FOREST FIRE BLACKGUM

FOREST FIRE BLACKGUM Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips

• Recommended Soil:
• Prefers fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
• Adapts well to moist locations and periodically wet soils.
• Tolerates a variety of soil textures once established.
• Avoid highly alkaline soils whenever possible.
• Sun Exposure:
• Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Full sun encourages the richest fall color and strongest branching.
• Partial shade is tolerated, especially in warmer climates.
• Provide adequate space for its mature canopy to develop naturally.
• Irrigation Needs:
• Water regularly during establishment.
• Benefits from supplemental watering during extended dry periods.
• Adapts well to naturally moist sites.
• Mulch helps conserve soil moisture and regulate temperatures.
• Feeding & Nutrients:
• Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed.
• Organic compost supports healthy root development.
• Avoid excessive fertilization, which may reduce fall color intensity.
• Established trees generally require very little supplemental feeding.
• Pruning & Maintenance:
• Requires minimal pruning once established.
• Prune in late winter to remove damaged or crossing branches.
• Preserve the naturally attractive branch structure whenever possible.
• Inspect periodically for overall health and structural development.

Family: Cornaceae · Common Name: Blackgum

FREE with every plant purchased:

• The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
• A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
• Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
• Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
• Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.

We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.

Interesting Notes About FOREST FIRE BLACKGUM

• Color That Lives Up to Its Name: Forest Fire™ was selected for its remarkably vivid, long-lasting scarlet-red autumn foliage, making it one of the brightest Blackgum cultivars available.
• A Wildlife Favorite: As a female tree, the dark blue fruit is highly attractive to songbirds and other wildlife, adding ecological value while supporting native species.
• Built for Challenging Sites: Unlike many shade trees, Forest Fire™ adapts well to periodically wet soils, making it an excellent choice for low-lying areas where drainage may be less than ideal.
• A Native American Treasure: Blackgum is native to much of the eastern United States and has long been admired for its exceptional longevity, strong wood, and spectacular seasonal color.
• Recommended by Experts: Forest Fire™ has been praised by renowned horticulturist Dr. Michael Dirr for its uniform branching, excellent form, dependable leaf spot resistance, and outstanding ornamental performance.