Growing Conditions & Care:

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) rich in organic matter. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.

Climate: Tolerant of heat and light frosts once established, suitable for cool temperate to subtropical climates.

Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first year of establishment and dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Feeding: Fertilise in spring and summer with a slow-release or liquid feed formulated for acid-loving plants (e.g., camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons). Avoid feeding in autumn or winter, which can cause leaf or bud drop.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (such as bark chips, compost, or sugarcane) around the root zone to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Keep the mulch a few centimetres away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pruning: ‘Diana’ requires little routine pruning but can be tip-pruned when young to encourage a bushier shape. For hedges or shaping, prune immediately after flowering finishes in late winter/early spring to avoid removing next season’s buds.

Uses in the garden:

• Hedges and Screens, Feature Plant/Specimen, Container Planting, Mixed Borders/Backdrop