Thanks for asking about Osmocote Plant Food. First, thanks for purchasing. Osmocote sponsors this website so each sale helps to keep us going! Osmocote has two formulas. The Outdoor & Indoor formula is ideally formulated for container plants since it has a full \"package\" of nutrients (11 in total). Most potting soils do not. In fact, potting soil is often sterile in order to avoid introducing unwanted pests and disease. Of course, it (Outdoor & Indoor) will also feed perennials and shrubs, and even vegetables. However, the best formula for perennials / shrubs (and veggies) is Osmocote Flower & Vegetable. Why? F & V has a 14-14-14 combination of nutrients. That means it feeds both above ground growth AND root development equally (each nutrient has a purpose in plant life). There is no production date on the package because the material will last indefinitely as long as it is kept dry (it's encapsulated). The nutrients aren't going anywhere until the product is applied to the soil. Keep growing!