What to do in February in the garden
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There are a number of California natives as well as cool season shrubs, vines and perennials that will be blooming in February. Although some gardens may look a bit bare and desolate, others are starting to wake up and show signs that spring is around the corner. Many succulents, including cacti bloom in the winter. If you are looking for some ideas, just drive around your neighborhood and see what is in bloom in other people’s yards. Nurseries will have a number of blooming plants, but they may have been forced to bloom this time of year and will not repeat for you next year at this time. A well-planned garden in our climate may have interest year round. Consider abutilon, hellebores, or cyclamen to add color and blooms during the cooler months.
If you are looking for something that you can plant this month, consider camellias and azaleas. Their roots are actually dormant while they are in bloom and prefer to be planted at this time. Use an acidic fertilizer to assure a good start when they are done blooming and start their growth cycle. Always keep the ground clean under these and all blooming plants during the winter months to prevent fungal diseases from taking hold.
Cut back fall and winter plants that have completed their bloom cycle. Spreading around some organic fertilizer around perennials that are starting to set their buds this month will reward you with strong growth and blooms in the following warmer months. Organics do not have the stimulating effect that synthetics do, so they will not force plants to put out tender growth while the temperatures are still cool. Wait to use synthetic fertilizers until the weather warms up.