Best Time to Plant Coral Bell Plants

The best time to plant coral bell plants is early spring or early fall when temperatures are mild and rainfall is reliable. Planting during these windows gives roots time to establish before extreme heat or cold arrives, ensuring healthy, colorful foliage for years to come.

Key Takeaways

• Spring and fall are ideal: Early spring after the last frost and early fall 6-8 weeks before first frost offer the best planting conditions
• Climate zone matters: Warmer zones (8-9) should plant in fall; cooler zones (3-6) do best with spring planting
• Soil temperature is key: Aim for soil temperatures between 50-65°F for optimal root establishment
• Avoid summer heat: Planting in hot weather stresses plants and increases watering demands significantly
• Prepare soil first: Amend with organic matter and ensure good drainage before planting any coral bells
• Water consistently: New plants need regular moisture for the first 4-6 weeks until roots establish
• Mulch helps: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature year-round

Quick Answers to Common Questions

What is the absolute best month to plant coral bells?

There is no single best month for all regions. In most zones, April to May (spring) and September to October (fall) are ideal. Choose based on your local frost dates and soil temperature.

Can I plant coral bells in summer if I water them daily?

You can, but it is not recommended. Even with daily watering, heat stress often causes leaf scorch and poor root establishment. Spring or fall planting yields much better results with less effort.

How late in fall can I plant coral bells in zone 6?

In zone 6, aim to plant by early October. This gives 6-8 weeks before the ground typically freezes. Later planting risks frost heaving and insufficient root establishment before winter.

Should I fertilize coral bells when planting?

No. Do not fertilize at planting time. Amended soil provides sufficient nutrients. Fertilizer encourages top growth before roots are established. Wait until the second spring to apply a light balanced fertilizer.

Why did my fall-planted coral bells die over winter?

Common causes include planting too deep (crown rot), insufficient watering before freeze, frost heaving from lack of mulch, or planting too late for roots to establish. Proper depth, watering, and winter mulch prevent most losses.

Getting to Know Coral Bell Plants

Coral bell plants, also known as heuchera or alumroot, are some of the most versatile perennials you can grow in your garden. These stunning plants are prized for their incredible foliage colors. You will find shades ranging from deep purple and burgundy to bright lime green, caramel, silver, and even near-black. The leaves often have beautiful veining or ruffled edges that add texture to garden beds.

Native to North America, coral bells thrive in woodland settings. They naturally grow in dappled shade with rich, well-draining soil. In late spring to early summer, they send up delicate flower spikes with tiny bell-shaped blooms. These flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators. But let us be honest. Most gardeners grow them for the foliage show that lasts from spring through fall, and often into winter in milder climates.

Before we dive into the best time to plant coral bell plants, it helps to understand what these plants need. They prefer partial shade, though some newer varieties tolerate more sun. They need soil that drains well but holds some moisture. Crown rot is the number one killer of heuchera. This happens when the crown sits in wet soil, especially during winter. Good planting timing helps avoid this problem.

Why Timing Matters for Planting Coral Bells

Root Establishment Before Stress

The main reason timing matters is root establishment. When you plant coral bells, the plant needs to grow new roots into the surrounding soil. This takes energy and water. If you plant during a stressful time, like the heat of summer or the freeze of winter, the plant struggles. It cannot take up enough water to support top growth while also growing new roots.

Think of it like moving to a new house. You need time to unpack and settle in before hosting a big party. Plants need time to settle their roots before facing extreme weather. The best time to plant coral bell plants gives them a buffer period. This buffer is usually 6-8 weeks of mild weather. During this time, roots can explore the soil and anchor the plant.

Seasonal Growth Cycles

Coral bells have a natural growth cycle. In spring, they push out fresh foliage and flower spikes. Energy goes upward. In fall, energy shifts downward to root growth and storage. This makes fall an excellent planting time. The plant naturally wants to grow roots. In spring, the plant wants to grow leaves. It can do both, but root growth may be slightly slower.

Winter is dormancy time. The plant rests. Summer is survival mode in many climates. The plant conserves energy. Planting during dormancy or survival mode is risky. The plant cannot respond quickly to its new environment. This is why the best time to plant coral bell plants aligns with active but moderate growth periods.

