Transplant Holly In Dormant Season

Q How does one transfer holly tree sprouts? After I set out the seedlings, they all die. What am I doing wrong?

A The best time to transplant seedling holly trees is during their dormant season, from November to February. Add peat moss, processed manure or compost, mixing it thoroughly with the planting soil. The addition of a non-burning transplanting fertilizer or rooting stimulant such as `Upstart' or `Vita-start' also is beneficial.

Q Our ``Cynthia'' rhododendron, which is 27 years old, was in full bloom this fall. It's beautiful, but I know it won't bloom come spring. I am wondering what happened to change the blooming cycle.

A Quite a few gardeners experienced this situation last fall because the weather was warm, then cool, and then warm again, confusing the plants. Apple trees were among several plants that flowered in fall. There's nothing one can do about it; just enjoy the off-season flowers and hope there still are some buds on the plant that will flower again next spring. Incidentally, the variety ``Elizabeth'' is one that often flowers in both the spring and the fall.

Q Could you let me know where I might obtain a true mock orange (Syringa) shrub? I mean the double-blossom, highly scented kind. I had one, then moved and now have the single white blossom variety without any scent.

A Syringa is the lilac. Philadelphus is mock orange. The true mock orange is Philadelphus Virginal. It has double-white flowers that are

the most fragrant of any of the mock orange varieties. You should be able to find it locally at most larger nurseries in February. Or you can order it by mail from firms such as Wayside Gardens, 1 Garden Lane, Hodges, S.C. 29695-0001. If by chance you did mean a lilac, one of the best double-flowering fragrant varieties is ``Miss Ellen Willmont.'' It would be available through the same sources.

Q My hibiscus has been plagued by whiteflies. I have tried many remedies, but nothing works. The leaves are just covered with them, then the leaves turn yellow and drop off.

A Whiteflies can be a nuisance on fuchsias, tomatoes, hibiscus and many other plants. A friend of mine, the late Gordon Baker Lloyd, always said you have to spray whitefly before 8 in the morning or after 8 at night, because they are on the move. All the major spray companies make products for controlling whiteflies. This insect reproduces every five to 10 days, so spray that often until they're under control. In recent years, researchers have found that a certain number of whiteflies can be controlled by taking a piece of cardboard or wood, painting it bright yellow, then covering the surface with a light covering of sewing-machine oil. The yellow attracts the whiteflies, then they get stuck in the oil.

Gardening by Ed Hume appears Friday in the Scene section and Sunday in the Home section of The Times. Address gardening questions to Ed Hume, c/o The Seattle Times, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111.