is a special need, flowers are generally not transplanted in the courtyard. If for the arrangement of a newly built courtyard or the renovation of an old courtyard, transplanting can be done provided a soil ball is kept. Species include: oleander (Nerium oleander), dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), michelia (Michelia), Sabina chinensis, osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), camellia (Camellia japonica), red barberry (Berberis thunbergii), golden leaf privet (Ligustrum), boxwood species (Buxus spp.), hypericum (Hypericum), French holly (Viburnum tinus), red-flowered loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum), gold-dust aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'), etc. Transplanting requires heavy pruning and strengthened watering, spraying, and shading management to ensure success. Some herbaceous flowers can still be planted out or potted for viewing in golden autumn October. Species include: scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), marigold (Tagetes erecta), French marigold (Tagetes patula), dragon's mouth flower (Antirrhinum majus), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), small dahlia, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), dwarf canna, early chrysanthemum, etc.
2. Pruning. Continue to prune vigorously growing courtyard hedges and ball-shaped ornamental plants with strong sprouting ability; this is also the last pruning of the year for ball-shaped plants in northern China during the growing season. The main courtyard hedge and color-block tree species suitable for pruning are: boxwood species (Buxus spp.), French holly (Viburnum tinus), Photinia davidsoniae, privet (Ligustrum), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), red barberry (Berberis thunbergii), golden leaf privet (Ligustrum), golden-edged oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis), etc. Ball-shaped ornamental plants suitable for pruning are: dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), Sabina chinensis, boxwood (Buxus), bayberry (Myrica rubra), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex), photinia (Photinia), pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira), firethorn (Pyracantha), Forsythia, etc. Field-grown herbaceous flowers that can be tipped and pinched include: scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), summer cypress (Kochia scoparia), marigold (Tagetes erecta), French marigold (Tagetes patula), etc. Pinching should be done once every 10 days to encourage full plant shape and more flower clusters on side shoots; stop pinching after late September. For long-blooming field-grown woody flowers, such as variety roses, floribunda roses, miniature roses, climbing roses, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), flowering pomegranate, lantana (Lantana camara), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), etc., promptly cut off faded flowers and withered stems, and moderately shorten the flowered branches to effectively promote reblooming.
3. Watering. In September, the climate is relatively dry. For trees and flowering shrubs transplanted in the courtyard in spring of the same year, continuing good watering and spraying management is one of the key measures to consolidate their survival. First, water the roots to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; second, spray water on the straw ropes wrapped around trunks to create a locally moist protective layer for the trunk; third, spray water on the canopy to reduce leaf transpiration and increase local humidity. In addition, for newly planted herbaceous flowers, also do a good job of spraying to retain moisture.
4. Fertilizing. For field-grown colorful foliage plants, such as golden leaf privet (Ligustrum), red barberry (Berberis thunbergii), red maple (Acer palmatum), red-flowered loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum), variegated shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'), croton (Codiaeum variegatum), gold-dust aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'), red mulberry (Acalypha wilkesiana), red-leaf dwarf cherry, red-leaf plum, red-leaf peach, etc., appropriately apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to keep the foliage color fresh and bright. For field-grown flowers that bloom continuously or are viewed for flowers or fruits in autumn, such as crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), fragrant osmanthus, four-season mandarin, flowering pomegranate, bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum), canna (Canna), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), lantana (Lantana camara), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), firethorn (Pyracantha), Ardisia crenata, kumquat (Fortunella margarita), etc., as well as large numbers of field-grown autumn herbaceous flowers, it is suitable to apply quick-acting fertilizer balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For kumquat, silver osmanthus, and orange osmanthus that are blooming, fertilization can be stopped during the flowering period.
5. Pest and disease control. For the green slug moth harming crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), firethorn (Pyracantha), crabapple (Malus), etc., spray 90% trichlorfon crystal at 800 times dilution for control; for the star longhorn beetle harming crape myrtle, papaya (Chaenomeles), and crabapple, insert poison sticks into the insect holes for control; for powdery mildew appearing on rose and chrysanthemum plants, use 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 1000 times dilution in the early stage of disease for control.
6. Seed collection. The woody ornamental plants from which seeds can be collected are mainly flowers of the Magnoliaceae family. Such as Oyama magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii), michelia (Michelia), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), Magnolia denudata, Magnolia yunshanensis, Michelia chapensis, Michelia floribunda, Michelia maudiae, southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), etc. In addition, there are buckeye species (Aesculus spp.), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), lilac (Syringa), crabapple species (Malus spp.), redbud (Cercis chinensis), Exochorda racemosa, yew (Taxus), shining wintersweet (Chimonanthus nitens), etc. Seeds of Magnoliaceae, yew, buckeye, crabapple, etc. must be stored in moist sand until early the following spring after treatment, and sown after the seeds crack. Herbaceous flower seeds that can be collected include: marigold (Tagetes erecta), zinnia (Zinnia elegans), garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina), four-o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum), China aster (Callistephus chinensis), etc. After collection, thresh promptly and dry-store until spring of the following year for sowing.
Management of Courtyard Potted Flowers
1. Watering. In September, light is strong, temperatures are high, and the air is quite dry, so watering management for potted flowers cannot be neglected. For watering frequency, for generally moisture-loving foliage plants, in the first half of the month water or spray once each in the morning and afternoon; in the second half of the month change to watering once, with appropriate foliar spraying. For most potted flowers and bonsai, water once a day, supplemented by foliar spraying. Water before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. For ornamental plants that prefer acidic conditions, add a small amount of 0.1% light green ferrous sulfate powder to the irrigation water. For flower species that resume growth after autumn from summer dormancy or semi-dormancy, gradually increase the amount and frequency of watering (or spraying). While watering potted plants, loosen the soil once every half month.
2. Fertilizing. September is the period of vigorous growth for most flowers. Some flower species that were dormant or semi-dormant in summer begin to resume growth as temperatures gradually cool, so fertilization management should be highly prioritized this month. For foliage plants, such as monstera (Monstera deliciosa), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), money tree (Pachira aquatica), Brazil wood (Dracaena fragrans), Philodendron bipinnatifidum, bamboo palm (Rhapis excelsa), Chinese fagraea (Fagraea ceilanica), cinnamon species (Cinnamomum spp.), money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), fishtail palm (Caryota), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), red (green) gem, green emperor (Aglaonema), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), maranta species (Maranta spp.), Syngonium, fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), etc., still mainly use low-concentration dilute fertilizer liquid, such as 0.3% urea solution. For flower species with very long bloom periods or peak bloom in autumn, such as Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), three-color lantana, lantana (Lantana camara), pomegranate (Punica granatum), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Aglaia odorata, Michelia alba, jasmine (Jasminum sambac), four-season osmanthus, fragrant osmanthus, osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), etc.; fruit-viewing plants such as bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), Ardisia crenata, firethorn (Pyracantha), papaya (Chaenomeles), golden bullet tree, purple pearl (Callicarpa), fruiting pomegranate, etc.; colorful foliage plants such as croton (Codiaeum variegatum), gold-dust aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'), bromeliads, variegated fig (Ficus aspera), golden-edged Brazil wood, ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa), coleus (Coleus), etc., apply fertilizer balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For fuchsia (Fuchsia), geranium (Pelargonium), calla lily (Zantedeschia), cyclamen (Cyclamen), wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens), daphne (Daphne), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera), sedum species (Sedum spp.), purslane tree (Portulacaria afra), purple triangular wood sorrel (Oxalis triangularis), clivia (Clivia miniata), epiphyllum (Epiphyllum), etc. that are resuming growth, resume applying low-concentration liquid fertilizer; for flowers that have completed flower bud differentiation and entered the flower bud swelling stage, such as camellia (Camellia japonica), camellia sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), plum blossom (Prunus mume), michelia (Michelia), rhododendron (Rhododendron), etc., apply low-concentration nutritionally balanced fertilizer; for potted herbaceous flowers, such as scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), marigold (Tagetes erecta), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum), China aster (Callistephus chinensis), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), dwarf sunflower, etc., apply a thin fertilizer once every 10 days to meet the needs of bud formation and flowering next month.
3. Shading. In September, temperatures are high and sunlight is still intense, so shading management for courtyard potted flowers still cannot be relaxed. For those shade-loving foliage plant species, such as monstera (Monstera deliciosa), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus), Syngonium, maranta species (Maranta spp.), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), bamboo palm (Rhapis excelsa), green emperor (Aglaonema), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), orchid grass, pink taro (Caladium), Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), begonia (Begonia), Epipremnum pinnatum, Anthurium 'Little Angel', red (green) gem, crystal anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), black-leaf alocasia (Alocasia amazonica), nerve plant (Fittonia), red-vein shrimp plant (Justicia), asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus), Schefflera, variegated brake fern (Pteris), watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia), dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia), giant taro (Alocasia), anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), staghorn fern (Platycerium), mirror grass (Pilea peperomioides), water buttonbush (Adina), king palm, lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), etc., through shading, give 5 to 6 hours of light per day; for light-loving species, such as trident maple (Acer buergerianum), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), water yangmei (Adina rubella), black pine (Pinus thunbergii), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) (stump), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), wisteria (Wisteria), Aglaia odorata, jasmine (Jasminum sambac), firethorn (Pyracantha), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), oak, Chinese ash bonsai, etc., give full sunlight; for semi-shade-loving species, such as Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), tiger thorn (Damnacanthus), red nan (Syzygium buxifolium), ?, epiphyllum (Epiphyllum), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), jade plant (Crassula ovata), rhododendron species (Rhododendron spp.), camellia (Camellia japonica), camellia sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua), finger citron (Citrus medica), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), etc., provide appropriate shading around noon. For newly transplanted and potted autumn herbaceous flowers, also provide appropriate shading to prevent wilting and affect their recovery growth.
4. Pruning. For potted chrysanthemums, continue to do bud removal and disbudding work; for Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), flowering pomegranate, Aglaia odorata, jasmine (Jasminum sambac), chloranthus (Chloranthus), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), lantana (Lantana camara), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), coral flower (Russelia equisetiformis), etc., prune after each flowering; for tree-stump bonsai species that tolerate pruning, sprout easily, and grow vigorously, such as Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), plum yew (Sageretia thea), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), red nan (Syzygium buxifolium), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), water yangmei (Adina rubella), boxwood (Buxus sinica), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) (stump), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), Chinese ash bonsai, tamarisk (Tamarix), etc., continue to prune or pinch buds. In addition, money tree seedlings can be braided into "braids" and potted.
5. Pest and disease control. For peach red-necked longhorn beetle appearing on potted plum blossom (Prunus mume), crabapple (Malus), longevity peach, ornamental peach (Prunus persica 'Duplex'), etc., insert poison sticks to block and kill, or bury furadan granules for control. For Japanese wax scale (Ceroplastes japonicus), cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), armored scale (Diaspididae), felt scale (Eriococcidae), etc., appearing on potted flowers, use 40% Supracide at 1500 times dilution for control.
Potted Plants Suitable for Balcony Display
In September, the balcony still has strong light and dry air. Only some potted flowers placed on the balcony for a long time or potted flowers with strong resistance can adapt to the special balcony environment. They are: black pine (Pinus thunbergii), Japanese white pine (Pinus aspera), red pine (Pinus densiflora), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), plum yew (Sageretia thea), water yangmei (Adina rubella), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), fruiting pomegranate, boxwood (Buxus sinica), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) (stump), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), Chinese ash bonsai, banyan (Ficus microcarpa), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), agave (Agave), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Aglaia odorata, jasmine (Jasminum sambac), hackberry (Celtis sinensis), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), prickly elm (Ulmus davidiana), serissa (Serissa japonica), firethorn (Pyracantha), lantana (Lantana camara), etc. For some flower species that prefer a cool environment, they can continue to be placed indoors with air conditioning, such as large-flowered cymbidium (Cymbidium), oncidium (Oncidium), dendrobium (Dendrobium), cattleya (Cattleya), vanda (Vanda), spider orchid (Brassia), black-leaf alocasia (Alocasia amazonica), crystal anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), clivia (Clivia miniata), fuchsia (Fuchsia), nerve plant (Fittonia), etc.; for some common foliage plants, they can be moved indoors for 4 to 5 hours around noon, such as bamboo palm (Rhapis excelsa), monstera (Monstera deliciosa), Brazil wood (Dracaena fragrans), money tree (Pachira aquatica), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), fishtail palm (Caryota), queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), spotted stembark tree, gold-dust aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'), Schefflera, etc. Propagation of Balcony Flowers In September, on the balcony, you can continue to use large-diameter flower pots as containers, filled with a mixed medium of rice chaff ash and moist sand at 1/2 each, covered with plastic film to retain moisture, and propagate some ornamental plants by cuttings, such as gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa), gold-dust aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'), Schefflera, fragrant osmanthus, four-season osmanthus, camellia (Camellia japonica), camellia sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua), chloranthus (Chloranthus), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), red-backed excoecaria (Excoecaria cochinchinensis), coral flower (Russelia equisetiformis), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), michelia (Michelia), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), etc. You can also water-propagate Schefflera, Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), fig (Ficus carica), Guangdong evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), etc. indoors.
Management of Balcony Flowers
1. Watering. For some ornamental plants that prefer moisture, such as spring orchid (Cymbidium goeringii), sword-leaf cymbidium (Cymbidium ensifolium), lady's slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum), monstera (Monstera deliciosa), cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), camellia (Camellia japonica), camellia sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua), Anthurium 'Little Angel', chloranthus (Chloranthus), bromeliads, etc., they can be placed on wooden slats over a balcony water basin or water tank, or placed in a self-built simple sand pool, usually using spraying instead of watering. For potted foliage plants placed indoors, also spray more and water less, to keep the potting soil loose and moist; especially in air-conditioned rooms, spray at least 1 to 2 times a day, otherwise even a relatively drought-tolerant five-needle pine bonsai (Pinus parviflora) will dehydrate and die if not watered or sprayed for 5 to 7 days. For potted ornamental plants with strong resistance placed on the balcony, continue to water once a day and spray 1 to 2 times a day, or use the immersion method to prevent the phenomenon of wet top and dry bottom in the potting soil. Watering time should still avoid the 2 to 3 hours around noon, pay attention not to let the water temperature differ too much from the soil and air temperatures, and add a small amount of light green ferrous sulfate to the irrigation water to avoid physiological yellowing of the plants.
2. Fertilizing. For potted flower species gradually resuming growth from dormancy or semi-dormancy, appropriately apply low-concentration liquid fertilizer; for vigorously growing potted stump bonsai, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once after each pinching and pruning; for potted flowers mainly viewed for flowers and fruits, such as Michelia alba, Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), pomegranate (Punica granatum), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), chloranthus (Chloranthus), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), firethorn (Pyracantha), finger citron (Citrus medica), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), etc., continue to apply quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; for potted flowers that have completed flower bud differentiation and whose flower buds are growing, such as camellia (Camellia japonica), camellia sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), plum blossom (Prunus mume), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum), etc., according to the species, apply an appropriate amount of quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer or a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer. The types of fertilizer applied to flowers on the balcony should not have an odor, especially no foul smell; when applying, be careful not to splash downstairs and operate carefully.
3. Shading. For tree-stump bonsai and potted flowers placed on the balcony receiving full sunlight, in order to reduce watering, prevent soil compaction, and protect the nutrient fibrous roots distributed in the surface layer of the potting soil, continue to cover the pot surface with wet straw, moss, wet cloth, etc.; when there are not many potted flowers, move them indoors for 5 to 6 hours around noon; if there are many potted flowers and conditions permit, continue to set up supports and pull shade netting to block light.
4. Pruning. In September, for tree-stump bonsai placed on the balcony, such as Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), plum yew (Sageretia thea), water yangmei (Adina rubella), boxwood (Buxus sinica), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) (stump), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), creeping juniper (Juniperus procumbens), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), Chinese ash bonsai, etc., still need pinching or pruning. For other potted flowers, dead branches, yellow leaves, faded flowers, and withered stems should also be promptly removed.
5. Pest and disease control. In September, the balcony has high temperatures and dry air, and potted flowers are most prone to red spider mite damage, which can be sprayed with 25% fenbutatin oxide wettable powder at 1500 times dilution; for double-striped fir longhorn beetle appearing on dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), and sabina bonsai, and peach red-necked longhorn beetle appearing on plum blossom (Prunus mume), crabapple (Malus), papaya (Chaenomeles), longevity peach, etc., continue to insert poison sticks or bury furadan for control; for various scale insects harming camellia (Camellia japonica), firethorn (Pyracantha), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), etc., when the number is small, wipe them off manually; when the number is large, spray 40% Supracide at 1500 times dilution for control.

