J. Berry Nursery

A Beginner Gardener's Guide to Flowering Shrub Care

2022-10-12

A Beginner Gardener's Guide to Flowering Shrub Care

If you’re looking to create a new landscape, add texture to garden beds, hide an unsightly foundation, or create a beautiful hedge to define property borders, you’ll love the versatility of flowering shrubs.

Flowering shrubs marry practicality with beauty. These woody plants add structure to a garden design, create privacy, brighten garden beds, and may scent walkways with fabulous fragrance, depending on the plant. Plus, flowering shrubs play well with other plants in your garden, adding a pretty backdrop for a layered landscape that includes perennials, bulbs, and annuals. Some flowering shrubs provide winter interest, while others begin blooming in spring.

Evergreen shrub varieties provide color and texture all year long, while deciduous shrubs may offer fabulous flower and colorful foliage that changes with the seasons, depending on the plant. No matter what you’re looking for in the garden, you’ll find a gorgeous flowering shrub to beautify the space.

But how to do you decide which flowering shrub is best for your garden? And once you select the shrubs, how can you ensure they’ll perform well? No worries--we’ve got you covered with simple tips.

Know Your Site

Before you make a list of flowering shrubs to add to your garden, first evaluate your site.

Is your garden space sunny or shady—or somewhere in-between? Take a look at the space at different times throughout the day to determine how much sun your garden receives—and then look at it throughout the year, as sunlight levels change depending on the seasons. A bed surrounded by leafy deciduous trees will provide summer shade, but that same bed may be in full sun in winter/early spring.

While you’re evaluating light, take a soil sample to your local extension agent. By analyzing your soil, you’ll learn its pH, nutrients, and make-up, which will tell you what types of plants will thrive in it—or help you properly amend the soil to prepare it for the flowering shrubs you’d like to grow.

Look also at the size of your space, as well as any structures on the property. Choose flowering shrubs that will perform well in your space without overwhelming small garden beds or pathways. Likewise, petite shrubs may get lost in large landscapes, unless they’re grouped in attractive, layered plantings. However, don’t forget that compact flowering shrubs also make pretty container plants for entryways, patios, or porches.

Pick Your Plants

Once you’ve evaluated your site, the fun begins: it’s time to pick your favorite flowering shrubs, based on their traits. If you love the sweet fragrance of flowers and have a sunny garden bed, shrub roses may be your first choice. If you’re looking for a fragrant, classic flower with gorgeous evergreen foliage to line a walkway, dwarf gardenias may be for you. The possibilities are endless!

Before anything, take a look at the different types of flowering shrubs. You’ll find hundreds of choices. Not only do these shrubs provide you with flowers or fruit, but many also provide benefits for wildlife, such as shelter, food, and a place to raise their young. Some flowering shrubs also make beautiful additions to homegrown bouquets. Make a list of how to want to incorporate flowering shrubs into your landscape, and then do a bit of research to find the plants that will best meet your gardening goals—and that will perform well in your site. (You’ll find detailed information about J. Berry Nursery flowering shrubs on our website, as well as on each plant’s tag when you bring it home.)

Understanding the needs of the type of flowering shrubs you’ve selected will help you provide your plants with the TLC that they need. Consider some of the different types of flowering shrubs available:

Azalea
Boxwood
Gardenia
Hawthorne
Holly
Butterfly bushes
Vitex
Wax Myrtle
Ligustrum
Loropetalum
Roses
Spiraea
Abelia
Barberry

Learn all that you can about these different plants, their sunlight needs, recommended soil pH and drainage, nutritional and water needs, as well as pruning information. Explore different flowering shrub colors, in addition to bloom time, to ensure continuous interest throughout the year.

Explore How to Grow Shrubs

Make sure that you plant your shrubs correctly. Understanding the ins and outs of how to plant these shrubs will help you follow the right schedule and get the results that you're looking for.

Start with rich soil that has plenty of nutrients and a healthy pH. Give yourself a few months in advance to test the soil before planting your flowering shrubs. Prepare the bed to remove weeds and rocks, and amend the soil if necessary to allow for good drainage.

Spring and fall planting gives your flowering shrubs plenty of time to acclimate to their new homes before intense temperatures arrive—either the heat of summer or the freeze of winter. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the plant’s nursery pot—but the same depth. Remove the shrub from the pot, loosening the roots with your fingers. Place the shrub in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil line, then backfill the hole with the native soil that was removed when digging. Firm the soil into place, and water well. Cover the surrounding soil with a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Make sure to water new shrubs regularly during the first year. Water deeply to establish a good root system.