Weather and Soil Conditions

Soil temperature drives root growth. Most perennials, including coral bells, grow roots best when soil is between 50°F and 65°F. In spring, soil warms slowly. In fall, soil stays warm from summer heat. Both seasons hit this sweet spot. Air temperature matters too. Cool air reduces water loss through leaves. This means less stress on the limited root system of a newly planted coral bell.

Rainfall patterns also factor in. Spring and fall often bring more reliable rainfall. This reduces your watering workload. Summer planting means daily watering in many regions. Winter planting means frozen soil you cannot dig. The best time to plant coral bell plants works with nature, not against it.

Best Time to Plant Coral Bell Plants by Season

Spring Planting Advantages

Early spring is a classic planting time for good reason. The soil is warming up. Days are getting longer. Nurseries are fully stocked with fresh plants. You can see the foliage color before you buy. This helps with garden design. Spring planting gives coral bells a full growing season to establish before winter.

Wait until after your last average frost date. The soil should be workable, not soggy. A good test: squeeze a handful of soil. It should crumble, not form a mud ball. In most zones, this is March through May. The best time to plant coral bell plants in spring is as early as you can work the soil. This maximizes the establishment window before summer heat arrives.

One spring advantage: you can divide existing plants at the same time. Coral bells benefit from division every 3-4 years. Spring division combined with planting new varieties refreshes your garden efficiently. Just make sure each division has healthy roots and several growth points.

Fall Planting Advantages

Many experienced gardeners prefer fall planting. The soil is still warm from summer. This encourages rapid root growth. Air temperatures are cooling. This reduces transplant shock. Weeds are slowing down. There is less competition for water and nutrients. Rainfall often increases. Nature does the watering for you.

The best time to plant coral bell plants in fall is 6-8 weeks before your first average frost date. This gives roots time to anchor before the ground freezes. In northern zones, this means late August through September. In southern zones, you can plant through October and even into November.

Fall-planted coral bells often outperform spring-planted ones in their first year. They hit the ground running when spring arrives. Their roots are already established. They can focus immediately on foliage growth. You often get a better show the first season with fall planting.

Summer Planting Challenges

Can you plant coral bells in summer? Yes, but it is not ideal. Heat stress is the main issue. New plants have limited roots. They cannot take up water fast enough to cool leaves on hot days. You must water daily, sometimes twice daily. The plant puts energy into survival, not establishment.

If you must plant in summer, choose a cloudy week. Plant in the evening. Provide temporary shade with a shade cloth or umbrella. Mulch heavily. Water deeply every morning. Expect some leaf scorch. The plant may look rough for a few weeks. It will recover once temperatures cool, but you lose valuable establishment time.

Winter Planting Risks

Winter planting is generally not recommended. In zones where the ground freezes, you cannot dig. In mild zones, you can technically plant. But the plant is dormant. Roots will not grow until soil warms. The plant sits in cold, wet soil for months. This increases crown rot risk significantly.

Container-grown plants from a nursery might survive winter planting in zones 7-9. But they will not thrive. They just wait. The best time to plant coral bell plants is never winter. Wait for spring. Your patience will be rewarded with healthier plants.

Best Time to Plant Coral Bell Plants by Climate Zone

Zones 3-4: Short Season Strategies

In cold climates, the growing season is short. Spring planting is usually best. The soil warms slowly. Fall comes early. There may not be 6-8 weeks before hard freeze. Plant as soon as soil is workable in spring. This is often late April to early May. Choose a protected site. Mulch heavily after the ground freezes to prevent frost heaving.

Frost heaving pushes plants out of the ground. The crown gets exposed. This kills coral bells. A thick layer of straw or pine boughs applied after freezing helps. Remove it gradually in spring. The best time to plant coral bell plants in these zones is definitely spring. Fall is too risky unless you plant very early, like late August.

Zones 5-6: The Sweet Spot

These zones offer flexibility. Both spring and fall work well. Spring planting: mid-April to early June. Fall planting: late August to early October. You have a long enough fall window for root establishment. Spring gives a full season. Fall gives a head start on next year.

In these zones, the best time to plant coral bell plants depends on your schedule. Fall is often easier. Nurseries have sales. Weather is pleasant for gardening. Spring is busy with other tasks. If you plant in fall, water until the ground freezes. Do not fertilize fall plants. You want roots, not tender new growth that winter will kill.

