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Difference in flowers between 2 identical tubs

Hi. I planted up 2 tubs, one either side of my greenhouse with the same plants in both (including Convolvulus cneorum). I planted both at the same time and filled with the same garden compost. The first year both flowered the same, but the past 2 years one tub is full of bloom, whilst the other, hardly any. Does anyone have an explanation for this?. Thanks

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Is the one on the left slightly more sheltered.  C cneorum is tender here. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Thanks for your reply,  but I don't think one is more sheltered than the other.
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    If not shelter, could it be light as plants right side of the pic are quite a bit smaller.

    Swop the troughs around and see what happens.
    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The one on the left has a load of greenery/planting to the left of it, which will give more shelter. The one on the right seems to have other planting in with it. That can make a big difference. Light is also a big factor, as suggested, and although they like poorer conditions, and drier soil, it doesn't mean they can do without any water if they're in containers. All container plants need water, and foliage can prevent rain getting in properly. 
    They aren't hardy in lots of places in the UK, so even small differences in the site and conditions can be quite important.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Is that a Heuchera in there?   Could be vine weevil problem.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think you're right @Lyn - it does look like a heuchera, and they're notorious for attracting vine weevil, especially in containers. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Yes, there's a teacher in both and also a period in both
  • Flipping auto correct, that was a heuchera and peiris! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Pieris and Heucheras like quite different conditions from convolvulus, so it would be worth removing the pieris and heuchera, although that could explain why the convolvulus isn't happy in the right hand container. It may be too shady for it there.

    However, if you want to grow pieris in containers, they'll need more than compost. Shrubs won't thrive long term in that.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Thanks Fairygirl. I was thinking about taking out the other 2 plants as it's getting a little crowded in there. I'll move them and see what happens next year
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