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Is this a possibility??

Posted by plittle2 z4 (My Page) on
Mon, Jun 7, 10 at 21:59

I became interested in grasses in 2006. Planted 200+ grasses in 2006 and 2007. I was really disappointed in 2007 with the amount of flopping I had, particularly with my panicums. After researching the problem, I think my planting medium was too rich. I was planting in clay and could not believe they would survive in such poor soil so I proceeded to over improve with rich compost.

Now this year--for the first year there is no sign of flopping--even after a heavy rains

As grasses mature do you think they tend to flop less? Have they used up all my compost nutrients and not flopping now because the richness has decreased?



Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Is this a possibility??

  • Posted by donn_ 7b, GSB, LI, NY (My Page) on
    Tue, Jun 8, 10 at 10:38

I wouldn't think "they used up" the nutes you amended into the soil. The fact is, most ornamental grasses are not heavy feeders, and do not use extensive nutrients from the soil. Panicum is notorious for flopping, for a variety of reasons. They flourish in lousy soil, and can survive both drought and heavy rain, but most of them will flop at one time of another. The only one I've found which doesn't is 'Northwind."


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RE: Is this a possibility??

Definitely nailed it Donn!
Panicums are definitely at their happiest on very 'lean' soil.
Panicum 'Rehbraun', 'Heavy Metal' & 'Blood Brothers' all stand up well for me, with no flopping if planted in less than 'good garden soil'

I love my panicums!


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RE: Is this a possibility??

Clay is not nutrient poor by any means.


 
 

 

 


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