When should I stop deadheading my roses? 

Deadheading is the removal of spent flowers. Stop deadheading hybrid tea, grandiflora and floribunda roses in September.  The development of rose hips (fruits) slows plant growth and helps prepare the plants for winter. 

When is the best time to apply a broadleaf herbicide to the lawn? 

Fall (mid-September through October) is the best time to control perennial broadleaf weeds in the lawn with broadleaf herbicides.  In fall, perennial broadleaf weeds are transporting food (carbohydrates) from their foliage to their roots in preparation for winter. Broadleaf herbicides applied in fall will be absorbed by the broadleaf weed’s foliage and transported to the roots along with the carbohydrates, resulting in the destruction of the broadleaf weeds. 
 
Effective broadleaf herbicides include 2,4-D, MCPP, MCPA, dicamba, triclopyr, and others. The most effective broadleaf herbicide products contain a mixture of two or three herbicides, as no single compound will control all broadleaf weeds.  Broadleaf herbicides can be applied as liquids or granules.  Before applying any herbicide, carefully read and follow label directions. 

What would be a good site for a rose of Sharon? 

The rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a flowering shrub that produces single or double, two-inch to four-inch-diameter, hollyhock-like  flowers in late summer.  Flowers vary from white to red to blue. The flowers of many varieties have prominent centers or eyes. Plants grow eight to 10 feet tall. 

In Iowa, the rose of Sharon can be successfully grown in the southern half of the state. Plants may be seriously damaged or destroyed if temperatures drop to -20 F or below. 

The rose of Sharon is fairly easy to grow. It performs best in moist, well-drained soils in partial to full sun. Avoid dry sites, wet soils and heavy shade.

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