new bushes - trying to find out how to care for them

Could someone tell me where to find a forum on the care of a Java Red Weigela? I bought two that were on sale at Lowes because they were "not very healthy" but they had life left in them. They are a good size - about 2 feet tall. Thanks!

Wow I've never seen this plant - it's beautiful! Perhaps the reason is I probably couldn't grow it down here. The flower reminds me of oleander. Maybe someone else can be of more assistance. If they survive, they will surely bring you color to wherever you intent to plant it!

Can you post a picture of them? Chances are they were either overwatered or underwatered, and they're quite possibly rootbound but hopefully they should bounce back once they start getting watered properly, etc.

Yea, they are pretty. I am trying to start land scaping around my koi pod and up through my back yard. These were priced at 16.98 but were on sale for 1.00. There is still green in them so I'm pretty sure I can get them to come back if I put some effort in them. Thanks!

Here's the plant files info on it, maybe you can d-mail one of both of the dg members that commented on it for their advice.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/55687/

The info from the vendor, says soil should be well drained and you only have to prune every 3 years.

Thanks for the plantfile on it. The funny part is my state is part of its name, yet I can't grow it in my zone lol...gulf, panhandle, and even north of me should be able to, though!

Scarediecat, here is a link to care for your weigelia.

http://www.monrovia.com/learn/plant_catalog/detail.php?item_number=7650

ok...thanks for the help. When I get out and work with the plants I will post a photo just to show all the different plants I got for a 1.00. Also, quick question...root bound...I know with some plants you loosen the roots if they are root bound before you put them into the hole. Do you do that with trees and shrubs?

Yes, I would definitely try to loosen the roots up before you plant it.

Root bound treatment--put the pot into a container of water and let it sit for an hour, more or less. Then remove the pot, let it drain, and the wet soil will more easily come off the roots so you can spread the roots out into the planting hole.
Dig a hole a little deeper than the plant's pot, and about three times as big around. When you get the plant's roots out of the pot and untangled as best you can, make a dirt mound about 1/3 the height of the hole in the center of the planting hole, place the plant on the mound and drape and arrange the roots around. Put good soil in the hole about half-way up, water in well, finish filling the hole, water in well, and mulch. Check the plant daily for two weeks and water when needed (the top 2" of soil is dry). Don't overwater, since the plant is adjusting to new conditions and doesn't need to learn to swim just yet.
I envy you your bargains. Wigelias are great shrubs--beautiful, relatively carefree and tough!

wow...thanks so much. I just got the wholes dug and the bushes put into them but haven't filled them in yet. Tomorrow I will work carefully at loosening the roots, etc. That's good info. to have for the other bushes also.

My main-friend gave you the straight dope. Weigelas are a tough plant. I was going to suggest mixing a mild solution of miracle grow water and soaking and then spreading the roots. Root bound is probably your problem. Listen to the TexasRose, she has it nailed much better than me.

Great - Just so happens I have some miracle grow...I'm off to spend the morning spreading and soaking roots. Thanks again!

when I have one in an "unhealthy state" i usually put a little rooting hormone in with it to give it a little boost!

rooting harmone?? Can u give me a name brand? There are so many different categories for plant care items...I get lost! Thanks.

I use Shultz Root Tone...and for the novice it is usually available at Wal-mart or K-mart as well as most Nurseries

thanks so much. I will pick up some to keep in my green house. Because I buy "sick" plants alot it would be a good thing to have on hand - along with the other products suggested here. I should start a "plant hospital" (when I get good at keeping them alive).

Just wanted to update everyone on my bushes I got for $1.00 of Lowes. All of them are doing great except one - can't remember what it is - some sort of tall, think, bush that stays green. Both the weigela are sprouting new leaves like crazy. I did take them (and all the other bushes) out of the containers I bought them in, spread their roots carefully, put them in totes with water and miracle grow and some sort of "transplanting" stress product. I let them sit for the day (the weigela are still sitting in the tote with the mixture in it along with the "soil for bushes" I bought - but they are leafing out quickly). I then planted the rest of them and so far so good. Thanks for all the info. Now I will know what to do when I get other gread deals on half dead bushes:)

LOL scardiecat...and I love the name! I'd like to see some pictures this spring

Can't wait till spring....I hope they live through the winter.

I understand that! I worked so hard on the front this year, so this spring I get to start in the back...someday I will have my dream garden...LOL

MMMeee tooooo. It'll be a first - but some day!!

hubby says only for me to get that is with about 500 acres for the outdoor stuff and a big botanical thing for my tropicals that covers another 40 acres..

At least this sprng I'm not starting from ground zero...I have some I can take cuttings or seeds from for the back...I will still have to purchase some plants but not nearly as many

I have some room in my green house for some that stay in pots...mostly I am too lazy to cover all of them once winter really gets going. I kinda say, "may the strongest survive".

lol

scarediecat, love your enthusiasm and gusto reminds me of the rest of us lol Just have fun and get creative with plants.

Morning Flowers....
Scardiecat you'll do great

Morning Trina, just scanning the ban trying to meet more neat people.

Just got a new computer so I'm back on line again!! Just wanted to let everyone know that my Weigela are blooming!! I'm so surprised - flowers this late in the year. Here's a photo and a thanks for everyone's advice and info about caring for them. Sorry I forgot to post a photo earlier.

congradulations!!!

Thanks!

see nothing to be scared about...LOL

I hope your warmer there than I am here

Oh ME of little faith:) Wish all my plants were so easy to care for. Our day time temp is about 72 - nights are 49ish. How about you?

I think it het 62 supposed to be 36 tonight with patchy frost...just had the boys move in 3 large palms

wow...and I complain about TN's weather - I was born and raised in TX. I think it's a little early for this colder weather in TN and IL isn't it?

just a wee little bit....I say that very sarcastically! My chupacabra thinks her new place to be should be inside my sweatshirt!

Hey Trina, I mailed your pkg. Tuesday.
Should be there soon. But, what is a chupacabra? That is new one.See ya later,alday

Hey alday a chupacabra is my chihuahua, it was my grandmothers dog and she gave it to me

Funny, I was just mentioning my chihuahua on another thread and checked over here and saw that you were talking about yours! I have decided to change his name from Monk to Senior Pissmaster....gggrrrr! Thanks to the MANY contributions from Senior Pissmaster (AKA Monk – my 6 pound Chihuahua – 4 pounds of which I’m sure is pee) I will now begin my next amazing feat…replacing my living room and bedroom carpet with linoleum tile…TADA!!(oh, wait, I say that when I finished). Why not continue with the ceramic tile you ask??? Glad you asked. I am still replacing broken ceramic tiles from having this or that dropped on one accidently…evidentially a never ending process. LIVE AND LEARN!

I love that little bundle of wetness but come on...he was two in July!!!

mine is just now 4 months old! just uhg!