"Eye of the tiger" has been flowering since the end of November and shows no sign of stopping. Am I right in thinking that if I don't prune it soon there will be fewer flowers in the summer when it's supposed to bloom.
Thanks for the kind comments on my photo! I do love the combinations.
I also think of it as my Marlorena bed because much of the planting was inspired by her suggestions on one of my first posts - asking for ideas for shady area planting.
Astrantia, aquilegia, Brunnera, cantibrigiense geraniums and chives.
@Suesyn - yes it's best to prune, otherwise they can end up with lots of weak growth, plant gets top heavy and loses its shape.
Pruning in winter means that come spring, the plants stored energy is concentrated into a smaller number of buds on thicker stems. That means the new growth is stronger and also allows you more control over the direction of the growth.
I know it seems a shame to chop at them when they're full of buds but it is better long term! They'll quickly recover over the next few months.
@Mr. Vine Eye I think I knew that really but it does seem a shame when it's flowering it's socks off. A job for tomorrow lined up then. Thanks for your help.
If I bought a bare root climber and planted it now, how long will I get away with it not having wires to grow up - I want to paint the fence before I put the wires up but can't do that til probably March (weather depending!)
@zugenie - yes, even with a vigorous climber there won’t be anything long enough to need tying in until summer, so you’ll certainly get away with March!
Someone in my village has a "Tam o Shanter" I spotted the David Austin tag on it in the summer during the annual Scarecrow festival. I'll take a walk past to tomorrow and will take a photo. From what I recall it was small and unappealing- nothing special. However it might just have been neglected and not fully reaching it full potential.
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I also think of it as my Marlorena bed because much of the planting was inspired by her suggestions on one of my first posts - asking for ideas for shady area planting.
Astrantia, aquilegia, Brunnera, cantibrigiense geraniums and chives.
@Suesyn - yes it's best to prune, otherwise they can end up with lots of weak growth, plant gets top heavy and loses its shape.
Pruning in winter means that come spring, the plants stored energy is concentrated into a smaller number of buds on thicker stems. That means the new growth is stronger and also allows you more control over the direction of the growth.
I know it seems a shame to chop at them when they're full of buds but it is better long term! They'll quickly recover over the next few months.
Thanks for your help.
...anyone fancy 'Zephirine Drouhin'?