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Shrub Planting Guidelines |
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Deciduous
shrubs can be planted in the spring or fall. Coniferous evergreen
shrubs are best planted in late summer and early fall. Timing
of planting affects how the hole is prepared (outlined below).
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a location that will allow the shrub to reach its maximum
width and height without growing into any obstacles. Keep
in mind that woody shrub species can be quite variable
in size. For example, a double flowering plum (Prunus
x blireiana) can grow to around 10' (3m) in height
and can have a lower branch span of 15' (4.6m). In comparison,
Goldmound flowering spirea (Spiraea japonica 'Goldmound')
is a much smaller shrub that rarely grows larger than
2' (60cm) in both height and width. |
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Forsythia
in bloom in early spring. |
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The
Hole
As a general rule, dig the hole 4' wide for every 1' of depth
required. For example, if the root ball is 1.5' deep and 2'
wide, then make the hole at least 6' wide sloping gradually
to a depth of just over 1.5' in the center. The idea is to create
a saucer-like hole. If the hole is dug in spring, leave it open
for a week to allow the exposed soil to warm up. The new root
system will grow better if you do. Planting in late August and
September is ideal for coniferous evergreen shrubs, as their
new root growth will be at its best when the ground is warm.
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Planting
the Shrub |
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Planting
a bare-rooted shrub.
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Other Articles from this Issue |
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