To thrive, I require a specific environment. Please plant me in a location with dappled shade or morning sun and afternoon shade, mimicking my native woodland habitat. Full, hot sun will scorch my beautiful evergreen leaves. Most critically, I demand well-draining soil. My roots will quickly rot in heavy, waterlogged clay. Amend such soil generously with compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure to improve both drainage and fertility. I prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH, so a light dusting of lime at planting time is a welcome treat if your soil is very acidic.
Plant me in the early fall or late spring. Dig a hole that is both wider and slightly deeper than my container. Gently tease out my roots if they are pot-bound, as I dislike having my roots confined. Place me in the hole so that the crown (where my stems meet the roots) is level with the soil surface; planting too deep is a death sentence. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, firming it gently around my base. Finally, provide a deep, thorough watering to settle the soil around my roots and eliminate any air pockets. A layer of mulch around my base will help retain moisture and protect my roots.
While I am drought-tolerant once established, I perform best with consistent moisture, especially during my active growth periods in spring and fall. Water me deeply during dry spells, but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. I am not a heavy feeder. A single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a top-dressing of compost in the early spring, as I begin my new growth, provides all the nourishment I need for the entire season. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, will produce lush foliage at the expense of my beautiful flowers.
I am a low-maintenance companion. My evergreen foliage provides winter interest, but in late winter or very early spring, before the new flower stalks and growth emerge, it is beneficial to carefully remove the previous year's tattered leaves. This showcases my emerging flower buds and helps prevent the spread of leaf spot disease. I strongly prefer to be left undisturbed once planted. I may be slow to establish, but I will reward your patience by forming a large, beautiful clump that can thrive for decades. If division is absolutely necessary, do it in the fall, but know that I may sulk for a season afterward.
I am largely left alone by deer and rabbits due to the slightly toxic compounds in my leaves, a built-in defense mechanism. My main adversaries are slugs and snails, which find my new, tender growth quite delicious. Patrol for these pests, especially in damp weather, and use organic deterrents. The most common issue is a fungal leaf spot, which creates unsightly black or brown spots on my leaves. This is primarily cosmetic. To manage it, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and clean up any fallen, diseased foliage at the end of the season.
