Growing hellebore plants in your garden provides great late winter and spring flowers.   Hellebores, also know as Lenten roses, bloom from February to late May. These perennials provide year round attractive  evergreen foliage in most regions. Lenten roses adapts well to sunny to mostly shade areas.

Planting Hellebore Plants

When selecting a site to grow Hellebore Plants, select partial shade with rich yet well draining soil.  Great to use on hillsides, raised planters and in large pots.

Plant them just below the crown.  The crown is the top soil level. All roots need air and if you plant the crown deep you will have problems.  Remove all old potting soil and spread out the root system. Hellebore plants grow in large clumps which you can subdivide.

Epic Grower LLC current carries the Sunshine  Hellebore plants.  The planned release is mid summer. All Hellebore plants are growing in 1 gallon nursery pots.  Since many of the Hellebores in the sunshine collection cross pollinate you may be a new flower type. The long lasting blooms are somewhat downward facing.

Hellebore Plants Care

Hellebore plants are late winter through May bloomers. The start to go dormant during the heat of summer.  Repeat: Heat of summer causes them to stop growth.

Also, once a year provide the plants with additional compost or rich soil (Manure works well).  During their dormant period reduce watering and protect from excessive heat. Yes, they will grow in full sun but prefer partial shade.

During their growing periods (spring/fall) increase watering . Make sure the water drains well to prevent roots problems.  In fall, prune back old foliage/leaves back to base.  Basically leave good/new foliage on the plant.

Happy holidays to all and wishing you the best.    The holidays season is just starting and so has the Spring planning for our family owned Epic Grower nursery.  Expect new plants to be added and some discontinued.

Air freight costs has tripled since 2019.  All hybrid adeniums come from over seas. Once received, the the desert roses are grown larger at our nursery. However, the increased costs of the plants and freight has forced us to  discontinued ordering more in at this time.  Expect to hear an announcement of a great sale on the remaining adenium desert rose plants in late Winter for your spring growing.

2023 Plants Planned to Carry

Epic Grower plans to increase the types and numbers of heritage and exotic day lily’s.  Presently, our grow house has many varieties getting ready for next spring.  Yes, we will offer then in 1 gallon pots in 2023 once they re-sprout in spring for the season.

The Hoyas plants varieties will increase. Some common hoyas will be discontinued to make room for more rare ones.  If you have a particular hoya varieties that you need for your plant collection, please send Epic Grower a note and we will try to get it.

 Climbing roses were 100% sold out in 2022.   Fairy rose, Westminster, Lady Banks, Sea Foam, Cascade, Pinata and others in 1 gallon and 3 gallon sizes disappear before spring ended.   Expect a wider variety of these roses and more of them for 2023.

Fruit Trees, Berries and other deciduous plants

Now is the time to obtain and plant deciduous trees and berry bushes.  In our area the leaves are gone from the trees This is the best time (through January) to plant fruits trees and berry bushes.  The tree sap has receded to the lower portion of the trees.

Dig the hole twice as big as the root ball and partially fill it with good compost.  Do not bury the root crown.  Crown?  When you take the plant out of the pot, the top of the roots ball/soil area is the crown. The plant needs air and if you bury the crown you could suffocate the plant.   In late winter use 9 month time released fertilize are the top of the plants.

If you are in our area make an appointment to get apple and pear trees way below market price.   All Epic Growers fruit trees area 7 gallon containers with their root balls out growing them.  Enterprise, Granny smith, Wolf Creek, Golden Delicious, moon glow and others in stock.

Several clients asked about magnolia trees when they notice several different types at our nursery.  The large southern magnolia tree with its large white flowers grow symbolizes the south. However, they are many types beyond the regular white to white/pink southern magnolia.

Magnolia tree types vary greatly: some are evergreens while others are deciduous. Some grow into very tall stately trees and other impressive tall bushes.  Flowers range from white to pink to lavender to purple.  One type may have large leather leaf while other look like willow leaves.

Magnolia trees flower in the spring into early summer.   Yes, some varieties of magnolia trees flower before they produce leaves and some re-bloom during the summer.

What Types of Magnolia Trees does Epic Grower Carry?

Currently, Epic Grower LLC carries the more unusual “Little Girl” magnolia trees:  Ann, Jane and Betty. These are hardy and impressive flowering shrub or small tree.  These produce impressive spring flowers in the shades of purple-red, purple-white or all purple-lavender flowers.  The flowers have tulip shape.

Gives these trees plenty of sun.   The Jane and Betty grows up to 15 feet tall in zones 4 to 8.  The Ann grows 8 to 12 feet tall with a base of 10ft round.   Their grow rate is between 13” to 18” a year (Moderate rate).

As with all magnolias, these loves the sun and moist fast draining soil.  Do not plant them in a wet area.  If you live in a dry area then partial while they are young works better.  Give your magnolia a good thick layer of compost the end of winter. Use a slow time released fertilizer once a year for the first 3-4 years.