Flower Planting Manual Winter

Flower Planting Manual (October Chapter)

Flowers Suitable for Courtyard Display

    In October, temperatures decline across most parts of the country, with monthly average temperatures between 10°C and 19°C. This month is suitable for many types of potted ornamental plants displayed in courtyards. Among the woody ornamental plants are: Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), Japanese umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata), lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), Japanese fir (Abies firma), spruce species (Picea spp.), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), nagi (Nageia nagi), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), Dutch iron plant (Yucca), Chinese fagraea (Fagraea ceilanica), Lanyu cinnamon (Cinnamomum kotoense), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Schefflera, variegated fig (Ficus aspera), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis), croton (Codiaeum variegatum), Brazil wood (Dracaena fragrans), money tree (Pachira aquatica), bamboo palm (Rhapis excelsa), bottle palm (Nolina recurvata), leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica), gold-dust aucuba (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'), thick-leaf fig (Ficus), fishtail palm (Caryota), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa), beautiful date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), desert rose (Adenium obesum), South American cycad, Garcinia, Buddha belly bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa), red maple (Acer palmatum), silver wattle (Grevillea robusta), Aglaia odorata, Michelia alba, dewberry tree, orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), etc. Herbaceous flowers include: scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), large-flowered canna (Canna generalis), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), China aster (Callistephus chinensis), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum), small chrysanthemum, bamboo begonia (Begonia maculata), dragon's mouth flower (Antirrhinum majus), French marigold (Tagetes patula), marigold (Tagetes erecta), five-color pepper (Capsicum annuum), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), dwarf petunia (Petunia), Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri), etc. Note: in North China, Northeast China, and other places, when temperatures drop below 10°C, pay attention to cold protection for southern species planted in the north.

Propagation of Courtyard Flowers

    1. Sowing. Woody flower species that can be sown include: tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), red camellia (Camellia chekiangoleosa), michelia species (Michelia spp.), magnolia species (Magnolia spp.), manglietia species (Manglietia spp.), buckeye species (Aesculus spp.), summer sweetshrub (Calycanthus chinensis), rich fruit tree (Ardisia crenata), soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi), broadleaf holly (Ilex latifolia), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), nagi (Nageia nagi), French holly (Viburnum tinus), Elaeocarpus, beautiful date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), yew (Taxus), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), privet (Ligustrum), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), Weigela, palm, pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), etc. Among these, when sowing buckeye, the hilum should face down; before sowing summer sweetshrub, the seeds should first be soaked for 24 to 36 hours. Except for summer sweetshrub and Weigela seeds, which can be dry-stored until spring for sowing, all other species can have their seeds cleaned and stored in moist sand to promote germination until the seeds crack and show white in the following spring before sowing. Note that before storage and germination promotion, seeds should be rinsed clean; the moisture content of the sand should be such that it forms a ball when held in the hand and disperses when released, and the ratio of seeds to sand is about 1:3. During seed storage and germination promotion, check frequently to prevent seeds from drying out or becoming moldy. Herbaceous flower species that can be sown include: hollyhock (Alcea rosea), mallow (Malva), corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), dianthus species (Dianthus spp.), pansy (Viola tricolor), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis), dwarf catchfly (Silene pendula), tall catchfly (Silene armeria), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), daisy (Bellis perennis), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), iris (Iris), verbena (Verbena), etc. Greenhouse flowers such as globeflower (Trollius), gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa), dwarf petunia (Petunia), cineraria (Pericallis), four-season primrose (Primula), African daisy (Gerbera), pocketbook plant (Calceolaria) can also be sown in plastic tunnels.

    2. Cuttings. Woody flower species that can be propagated by cuttings include: red-backed excoecaria (Excoecaria cochinchinensis), Schefflera, night jessamine (Cestrum nocturnum), lantana (Lantana camara), firethorn (Pyracantha), mahonia (Mahonia), finger citron (Citrus medica), clerodendrum (Clerodendrum thomsoniae), ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa), michelia (Michelia), aucuba (Aucuba), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), chloranthus (Chloranthus), red barberry (Berberis thunbergii), golden leaf privet (Ligustrum), four-season osmanthus, gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), Weigela, snowball (Viburnum), red-flowered spiraea (Spiraea japonica), bridal wreath (Spiraea prunifolia), hypericum (Hypericum), red-leaf plum, Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), Viburnum macrocephalum, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), oleander (Nerium oleander), fig (Ficus carica), Chaenomeles speciosa, etc. The cutting medium can be ordinary sandy loam or yellow subsoil, or a mixture of half sand and half rice chaff ash, using fully enclosed moisture-retaining cuttings. In addition, for some southern flowers propagated by cuttings, when Frost's Descent arrives, pay attention to cold protection. Herbaceous flower species that can be propagated by cuttings include: scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), marigold (Tagetes erecta), wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens), bamboo begonia (Begonia maculata), inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina), golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), clearweed (Pilea), coral flower (Russelia equisetiformis), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana), golden-vein shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana), cold chrysanthemum, etc. Species that can be propagated by cuttings (this part is missing!!)

    3. Grafting. Using 1- to 2-year-old black pine (Pinus thunbergii) seedlings as rootstock, bag and moisture-retain to graft five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora) (including Pinus parviflora 'Ogon'), Japanese black pine (Pinus aspera); using peony roots as rootstock, graft superior varieties of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa); using 1-year-old Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) seedlings as rootstock, bag and moisture-retain to graft red maple (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'), feather maple (Acer palmatum 'Dissectum'), etc.; using 1-year-old Magnolia denudata seedlings as rootstock, bud-graft superior varieties of Magnolia denudata, Magnolia soulangeana, red-flowered magnolia (Magnolia liliflora), etc.; using three-edged arrow (Hylocereus undatus) as rootstock, graft various cactus balls; using 1-year-old citrus seedlings as rootstock, bud-graft kumquat (Fortunella margarita).

    4. Layering. Flower species that can be propagated by ground layering include: camellia (Camellia japonica), plum blossom (Prunus mume), Weigela, hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), weigela (Weigela florida), Chaenomeles speciosa, August osmanthus, snowball viburnum (Viburnum opulus), Viburnum macrocephalum, purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), hypericum (Hypericum), French holly (Viburnum tinus), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), Forsythia, michelia (Michelia), bridal wreath (Spiraea prunifolia), red-flowered spiraea (Spiraea japonica), etc.

    5. Division. Woody flower species that can be propagated by division include: heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei), mahonia (Mahonia), tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), Chaenomeles speciosa, snowball (Viburnum), double-flowered kerria (Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora'), spray flower, spiraea (Spiraea), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), etc. Herbaceous flower species that can be propagated by division include: peony (Paeonia lactiflora), hosta (Hosta), spring orchid (Cymbidium goeringii), purple hosta (Hosta ventricosa), bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), cymbidium (Cymbidium faberi), sword-leaf cymbidium (Cymbidium ensifolium), Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus), golden glow (Rudbeckia laciniata), iris (Iris), blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis), lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), Guangdong evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), purple triangular wood sorrel (Oxalis triangularis), multi-head green emperor (Aglaonema), Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), etc. Flower species that can be propagated by bulb division include: calla lily (Zantedeschia), amaryllis (Hippeastrum), freesia (Freesia), spider lily (Lycoris radiata), tulip (Tulipa), Mediterranean bluebell (Scilla peruviana), etc.

Management of Courtyard Field-Grown Flowers

    1. Transplanting. For some deciduous ornamental plants, transplant after Frost's Descent when leaves have fallen, according to local climate changes, such as rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), redbud (Cercis chinensis), flowering almond (Prunus triloba), pomegranate (Punica granatum), lilac (Syringa), red-leaf plum, purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), ornamental peach (Prunus persica 'Duplex'), longevity peach, floribunda rose, red barberry (Berberis thunbergii), golden leaf privet (Ligustrum), etc. For some evergreen flowering shrubs, such as leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), Sabina chinensis, dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), golden-edged oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis), four-season osmanthus, gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), big-leaf boxwood (Buxus megistophylla), boxwood (Buxus sinica), sparrow-tongue boxwood (Buxus harlandii), etc., when transplanting, first, shorten-prune before transplanting; second, keep a good soil ball; third, strengthen watering and spraying management after transplanting. Courtyard herbaceous flowers that can be planted out include: dianthus (Dianthus), daisy (Bellis perennis), hollyhock (Alcea rosea), ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea), pansy (Viola tricolor), pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), verbena (Verbena), phlox (Phlox), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), autumn zephyr lily (Zephyranthes candida), lilyturf (Liriope), Reineckea carnea, etc. Bulb flowers that can be planted in the ground include: narcissus (Narcissus), pheasant's eye narcissus (Narcissus poeticus), tulip (Tulipa), hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis), etc.

    2. Pruning. Perform the last pruning of the year for courtyard hedges and ball-shaped plants, requiring precision and accuracy, with the standard being flat surfaces, straight lines, and round balls. Courtyard color-block and hedge plant species suitable for pruning include: golden-edged privet (Ligustrum), red barberry (Berberis thunbergii), red-flowered loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum), golden-edged oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis), golden-edged boxwood (Euonymus japonicus 'Aureus'), big-leaf boxwood (Buxus megistophylla), boxwood (Buxus sinica), French holly (Viburnum tinus), privet (Ligustrum), Photinia davidsoniae, small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), etc. Ball-shaped plants needing pruning include: dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), boxwood (Buxus), bayberry (Myrica rubra), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex), photinia (Photinia), pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira), firethorn (Pyracantha), etc. For continuously blooming field-grown flowers in the courtyard, such as Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), lantana (Lantana camara), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), etc., continue to cut off faded flowers and withered stems, and moderately shorten the flowered branches. For field-grown herbaceous flowers in the courtyard, such as scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), marigold (Tagetes erecta), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), etc., promptly cut off open flower heads to encourage side shoots to continue budding and blooming, thereby extending the viewing period.

    3. Watering. For newly planted courtyard flowers of the year, continue good watering and spraying work. First, keep the root soil moist but not waterlogged; second, continue foliar spraying. In addition, for newly planted herbaceous flowers, also do a good job of spraying to retain moisture.

    4. Fertilizing. For field-grown autumn herbaceous flowers in the courtyard, apply quick-acting fertilizer balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; for osmanthus species that have finished blooming, open ring-shaped trenches and bury base fertilizer; for pruned Chinese rose, crabapple (Malus), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), as well as camellia (Camellia japonica), michelia (Michelia), plum blossom (Prunus mume), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), etc., bury an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer; for heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), firethorn (Pyracantha) in the fruit-viewing stage, as well as finger citron (Citrus medica), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), golden bullet tree in the south, appropriately apply a small amount of quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which can effectively extend the fruit-viewing period.

