Azaleas • Rhododendrons • Boxwood • Euonymus • Holly and others.

PROPER SITE

An EASTERN exposure is the preferred placement for this group of plants. Broadleaf Evergreens enjoy morning sun for their foliage and flowering vigor, but prefer to keep cool in the afternoon shade. Just as important is the protection found here during winter months when strong winds and sunlight can dry and severely damage the leaves and buds. Many people try to grow Broadleaf Evergreens outside of their comfort zone only to find their performance disappointing at best. The only exception to the eastern exposure

rule occurs in landscapes where large established trees or evergreen plantings provide an all-around shelter similar to the wooded areas where many Broadleaf Evergreens natively grow.

PROPER SOIL

Proper soil is the single most important factor in growing and maintaining healthy Broadleaf Evergreens. Most of our local soil conditions lack acidity, drainage, aeration and organic matter that is essential to keeping the roots of these plants actively growing.  Fortunately, even the poorest of planting conditions can be improved with the proper materials and thorough mixing.

PLANTING PROCEDURES
Preparing the Plants

Thoroughly soak the soil inside the container at least once before planting. Repeat if the soil appears dry.

Preparing the Soil

Dig a hole 3 to 4 feet in diameter (regardless of size of plant).  Mix 1 cubic foot of sphagnum peat with the native soil you have just dug out of hole.  Mix in Holly-tone or cottonseed meal into the soil.

Planting

Carefully remove the plant from its container and loosen any tightly bunched roots with your fingers.  Set the plant into the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with ground level.  Fill the hole in 2/3 of the way with the prepared soil you dug out of the hole.  Fill hole with root stimulator and water, mixed according to package, and allow it to soak in.  Add soil to fill remaining hole and then level off the planting circle.  Create a basin by mounding a rim of soil at the outer edges of the plant, which will help direct water towards the root system.  Mulch immediately using a 3-inch layer of material over the planting circle.

Watering

The first season you plant, make sure to check watering daily. During the first few years, make sure the plants are adequately watered.  This involves the use of hand watering in addition to rainfall so that the root system does not dry out.

Fertilizing

Use Holly-tone or cottonseed meal early to mid May.  A second application may be made about 6 weeks later.  To encourage winter bud hardiness, avoid fertilizing after July 1.

Pruning

Prune out the faded flowers on Rhododendrons and Azaleas to prevent seed formation.  For fuller, bushier plants and increased flowering, pinch off about 1” of the new growth when it is about 4” long. Broadleafs that do not flower, such as boxwoods, hollys and euonymus,  should be pruned in April before new growth begins.

Winter Protection

The best winter protection is to replenish the mulch and maintain soil moisture.  Plants not planted in an eastern exposure should receive wind and sun protection with a burlap screen placed around them in early November.  Wilt Pruf (an anti-desiccant) should be sprayed on the foliage at this time to help prevent drying.