From my roots to my leaves, I will show you when I am thirsty. The most obvious sign is my foliage. If my normally glossy, deep green leaves begin to look dull, wilt, or droop, I am experiencing a water deficit. In severe cases, the tips and edges of my leaves may turn yellow and then brown and crispy—this is me struggling. However, please do not wait for these distress signals. A better method is to check the soil about 2 to 3 inches down near my root zone. If the soil feels dry to the touch at that depth, it is time to water. I am drought-tolerant, but I perform best with consistent moisture, especially when I am young or when the sun is intensely beating down on me.
When you water me, please do so deeply and thoroughly. A quick sprinkle only moistens the surface and encourages my roots to stay shallow, making me more vulnerable to heat and drought. Instead, apply water slowly at my base, allowing it to percolate deep into the soil. The goal is to moisten the entire root ball. You will know it is enough when you see water begin to seep out of the drainage holes of my container or when the ground around me is saturated to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches. This practice encourages my roots to grow deep and strong, which makes me a much more resilient and healthy shrub.
My water requirements change with the seasons and my growth cycle. During my active growing season in the spring and summer, I am working hard to produce my vibrant blooms and new foliage. This is when I am thirstiest and will need more frequent watering, potentially once or twice a week depending on the heat and rainfall. As temperatures cool in the autumn, my growth slows, and my need for water diminishes significantly. In winter, I require very little supplemental water, as I am mostly dormant and excess moisture around my roots in cold, wet soil can be detrimental to my health.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do for me is to ensure I am never left sitting in waterlogged soil. While I crave a deep drink, I absolutely despise "wet feet." My roots require oxygen as much as they require water, and constant sogginess will suffocate them, leading to fatal root rot. This is why I insist on being planted in well-draining soil. If I am in a container, it must have ample drainage holes. If I am in the ground, amending heavy clay soil with organic matter like compost or planting me on a slight mound can greatly improve drainage and keep my root system happy and healthy.
