Rubus fruticosus 'Helen'

Spring · Outdoors

Feed with rotted manure

Give the plant a good feed with well rotted manure. Be careful not to bury the plant base, especially where it may have been grafted. Spread the manure around the root area, but not over its crown.

Rotted manure is often used for plants that are termed 'hungry feeders'. It provides them with a nutrient boost which should benefit flower production.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring · Planting

Prune stems to the base

Prune container grown plants. Each winter take out around quarter of the stems to the base. Remove weak growth as well as dead, diseased or damaged growth. Remove stems that make the plant too congested.

If establishing bare-root plants, it is worth seeking detailed explanations of pruning and care from specialist literature so that you get the very best from your plants.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.