Shrub Planting Instructions

Start by picking the perfect planting location. Make sure that you have planted it where the tag recommends – full sun, partial shade, shade.

Planting can take place from spring until fall.  The key to successful plant growth is proper planting depth and good soil drainage.  The planting depth should be the same depth as it was while grown in the nursery.  Planting too low or high will result in poor growth.  On poorly drained, clay soils, the planting depth may be raised several inches and the soil should be sloped up to the original soil level of the container or ball. 

Adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure or peat moss will improve plant growth especially if you have a poor sandy soil.  With heavy clay soils, organic additives may cause the soil to hold too much water.  In this case it is best to backfill with the original soil only and skip the use of organic amendments.  A high phosphorous fertilizer can be added to the planting hole.  If you fertilize at the time of planting follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.  Only low levels of fertilizer should be needed until the plant is established, approximately one year after planting. 

After you have prepared the planting hole, it’s time to remove the plant from it’s container. The easiest way to do this is to place you hand over the top of the container, and then turn it upside down. Shake the plant until is comes loose from the container. Do not pull the plant out but its stem or you may damage the plant. If the plant does not come out immediately, tap the edge of the container on a hard object and let the weight of the plant ball and gravity doe the work.

Once the plant is removed from the container, it is recommended that you loosen the roots on the surface of the root ball. Typically you can do this with you fingers, roughening the roots away from the soil. Sometimes the roots may be so thick and well developed your finger won’t do the job. If this is the case lay the plant the ground, on its side and use a shovel to cut and loosen the roots. This process will not hurt the plant rather it will allow the roots to grow out of the root ball into the surrounding soil.

Now place the root ball in the hole. Double check to make sure it is at the same level as the surrounding soil. Once your plant is situated at the proper depth in the planting hole, firm the soil around the root ball and water the soil thoroughly to remove any air spaces.  The addition of an organic surface mulch of 2-3” will help retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.  As with most newly planted shrubs it will take a year or so to become fully established. 

Until the plant is well established, make certain that the soil remains evenly moist. Check the soil moisture regularly that first year by probing your finger into the soil.  If you feel moisture, all is fine.  If the soil feels dry to the touch, then provide water by slowly drenching the root system, allowing the water to seep down to a minimum of 3 inches.  There's no benefit in watering the leaves.  Once your plant is established, it should require little attention unless you experience a prolonged drought or hot dry spell, if so water accordingly.