I have had Prairie Breeze growing in my 5a location for about 4-5 years now. I mulched it up to a few inches the first winter I had it. Recently, I have been less compulsive about it... usually putting some well rotted manure around it in late fall, maybe an inch deep. It has thriven and blooms beautifully and frequently. The only thing that seems to bother it are Japanese beetles. I do not spray for anything except them, and that maybe once yearly.