Question
Red Bud - I have a foot tall red bud growing in a large pot. I am in Baltimore, MD. It is growing slow. Should I leave it in the pot over the winter or can I plant it in the ground? If in the ground, is there anything special I should do to it?
Rose of Sharon - When can I trim it back?  It is too wide and lanky for the area it is planted. I want it to grow tall and not so spread-out.
Emerald Green Shrubs - I have 20 of them for a border.  They are 15 years old and getting sparse. Can I trim them back?  When?  Any other suggestions?

Thank you!

Carolyn

Answer
Hi Carolyn,
Thanx for your question.  The red bud should be planted in the ground now.  Mulch is with a thick layer of cypress mulch about 12 inches out from the stem.  Trim your rose-of-sharon now.  When you say the emerald green shrubs are getting sparse, what did you mean?  Are they tall and not leafy?  Let me know.
Tom