Plant Guides

The Easter lily is a stately and classic potted plant. Very large, very fragrant trumpets of waxy-white blooms cluster on top of stalks with simple, sword shaped leaves. Easter lilies are the epitome of simple elegance. Choosing your lily Buds open very quickly, so if you’re buying your plant a week or [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Grapes are quite tolerant of varying growing conditions. Choose a sunny location with some means of support. Since grapes can become very large plants, growing them on a fence, arbor or other large structure is best. Planting 1. Dig a hole twice the size of the rootball. 2. Using E.B. Stone Planting Compost, mix one [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Azaleas are one of the most desirable flowering shrubs for Southern California gardens and if given the proper growing conditions, they'll provide years of trouble-free beauty. Azaleas are beautiful in the landscape or a container. Planting Azaleas need rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. 1. Dig a hole three times the size of the root ball. 2. Using [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Good citrus cultural practices require that plants be grown in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. During the winter, cover if there's a chance of frost. A fall application of Sul-Po-Mag will help them withstand colder than normal temps. Planting In Containers Select a container at least twice the size of the existing plant [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Plant bananas in a sunny location that's sheltered from strong winds to help prevent leaf shredding. Keep moist but in a well-drained soil. Since bananas are tropical, they can be subject to frost damage. If your location is particularly cold in winter, consider using the banana as a container plant. While the tops of the [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information From the hot interior valleys to the cooler coastal environment, this berry is right at home. Plants do well in full sun but tolerate some light shade inland. The blueberry is self-pollenizing, but larger fruit is produced if planted with more than one variety. Planting 1. Dig a hole two times the size of the root [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Bougainvilleas thrive in hot, sunny areas in the garden. From the desert to the sea, they're right at home even in the most adverse of conditions. When planting your bougainvillea, be aware that the roots will not hold the rootball together. It's advisable to cut the bottom out of the container when planting, then slip [...] Read Full Article

Armstrong Garden's YouTube Channel Cultural Information Poinsettia prefer bright light. Avoid direct sunlight that may scorch. Try to keep poinsettias in a place where the temperature is consistent. They do best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees. With regular watering they'll last long past the holidays. Planting 1. Dig a hole twice the size of the root [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Roses thrive in California's growing environment and take little care. Pictured: Carol Burnett Rose Planting  Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Using E.B. Stone Rose Grow Planting Mix combine one part soil and one part planting compost. Add one cup of E.B. Stone Sure Start. Place the rose in the hole [...] Read Full Article

Cultural Information Gardenias can be somewhat fussy about their growing conditions. Gardenias should be planted in an acidic soil that has good drainage. They prefer sunny areas and warm temps. Planting 1. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. 2. Using E.B. Stone Azalea, Camellia and Gardenia Planting Mix combine one part soil and [...] Read Full Article