Introduction
Summer is the season when flowering shrubs are in bloom, displaying bright colors and fragrant blooms. But for them to thrive and reach their full plant potential, you need to provide them with the right nutrients. An important aspect of plant care is fertilization. Make sure they bloom beautifully all season long by understanding the nutritional needs of your summer flowering shrubs and following best practices for fertilization.
What are Shrub Plants?
Shrub plants are woody plants that are smaller than trees and have multiple stems extending from the base. They are characterized by their perennial nature, meaning they live for many years and often have dense foliage. Shrubs vary widely in size, from low-growing varieties to tall shrubs that can reach several meters in height. They are often used in landscaping for their ornamental value, privacy screens, or ability to attract wildlife. Some examples of shrub plants include roses, hydrangeas, azaleas, butterfly bushes, crape myrtles, oleanders, and boxwoods.
The Importance of Fertilizing Summer Flowering Shrubs
Summer flowering shrubs go through a period of intense growth and flowering during the warmer months. To support this vigorous growth, they require an adequate supply of nutrients. Fertilizing your shrubs provides them with essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, nutrients necessary for overall plant health, helping to promote strong root development, lush foliage, and vibrant flowers, making your shrubs ideal for Pests and diseases more resistant.
How to Fertilize Shrub Plants
Determine nutritional needs
Before you can effectively fertilize your summer flowering shrubs, it’s important to understand their nutritional needs so you can choose the right type of fertilizer. Different plants have different nutritional needs, so it’s crucial to detect nutrient deficiencies early. Watch for signs such as yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or poor flowering, which may indicate a lack of specific nutrients.
When choosing a fertilizer for summer flowering shrubs, pay attention to the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratios listed on the package. This ratio represents the relative amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer. Nitrogen promotes lush leaf growth, phosphorus supports flower development, and potassium contributes to the overall health of the plant. KHUMIC organic fertilizers such as NPK 20-20-20+TE provide slow-release nutrients while benefiting soil structure.
Prepare the soil
If the soil is very compacted, it is best to aerate the soil first. Compacted soil drains poorly and the applied fertilizer won’t even reach the plant roots, and you may end up wasting product. You can do this with a plug aerator, which pulls a cylindrical “plug” of soil out of the ground. Alternatively, you can use a manual nail aerator to punch holes in the ground, which will help loosen things.
When to fertilize
When fertilizing summer flowering shrubs, timing is critical to its effectiveness. Generally speaking, it’s best to fertilize in early spring before the growing season begins, with the best time being late April or early May. This helps encourage early root growth and prepares the plant for the upcoming flowering season. You can also apply a small amount of fertilizer in mid-summer to support flowering. Avoid fertilizing late in the season as this will stimulate new growth that may be damaged by frost from the upcoming cold weather. Also, do not overfertilize as it can cause nutritional imbalance and damage the plant.
How to fertilize
There are a variety of methods for fertilizing summer-flowering shrubs, including top dressing, foliar fertilization, and soil drenching. Top dressing involves spreading fertilizer around the base of the plant, while foliar fertilizing involves spraying the leaves with a dilute fertilizer solution. Soil saturation is used in irrigation systems. Apply fertilizer directly to the roots.
Start by measuring the distance from soil level to branch tips, then apply 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fertilizer for each foot (31 cm) of height of the shrub. It is important not to apply fertilizer on the stem or trunk, but rather at the drip line of the plant. Fertilizer can be reapplied in mid-summer, but keep in mind that too much fertilizer may damage the shrub. Signs of overfertilization are browning or yellowing of leaves, wilted or dry plants, and fewer or smaller flowers on shrubs.
Water after fertilizing
After fertilizing your summer flowering shrubs, be sure to water them thoroughly. Water helps activate fertilizer and deliver nutrients to the root zone where they are needed most. Proper watering is essential for nutrient uptake and overall plant health, so strive to maintain adequate soil moisture.
Cover
Mulch used around summer flowering shrubs has a variety of benefits, including moisture retention, weed suppression, and improved soil fertility. Choose a mulch that suits your plant’s needs, such as compost or organic material like bark chips. Mulching can also help regulate soil temperature and reduce the need for frequent watering, especially during the hot summer months.
Monitor and adjust
After fertilizing your summer flowering shrubs, pay close attention to how they respond to the treatment. Healthy plants should exhibit vigorous growth, abundant flowers, and vibrant foliage. If you notice any signs of nutrient deficiencies or overfertilization, adjust your fertilizing regimen accordingly. Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or poor flowering may indicate a nutritional deficiency, while charred leaves or excessive growth may indicate overfertilization. Adjust your fertilizing routine accordingly to meet your plants’ needs and promote their health.
Natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers
If you prefer a more natural approach to fertilizing your summer flowering shrubs, consider KHUMIC’s Natural Organic fertilizer. Extracts derived from weathered lignite, soybeans, and seaweed provide your plants with essential nutrients in a sustainable way. It adjusts soil pH, improves organic matter utilization, and enriches soil with beneficial microorganisms.
Conclusion
Fertilizing summer flowering shrubs is a beneficial practice that can enhance the beauty and vitality of your garden. By understanding your plants’ nutritional needs, choosing the right fertilizer, and providing them with the right nutrients at the right time, you can promote healthy plant growth and abundant blooms. With proper care and attention, your summer flowering shrubs will thrive and become the stars of your garden.
FAQs
Can I use the same fertilizer for all my summer flowering shrubs? Or do they have different needs?
Each plant species may have specific nutritional needs, so it is important to choose a fertilizer that meets their individual needs. Consider factors such as growth stage, flower yield, and soil conditions when choosing a fertilizer.
What are the signs that my summer flowering shrubs need fertilizing?
Signs of plant nutrient deficiencies include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, poor flowering, and an overall dull appearance. Check the shrub regularly for these symptoms to determine if fertilization is needed.
Can I use natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers for my shrubs?
Yes, homemade fertilizers such as compost tea, manure, or bone meal can provide your plants with essential nutrients in a sustainable way. Composting organic material and using it as a soil amendment is another eco-friendly option for plant nutrition.
How often should I fertilize my summer flowering shrubs for optimal growth and blooms?
The frequency of fertilizing depends on factors such as plant species, soil fertility, and growth stage. Generally speaking, fertilize shrubs in early spring before the growing season and again in mid-summer to support flowering. Adjust the frequency based on plant response and nutritional needs.