From my roots' perspective, nothing is more terrifying than being left in soggy, waterlogged soil. I absolutely despise "wet feet." When you plant me in heavy clay or a spot where water pools, my delicate root system begins to suffocate and rot. This is a death sentence. You must provide me with exceptionally well-draining soil. Amending the planting hole with plenty of grit, compost, and organic matter is not a suggestion; it is a critical requirement for my survival. Think of it as building me a comfortable, breathable home where my roots can thrive without the constant threat of drowning.
I am notoriously particular about my light conditions. While my preferences can vary slightly by species, generally, I crave a sheltered spot with dappled sunlight or light shade. Full, blazing afternoon sun will scorch my beautiful leaves, causing them to turn yellow and crisp, severely stressing me out. On the other hand, deep, full shade will result in weak, leggy growth and a tragic lack of those fragrant flowers you desire. I need that perfect "Goldilocks" zone – not too hot, not too dark. A north or east-facing aspect is often ideal, protecting me from the harshest rays while giving me enough light to photosynthesize effectively.
Please, do not underestimate my sensitivity. I am not a plant that enjoys being moved once I am established. My root system is fine and does not appreciate being poked, prodded, or roughly handled. When you transplant me from a pot, be exceptionally gentle and tease the roots apart without breaking the root ball. Never plant me too deep; keep the crown at soil level. Furthermore, once I am in the ground, consider it my forever home. The shock of being dug up and relocated is immense and I may not recover from it. Choose my location wisely from the start.
Your instinct might be to prune me into a shape or feed me to encourage growth, but this often does more harm than good. I do not require heavy pruning. If you must trim me to maintain shape, do so lightly and immediately after I finish flowering. Cutting back into old wood can prevent me from flowering the next season, or worse, I may not regenerate at all. As for fertilizer, I am not a heavy feeder. A strong, chemical-rich fertilizer will burn my roots. A top-dressing of well-rotted compost or a light, balanced feed in early spring is more than sufficient. Too much love in the form of food and cutting can be fatal.
My health is deeply tied to the chemistry of the soil. I have a strong preference for neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Highly acidic soil can cause my leaves to chlorose, turning them an unhealthy yellow while the veins remain green, as it locks up essential nutrients and makes them unavailable to me. If your soil is naturally acidic, you must amend it with lime to raise the pH to a level I can tolerate. Testing your soil before planting me is a simple act that shows you understand my fundamental needs and wish for me to flourish.
