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Perennials/Expert Profile

Tom Alonzo

U.S.

Available

Expertise

I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.

Experience in the area

I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.

What do you like about this subject?

I love perennials because they will come back every year. Many of them are low maintenance and easy to grow.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I love to learn and I love plants and nature. I have a small farm now and I really enjoy getting out and working in the open air with the land. I want to learn how to live in better harmony with this beautiful planet the Good Lord has given us.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

What is interesting about perennials is the incredible number of them throughout the world. I keep stumbling on new varieties and new genera and species that just blows me away.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Plants are wonderful but the right ones in the wrong places spells disaster. What may be a noxious weed for me is a wonderful treasure to someone else and vice versa. I hope more people will learn to care more about how the natural balance in our environment is being upset and that we all must take an active role in its preservation.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	T	P	Comments
Carol	10/29/09	10	10	10	10	Thanks for a speedy reply. Much appreciated .....
David	10/29/09	10	10	10	10
Roy	10/27/09	10	10	10	10
D.	10/26/09	10	10	10	10	The "state's" Master Gardener network is not .....
Sharon	10/23/09	8	8	10	10

Recent Answers from Tom Alonzo

2009-11-05 hibiscus:

Hi Deb, Thanx for your question. Hibiscus are in fact, perennial. There is a hardy version called Hibiscus moscheutos which is hardy to zone 5. It has large open flowers and the leaves are not glossy

2009-11-04 butterfly bush deadheading:

Hi Audrey, Thanx for the additional information. Anytime you deadhead a butterfly bush, you may prune the stem down as far as you need to in order to keep the shrub looking tidy. So, not only can you

2009-10-28 brugmansia "Joli" bloom drop:

Hi Carol, Thanx for your question. Brugmansia experience bud drop whenever they are stressed. Moving the plant from the outdoors to and indoor location stresses the plant although not dangerously so

2009-10-28 Zebra Plants/Shrubs:

Hi Nancy, Thanx for the additional information. Misicanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' is hardy from zones 5-9. If you are not anticipating your soil to freeze solid in the next 45 days go ahead and transplant

2009-10-27 Cordyline RedStars:

Hi Brandy, Thanx for your question. Cordyline Red Star is only hardy to Zone 7. A few frosts probably won't hurt the plant but sustained tempertures below 25°F/-4°C will result in the plant's death

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