Annuals live for just one season and tend to bloom all season long but will die in the same year. These can be purchased as seeds or seedlings to plant and tend to need less care. Perennials can also be purchased as seeds or seedlings and live for three or more growing seasons. Then tend to have shorter bloom periods so to keep constant color from spring to autumn, pair with plants that bloom at different times.

Depending on the time of year and the plant in question, usually the stems are brown and brittle with no signs of flexibility in the stem. One dead stem does not necessarily mean the whole plant is dead however.

Be sure to call the national 811 hotline to have underground utilities located before you dig. Then, dig 2-5x wider than the diameter of the root ball. It’s best to dig with sloping sides to allow for root growth. The trunk flare should actually sit slightly above the ground with the top most roots buried 1-2 inches below. Be sure to fill in with native soil unless there’s too much clay. Use soil to gently fill air spaces. If using mulch, allow 1-2 inches between the mulch and the trunk.

Flowering shrubs are usually pruned after the bloom otherwise early spring is a good time.

We recommend using a balanced fertilizer (ex 8-8-8 or 10-10-10)

One should prepare the soil with a soil conditioner, planting the right depth, (usually flush with the ground), packing the soil back tight to insure soil contact with the roots and watering the plants heavily.

We will be happy to make recommendations for you, providing you know what mature size you are looking for and the amount of sun or shade in a particular area.

Here in North Carolina it is possible to plant year round. However to achieve the best results and provide less stress on the plants, we recommend fall or early spring planting while the plants are dormant and not trying to grow.