Plant Care Guide
Thank you for choosing one of our plants. Every plant has been carefully grown and packed to arrive in the best possible condition. This guide covers:
- Outdoor plants (deciduous shrubs & trees, perennials, rose bushes)
- Indoor plants
- Bulbs
- Edible plants
- Bare-root plants
- Live wreaths
- Pot-grown Christmas trees
My plant arrived looking droopy or tired – is it damaged?
No. Plants often look stressed after transit. Give it a good drink of water and allow around 48 hours to recover.
Why are the leaves yellowing?
This is most commonly caused by overwatering or natural ageing of older leaves. Check drainage and adjust watering if needed.
When will my plant flower?
Most plants bloom in their natural season. Some may need a year to establish before flowering heavily.
My rose looks bare or cut back in winter – is it dead?
No. Roses are pruned during their dormant season (autumn–spring) to encourage strong new growth and flowering in spring and summer.
Do I need to repot my plant?
Indoor plants often benefit from repotting every 12–18 months. Outdoor plants rarely need repotting unless they are being grown in containers long term.
How often should I water?
Always check the soil first — water when the top layer feels dry. Overwatering is usually more harmful than underwatering.
Location
- Full sun plants (roses, herbs, fruit): 6–8 hours sunlight.
- Partial shade plants: morning sun, afternoon shade.
- Full shade plants: bright but indirect light.
- Ensure good airflow and avoid frost pockets or hot, dry indoor spaces.
Watering
- Check soil before watering.
- Water deeply rather than little and often.
- Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
- Reduce watering in winter while plants are dormant.
Soil & Feeding
- Use free-draining compost.
- Feed March–September during active growth.
- Use high-potash feed for flowers and fruit; balanced feed for leafy plants.
Temperature & Humidity
- Protect tender plants from frost.
- Most indoor plants prefer 18–24°C.
- Mist tropical indoor plants to increase humidity.
Deciduous Shrubs & Trees
Deciduous plants lose their leaves in autumn and regrow in spring.
Planting
- Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball.
- Set the plant level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill and water thoroughly.
Care
- Water regularly for the first 8–12 weeks.
- Mulch to retain moisture.
- Prune late winter–early spring.
Perennials
Perennials die back in winter and return in spring.
Planting
- Plant at soil level.
- Water well after planting.
Seasonal Growth
- Spring: new shoots appear.
- Summer: deadhead and water during dry periods.
- Autumn: foliage naturally dies back.
- Winter: dormant underground.
Dividing
- Divide clumps every 2–3 years.
Rose Bushes
Roses reward good care with abundant flowering.
Planting
- Choose a spot with 6+ hours of sun.
- Enrich soil with compost or manure.
- Plant with graft union just above soil level.
Watering
- Water at the base; avoid wetting foliage.
Feeding
- Feed in early spring and midsummer.
Seasonal Dormancy & Pruning
Roses are dormant from autumn to early spring. During this time they are cut back to:
- Promote vigorous spring growth
- Improve flowering
- Shape the plant
- Prevent winter wind damage
It is normal for roses to look bare or heavily pruned during this period.
Common Rose Issues
- Blackspot: remove affected leaves; improve airflow.
- Aphids: wash off or treat.
- Mildew: ensure airflow and water at base.
Light
- Most plants prefer bright, indirect light.
- Succulents like direct sunlight.
- Ferns and low-light plants thrive in darker areas.
Watering
- Let top 2–5 cm of soil dry between watering.
- Always drain excess water.
Feeding
- Feed monthly from March–September.
- Do not feed in winter.
Troubleshooting
- Yellow leaves → overwatering.
- Brown tips → low humidity.
- Leggy growth → insufficient light.
Planting Depth
- Plant bulbs at a depth of 2–3 times their height.
- Pointed end up (or sideways if unsure).
Seasonal Timing
- Spring bulbs → plant in autumn.
- Summer bulbs → plant in spring.
Aftercare
- Deadhead flowers but allow foliage to yellow naturally.
- This feeds the bulb for the next year.
- Store tender bulbs in winter.
Planting
- Prefer full sun.
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil.
Watering
- Keep evenly moist.
- Avoid letting plants dry out during fruiting.
Feeding
- Leafy veg → nitrogen-rich feed.
- Fruiting veg → high-potash feed weekly.
Pests
- Slugs and snails.
- Aphids.
- Blossom end rot from irregular watering.
Before Planting
- Soak roots for 1–2 hours before planting.
Planting
- Spread roots naturally in the planting hole.
- Backfill with soil and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly.
Aftercare
- Keep soil moist until established.
- New growth appears in spring.
Placement
- Best kept outdoors or in a cool indoor space.
- Avoid heat sources and direct sunlight.
Humidity
- Higher humidity helps maintain freshness.
- Lightly mist your wreath every few days.
- Avoid draughty areas like doorways or air conditioners.
Monitoring
- Check for discoloration or drying foliage.
- Adjust location or misting as needed.
Indoor Use
Limit Time Indoors
- Bring indoors 1–2 weeks before Christmas.
- Return outside as soon as possible afterward.
Acclimation
- Let the tree adjust in a cool, sheltered indoor space (porch or garage) if available.
Placement
- Keep away from radiators, fireplaces and sunny windows.
- Place in a cool room if possible.
Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Avoid waterlogging as it can cause root rot.
- Yellow needles may indicate overwatering or stress.
Planting & Ongoing Care
Keeping It Potted
- Repot every 1–2 years into a slightly larger container.
- Use fresh compost and ensure good drainage.
Planting in the Ground
- Let the tree acclimatise outdoors before planting.
- Plant during a dry spell in winter or early spring.
- Choose a bright, sheltered location.
- Water well after planting.