Flowering shrubs planted in containers need more frequent watering, especially during summer’s high heat. Make sure to choose a container with drainage holes.

Give Your Shrubs the Right Nutrients

For flowering shrubs to perform their best, it's vital that you provide your flowering shrubs with the nutrients that they need. Adding compost when planting helps provide good drainage and micronutrients in the soil, but flowering shrubs use a lot of energy to produce blooms. Add a slow-release fertilizer appropriate for the variety of flowering shrub you’ve planted to give them a boost of energy. Plant flowering shrubs in an area that has plenty of access to the sun (or part-sun, depending on the cultivar) so that they can bloom to their full potential.

Savor the Beauty.

One of the best parts of growing flowering shrubs is their low-maintenance, long-lasting beauty. Once established, most flowering shrubs rarely need supplemental watering, unless a long drought ensues. Enjoy the aesthetic appeal flowering shrubs add to your landscape—but don’t forget to also stop and savor the beauty of the blooms as a reward for your efforts.

A Flowering Shrub Guide

These tips will help you learn all you can about flowering shrub care. These tips, along with the watchful eye and skill of a professional can help you make the right decisions for your plant life.

J. Berry Nursery & Genetics can assist you with any sort of care that you need. Use our contact form to reach out to us and browse our inventory of beautiful plants.

How to Start a Garden in 5 Easy Steps

2022-10-05

Are you aware that 60% of Americans started a hobby during the pandemic? If you're eager to learn something new, look into growing a garden. You'll be able to enhance the curb appeal of your property or add some garden-fresh vegetables to your menu.

Read on to learn how to start a garden in 5 easy steps!

1. Figure Out What You Want to Grow

First, you'll want to figure out whether you plan to grow beautiful flowers, herbs, or vegetables. If you have the space for it, you could grow all three.

If you're low on space but want vegetables, consider pot-friendly cherry tomatoes or herbs like basil and mint. On the other hand, if you're looking to spruce up your landscaping, choose colorful flowers like tulips, zinnias, or marigolds. Shopping at a nursery is one of the best ways to choose healthy plants that will flourish.

2. Determine the Right Garden Space

Ideally, you'll want to plant your garden in a space that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Try to position your garden for easy watering access. And aim for a level space that won't be subject to contaminants.

If you only have a shadier space, opt for begonias or impatiens. For vegetable gardens, stick with kale, mint, and carrots. Other hearty greens, like mustard greens or spinach, can do well, too.

3. Prepare Soil

Does the soil on your property contain a lot of sand or clay? If you're dealing with porous or overused soil, you may want to test its acidity. Pollution and runoff can lead to soil that lacks the right consistency and nutrients for growth.

Mulches, peat moss, and decomposing leaves can help fortify soil. You may want to start a compost pile, too, to create nutrient-rich soil to use in the future.

4. Start Planting

Once your soil is ready, start planting! Be sure to see how far apart you need to plant flowers or veggies to avoid overcrowding. Check the depth needed, as well.

During planting and midway through the season, add some fertilizer. This will help replenish the soil and keep your plants vibrant.

5. Stick to a Maintenance Schedule

Aim to provide at least one inch of water each week. If you've experienced steady rainfall, you might not need to head out with the garden hose as often. But when you do, try to water in early morning or evening before the summer sun is hot.

Remove weeds, too. They can choke your plants and overrun your garden. For the best flower care, you may want to add mulch to keep the weeds at bay.

If you're growing vegetables, you can reap what you've sown! When vegetables look edible, it's time to pick them. And when the season's over, add more mulch and await the next growing season.

Learn How to Start a Garden

When you know how to start a garden, you can enjoy nurturing flowers and vegetables to life. Designate a space that receives enough sunlight and determine what you want to plant. Then start planting and stick to a regular weeding and watering schedule for optimal growth.

If you're ready to start planning a garden, contact us so we can help!

How to Help Your Outdoor Hydrangeas Last Longer

2022-09-27

There are over 75 species of hydrangeas. They're such a beloved plant that they have a dedicated American Hydrangea Society, and National Hydrangea Day is on January 5.

Their defining features are their large, colorful flowers. They'll brighten up your home if you give them enough attention.