Zones 7-8: Fall Preferred

In these mild zones, fall is the clear winner. Summers are hot and often dry. Spring can heat up fast. Fall brings reliable rain and cool temperatures. The soil stays warm well into November. Plant September through November. Roots grow all winter. Spring growth is explosive.

Spring planting works too, but you must water diligently as temperatures climb. The best time to plant coral bell plants in zones 7-8 is fall. You avoid the summer stress entirely. The plants establish during the mild winter. They are ready to shine when spring arrives.

Zone 9: Winter Planting Possible

In zone 9, you have a unique situation. Winters are mild. The ground rarely freezes. You can plant in winter, but fall is still better. November through February planting works. The plants may not grow much until spring. But they will not die from cold. Avoid planting in summer. The heat is too intense.

In zone 9, the best time to plant coral bell plants is October through February. Choose heat-tolerant varieties. Look for villosa or americana species hybrids. They handle humidity and heat better. Provide afternoon shade. Mulch well to keep roots cool.

Microclimates Matter

Your yard has microclimates. A south-facing wall warms earlier in spring. A low spot collects cold air. A shaded north side stays cool longer. The best time to plant coral bell plants varies within your own garden. Observe your property. Note where snow melts first. Note where frost lingers. Plant accordingly.

Containers change the equation too. Pots freeze faster than ground soil. In cold zones, container plants need winter protection. Move them to an unheated garage. Or sink the pot in the ground. The best time to plant coral bell plants in containers is spring. This gives maximum establishment before winter.

How to Plant Coral Bells for Success

Site Selection and Preparation

Before you think about the best time to plant coral bell plants, prepare the site. Coral bells need partial shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Full shade works but reduces foliage color intensity. Full sun in cool climates is okay. Full sun in hot climates burns leaves.

Soil must drain well. Heavy clay kills coral bells. Amend clay with compost, leaf mold, or pine bark fines. Aim for 50% native soil, 50% organic matter. Sandy soil drains too fast. Amend with compost and peat moss to hold moisture. Test drainage: dig a hole, fill with water. It should drain in 1-2 hours.

Work the soil 12-18 inches deep. Remove rocks and roots. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer balanced for perennials. Or use compost as your fertilizer. Coral bells are not heavy feeders. Too much nitrogen produces weak, floppy growth. A light hand is better.

Planting Technique

When the best time to plant coral bell plants arrives, technique matters. Water the plant in its pot an hour before planting. This reduces root disturbance. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot. Same depth as the pot. The crown must sit at or slightly above soil level. This is critical. Buried crowns rot. Exposed crowns dry out.

Gently loosen the root ball. If roots circle the pot, tease them apart. Make a few vertical cuts if severely rootbound. Place the plant in the hole. Backfill with amended soil. Firm gently with your hands. Do not stomp. Water thoroughly to settle soil. Add more soil if it settles below the crown.

Space plants 12-18 inches apart depending on variety. Check the label. Some spread more than others. Good air circulation prevents fungal diseases. Crowded plants stay wet longer. This invites problems. The best time to plant coral bell plants includes proper spacing from day one.

Mulching and Watering

Apply 2-3 inches of mulch after planting. Keep mulch away from the crown. Leave a 1-inch gap. Mulch touching the crown causes rot. Shredded bark, pine straw, or leaf mold work well. Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.

Water deeply after mulching. For the first 2 weeks, water every 2-3 days if no rain. Weeks 3-4, water twice a week. After that, water weekly during dry spells. The goal is consistent moisture, not soggy soil. Stick your finger in the soil. If the top inch is dry, water.

Fall-planted coral bells need water until the ground freezes. This is often overlooked. Roots grow as long as soil is above 40°F. They need moisture to grow. The best time to plant coral bell plants includes a commitment to watering until establishment.

First Season Care

Do not fertilize newly planted coral bells. The amended soil provides enough nutrients. Fertilizer pushes top growth before roots are ready. Wait until the second spring. Then apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer or compost around the base.

Deadhead flower spikes after blooms fade. This redirects energy to foliage and roots. Or leave them for pollinators. The choice is yours. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves promptly. This keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents disease spread.

