Geum + verbena drooping

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Greenfield81, May 25, 2024.

  1. Greenfield81

    Greenfield81 Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2024
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +1
    Hi. Both my geum and verbena bonariensis are falling over more than I expected. Is there anything I should be doing to prevent this, or am I worrying about nothing?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Pete8

    Pete8 Gardener

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Messages:
    265
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Billericay, Essex
    Ratings:
    +483
    You could use supports for your plants to straighten them.

    It will happen when one side of the plant gets more sunlight than the other side.
    The side of the plant that gets less sun will grow faster than the side that gets more sun, so forcing the plant to bend over to try and get more sun on the shady side.
    The other reason is that your soil may be too good for them.
    Both will stay shorter and stronger if the soil is poor - which is the type of soil they grow in in their native environment.

    One of my Verbena bon. is almost 7ft atm on well-manured soil.
    It'll probably snap in strong winds.
     
  3. Plantminded

    Plantminded Keen Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2024
    Messages:
    578
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Wirral
    Ratings:
    +1,822
    If you have an alternative location away from the fence in full sun they will be more upright, for the reasons that @Pete8 has outlined above. Even in full sun I've found that some Geums can flop. Cutting off the flowering stems that do sprawl at the base and leaving the upright ones helps to improve the appearance and encourages more flower production.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
    Loading...

    Share This Page

    1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
      By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
      Dismiss Notice