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Polemonium issue

WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
in Plants
Hi,

my Polemonium caeruleum is looking a bit worse for wear. I cut it back after the first flush of flowers and it has produced a second which are now also turning.

The whole plant is now looking rather sad, with brown, dead leaves on the lower half and a fair bit of powdery mildew over it.

Should I now cut it right down to the ground or just leave it and let it degrade naturally?

 Thanks.

Posts

  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    Mine was like that last year in August, probably from lack of water. I’ve cut it down to the ground and this year it’s been much better. I didn’t cut it down at all this year, just removed the finished flower stems - the leaves are still looking good.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Ah, ok, lesson learned! So if I cut it right back now, keep on top of the watering, It'll hopefully come back good as new next year?
  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    It should, yes. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - they prefer a damper site. Great plants for damp shade.
    Mine is only just at the end of flowering stage, but it won't have time to have any more    :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Thanks. This has been the first full year I've gardened so it's still a learning curve! Next year, i'll make sure I keep on top of the watering for the plants that got powdery mildew this year (the polemonium and Monarda). 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - they both struggle in drier conditions.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    The local farmer has filled a field in Oxfordshire with this for cosmetics oil.  Ver little yellow; wonderfuk scent; bees love it.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Sorry, I got the wrong Latin name.  I meant poached egg plant (US "meadow something")
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Limnanthes douglasii  is poached egg plant  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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