Broadleaf Evergreens

Due to the nature of broadleaf evergreens, this plant group requires some special cultural techniques to ensure their success. Consider the following:

Site Selection
Select a site sheltered from northwest winter wind. Too much wind increases the water loss to the point where roots cannot supply water as fast as the leaves are losing it. This is especially important in Central Illinois where the soil freezes for long periods and plants cannot absorb water from the frozen soil. To prevent broadleaf evergreens from drying out in winter, spray them with Wilt-Pruf, an anti-transpirant. Apply this to the foliage sometime after Thanksgiving, on a day when the temperature is above 40°F. Only one application per season is necessary.

In hardiness zone 5, it is essential that most of the plants receive as little winter sun as possible. Be careful not to plant too close to brick buildings or large glass areas due to the sun and heat they reflect. The east side of a house is best for broadleaf evergreens.

Soil Quality
For success with azaleas, hollies, and rhododendrons, the soil must be loose and acidic. To create a pH of 4.5 to 6.0, mix equal parts sphagnum peat moss with the existing topsoil and add the recommended amount of iron sulphate on the package label. Boxwood, euonymus, grapeholly, pyracantha, and yucca do not require acidic soil, although a loose, fertile soil is recommended.

Fertilizing
Fertilize your plants each year in March to ensure maximum growth and performance. Select either the granular Fertilome Azalea, Camellia, Gardenia Food or Fertilome Acid Loving Formula for mixing in water and applying monthly. If yellowing foliage is apparent, apply iron sulphate once annually to correct the soil problem.

Planting

• Dig a hole twice the diameter and 6" deeper than the root ball.
• Mix topsoil into the soil removed from the hole, for a 50-50 ratio (if the existing soil is heavy clay, discard it and replace with black topsoil). Also mix in one or two handfuls of iron sulphate.
• Fill in the hole with 8" of the prepared soil, and place plants, and add a Root Stimulator Solution. Fill remainder of hole with the prepared soil mix, lightly compacting it with your hands. Create a ring basin in the soil around the plant, and add water until the basin is full.
• Add shredded bark mulch 3 to 4” deep, leaving some room around the base of the plant.

Watering
Consider these environmental factors when watering your new plant:

• Soil Type - Heavy clay soils require less frequent watering. Loose, sandy soils require more frequent watering.
• Weather conditions - Hot, windy weather dries plants more quickly; plants will require more water in the summer than in spring or fall.
• Plant type - Not all plants require equal amounts of water. Observe how your plant reacts to watering. If it wilts easily and responds to moisture, water it more frequently. If it wilts and/or turns lighter green to yellow and does not respond to moisture, reduce your watering frequency.
• Generally water only once each week, unless there is an inch of natural rainfall.