    5. Pest and disease control. For trunk-boring pests appearing on field-grown plum blossom (Prunus mume), red-leaf plum, cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata), crabapple (Malus), etc., continue to use poison sticks for control. For fallen dead branches and leaves in the courtyard, promptly sweep, collect, and burn them. In the north, for thick large trunks in the courtyard, whitewash the trunks at the end of the month, or directly apply lime sulfur mixture to the trunks.

[page]    6. Seed collection. Woody plant species from which seeds can be collected include: Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), nagi (Nageia nagi), soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi), buckeye (Aesculus), purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), Magnolia denudata, manglietia (Manglietia), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Magnolia delavayi, Magnolia amoena, Michelia champaca, Michelia foveolata, Michelia maudiae, red-flowered manglietia (Manglietia insignis), Michelia platypetala, pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), bamboo palm (Rhapis excelsa), Ardisia crenata, beautiful date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), broadleaf holly (Ilex latifolia), French holly (Viburnum tinus), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), privet (Ligustrum), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), Viburnum macrocephalum, Hall crabapple (Malus halliana), papaya (Chaenomeles), sago palm (Cycas revoluta), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), yew (Taxus), oil camellia (Camellia oleifera), etc. These seeds must all be stored in moist sand. Seed species that can be dry-stored include: crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), tulip tree (Liriodendron chinense), red maple (Acer palmatum), Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum), silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata), cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), Choerospondias axillaris, redbud (Cercis chinensis), camptotheca (Camptotheca acuminata), Bischofia polycarpa, five-angle maple (Acer), etc. Herbaceous flowers from which seeds can be collected include: scarlet sage (Salvia splendens), cockscomb (Celosia cristata), zinnia (Zinnia elegans), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa), small dahlia, marigold (Tagetes erecta), French marigold (Tagetes patula), China aster (Callistephus chinensis), garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina), four-o'clock (Mirabilis jalapa), summer cypress (Kochia scoparia), strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum), cosmos (Cosmos), snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata), Mexican fire plant (Euphorbia heterophylla), sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), dancing grass (Codariocalyx motorius), etc.

In addition, at the end of October, for canna (Canna), dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), etc., when the aboveground parts are nearly withered, dig up the underground rhizomes, store them in sand indoors, keep the room temperature no lower than 5°C, and cut and replant them in the following spring.

Management of Courtyard Potted Flowers

    1. Watering. Although the weather has turned cooler, in most areas south of the Huai River, temperatures are still above 17°C, and the air is quite dry, so potted flower watering management must be careful and meticulous. For some moisture-loving foliage plants, such as rubber tree (Ficus elastica), cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), monstera (Monstera deliciosa), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Syngonium, Chinese fagraea (Fagraea ceilanica), Lanyu cinnamon (Cinnamomum kotoense), giant taro (Alocasia), red gem, etc., on sunny days water once a day, supplemented by foliar spraying; for summer-dormant flowers resuming growth after autumn, including semi-dormant species, such as calla lily (Zantedeschia), cyclamen (Cyclamen), clivia (Clivia miniata), purslane tree (Portulacaria afra), daphne (Daphne), geranium (Pelargonium), fuchsia (Fuchsia), etc., increase watering. For wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), plum blossom (Prunus mume), camellia (Camellia japonica), etc. that bloom in winter and early spring, control watering and spray more to promote flower bud swelling. In northern China, for relatively cold-sensitive flower species, reduce watering, which can accelerate the lignification of new shoots and help them overwinter safely. The best watering time is 10 a.m. or 3 p.m.

    2. Fertilizing. For summer-dormant flowers resuming growth after autumn cools, promptly apply low-concentration quick-acting liquid fertilizer; for camellia (Camellia japonica), plum blossom (Prunus mume), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), cineraria (Pericallis), primrose (Primula), clivia (Clivia miniata), cyclamen (Cyclamen), cymbidium (Cymbidium), Belgian azalea (Rhododendron), pheasant's eye narcissus (Narcissus poeticus), etc. that bloom in winter or early spring, continue to apply a mixture of 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.1% urea; for most foliage plants, after mid-October, stop applying nitrogen fertilizer and appropriately apply some low-concentration potassium fertilizer to increase cold resistance of the plants; for fruit-viewing potted plants, such as bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), lemon (Citrus limon), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), nandina, winter coral (Solanum pseudocapsicum), rich fruit tree (Ardisia crenata), golden bullet tree, etc., apply a small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in early to mid-October.

    3. Shading. For some very shade-loving foliage plant species, such as dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia), monstera (Monstera deliciosa), maranta species (Maranta spp.), Syngonium, green gem, Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), peperomia species (Peperomia spp.), etc., shading is still needed for 2 to 3 hours around noon.

    4. Pruning. For most bonsai and potted flowers that must be moved indoors in winter, in mid-to-late October, first cut off dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, weak branches, etc.; for leggy branches, perform heavy shortening; for binding materials that have been in place for 1 to 2 years, remove them, or untie and then re-tie them, to prevent long-term constriction at fixed positions from damaging the cambium of the branches and causing branch and leaf death.

    5. Cold protection. In northern China, in mid-to-late October, promptly move ornamental plant species that cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C into plastic tunnels; for relatively cold-tolerant woody potted flowers or tree-stump bonsai, bury and plant them in wind-sheltered, sunny soil at the end of the month to prevent the potting soil from freezing. In the Yangtze River basin, accurately grasp weather change information and avoid the threat of southward cold waves.

    6. Pest and disease control. Cut off dead branches and fallen leaves on potted flowers, collect them together, and burn them. For potted chrysanthemums, control pests such as aphids, chrysanthemum tiger, leaf-miner larvae, and inchworms.

Potted Plants Suitable for Balcony Display

    In early to mid-October, the balcony still has strong light and dry air. Only potted flowers placed on the balcony for a long time with strong resistance can adapt to the outdoor balcony environment. They are: black pine (Pinus thunbergii), Japanese black pine (Pinus aspera), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), plum yew (Sageretia thea), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), water yangmei (Adina rubella), Chinese ash bonsai, Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), boxwood (Buxus sinica), pomegranate (Punica granatum), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea), thick-leaf fig (Ficus), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), Aglaia odorata, sago palm (Cycas revoluta), firethorn (Pyracantha), lantana (Lantana camara), tamarisk (Tamarix), red maple (Acer palmatum), etc. Some cold-sensitive southern flower species can no longer remain on the balcony when temperatures drop to 10°C. For some flower species that prefer a cooler environment, they can be placed in ordinary indoors at the beginning of the month. Such as large-flowered cymbidium (Cymbidium), crystal anthurium (Anthurium crystallinum), nerve plant (Fittonia), cattleya (Cattleya), moth orchid (Phalaenopsis), oncidium (Oncidium), etc. For some common foliage plants, they can be moved indoors for 3 to 4 hours around noon, and placed on the balcony at other times, such as bamboo palm (Rhapis excelsa), Brazil wood (Dracaena fragrans), money tree (Pachira aquatica), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), fishtail palm (Caryota), queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), bandou, Schefflera, etc. In northern China, when temperatures drop to 10°C, the vast majority of flowers can no longer be placed on the balcony. Propagation of Balcony Flowers In early October, you can continue to use wide-mouthed large flower pots as cutting containers on the balcony, filled with a mixed cutting medium of rice chaff ash and moist sand at 1/2 each, or use vermiculite alone as the cutting medium, cover with plastic film to retain moisture, and propagate a small number of ornamental plants by cuttings, such as gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), Schefflera, rubber tree (Ficus elastica), aucuba (Aucuba), michelia (Michelia), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), chloranthus (Chloranthus), Guangdong evergreen (Aglaonema modestum), coral flower (Russelia equisetiformis), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), finger citron (Citrus medica), silver queen (Aglaonema commutatum), golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), geranium (Pelargonium), etc.

Management of Balcony Flowers

    1. Watering. For woody ornamental plants placed on the balcony, such as sago palm (Cycas revoluta), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), rubber tree (Ficus elastica), Schefflera, Brazil wood (Dracaena fragrans), money tree (Pachira aquatica), Aglaia odorata, Michelia alba, jasmine (Jasminum sambac), etc., water once a day, supplemented by foliar spraying; for species that have already formed flower buds and will bloom in winter and early spring, such as wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), plum blossom (Prunus mume), camellia (Camellia japonica), camellia sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua), Belgian azalea (Rhododendron), etc., watering should not be excessive, and spraying the branches and leaves can effectively promote flower bud swelling. For potted foliage plants placed indoors, such as monstera (Monstera deliciosa), Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Anthurium 'Little Angel', cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa), bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus), anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum), money tree (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), maranta species (Maranta spp.), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), etc., all should be mainly sprayed and supplemented by watering, to keep the potting soil from drying out.

    2. Fertilizing. For potted flower species resuming growth from dormancy and semi-dormancy, such as clivia (Clivia miniata), cyclamen (Cyclamen), calla lily (Zantedeschia), as well as large-flowered cymbidium (Cymbidium), bromeliads, Chinese cymbidium (Cymbidium), etc., apply a mixture of 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.1% urea; for fruit-viewing plants such as bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), golden bean (Fortunella), lemon (Citrus limon), nandina, golden bullet tree, rich fruit tree (Ardisia crenata), firethorn (Pyracantha), winter coral (Solanum pseudocapsicum), etc., continue to apply a small amount of low-concentration quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; for Aglaia odorata, Michelia alba, chloranthus (Chloranthus), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), etc., apply 1 to 2 times of thin phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in early October to help them overwinter smoothly.

    3. Shading. In early to mid-October, for tree-stump bonsai and potted flowers placed on the balcony receiving full sunlight, in order to reduce watering, protect the nutrient fibrous roots on the surface of the potting soil, and prevent soil compaction, continue to cover the surface of the potting soil with wet straw, moss, wet cloth, etc. Especially shallow-pot tree-stump bonsai should receive more attention. For some shade-loving foliage plants, on clear days, move them indoors for 3 to 4 hours around noon. The shade netting set up in summer can be removed after mid-October.

    4. Pruning. In mid-to-late October, for tree-stump bonsai placed on the balcony, such as Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), plum yew (Sageretia thea), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), Fujian tea (Carmona retusa), oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) (stump), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), privet (Ligustrum), Chinese ash bonsai, etc., necessary pruning and shaping must be done. For metal wires or non-metal wires that have been tied for more than a year, first untie them; if the shaping requirements have not yet been met, re-tie and fix at a new binding position, which can avoid serious damage to the plant from overly deep constriction marks. For ordinary potted flowers, such as Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), plum blossom (Prunus mume), Chaenomeles speciosa, Hall crabapple (Malus halliana), etc., appropriate pruning can also be done.

    5. Pest and disease control. In late October, collect and burn the dead branches and fallen leaves of all potted flowers on the balcony. For tree-stump bonsai with partially exposed trunk xylem, apply lime sulfur mixture to the trunk, which can both protect the trunk xylem and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases in the coming year.
Flower Planting Manual (November Chapter)

    Weather characteristics of November: This month is the turn of autumn and winter. November 7 is the Start of Winter, the beginning of winter in China; the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River are about to freeze. November 22 is Minor Snow; the Yellow River basin and areas to the north begin to see snowfall, and the Yangtze River basin also begins to enter winter. This month's flower and tree maintenance should focus on two aspects: first, pruning and cleaning field-grown flowers and trees, whitewashing trunks and pest removal, turning the soil and applying base fertilizer; second, effectively doing cold and freeze protection work for bonsai and flowers in greenhouses and plastic tunnels. This month's flower management mainly includes the following contents.

I. Flower Propagation

    1. Sowing. Flower species that can be sown in greenhouses in November include: globeflower (Trollius), gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa), tuberous begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida), cyclamen (Cyclamen), African daisy (Gerbera), clivia (Clivia miniata), asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus), hosta (Hosta), etc.

    Flower and tree species that can be sown immediately after collection in November include: snowball (Viburnum), small-leaf privet (Ligustrum quihoui), privet (Ligustrum), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), pencil juniper (Juniperus virginiana), nagi (Nageia nagi), Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi), rich fruit tree (Ardisia crenata), palm, French holly (Viburnum tinus), photinia (Photinia), Photinia davidsoniae, etc.

    2. Cuttings. In November, open-field cuttings can be done, but plastic film covering must be added for insulation and cold protection. The main flower and tree species include: red-leaf plum, plum blossom (Prunus mume) (referring to varieties such as green calyx and palace pink), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis) (referring to easy-to-root varieties such as floribunda rose and 'Elizabeth'), Chaenomeles speciosa, etc.

    Flower and tree species that can be propagated by root cuttings in November include: red-leaf plum, Hall crabapple (Malus halliana), Chaenomeles speciosa, Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), wintergreen (Ilex), Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), serissa (Serissa japonica), etc. Some root-cutting seedlings can be used to make small and miniature bonsai.

    Flower and tree species that can be densely planted and propagated by cuttings in greenhouses or plastic tunnels in November include: boxwood (Buxus sinica), sparrow-tongue boxwood (Buxus harlandii), big-leaf boxwood (Buxus megistophylla), silver-edged boxwood (Euonymus japonicus 'Albomarginatus'), clearweed (Pilea), golden-edged privet (Ligustrum), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), hypericum (Hypericum), Hypericum patulum, mahonia (Mahonia), golden-edged serissa (Serissa japonica 'Aureo-marginata'), etc. If managed properly, complete root systems can grow by the following spring, and they can be used for field planting to cultivate ball-shaped landscaping forms. In winter, in greenhouses, cuttings can also be propagated for bamboo begonia (Begonia maculata), begonia species (Begonia), lotus-leaf begonia (Begonia), geranium (Pelargonium), Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), fuchsia (Fuchsia), jade plant (Crassula ovata), purslane tree (Portulacaria afra), red-backed excoecaria (Excoecaria cochinchinensis), golden shrimp plant (Pachystachys lutea), shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeeana), etc., which can be used for potting and cultivation after spring begins.

