done because the bees are usually on it.
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| Fairy duster and honeybees |
A. This plant is native to North and Central America
growing in warm desert climates and soils. This tells you a little bit about
how to manage it. This should tell you to not water every day. Plants like this are usually very susceptible to root rot so make sure the soil has been amended with compost before planting so that it improves drainage.
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| Fairy duster in the backyard of reader |
It will tolerate desert soils as well as infrequent watering.
At planting time I would amend the soil with about 25 to 50% compost and make
the whole about three times wider than its container. I realize yours is
already in the ground so watering and fertilizer applications are important to
mention.
Do not water this plant too often. That will be the biggest mistake
people make. Fertilize it lightly once in the very early spring around late
January or February with a rose type fertilizer. The plant can get 3 feet wide
and 3 feet tall in soils that have been amended with compost.
As long as it’s
in a sunny location you should see a profusion of blooms in the spring and
summer months that attract bees, hummingbirds and night flying moths. Quail
like to feed on seed from the seed pods. Rabbits like to browse on new growth.
You can clean up the plant in the early spring by removing dead leaves and
stems. You will encourage more blooms if the plant is in a sunny location and
flowers are removed before they begin to form seedpods.