From my roots deep in the chilled soil, I feel the world above is frozen and still. This is not a time of death, but of profound rest. My energy is conserved within my core, waiting. Please, do not disturb me with fertilizer or excessive water, as my roots are dormant and could rot. A thick layer of mulch over my base is the greatest gift you can give me now—it is a blanket that protects me from the harsh freeze-thaw cycles that can heave me from the earth.
As the sun’s angle changes and the days subtly lengthen, I sense a shift. The ground begins to thaw, and a slow, sap-based energy starts to pulse through my veins. My buds are still tightly closed, but I am preparing. This is the ideal time for you to help shape my future. Prune me now, before I put on significant new growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems from the winter to allow light and air into my center, which will encourage strong, healthy branches to emerge.
The soil is warming, and my roots are actively seeking nutrients and moisture. This is my prime growing season! I am pushing out new leaves and developing strong stems that will soon support my flowers. Please provide me with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to fuel this important growth. Ensure I receive consistent moisture, but never let my roots sit in waterlogged soil. As my foliage fills in, watch for early signs of aphids; a strong spray of water is often all I need to stay healthy.
This is why I exist—to bloom! I am channeling all my energy into producing vibrant, fragrant flowers to attract pollinators. To keep this spectacular show going, you must "deadhead" me. As my blossoms fade and wither, please snip them off. This prevents me from wasting energy on producing seeds and instead directs it back into creating new flower buds. I will need regular watering during the summer heat, preferably at my base in the morning to keep my leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases.
The intense heat wanes, and the light changes. My blooming begins to slow. This is a time of transition where I start to harden off and prepare for dormancy. You can give me a light trim to tidy my shape, but avoid heavy pruning now, as it might encourage tender new growth that will be killed by frost. A final, light application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer can help strengthen my roots for the long winter ahead, storing energy for next spring's awakening.
The first frosts signal that it is time for me to shut down completely. My above-ground growth will die back, and I will retreat entirely into my root system. My needs are simple: protection and peace. Please clear away any fallen, decaying foliage around my base to discourage pests and diseases from overwintering. Then, apply a fresh, thick layer of mulch—like straw or shredded leaves—over my crown after the ground has frozen. This will ensure I remain dormant and insulated until the cycle begins anew.
