I was going to link you to a post on Neem Oil, but the search function is down today. I have it on file, so I'll just post again. I'm not sure I mention it in the article, but cold-pressed Neem Oil also has good antifungal properties. The info: Neem Extract as an Insecticidesize> In India mainly, but also Asia and Africa, grows a tree all plant enthusiasts should be aware of, Azadirachta indica, commonly known as the "neem" tree, and a relative of mahogany. Extracts from the trees seeds contain azadirachtin, a relatively safe and effective naturally occurring organic insecticide. Let me preface the comments following, by reminding you that the terms "naturally occurring and/or organic" do not universally mean safe. Pyrethrums, rotenone, and even the very dangerous nicotine are all organic insecticides that should be handled with great caution. Neem extracts, on the other hand are very safely used in a wide variety of cosmetics, as a topical treatment for minor wounds, as an insecticide in grain storage containers, bins, and bags, and a whole host of other applications. Neem is very safe for use around birds & mammals. I'll limit this discussion to its use as an insecticide. Neem works in many ways. It is effective both in topical and a systemic applications. It is an anti-feedant, an oviposition deterrent (anti-egg laying), a growth inhibitor, a mating disrupter, and a chemosterilizer. Azadirachtin, a tetranortriterpenoid compound, closely mimics the hormone Edison, which is necessary for reproduction in insects. When present, it takes the place of the real hormone and thus disrupts not only the feeding process, but the metamorphic transition as well, disrupting molting. It interferes with the formation of chitin (insect "skin") and stops pupation in larvae, thus short-circuiting the insect life cycle. It also inhibits flight ability, helping stop insect spread geographically Tests have shown that azadirachtin is effective in some cases at concentrations as low as 1 ppm, but some producers use alcohol in the extraction of neem oil from plant parts which causes the azadirachtin to be removed from the oil. Some products touting neem oil as an ingredient actually have no measurable amounts of azadiractin. I use what is referred to either as cold pressed or virgin neem oil. You may also occasionally find it referred to as "raw" neem or "crude" neem oil. Neem oil is most often used in an aqueous (water) suspension as a foliar spray or soil drench. Commonly, it is diluted to about a .5 to 2% solution, but the suggested ratio for use in container plant culture is 1 tsp. per quart of warm water. A drop or two of dish soap (castile or olive oil soap is best) helps keep the oil emulsified. The mixture is then applied as a mist to all leaf and bark surfaces and as a soil drench to the tree's root system. It should not be applied as a foliar spray on hot days or in bright sun as leaf burn may occur. Remember to agitate the container frequently as you apply and do not mix anymore than you will use in one day. Neem breaks down rapidly in water and/ or sunlight. Some users of insecticides feel the need to observe the instant results of their efforts in order to be convinced of the effectiveness of what they are using. The application of neem derivatives does not provide this immediate gratification. There is virtually no knockdown (instant death) factor associated with its use. Insects ingesting or contacting neem usually take about 3 - 14 days to die. Its greatest benefit; however, is in preventing the occurrence of future generations. It is also interesting to note that in studies it was found that when doses were given, purposefully insufficient to cause death or complete disruption of the metamorphic cycle, up to 30 surviving generations showed virtually no resistance/ immunity to normal lethal doses, so it appears that insects build no Âresistance to azadiractin. I have been using neem oil for at least 6 years as both a preventative and fixative and have had no insect problems on my container plants. Applications of cold-pressed neem oil are most effective for use on mites, whitefly, aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, caterpillars, beetles, mealy bugs, leaf miners, g-moth, and others. It seems to be fairly specific in attacking insects with piercing or rasping mouth parts. Since these are the pests that feed on plant tissues, they are our main target species. Unless beneficials like spiders, lady beetles, certain wasps, etc., come in direct contact with spray, it does little to diminish their numbers. Neem oil does have an odor that might be described as similar to that of an old onion, so you may wish to test it first, if you intend to use it indoors. I've found the odor dissipates in a day or two. As always, read and follow label instructions carefully. Neem oil can be purchased from many net or local sources. My favorite brand is Dyna-Gro, pure, cold-pressed neem oil. If you have trouble locating a source, you can contact me via the forum or directly. Al Fassezke

