Book will help you keep desert plants looking sharp

Many of us now have drought-tolerant plants and are wondering how to prune them. The late Eric A. Johnson's "Pruning, Planting & Care" book tells you how to correctly prune more than 300 desert plants. In addition to pruning, the book has other facts about arid west plants. You'll find it at local bookstores.

One xeriscape gardener uses this manual religiously. In this book, she has marked all her trees and shrubs so she knows when and how to prune them. You won't find her plants overrunning other plants, because she keeps them looking natural.

Here is a sampling of tips from this pruning bible:

Bougainvillea: Plan on pruning often to control its arching branches. If frost damage occurs, let new buds break in spring before removing affected branches. Expect rapid growth during the heat.

Feathery cassia: These plants are coming into bloom, so prune after the bloom. Shake off the seedpods, which easily fall off. After two to three years of growth, remove half the growth and eliminate crisscrossing canes to keep centers open so sunlight can stimulate new flowering wood, This also hides the old wood. If plants have ample space, allow them to grow naturally.

Desert willow: Prune now while branches are bare and structure is visible. Thin out excessive vertical stems and avoid heavy cuts or suckering will occur. For a clean, neat look until the tree leafs out, remove seedpods. It may take pole pruners to get the higher pods.

Autumn sage: Right now, cut plants back by pruning into old wood and thinning out older interior stems to create new growth. For optimum flowers, prune after each flowering flush down to leafy area to stimulate new flowering wood. Avoid summer pruning until late September to encourage winter color.

Red bird of paradise: Do your major pruning after mid-March. Cut stems back to a foot above ground for complete renewal. Expect a surge of new vigorous growth as temperatures warm. Prune to control size in midsummer and remove seedpods, because they are messy.

Trailing indigo bush: After a few years of mounding, cut into its older wood, leaving 6-inch stubs above the ground to stimulate new fresh growth and a more groomed appearance. Recovery is rapid as the temperature warms. Plants grow like slow-moving lava and will smother nearby plants.

Brittle bush: After flowering ends this spring, remove the spent flower stems down to the leaves. If the plants become too vigorous, thin out at least one-third of the growth before the heat arrives. If frost damaged them, remove affected branches.

Chocolate flower: This beauty has a proliferation of flowers that smell like chocolate. As flowers fade, remove them to stimulate new growth and strengthen stems, and cut leafy rosette back to a foot high.

Fairy dusters: As plants mature, prune to keep the plant in proportion to other plants. Light pruning encourages a full skirt from the ground level up. Prune in late spring for rapid recovery. Avoid pruning once temperatures get hotter than 95 degrees. Severe pruning inhibits flowering. Small seedpods will not inhibit growth and will drop, hiding in the foliage.

GARDENING 101

Better, fresher food for less cash: It's no wonder gardening is hip again. Get started on the right track by taking Gardening 101, taught by Cyndi Dixon and me at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 6 at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. To reserve your seat, call 822-7786.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN WITH DESERT IN MIND

Learn how to convert your water-guzzling yards into less thirsty, water-efficient attractive landscapes. You will be coached through the design process, creating your own landscape design. Classes begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 1 and continue for eight weeks at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 8050 Paradise Road (I-215 and Windmill Road). To register, call 257-5555.

Linn Mills writes a garden column each Sunday. You can reach him at linn.mills@springspreserve.org or call him at 822-7754.