Paraguay Nightshade watering/pruning help

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teacher_k Lubbock, TX Aug 12, 2010

I am new to the arid climate of Lubbock, TX. About a month ago, I planted five paraguay nightshade bushes (I think they came in 3-gallon containers). It said water once a week after established, so I've been watering every day (occasionally skipping a day) since they are not established. Also, please note it's been in the 90s every day, so they've been in a hot and dry climate. Two of them do not look well; they are turning yellow in color and their leaves are curling more than usual. The other three are still flowering, but I can see some yellowing toward the base.
Am I overwatering? How long is it before they are considered established? What are your watering recommendations?

Also, I know I will need to prune them to keep them an appropriate height. Do I simply cut them to the height I want, or will this kill them? Do I wait until it's cooler outside?

Thanks for your help!

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Aug 12, 2010

Planting things in the summer when you live in a hot summer climate can be quite stressful for plants. You might consider trying to rig up some shade for them for a few weeks until they can get their roots going a little bit better--keeping the hot sun from beating down on them all day can reduce their stress a lot.

To tell if they need water or not, stick your finger down in the soil a couple inches and see how wet it feels. If it's sopping wet then hold off, but if it's drying out then give them a drink. If you've got sandy soil then you may need to water them everyday, but if your soil is clay then once a day may be too much (depending on how much you're giving them when you water). The finger test is the easiest way to check.

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