Shrubs
In the Washington area, we are truly blessed with a wealth of shrubs from which to choose for our yards. We live far enough North to be able to grow Lilacs and Viburnum. We live far enough South to grow Crape Myrtle and Photinia.
Virtually any corner of your yard can be filled with shrubs used as specimens, or grouped in plantings, hedges, or around the foundation of your home. It is important to consider the light requirements (sun or shade loving), moisture needs (water loving or drought tolerant), and ultimate size of the shrub that is to go in a particular location. Meadows Farms has a full description sign in front of each plant in our nruseries to help you choose the perfect plant for the right spot.
PLANTING - Shrubs may be safely planted anytime from March to November in the Washington area. Spring and fall are the most ideal times.
UPKEEP - It is very important to continue to water your shrubs faithfully 2-3 times per week for their first year in the ground. Water whenever the soil feels dry, 1" down. It is essential to water thoroughly when you water to encourage shallow roots which will dry and die during hot weather. Supplemental watering will be necessary during dry spells for the next several years.
FERTILIZING - Fertilizing is commonly done in the Spring with MIRACLE-GRo or HOLLYTONE for acid loving plants. Early Spring blooming plants such as azaleas and forsythia are best fertilized just after they finisg blooming to prevent disruption of blooming. Read the fertilizer label thoroughly before use.
INSECT & DISEASE - A happy, health shrub is rarely bothered by insect and disease. However, if a problem arises, our Meadows Farms Garden Centers have a copy of the Ortho Problem solver, a book that will help you identify and eliminate the problem.
PRUNING - As a general rule, early Spring blooming shrubs should be trimmed, if necessary, just after they finish blooming, as they are putting on their new growth. All others can generally be trimmed in late Winter. Any pruning is limited to removal of dead, damaged or diseased branches or cosmetic shaping. For more information, see the Meadows Farms pruning section.
How To Plant a Shrub
The planting hole should be dug large enough to place 6-8" of soil beneath and on all sides of the rootball.
The soil that is removed from the hole should be mixed - one part existing soil to one part MEADOWS FARMS PLANTING MIX.
Add enough of the soil mixture to the hole so that the rootball can be 1/4 higher than it was grown in the nursery.
Shrubs in a container must have the container removed before planting. Shrubs in burlap should be set on the soil mixture base. Once positioned, the strings can be cut and the burlap rolled off the top of the rootball. Finish adding the soil mixture to make a mound around the shrub.
Water thoroughly and add more soil mixture if necessary.
Mulch to a 3" depth with MEADOWS FARMS MULCH.
Water with plant starter to help prevent transplant shock and stimulate new root development.