Plant container grown plants in deep fertile, well-drained soil

Plant in spring in deep fertile, well-drained soil. Water the plant thoroughly before planting. Dig a hole 1-1/2 times wider and a little deeper than the root ball. Then water the hole and allow it to drain. Holding the stems between your fingers, tip the plant out of its pot.

Mix the removed soil with some well-rotted compost, and add some more compost to the bottom of the planting hole. If the roots are coiled around the sides of the pot, tease them out carefully.

Place the plant in the hole with its crown at the correct depth, which is usually the same as it was in its pot. Gradually backfill around the plant with the mix of soil and compost, firming gently as you go.

Most garden soil will benefit from about a bucketful of well-rotted organic matter per square metre each spring. Poor soils may require increased quantities. Organic matter is best applied either in autumn or spring as you are cultivating the soil, however don't apply it at the same time as you introduce lime because it will react producing damaging ammonia.