Plant Identification With Care Instructions

Ask the Expert: HELP IDENTIFY PLANTS SO I CAN CARE FOR THEM

I have never been a gardener but we just moved into a lovely place where someone put a lot of heart and soul into their plants and I don’t want to kill them.
I know absolutely zero and need simple terms.
We have an apple tree, a pear tree, several raspberry vines, and a huge wall of concord grapes.
I have a lot of ground cover and bushes I have never seen. Any help would be appreciated.

This is a dormant rose bushes. The red berries are called rose hips. Basically the seed pods of a rose. Depending on the rose species, the rose hips can be edible and are full of vitamin C. You can make a teas, jellies and jams from certain rose hips. Roses typically need a fair amount of care. Usually in February roses need to be pruned. However, this one looks fine. When the roses start to leaf out you will need to begin a feeding and spraying program. Feed your roses with a rose fertilizer once a month from Mar-April to Aug-Sept. You will need to control fungus and insects. Your local garden center should have a rose fertilizer that has a systemic insecticide for the insects and a systemic fungicide for the black spot. As your rose blooms you will need to deadhead. When the bloom is spent find the first leaflet that has five leaves; take your hand pruners and cut the stem right above the leaflet at a 45degree angle. This will encourage the rose to bloom again but in a quicker manner.

I believe this is an member of the Erica family, sometimes referred to as Heath or Heather. As to the particular variety, I’m not sure. Heath prefers a well drained soil in a full sun area. From the picture it looks like it is very healthy. It likes moderate watering; during the growing season it may require more water. It will need to be feed during the growing season; use a slow release balanced granular fertilizer (your local garden center or nursery will have this product). After this plant has finished blooming, for the season, you can prune it. Hand pruners are shear will work on this plant. As far as pests and disease, watch for fungal problems.

This is one of about 200 species of deciduous or evergreen green shrubs in the Rhus family. Commonly known as Sumac. I am not sure which species. It could be Rhus glabra (Scarlet Sumac, Smooth Sumac) or Rhus typhina (Staghorn Sumac, Velvet Sumac). It prefer moist well drained soil. Fertilize during the growing season and prune in early spring. You will most likely need loppers to prune this shrub.

I believe this is a Mountain Laural (Kalmia latifolia). Although from the pictures it is hard to tell – a close-up picture showing the flower & the leaf would help in making an accurate identification. If it is a Mountain Laurel, it prefers moist humus rich soil in a partial shade location. In sun the ground will need to be kept very moist. As with all of your other plants, it will need to be mulched one or two times a year. Watch for insect and fungal problems. Prune lightly after blooming. In mid-spring you can remove dead or damaged growth.

I’m sure you will do fine. Most plant care is relatively simple and requires minimal time. I suggest finding a garden center & nursery (not a box store) in your local area and visiting with them. They will be familiar with the plants in your area and will have the products and tools you will need to take care of your landscaping. I help customers all the time at our nursery who are not gardeners, but have beautiful landscaping. Good luck.