    In November, in the Yangtze River basin, branches of cotton rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora), grape (Vitis), etc. can also be cut and stored until spring of the following year for cuttings, which can significantly speed up rooting and increase the cutting survival rate.

    3. Grafting. Use green maple seedlings as rootstock, and graft red maple and feather maple indoors in bags; use apricot seedlings and peach seedlings as rootstock, and cut-graft flowering plum (the graft union is buried in soil to overwinter); use vigorous branches of rose (Elizabeth cultivar) as rootstock-scion, and use branches of superior rose cultivars as scions, carry out cleft grafting or cut grafting followed by cuttings, so as to promote simultaneous healing of the graft union and rooting of the lower cut end, which can speed up the process of cultivating grafted seedlings of superior rose cultivars.

    4. Layering. The main types of woody ornamental plants that can be propagated by ground layering in November are: Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans' (small-leaf gardenia), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Camellia japonica (camellia), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Weigela florida (weigela), Osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus), Hydrangea macrophylla (hydrangea), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Calocedrus macrolepis (Chinese incense cedar), Michelia figo (banana shrub), Spiraea cantoniensis (bridal wreath spirea), Viburnum plicatum (snowball viburnum), Viburnum macrocephalum (Chinese snowball), Spiraea thunbergii (Thunberg spirea), etc.

    5. Division. The types of woody ornamental plants that can be propagated by division in November are: Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Spiraea cantoniensis (bridal wreath spirea), Spiraea thunbergii (Thunberg spirea), Spiraea japonica (Japanese spirea), paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha), Hypericum monogynum (golden peach), Hypericum kouytchense (Kouyting hypericum), Mahonia fortunei (Chinese mahonia), Buddleja lindleyana (Lindley's butterfly bush), Paeonia suffruticosa (tree peony), Caragana sinica (Chinese peashrub), Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Jasminum officinale (common jasmine), Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), Chloranthus spicatus (chulan), Bambusa multiplex (hedge bamboo), Pleioblastus fortunei (Pleioblastus fortunei), etc.

South of the Yangtze River basin, the underground rhizomes or tubers of dahlia, canna, and large-flowered canna can be dug up, stored in sand until March of the following spring, and then cut, divided, and planted out.

The herbaceous flower types that can be propagated by division are: Bletilla striata (hyacinth orchid), Cymbidium ensifolium (four-season orchid), Cymbidium goeringii (spring orchid), Cymbidium faberi (Faber's cymbidium), Hosta plantaginea (fragrant plantain lily), Hosta ventricosa (purple hosta), Belamcanda chinensis (blackberry lily), Iris tectorum (wall iris), ornamental bromeliads, Liriope muscari (big blue lilyturf), Reineckea carnea (pink reineckea), Zephyranthes candida (autumn zephyr lily), Rohdea japonica (sacred lily), Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant), Kalanchoe daigremontiana (mother of thousands), etc.

    1. Collecting seeds. The herbaceous flower seeds that can be collected in November are: Salvia splendens (scarlet sage), Gomphrena globosa (globe amaranth), Zinnia elegans (zinnia), Callistephus chinensis (China aster), Tagetes patula (French marigold), Tagetes erecta (African marigold), Hibiscus coccineus (Hibiscus coccineus), etc.

    The types of woody ornamental plants whose seeds can be collected in November for dry storage are: Pinus thunbergii (black pine), Pinus taiwanensis (Taiwan pine), Pinus parviflora (five-needle pine), Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood), Chamaecyparis pisifera (sawara cypress), Chamaecyparis pisifera (sawara cypress), Chamaecyparis obtusa (hinoki cypress), Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), Liquidambar formosana (Formosan sweetgum), Camptotheca acuminata (happy tree), Eucommia ulmoides (Chinese rubber tree), Cornus alba (redtwig dogwood), Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Caragana sinica (Chinese peashrub), Spiraea cantoniensis (bridal wreath spirea). The types that can be sown immediately after collection or must be stored in moist sand are: Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet), Ligustrum quihoui (Quihou privet), Trachycarpus fortunei (windmill palm), Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Juniperus virginiana (eastern red cedar), Sapindus mukorossi (soapberry), Lycium chinense (Chinese wolfberry), Taxus chinensis (Chinese yew), Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia), Ilex chinensis (Chinese holly), Ilex cornuta (horned holly), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia), Photinia davidsoniae (Davidson's photinia), rose (used for cultivating rootstock), etc.

   2. Transplanting and planting out. The herbaceous flower types that can continue to be planted out in flowerbeds and transplanted for flower border arrangements in November are: Silene pendula (drooping catchfly), Dianthus chinensis (Chinese pink), Alcea rosea (hollyhock), Malva sinensis (Chinese mallow), large-flowered pansy, Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon), Bellis perennis (daisy), Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), Brassica oleracea var. acephala (ornamental kale), etc.

    The types that can be transplanted as large trees in November are: Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia), Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), Sapindus mukorossi (soapberry), Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet), Koelreuteria paniculata (goldenrain tree), Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree), Magnolia denudata (Yulan magnolia), Osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus), red maple, Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (purple-leaf plum), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Aesculus chinensis (Chinese buckeye), Tilia tuan (Tuan linden), Cercis gigantea (giant redbud), Liriodendron chinense (Chinese tulip tree), Magnolia soulangeana (saucer magnolia), Chaenomeles sinensis (Chinese quince), Malus spectabilis (crabapple), etc. Among them, when transplanting evergreen trees, the branches and trunk must be appropriately shortened or cut back, and most leaves removed, the trunk bound well with straw rope, and a large root ball carried (generally the root ball diameter is about 6 to 7 times the trunk diameter), only then can their survival be ensured; when transplanting deciduous trees, the trunk can be cut back, large branches pruned, a root ball carried and the trunk bound well. After large trees are transplanted, watering and trunk spraying management must be strengthened, only then can they survive. In addition, the cuts on the trunk and large branches should be sealed with wax or wrapped with plastic film, to prevent massive evaporation of water from within the tree.

    In November, plum bonsai, wintersweet, camellia, sasanqua camellia, Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Malus halliana (Hall's crabapple), etc. can be transplanted and potted, placed in a greenhouse to force flowering, to meet the need for indoor display around the Spring Festival.

    In November, potted hyacinths, tulips, red po narcissus, etc. should be moved into a greenhouse to prompt them to bloom around the Spring Festival.

    1. Watering. For most ornamental flowers (including bonsai) placed in greenhouses, plastic tunnels, or rooms, the amount of watering in November should be based on keeping the potting soil moist as the specific standard; it must not be too wet. If the temperature is low and watering is excessive, the plants are prone to root rot and death. If the indoor temperature is high, the amount of watering should be appropriately increased, and necessary foliar spraying should be given.

For those potted flowers that bloom around the Spring Festival, such as Camellia japonica (camellia), Camellia sasanqua (sasanqua camellia), Rhododendron (azalea), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Pericallis hybrida (cineraria), as well as fruit-ornamental plants such as Citrus aurantium var. amara (bitter orange), Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (finger citron), Citrus limon (lemon), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Solanum pseudocapsicum (winter cherry), Ardisia crenata (coral ardisia), etc., not only should the potting soil be kept moist, but the plants must also be frequently sprayed with water, to benefit the swelling and growth of flower buds, and also to make the fruits appear more brightly colored.

For foliage plants placed in plastic tunnels, greenhouses, and rooms, not only should the potting soil be kept moist, but the leaves should also be frequently sprayed with water, so that they always remain lush green and glossy. In greenhouses and rooms with higher temperatures, the amount of watering can be increased. For foliage plants that are not very cold-tolerant, such as Syngonium podophyllum (arrowhead vine), Maranta (prayer plant), powdered-leaf calathea, Philodendron 'Imperial Green', Codiaeum variegatum (croton), Aglaonema 'Silver Queen' (Chinese evergreen), etc., the amount of watering should be controlled, to help them overwinter safely.

[page]    The watering time for potted flowers in November is preferably 10 to 11 a.m., and the water temperature is required to be basically consistent with the soil temperature, so as to avoid adverse reactions in plants caused by water temperature being too low, which would then affect their safe overwintering.

    2. Fertilizing. For potted flowers placed indoors where the temperature is above 15°C, such as Rhododendron hybridum (Belgian azalea), Camellia japonica (camellia), Camellia sasanqua (sasanqua camellia), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Pachystachys lutea (golden shrimp plant), Justicia brandegeeana (shrimp plant), Daphne odora (winter daphne), Pericallis hybrida (cineraria), Cyclamen persicum (cyclamen), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Hyacinthus orientalis (hyacinth), Clivia miniata (clivia), Tulipa gesneriana (tulip), ornamental bromeliads, Schlumbergera truncata (Christmas cactus), Neoregelia (bromeliad), etc., low-concentration phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can continue to be applied; using 0.2% monopotassium phosphate fertilizer solution can promote their growth and flowering.

For most potted woody flowers, foliage plants, bonsai, etc. placed in ordinary plastic tunnels, topdressing should be stopped, to help them overwinter in normal dormancy. For most ground-planted woody flowers, such as crabapple types, Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia), Magnolia denudata (Yulan magnolia), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Magnolia soulangeana (saucer magnolia), Manglietia fordiana (Ford's manglietia), Michelia chapensis (Chapang michelia), Michelia platypetala? no, Yunshan white magnolia = Michelia yunnanensis? (cloud mountain white magnolia), Michelia figo (banana shrub), Michelia foveolata (golden-leaf michelia), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Aesculus chinensis (Chinese buckeye), Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Spiraea (spirea), Osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus), Vitis vinifera (grape), rose, Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Prunus serrulata (cherry blossom), Sapindus mukorossi (soapberry), Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), Trachycarpus fortunei (windmill palm), red maple, Paeonia suffruticosa (tree peony), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony), Hypericum monogynum (golden peach), etc., dry cake fertilizer can be buried and applied, with 0.5 kg to 1.5 kg per plant; smaller plants can receive less, to lay a material foundation for next year's growth and flowering.

    3. Pruning. Continue pruning hedges, green walls, and ball-shaped topiary that have not yet been pruned; after pruning is completed, base fertilizer can be applied.

For bonsai plant types that are mainly pruned, carry out all-around shaping and pruning, such as Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm), Carmona retusa (Fukien tea), Sageretia thea (Chinese sweet plum), Acer buergerianum (trident maple), Xylosma racemosum? no, Chinese xylosma = Xylosma congesta? (Chinese xylosma), Fraxinus? no, Dui Jie Bai La = Fraxinus hupehensis? (Hubei ash), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Serissa japonica (snowbush), Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper), Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), crabapple, etc., to lay a good framework for next year's growth and formation.

Prune ground-planted or potted roses that have not yet been pruned; for each plant, apart from retaining 3 to 5 vigorous 1- to 2-year-old stems at 30 cm to 50 cm from the base, cut off the remaining old stems from their base, and cut off all thin and weak branches; for unpruned ground-planted crape myrtle, strongly cut back the current-year branches, apart from retaining a few coarse branches at 20 cm to 30 cm from the base, cut off all other current-year branches, to help produce more vigorous new shoots the following year and lay the foundation for more flowering.

For common woody flowers in flowerbeds, along roadsides, and in courtyards, such as Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon), Osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus), Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Platanus orientalis (oriental plane), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Prunus serrulata (cherry blossom), Camellia japonica (camellia), Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Pittosporum tobira (Japanese pittosporum), crabapple, etc., cut off all disordered branches, thin and weak branches, inner-canopy branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, etc., and appropriately cut back water sprouts protruding beyond the crown. In addition, in November, coarse palm trees can be stripped of their palm fiber, and the trunks cleaned well, so that they display their proper ornamental effect.

    4. Cold protection. For potted woody flowers that are not very afraid of cold, such as Camellia japonica (camellia), Camellia sasanqua (sasanqua camellia), Rhododendron (azalea), Cymbidium goeringii (spring orchid), Cymbidium faberi (Faber's cymbidium), Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine), Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), Michelia alba (white michelia), Chloranthus spicatus (chulan), Aglaia odorata? no, Ping Lan Hua = Aglaia? (orchid tree? no), Citrus aurantium var. amara (bitter orange), Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (finger citron), Citrus limon (lemon), Fortunella margarita (oval kumquat), Ardisia crenata (coral ardisia), Schefflera octophylla (ivy tree), Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (tree philodendron), Caryota mitis? no, fishtail palm = Caryota ochlandra (fishtail palm), Ficus elastica (rubber plant), Pachira aquatica (money tree), Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island date palm), Rhapis excelsa (lady palm), etc., they can be placed in plastic tunnels, as long as the room temperature is maintained at no lower than about 5°C.

For potted flower types that are not cold-tolerant, such as Maranta (prayer plant), powdered-leaf calathea, Syngonium podophyllum (arrowhead vine), Philodendron bipinnatifidum? no, deeply lobed philodendron = Philodendron selloum (deeply lobed philodendron), Aglaia odorata (mock lime), Codiaeum variegatum (croton), Sanchezia nobilis (noble sanchezia), Pachystachys lutea (golden shrimp plant), Dracaena fragrans (corn plant), red/green gem = Dracaena? (red/green gem), Philodendron 'Imperial Green'? no, green emperor = Spathiphyllum? (peace lily), Philodendron 'Imperial Green' (green emperor), Aglaonema 'Silver Queen' (Chinese evergreen), Plumeria rubra (frangipani), Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo), Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), Cattleya (cattleya orchid), Dou Lan = Cymbidium? (pocket orchid), etc., they should be placed indoors at a room temperature no lower than 10°C, or can be protected through winter in double-layer plastic tunnels.

