Xeriscape Maintenance

A list of general xeriscape maintenance guidelines.


Item # 99801 		Root Stimulator Combo Pack

each $19.90
  • Topic: Xeriscaping
  • Author: High Country Gardens
  • Keywords: Xeriscape maintenance, Irrigation, Fertilizing and mulching, Garden Tips, gardens, xeric, xeriscaping, xeriscapes
  • Date: January 1996

© All articles are copyrighted by High Country Gardens. Republication is prohibited without Permission.

First Growing Season:

  • All plants, even xeric varieties, require regular irrigation/rain during the first year to establish their roots.
  • First year plantings also need monthly irrigation over the winter and spring (when the soil isn’t frozen).
  • Use the Root Stimulator Combo Pack (liquid seaweed and SuperThrive) 3-4 times during the growing season to minimize transplanting and environmental stress and to promote vigorous root growth.
  • Fertilizing isn’t necessary when the soil is prepared properly at planting time. However, 1 or 2 applications of Earth Juice ‘Grow’ during the growing season will perk up slow-to-establish plants.

Irrigation:

  • When winter snow/spring rains leave the soil with good deep moisture, established xeriscapes need little if any additional water until summer.
  • After a dry winter irrigate deeply every 2 or 3 weeks from early spring through May. In many parts of the country regular summer rains supply sufficient moisture. If rain is lacking, a good soaking every week or two will be enough.

Trimming and Pruning:

  • Wait until early to mid-spring of the following year before trimming back perennials.
  • Salvia, Agastache, Zauschneria and other species are cold hardier when left standing over the winter.
  • Ornamental grasses and Sedum contribute winter interest and should remain uncut until spring.
  • In cold climates, trim Lavender back lightly in mid-spring to remove the twig-tips with burnt, winter damaged foliage.
  • Summer blooming shrubs like Blue Mist Spirea, Butterfly Bush and Potentilla can be cut back by 1/3 every two years to re-invigorate the plant and increase flowering.
  • Most other shrubs need only occasional pruning to shape and thin crisscrossed interior branches.
  • Don’t hack shrubs into a box or circular shape. It ruins the character of the plant and creates a lot of extra work.

Fertilizing and Mulching:

  • Most xeric native and adapted plants don’t need much fertilization. October is an ideal time to fertilize. Apply Yum Yum Mix, other organic fertilizers (like Earth Juice ‘Grow’) or high quality compost when the fall root growth cycle is in full swing. Spot fertilize during the growing season as needed. All mulches, even gravel, need to be replenished annually to bring them back to a sufficient depth. Mulch materials should be checked in late spring and fall. Add more as needed to maintain a depth of 1-2 inches.