Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' Plant Care Reminders

General Information

• Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

  January 1. Prune SUMMER WINE is a vigorous plant; for best results, prune about a third of the branches to the ground in late winter.

  February 1. Prune SUMMER WINE is a vigorous plant; for best results, prune about a third of the branches to the ground in late winter.

  March 1. Prune Do not prune. 2. Mulch Applying mulch around your flowering shrubs in the spring is a great idea. Not only does it look attractive, it keeps roots cool, conserves soil moisture, reduces water requirements, and acts as an effective weed barrier. Spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (if replenishing, don't allow build up to exceed 4" in depth). If your shrub is in lawn, mulch a ring between 3 to 6 feet in diameter around the trunk. Be careful to keep mulch an inch away from the shrub's trunk.

  April 1. Buy For those of you in Zone 6, purchase shrubs after the threat of frost has passed. If you buy sooner, be sure to provide protection to the tender new top growth at night. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! 2. Plant For those of you in Zone 6, plant as soon as the threat of frost has passed and the soil is workable. If the threat of frost persists, be sure to provide protection to tender new growth of the plant by covering at night. For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Apply a granular slow release fertilizer and water in well. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. 3. Fertilize Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application. 4. Water As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. 5. Prune Do not prune. 6. Mulch Applying mulch around your flowering shrubs in the spring is a great idea. Not only does it look attractive, it keeps roots cool, conserves soil moisture, reduces water requirements, and acts as an effective weed barrier. Spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (if replenishing, don't allow build up to exceed 4" in depth). If your shrub is in lawn, mulch a ring between 3 to 6 feet in diameter around the trunk. Be careful to keep mulch an inch away from the shrub's trunk.

  May 1. Buy Purchase shrubs after the threat of frost has passed. If you buy sooner, be sure to provide protection to the tender new top growth at night. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! 2. Plant Now is a great time to plant! For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Apply a granular slow release fertilizer and water in well. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. 3. Fertilize Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application. 4. Water As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. 5. Prune Do not prune.

  June 1. Buy It isn't too late to add to your garden. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! 2. Plant June isn't to late to make additions to your garden. However, with the increasing heat and longer days, pay extra attention to the watering needs of freshly planted shrubs. For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Apply a granular slow release fertilizer and water in well. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. 3. Water As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. 4. Prune Do not prune.

  July 1. Water As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. 2. Prune Do not prune.

  August 1. Water As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. 2. Prune Do not prune.

  September 1. Buy Visit your independent garden center now because fall is the best time to purchase shrubs! Here's why: In the spring, a new plant would have to divide its energy between settling into a new home and growing immediately. In the fall however, the short days are causing the top to go dormant. All the while, the warm soil, which will persist for the coming weeks or months, provides the perfect environment for roots to acclimate. Once spring arrives, the happily established plant can focus on growing and flowering. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! 2. Plant Plant flowering shrubs now - it's a great time to get a jump on next year's garden! Choose a medium to sunny location. For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Save the application of a granular slow-release fertilizer for spring to avoid the initiation of tender new growth. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. 3. Water As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. 4. Prune Do not prune. 5. Mulch Applying a winter top-dressing of mulch will provide protection to the roots from severe winter temperatures and frost heaving. Spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (if replenishing, don't allow build up to exceed 4" in depth). If your shrub is in lawn, mulch a ring between 3 to 6 feet in diameter around the trunk. Be careful to keep mulch an inch away from the shrub's trunk.

  October 1. Buy Visit your independent garden center now because fall is the best time to purchase shrubs! Here's why: In the spring, a new plant would have to divide its energy between settling into a new home and growing immediately. In the fall however, the short days are causing the top to go dormant. All the while, the warm soil, which will persist for the coming weeks or months, provides the perfect environment for roots to acclimate. Once spring arrives, the happily established plant can focus on growing and flowering. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! 2. Plant Plant flowering shrubs now - it's a great time to get a jump on next year's garden! Choose a medium to sunny location. For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Save the application of a granular slow-release fertilizer for spring to avoid the initiation of tender new growth. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. 3. Prune Do not prune. 4. Mulch Applying a winter top-dressing of mulch will provide protection to the roots from severe winter temperatures and frost heaving. Spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (if replenishing, don't allow build up to exceed 4" in depth). If your shrub is in lawn, mulch a ring between 3 to 6 feet in diameter around the trunk. Be careful to keep mulch an inch away from the shrub's trunk.

  November 1. Prune Do not prune.

  December 1. Prune Do not prune.

