|
Wed, Apr 12, 06 at 13:09
| I have a couple of phaeums (I think -- they're called Samobor) that are looking stunted this year. I know people say geraniums should be planted in full sun, but these 2 have been in part shade, getting mostly filtered afternoon sun, since I got them, about 3-4 years ago, and they've always grown and bloomed well. Last summer, though, was pretty dry and I noticed by the end of the summer, their leaves were beginning to die back. Same thing happened with a couple of hostas in the same bed -- leaves died back before summer was over. This spring, they're showing some new growth, but it's rather sparse. (And those hostas never came back at all -- it's like they completely disappeared.) Are these supposed to be divided? Or is something else possibly wrong with them?
Thanks! Karen |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Mon, Apr 17, 06 at 9:40
| Not all hardy geraniums will enjoy the same growing conditions and the phaeums in particular are quite shade tolerant. I have problems with Samobor reseeding rather prolifcially and hostas tend to be tough as nails, so I'd look to some other problem. What is your soil condition and drainage like? |
|
- Posted by ticksmom419 z7 NC (My Page) on Thu, Apr 20, 06 at 11:43
| Hi, gardengal -- thanks for responding. You know, I think the problem is dryness. We're having a really dry spring. I watered them a couple of days ago and there's a lot of new growth already. I guess they usually get a lot more water in the spring. Things got pretty dry last summer, too, and I usually don't provide much extra water. They've always been fine that way, but last year, as I mentioned above, they sort of fizzled out. Would that have impacted their growth from the start this year? The soil is probably not the best. They're one of the first things I planted, when I knew nothing about soil. Do you think they'd benefit from being dug up and replanted with amendments? I guess they shouldn't be divided. Would they suffer from digging up, do you think? Thanks for your help. I love their foliage -- would hate to lose them. Karen |
|
- Posted by flowerfloosey z8 NCal mnts (My Page) on Sat, Apr 22, 06 at 20:58
| you could dig them up but in a rainstorm is the best time as they won't miss a beat that way. Fall is probably the best time to dig them and re-ammend the soil. Mine can't deal with dry soil. In my garden, they get only morning sun and afternoon shade with moist conditions. Hope this helps. |
|
- Posted by ticksmom419 z7 NC (My Page) on Tue, Apr 25, 06 at 17:16
| Well, I decided to dig up a good chunk of them. For whatever reason, I didn't realize that their crowns looked so similar to the crowny things of heucheras. Anyway, I have a nice pile of completely dead crowny things. But those that had new tiny leaves, I moved. They're already happier. I'm going to guess that I smothered them in compost last year, followed by inadequate watering. Guess that was just about enough to do them in. I'm glad I dug them up! Thanks for the help. Karen |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Geranium Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.