For those bonsai or potted woody flowers that are relatively cold-tolerant, such as Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Prunus mume (flowering plum), crabapple types, Rhododendron simsii (Sims's azalea), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Buxus sinica (Chinese boxwood), Sageretia thea (Chinese sweet plum), Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Pinus parviflora (five-needle pine), Calocedrus macrolepis (Chinese incense cedar), Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper), Acer buergerianum (trident maple), red maple, etc., they can be directly buried together with the flower pots in wind-sheltered, sunny soil; under conditions not lower than -10°C, freezing damage generally will not occur. If particularly cold weather occurs, film or soft grass can be added for cold protection.

For potted flowers or bonsai placed in plastic tunnels, greenhouses, or rooms in November, apart from necessarily ensuring certain temperature conditions, ventilation and air exchange should also be done well; doors and windows can be opened around noon for ventilation and air exchange, to prevent plants from dropping flowers, fruits, and leaves due to being stuffy indoors for a long time continuously; in addition, toxic gases such as coal gas should not intrude indoors, otherwise it can also easily cause leaf and fruit drop in plants. During ventilation and air exchange, note that plants must absolutely not be directly hit by cold wind.

    5. Pest and disease control. For woody flowers prone to leaf diseases, such as grape, crabapple types, rose, Chinese rose, camellia, chrysanthemum, etc., collect the fallen leaves under the plants and burn them, which can significantly reduce the occurrence of diseases the following year.

For street tree trunks, continue whitewashing; for dead-trunk style and split-trunk style stump bonsai, the dead trunk and split trunk parts can be smeared with lime-sulfur mixture for antisepsis, to prevent deep decay of the stump xylem.

For whiteflies, scale insects, etc. appearing on potted woody flowers placed in greenhouses or plastic tunnels (they may occur on Citrus aurantium var. amara (bitter orange), Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (finger citron), Cycas revoluta (sago palm), orchids, Camellia japonica (camellia), Clivia miniata (clivia), Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant)), first, wipe them off with a damp cloth; second, spray and kill them with pesticides such as methidathion.

For aphids appearing on potted plants placed indoors (they may occur on Michelia alba (white michelia), Aglaia odorata (mock lime), Citrus aurantium var. amara (bitter orange), rose), tobacco water can be sprayed for control.

For Rhododendron hybridum (Belgian azalea) placed in plastic tunnels, stop spraying fertilizers such as foliar nutrient preparations, otherwise, due to poor indoor ventilation and high air humidity, sooty mold is extremely likely to occur.

    The main types of bonsai plants suitable for shaping in November are: Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Calocedrus macrolepis (Chinese incense cedar), Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper), Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Squarrosa'? no, rong bai = Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Plumosa'? (moss cypress), Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens? no, yan bai = Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii? (Sargent juniper), Euonymus? no, weeping spindle tree = Euonymus oxyphyllus (winged spindle), Serissa japonica (snowbush), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Corylopsis sinensis (Chinese winter hazel), Xylosma congesta? (Chinese xylosma), Ilex cornuta (horned holly), Ilex chinensis (Chinese holly), Buxus sinica (Chinese boxwood), Buxus sinica var. pumila? no, pearl boxwood = Buxus sinica var. parvifolia (pearl boxwood), Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm), Malus halliana (Hall's crabapple), etc.

For bonsai stumps that have been tied with palm rope for 1 to 2 years, when relatively deep constriction marks are found on the trunk or branches, the old palm rope can be removed in November, and the trunk and branches can be tied and adjusted again.

For new stumps such as Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm), Sageretia thea (Chinese sweet plum), Bougainvillea (paperflower), Adina rubella (Chinese buttonbush), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Elaeagnus pungens (thorny elaeagnus), etc., after preliminary root trimming, trunk cutting, and branch breaking, plant them well in sandy loam fields by the shallow-burial and high-mounding method, and shape them only after they sprout branches the following year.

For stumps that have basically taken shape after 1 to 2 years of care and shaping, in November, according to the shaping characteristics of the stump trunk, roots, and branches, select suitable pots and repot them well, pair them with ornamental stones, and dot with moss, so they can be displayed indoors around the Spring Festival.

Well-shaped tall plum bonsai, Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Prunus persica 'Duplex'? no, ornamental peach = Prunus persica 'Duplex' (ornamental peach), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), etc., can have suitable pots selected in November and be potted well; strengthen water management, and they can be used the following spring for display in squares, parks, and auditoriums.

Flower Planting Manual (December Chapter)

    December weather characteristics: This month, most parts of China enter winter, and the weather turns colder. Snowfall increases from north to south in China, and temperatures in the Jianghuai and Jiangnan regions successively drop below zero, with frequent white frost. This month, flower and tree care should attach importance to three aspects of work: first, do a good job in heat preservation and freeze protection for cold-sensitive flowers and trees that have entered greenhouses, plastic tunnels, and rooms; second, do a good job in pruning and cleaning up open-field flowers and trees and in turning the soil and fertilizing; third, do a good job in preparing for composting organic fertilizer and mixing potting soil.

I. Flower Propagation

    1. Sowing. The flower types that can be sown in greenhouses in December are: Sinningia speciosa (gloxinia), Asparagus setaceus (asparagus fern), Clivia miniata (clivia), Begonia tuberhybrida (tuberous begonia), Cyclamen persicum (cyclamen), Solanum pseudocapsicum (winter cherry), Gerbera jamesonii (Gerbera daisy), etc.; the woody flower types that can be sown outdoors immediately after collection or stored in sand for germination are: rose (such as Elizabeth), Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Ardisia crenata (coral ardisia), Ilex species (holly), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Trachycarpus fortunei (windmill palm), Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet), Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Ligustrum quihoui (Quihou privet), Sapindus mukorossi (soapberry), Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia), Photinia davidsoniae (Davidson's photinia), etc.

    2. Cuttage. The types of woody ornamental flowers and trees that can be propagated by open-field cuttings in December are: Prunus mume (flowering plum) (mainly cultivars such as 'Gongfen' and 'Lüe'); rose (mainly easy-to-root cultivars such as Elizabeth, floribunda rose, miniature rose); Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (purple-leaf plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet) (cutting with heel), Spiraea (spirea), Buxus species (boxwood), etc. Among them, cuttings of flowering plum and purple-leaf plum should preferably use yellow subsoil; rose cuttings should preferably use a mixed substrate of rice chaff ash and fine sand at 2:1; other types can use ordinary sandy loam, covered with plastic film for heat and moisture preservation.

In greenhouses, Saintpaulia ionantha (African violet) can be propagated by leaf cuttings; combined with pruning, cuttings can be taken of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese hibiscus), Pelargonium hortorum (geranium), Epiphyllum hybrid? no, orchid cactus = Epiphyllum ackermannii (orchid cactus), Epiphyllum oxypetalum (night-blooming cereus), gem plant = Graptopetalum paraguayense (ghost plant), Echeveria (stone lotus), Portulacaria afra (elephant bush), Kalanchoe daigremontiana (mother of thousands), Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (kalanchoe), Pachystachys lutea (golden shrimp plant), Justicia brandegeeana (shrimp plant), Begonia cucullata? no, wax begonia = Begonia semperflorens (wax begonia), Begonia maculata? no, spotted begonia = Begonia maculata (spotted begonia), Begonia elatior (Elatior begonia), Chloranthus spicatus (chulan), Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), Clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding heart vine), Lantana camara (lantana), Schefflera octophylla (ivy tree), Daphne odora (winter daphne), Epipremnum aureum (pothos), Cordyline fruticosa (ti plant), etc. Using cold frames, cuttings can also be taken of Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Euonymus japonicus 'Aureus' (golden euonymus), Mahonia fortunei (Chinese mahonia), Hypericum monogynum (golden peach), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Chamaecyparis obtusa (hinoki cypress), Serissa japonica (snowbush), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Salix leucopithecia (silver bud willow), San Ya (Edgeworthia chrysantha? paperbush), etc. In addition, branches of Campsis grandiflora (Chinese trumpet creeper), Syringa (lilac), Vitis vinifera (grape), etc. can be cut and stored in sand, and cuttings can be taken the following spring.

    3. Grafting. Superior cultivars of flowering plum, such as 'Guhong' and 'Zhusha', can be grafted in December using seedlings of apricot, fruiting plum, peach, etc. sown that year; after digging up the rootstock, carry out cleft grafting or cut grafting, then plant them on the seedbed at a certain row spacing, bury soil up to above the graft union, even covering most of the scion, being careful not to let water seep into the union when watering, cover with plastic film for heat and moisture preservation, and the following spring, after the scion sprouts, remove the covering film. Use dug-up wild rose plants to bud-graft superior rose cultivars; or use vigorous branch sections of the Elizabeth rose cultivar (10 to 12 cm long), cut-graft or cleft-graft superior rose cultivar scions on the upper end, then insert the grafted Elizabeth scion sections into a loose seedbed. The graft union can be buried together in sandy soil, being careful not to let water seep into the union when watering, cover with plastic film for moisture and heat preservation; the following spring, after the scion sprouts, remove the covering film, and only after it has completely survived may a blade be used to cut open the binding tape at the union. In addition, red maple can be side-grafted indoors in bags for moisture preservation.

    4. Layering. The types of woody flowers that can be propagated by layering in December are: Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Camellia japonica (camellia), Osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus), Michelia figo (banana shrub), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Viburnum plicatum (snowball viburnum), Weigela florida (weigela), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Hydrangea macrophylla (hydrangea), Spiraea cantoniensis (bridal wreath spirea), Viburnum macrocephalum (Chinese snowball), Spiraea thunbergii (Thunberg spirea), Punica granatum (pomegranate), etc.

    5. Division. The herbaceous flower types that can be propagated by division in December are: Zephyranthes candida (autumn zephyr lily), Ophiopogon japonicus (dwarf lilyturf), Reineckea carnea (pink reineckea), Hosta plantaginea (fragrant plantain lily), Hosta ventricosa (purple hosta), Oxalis corymbosa? no, red wood sorrel = Oxalis articulata? (pink wood sorrel), Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant), Cymbidium ensifolium (four-season orchid), Cymbidium goeringii (spring orchid), Cymbidium faberi (Faber's cymbidium), Nephrolepis cordifolia (sword fern), Belamcanda chinensis (blackberry lily), Iris tectorum (wall iris), Liriope muscari (big blue lilyturf), Ophiopogon bodinieri? no, lilyturf = Ophiopogon bodinieri (Bodinier's lilyturf), Rohdea japonica (sacred lily), Kalanchoe daigremontiana (mother of thousands), Aglaonema modestum (Chinese evergreen). When cutting off daughter plants from the base of large Cryptanthus? no, colored-leaf bromeliad = Neoregelia? (bromeliad) plants for division, it must be small plants that have already grown on the mother plant for three or four months; otherwise, the colored bands of the daughter plants cut off are likely to disappear, and special attention should be paid to this.

    The woody ornamental plant types that can be propagated by division in December are: Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Hypericum monogynum (golden peach), Mahonia fortunei (Chinese mahonia), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Rhapis excelsa (lady palm), Spiraea japonica (Japanese spirea), Caragana sinica (Chinese peashrub), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), Jasminum officinale (common jasmine), Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), Chloranthus spicatus (chulan), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Agave sisalana (sisal), Bambusa multiplex (hedge bamboo), Pleioblastus fortunei (dwarf white-stripe bamboo), etc.

    1. Collecting seeds. The herbaceous flower seeds that can be collected in December are generally herbaceous flower types moved into greenhouses or cold rooms, such as Salvia splendens types (scarlet sage), Gomphrena globosa types (globe amaranth), Tagetes erecta (African marigold), Tagetes patula (French marigold), Cyclamen persicum (cyclamen), Clivia miniata (clivia), etc. Clivia seeds should preferably be sown immediately after collection.

    The main woody ornamental plants whose seeds can be collected in December are: rose, Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet), Ligustrum quihoui (Quihou privet), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Ardisia crenata (coral ardisia), Ilex species (holly), Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Photinia species. After these seeds are treated, basically all must be stored in sand for germination; only after the seeds crack open and show white the following year can they be sown in the ground. Under dry storage, they easily lose viability, leading to failure in sowing and seedling raising the following year.

    2. Transplanting and planting out. The herbaceous flower types that can be planted out in flowerbeds and flower beds in December are: Dianthus species (pinks), Brassica oleracea var. acephala (ornamental kale), large-flowered pansy, Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon), Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), Bellis perennis (daisy), etc. Some herbaceous flowers can also be potted and placed in plastic tunnels, such as Bellis perennis (daisy), Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon), Brassica oleracea var. acephala (ornamental kale), Dianthus (pinks), Viola tricolor (pansy), etc., and can be used for street display the following spring.

    In December, most deciduous greening trees and flowering shrubs can be transplanted and planted out, such as Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Cercis chinensis (Chinese redbud), crabapple types, Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Magnolia denudata (Yulan magnolia), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Sapindus mukorossi (soapberry), Koelreuteria paniculata (goldenrain tree), Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), Aesculus chinensis (Chinese buckeye), Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (purple-leaf plum), Prunus serrulata (cherry blossom), Chaenomeles sinensis (Chinese quince), Magnolia soulangeana (saucer magnolia), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Campsis grandiflora (Chinese trumpet creeper), Tilia tuan (Tuan linden), Liriodendron chinense (Chinese tulip tree), red maple, Prunus persica 'Duplex' (ornamental peach), Styphnolobium japonicum (Japanese pagoda tree), Sophora japonica var. pendula (weeping pagoda tree), etc. However, transplanting of evergreen trees and flowering shrubs should be more cautious. The evergreen tree species that can be transplanted in winter are: Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet), Osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus), Trachycarpus fortunei (windmill palm), Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia), Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Rhododendron (azalea), Ilex chinensis (Chinese holly), etc. When transplanting, first strongly cut back the main tip and large branches, and remove most leaves; at the same time, carry a large root ball, bind the trunk with straw rope and wrap it with plastic film, seal the cuts on the trunk and large branches with wax or wrap them with film, to reduce water transpiration; after transplanting, frequently spray water on the leaves and trunk, only then can normal survival be ensured.

