Back to Info Sheets	Plant Care Basics   PLANT LIFE CYCLE. ANNUAL : Germinate from seed, flower, produce seed, and die in a single season. Ie. Alyssum, Marigolds BIENNIAL :2 year life cycle.   Produce leaves in the first year.  Flower and die in the second year.   Ie. Hollyhocks. PERENNIAL : Grows every year.  New leaves and flowers are produced each year. Ie. Lupins, rockcress, peonies. SHRUB : Multi-stem woody plant.  Height can range from 1 foot to 20 feet. TREE :Single stem woody plant.  Height can range from 5 feet and up.      HOW DO I KNOW IF THE PLANT IS HEALTHY ? Inspect the root ball for root bound or overgrown roots.   Check for damaged root balls or branches.  Avoid forked leaders in trees. Inspect leaves and stems for dead, yellowing, or spotted growth.     FIRST STEPS TO PLANTING. * Consider hardiness zone when selecting plants. * Improve or create drainage. * Remove weeds. * Loosen soil. * Add organic matter, compost, or soil conditioners.   HOW DO I PLANT ? 1. Dig hole larger than the pot or root ball.  At least 1.5 - 2 feet for shrubs and more for trees. 2.   Water thoroughly. 3.  Slip plant out of pot, don't lift. 4.  Place potted plant at same depth as in pot. 5.  Place top of root ball level with ground. 6.  Unwrap burlap and pull back to bury, or cut it away. 7.  Add fertilizer to encourage root development.   Ie. 6-12-12. 8.  Fill in soil. 9.  Add 3-4 inches of mulch. 10.  Water well until established, weeks for small plants several months for large trees.   Water new plants frequently during the first year. Drench during dry spells.    DEADHEADING :  Deadhead flowering plants by pinching off the blooms once they lose color and begin to wilt.  Removing dead blooms encourages new blooms and a longer flowering period.   Vol 99 no 63
© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services Last updated: March 8, 2008