When to plant Red Robin?

Red robin thrives in full sun or partial shade, though you'll get the best red foliage colour with plenty of light. It tolerates a wide range of soils—loam, clay, or sandy—but prefers well-drained ground that doesn't sit waterlogged in winter. Before planting, dig over the area and work in some well-rotted compost or manure to improve structure and fertility, especially if your soil is heavy clay or very light sand. Plant container-grown specimens in April, May, September, or October when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild. Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball but no deeper; the top of the root ball should sit level with the surrounding soil surface. If you're planting a hedge, space plants 50 cm apart for a dense screen that will knit together within a couple of seasons. For standalone shrubs, allow at least 100 cm between plants to accommodate the mature spread. Ease the plant out of its pot, tease out any circling roots gently, and position it in the hole. Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently with your heel as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly immediately after planting—give each plant a full watering can—to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of mulch (bark chips or garden compost) around the base, keeping it clear of the stem itself to prevent rot. If planting in autumn, the mulch will insulate roots over winter; spring-planted specimens benefit from mulch that conserves moisture during their first summer. Stake only if the site is very exposed or the plant is tall and top-heavy.