Brighter Blooms Warm-Climate Shade Garden Kit Shrubs & Hedges

Planting & Care

1. Planting:

• Japanese Gold Dust: First, select a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade – any area with about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight should suffice. When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole that’s about three times the width of your plant’s root ball, ensure the Laurel is placed away from any major structures, and place the tree. Finally, backfill the soil and water your tree to settle its roots.
• Delaware Valley White Azalea: Azaleas can thrive in full to partial sun (4 to 8 hours of sunlight per day) but will need protection from the hot sun in warmer climates. Well-drained soil is also important for your plant to thrive. When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole that’s three times as wide and just as deep as the shrub’s root ball. Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots with your fingers so that they spread out once planted and place your shrub. Backfill the soil and water lightly as you do this to remove air pockets. Finally, water again once you’re done planting and mulch the area to help conserve moisture.
• Carex Evergold: Select an area with moist soil and dappled sun or part shade for best results. The Carex Evergold can tolerate full sun if the soil is consistently moist, but may lose some of its vibrant color in full sun. When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole twice as wide and about 2 inches deeper than the root ball. Place your Carex Evergold, backfill the soil and water thoroughly when planting is complete. Mulch the soil to regulate temperature and conserve water.

2. Watering:

• Japanese Gold Dust: Once established, your plant is drought tolerant, but it’s important to have a regular watering schedule for the first few growing seasons. Water about once weekly or check the surrounding soil. If it’s dry about 2 or 3 inches down, it’s time to water.
  
• Delaware Valley White Azalea: We recommend watering twice or three times weekly in the first growing season. During the hotter times of the year, they will need watering every other day, depending on the weather. Once plants are established, they will need less frequent watering. If you’re not sure when to water, however, simply check the soil. Stick your finger into the surrounding soil, about 3 or 4 inches down – if the soil here is dry, water your Azalea.
• Carex Evergold: Water your Carex Evergold when the soil feels dry down to about 3 inches. You may need to water more often in hot and dry conditions.

3. Pruning:

• Japanese Gold Dust: Cut branches back selectively in late winter or early spring, if desired.
• Delaware Valley White Azalea: Azaleas need very little pruning. If you need to prune the plant for shape, prune after the plant has finished its spring flowering. Once plants are well-established, light annual pruning can be done to stimulate growth and blooming.
• Carex Evergold: Pruning is optional, but you can cut back your Carex Evergold in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears, to remove spent foliage and control size.

4. Fertilizing:

• Japanese Gold Dust: This variety grows fairly quickly and easily, so fertilizer is generally not required.
• Delaware Valley White Azalea: Fertilize your shrub with a slow-release fertilizer that’s made for Azaleas, at some point in the early spring. Follow label instructions as the application will vary by manufacturer.
• Carex Evergold: You can fertilize in the spring and again in the fall with 10-5-5 or 20-10-10. Always follow the label directions.