    The stumps and woody flowers that can be potted in December are: Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet) stumps, Camellia japonica (camellia), Camellia sasanqua (sasanqua camellia), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Malus halliana (Hall's crabapple). Place them in plastic tunnels for flower-forcing treatment, and they can be expected to bloom during the Spring Festival.

    In December, potted hyacinths, tulips, red po narcissus, etc. should continue to be kept in tunnels for flower forcing, which can prompt them to bloom around the Spring Festival.

    1. Cold protection. In simple plastic tunnels with a temperature not lower than 0°C, the following ornamental plants can be placed without suffering freezing damage, such as Asparagus densiflorus? no, Peng Lai Song = Asparagus retrofractus? (ming fern), Asparagus cochinchinensis (Chinese asparagus), Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant), Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia), Aucuba japonica var. variegata (spotted laurel), Livistona chinensis (Chinese fan palm), Nephrolepis cordifolia (sword fern), Rhapis excelsa (lady palm), Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Michelia figo (banana shrub), Ardisia crenata (coral ardisia), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Camellia japonica (camellia), Cymbidium goeringii (spring orchid), Cymbidium faberi (Faber's cymbidium), Bambusa multiplex (hedge bamboo), Pleioblastus fortunei (dwarf white-stripe bamboo), Cycas revoluta (sago palm), etc.

For ornamental plant types requiring an overwintering temperature no lower than 5°C, such as Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine), Schefflera octophylla (ivy tree), Ficus elastica (rubber plant), Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), Michelia alba (white michelia), Chloranthus spicatus (chulan), Chamaedorea elegans (parlor palm), Zantedeschia aethiopica (calla lily), Philodendron bipinnatifidum (tree philodendron), Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant), Cymbidium ensifolium (four-season orchid), Cymbidium sinense (Chinese cymbidium), Rhododendron hybridum (Belgian azalea), Bougainvillea (paperflower), Cyclamen persicum (cyclamen), Primula (primrose), Lantana camara (lantana), Fortunella margarita (oval kumquat), Citrus aurantium var. amara (bitter orange), Citrus limon (lemon), Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (areca palm), Pelargonium hortorum (geranium), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese hibiscus), Bambusa ventricosa (buddha belly bamboo), etc., they can overwinter in double-layer plastic tunnels. For types requiring an overwintering temperature no lower than 10°C, such as Codiaeum variegatum (croton), Caladium bicolor (angel wings), Peperomia (radiator plant), Maranta (prayer plant), Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo), Caryota ochlandra (fishtail palm), Dracaena fragrans (corn plant), Pachira aquatica (money tree), Fittonia (nerve plant), bromeliads, powdered-leaf calathea, Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettia), Cymbidium hybridum (cymbidium orchid), Clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding heart vine), Pachystachys lutea (golden shrimp plant), Aglaia odorata (mock lime), Phalaenopsis (moth orchid), Cattleya (cattleya orchid), Dou Lan (pocket orchid), Cycas revoluta? no, South American cycad = Encephalartos? (South American cycad), red/green gem, Oncidium (dancing lady orchid), Cymbidium hookerianum (Hooker's cymbidium), etc., in well-sealed double-layer tunnels, appropriate heating should also be given; during especially cold periods, from 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next day, add straw curtains on top of the tunnel, and remove them after the temperature turns warm.

For those relatively cold-tolerant potted and bonsai plant types, such as Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Prunus mume (flowering plum), crabapple types, Rhododendron simsii (Sims's azalea), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm), Sageretia thea (Chinese sweet plum), Xylosma congesta? (Chinese xylosma), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Buxus species (boxwood), Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Acer buergerianum (trident maple), Calocedrus macrolepis (Chinese incense cedar), Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper), red cypress, Adina rubella (Chinese buttonbush), Ilex cornuta (horned holly), Fraxinus hupehensis? (Hubei ash), etc., when the temperature is not lower than -10°C, they generally will not freeze; if particularly cold weather occurs, add plastic film or soft grass for cold protection.

[page]    Whether bonsai, potted flowers, and foliage or fruit ornamental plants are placed in plastic tunnels, greenhouses, or rooms, apart from necessarily maintaining a corresponding indoor temperature, attention should also be paid to ventilation and air permeability; doors and windows can be opened around noon, when the temperature is highest in the day, for ventilation and air exchange, to prevent the occurrence of leaf drop, flower drop, and fruit drop. During ventilation and air exchange, also note that cold wind must not be allowed to blow directly on the plants, so as to avoid adverse reactions.

    2. Watering. For most potted flowers and bonsai placed in greenhouses, plastic tunnels, and rooms, keep the potting soil moist as the standard; if the temperature is low and watering is excessive, it is extremely easy to cause root rot in the plants. When the temperature rises, the amount of watering can be increased and appropriate foliar spraying given.

For those potted flower types that bloom around the Spring Festival, such as Camellia japonica (camellia), Camellia sasanqua (sasanqua camellia), Rhododendron hybridum (Belgian azalea), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Pericallis hybrida (cineraria), Primula (primrose), Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (kalanchoe), Hyacinthus orientalis (hyacinth), Narcissus poeticus? no, European narcissus = Narcissus pseudonarcissus? (European narcissus), etc., and fruit ornamental types such as Citrus aurantium var. amara (bitter orange), Citrus limon (lemon), Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (finger citron), Citrus microcarpa? no, calamondin = Citrus mitis? (calamondin), kumquat = Fortunella? (Hong Kong kumquat), Solanum pseudocapsicum (winter cherry), Ardisia crenata (coral ardisia), Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), etc., not only should the potting soil be kept moist, but foliar spraying must also be given, to benefit the swelling of flower buds and also to increase the brightness of flowers and fruits.

For most foliage plants placed indoors, both the potting soil should be kept moist and foliar spraying should be given, always keeping the leaf surfaces of the plants clean; for foliage plant types that are not very cold-tolerant, such as powdered-leaf calathea, Syngonium podophyllum (arrowhead vine), Maranta (prayer plant), Codiaeum variegatum (croton), Aglaonema 'Silver Queen' (Chinese evergreen), etc., when the room temperature has approached the minimum temperature limit they can tolerate, special attention should be paid to controlling the amount of watering, only then can their safe overwintering be ensured.

    The watering time in December is preferably the 3 to 4 hours around noon, and the water temperature should be kept basically consistent with the air temperature and soil temperature, to avoid adverse reactions in potted flowers caused by water temperature being too low.

For newly transplanted woody flowers outdoors, frequently inspect them and give timely supplementary watering; for transplanted evergreen trees, appropriately give foliar spraying around noon, to prevent the leaves from drying, shrinking, and falling off.

    3. Fertilizing. For most potted woody flowers, foliage plants, bonsai, etc. placed in ordinary plastic tunnels, fertilization should be stopped, otherwise it is very easy to cause root rot and death of the plants.

For most ground-planted greening trees and woody flowers, such as crabapple types, Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia), Magnolia denudata (Yulan magnolia), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Manglietia fordiana (Ford's manglietia), Michelia species (michelia), red maple, Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Aesculus chinensis (Chinese buckeye), Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Prunus serrulata (cherry blossom), Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (purple-leaf plum), Sapindus mukorossi (soapberry), Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), Koelreuteria paniculata (goldenrain tree), Trachycarpus fortunei (windmill palm), Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony), Paeonia suffruticosa (tree peony), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Hypericum monogynum (golden peach), Vitis vinifera (grape), rose, Spiraea (spirea), Liriodendron chinense (Chinese tulip tree), Philadelphus (mock orange), Deutzia scabra (fuzzy deutzia), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Syringa (lilac), Campsis grandiflora (Chinese trumpet creeper), Rosa banksiae (Lady Banks' rose), Hypericum monogynum (golden peach), Salix babylonica (weeping willow), Cryptomeria fortunei (Chinese cedar), Cedrus deodara (deodar cedar), cypress species, Sophora japonica var. pendula (weeping pagoda tree), Prunus triloba (flowering almond), Prunus japonica (Japanese bush cherry), pearlbush = Exochorda? (pearlbush), Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia), Cercis chinensis (Chinese redbud), Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon), etc., in December, while turning the garden soil, fertilizer can be buried and applied around the outer perimeter of the plant root system, such as cake fertilizer, pig and cattle manure, pond mud, septic tank residue, etc., to lay a material foundation for next year's growth and flowering.

For potted flower types placed indoors at 10°C to 15°C, such as Camellia japonica (camellia), Camellia sasanqua (sasanqua camellia), Rhododendron (azalea), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Pachystachys lutea (golden shrimp plant), Justicia brandegeeana (shrimp plant), bromeliads, Daphne odora (winter daphne), Pericallis hybrida (cineraria), Primula (primrose), Cyclamen persicum (cyclamen), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Hyacinthus orientalis (hyacinth), Clivia miniata (clivia), Tulipa gesneriana (tulip), Freesia refracta (freesia), etc., 1.2% monopotassium phosphate solution can continue to be applied as topdressing, to promote bud formation and flowering of the plants.

    4. Pruning. Prune hedges, green walls, and ball-shaped topiary that were not finished being pruned in November; hedges and green walls such as Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet), Ligustrum quihoui (Quihou privet), Euonymus japonicus? no, French privet = Ligustrum japonicum? (Japanese privet), Euonymus japonicus (Japanese euonymus), Sabina chinensis? no, Sichuan juniper = Sabina chinensis 'Pyramidalis'? (Sichuan juniper), Osmanthus fragrans 'Semperflorens' (four-season osmanthus), Photinia davidsoniae (Davidson's photinia), etc.; ball-shaped ones such as Ilex cornuta (horned holly), Myrica rubra (Chinese bayberry), Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia), Buxus species (boxwood), Pittosporum tobira (Japanese pittosporum), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'? no, dragon juniper = Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca' (dragon juniper), Juniperus formosana? no, needle juniper = Juniperus rigida? (needle juniper), etc.; while completing pruning, fertilizer can be applied.

For ground-planted woody flowers that were not finished being pruned in November, such as rose, Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Trachycarpus fortunei (windmill palm), Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (purple-leaf plum), Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia), Platanus orientalis (oriental plane), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), etc., carry out shaping and pruning; after pruning is finished, fertilizer can be buried and applied around the root system.

For bonsai plant types that are mainly pruned, such as Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm), Sageretia thea (Chinese sweet plum), Ilex cornuta (horned holly), Carmona retusa (Fukien tea), Acer buergerianum (trident maple), Xylosma congesta? (Chinese xylosma), Fraxinus hupehensis? (Hubei ash), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Serissa japonica (snowbush), Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Calocedrus macrolepis (Chinese incense cedar), Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper), crabapple, Chaenomeles sinensis (Chinese quince), etc., continue pruning in December, to lay a good framework for next year's growth; for plants that have not been repotted for many years, repotting can be combined with pruning.

    5. Pest and disease control. For woody flowers whose leaves are prone to pest and disease problems, such as grape, crabapple types, rose, Chinese rose, camellia, Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), etc., collect the dead branches and fallen leaves under the plants and burn them, which can reduce the occurrence of diseases the following year. At the same time, spray lime-sulfur mixture for sterilization and disinfection.

For powdery mildew on potted Pericallis hybrida (cineraria) and gray mold on Primula (primrose), the former should be controlled promptly with triadimefon or thiophanate-methyl, and the latter with thiophanate-methyl.

For the types of woody flowers in greenhouses and plastic tunnels that are prone to scale insects, such as Citrus aurantium var. amara (bitter orange), Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (finger citron), Cycas revoluta (sago palm), Camellia japonica (camellia), Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant), etc., first wipe them once with a cloth, then control them with pesticides such as methidathion.

For woody flower types on which aphids often appear on potted plants when ventilation is poor, such as Michelia alba (white michelia), Aglaia odorata (mock lime), Citrus aurantium var. amara (bitter orange), rose, Carmona retusa (Fukien tea), etc., tobacco water can be used for control.

On the trunks and large branches of open-field cultivated woody flowers such as Pittosporum tobira (Japanese pittosporum), Osmanthus fragrans (osmanthus), Platanus orientalis (oriental plane), Camellia japonica (camellia), Ligustrum quihoui (Quihou privet), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Nerium oleander (oleander), crabapple, Magnolia denudata (Yulan magnolia), Cercis chinensis (Chinese redbud), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Cedrus deodara (deodar cedar), Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), etc., various scale insects often appear, such as Ceroplastes ceriferus (Indian wax scale), Ceroplastes japonicus (Japanese wax scale), Ceroplastes rubens (red wax scale), Diaspididae (armored scales), Unaspis yanonensis (arrowhead scale), Pseudococcidae (mealybugs), Eriococcidae (felt scales), etc.; at this time, spray and kill them with relatively high-concentration pesticides such as methidathion, quinalphos, and buprofezin, and phytotoxicity is rarely produced.

    6. Composting fertilizer. To meet the needs of seedling raising and potting soil mixing next year, the winter leisure time can be used to pour rapeseed cake, soybean cake, tea seed cake, etc. into water vats or water pools, add water, and seal them for soaking, composting, and fermentation.

