After the plant is well leafed out – around May 1 – use any balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, Fertilome, or Ortho Food at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Osmocote and Once are timed release fertilizers that are applied one time in the Spring. Mills Mix is an all organic fertilizer that can be used in the Spring and Summer.
Water bushes well before fertilizing, then water again after working fertilizer into the soil at the drip line. If using liquid fertilizers like Miracle Grow, do not water after applying.