Southern California January Checklist: Aloes, Bare-Root Plants, and Pruning

Planting

Aloes

Easy, interesting plants for winter color in frost-free areas: coast (zones 22–24), inland (18–21), low desert (13). Smaller cultivars suit modern gardens: 'David Verity' (3½ ft), 'Rookappie' (2½ ft).

Bare-Root Edibles

Nurseries stock bare-root deciduous fruit trees, cane berries, grapevines, artichokes, asparagus. Plant immediately.

Bare-Root Roses

Growing roses in high desert (zone 11: Barstow, Lancaster, Twentynine Palms) is challenging. Jan Weverka (Eroses in the High Desert) recommends: 'Honor', 'Pascali' (white); 'First Prize', 'Secret' (pink); 'Just Joey', 'Sunset Celebration' (apricot); 'Chrysler Imperial', 'Olympiad' (red); 'Moon Shadow' (lavender); 'St. Patrick' (yellow).

Natives

January is excellent for planting California natives—groundcovers to trees. They establish roots before February (historically wettest month). For immediate flowers: manzanita, wallflower (Erysimum concinnum), early ceanothus like 'Snowball'.

Maintenance

• De-ice birdbaths: Birds need water in winter. Pour hot water to break ice.
• Groom perennials: Cut back aster, balloon flower, gayfeather, helenium, Japanese anemone, matilija poppy, Mexican evening primrose, Mexican tarragon, true geranium, verbena, veronica, zauschneria to ground or just above basal growth.
• Prune: Most dormant deciduous plants—flowering shrubs/vines, shade trees, roses—benefit from pruning now. Exception: early spring bloomers (wait until after bloom). Also wait on frost-damaged plants until new growth appears.
• Recycle Christmas trees: Many cities recycle for mulch. San Diego: 858/694-7000. LA area: www.recycletrees.com, 818/215-4070, 310/240-0284. Or use evergreen boughs as mulch for acid-lovers (azaleas, camellias).

Pest and Weed Control

• Camellia blight: Brown, rotting blossom centers. Pick infected flowers and fallen debris; discard. Place shadecloth under shrubs to collect litter.
• Manage weeds: Replenish mulch in beds and around shrubs/trees. On bare earth, pull or hoe weeds carefully.