On narcissus and native plants

Q:     What types of narcissus can grow here?

A:   We are limited to the polyanthus narcissi: paper white, Chinese sacred lily, Pearl white and Grand soliel d’or will grow here.

Q:    I want to include more native plants in my landscape. I also like flowering plants. What are some flowering natives?

A:    Native plants with prominent blooms are:    blue flag iris, horse mint, passion vine, dune daisy, gaillardia, dogwood and prickly pear cactus.

Q:    Is it a good time to apply bone meal to irises and amaryllis?

A:    Bone meal is used to promote flowering since it is a source of phosphorous. Applying it now, before flowering occurs, may improve the quality of the plant’s blooms.

Q:    I have a wire fence around my vegetable garden. I want to plant a spring flowering vine to attract more bees for pollination. Could Carolina jessamine work?

A:    Although this is a spring flowering vine, I would not plant it around the garden. The pollen of this vine can actually be toxic to bees. In the big picture, this could defeat the purpose for its planting. Try planting morning glories, squash or a melon on the fence.