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Floppy Geums!

purpletreaclepurpletreacle Posts: 50
in Problem solving
I have some red Geum Mrs J Bradshaw that I grew from seeds about 3-4 years ago, but the flower stems trail on the ground instead of standing proud from a well-behaved clump of foliage.  Is this a common problem, or could it be that I don't have them planted in the right conditions?  I moved them from a sunny spot after a couple of years because the foliage was flopping due to lack of water.  Now they get good light but not full sun, and plenty of water.

Posts

  • strelitzia32strelitzia32 Posts: 758
    This is normal (at least, this is exactly what mine do - whether that's normal is testament to my dubious gardening skills :D ). I have large clumps of upright and horizontal-ish foliage at the center, surrounded by long stems of flowers. Some trail, some lean, some stand up, but all head towards the sun. It's been the same since I planted them. The ones in 2ft tall pots trail over the side and some stems hit the ground.

    Incidentally it seened very hard to get new seeds or plants this year, I wonder if there was a general issue last year...


  • purpletreaclepurpletreacle Posts: 50
    Thanks - not just me, then!  I still like them, because they are a jolly splash of colour. 

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    It is absolutely normal! Mrs B is a particular pest. The only option is to put in supports early on. Lovely plant, though.
  • purpletreaclepurpletreacle Posts: 50
    I think I may move them next year, into a"wilder" planting area with grasses, where they can do their thing in among other plants, instead of sprawling onto the drive and getting even more flattened!
    I also have an orange Geum (think it's Firestorm) which has a different habit - shorter and more upright. 
    Never mind, I'm happy to include all sorts of different characters!

  • oooftoooft Posts: 191
    I have blazing sunset geums which are the same colour but mine stand up mainly. Perhaps if you've had the plant in for 4 years you could lift and divide. I've noticed mine flop when they need split. With the blazing sunset you can see the plants in the bundle and just prize them apart into individuals. I split a Lady Strathdon last week which required sawing through with a sharp knife as the roots were quite woody. I don't know which category Mrs B falls into
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