forest bell bush

Mackaya bella should be watered regularly and deeply. Water once a week, making sure to wet the soil completely. Depending on the weather and your local climate, you may need to adjust the watering frequency. The amount of water needed should be enough so that it reaches the roots of the plant. Provide extra water during the hotter summer months. Avoid over-watering, as it can cause root rot. Make sure the soil is well-drained, and always avoid standing water around the base of the plant.

The forest bell bush (Mackaya bella) thrives best in full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. They enjoy high light intensity and do best when planted in an area of your yard that gets daylong sun. Some light shade is fine during the midday heat of summer, but the more sun all day long will result in more prolific blooms and larger plants. Good air movement is also a must for this species to perform to its highest potential.

The forest bell bush should be pruned in late winter or early spring, 1 to 2 weeks before the buds begin to swell. Pruning should involve removing any dead, dying, or diseased branches, as well as any weak or rubbing branches. Be sure to also remove any branches that are overly dense, are crossing, or are growing in strange directions in order to open up the shrub and create an aesthetically pleasing form. If the shrub has grown too tall or too wide, it is also acceptable to lightly prune the entire plant to encourage a denser form while it produces new growth.