Flowering shrubs

Proper timing is one of the most important considerations for successful pruning. Getting the timing right helps ensure attractive, healthy, productive plants. Research has shown pruning wounds heal fastest when the cuts are made right before new growth begins. This knowledge guides pruning recommendations, with the goal of promoting fast wound closure and keeping plants as healthy as possible.

Rhododendrons and azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs, putting on a spectacular show in spring when they bloom. They are best adapted to eastern and southern regions of the United States with moderate winter temperatures and consistent rainfall.

But there are some cultivars which can perform well in a Nebraska landscape, given good care and careful siting. Below are two of the most winter hardy azalea and rhododendron lines.  

Winter days may be gloomy and dull, but you can give your home a touch of spring by forcing landscape branches to bloom indoors. Spring-flowering trees and shrubs set their flower buds the previous fall. Once the buds have been exposed to cold for several months (usually by mid-January), branches can be cut and forced to bloom early indoors - giving you the opportunity to enjoy a touch of spring.

Woody floral plants include any woody plant species having colorful or unusually shaped stems, buds, flowers, fruits or leaves. They are given the name "woody florals" because they are often sold to florists for use in flower arrangements. But they also bring interest and color to the home landscape or can be used in home decorations.

There are several things you can do to help your roses survive this winter, and the first is to make sure your roses are healthy and not under stress as they go into winter. Strong plants have a better chance of surviving well than weak plants. The most important thing you can do to reduce stress is continue to water roses until the ground freezes, even if they are dormant. Soak plants to a depth of 8-12 inches, every 2-3 weeks.