Spanish broom could regroup after dead branches removed
Sep. 2—Q: I have a Spanish broom that showed signs of drying out this summer. Although I substantially increased how much water it was getting, it continues to display many dry branches. My question is, should I trim out these dead branches or leave them alone? — G.M., Albuquerque
A: I'm going to suggest that you cut out all the dead. I truly believe that the brown will never be green again. There are a couple of reasons why you should remove these parts.
First, the broom could become a large fire hazard. If this planting is anywhere in the open and an errant cigarette butt could be tossed into it, you could have the makings of a large amount of trouble.
Second, since the brown will never turn green again, the broom is pretty much an eyesore. I think every time you'd notice it, your heart might ache, remembering the beautiful plant it was.
So, get out there and cut out all the dead. Your broom might look a bit funky for a while, but usually a tidied Spanish broom can reshape and be terrific once again.
Also, the city's autumn green waste collection will be happening this year from November 27 through December 8. So if you have the room to store the collected trimmings in bags that will weigh no more than 40 pounds each, and like me don't have the means to dispose of a large collection of trimmings like this, they can be whisked away for you during that time frame. I know that the end of November sounds far, far away, but it's already September.
As to offering substantially increased water, I feel that perhaps a better thought would be to water for a longer period of time when you'd usually water. That way, you're encouraging the plant roots to grow deeper, which usually creates a sort of natural air-conditioning for your plant. The roots stay cooler, helping to keep the plants themselves cooler.
This summer was wicked temperature-wise and a wall near the plant could be reflecting collected heat directly on the plant, so maybe watering more often was the saving grace. I would also suggest that if the planting is on a drip system, you make sure that the system is dripping properly, and you have enough drippers aimed around the plantings.
Cut out the dead areas, perhaps offer a dose of properly diluted root stimulator, and make sure the water offered is getting to the plant, but please not from over head.
Soon it'll be time to back off on how often you water. Just remember to offer deep drinks when you do. I think your Spanish broom can regroup, will be less likely to be a collection point of blowing litter and certainly not be a fire hazard, and aim to continue anew for you.
Q: On a nature trail within the Elena Gallegos area, east of Tramway Boulevard, the missus and I are wondering what the shrubby bush is that has caught our eye. They were wearing a pinkish bloom that looked almost like cotton, and then wore five-petaled white flowers. Do you perhaps know what plant this might be? — Mr.& Mrs. D.H., Albuquerque
A: I believe that the shrub you're describing is called Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa).
The feathery, pink, longish, fuzzy parts that offer a bright white flower that looks like an open-faced small rose is a remarkably sturdy plant that can be found all over New Mexico. Since it's in the rose family, it's easy to see the resemblance, too.
The Apache plume zones in every one of the zones we have here in New Mexico. What I like about the Apache plume is they are a great plant that does not require gobs of care. In fact, over-tended, this plant would probably not fare well.
The Apache is known to be drought tolerant, prefers full sun and can take the heat, grows in some of the poorest soil you can imagine and isn't a water pig. It's also an important erosion control plant, which is probably why you found it growing so well within the Elena Gallegos area.
Another reason to like them is they are a great plant for pollinators. I've had the distinct pleasure of standing close to a plume in full bloom and hearing it hum from all the bees, busy gathering the pollen offered. When not in bloom they are sort of a ho-hum type of plant, not very distinctive at all, but when they bloom they are a treat. I hope this helps identify your mystery plant.
Keep Diggin' In!
Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.
