Flowering Shrubs

Flowering shrubs can add beauty and colour to your garden or landscape throughout the year. To ensure that your flowering shrubs thrive and produce abundant blooms, it’s essential to provide them with the proper care. Here’s a care guide to help you maintain healthy and vibrant flowering shrubs.

Planting your flowering shrub

• Plant your shrubs in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. 
• Dig a hole slightly larger than the shrub’s root ball and place the shrub in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. 
• Backfill the hole with a good quality compost, firming it gently around the roots. 
• Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, around the base of the shrub. 
• Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. 
• Keep the mulch a few inches away from the shrub’s trunk to prevent moisture-related diseases.

Caring for your flowering shrub

• Water your shrubs regularly, especially during the establishment period. 
• Deeply water the plants to encourage deep root growth. 
• Provide enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. 
• Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other problems. 
• Feed your flowering shrubs with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring, just before new growth starts. 
• Follow the package instructions for the appropriate amount to apply. 
• Avoid excessive fertilisation, as it can lead to weak growth and reduced flowering.

Maintaining your flowering shrub

• Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and size of your flowering shrubs and encourages healthy growth. 
• Prune after the shrub finishes blooming, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. 
• Trim back overgrown branches to promote better airflow and light penetration. 
• Be sure to use clean and sharp pruning tools. 
• Monitor your shrubs regularly for signs of pests or diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, or leaf spot. 
• Use organic pest control methods whenever possible, like hand-picking insects or using insecticidal soaps. 
• If necessary, consult with a local garden centre or professional for appropriate remedies.

Winter Advice for flowering shrubs

• Some flowering shrubs may require winter protection in colder climates. 
• Consider wrapping shrubs in burlap or applying a layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots from extreme cold. 
• Avoid using plastic, as it can cause moisture build-up and lead to fungal issues.

Conclusion

By providing proper care, your flowering shrubs will reward you with beautiful blooms and enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden or landscape.