Even though we’ve had a taste of warm weather, it is important to remember there may be a chance of frost over the next few weeks; so, keep a close eye on the weather. The last frost-free date for our area is April 15. Whatever the weather, many are moving ahead with their outdoor projects. Home gardeners have posed questions that may be of interest.  Below are a few questions recently posed:

Question: One of my breakfast buddies brought me a unusual flower last week and was wondering if the strange purple bloom was a weed or some type of early spring flowering plant. “It just came up a few days ago and looks really unusual. What is this flower?”

Answer: What he had coming up in his beds is a grape hyacinth. It’s a very small spring flowering bulb with unusual flowers that mimics an upside-down bunch of grapes. The bulb only grows about 6 inches tall and blooms in early spring. Go to https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/muscari-armeniacum/ for more detailed information.

Question: My daffodils are in full bloom and look beautiful. What should I do for them after they bloom so they will continue each spring?

Answer: Remove the spent flower heads and be careful and do not cut or disturb the tender foliage. The foliage is absorbing nutrients preparing for next season’s bloom. The foliage will soon turn yellow and unsightly as the spring progresses. Keep them intact and they eventually turn from yellow to brown. You can then clip back the dead foliage and neaten the area.

Question: I sprayed the broadleaf weeds in my lawn last week and they are not dying. Did I do something wrong?

Answer: Some broadleaf winter annuals weeds, especially if they are in bloom, are difficult to kill. They are in the process of producing seed and not growing and therefore not readily adsorbing herbicides. Most weeds often become distorted and withered within a few days after application. Multiple applications of broad-leafed herbicides a few weeks apart may be an effect solution for your winter weed problem.

Question: I have some variegated liriope and hostas that are really large and spreading. Can I divide these now.

Answer: Yes, both of these plants can be divided in both spring and fall and will survive the summer.

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired horticulture agent and director with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Contact him at deblackw@ncsu.edu.