Watch for heaving in winter. If plants push up, gently press them back down. Add more mulch. Do not step on frozen soil around plants. This damages roots. The best time to plant coral bell plants sets the stage, but first-season care determines long-term success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Coral Bells

Planting Too Deep

This is the number one mistake. The crown, where stems meet roots, must be at soil level. Not below. Not an inch above. Right at soil level. Buried crowns stay wet. They rot. The plant dies. It can happen slowly over months. You wonder what went wrong. It was the planting depth.

When you plant, check the crown. Brush away soil to see it. Position the plant. Double-check before backfilling. After watering, check again. Soil settles. Adjust if needed. The best time to plant coral bell plants means nothing if you plant too deep. Take your time with this step.

Choosing the Wrong Location

Full sun in zone 8. Deep shade under a maple tree. A low spot that collects water. These are death sentences for coral bells. Know your site. Watch it for a day. How many hours of direct sun? When? Morning or afternoon? Is the soil wet after rain? Does water pool?

Match the plant to the site. Some varieties tolerate more sun. Check the label. ‘Palace Purple’ handles more sun than ‘Caramel’. Villosa hybrids handle more heat. But no coral bell likes wet feet. The best time to plant coral bell plants is wasted on a bad site. Fix the site first, or choose a different plant.

Skipping Soil Preparation

Digging a hole in clay and plopping in the plant. This creates a bathtub effect. The amended soil in the hole holds water. The surrounding clay does not drain. Water pools in the hole. Roots rot. You must amend a wide area. Not just the planting hole. At least 2-3 feet wide.

If your soil is terrible, consider raised beds. Or large containers. You control the soil mix completely. This often works better than fighting native soil. The best time to plant coral bell plants includes proper soil prep. Do not skip this. It is the foundation of success.

Underwatering New Plants

Rain is not enough. A summer thunderstorm wets the surface. The root ball stays dry. You must check. Stick your finger in the root ball. Not the surrounding soil. The root ball. If it is dry, water. New roots have not reached the surrounding soil yet. They only have the original root ball.

Water at the base. Keep foliage dry. Wet leaves invite fungal diseases. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are ideal. They deliver water to the root zone efficiently. The best time to plant coral bell plants requires a watering plan. Have it ready before you plant.

Overwatering Established Plants

Once established, coral bells prefer to dry slightly between waterings. Constant moisture causes crown rot. This is especially true in winter. Reduce watering in fall. Stop when the ground freezes. In mild winters, water only during extended dry spells. Feel the soil first.

Established plants have deep roots. They find moisture. Your job is to help them get established. Then step back. The best time to plant coral bell plants leads to low-maintenance plants. But only if you do not kill them with kindness later.

Ignoring Division Needs

Coral bells get woody in the center after 3-4 years. The crown rises above soil. Foliage gets smaller. Flowers decrease. The plant declines. Division rejuvenates it. Dig the whole plant in spring or fall. Pull or cut into sections. Each needs roots and growth points. Replant at correct depth.

Discard the woody center. Replant the vigorous outer sections. Share extras with friends. Or expand your garden. The best time to plant coral bell plants includes planning for future divisions. Mark your calendar. Divide every 3-4 years. Your plants will thank you.

Choosing the Right Varieties for Your Timing

Early Spring Bloomers

Some coral bells bloom early. ‘Green Spice’ and ‘Molly Bush’ flower in late spring. If you want flowers the first year, plant these in fall. They will be ready to bloom when spring arrives. Spring-planted ones may skip the first bloom season. They focus on roots instead.

If you buy in spring, look for plants already in bud. You get instant color. But the plant is using energy for flowers, not roots. Pinch off the flower spikes at planting. This helps establishment. It feels wrong to remove buds. But it pays off in a stronger plant.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties for Late Planting

If you are planting later than ideal, choose tough varieties. Heuchera villosa hybrids like ‘Autumn Bride’, ‘Mocha’, and ‘Brownies’ handle heat and humidity. They are native to the Southeast. They have thicker leaves. They resist fungal diseases better.

Heuchera americana hybrids like ‘Dale’s Strain’ and ‘Green Spice’ are also tough. They handle a wider range of conditions. The best time to plant coral bell plants might not align with your schedule. Tough varieties forgive less-than-perfect timing.

