- 1). Plant Ray Hartman in late fall or early winter. It thrives in slightly acidic -- pH below 7.0-- well-drained soil and full sun. Choose a site well away from garden sprinklers. Plants in frequently watered spots are vulnerable to root rot.
- 2). Water Ray Hartman once -- but thoroughly -- with the garden hose after planting. Planting it late in the year means that winter rains will provide the moisture it needs to establish deep roots.
- 3). Continue watering Ray Hartman with the garden hose during its first summer. Water to a depth of 12 inches. Determine the depth of the wet soil by inserting a yardstick into the ground near the base of the plant. It will meet resistance when it encounters dry soil. Once the soil is sufficiently wet, allow it to dry before watering again.
- 4). Water the plant no more than once or twice a month after its first year. Ceanothus are native Californians, well up to the task of surviving long periods without water. If your Ray Hartman had time to grow deep roots during its first winter, it will perform well on minimal amounts of water.
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