These make excellent specimen trees or a fantastic hedge.  The “Little Girl” magnolia trees are deciduous (lose their leaves during winter).  They produce tons of flowers and many times they bloom again during the summer in many areas.

If you have any growing questions please post them on this blog. Do not send questions to our email.  Thank you.

The world of hoya plants include over 870 colorful varieties.   The majority of the hoya plants grow in similar environments in the wild.   Beyond a few (5-9 varieties) common hoyas they are not grown for the mass market.  Some varieties are very hard to maintain while others flourish.

Hoyas grow in humid warm environments in nature. Very few will tolerate cold weather below 50 degrees for very long.  Most hoya plants, once you understand they needs, are easy to maintain.  Some grow very slowly while others grow fast.   Some are easy to propagate and others very hard.  99% of all hoyas are propagated by cuttings – not seeds

Hoya Plants Growing Basics

Have you successfully grown cactus or succulents’ plants?  If yes, then you 75% ready for hoya plants.  The main different between growing hoya plants verses succulents are the amount of light and temperatures.  Many cactus varieties will survive freeing weather and extreme temperature changes. In the desert, most cactus and succulents love bright long hours of sunlight. These two things sun and temperatures are the main differences between hoya plants and succulents/cactus.

When growing hoya plants, keep the growing environment warm above 50 degrees. The sweet spot for most hoya plants is between 70 and 85 degrees.  Several hoyas will handle temperatures down to 40 degrees during winter. However, no hoyas I know of will handle freezing temperatures what-so-ever.

Epic Grower recommends making 50 degrees as the determination point.  Just because a plant can handle colder weather does not mean they will not suffer.  Now on to light.

Many people confuse direct sunlight with indirect sunlight.  A bright window is NOT direct sunlight.  Keep it simple.  If the plant can SEE the sun unfiltered (not through tinted glass) then its direct sunlight.  The exception is shade cloth. True plant shade cloth is designed to allow sunlight through while inhibiting some UV light.  IF growing hoyas under a shade cloth use 50% to 70% shade rating.

Hoyas vary in their light requirements to flower. However, 97% of them prefer shaded indirect light.  They grow great in covered patio areas with strong indirect light.  If you have a covered front porch, they make great hanging or draping plant specimens.

They will handle a couple hours of morning direct sunlight. But they do not like afternoon direct sunlight. They are great indoors in or close to a bright window, Yes, a few hours of direct through window sunlight light is OK.

Watering hoya plants is easy.  In nature most prefer humid warm and wet climates.  However, in nature they do not grow in soil.  Just like a cactus/succulent, when you grow hoya plants you need to let the soil be on the dry side. Water them once a week and then let the soil dry out for a few days. Yes – you can mist the plant when they start to develop areal roots.  Use cactus soil that drains very fast. Make sure you pots have holes in them so they do not retain any water.

If you have questions about growing hoyas plants please post them on this blog.  Please DO NOT Send an email.

Look for more Hoya plants growing information in the near future including how to propagate them.  As in all living things some plants will thrive while others die. The more you learn about your plants the better chance you have in keeping them happy.

Summer blooming liatris spicata plants were recently added to Epic Grower green house. These will be offered during our weekend sales starting in late June. provide a great attraction to any garden. These are tall growing (4-5 feet) perennials. Perennials are plants which come back year after year.   These grow in USDA zones 4-9 which covers 80% of the USA areas.

Summer Blooming Plants

 The summer blooming liatris spicata come in several colors. Epic Grower planted purple and white bulbs two weeks ago.  There were put in the green house / cold frame and started to emerge this week.

These are tall summer flowering plants that make great cut flowers.  These are tall flower plants. Use them along borders, behind smaller plants or in clumps for center attraction.

When planting bulbs (we are offering ones in pots already growing) make sure you water them well.  Once they emerge water reduce watering.

In late fall or early winter cut the plants back to the ground.  During the growing season the liatris spicata created more bulbs underground.  Each year the plant will cover more area.

After the 3rd year of growing divide the under ground bulbs.  Once divided, spread out the bulbs.  Move the remaining bulbs to new areas on your property.

Other Summer Blooming at Epic Grower

The day lily (Hemerocallis the scientific name) growing beds started to take shape.  Our plans include 5 to 7 growing areas and eventually allow digging up of them for our clients.  Yes, we planted some in pots to be released in late June.

Day lilies grow the best in USDA zone 4-9. The flower blooms last 3-4 weeks.   The day lilies offered by Epic Grower are re-blooming plants.  This means you will get multiple flower blooming periods from summer to fall.

During the growing season they spread underground through rhizomes.  Expect the  foliage to grow 18″ to 24″ tall. The flowers add another 12″ to 36″ to the height.

These summer blooming day lilies are great for all areas.  Use teh summer blooming day lilies for erosion problem .  Plant them along driveways, water/streams or on rocky hills.  These will come back year after year.

