Sun Exposure

• Sun or shade? This is a key question for every gardener. Flowering plants vary in the amount of sun they require. Impatiens, for example, thrives in dappled shade and wilts in sun, but zinnias thrive in full sun and do not flower well in shade. If a flowering plant prefers full sun but accepts partial shade, it's a good bet that it will flower more profusely in full sun. Many flowering plants, such as hydrangeas, prefer sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon, when the sun is hottest. Be sure to check the tag that comes with purchased plants to see where to plant them.
  
  

Water

• A consistent watering regimen sets up the plant to flower. Most but not all flowering plants prefer slightly moist soil around the root zone, but they do not tolerate persistently wet soil or standing water. Monitor your plants carefully by pushing your finger an inch deep into the soil to see how quickly water dissipates so you can establish a watering pattern that provides the right amount of water.
  
  

Soil & Fertlilizer

• Provide the type of soil preferred by your flowering plants. Flowering succulents prefer sandier soil than woodland flowering plants. Add peat moss and compost to clay soil, which tends to get so compacted that roots do not have space to spread. Amend soil with nutrients and adjust for preferred pH if necessary. Regular annual applications of well-aged manure, leaf mold or compost will enrich the soil over time. To support flowers in bloom, apply water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks around your flowering plants.
  
  

Dead-Heading & Pruning

• Removing the spent blooms by cutting them off with clean, sharp scissors or pinching them off with your fingers is called deadheading. This constant process promotes re-blooming and prevents disease from entering the plant through decaying blooms. Remove any diseased or dying stems or foliage as you see it throughout the year. Most flowering shrubs benefit from an annual pruning to thin the interior of the plant, allowing greater penetration of sunlight and air flow. Annual pruning also gives you an opportunity to control the shape and size of your plant. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent damage to the plant and make your cuts on the bias at least 1/2 inch above a leaf axil or bud. Prune either right after blooming or early in the fall of each year.