Read our guide to learn how to care for hydrangeas and make them last.

Planting

Plant hydrangeas in the spring or early fall when there's no danger of frost or extreme heat. Aim for early morning on an overcast day.

Choose a spot that allows the plants to get sun in the morning but shade in the afternoon. Bigleaf hydrangeas need light for at least half the day and shade in the afternoon. Pinnacles are one of the few that prefer full sun.

The key to figuring out how to make hydrangeas last longer is learning how to manage their soil. They're sensitive to the level of nitrogen, and too much of it will make them produce leaves instead of flowers.

The pH level of the soil also affects the color of the flowers. If it's below 6, you'll get blue flowers. If it's 7 or above, they'll be pink or red. If it's neutral, you'll get purple or a mix of blue and pink.

Provide barriers to protect your hydrangeas from weather conditions. You can use other plants such as evergreens or physical barriers such as fences.

Pruning

Pruning can be one of the most difficult parts of hydrangea care. Cutting too much or too little can keep their flowers from regrowing.

In most cases, you can remove:

Winter-killed wood
Dead branches
Old stems
Dead flowers

Bigleaf hydrangeas are one of the most common types with large leaves and colorful flowers. Trim them when they become overgrown, but avoid over-pruning young plants.

Smooth hydrangeas have white flowers that grow on new wood. Cut their stems back to 12 inches from the soil line.

Pee Gee is one of the largest species of hydrangea. Its stems can break under heavy flowers or snow. Remove any broken stems or dead flowers and prune them in the spring.

Oakleaf hydrangeas grow on old wood. Their flowers change from white to pink to tan throughout the year. Remove dead wood and prune them after flowering if needed.

Climbing hydrangeas grow quickly, so you may need to remove unwanted stems. Prune blooms off of old wood in April and May.

Fertilizing

Give your hydrangea bushes the nutrients they need by using the right fertilizer. Apply one made for roses or a granular shrub fertilizer in the spring.

Watering

In Greek, hydor means water and angieon means jar or vessel. Hydrangea translates to water jar.

Water in the early morning and focus on the roots. You should be able to tell if these thirsty plants need a drink by seeing if their flowers are drooping or feeling the soil.

Too much water is dangerous for the roots. Drain the soil to avoid root rot and make sure they have enough oxygen.

Where to Buy Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular flowering shrubs in the world. The requirements for keeping them alive differ based on species.

The basics of hydrangea care include planting, pruning, fertilizing, and watering. Give them light and nutrient-rich soil. Prune off dead flowers or wood. Water them enough to satisfy them but not enough to drown their roots.

J. Berry Nursery offers name-brand plants to brighten up your garden. Explore our shop to see our hydrangea plants today.

Easy Garden Flowers You Don’t Need a Green Thumb to Grow

2022-08-24

A recent study by University of Florida scientists highlights that gardening is an excellent tonic for stress, depression, and anxiety. Yet, if you're among the thousands of people who've recently taken up gardening, you might disagree.

If your plants aren't thriving as you wish they would, or failing to survive your best intentions, you need to take a step back. Some plants simply aren't suited to newbie gardeners.

Your attention is better spent on tried and true, unfussy garden plants. Try these easy-going garden flowers for guaranteed gardening success.

Annual Garden Flowers

Most annual blooms grow well when you plant them as seedlings, requiring little more than adequate sunlight and regular water, as long as you prepare your soil correctly. Most annuals need good drainage, regular watering, and rich soil, although you'll also find some that tolerate drought once established. There are even some annuals that perform well in poor soil. Make sure to read the seed packet or plant tag for proper planting needs.

It's easy to grow many annual from seeds, and most gardeners have success with the following flowers:

Snapdragons
Pansies
Zinnias
Cosmos
Sunflowers

These lovely plants work well for inexpensive, vibrant garden color. Sometimes, you may be lucky and find volunteers of your favorite annuals the following year - many annual re-seed themselves for a second appearance next season.

If you're interested in planting flowers that don't disappear after just one summer, it's best to focus your attention on perennials or shrubs that offer year-round interest.

Crape Myrtles

Crape Myrtles are native to Asia, but they're an exceedingly popular garden plant across the world. These beautiful flowering plants can be found as tree or shrub forms that grow between 1 and 2 feet per year. Some varieties reach heights of up to 20 feet. Many Crape Myrtles can be pruned into a single trunk for a beautiful specimen tree, or plant several Crape Myrtles along a border to create a flowering hedge.