Cold-Hardy Varieties for Early Planting

In cold zones, early spring planting means risk of late frost. Choose varieties known for cold tolerance. Heuchera sanguinea varieties like ‘Firefly’ and ‘Snow Angel’ are very hardy. Northern Exposure series is bred for zone 3. They handle temperature swings better.

These varieties also emerge earlier in spring. They give you color sooner. But they may go dormant earlier in fall. The best time to plant coral bell plants in cold zones pairs well with cold-hardy varieties. They maximize the short season.

Container-Specific Varieties

If you are planting in pots, choose compact varieties. ‘Little Cutie’ series stays under 8 inches. ‘Pretty Pistachio’ and ‘Appletini’ are tidy. They do not outgrow pots quickly. Their root systems are smaller. This matches container life.

Container plants need more frequent watering. They freeze faster. The best time to plant coral bell plants in containers is spring. This gives maximum root growth before winter. Use a high-quality potting mix. Not garden soil. Add perlite for drainage.

Seasonal Care Calendar for Coral Bells

Spring Tasks

March: Remove winter mulch gradually. Check for heaving. Press plants back down. Clean up dead foliage. Apply compost around base. Do not cover crown.

April: Plant new coral bells. Divide overcrowded clumps. Water new plantings regularly. Watch for slugs on new growth. Apply organic slug control if needed.

May: Enjoy the bloom. Deadhead if desired. Monitor soil moisture. Mulch if not done earlier. Fertilize established plants lightly.

Summer Tasks

June: Water during dry spells. Check for leaf scorch. Provide temporary shade if needed. Remove any diseased leaves.

July: Maintain consistent moisture. Mulch helps. Do not fertilize. Heat-stressed plants cannot use fertilizer. It burns roots.

August: Continue watering. Late August is fall planting time in northern zones. Prepare new beds. Order fall plants.

Fall Tasks

September: Prime fall planting time. Plant new coral bells. Divide old ones. Water thoroughly. Mulch new plantings.

October: Water until ground freezes. Stop fertilizing. Clean up fallen leaves from around crowns. Wet leaves cause rot.

November: Apply winter mulch after ground freezes. Use straw, pine boughs, or shredded leaves. Do not apply too early. You want the ground frozen.

Winter Tasks

December-February: Leave plants alone. Snow cover is the best insulation. Do not walk on frozen beds. Plan next year’s additions. Browse catalogs. Dream of spring.

Troubleshooting Planting Timing Issues

Planted Too Late in Fall

You planted in late October in zone 5. The ground freezes in 3 weeks. Roots have not established. What now? Mulch heavily. 4-6 inches of straw after the ground freezes. This insulates the soil. It keeps it frozen. Thaw-freeze cycles heave plants. Frozen soil stays stable.

Do not water after freezing. Do not fertilize. Pray for snow cover. In spring, check for heaving. Press plants down gently. Water as they emerge. They may be set back a year. But they often survive. The best time to plant coral bell plants has a buffer. But nature sometimes cooperates anyway.

Planted Too Early in Spring

You planted in March. A hard freeze hits in April. New growth gets nipped. Do not panic. Coral bells are tough. The roots are fine underground. The foliage may look ratty. Remove damaged leaves. New ones will grow. The plant recovers quickly.

If you know a freeze is coming, cover plants. Use frost cloth, sheets, or buckets. Remove cover in the morning. Do not use plastic. It traps heat and burns leaves. The best time to plant coral bell plants avoids this. But early planting with protection works too.

Emergency Summer Planting

You got a gift plant in July. You must plant it. Choose a cloudy day. Or create shade. Plant in evening. Water deeply. Mulch 3 inches. Water daily for 2 weeks. Then every other day for 2 weeks. Then twice a week. Expect ugly foliage. Do not fertilize. Do not prune damaged leaves yet. Wait for fall.

The plant may go dormant early. This is okay. It is conserving energy. Keep the root zone moist. Not soggy. In fall, it may push new growth. Or it may wait until spring. The best time to plant coral bell plants was not summer. But you can nurse them through.

Advanced Tips for Coral Bell Success

Companion Planting for Microclimate

Plant coral bells near larger perennials or shrubs. They create shade. They block wind. They moderate temperature swings. Hostas, ferns, astilbes, and hydrangeas make great companions. They like similar conditions. The larger plants protect the coral bells.

