Ask the Experts

Backyard pros identify fall visitors and foliage.

- By Kimberly Kaufman, Kenn Kaufman, Melinda Myers

Q Should I cut back my climbing roses in spring, in fall or not at all?

Nancy Griepentrog WATERLOO, WISCONSIN

Melinda: If your roses bloom only once a year, wait to prune until right after they flower. Prune reblooming climbers in early spring before growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased or very old canes back to ground level for both types of plants. Cut side branches back 3 to 6 inches, leaving at least three or four buds to encourage more flowering. Train these shoots to grow horizontally for even more blossoms the following year.

Q I found this mystery plant deep in the woods. What could it be?

Jim Abe UNION MILLS, NORTH CAROLINA

Melinda: The eye-catching, colorful fruit inspired this plant’s common name: American beautyberry. It’s native from southwest Maryland to North Carolina and Arkansas, then south to Mexico and the Caribbean. Beautyberry prefers full sun, is drought-tolerant once established and grows to 8 feet tall. It’s hardy in Zones 6 to 11. Lavender-pink flowers appear in the summer, followed by vibrant purple fruit. It’s related to Japanese and purple beautyberries, which you can also find at nurseries.

Q This quick little bird stayed still just long enough for a photo. What is it?