Caring for Native Plants in Late Summer: Pruning, Watering, and Maintenance Tips
As summer reaches its peak and we transition into late summer, the care needs of native plants in Vancouver change. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to cultivating native plants, understanding when to prune, and how to manage water needs can ensure your garden thrives. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for your native plants during this critical time of the year.
Pruning Native Plants
Pruning is an essential part of plant care, promoting healthy growth and maintaining the shape and size of your plants. Here are some tips on when and how to prune native plants in late summer:
Timing: Late summer, particularly August, is a good time to prune many native plants. This period allows the plants to recover before the cooler fall temperatures set in.
What to Prune: Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches first. This helps prevent the spread of disease and pests. Also, prune any overgrown or leggy growth to encourage a fuller, healthier plant.
How to Prune: Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Cut back to a healthy bud or lateral branch to promote new growth. Avoid cutting too close to the bud to prevent damage.
Specific Plants:
Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum): Prune lightly after flowering in late spring or early summer, but late summer is still fine for minor shaping.
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium): Remove any dead or damaged stems and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus): Prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove any unwanted growth.
Water Needs for Native Plants
Understanding the water needs of native plants is crucial, especially during the dry late summer months. Established native plants have different requirements compared to newly planted ones.
Established Native Plants:
Drought Tolerance: Many established native plants are well-adapted to the region’s dry summers and require less water. They have deep root systems that allow them to access moisture from deeper soil layers.
Watering Frequency: Water deeply but infrequently. A thorough soaking every two to three weeks should be sufficient, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Ensure the water reaches the root zone, which can be several inches below the soil surface.
Newly Planted Native Plants:
More Frequent Watering: New plants need more frequent watering to help them establish strong root systems. Water deeply once or twice a week, making sure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce water evaporation. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant stems to prevent rot.
Additional Tips for Late Summer Care
Soil Health: Improve soil health by adding compost or organic matter to the soil. Unless you’re planning on planting wildflower seeds, then skip the mulch as the added nutrients will encourage grass growth. This enhances water retention and provides essential nutrients. Be careful where you source mulch as it could contain unwanted weed seed.
Weed Control: Keep weeds in check as they compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Hand-pulling or using mulch can effectively manage weeds. Now is a great time to remove unwanted plants or weeds before they go to seed.
Pest Management: Monitor for pests and diseases. Use organic or natural methods to manage any issues, such as introducing beneficial insects or using neem oil sprays.
Conclusion
Caring for native plants in the late summer requires a bit of attention and understanding of their unique needs. By pruning appropriately, managing water requirements, and maintaining soil health, you can ensure your native garden remains vibrant and healthy. Native plants are resilient and rewarding to grow, providing essential habitat for local wildlife and enhancing the beauty of your garden year-round. Happy gardening!