Pile dry withered grass, fallen leaves, shrubs, branches, etc. in alternating layers with garden soil, set fire and burn them to form burned soil, which is an excellent covering soil for sowing and seedling raising next year.

Mix barnyard manure, pond mud, chicken manure, pigeon droppings, etc. with garden soil for composting, seal and ferment, and it can be used for topdressing seedlings and mixing potting soil the following year.

    7. Mixing potting soil. Using the idle winter time, find an empty plot or under tree shade, and pile up as much potting soil as possible, to prepare for repotting and potting herbaceous flowers the following spring. Generally, 4 parts garden soil, 2 parts leaf mold (or 2 parts alpine humus soil), 1 part fine sand, 1 part each of composted sawdust, tobacco powder, or rice chaff ash, plus about 5% composted cake fertilizer and 2% to 3% compound fertilizer; among these, the garden soil and leaf mold should be sieved to remove stones, tree roots, and other debris, and after fully mixing them evenly, cover with plastic film; they can also be piled indoors, and after 3 to 4 months, they can be used for repotting or potting herbaceous flowers.

    8. Turning the soil and freezing clods. For garden plots to be used next year for sowing, cuttings, and planting out seedlings, plowing can be carried out in December; for garden plots for sowing and planting out seedlings, cake fertilizer, barnyard manure, pond mud, etc. can be applied before turning and planting; do not make beds for the time being; after overwintering and freezing clods, make furrows and beds in early spring the following year, which can greatly reduce the cost of seedling management and also reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.

The ornamental plant types suitable for bonsai shaping in December are: Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Chamaecyparis obtusa (hinoki cypress), Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper), Calocedrus macrolepis (Chinese incense cedar), Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Plumosa'? (moss cypress), Platycladus orientalis (Chinese arborvitae), Juniperus procumbens (Japanese garden juniper), Juniperus chinensis 'Shimpaku'? no, shimpaku = Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii? (shimpaku juniper), Pinus thunbergii (black pine), Pinus parviflora (five-needle pine), Pinus densiflora (Japanese red pine), Adina rubella (Chinese buttonbush), Ilex cornuta (horned holly), Ilex chinensis (Chinese holly), Euonymus oxyphyllus (winged spindle), Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), Serissa japonica (snowbush), Caragana sinica (Chinese peashrub), Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm), Sageretia thea (Chinese sweet plum), Acer buergerianum (trident maple), Corylopsis sinensis (Chinese winter hazel), Tamarix chinensis (Chinese tamarisk), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Malus halliana (Hall's crabapple), Chaenomeles cathayensis? no, Chinese quince = Chaenomeles cathayensis (Chinese quince), Buxus sinica (Chinese boxwood), Buxus sinica var. parvifolia (pearl boxwood), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan), Carmona retusa (Fukien tea), Fraxinus hupehensis? (Hubei ash), Xylosma congesta? (Chinese xylosma), etc.

For bonsai plants fixed and shaped with palm fiber (rope) or metal wire, if the fixing time has already been one year, or obvious constriction marks are found on the trunk or branches, the original binding material should be removed, and metal wire or palm rope should be used again for tying and traction.

For ground-planted plum stumps, Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), crabapple, Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), Sabina chinensis (Chinese juniper), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), etc. that have already been shaped, after carrying out some necessary pruning and shaping, select suitable pots and plant them well, strengthen management, so that they can be used for display in public places or rooms the following year.

In winter, for some shallow-pot landscape bonsai and stump bonsai, careful management must be given: first, prevent the potting soil from freezing and damaging the plant root system; second, prevent freezing from disintegrating the artificially cemented rocks; third, prevent the plants planted on the rockery from freezing to death or drying to death. They can be placed in a non-freezing location, and regularly given watering and spraying, so that they can overwinter safely.

Flower Planting Manual (January Chapter)

    January weather characteristics: This month is the month with the lowest temperature and the coldest weather of the year. January 5 is Minor Cold, right around the "sanjiu" period, and most parts of China enter the severe cold period; January 20 is Major Cold, cold air from the north frequently moves south, frost is heavy and snow is thick, and the lowest temperature of the year appears. For flower care this month, the most important thing is to do a good job in heat preservation and cold protection for cold-sensitive flowers, bonsai, etc. in greenhouses, plastic tunnels, and rooms; next is auxiliary work such as tree pruning, cleaning up dead branches and fallen leaves, turning and preparing the land, and preparing potting soil.

I. Flower Propagation

    1. Sowing. The flower types that can be sown in greenhouses in January are: Sinningia speciosa (gloxinia), Asparagus setaceus (asparagus fern), Clivia miniata (clivia), Begonia tuberhybrida (tuberous begonia), Cyclamen persicum (cyclamen), Solanum pseudocapsicum (winter cherry), Gerbera jamesonii (Gerbera daisy), etc. The ornamental plant types that can be sown outdoors in the open field are: rose (Elizabeth), Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Ardisia crenata (coral ardisia), Ilex chinensis (Chinese holly), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Trachycarpus fortunei (windmill palm), Photinia serratifolia (Chinese photinia), Photinia davidsoniae (Davidson's photinia), Sapindus mukorossi (soapberry), Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree), Koelreuteria paniculata (goldenrain tree), etc.

    2. Cuttage. The ornamental plant types suitable for open-field or film-covered cutting propagation in January are: Prunus mume (flowering plum) (cultivars such as 'Lüe' and 'Gongfen'), Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (purple-leaf plum), rose (cultivars such as Elizabeth, floribunda, miniature), Prunus serrulata (cherry blossom), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet) (with heel), Spiraea (spirea), Buxus species (boxwood), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Salix leucopithecia (silver bud willow), Mahonia fortunei (Chinese mahonia), Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Serissa japonica (snowbush), three-pronged = Edgeworthia chrysantha? paperbush, Hypericum monogynum (golden peach), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Spiraea thunbergii (Thunberg spirea), Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), Jasminum officinale (common jasmine), etc. The types that can be propagated by cuttings in greenhouses are: Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), Chloranthus spicatus (chulan), Pelargonium hortorum (geranium), Fuchsia hybrida (fuchsia), Saintpaulia ionantha (African violet) (leaf cuttings), Rhododendron hybridum (Belgian azalea), Bougainvillea (paperflower), Dianthus caryophyllus (carnation), Cyperus alternifolius (umbrella plant), jewel flower = Graptopetalum paraguayense (ghost plant), jade leaf = Portulacaria afra? (jade leaf), Crassula ovata (jade plant), Echeveria (stone lotus), Epiphyllum oxypetalum (night-blooming cereus), Epiphyllum ackermannii (orchid cactus), Pilea cadierei (aluminum plant), Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant), Justicia brandegeeana (shrimp plant), Pachystachys lutea (golden shrimp plant), Kalanchoe daigremontiana (mother of thousands), Begonia elatior (Elatior begonia), Clerodendrum thomsoniae (bleeding heart vine), Schefflera octophylla (ivy tree), Ficus elastica (rubber plant), Daphne odora (winter daphne), Excoecaria cochinchinensis (Chinese croton), Aglaonema modestum (Chinese evergreen), Epipremnum aureum (pothos), Cordyline fruticosa (ti plant), etc. In addition, branches of Syringa (lilac), Campsis grandiflora (Chinese trumpet creeper), Tamarix chinensis (Chinese tamarisk), Vitis vinifera (grape), Weigela coraeensis? no, Korean weigela = Weigela coraeensis (Korean weigela), Deutzia scabra (fuzzy deutzia), Hydrangea macrophylla (hydrangea), Platanus (plane tree), Ficus carica (fig), etc. can be cut and stored in sand, and cuttings can be taken in March.

    3. Grafting. Superior cultivars of flowering plum can be propagated by rootstock grafting using one-year-old seedlings of apricot, fruiting plum, Prunus davidiana (David's peach), and Prunus persica (peach) as rootstock; after grafting, bury and plant them on the seedbed, cover with plastic film for moisture preservation and cold protection. In Guangdong, between Minor Cold and Major Cold, bud grafting is often used to propagate calamondin, kumquat, etc.; use dug-up wild rose to bud-graft superior rose cultivars, use the Elizabeth rose cultivar as rootstock-scion, cut-graft or cleft-graft superior rose cultivars, with grafting and cutting propagation carried out simultaneously, and cover with plastic film for moisture preservation and cold protection.

    4. Layering. The ornamental plant types that can be propagated by layering in January are: Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Camellia japonica (camellia), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Weigela florida (weigela), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Podocarpus macrophyllus (yew podocarpus), Viburnum plicatum (snowball viburnum), Viburnum macrocephalum (Chinese snowball), Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Hydrangea macrophylla (hydrangea), Spiraea cantoniensis (bridal wreath spirea), Spiraea thunbergii (Thunberg spirea), Punica granatum (pomegranate), red maple, etc.

    5. Division. The herbaceous ornamental plant types that can be propagated by division in January are: Ophiopogon japonicus (dwarf lilyturf), Liriope muscari (big blue lilyturf), Liriope spicata? no, variegated lilyturf = Liriope spicata var. variegata (variegated lilyturf), Reineckea carnea (pink reineckea), Zephyranthes candida (autumn zephyr lily), Zephyranthes rosea? no, pink rain lily = Zephyranthes grandiflora (pink rain lily), Hosta plantaginea (fragrant plantain lily), Hosta ventricosa (purple hosta), Tradescantia spathacea? no, Moses-in-the-cradle = Rhoeo spathacea (Moses-in-the-cradle), Cymbidium ensifolium (four-season orchid), Cymbidium goeringii (spring orchid), Cymbidium faberi (Faber's cymbidium), Nephrolepis cordifolia (sword fern), Belamcanda chinensis (blackberry lily), Iris tectorum (wall iris), Chlorophytum species (spider plant), Rohdea japonica (sacred lily), Aglaonema modestum (Chinese evergreen), Kalanchoe daigremontiana (mother of thousands), bromeliads, small spider plant = Chlorophytum? (small spider plant), Alpinia zerumbet (shell ginger), Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant), Aloe vera (aloe), etc. The woody ornamental plant types that can be propagated by division in January are: Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Hypericum monogynum (golden peach), Mahonia fortunei (Chinese mahonia), Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince), Rhapis excelsa (lady palm), Spiraea thunbergii (Thunberg spirea), Spiraea japonica (Japanese spirea), Caragana sinica (Chinese peashrub), Forsythia viridissima (greenstem forsythia), Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), Jasminum officinale (common jasmine), Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), Chloranthus spicatus (chulan), Damnacanthus indicus (Indian damnacanthus), Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia), three-pronged = Edgeworthia chrysantha? paperbush, Buxus (boxwood), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), etc.

    6. Collecting seeds. In January, if there are mature seeds of Asparagus setaceus (asparagus fern) and Clivia miniata (clivia) in the greenhouse, they can be sown immediately after collection; mature seeds of Solanum pseudocapsicum (winter cherry) can also be sown indoors at this time. In January, seeds of Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Pyracantha fortuneana (firethorn), Ilex species (holly), Ardisia crenata (coral ardisia), etc. can be collected, treated, and stored in sand for germination; only after the seeds crack open and show white can sowing be carried out.

    In January, frequently inspect seeds stored in sand, including Magnolia species, Michelia species, Photinia species, Ilex species, etc., to see whether the seeds have become moldy; if mold appears, the seeds must be poured out, rubbed and washed again, and clean fine sand replaced for storage again; if the seeds are found to be dry, supplementary spraying should be given promptly; if the seeds are found to have cracked open and shown white or the radicle has already emerged, sowing must be carried out immediately, and plastic film, straw, pine needles, etc. should be added for heat and moisture preservation.

II. Transplanting and Planting Out

    In January, in regions that are not too cold, the herbaceous flowers that can be transplanted and planted out are: Dianthus species (pinks), Brassica oleracea var. acephala (ornamental kale), Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), Bellis perennis (daisy), etc.; in relatively cold regions, after potting seedlings of Dianthus (pinks), Brassica oleracea var. acephala (ornamental kale), Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon), Viola tricolor (pansy), Primula (primrose), etc., they can first be placed in simple plastic tunnels, and after spring returns and the weather warms, used for display in street flowerbeds, green spaces, and flower borders.

    In January, most deciduous flowering shrubs and greening trees can be transplanted and planted out, such as Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Cercis chinensis (Chinese redbud), crabapple types, Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo), Liquidambar formosana (Formosan sweetgum), Acer species (maples), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), Prunus mume (flowering plum), Magnolia denudata (Yulan magnolia), Magnolia liliiflora (purple magnolia), Sapindus mukorossi (soapberry), Koelreuteria paniculata (goldenrain tree), Albizia julibrissin (silk tree), Aesculus chinensis (Chinese buckeye), Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' (purple-leaf plum), Prunus serrulata (cherry blossom), Chaenomeles sinensis (Chinese quince), Magnolia soulangeana (saucer magnolia), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Campsis grandiflora (Chinese trumpet creeper), Tilia tuan (Tuan linden), Liriodendron chinense (Chinese tulip tree), Prunus persica 'Duplex' (ornamental peach), Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree), Spiraea japonica (Japanese spirea), paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha), rose, Styphnolobium japonicum (Japanese pagoda tree), Sophora japonica var. pendula (weeping pagoda tree), etc. Evergreen tree species, especially Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree), Ligustrum japonicum? (Japanese privet), etc., this month, apart from special circumstances, should generally be transplanted earlier in December or delayed to February; of course, in wind-sheltered locations, after transplanting, strongly cutting back, and strengthening cold protection and watering management after transplanting, it is also acceptable.