Deciduous shrubs are perfect. They provide shade in summer. They drop leaves in winter. This lets light in when coral bells can use it. The best time to plant coral bell plants considers the future shade pattern. Plant with the mature size of companions in mind.

Using Rocks and Hardscape

Rocks absorb heat during day. Release it at night. This moderates temperature. Plant coral bells near large stones. They benefit from the thermal mass. In spring, soil warms faster. In fall, soil stays warm longer. This extends the root growth window.

Dry stack stone walls create planting pockets. Excellent drainage. Warmer soil. Coral bells love this. The best time to plant coral bell plants in rock gardens is spring. The rocks help establish roots quickly.

Irrigation Strategies

Drip irrigation is ideal. It keeps foliage dry. It delivers water to roots. Put emitters on both sides of the plant. This encourages even root growth. Timer makes it automatic. Adjust seasonally. More in summer. Less in spring and fall. Off in winter.

If hand watering, use a watering wand. Reach under foliage. Water the soil, not the leaves. Morning is best. Foliage dries quickly. Evening watering leaves plants wet all night. This invites disease. The best time to plant coral bell plants includes setting up proper irrigation.

Soil Testing and Amendment

Test your soil every 2-3 years. Coral bells prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH. 6.0-7.0 is ideal. If soil is too acidic, add lime. Too alkaline, add sulfur. Test tells you exactly what to add. Guessing wastes money and time.

Organic matter is always good. Add compost annually. Top dress around plants. Do not dig it in. You damage shallow roots. Worms and microbes incorporate it. The best time to plant coral bell plants starts with good soil. Maintain it for continued success.

Conclusion

Finding the best time to plant coral bell plants is not complicated. Early spring after the last frost. Early fall 6-8 weeks before the first frost. These two windows give you the highest success rate. Your climate zone fine-tunes the exact dates. Your microclimate fine-tunes it further.

But timing is only part of the story. Proper planting depth. Good soil preparation. Consistent watering. Appropriate mulching. These matter just as much. A perfectly timed planting done poorly fails. A slightly off-timing planting done well succeeds.

Coral bells reward you with years of color. They ask for little. Shade. Drainage. No buried crowns. Occasional division. In return, they paint your garden with foliage colors no flowers can match. They feed hummingbirds. They suppress weeds. They thrive in spots where other plants struggle.

Whether you plant this spring or this fall, you are making a great choice. Coral bells are garden workhorses. They look good in April. They look good in November. Few perennials can say that. So pick your window. Prepare your site. Plant with care. Then sit back and enjoy the show.

Your garden deserves the beauty of coral bells. And now you know exactly when and how to plant them. The best time to plant coral bell plants is coming up soon. Or maybe it is right now. Either way, you are ready. Happy planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to plant coral bell plants in zone 5?

In zone 5, the best time to plant coral bell plants is early May in spring or late August to mid-September in fall. Both windows provide 6-8 weeks of mild temperatures for root establishment before extreme weather arrives.

Can coral bells be planted in winter in mild climates?

In zones 8-9, coral bells can be planted in winter, but fall planting (October-November) is still superior. Winter-planted roots remain dormant until spring, while fall-planted roots grow actively in warm soil.

How do I know if my soil is ready for planting coral bells?

Soil is ready when it crumbles in your hand rather than forming a mud ball. Soil temperature should be 50-65°F. A soil thermometer gives accurate readings. Workable, not soggy soil prevents compaction around new roots.

Do different coral bell varieties have different planting times?

All coral bell varieties share the same optimal planting windows. However, heat-tolerant villosa hybrids forgive late spring planting better, while cold-hardy sanguinea varieties tolerate early spring planting in northern zones.

What happens if I plant coral bells too deep?

Planting too deep buries the crown, which leads to crown rot and plant death. The crown must sit at soil level. Check after watering and settling, as soil often compacts and lowers the plant slightly.

How often should I water newly planted coral bells?

Water every 2-3 days for the first two weeks, then twice weekly for weeks 3-4, then weekly during dry spells. Always check the root ball moisture directly, not just surrounding soil, until roots establish in native soil.