These are among the best flowering plants for newcomers to gardening, as they require very little attention. Crape Myrtles aren't particular about soil types, but they do need a warm climate to survive winter. Gardeners in cold climates can still enjoy Crape Myrtles: consider planting in a container and over winter keep the plant in a protected space, like a greenhouse or basement.

They adorn themselves with rich colorful leaves in the fall, while winter reveals their brown, pink, and green mottled trunks. In the summer, Crape Myrtles explode with large dense clusters of white, red, purple or pink ruffled flowers. Black Diamond^® Crape Myrtles come in a variety of colors to complement your landscaping.

Hardy Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants bring an island feel to any space with their abundant, colorful flowers and lush green leaves. But while tropical hibiscus require warm, frost-free climates to thrive, you can still enjoy vibrant, lush blooms in cooler zones by growing hardy hibiscus.

Hardy hibiscus thrive in temperate climates, making them one of the best garden flowers for colder states. They're easy flowers to grow and are happiest in well-drained neutral or acidic soil.

Hibiscus loves the full sun and will reward you with copious blooms if you give them plenty of sunlight and water. Apart from regular watering, you can leave them to work their magic all on their own.

In warm, tropical climates, hardy hibiscus flower year-round, but you'll find they're at their best in summer if you live in a cooler environment. The herbaceous perennial plants die back in winter, emerging in late spring or early summer for another spectacular garden show.

Stock Up on Easy Flowers to Grow

When you choose to liven up your spaces with garden flowers that don't mind the weather, you needn't wait for the spring before you start work on your landscapes.

Don't let the end of summer stop you in your tracks, start shopping now to create a garden you can enjoy all year round.

10 Things You Need to Know about Crape Myrtles

2022-08-09

Since its importation from England in the mid-1700s, the Crape Myrtle has been treasured by American gardeners for its vibrant blossoms.

This beautiful tree makes for a fantastic centerpiece, dazzling with its sculptural branches and colorful blooms. Plus, it's easy to grow, too!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to learn 10 fascinating facts about Crape Myrtles.

1. They Can Get Taller Than You Think

Leave plenty of space in your yard when you plant a Crape Myrtle. While they are commonly classified as shrubs or low-growing trees, some varieties actually top out at 25-30 feet in height. However, with a wide variety of cultivars available, you’ll also find plenty of smaller specimens, with sizes ranging from 2-5-foot-tall dwarf plants or 6-12 foot tall compact trees. Check the plant’s label to pick a Crape Myrtle that fits your space.

2. They Thrive in Harsh Sun

Native to China, this tree can withstand intense heat and equatorial sun. In fact, the Crape Myrtle may refuse to bloom if it doesn't get enough light. Place your Crape Myrtle where it will receive at least 6 hours of sun per day.

3. They Can Handle Poor Soil

Crape Myrtle trees don't mind poor soil, especially if it's slightly on the acidic side. In fact, offering your tree soil that is too rich will result in an abundance of foliage, rather than eye-popping blooms.

4. You'll Need to Water Newly Planted Trees Frequently

Crape Myrtle care is easy, especially when compared to other ornamental trees. That said, you'll still need to give yours plenty of water when newly planted. Make sure it receives about an inch of water per week. Established trees are very drought tolerant.

5. The Climate Counts

These trees can thrive in USDA Zones 6-10, though plants will likely die back during winter in zone 6, with new growth reappearing in spring. In cold climates, consider planting smaller Crape Myrtles in containers, which can be moved into a protected space in winter.

6. They Appreciate Fertilizer

Soil tests are always recommended before planting trees to understand what nutrients might be lacking in your garden soil. However, Crape Myrtles are heavy feeders. To ensure beautiful blooms, fertilize newly planted trees once per month the first year. Give established Crape Myrtles a slow-release fertilizer in spring when new growth appears. Then, lightly fertilize the plant two times per month through spring and summer. Make sure you’re using a fertilizer with higher phosphorous than nitrogen to encourage blooms, not just foliage.

7. Don't be a Crape Murderer!

Unlike the badly, brutally-chopped Crape Myrtles you may see, pruning is completely unnecessary. While misguided gardeners think severe pruning makes the tree bloom better, it can actually harm the strength of the branches, making heavy flower clusters droop on weak stems. Instead, reserve pruning only to shape the plant into a single-trunk tree form, to remove dead branches, or to shape overgrown branches. Make sure to prune in winter, when the plant is dormant.