Get your day lilies plants during Epic Grower Weekend event at Cleveland, GA starting late June. We expect to add them to our online catalog later this year (2021) once the growing bed are well established.

Growing and planting instructions for all zones.  Plants shipped from Epic Grower LLC were grown in Cleveland, Ga Zone 7a.  The tropical plants and some of the exotics are grown in a greenhouse to produce heat and humidity.  Others are grow outside and/in a shade house.  Knowing your growing environment is important.

If you are from Georgia then you are in zones 8 to 7.  Zone 8a-8b is basically from Macon south.   Zone 7b starts just above Macon and goes up to NC/Tennessee borders.  The Georgia mountains areas are zone 7a  with one tiny spot zone 6b.

Growing and Planting Instructions

In ground growing and planting:   Dig a hole in the ground at least 50% larger than the root ball.  If you are planting a larger plant (3 gallon or large plant) make the hole at least twice the size of the root system.  Back fill 25% of the hole with the proper type of compost. Do not use topsoil. Topsoil does not have nutrients plants need.

Roots need to breath (except water tolerant plants) to grow. If roots are sitting in water then they will die along with the hole plant.  Put a layer of hardwood mulch or pine needle mulch. Stay away from the colorized mulches.

Container growing and planting:  Pick a pot at least twice the size of the plant’s root system. Clay pots and pots with holes are better to control moisture, root breathing and heat. The roots need air to grow well and survive.  It’s better that you do not OVERSIZE the pot for the plant.  Soil nutrients get depleted so add time released fertilizer.

Fill the bottom and sides of the pot with the soil you plan to use. Then plant the tree using a good airy potting soil of the proper type. Coir based mixes are great! It’s always better to get pots with drain holes to prevent root death.  When watering the the water should flow through the soil. If it does not then it may retain too much water.

More growing and planting information

1. If ground growing and planting then water the planting holes one day before planting the small plants.
2. Plant in the late afternoon to avoid the hot sun the first day.
3. Do not plant the root ball more than 1/2″ below the soil. The roots need to breath. Look at the plants’ trunk color to see the coloration difference near the soil one. Keep the area that was exposed to the air above the soil!
4. If growing in a pot (especially a bonsai pot) then spread out the roots. Try not to damage the roots. We use chop-sticks to separate the root ball to gently spread the roots out.
5. Add a root hormone ,such as, Dyna-Gro K-L-N to the water the first 21 days.  Read the vendors instructions for dilution, precautions and how often to use.
6. If the plant tends to fall over then add support.  When you insert the support stick try not to damage any roots under the soil!  If using a bonsai pot, wire down the plant to support it.
7. Pack soil around the base of eh plant lightly.
8. Water lightly for the first few days.
9. After 30 days add a good fertilizer to your growing and planting mix .  We use a 8-9 month time released fertilizer (yes, epicgrower.com carries the fertilizer for clients).
10. Research your growing environment to make sure you are planting the type of plants properly.
11. Remember these are good general planting instructions. Not all plants grow the same. If you are not sure check the internet for more information on soil types and light requirements.

VERY IMPORTANT:    There are hundreds of growing environments.  These instructions contain GENERAL information.  You need to do YOUR own research on how to grow the plant in your growing environment.  Adjust how you grow the plant based on your area.

Direct sunlight:  Direct sunlight means the plant sees the Sun.  It does not mean near a window that gets light.  When growing and planting it’s important understand to grow your plant correctly.  Full sun means direct access/line of sight to the sun. In very strong sunny areas you may need to provide some partial shade. Too much some can cause browning leaves on young plants.

Plant Stress:  Moving plants from one environment to another (such as shipping plants to you) causes plant stress.   Re-potting plants cause plant stress.  Fertilizing wrong will cause stress. Cutting roots and branches causes stress.  Do one thing at a time to prevent plant stress and death.  When you prune make sure you do it at the right time of year for your plant

How to Make soil Airy:  Add perlite to mixes.   Add small NON porous rocks. Use clay pots to allow air flow.  Make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pots.  When ground planting put some big rocks at the bottom of the hole to make sure water drains well. Most roots do not like to sit in water!  Remember there are exceptions to all rules so know your plant and what it likes.

When growing and planting in containers:   Use coir based mixes not Moss if possible Moss mixes tend to create crusts on top of the soil which causes water and air flow problems.   There are some moss/pine bark mixes that work great but be careful of crusts forming on the top of the soil.  Crusts will not allow air or water flow and roots need air to survive!

Advice:  The number one thing we hear from people is “My Gardener said xxxxx” Be careful, most gardeners are not plant experts. They may know about some local plants/grass/trees but not all. There are many different growing environments and micro-environments in all areas.  Do your research and understand plants are living things. When  growing and planting remember sometimes not mater what you do some plants will die.  It may be the water, the nutrients, the sun light, heat, soil, cold, bugs or something else causing problems.    Enjoy growing your plants.