articles about perennials
Following on from my guide on what was eating my peony leaves, peony leaves wilting and the buds dying is usually the result of an infestation of pests but it can be caused by fungal disease or lack of water. The latter is easy to resolve with a better watering schedule. Peonies like moist but well drained soil so be sure to water more frequently during dry spells and consider adding a layer of mulch to try ad help maintain…
I nearly always recommend growing peonies in the ground or in large raised beds if you can. However, I have also successfully grown peonies in pots. After all, when I worked as a nurseryman, I grew hundreds of peonies in large deep containers to sell at garden centres. In some cases, you might only have the space to grow them in containers. With this in mind, in this guide, I’m going to give all the secrets and tips for growing…
I have several different peonies in my garden so in this guide, I’m going to tell you what you need to do to make sure your peonies make it through long cold winters. Winter care for peonies starts in the autumn and there’s some work to be done whether your peonies are growing in your garden or in pots on your patio. Personally, I have them growing in borders and large raised beds as shown in the image below. Cut…
Following on from my article on why your peonies might not be flowering, I thought I would talk about peony pests and diseases. Peonies are susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases and a few garden pests which I start with below. I have covered the ones that I have found that cause the main problems and some ideas on what to do if an infestation of them occurs on your peonies. Pests that attack peonies Ants Ants love peonies and…
There are several ways to propagate delphiniums. You can plant seeds both indoors and outdoors in spring, divide the root which I do myself every 3 years, or grow them by taking basal cuttings (This is where you take the cutting from ground level). I cover all 3 ways showing you how to propagate delphiniums below starting with sowing seed. Each section, or way to propagate delphiniums also links out to a complete guide just on that one method too….
The spectacular appearance of delphiniums is well worth the time and care needed to look after them. From choosing their best location in your garden to preparing them for the winter months, you’re rewarded in the summer with glorious color for the effort you put into their care and maintenance. Did you know, you can even grow smaller varieties of delphiniums in containers and pots which I cover here. Timetable Sow seeds, if using: March, April Plant: any time of…
Growing delphiniums from seed is a low cost way of having these stunning flowers in your garden and following on from my guide on how to take cuttings as well as how to divide delphiniums. Growing delphiniums from seed involve carefully following a number of steps. You can sow the seeds indoors and then transplant them in your garden, or directly sow the seeds in the soil in your flowerbed. This article covers both methods but my preferred method is…
Taking a cutting from delphiniums in order to grow a new plant is one way of propagating delphiniums and is probably my favourite way to propagate delphiniums but it’s not the only way. (See Growing delphiniums from seed for another way) but I also like to divide them every 3 years which I cover in this guide in more detail. Growing delphiniums from cuttings takes some attention to detail. In this guide below though, I show you how to take…
Delphinium problems include several fungal diseases, bacterial problems, viruses, and infestations of pests and other bugs. Unfortunately, once infected, many of these plants can’t be saved. Personally, I have found that the most common problems are probably slugs and snails in spring that will demolish fresh growth. I usually use slug traps but you can also use organic slug pellets. I have also had issues with powdery mildew. Usually, I spray with a fungicide as soon as I notice mildew…
You need to start in late autumn to prepare to keep your delphiniums over winter. Your preparation tasks include cleaning your garden, watering the plants and adding mulch. I will admit, for most people, you could probably do nothing but cut the dead stalks back to an inch above the ground and they will survive. However, you might as well give them the best chances and keeping delphiniums over winter is also about preventing pests and diseases which is why…