posted
I have a five year old crown of thorns which has grown rapidly every year. It has gotten so big it is hard to move around in its container. We had a few days of real cold here in Phoenix and the poor plant got frost bit. Most of it has turned brown but a bit of the limbs through the plant have new green leaves and some blooms on them. Here's my question....will the rest of the plant put out leaves as the weather gets warmer or shall I prune it back? Please don't tell me its a lost cause...thanks for any assistance.
Plants: 4 | From: Arizona | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 68.106.21.14
Phil and Laura
guest
posted
Hi, Mind if I just call ya Phoenix?? I can't tell you anything specifically about the crown of thorns; however, if it is showing "signs of life" I believe I would let it recover some before i cut it back, right now it may not be able to handle the stress, good luck and welcome to the site, I am sure that someone else will stroll through here with a better answer ..........Phil
Seeded: 170.215.46.57
Jiffymouse
guest
posted
hey phoenix i don't have your answer either, but wanted to say welcome, and i'm with phil on both points, one i would wait and 2 someone will be by that knows... we have several ca gardeners who are also cactophiles, so they should have an answer...
Seeded: 12.77.201.25
posted
Hey, Hey Arizona...first off had no idea Arizona got that cold! Burrrrr!
I am a cactophile but don't have a clue....if it were me I would wait and see what happens....later....I would trim just above the area with new leaves. Wait for others to run through with their suggestions. Here is a write up Bill did on crown of thorns....so later you will be able to prune it properly! http://www.thegardenhelper.com/Crownofthorns.htm
to The Garden Helper Arizona Guess Phil renamed you. I did that to Hollywood too and now she refers to herself as "hollywood"!!!
* * * * Plants: 7129 | From: California | Registered: Mar 2003
| Seeded: 68.66.244.5
posted
Hi, everyone! Thanks for the advice...I remember a few years ago, the top part of the main trunk got so heavy it fell over and the end began to rot..so I cut it back and then remaining top part is now wooded (like saguaros do when they die). When I trim it back (after all possibilities of frost) will all the ends turn out this way? Hope not...its not very pretty.
My niece just moved out there, almost 2 years now I think,....I can't remember where though... Some wheres near an army and dessert area I think.....
They love it, I think they do stuff with horses too, the oldest girl is into them...
Anyways, Welcome aboard!! Hope you'll stick around a bit, we have alot of nice people here, and some great sections we've just added, recipes, crafts, hobbies, banter hall for chatting, and a game room for all of us bored out of our minds gardeners that can't garden right now.... So, please feel free to add a post or two to any section that interest in.... post something new if you don't see it!! Glad to have you here!!
Weezie
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
Yes, lots of flowers....we have natural landscaping so I accent with pots and hanging baskets. Also have orange, lemon, grapefruit and lime trees. We have gardening around 9 months out of the year. July, August and September are just too hot and everything, except the cacti and trees, die...Just the opposite of up north.Today, I started my raised veggie garden. Got the soil all ready to go.
Could your niece be at Lukes Air Force Base? Its right in the middle of the desert. And lots of horses out here. Seems like just about everyone is into them. Not me...got too much other upkeep to take care of
posted
They seem hardy to zone 9 listing coldest temp at 20.mine only blooms on top half and lower leaves are always falling.need to learn a better way of removeing fallen leaves too but the ink pen prod worked well the last time.mine sit indoors winter in bathroom would love better light was still blooming when moved it in but colors were less.Hopefully will have better room next yr can can give better lighting.I wouldn't trim it just yet.I'd watch it to see what was up.I've seen one that was 5 ft tall and about 3 ft wide in a container B4.was corpus christi& I was about 14 my friends mom had one.Is why I wanted one.
here is what plant data base says and has some cute pics.wish my red was that bright.makes my red look pink almost.my yellow is a pale yellow
posted
Hi Njoynit! Thanks for your input...as of today there are green leaves coming out at the bottom with a few blooms. I don't think the top part is going to do anything The temp here is about 65 now and I think the danger of frost is over. So I guess I'll wait a couple more weeks and if the top doesn't come out, I'll prune. Hate to cause its about 4 ft. high and that wide.
I registered at the plant data base. Should be really useful. Thanks again.
posted
Phoenix, I will have to ask her, she's told me, and the darn brain drain sets in!!
You said you do alot of pots and fruit trees, we have alot of gardeners asking about fruit trees, or containers or plants that don't require alot of watering.... Allthumbs in Calif., is looking for some drought tolerant plants, for his front lawn (under lawns/who cares post) Got any pointers for him!! I know he would like to hear about some ideas, if you have any to share????
Thank~You if you do!! Weezie
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
I'd still give it a wait a bit before topping.It is growing slower at this time of year also.mines not perked up too well yet. Maybe Bill can explain the difference from leaf burn and frost damage.I know some things will tolerate some cold if well fertilized& healthy and end up with leaf scorge leaf burn and not frost damage I know the leaves will turn purplish in some plants and is plant nutrients damage from colder temps.I know I read about it and was in AZ area& see it on my sweet williams sometimes when the temps dip cold.
* * * * I will age ungracefully until I become an old woman in a small garden..doing whatever the Hell I want!
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..........Phil
to The Garden Helper Arizona ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
I did that to Hollywood too and now she refers to herself as "hollywood"!!! ![[grin]](graemlins/grinnnn.gif)
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