Spring has arrived in Cincinnati, and with it comes a stunning display of blooms and vibrant landscapes. This week, we’re answering your most common Cincinnati spring gardening questions about flowers and trees to help you make the most of your garden this season.

What is the tree with lilac-white flowers lining the streets? 

You’re likely seeing the Japanese Tree Lilac, a popular choice for smaller yards, patios, and street plantings. One of the most common varieties is ‘Ivory Silk.’ Its elegant blooms and manageable size make it a fantastic addition to urban landscapes.

What tree was flowering a few weeks ago with long white blossoms hanging from the branches?

That’s the Yellowwood! This legume family member grows over 30 feet tall and features fragrant, wisteria-like blooms with locust-style foliage. It’s a stunning tree for Cincinnati gardens and streetscapes.

My crape myrtles are sprouting from the base, but the top looks dead. What should I do?

Remove all the dead branches and allow the new growth to re-establish the plant. Since crape myrtles bloom on new growth, you’ll likely still see flowers by late summer. Keep them well-pruned for healthier regrowth.

Why are my roses getting holes in the leaves even though I don’t see pests?

This sounds like damage from rose slugs—small sawfly larvae that feed on the undersides of leaves. Apply a systemic insecticide around the base of the plant and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to spray the undersides of the leaves. Multiple generations of rose slugs can occur, so be consistent with your treatments.

Every year my Autumn Joy Sedums flop over. How can I prevent this?

To stop sedums from flopping:

• Use a growing ring early in the season to support the top growth.
• Alternatively, cut back the plants by one-third in mid-to-late May. This will keep them shorter, stockier, and less prone to flopping while still producing blooms later in the summer.

My newly planted rose bush looks like it’s dying, even though I water it daily. What’s wrong?

The issue is overwatering. After planting, water thoroughly for the first couple of days, then only every 5–10 days, depending on soil moisture and weather conditions. Always check the root ball’s soil before watering. Roses thrive when watered deeply but infrequently.

Should I allow suckers at the base of my tree to grow into a shrub?

In most cases, no. Suckers are often a different plant growing from the rootstock and can harbor pests and diseases, like aphids. Use products like Sucker Punch to stop them from growing and protect your tree’s health.

Can I cut the foliage off my daffodils now that it’s turning yellow?

Yes, now is the right time. Once the foliage has yellowed, it’s safe to cut it back.

When is the best time to divide peonies?

Late summer is ideal for dividing peonies. When replanting, ensure they are placed at the same depth as before to avoid flowering issues caused by planting them too deep.

Do I need to deadhead my Knockout roses?

Knockout roses are self-cleaning, meaning deadheading isn’t necessary. If you’d like to encourage faster re-blooming, you can pinch off spent flowers, but this step is entirely optional.

Have More Gardening Questions?

Spring gardening can be challenging, but you’re not alone! If you have more questions about spring flowers and trees, our gardening experts are here to help. Visit or Contact us today for personalized advice.