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Sad penstemons

msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 482
in Problem solving
Hi all, my penstemons planted last year have started flowering again. But I probably didn't cut them back enough in the spring, and these two now look quite sad, with leaves drooping. I thought I didn't water them enough, but after I watered them more these few days, they don't seem to be improving at all. It's a full sun location, they were very happy last season, and other penstemons growing next to them are doing fine at the moment.

Any idea how I can help them look better please? Thanks!




Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    They look very thirsty. One reason could be that you haven't watered them enough - sometimes water just runs off the surface so you need to check the soil is being really saturated down to about 9 -12 inches.

    Otherwise, the roots are failing to take up water. They may have been eaten by pests or disturbed by something burrowing.

    My advice is to try the water first but investigate further if that doesn't  work.
  • msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 482
    Posy said:
    They look very thirsty. One reason could be that you haven't watered them enough - sometimes water just runs off the surface so you need to check the soil is being really saturated down to about 9 -12 inches.

    Otherwise, the roots are failing to take up water. They may have been eaten by pests or disturbed by something burrowing.

    My advice is to try the water first but investigate further if that doesn't  work.
    Thanks Posy! I'll try watering a bit more then. Also saw some weeds growing near the base, will try to eradicate those as well.
  • neilsuzukisv2-Rq-DOXneilsuzukisv2-Rq-DOX Posts: 68
    As stated try watering, also have you given applied any feed
  • msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 482
    neilsuzukisv2-Rq-DOX said:
    As stated try watering, also have you given applied any feed
    Thanks. No I haven't fed them this season yet, only mulched with compost in spring. Also remember someone said before that if plants are struggling already, there's no point in feeding them?
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    If the plant doesn't show signs of perking up a few hours after a really thorough soaking (a 5 litre can full (maybe 2) slowly applied) I'd have a good look around the roots.

    I believe vine weevil grubs will eat penstemon roots.
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    You may be reluctant to do this but in addition to the advice above, removing the flower stems will help the plant direct its energy into recovering.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 482
    Plantminded said:
    You may be reluctant to do this but in addition to the advice above, removing the flower stems will help the plant direct its energy into recovering.
    Thanks. That's a good reminder. The flowers have mostly gone over anyway.
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    Lack of food would not cause wilting like this. I would cut hard back and hope for regeneration.
  • msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 482
    Kate 7 said:
    Lack of food would not cause wilting like this. I would cut hard back and hope for regeneration.
    Thanks! Yes that's what I did, gave them a good prune and see. I found that it was mostly the ones growing out of the woody stems that were wilting most. Some younger stems were much better. Fingers crossed!
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    In my experience  penstemon do not do well when they get very woody. Hence the need for regular pruning and occasional replacement. They are very easy from cuttings.
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