Black Cherry Plum Tree 'Nigra'

When to plant and what to expect at different times of the year

You can plant hardy shrubs, trees and perennials at any time of the year avoiding the two extremes of heat and cold. During the summer months when it is hot and dry the need for watering becomes crucial to aid successful establishment and in the winter when the soil is frozen the plants will not be in active growth either above or below ground and risk getting cold damage. The same is true on the stage or growth you can expect your plants to be delivered in and this will be directly related to the time of year and the season.

When ordering through the year, here’s a summary of what to expect when receiving your plants:

Spring Months: Plants supplied in spring will be starting to show signs of active growth above and below ground.

Summer Months: Plants supplied in the late summer will be more advanced in size and flower stage

Autumn Months: In the autumn plants will be changing colour, showing signs of leaf colour breakdown and be preparing to shut down for winter.

Winter Months: Plants ordered and supplied during the winter months will be dormant and therefore may not be showing growth above the soil level or consist of bare branches with no leaves or bare roots with no soil.

These are all perfectly normal and natural for these types of plants growing in the northern hemisphere. All will still have a very healthy root system that can be planted when the weather is favourable by keeping the new soil level equal to the pot level and therefore not covering the crown of the plant at all. Planting during the autumn and winter months will allow for early establishment in the season and a bigger and better display throughout the main growing season.

Our ornamental trees arrive either as potted plants or bare-root trees, carefully selected for your garden. Here’s what to expect:

Potted Trees: Your tree will arrive potted, ready for planting. If you can't plant immediately, place the pot outdoors in a sheltered spot and water regularly to keep the soil moist.

Bare-Root Trees: Delivered during autumn or winter when ready for planting. If planting is delayed, keep the roots moist by covering them in soil in a cool location. Aim to plant within seven days of delivery.

Planting Tips:

• In-Ground: Dig a hole slightly larger than the rootball. Place the tree at the same level it was in the pot or with the graft union just above the soil for bare roots. Backfill, add soil improver, firm in, and water well.
• In Containers: Use a pot with drainage holes, layering stones at the bottom. Fill with quality compost, plant, and water well.

Seasonal Care: Plant hardy trees throughout the year, avoiding extremes. During winter, plants may arrive dormant or bare-root with no leaves. This is normal and encourages strong spring growth.

Water regularly during the first year, especially in dry periods. For bare-root trees, soak roots before planting. Add mulch in spring to retain moisture and nourish roots.

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