From our perspective, the intense and prolonged heat of the Southern US summer is our greatest adversary. Our genetic programming is for cool, dappled woodland settings. When temperatures consistently soar above 85°F (29°C), our physiological processes go haywire. Our stomata, the tiny pores on our leaves, open to "breathe" and cool down through transpiration, but this leads to rapid water loss. The intense sun, especially during the midday hours, literally scorches our delicate foliage, causing brown, crispy patches and bleaching our beautiful evergreen leaves. This is not merely cosmetic damage; it severely depletes our energy reserves, weakening us for the following season.
If you wish for us to not just survive but thrive, you must listen to our most critical request: plant us in the perfect spot. We demand a location that provides bright but filtered light, mimicking our native forest floor habitat. An area with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. The east or north side of a building, fence, or beneath the high, light canopy of deciduous trees like oaks is perfect. This allows us to photosynthesize in the gentler morning light while sheltering us from the brutal, scorching afternoon rays. Deep, all-day shade will make us leggy and inhibit flowering, but afternoon sun will cook us. This single choice is the most important factor for our long-term health.
Our roots are particular. They require soil that is consistently cool and moist, yet exceptionally well-draining. Soggy, waterlogged soil, especially in the heat, will cause our crown and roots to rot, a death sentence. You must prepare a bed rich in organic matter—think compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted manure. This amendment improves both moisture retention and drainage, creating the perfect sponge-like environment we crave. A thick, 2-3 inch layer of mulch (shredded bark or pine straw is excellent) is not a suggestion; it is a necessity. It insulates our roots from the heat of the sun, conserves precious soil moisture, and keeps competing weeds at bay.
Understand our growth cycle. We are not summer plants. Our active growth and flowering occur in the cool seasons—late winter and early spring. When the summer heat arrives, we enter a state of semi-dormancy, simply trying to persist. This is when you must be most vigilant with watering. Deep, thorough soakings that penetrate the root zone are far better than frequent, light sprinklings. Water us early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow our foliage to dry, reducing the risk of fungal issues. Please, withhold fertilizer during the intense summer heat. Pushing new, tender growth when we are stressed makes us vulnerable to burn and pests. Feed us only in the fall and early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support our true growth periods.
