First, understand our fundamental nature. We are not thirsty, water-guzzling plants, nor are we true desert dwellers. Our roots are fleshy and store moisture, making us exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. However, we absolutely despise sitting in perpetually soggy, waterlogged soil. This leads to the dreaded root rot, which is often a death sentence for us. The ideal state for our roots is consistently *moist*, like a well-wrung-out sponge. This allows us to absorb nutrients and thrive without our feet rotting. The key to achieving this "Goldilocks" zone—not too wet, not too dry—varies dramatically depending on where we are planted.
Regardless of your climate, our first year in your garden is our most vulnerable time. Our root systems are limited and haven't yet expanded into the surrounding soil. During this period, we require more attentive watering to ensure we can settle in and grow strong. Please water us deeply and thoroughly immediately after planting. Thereafter, check the soil moisture weekly by feeling the soil about an inch below the surface. If it feels dry, provide a slow, deep watering that moistens the entire root ball. This encourages our roots to grow downward, seeking moisture and building resilience. In the absence of rain, this might mean watering once or twice a week.
In these regions, where summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms, our main need is often protection from *overwatering*. Natural rainfall often provides more than enough moisture for us. Your primary role here is to ensure we are planted in exceptionally well-draining soil, perhaps on a slope or in a raised bed, to prevent water from pooling around our crowns during heavy downpours. During extended periods of summer drought, you may need to provide a deep soaking every 10 to 14 days. Always check the soil first; it is better for us to be slightly dry than constantly wet.
This is a much more challenging environment for us, as the air and soil are so dry. Consistent supplemental watering is not just beneficial; it is essential for our survival, even after we are established. The low humidity causes soil to dry out very quickly. Here, a deep, thorough watering once a week during the spring and fall is typically necessary. In the intense heat of summer, you may need to increase this to twice a week. A generous layer of organic mulch (like shredded bark or compost) is our best friend in these zones, as it significantly slows down soil moisture evaporation and keeps our roots cool.
These climates, with their wet winters and dry summers, align quite well with our natural growth cycle. We revel in the cool, moist winters and spring, which coincide with our active growth and blooming period. During this time, natural precipitation usually suffices. The critical watering period is the rainless summer. As the soil dries out, please provide us with a deep watering every 7 to 10 days to help us through the drought stress. As the autumn rains return, you can gradually reduce and then cease supplemental watering.
Our needs here are similar to the variable climates but with a crucial winter twist. We need consistent moisture during the growing season (spring and fall). The focus in late autumn, before the ground freezes, is critically important. Please give us one last very deep watering before the hard frost sets in. This provides essential moisture for our roots to survive the winter, as frozen soil and snow cover can prevent us from absorbing water, leading to desiccation (drying out from winter winds). Do not water during freezing temperatures.
