🌱 Planting Guide for Bamboo & Evergreen Shrubs
Proper planting is key to helping your plants establish quickly and thrive for years to come. Follow these simple steps for best results, whether you’re planting bamboo, cherry laurel, photinia, or any evergreen shrub.
🛑 When Not to Plant
Avoid planting in the following conditions:
- ❄️ Frozen soil
- 🌧️ Waterlogged ground
- 💦 Immediately after heavy rain (the soil may compact and suffocate roots)
Tip: Wait for a dry spell if the ground is very wet.
💧 Pre-Planting Checklist
- Ensure all plants are well-watered before planting — especially in warm or dry conditions.
- Have your tools and compost ready: a spade, fork, water supply, and any soil improver or fertiliser you’re using.
🌿 How to Plant
1. Remove the pot
- Bamboo can be tricky — cut the pot off with a knife or saw if needed.
- With our larger its generally not required to tease the roots.
2. Position the plant
- Set the root ball into your prepared hole or trench. It should sit at the same depth it was in the pot.
- Backfill with loose, fine soil, firming gently as you go.
3. Water thoroughly
- Once planted, give the plant a deep watering to settle the soil and remove air pockets.
💦 Watering Schedule
Water is critical in the first year:
- Newly planted shrubs and bamboo: Water 2–3 times per week in dry weather
- Potted plants: Water frequently in summer — often daily in hot weather
Monitor the soil: if it’s dry a few inches below the surface, it’s time to water.
🔍 Ongoing Monitoring
Keep an eye on:
- 🌿 Leaf health – yellowing, curling, or wilting often means underwatering
- 🌱 Growth – most plants should show new growth by mid-spring to early summer
- 🪱 Soil condition – top up mulch or compost if the surface becomes dry or cracked
✂️ Aftercare & Feeding
- Fertilise after planting with a slow-release fertiliser or liquid feed during the growing season.
- Don’t prune newly planted shrubs immediately — wait until they’re established unless shaping is necessary.