8. Watch Out for Powdery Mildew

While these trees are highly resistant to insects and common backyard pests, they can fall victim to powdery mildew. Try to keep your Crape Myrtle's branches and blossoms dry, avoid overhead watering, and leave plenty of room around them for good air circulation.

9. There Are Many Types of Crape Myrtles

Straight species of Lagerstroemia indica are extremely uncommon. So, even if your tree's tag says Crape Myrtle, you'll still be buying a hybrid variety. Make your purchase with an expert and experienced retailer for the best plant possible, and a chance to choose from a wide variety of forms, sizes, and colors.For unique, nearly-black foliage, beautiful blooms in a wide range of colors, and a compact size, choose Black Diamond^® Crape Myrtles. For gorgeous green foliage, vibrant flowers, and larger specimens,Emerald Empire^® Crape Myrtles make a perfect addition to your landscape.

10. It's Not a Crepe Myrtle

Despite this tree's beautiful and papery blooms, its name is crape, not crepe. Though, you might see it written otherwise, especially in the American south. Plus it's not a myrtle at all! In fact, despite their similar appearances, these two kinds of trees aren't related at all.

Growing Beautiful Crape Myrtles

Growing stunning Crape Myrtles loaded with flowers starts with purchasing high-quality plants. For challenging growing conditions, you may also require help from a professional gardener or arborist.

Contact J. Berry Nursery or email our team at info@jberrynursery.com for assistance.

A Guide to the Best Ornamental Grasses: Which One’s Right for You?

2022-08-02

Good garden design is all about depth, dimension, and contrast. So, in addition to your favorite flowers and foliage, you'll want to add a few ornamental grasses into the mix.

These plants can lend an unexpected pop of color and texture, sprucing up an otherwise dull space. And, they're among the easiest to care for additions in any garden, able to thrive in most conditions and plant hardiness zones. In most cases, they're also drought resistant and unappetizing to wild animals like deer.

Want to know more?

Read on to discover the best decorative grasses for your space. Then, you'll be ready to shop for and plant them with confidence.

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

This native ornamental prairie grass offers dense mounds of fine-textured foliage that grow to 24-36 inches tall. A hardy species in USDA zones 3-8, it also serves well as a background plant, offers superb erosion control, and is both deer resistant and drought tolerant.

Showy varieties like Season to Season^® Standing Ovation are lovely all year round. Starting with pretty blue, upright summer foliage, attractive vertical flowers and seedheads appear in late summer. The plant then morphs into gorgeous fall foliage, with stems and leaves turning shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. The strong form withsteads heavy rain or snow without flopping. Plus, it grows well in any soil pH. And, they're among the most commonly seen grasses in containers.

Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

If you're looking to add an unexpected pop of color, this ornamental grass won't disappoint. And, varieties like Gold Bar can even stand as focal points for your garden.

Maiden grass prefers full to partial sun and can grow quite large, adding great movement and texture in the garden. However, Gold Bar stays nicely compact, reaching only 4-5 feet tall and 1-1/2 to 2 feet wide. The gorgeous foliage with bands of gold on every leaf brightens garden beds and containers. Burgundy plumes appear late in the season and provide winter interest. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)

Whether you're framing a walkway, adding a back row to your garden for texture, or selecting a centerpiece for a large area, fountain grass is sure to make an impression. And it can tolerate a variety of conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and even drought.

Smaller varieties, such as Hameln Grass, grow to between 2 and 3 feet in height and width, so you'll want to plant them well away from the rest of your garden residents. Hameln produces bright-green foliage in summer, turning a pretty golden-yellow in fall, which typically lasts well into winter for color and interest. The silvery-white flower spikes appear in late summer. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

What's prettier than a bright pop of pink in your garden? Not much, really.

This easy to care for ornamental grass packs a powerful punch, with showstopping flower spikes that bloom from late summer into the fall. A low-maintenance perennial, this grass tolerates a wide range of soil types and conditions. Plus Gulf Muhly Grass grows to the same size as fountain grass, about 2-3 feet tall and wide, making them perfectly paired for a back row or border. Hardy to USDA zones 6-10.

Gardening with Ornamental Grasses

Are you ready to add a few ornamental grasses to your garden?

