Perennial plants should be set out this month so they may become established before hot weather sets in. Plant warm-season bulbs such as caladiums, cannas, tuberoses, lilies, dahlias, elephant ears and gladioli towards the end of the month. For better blooms this year, summer bulbs should be treated to a top dressing of fertilizer after new growth appears. Never prune after July 4th. Shape to desired form.
Fire blight is common on the new growth of pyracantha, pear and apple trees.
Watch for this problem now and cut the infected foliage off. To prevent the spread of this disease, be sure to toss away the clippings. Early this month, pruning is also in order for summer blooming beauties like crepe myrtle, buddleia and vitex. Camellia and Azalea leaf gall is best controlled by handpicking the fleshy leaves or by spraying with zineb before bloom. Roses Spray roses every 7-10 days until frost, beginning with the onset of new growth.