First of all, only self-pollinated species and hybridizers' crosses should be grown from seed. Hybrids will not come true from seed. That said, Rhododendron yakushimanum may bloom in only 2-3 years, slower ones may take up to 7 years.

Azaleas are rhododendrons, part of the Ericaceae or Heath family. Plants commonly called azaleas have thinner, more pointed, hairy leaves. The plants commonly called rhododendrons and azaleas are different enough, however, that they seldom cross-breed. Deciduous azaleas lose all their leaves in winter and are genetically different enough from the evergreen types that they rarely cross breed. Cultural requirements are pretty much the same for all rhododendrons, including the deciduous azaleas.

Most chemicals will deter deer to some extent. However, when the population is high (as it is now due to the mild winters recently), a dog or a fence may be the only cure. Rhododendrons with a heavy indumentum (fuzz on the underside of the leaves) are not popular with deer and are usually not bothered. Some of the cultivars known as "Yaks" have this indumentum. Among the most popular plants are 'Mist Maiden' and 'Ken Janek.

Lavender is a fast growing plant, and usually blooms shortly after planting - between May and July, if conditions and weather are right.

Predicting blooming size by leaf span can be difficult, as there is not only tremendous variation between the different species, but clonal variation within a species. Differing growing conditions between growers can also produce 'blooming size' plants at different rates. Also, vendors have independent ideas about what constitutes 'blooming size', based on their particular growing conditions. Obviously only limited generalizations can be made within ranges as wide apart as the diminutive Paph.

Small leaf rhododendrons generally have thicker, darker green leaves. Azaleas' leaves tend to be hairy. long as the cultivar is known and is one that is adapted to the region, it doesn't matter where it is purchased so long as it is a healthy plant.

No, they will grow well next to the house so long as there is not mortar or other alkaline material mixed in with the fill around the house. They should also be planted far enough away from the house so they have room to grow normally and the roof overhang doesn't prevent them from getting the moisture necessary for growth.

There are number of effective companion plants to use in the landscape with rhododendrons and azaleas, both to extend the flowering season and provide contrasts with either the flowers or foliage of the rhododendrons and azaleas. Some of the best trees and shrubs are dogwood (Cornus), mountain laurel (Kalmia), and holly (Ilex), along with many of the conifers. Bulbs such as snowdrops (Galanthus), daffodils (Narcissus), and lilies (Lilium) work well in these situations.

Since these plants bloom on previous year's wood, they should be pruned after they bloom or else you will sacrifice flower buds. Pruning should be done within six weeks after blooming. This is also a good time to feed them. We recommend Merrifield Flowering Plant Food, a high phosphorous formula that will promote flowering. These plants should be pruned in the early spring before the new growth begins to emerge. Bigleaf, Oakleaf and Climbing Hydrangeas are an exception to this rule.

Azaleas usually bloom during the last few weeks of March and the first few weeks of April in South Carolina. The exact time depends upon the weather in the state. Cooler than usual temperatures usually postpone the blooming of the azaleas, while warmer than usual temperatures usually speed up the blooming process. It is recommended that you contact the visitor's center of the area that you plan on visiting for more detailed information.

Yes, rhododendrons may be pruned if required. Most azaleas and rhododendrons usually look best in their natural state, but pruning may be required for various reasons. Bushier plants can be encouraged by pinching out the terminal buds. (If the growth buds are all about the same size, branching will probably occur naturally. Be careful here and don't pinch out the flower buds, normally much larger than the growth buds.

Florida red tide blooms can last days, weeks, or months and can change daily due to wind conditions. Onshore winds normally bring it near the shore and offshore winds drive it out to sea. No. Red Tides, or Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), occur worldwide. Karenia brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico but has been found on the east coast of Florida, off the coast of North Carolina, and recently in Delaware.

There can be a substantial range in the number of months that Paph. capsules require to mature to a harvestable stage. Capsules can be removed and sown either at the green 'pod' stage, where the color of the capsule (not 'pod', which is incorrect usage of the term) is actually still some shade of green but not yet dehisced, and is starting to slightly shrink in size.

Clyde Robin. Your wildflowers will remain blooming as long as there is sufficient soil moisture for them. If you live in an arid area, you will need to provide some summer water. In more temperate zones, your flowers will not require much water until late summer. Watch them carefully. When they start to show signs of stress it is time to give a little water.

All the varieties we sell will produce some blooms within 3 months, with the exception of Brown-Eyed Susan which may not bloom the first year after planting. The wildflower seed mixes will germinate and bloom at different times since there are so many different seed types.

The answer to this question depends upon the type of orchid. Some bloom once a year, others bloom several times a year and some even bloom continuously.

You have to be patient when the plant you purchased in flower is done flowering, because it needs to mature another growth before it can flower again, unless it is a sequential bloomer from the section Cochlopetalum (see following paragraph). Your plant will also take a bit of time to adjust to your growing conditions, and your potting medium if you choose to repot it after flowering (which is always a good idea).

You will get only one inflorescence per growth; you need to mature another growth to get another inflorescence. There have been rare recorded instances of some plants pushing up 2 inflorescences from the same growth. The exception to this rule is plants from section Cochlopetalum, which will give you flowers sequentially on the same inflorescence for many months. Paphs can be frustratingly or tantalizingly (depending on your point of view) slow to push that bud up and open it. Paph.

GERMINATION: Under ideal conditions, hulled seeds can germinate within 3 to 7 days. IF conditions are NOT ideal, it is quite normal for Bermuda seeds to take 14 to 21 days for germination to occur. Occasionally it can take even longer. Seedlings are very small when they first emerge and require careful inspection to observe. Under ideal conditions, it is possible for Bermuda's to establish from seed within about 5-6 weeks to provide a limited / usable turf.