If so, be sure to bookmark this blog post or print a copy to take along while you shop. That way, you'll be sure to make it home with the ideal ornamental grass types for your landscape.

Need a little more help before making a purchase? No worries! The friendly team at J. Berry Nursery is happy to help.

Contact us or send an email to info@jberrynursery.com for further assistance. We're happy to offer expert advice and guidance to help turn your gardening dreams into a reality!

3 Beautiful Plants That Make Great Privacy Shrubs

2022-07-13

It's a dance-in-your-kitchen-with-a-pint-of-ice-cream kind of night. We get it, these things happen.

But while you're jamming out, you see someone walking their dog outside and you lock eyes.

Quick! Go shut the blinds!

Maybe you're one of those people who think that you only need curtains and window shades for privacy. Maybe you think having a home landscape made up of barren, featureless grass is the ideal way to achieve it.

You may be surprised to learn that certain plants can create a barrier between your home and the outside world.

And they look good doing it.

Let's take a closer look at three of the best privacy shrubs for your home.

Ligustrum AKA Privets

Privets are one of the best shrubs for privacy because they grow tall, wide, and tolerate different climates.

Their leaves are dense and opaque, and their flowers are easily seen yet not distracting when they bloom.

Many gardeners shy away from privets as privacy shrubs because they heard they were invasive. In other words, that they'll take over your entire landscape and make it hard for your other plants to grow.

This privet is different. It's the first non-invasive privet of its kind, offering the reliable privacy of privets without the worry that you're damaging your own garden.

Boxwoods

Boxwoods grow well in most climates, and their dense foliage provides ample screening.

Boxwoods can reach a height of up to six feet, making them one of the best tall shrubs for privacy.

Creative landscapers love boxwoods because you can prune them into all kinds of shapes to accent your outdoor space.

Try planting a long row of them and see why boxwoods are one of the best shrubs for a privacy fence!

There are a few things to keep in mind, though. First, boxwoods need regular pruning to maintain their shape; if neglected, they can become leggy and sparse. You can also over-prune them and trigger growth that can be hard to keep in check.

Barberries

Barberries are fast-growing privacy shrubs that can grow up to ten feet tall.

Certain species stay green year-round, others change colors and their leaves whither in the fall. Make sure to find out what kind of barberry you have and plan accordingly, especially if you're using it for privacy.

Barberries tend to grow uniformly, so pruning is not a necessity. Nothing is stopping you, however, from pruning them into a different shape if you're feeling bold.

Be careful, though. Their thorns can be quite sharp, so use caution when trimming or handling them.

Privacy Shrubs: Which Is Your Favorite?

These three plants add beauty and a sense of security to your yard. They also help to keep your home cooler in the summer.

Out of all the different types of privacy shrubs to choose from, which one do you like the most? Make sure to go outside and take a look around your home to see where you need a plant. Go find where that dog walker was standing so you can dance and eat your ice cream in peace!

If you're interested in adding a privacy shrub to your yard, give us a call!

Grow Hydrangeas Like a Pro: 5 Key Tips

2022-07-06

Hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs that can make your garden a blossoming oasis. Their bold, showy flowers add interest to the landscape all summer long.

From knowing what they need to thrive to providing them with the best nutrition, your yard will look like a botanical garden in no time. With the proper care, you'll have healthy hydrangea blooms for years to come.

Keep reading to learn 5 simple tips on how to grow hydrangeas this season and help them thrive.

1. When to Plant Hydrangeas

The best season to plant hydrangeas is in spring, after all danger of frost has passed, or early fall, at least 8 weeks before the first frost. This way, they'll have enough time to grow and establish a strong root system before cold weather arrives.

As for the time of day, aim for early morning or evening planting. Avoid planting them during full sun, as the heat can stress the plant out and make it harder to grow.

An overcast day for planting is ideal. Make sure to plant them before the heat of summer arrives, so that their root system is well established prior to sweltering summer days.

2. Where to Plant Hydrangeas

Before you plant hydrangeas, prepare the soil and environment for the perfect hydrangea growing conditions. This plant loves fertile and nutrient-rich soil with great drainage.

The best place to plant hydrangeas is where they can get morning sun but will be protected from the afternoon heat. They appreciate shade during the heat of the day, but they do need part sun to bloom their best.

Plant them on the south or north side of your home. Some types of hydrangeas, like panicles, actually prefer full sun. Make sure to check the growing needs of your hydrangeas.

