Ian Robertson, Ltd.
Horticultural Tips
December Tips*
q Use your lawn mower or a leaf shredder to shred leaves and then use them as mulch on your beds or add to your compost pile. No reason to discard Mother Nature's free soil amendment!!
q Continue planting spring-flowering bulbs.
q You can cut back Liriope this month, or wait until closer to spring - but do not wait until the new shoot start to emerge.
q Prune deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs this month - as long as the sap is not frozen. Prune spring-flowering plants minimally to retain as many flower buds as possible.
q Prune summer-flowering shrubs that bloom on new growth, such as Crape Myrtle & Butterfly Bush, as long as the sap is not frozen.
q Wait until early spring to fertilize trees and shrubs.
q Continue planting trees and shrubs (including roses) this month, as long as the ground is not frozen or too wet.
q Do not plant Southern Magnolias or Cherry Laurels until Late February or March.
q It is okay to plant hardy groundcovers this month, such as Liriope, Juniper, or Ivy. As with trees, avoid planting when ground is frozen or too wet.
q Continue to monitor soil moisture around newly planted shrubs & trees. If we receive less than 1" of rain per week, provide supplemental water. Consider attaching a rain barrel to your downspout to collect rainwater for later watering of plants when rain is scarce.
q Add new mulch to any beds that need it. Mulch will help retain moisture, protect roots from freezing and help prevent perennials from being "heaved" out of the ground during freezing temperatures. Keep all mulch away from necks of plants.
q Keep snow from accumulating on limber broadleaf evergreens, like Boxwood. Remove snow gently with a broom. Sturdier plants, such as Camellias, benefit from an insulating layer of snow.
* These tips are just general suggestions. Be sure to consult your local Cooperative Extension Agent or a good book, such as The American Horticultural Society's Pruning & Training Manual for more thorough instructions.