• Buy When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share! April For those of you in Zone 6, purchase shrubs after the threat of frost has passed. If you buy sooner, be sure to provide protection to the tender new top growth at night. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! May Purchase shrubs after the threat of frost has passed. If you buy sooner, be sure to provide protection to the tender new top growth at night. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! June It isn't too late to add to your garden. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! September Visit your independent garden center now because fall is the best time to purchase shrubs! Here's why: In the spring, a new plant would have to divide its energy between settling into a new home and growing immediately. In the fall however, the short days are causing the top to go dormant. All the while, the warm soil, which will persist for the coming weeks or months, provides the perfect environment for roots to acclimate. Once spring arrives, the happily established plant can focus on growing and flowering. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better! October Visit your independent garden center now because fall is the best time to purchase shrubs! Here's why: In the spring, a new plant would have to divide its energy between settling into a new home and growing immediately. In the fall however, the short days are causing the top to go dormant. All the while, the warm soil, which will persist for the coming weeks or months, provides the perfect environment for roots to acclimate. Once spring arrives, the happily established plant can focus on growing and flowering. When choosing plants, don't be shy about popping the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots; the root mass should be free of black, mushy sections and amply fill the container. Remember, the more roots the better!

  Plant When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions? April For those of you in Zone 6, plant as soon as the threat of frost has passed and the soil is workable. If the threat of frost persists, be sure to provide protection to tender new growth of the plant by covering at night. For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Apply a granular slow release fertilizer and water in well. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. May Now is a great time to plant! For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Apply a granular slow release fertilizer and water in well. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. June June isn't to late to make additions to your garden. However, with the increasing heat and longer days, pay extra attention to the watering needs of freshly planted shrubs. For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Apply a granular slow release fertilizer and water in well. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. September Plant flowering shrubs now - it's a great time to get a jump on next year's garden! Choose a medium to sunny location. For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Save the application of a granular slow-release fertilizer for spring to avoid the initiation of tender new growth. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established. October Plant flowering shrubs now - it's a great time to get a jump on next year's garden! Choose a medium to sunny location. For SUMMER WINE, choose an open, full sun location with good air circulation. Adaptable in most soil types and withstands both acidic and alkaline soils. Save the application of a granular slow-release fertilizer for spring to avoid the initiation of tender new growth. It is recommended to apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season and be extra mindful during periods of heat and drought. However, in subsequent years, it can tolerate dry conditions once established.

  Fertilize When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year? April Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application. May Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application.

  Water Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year? April As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. May As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. June As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. July As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. August As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established. September As a rule of thumb, apply 1 inch of water per week during the first growing season. Be mindful of hot days and periods of drought. SUMMER WINE prefers medium moisture and can tolerate dry conditions once established.

  Prune When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements? January SUMMER WINE is a vigorous plant; for best results, prune about a third of the branches to the ground in late winter. February SUMMER WINE is a vigorous plant; for best results, prune about a third of the branches to the ground in late winter. March Do not prune. April Do not prune. May Do not prune. June Do not prune. July Do not prune. August Do not prune. September Do not prune. October Do not prune. November Do not prune. December Do not prune.

  Mulch Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much? March Applying mulch around your flowering shrubs in the spring is a great idea. Not only does it look attractive, it keeps roots cool, conserves soil moisture, reduces water requirements, and acts as an effective weed barrier. Spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (if replenishing, don't allow build up to exceed 4" in depth). If your shrub is in lawn, mulch a ring between 3 to 6 feet in diameter around the trunk. Be careful to keep mulch an inch away from the shrub's trunk. April Applying mulch around your flowering shrubs in the spring is a great idea. Not only does it look attractive, it keeps roots cool, conserves soil moisture, reduces water requirements, and acts as an effective weed barrier. Spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (if replenishing, don't allow build up to exceed 4" in depth). If your shrub is in lawn, mulch a ring between 3 to 6 feet in diameter around the trunk. Be careful to keep mulch an inch away from the shrub's trunk. September Applying a winter top-dressing of mulch will provide protection to the roots from severe winter temperatures and frost heaving. Spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (if replenishing, don't allow build up to exceed 4" in depth). If your shrub is in lawn, mulch a ring between 3 to 6 feet in diameter around the trunk. Be careful to keep mulch an inch away from the shrub's trunk. October Applying a winter top-dressing of mulch will provide protection to the roots from severe winter temperatures and frost heaving. Spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches (if replenishing, don't allow build up to exceed 4" in depth). If your shrub is in lawn, mulch a ring between 3 to 6 feet in diameter around the trunk. Be careful to keep mulch an inch away from the shrub's trunk.