3. How to Plant Hydrangeas

Once you determine your hydrangea’s growing needs, make sure to give it optimal conditions to thrive.

Dig a hole twice the width of the plant’s container, making the hole the same depth as the pot. Depending on your soil, you may need to amend it. Add compost to heavy clay soil to improve drainage and aeration.

Compost also helps improve sandy soil. Remove the hydrangea from its nursery pot, and place it level in the hole. The top of the root ball should be flush with the soil line.

Fill in the hole with soil, tamping the soil to remove air pockets, and water well. Make sure to keep the plant well-watered as the plant settles into its new home.

Water the hydrangeas in the morning, and aim the water at the roots. Avoid overhead watering, like a sprinkler system, to direct water to the roots and avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease.

The soil pH level can affect the color of your hydrangeas. For example, if the soil is acidic, with a pH below 6, the blooms will have a beautiful blue color. If the pH value of the soil is 7 and above, it's alkaline soil, so the blooms will be pink or red.

If the soil's pH value is neutral, you'll get purple blooms or a lovely mix of blue and pink blooms on the same hydrangea plant. White hydrangeas won't change color no matter the pH of the soil and will always produce white blooms.

4. How to Water Hydrangeas

To learn how to grow hydrangeas, you need to know how to water them. Hydrangeas are thirsty plants: it actually says so in their name, “hydra.”

However, the roots dislike sitting in water, which is why the soil should be well-drained to avoid root rot. Water them in the early morning before the heat of the day, focusing on the base of the plant.

If you’re unsure if the plant needs water, stick your finger into the soil near the plant’s base about an inch deep. If it’s moist, no need to water. If it’s dry, time for a drink.

Hydrangeas also pout when thirsty: you’ll notice the droopy flowers if it’s overdue for water.

5. How to Take Care Of Hydrangeas

Growing hydrangeas is pretty simple. All they need is good soil, good drainage, watering in the morning, and correct sun exposure, depending on the variety.

Use organic mulch around the plant’s base to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. Use fertilizer and pest control as needed, although hydrangeas are relatively pest-free.

Now You Can Grow Hydrangeas Like a Pro Right in Your Backyard

Whether you're a beginner gardener or have grown your fair share of plants, these tips will help you grow hydrangeas with ease.

Ready for your first hydrangeas of the season? At J. Berry Nursery, we offer the best selection of all kinds of flowers and plants for your backyard and gardening needs.

The Dos and Don'ts of Watering Plants

2022-05-30

Did you know that the average person has killed about seven houseplants?

If you are nervous about making sure your plants thrive, don't worry - we are here to help provide you with the best tips to help you on your plant journey.

Are your plants sagging, wrinkling, yellowing, or spotting? Are you unsure how to tell if you've overwatered or underwatered?

Don't stress. We've broken down the dos and don'ts for how and when to water plants.

Do: Research Your Plant

The first step of properly watering your plants is research. By researching your plant, you'll be able to better mimic its natural environment in your home or garden. You may be able to find tips and advice from other gardeners online or at your local nursery. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you buy your plants: let experts help you succeed.

Ask about where your plant comes from. Plants native to tropical areas, like hibiscus, need more water than desert plants, like cacti. A little research goes a long way to making your plants happy.

Don't: Check The Soil Regularly

For around 95% of plants, the ideal watering situation is to have soil that never completely dries out. Water your plants when the top one inch of soil has dried out. (Most experts recommend the top one inch, but it depends on each plant.) It's simple - just stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it's moist, no need for water. If it's dry, time for a drink.

Of course, some plants prefer soggier or dryer conditions. In general, bog plants, like Colocasias, prefer moist soil. However, many plants like cacti, succulents, and yucca like to dry out between waterings.

The best way to know when to water plants is to feel the top two inches of soil. If it feels dusty or dry, it's time to water.

Do: Have Well-Draining Soil

Sometimes we equate watering with giving care. We want our plants to be happy and healthy. We love our plants!

However, there is such thing as too much of a good thing. Make sure your potted plants have well-draining soil and ways for the water to escape. This could be a drainage hole in the bottom of your pot or a water tray. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix for container plants that allows the water to flow through the soil easily. Don't use garden soil in containers: the heavy soil can become compacted, not allowing water to drain well.

If you garden in heavy clay soil, make sure to add organic matter to the hole when you plant. Amending heavy clay soil with compost helps ensure good drainage.

