Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): AZ Blue Bells
Planting Guide:
- Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
- Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
- Support: No staking required; AZ Blue Bells grows as a compact, bushy shrub and is self-supporting
Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting:
- Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
- Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to encourage deep root growth and establishment
- Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots
When is the Plant Established?
- Timeframe: AZ Blue Bells is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins to show consistent new growth
Watering Once Established:
- Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
- Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. AZ Blue Bells is drought-tolerant once established but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.
Drip Irrigation Setup:
- Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure the water reaches the root zone and promotes deep root growth. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
- Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that water reaches the plant's root zone and penetrates deeply into the soil.
- Number of Emitters: Place 2 emitters around the base of each plant to ensure even water distribution around the root zone. Adjust the number of emitters as the plant matures.
- Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for drought-tolerant plants like AZ Blue Bells. This will allow you to adjust the watering frequency and duration to meet the plant’s specific needs.
- Adjusting Frequency: During the hot summer months, increase the watering frequency to every 5-7 days, especially during prolonged heat waves. In cooler months, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks or based on rainfall.
General Watering Tips:
- Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
- Avoid Overwatering: AZ Blue Bells is drought-tolerant once established, so ensure that the soil drains well and avoid standing water around the plant.
- Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and prevent weed growth. Avoid placing mulch directly against the plant's stem.