ULTIMATE INNOVATIONS M88579 Hummingbird Feeder and 3pc Cuphea Plants User Guide
- June 9, 2024
- ULTIMATE INNOVATIONS
Table of Contents
ULTIMATE INNOVATIONS M88579 Hummingbird Feeder and 3pc Cuphea Plants
QUICK REFERENCE PLANTING GUIDE
We want you to love our plants and our brand!
Our Let’s Get Growing Warranty offers a one year warranty on perennials, and a
90 day warranty on annuals from time of shipment. If you have any problems,
please contact us immediately. If possible, we will replace it with a similar
or comparable plant, at our discretion depending on availability. Call us at
949-492-8191 or email
[email protected] with any
questions after you receive your plants.
We want you to enjoy gardening, plants and flowers as much as we do!
Caution: Do not assume any plant is safe to eat. Only parts of plants
expressly grown to be eaten should be considered edible. As with any product
that is not food, care should be taken to make sure that small children and
pets do not ingest any part of a plant that is not expressly grown to be
eaten.
Unless specifically stated, this product is intended for ornamental
horticultural use only and is not intended for consumption or ingestion by
humans or pets. Most plants are harmless but some contain toxic substances
which can cause adverse heath effect. Furthermore, some individuals and some
animals are sensitive or allergic to certain plants and precautions should be
taken to limit or avoid physical contact with particular plants. Some plant
have thorns or spines that can be painful if handled.
In case of ingestion, contact a poison control center immediately.
1-800-222-1222
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*Image on cover is representative of the type of plant(s) in this offer and not necessarily indicative of actual size or color for the included variety.
OUT OF THE BOX
Your plants have been shipped to you in pots. Please remove the plants from the packaging right away and plant them as soon as possible following the planting instructions below. If it is not possible to plant them right away, follow these important steps:
- Remove plants from clam shell and place in a sunny location.
- Keep the plant well watered.
Note: Some leaves may appear wilted or yellow upon arrival. This is due to the stress of shipping and is nothing to worry about. Water the plant and let it recover in a shady location for a few days, then gently remove any foliage that does not recover to allow for new growth. SHIPPED IN A 2.5-INCH POTS. PLANT SIZE MAY VARY BASED ON GROWING CONDITIONS.
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Important: Thoroughly hydrate the plant by submersing the root zone in a container of water for 10 minutes while you prepare for planting.
- Remove from clam shell.
- After watering, remove the pot by holding the plant upside down in one hand and squeezing the sides of the pot with the other.
- Prepare the root ball for planting by gently disturbing the surface roots with your fingers, fork or gardening tool and pruning any damaged roots. This will encourage the roots to begin growing outward into the new soil.
- Dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the plant’s root ball. Partially backfill the hole with soil and place the plant into the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground surrounding the hole. Refill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant with your fingers. Check to be sure the plant is not planted too deeply. If it is, raise the plant carefully and re-firm the soil.
- Water thoroughly.
SOIL PREPARATION
We recommend having your soil tested periodically by your local County
Extension Office
(www.nifa.usda.gov/extension or by
calling 1-800-333-4636). A soil test
can determine if your soil needs any amendments to enhance the growth and
performance of your plants.
Ideal garden soil is easy to dig in and drains well while still holding the
nutrients and water vital to plant growth. To prepare a bed for in-ground
planting, spade or till the soil to a depth of roughly 12-18 inches. Next,
spread a 2-4 inch layer of organic matter such as compost, shredded leaves or
peat moss over the soil and mix well.
CONTINUING CARE
WATERING
Adequate and consistent watering is essential during your plant’s first year
in the garden. Infrequent, long soakings of water that thoroughly saturate the
soil are more effective than frequent, light applications of water. Due to
variable geographical and environmental conditions, a specific watering
schedule is difficult to define. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not
allow the soil or the original root ball to completely dry out. During the
first summer, you may need to water as often as every few days in periods of
drought and extreme summer heat. To determine if your plant needs water, dig a
few inches into the soil next to the plant. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches
below the surface, it is time to water. Over-watering can be as damaging as
under-watering. Be sure that the area surrounding your plant has adequate
drainage to move water away from the plant. If you choose to plant in a
container, always select one with drainage holes to prevent your plant’s roots
from sitting in water. Once they take root, plants can tolerate drier growing
conditions.
MULCHING
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of shredded bark, compost, leaves, straw or other
organic matter around your plants to promote moisture retention, maintain even
soil temperatures and discourage weed growth. Replenish the mulch as needed.
WEEDING
Keep the area around your plants free of weeds. Weeds compete with surrounding
plants for food, water and light. Walk around the garden periodically and pull
weeds, including the roots, as soon as you see them.
FEEDING
Feed your plants once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a water-
soluble fertilizer. Discontinue feeding after September 1st to allow your
plants to harden off for winter dormancy. Resume fertilizing when new growth
appears in spring.
PRUNING
Cupheas are self-cleaning, so no deadheading is needed to ensure continuous
flower production. If you want to make your plants bushier and more compact,
you can prune or pinch them back in late spring to encourage more branching
and, in turn, more flowers.
WINTERIZING
If you live in a frost-free climate, you can also grow it as an evergreen
perennial. Can also be used as a houseplant. In cold areas, containerized
plants can be brought into an unheated, protected area such as a garage or
cellar before temperatures drop below freezing. Check soil moisture every 2-3
weeks and water as needed during winter. Cuphea can be used as a houseplant or
in a hanging basket.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW SHOULD I PLANT MY CUPHEA?
Plant in late spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Plant in full sun or partial shade in compost-rich, well drained soil. Where
summers are hot and dry, cupheas benefit from a bit of shade.
WHERE SHOULD I PLANT MY CUPHEA?
Cupheas are ideal for full sun or partial shade beds, borders, butterfly and
hummingbird gardens. Beautiful in hanging baskets or stunning in planters.
Cuphea looks great with other mixed annuals or perennials.
FAQ
Cuphea is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for
planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its spreading habit of
growth, it is ideally suited for use as a ‘spiller’ in the ‘spiller-thriller-
filler’ container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill
gracefully over the pot. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is
best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the
season. It is a good choice for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
to your yard.