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Hesperis matronalis

LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
in Plants
I have this flowering for the first time this year and it's glorious. I was just wondering whether I can rely on it self-seeding at all or whether I need to sow some now for next year to be sure of getting any? Also, there are loads of flower stalks on each plant - is there any benefit to removing stalks as they finish to encourage the lower ones to take over?

'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
- Cicero
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I just let it get on with things ... I cut it back in late winter and it starts again. Sometimes i waft a few seedheads around and somehow it gets into the garden compost too ... it just keeps going. The most important thing is ... learn to recognise the seedlings 




    😃 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Ah - will this year's plants continue?! I had it down as a true biennial so expected them to die. That's good news - perhaps I won't bother to sow any seed at all then 👍🏼
    Thanks.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Nor longlived but certainly perennial. And by the time the first plant has faded away it’s children have reached maturity and replace it. 

    And the perfume wafting on the air on a warm summer evening is one of the finest treats the gardening world has to give. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I'm trying to get some going but the slugs seem to eat them.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    edited June 2021
    I agree. Thanks🥂
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Both of you have fine looking growth there. It's on my wish list.
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    Fire said:
    I'm trying to get some going but the slugs seem to eat them.
    Mine were quite chunky when I planted them out. Not much damage, but my garden is quite dry.
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Beautifully scented plants.  Mine flowered for 2 years after planting and I found they self seeded quite happily.  I always save some seeds just to be on the safe side. 
  • LG_LG_ Posts: 4,360
    I've still got loads of seeds in the original packet. Do they last OK?
    'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
    - Cicero
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I have some one ft plants to put in the ground now. Do you think they might flower this year?
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