Empty your potted plant's drainage trays daily. If the plant sits in the water, bacteria can grow and lead to root rot.

Don't: Depend on Rain for Watering Plants

When you're in the rainy season, you may be tempted to skip watering outdoor plants. This isn't wise because most plants need at least one inch of water per week, and rain can be unpredictable.

To help you determine how much to water outdoor flowers, place a rain gauge near your garden. Check the gauge at least once per week, and water your garden if the rainfall is giving less than an inch of water. Or, just stick your finger in the soil, at the base of the plant about an inch deep to check soil moisture.

For outdoor plants, it's generally better to overwater than underwater. You should water outdoor container plants at least once daily during summer's high heat. Hand watering is better than a broadcast sprinkler system, which can lead to too much moisture and disease splashing on leaves from the soil.

Do: Water in the Morning or Evening

Watering at the right times of day is especially important for garden watering. When you water in the middle of the day, more water evaporates before it reaches the root system of the plants.

Instead, aim to water in the morning, hydrating the plant and allowing excess moisture to dry on the leaves, helping to prevent disease. (Note: Watering at night promotes disease.)

With that being said, water your plants when they need water. If your plants look thirsty, you don't need to wait until evening to water them.

Don't Give Up!

Watering plants can seem tricky, but you will gain confidence with practice! At J. Berry Nursery & Genetics, we believe anyone can maintain a beautiful home and garden, starting with exceptional plants.

Do you have other plant care questions? We're happy to help! Contact us today to learn more!

A Brief Guide on How to Grow Tropical Hibiscus

2022-05-23

Did you know that there are over 200 species of hibiscus plant?

Hibiscus are a family of tropical flowering plants. They are well-loved by gardeners for their gorgeous red, pink, purple, and orange blooms.

Are you interested in adding hibiscus plants to beautify your home or garden? Do you feel clueless about hibiscus plant care?

Here is everything you need to know to grow tropical hibiscus.

Soil Conditions

All varieties of hibiscus prefer well-draining, moist soil. They are native to the tropical forests of India and Malaysia and other warm, moist areas around the world. Some species are even native to Florida!

As you might imagine, the soil in tropical forests stays rather moist. Most hibiscus varieties prefer soil that is slightly acidic, fertile, and loamy.

Plant hibiscus in the early spring or as soon as the weather stays consistently above fifty degrees Fahrenheit. If you're planting in a container, the container should be no larger than twice the size of the hibiscus plant's root ball.

Watering Habits

Hibiscus plants need soil that is constantly moist but not soaked. After being freshly planted, your hibiscus plant needs to be watered at least every two to three days.

Once your hibiscus plant is well established, water at least once per week. It's nearly impossible to overwater a hibiscus as long as the soil is well-draining. If you have problems with the soil drying out too quickly, add mulch around the base of your hibiscus.

Sunlight Preferences

Hibiscus love bright light. In cooler, northern climates, your hibiscus should be placed in full sun. If you live in a particularly hot climate, grow your hibiscus in filtered sunlight, such as under a large tree or porch awning.

Outdoor hibiscus are usually much happier than indoor hibiscus. If you must grow your hibiscus indoors, place it near the sunniest window possible. These are usually south-facing windows. However, you should avoid placing your hibiscus in direct sunlight from the window.

Quickly Growing Hibiscus

After your hibiscus has become established in the soil, it may take some time for it to start growing and blooming. Most hibiscus plants bloom in hot months, from early summer to late fall. There are a few things you can do to encourage blooms and keep them for as long as possible.

Enrich your soil with compost, earthworms, and fertilizer. In peak seasons, it's a good idea to add high-quality plant food every few weeks. Use a fertilizer specifically designed for blooming plants.

Hibiscus blooms usually only last for one or two days. When the blooms start to wrinkle and close, pinch and remove them from the plant. This will allow the plant to devote its resources to a new bloom.

To encourage larger hibiscus plants, prune the branches in late winter or early spring. Trim the dead branches and leaves by about one-third.

Hello Hibiscus!

Hibiscus blooms are some of nature's most impressive flowers. Many people love to grow hibiscus to add summer flair to their patio or poolside. Follow these tips, and soon you'll have a whole tropical hibiscus garden!

Are you ready to grow your own tropical hibiscus? Browse our selection of gorgeous tropical hibiscus varieties!