    In January, although the weather is cold, in areas south of the Yangtze River it does not affect the collection of wild tree stumps during forestry afforestation land preparation, mainly deciduous stumps, such as Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese elm), Sageretia thea (Chinese sweet plum), Acer buergerianum (trident maple), Rhododendron simsii (Sims's azalea), Lagerstroemia indica (crape myrtle), Acer palmatum (Japanese maple), Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet), wild plum, Elaeagnus pungens (thorny elaeagnus), Euonymus oxyphyllus (winged spindle), etc.; for evergreen stumps such as Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo), Ilex cornuta? no, Perny's holly = Ilex pernyi (Perny's holly), Ilex cornuta (horned holly), Ilex chinensis (Chinese holly), Chinese xylosma (Xylosma congesta?), etc., strong cutback must be carried out and most leaves removed. Whether deciduous stumps or evergreen stumps, the shallow-burial and high-mounding method should be adopted for cultivation, and straw curtains should be added for freeze protection.

III. Cold Protection

This month's cold-proofing and heat-preservation work is the top priority in management; even a slight negligence can cause serious losses to potted flowers and bonsai overwintering. Based on the lowest temperature limit that each different flower species can tolerate, a special environment for safe overwintering should be created for them, whether in a greenhouse, in a plastic tunnel, indoors, or planted in the open ground. In a simple plastic tunnel not below 0°C, ornamental plant species that can tolerate low temperatures of around 0°C may be placed, such as Asparagus densiflorus, Asparagus cochinchinensis, Aspidistra elatior, Fatsia japonica, Livistona chinensis, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Rhapis excelsa, Nandina domestica, Aucuba japonica, Michelia figo, Cymbidium goeringii, Cymbidium faberi, Ardisia crenata, Daphne odora, Cycas revoluta, Acorus calamus, Bambusa multiplex f. fernleaf, and Sasa fortunei. In a double-layer plastic tunnel not below 5°C, ornamental plant species that can tolerate low temperatures of around 5°C may be placed, such as Araucaria heterophylla, Ficus elastica, Jasminum sambac, Chloranthus spicatus, Michelia alba, Chamaedorea elegans, Aglaonema, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Philodendron selloum, Monstera deliciosa, Fortunella margarita, Citrus aurantium var. amara, Citrus limon, Dypsis lutescens, Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium sinense, Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Epiphyllum hybridum, Bambusa ventricosa, Rhododendron hybridum, Bougainvillea spectabilis, and Lantana camara. In a double-layer plastic tunnel or greenhouse with auxiliary heating equipment, flower species that can tolerate low temperatures of around 10°C may be placed, such as Codiaeum variegatum, Caladium bicolor, Syngonium podophyllum, Maranta, Bromeliaceae, Peperomia, Coleus, Dracaena sanderiana, Caryota mitis, Dracaena fragrans, Pachira aquatica, Fittonia, Rhododendron, Philodendron, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, 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Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema, Aglaonema,

It is worth noting that whether plants are placed in a shed, a greenhouse, or as potted flowers or bonsai in the home, including fruit-ornamental and foliage plants, in addition to maintaining the appropriate temperature for them, ventilation must also be done well. Doors and windows can be opened around noon when the temperature is highest during the day to provide ventilation and air exchange, to prevent flower drop, leaf drop, and fruit drop. When providing ventilation, it is also necessary to avoid cold wind blowing directly on the plants as much as possible.

In January, special attention should be paid to inspecting greenhouses and sheds during each cold air movement from the south. If broken glass, torn film, etc. are found, they should be plugged and repaired promptly to prevent potted flowers from being frozen. When providing coal, gas, or oil heating to the greenhouse, careful inspection should also be carried out to ensure that no leaking gas or smoke enters the greenhouse or shed, so as to prevent flower drop, leaf drop, and fruit drop caused by smoke damage and other issues.

To force tree peonies to bloom during the Spring Festival, potted tree peonies can be placed in a greenhouse, heated to 18°C to 25°C during the day, kept at about 10°C at night, and given 4 to 5 hours of additional light per day (incandescent lamps), and they can be expected to bloom around the Spring Festival. Potted plum, wintersweet, camellia, sasanqua, Chaenomeles speciosa, Malus halliana, winter jasmine, etc. can also be placed in a shed at about 15°C for flower forcing, with an appropriate increase in light duration, which can meet the need for indoor display of potted flowering plants during the Spring Festival. For potted hyacinths, tulips, pheasant's eye narcissus, freesias, etc. that have already been placed in the greenhouse in December, strengthening water and fertilizer management can also be expected to make them useful for decorative display during the Spring Festival. [page]

4. Watering

    In the watering management of potted flowers in January, the most important thing to note first is the temperature of the water used for watering and spraying, that is, the water temperature should be kept broadly consistent with the soil temperature. If the difference between the two is too great, it can easily cause adverse reactions in potted plants, and may even cause leaf drop, root rot, or death. Watering time is best arranged within 2 to 3 hours around noon. Second, according to different plant species, determine the amount, frequency, and method of watering. For most potted flowers and bonsai placed in greenhouses, sheds, and rooms, it is suitable to keep the potting soil moist. When the temperature is relatively low, watering should be reduced accordingly; when the temperature rises, the amount of watering can be increased and water can be sprayed on the leaves. For the vast majority of foliage plants, it is necessary both to keep the potting soil moist and to spray water on the leaves, always keeping the leaves clean. For foliage plant species that are not very cold-tolerant, such as Dieffenbachia seguine, Syngonium podophyllum, Maranta, and Codiaeum variegatum, when the temperature approaches the lower limit that the plant can tolerate, watering should be especially controlled. For those potted flowers that will bloom around the Spring Festival, such as Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, Belgian azalea, poinsettia, cineraria, wintersweet, plum, primrose, hyacinth, kalanchoe, and Calendula officinalis, and fruit-ornamental types such as Pyracantha, bitter orange, finger citron, lemon, Ardisia crenata, kumquat, Fortunella hindsii, and winter cherry, not only should the potting soil be kept moist, but the plants must also be sprayed with water to help the flower buds expand and to increase the bright color of the fruit.

   Although potted flowers need little water in January, inspection should be strengthened to prevent potted flowers placed in out-of-the-way spots from lacking water. Timely supplemental watering for plants whose potting soil has dried out can reduce the death of overwintering plants.

For newly planted landscaping trees and flowering shrubs, frequent inspection should be carried out and supplemental watering given in a timely manner. Especially for evergreen ornamental plants after transplanting, water should also be appropriately sprayed on the leaves around noon to prevent the leaves from shrinking and falling off due to excessively dry air.

5. Fertilization

For most ground-planted landscaping trees and flowering shrubs, such as Malus species, Magnolia denudata, Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia liliiflora, Magnolia soulangeana, Manglietia, Michelia species, Acer species, Gardenia jasminoides, Aesculus chinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Tilia, Lagerstroemia indica, Campsis grandiflora, Osmanthus fragrans, wintersweet, plum, Podocarpus macrophyllus, cherry blossom, Sapindus mukorossi, Albizia julibrissin, Koelreuteria paniculata, Trachycarpus fortunei, Schima superba, Machilus, Nyssa sinensis, Camptotheca acuminata, tree peony, Forsythia viridissima, Buxus, grape, Viburnum odoratissimum, Rosa chinensis, Hydrangea, Prunus cerasifera f. atropurpurea, Prunus japonica, Prunus triloba, Liriodendron chinense, Deutzia scabra, Philadelphus, Rosa banksiae, Elaeocarpus sylvestris, Salix babylonica var. aureo-pendula, Ulmus pumila var. pendula, Cryptomeria japonica, Taiwania cryptomerioides, Cedrus deodara, Sophora japonica, Sophora japonica var. pendula, Exochorda racemosa, Hibiscus syriacus, Syringa, Lagerstroemia indica, Photinia, Nandina domestica, Phyllostachys nigra, pomegranate, loquat, etc., if the fertilization task was not completed in December, while turning the soil, cake fertilizer, barnyard manure, pond mud, septic tank cleanings, etc. can be buried and applied around the outer edge of the tree root system, laying a material foundation for spring growth and flowering.

For potted flowers placed in a greenhouse at about 10°C to 15°C, such as Belgian azalea, Justicia brandegeeana, Pachystachys lutea, Daphne odora, cineraria, primrose, Cyclamen persicum, pheasant's eye narcissus, Chaenomeles speciosa, hyacinth, tulip, Vriesea, Clivia miniata, Strelitzia reginae, and Schlumbergera, low-concentration monopotassium phosphate solution can continue to be applied as a top dressing to facilitate plant growth and bud formation and flowering.

For most potted flowering plants, foliage plants, bonsai, etc. placed in sheds, because the plants are dormant in winter, fertilization should be stopped; otherwise it is very easy to cause root rot and death of the plants.

6. Pruning

For hedges, green walls, and topiary balls, etc. that were not yet pruned in December, continue pruning; for flowering shrubs not yet pruned in December, such as Rosa chinensis, Lagerstroemia indica, Rosa banksiae, Campsis grandiflora, Wisteria sinensis, floribunda rose, Cinnamomum camphora, Platanus orientalis, Sapium sebiferum, Photinia, pomegranate, Prunus cerasifera f. atropurpurea, Chaenomeles, wintersweet, plum, Trachycarpus fortunei, grape, etc., continue pruning; after pruning is completed, bury and apply basal fertilizer around the outer edge of their root systems to meet their spring growth needs.

For bonsai plant species that are mainly pruned and supplemented by wiring, such as Ulmus parvifolia, Sageretia thea, Bougainvillea, Ehretia microphylla, Xylosma congestum, Fraxinus hupehensis, Adina rubella, Elaeagnus pungens, Pyracantha, Serissa japonica, and Juniperus chinensis, pruning and adjustment can continue according to the original compositional requirements, the development and change trends of the plant trunk and branches, and personal aesthetic preferences, laying a foundation for spring growth and shaping. While pruning, plants that have not been repotted for many years can be repotted.

7. Pest and Disease Control

For trunks or large branches of Malus species, plum species, Prunus triloba, Chaenomeles, loquat, Prunus persica 'Duplex', cherry blossom, Prunus cerasifera f. atropurpurea, etc. that have been hollowed out by borers such as Aromia bungii, they can be sawed off, and the sawed-off trunks and branches should be burned.

Clean up the fallen leaves under Rosa chinensis, roses, grapes, Lagerstroemia indica, etc., gather them and burn them in a concentrated manner, which can reduce the occurrence of leaf diseases in the coming year.

For Ceroplastes ceriferus, Ceroplastes japonicus, Ceroplastes rubens, Icerya purchasi, Diaspididae, Unaspis yanonensis, Pseudococcidae, and Coccidae, etc. appearing on the trunks and branches of Pittosporum tobira, Platanus orientalis, Ligustrum lucidum, Pyracantha, persimmon, Gardenia jasminoides, plum, wintersweet, Photinia, etc., spray and kill with high-concentration Supracide, quinalphos, Buprofezin, lime sulfur mixture, etc., which can effectively suppress a major outbreak of scale insects in that year.

For powdery mildew appearing on cineraria in the greenhouse and gray mold that easily appears on primrose leaves, thiophanate-methyl can be used for control to prevent them from spreading to other plants.

For scale insects and sooty mold appearing simultaneously on bitter orange, finger citron, kumquat, and other plants in the greenhouse, carry out integrated control. First use a wet cloth to wipe off the sooty mold patches on the leaves and the insect bodies attached to the dry branches, then spray pesticides such as dimethoate for control.

For gray mold appearing on Cyclamen persicum plants in the greenhouse, 50% iprodione (main component iprodione) wettable powder at 1000 to 1500 times dilution can be sprayed for control.

8. Composting Fertilizer

Pour rapeseed cake, soybean cake, tea seed cake, etc. into a water pool or water vat for soaking and fermentation, so as to be used for watering potted flowers during the growing season; stack dead grass, branches, fallen leaves, etc. with garden soil in layers, ignite and burn them to make homemade burned soil, which can be used as covering soil when sowing and raising seedlings in spring; mix barnyard manure, pond manure, tobacco dust, chicken droppings and pigeon manure, etc. with garden soil for composting and fermentation, which can be used as fertilizer for preparing culture soil.

9. Plowing and Freezing of Soil

For nursery land not yet turned over in December, time should be seized in early January to plow it. While plowing the garden land, cake fertilizer, compound fertilizer, soil and miscellaneous fertilizers, etc. should be applied. After overwintering and freezing of the soil, in early spring trenches should then be drawn and beds made, for use in sowing and planting seedlings.

Because January is especially cold, the plant species suitable for shaping must be those with soft branches, good flexibility, and ease of shaping operations, such as Podocarpus macrophyllus, Calocedrus macrolepis, Ginkgo biloba, Buxus sinica, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Sabina chinensis, Serissa japonica, Sabina procumbens, Sabina chinensis cv., Pinus parviflora, Pinus taiwanensis, Pinus thunbergii, Adina rubella, Caragana sinica, Corylopsis sinensis, Euonymus bungeanus, Ficus microcarpa, and Wisteria sinensis, etc. After shaping, the plants are best placed indoors or in a simple plastic shed, and moved outdoors after spring returns and the weather warms, which is beneficial for the healing of parts that may have been damaged during shaping.

For plants shaped 1 to 2 years ago with palm rope or metal wire, etc., if obvious sunken constriction marks are found at the binding sites, the original binding material should be removed and coiling and training should be carried out again.

    In January, strict management should be strengthened for some shallow-pot tree stump bonsai, shallow-pot landscape bonsai, and small and miniature bonsai. Small and miniature bonsai should be buried on indoor sand beds; for tree stump bonsai, prevent the potting soil from freezing, which can damage the plant's fibrous roots and may cause artificially cemented rocks to disintegrate. Also prevent plants planted on small stones from dying after freezing, and they should be placed in a place that does not freeze, with regular watering and spraying, so as to ensure they can overwinter safely.