Setup, Compatibility & Care
Planting:
- Select a location that receives partial to full sun.
- Ensure the soil is moist and well-draining. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Plant the shrub in its permanent position, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Care:
- Watering: Provide regular watering, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Sunlight: Prefers partial to full sun. More sun generally leads to brighter stem color.
- Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning: To maintain the brightest stem color and a compact form, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back old stems to encourage new, more colorful shoots. For vigorous growth and best stem color, consider cutting back one-third of the oldest stems each year.
Compatibility:
This shrub is compatible with most garden plants in similar light and soil conditions. It can be planted alongside other perennials, shrubs, and groundcovers. It is suitable for use in mixed borders, shrub borders, and container plantings.