Use and Care Guide
How to Water
• New plants require more frequent watering than established plants. Aer 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 aer 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
• Perennials are pruned to increase ower production and new growth.
• Perennials that go dormant should be allowed to die back. Prune them in late winter or early spring. is
encourages new growth and owers.
• Perennials that do not die back completely can be selectively pruned in early spring to remove dead and
damaged limbs.
• Removing old owers prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages new blooms.
• Perennials that are root bound or have a decrease in ower production should be divided. Dividing the plant
will allow more room for root growth and eventually lead to an increase in blooms.
• Use proper tools such as shears and hand pruners. Make sure all equipment is clean and sharp.
• Fertilize aer pruning to help speed new growth.