Plants are like people, they thrive or die based upon the care they receive throughout their life.  The general care variables with a plant are sun, shade, water, soil and fertilizer.  In addition, all plants need to be planted in the proper climate --- for example, even though tropical hibuscus’ grow here during the summer, unless they are brought into a warm climate during the winter, they will die and need to be replaced.   So here’s a primer on plants in the Midlands of South Carolina.

We are fortunate to live in a climate where plants can be installed and cared for year-round and we can design our yards so that we have flowers throughout the year.  From a plant’s perspective, Fall is the best time to plant, as it allows the plant 9 months to grow in before the summer heat arrives.  On the other hand, Spring is also a great time, perhaps best for people who have “cabin fever,” and want to get outside.

Plants are generally grouped into Trees, Shrubs, Annuals and Perennials.  Annuals are those plants that add seasonal color.  For example, mums, pansies, snapdragons, colorful cabbages and kale are planted in the fall and vinca, impatiens, begonias, etc., are planted in the spring.  Perennials, on the other hand, are usually planted in the spring and bloom during the spring and summer, then go back into the ground and come back the following spring.

Some plants like “full sun,” which is generally defined as at least 6 hours per day of unobstructed sun.  During the summer months in the Midlands, that’s hot and the plants will require more water during this period.  Other plants prefer “filtered sun” or shade, such as an azalea.  Plant “shade” plants in areas where they will not receive the afternoon sun, but yet can get some morning sun, which is much less harsh.  Some plants can live in both sun and shade, so make sure to ask.

Water is particularly important to plants during the summer…particularly those which are newly installed.  Some trees, such as Weeping Willows and River Birches, prefer to have “wet feet,” and can be planted in areas that are consistently moist.  Others, such as “succulents” (Agave, Sedums, etc.), prefer little water, so when you design your garden, be sure not to mix plants that don’t require much water with those that do.  During the fall, when the earth begins to cool, less water is required.  For newly-installed plants, depending upon the size of the plant, some will require more water than others.  The best gauge is to stick your finger in the dirt next to the plant and if it’s moist, don’t water…otherwise, water.
 
Fertilizers have three numbers, like 10-10-10.  The first number is nitrogen, which encourages new plant growth; phosphrous is the second number and is associated with bloom; potassium, is the third number and promotes root growth.  Fertilize your plants on April 1 and again 3-4 months later.  A third dose, using a low nitrogen fertilizer may be applied in the fall.  At Wingard’s, we carry excellent fertilizers for your trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials.
 
To learn more, go to Wingardstv, on our website, then select a topic and get started.

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