QUESTION: I just cut off some lower branches of an old magnolia to let the sun get to a flower bed. I would like to know if there is anything that I can plant underneath. I have a huge mophead hydrangea that I could separate. I really don't want a creeping ground cover but would like some suggestions, just in case there is nothing else. I will keep leaves raked if that improves the range of plants that I may use. Any ideas?ANSWER: If your magnolia is old, that means it is pretty big. Trimming off the lower limbs has now revealed the area under the canopy that will be tough to deal with for several reasons.This is not the place for shrubs such as a mophead hydrangea. It simply would not look right under a tree's canopy and it would suffer in competition with the root system of that massive tree.Evergreen magnolias tend to drop leaves much of the year (dare I say, all the time?). That is one reason to let the limbs sweep as close to the ground as possible, rather than limbing up the tree to reveal the ground. These are big, coarse leaves, and they don't stay green. But they do look at home under the canopy.You could try using one of the evergreen ground covers such as Vinca minor. The contrast between the small leaves of vinca with large ones of the tree could be interesting, and this tough vinca will grow in dry shade if watered while getting established.However, you will have to stay at the task of raking out the dropped magnolia leaves.What I would do is live with the natural leaf litter under the canopy for a while and see if that appeals to you. It may be your best solution.

QUESTION: I have had a tropical hibiscus on my front porch all summer. It is shaped like a mini tree and I have enjoyed it. How can I successfully bring this indoors over the winter to have it again next spring and summer? What do I need to be doing now, while it is still warm? At what temperature will I need to bring it inside? How will I water and fertilize it indoors?ANSWER: The tropical hibiscus has become one of the Carolina Piedmont's favorite potted plants for sunny decks, steps and patios. You get an amazing performance over many months from these fine plants, and the color range is luscious. I can tell that fall is in the air when questions about saving hibiscus plants float into my mailbox. It is not too difficult.However, by late October it will have to come indoors to a frost-free, sunny spot. Your success this winter depends largely on giving the plant the sun it needs, even in the dim days of December. It will also require enough water to avoid wilting (and the yellowing and death of leaves that follows). Growth will slow, but not stop. In a bright spot, it may even put out enough growth to bear a bloom or more once the days get longer and the sun stronger in late winter.If your plant is quite large at the moment, consider cutting it back to encourage fresh growth in the weeks ahead. You should bring it indoors before night temperatures drop below 50 degrees. Do not fertilize the plant until early February, when you'll want to spark some new growth.These plants sometimes look rather ragged by winter's end, thanks to the dry air of homes and dim light of winter. However, if the stems are still alive, cutting back the plant, fertilizer, fresh air and sunshine will bring it back in spring.Send your gardening questions to Nancy Brachey, The Charlotte Observer, P.O. Box 30308, Charlotte, N.C. 28230.By KRT News Service