Question
i have a yellow allanada planted next to a pink hibiscus. they are beautiful when blooming at the same time. we live in east texas. my question is what type of fertilizer would be compatible for both plants. on the hibiscus i use hibiscut food but am not sure of what to do y the allamanda.what type of soil it likes and if they will be happy together. both are doing well but we want to give them both what they need as far as soil and food. they are planted in bagged soil. also i have dogs and did not know that they were poinsonous. what risk are they to my pets

Answer
Hi Archie, I have a dog and 2 cats and they totally ignore my Allamanda and Hibiscus, so I wouldn't be too concerned there, but yes, they are toxic, so for peace of mind, I always tell questioners to check with their local poison centers for detail info on that. The conditions for growing both plants are very similiar, in fact they are considered good candidates for companion plantings; when planting anything in the ground you should always use the soil that exists there, and not augment it in any way, except for surface dressing with mulch for keeping the soil cool and evenly moist. Fertilizing your two choices is a little different, the Hibiscus will do fine with a 14-14-14 granular with trace elements (micro-nutrients) while the Allamanda will fare better with a liquid 5-10-5 (or close) soluble and every month during the active growing season, whereas the granular for the Hibiscus will be applied every other month. These are approximates and if you forget an application don't be too concerned. Watch for insects, especially on the Hibiscus, Mealy bugs love them and will decimate them in no time flat. Good Luck Archie, and visit your local Cooperative Extension Service for detail info on other gardening needs and/or problems for hands on help...Nick