Q: We are looking for something the grower calls a moon plant (not moon vine). It has white flowers, many branches and grows into a bushy, spreading plant that reproduces rather aggressively. Mary Lanier, Clarkesville
A: "White flower, bushy and spreads aggressively" brings to mind only one plant: datura, also know as devil's trumpet. The upright, trumpet-shaped flowers yield a 1-inch diameter spiny pod that contains many seeds. Though the flowers are pretty, I consider it a weed because the seedlings can pop up indiscriminately across a landscape.
Q: This past fall, my daughter and I collected seeds from our Japanese maple trees to stratify and eventually sell, in lieu of a lemonade stand. Everything went well. We planted the seeds in March. I then noticed to my amazement the hundreds of maple seedlings growing in the yard. I began collecting them and now have over 200 seedlings growing. Did I miss something or are we incredibly blessed with all of these new little seedlings? Carla Bosman, Dunwoody
A: Stratification is the process of keeping tree seeds cold and damp for three months to stimulate them to germinate. It's appropriate when you want complete control over a seed's germination. But nature does it naturally each winter, as you now see with the hundreds of seedlings. Use whatever you find; they will develop into nice trees. Good luck with the maple tree stand!
Q: Last year, my daughter gave me a hydrangea that had a gorgeous deep mauve bloom. I planted it and it has grown very well. But I was surprised when the bloom opened and is now blue. What do I need to do to have the deep mauve blossoms? Darlene Knowlton, email
A: The gift hydrangea was grown in a greenhouse where the pot's soil pH could be precisely manipulated to influence the bloom color. Once you planted it outdoors, our naturally acidic soil caused the bloom to revert to blue. Apply a cup of lime around the plant now and in August to raise soil pH. The easiest way to get purple blooms is to start with a variety that likes to be pink naturally. I have suggestions for how to do it at bit.ly/purplehydrangea.
Q: Some wonderful shamrocks have come up in our backyard. They have lavender flowers that close up in the evening. Is it unusual for shamrocks to come up voluntarily like this? Sharon Wade, Marietta
A: This is perfectly normal; shamrock seeds and tubers are spread by animals and insects. While the plant is attractive for a few weeks, it fades in summer heat. Also be on the lookout for orange pustules on the leaves, which signify hard-to-control rust disease.
Q: For years, we have grown African violets on our kitchen counter under florescent lighting. Recently, we switched to more efficient LED lights and wondered if this change will affect the plants. John Scarpucci, email
A: Generally speaking, if the light from the LED bulbs is comparable to the light you got from the fluorescent bulbs, the plants will behave the same. In other words, if you can read, cook and do normal kitchen tasks comfortably with the new bulbs, your plants will be able to do their job, too.
