Ah, I was just about to post the same question. I had twelve plants bought over the years (they don't seem to self-seed here, or maybe I weed them before they've get a chance) which did well and survived several winters, but not one of them seems to have survived this winter. We didn't have it as cold here over winter as many other places, but we had a cool and wet Spring 2017 right through summer and autumn until late winter 2018. I'll leave them for another couple of weeks, but I don't see any sign of life in them at all. Seem to have lost quite a few other things, presumably due to the very wet year.
If they are not self seeding, that is a sign your soil is not ideal. I have a similar problem, they seem to be shrinking in size compared to the previous years. It's most likely the soil is too damp and heavy. They tend to struggle in those conditions. Unlikely to be temperature related.
Just to add further, I thought they self seed initially. However on inspection, I find these to spread like crazy with what appears to be layering (like strawberries but a lot wilder) . Mine had leaves all throughout winter and I gave them a severe prune in March as they were taking over (2sq ft each from plugs planted in summer). The pruned plants seems to be doing fine with new growth. However given it’s wild nature, I’m seriously considering moving it to a pot!!!
Mine were newly planted last year in different parts of the garden and are only just perking up. I've only just lightly pruned the dead bits off and am hoping they will self seed this year.
Mine have now got flowers buds on them. I just leave them to it and they seem to be quite happy - unlike me! Fed up of all the damp. Liz88 you've described my last year's weather brilliantly!
Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
A friend of mine has Erigeron karvinskianus growing in just about every nook and cranny in her garden. I found a few seedlings last year,potted them up and they have survived outside all winter. Deciding I wanted a lot more plants I decided to sow some seeds this year (RHS ones) and not a single one came up!!!!! Tomorrow I shall visit my friend again and see if I can cadge a few more plants!
“Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
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Liz88 you've described my last year's weather brilliantly!
I found a few seedlings last year,potted them up and they have survived outside all winter.
Deciding I wanted a lot more plants I decided to sow some seeds this year (RHS ones) and not a single one came up!!!!!
Tomorrow I shall visit my friend again and see if I can cadge a few more plants!