Ian Robertson, Ltd.
Horticultural Tips
December Tips
q Plant container-grown, B&B, and bare-root trees and shrubs when the ground is not frozen or too wet. Always plant at the same level plants were grown at the nursery, or slightly higher. Top-dress with 2" of compost.
q Do not plant Southern Magnolia or Cherry Laurel until late February or March.
q Thoroughly water and mulch new plantings, keeping mulch away from the plant's trunk.
q Add new mulch to existing beds if needed.
q Prune broadleaf and narrowleaf evergreen shrubs to shape. Do not prune spring flowering shrubs or vines, except to remove dead, diseased or crossing wood.
q Prune summer flowering trees and shrubs (that bloom on new wood) to force new shoots in the spring.
q Prune giant hybrid Clematis severely now (if needed) up until new growth begins to emerge, and prune other deciduous summer-flowering vines as well.
q Continue to inspect evergreen shrubs for scale (particularly Euonymus, boxwood and Burford Holly). Spray with insecticide now or with dormant oil in late winter. Heavy infestations can kill plants.
q Cut back Liriope while the weather is still cold, before any chance of new shoots emerging.
q After a snowfall, be sure to brush snow off of evergreen limbs to prevent breakage.
q Plant spring flowering bulbs now - the is the last month to do so.
q Cut back dead foliage of annuals & perennials, as well as established Bearded Iris and peonies.