Use and Care Guide

• For large shrubs, it may be necessary to secure the trunk by using three stakes placed at equal distances around the
plant.
How to Water
• New plants require more frequent watering than established plants. Aer planting check for water regularly until fully
rooted and established.
• For large plants; build a soil ring around the plant to use as a water reservoir. is will assist in watering until the plant
is established.
• Always water slowly and deeply making sure the root ball is completely saturated.
• Don't water at night if possible. Watering in the morning helps prevent disease.
• If new plant wilts between watering, increase the frequency of watering.
• Plants in hot, humid or sunny areas need more frequent watering than plants in cool climates.
• Plants in containers may require more frequent watering than plants in the ground. is will depend on plant variety,
pot size and soil.
• Add a 2-3" layer of organic mulch around plant to maintain and conserve soil moisture. Mulch will reduce watering
frequency and speed root establishment.
How to Fertilize
• Fertilize just before and during the plants active growing cycle. Fertilization should begin just prior to new growth and
end three or four weeks before the rst frost.
• Choose an all-purpose fertilizer recommended for owering and/or foliage plants. Frequency will depend on the type
of fertilizer. Liquid (water soluble) and granular quick release fertilizer, require more frequent application; slow release
granular fertilizer requires less.
• When using granular fertilizer be sure to sprinkle fertilizer pellets away from the plant stems or trunk to prevent
possible burning and always water thoroughly aer application. is dissolves or releases the fertilizer into the soil.
Apply water soluble fertilizer by thoroughly drenching the leaves and soil.
• Always follow fertilizer package directions.
How to Prune
• Prune as required to keep plants a desired size or shape.
• Encourage new blooms by cutting o dead or faded owers.
• Plants with branches originating from the roots of the plant need to be selectively pruned. Prune by removing the
oldest branches completely. is will allow new, more productive branches to develop and produce owers.
• Remove damaged or dead limbs back to live wood.
• When pruning, make angled cuts just above the bud.
• Use proper tools such as shears, hand pruners, pole pruners and pruning saws. Make sure all equipment is clean and
sharp.
• Fertilize aer pruning to help speed new growth.