Give them light. Withhold water for up to 10 weeks. I wouldn't wait for a sign they're going to bloom. I have about three dozen, and they are several different kinds. Some bloom reliably in February and March. Many don't bloom until I put them outside. Since I don't really have a cold place, most of mine actually bloom in June after about two months living outdoors. I think the cold nights they get at that time help. Once they are about five years old, almost all of them have bloomed every year regardless of how I care for them in winter. One thing I think does help is to feed them regularly in spring and summer. I use a 3-1-2 NPK formula with all minors.

Thank you all for your input. . . a few of you actually answered my question better than the way I asked it. . . I meant to word it asking if they are drought tolerant does it mean they have to be grown in drought conditions. I have been fairly successful as a gardener, and I giggle at myself when I think back to my beginning years, not knowing enough to pay attention to growing requirements, size or even zones for that matter. Now fast forward 30+ years with a lot of trial and error under my belt, I start to question my own wisdom. I do water, and I do coddle to a certain extent. I have 2 makeover beds this year with mostly new perennials so I do water when they pout, I do so deeply. My Anise Hissop was less than 6" tall when I got it, it is at the back of the bed and is already taller than an antique tricycle beside it, same with the babies breath which was bought at the same time. So they must approve, maybe??? I agree Ken, I don't want a fussy plant, I choose my plants for color, size, and eye candy. If it doesn't like me and checks out, OH WELL. It just so happens, I really like the plants in here, I hope they like me too. We never, ever have humidity. We have been 100 the past 4 days, and a few more days of it to come. Which is not real common here in SE Montana. Were about 60 miles from the Rocky Mountain range, so we don't really get any benefactor from that, except the view. Not a desert for sure and definetly not a swamp land. thanks again for the input. . . :) Debi in Montana

Mxk3 - What part of the country are you in? What zone? Did you purchase mason bees somewhere? And have you done that before? I’m curious when you release them and do you attempt to provide habitat for them? Sam - Do you get snow and freezes all the way through April? Schoolhouse - I don’t have that particular weed, but I see others here that I seem to be getting more of every year. I love peonies but I don’t grow them. I had one for about 4 years and then I gave it away. It never failed to come into bloom right before a heavy rain and drop all it's petals. I barely had a bloom for 5 days. If you have a whole row of them it must be a sight to see! And you must have blooms to bring in the house. Sounds wonderful! Dee - We’ve had that happen, where a branch breaks but doesn’t fall out of the tree. [g] Glad yours finally came down safely. We have had a lot more wind than usual here. From the sounds of it, you are ahead of me with what is already growing. We had a forsythia that spread out so much we took it out. It ended up in more shade than it needed and didn’t bloom well by that time. Now I enjoy it in my neighbor’s yard. [g] And yes, looking around at everything that needs to be done….overwhelming. I’m trying to put blinders on and focus on the next step and ignore the rest. Deanna - I think there are Crocus varieties that are earlier than others. I’ve stopped adding crocus, because some critter keeps eating them. I went on a buying spree one fall and had many new varieties of crocus, including that ‘King of the Stripes’ that I like so much then after one spring of really enjoying them, they disappeared by the next year. It’s so odd that the area where I have the vinca planted under my front Maple was the only place that I didn’t lose any. And that is the oldest planting I have and it keeps coming back every year. I have to think it’s because of the vinca. Luckily it has ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ which is the very large white that I enjoy and a few others that do spread seed quite a distance, so I get a lot of surprises when they come up in other areas. But I think I’m down to about 4 different varieties and the rest are history. I comforted myself by buying more hyacinths and snowdrops and miniature daffodils that the critters don’t seem to bother. I have basal foliage for Oriental Poppies. They are so fresh so early and are not bothered by a late cold spell or more snow. Functionthenlook - I haven’t started cleaning up yet, but I can see some growth at the base of Chrysanthemums and Daylilies. Yes, the muscles are complaining at me just from a little pruning and I haven’t started doing anything difficult yet. [g]