Spreading Dogbane

American Groundnut (Apios americana) should be watered on a weekly basis. Water the soil until it is moist, but not overly wet. Make sure to always check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering. If the soil is still moist, hold off on watering until it is dry to the touch. During periods of hot, dry weather, they may need to be watered a few times each week.

American Groundnut plants enjoy a great deal of sunlight; however, duration is dependent on their location. In northern climates, these plants are best suited for full sunlight for 6-8 hours per day; whereas in southern climates, they may require partial shade due to the intensity of the sun. In areas with extreme heat, these plants should receive no more than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. This will help to prevent scorching of foliage. For best results, American Groundnut should receive the majority of its sun in the morning and early afternoon, and receive some shade during the hottest part of the day.

American Groundnut (Apios americana) should be pruned moderately when it is young and actively growing in late spring and early summer. At this time, lightly prune the larger stems down to a half a meter and remove any dead or weak branches. Prune back any flowers or fruits that form to direct the plants energy towards foliage growth. As the plant matures, prune away any dead or overgrown branches in mid-summer to keep the shrub at a manageable size. Any sucker shoots growing from the root should be removed as well, as these crowd and take away from the main plant’s energy resources.