Shrubbery Advise Needed Please

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Daisy0501 Aiken, SC(Zone 8a) Jul 22, 2005

I just purchased 8 Wax Myrtles. I'm going to use these along my fence line for privacy.
Should I keep these in the container until this fall and plant?
If so, how do I care for them in the meantime.

I'm in SC zone8. It is 98* here today.

Post #1641797
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growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Jul 22, 2005

Hi Daisy. There's a few options for you. Considering the heat your area seems to be experiencing, the containers may dry-out too quickly to keep up. In my opinion I'd say plant them. Pay special attention to preparing the soil in the holes for the plants. Add fresh black organic matter for moisture retention, mix it in well with some slow-release fertilizer and when your finished, make a nice sized moat. Yes, a moat! Build the moat a few inches high, pack it down so the moat edges hold water. Fill those moats up regularily so the moisture gets right down to all the root-zone. The moats will eventually disipate. Mist the leaves/tops of plants in evening. There is a liquid fertilizer "Root Starter" that might speed up the plant establishment. I believe planting now is better than trying to take care of container plants that dry-out so fast. The other option is to place the container plants in a well shaded cool area. Good luck!

Post #1641958
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Daisy0501 Aiken, SC(Zone 8a) Jul 22, 2005

Wow what a Great response. Okay I do have some "Root Starter/Stimulator" in liquid form. I just wanted to give these guys a good start.

I do have a nice cool spot on the side of my home that is real shady. I may put them there just to see how they do. If they dry out to quick I'm going to use your advice.

Thanks so much :-)

Just makes me wonder how the nurseries can keep such nice plants in such horrific heat..... I'd hate to see thier water bill!!

Post #1642091
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Kachinagirl Modesto, CA(Zone 8b) Jul 23, 2005

Daisy, since it's so hot you may want to try my planting technique for hot weather. I "dunk" the plant, plastic can and all in a larger container full of water. The water level should be a few inches over the soil level in the can. (for really large cans, 15 gallon or so, I use one of the garbage cans filled part way with water). Place the plant, still in it's can, in the water and leave it there until all the bubbles stop coming up. Now the root ball is saturated and you can go ahead and plant. If you plant something with dry spots in the root ball the water will just go around and down into the ground. "Dunking" like this helps a lot with transplant stress.

K

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