Esperanza Bush Not Blooming?

Question:

My Esperanza bush is not blooming. I purchased 5 of these bushes with tiny clusters of trumpet like yellow flowers, 2 months ago. One bush has never blossomed. It is growing taller and spreading, but noflowers! What could be the problem?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Sharon H. from Bonita Springs, FL

Answer:

Sharon, you did not mention how old the Esperanza bushes were when you purchased them. Plants are like people. Each one is unique and and reaches maturity at slightly different rates. Perhaps your non-blooming Esperanza is still in a bit of shock from being transplanted. From the sounds of it (growing taller and spreading) it's doing just fine. It's common for plants to focus on foliage and root growth the first year or two after being planted. Be patient. Give it some time to sort out its new environment and settle in and it will probably turn out to be the best bloomer in the bunch.

As popular as these plants have become, it can be difficult to find information on how to grow them. Here are a few tips:

• They prefer full sun and well-drained soil (the same as most plants). Morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.
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• They can be grown in the ground or in large containers. Poor soil should be amended with plenty of organic matter to facilitate good drainage.

• Container plants should be given a diluted organic, water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) every two weeks, and landscape plants fed every four to six weeks.

• Removing the seedpods as they form will encourage plants to produce more flowers.

• Plants can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

• Frost tolerance varies according to the variety you are growing, so if necessary, mulch outdoor plants or bring potted plants indoors to protect them from cold damage.

• Hummingbirds and butterflies love them.

Good luck!
Ellen