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Timing...

Janie BJanie B Posts: 963
in Plants
Really sorry, as I know this has been discussed before, but I can't seem to find the thread...

My son is getting married in our garden in 5 weeks time... have I left it too late to cut back the rampant Rozanne geraniums? They are looking lovely in a wild kind of way, but I can see them running out of steam in the next few weeks. Also astrantia, they too are looking past their best. I'm assuming a small amount of new (albeit flowerless) growth will look better than a scruffy plant, or one that has only just been cut back. 

Many thanks for your ideas. I'm guessing a lot will depend on the weather in the next few weeks...
Lincolnshire

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    For the geraniums you could certainly cut them back now, give them a good drink and a generous dollop of rose or tomato fertiliser and they should recover in 3 weeks and maybe even have new flower buds in 5.

    Can't really say for the astrantias as I always dead-headed a few and left others to seed in my last garden.  Too hot and dry for them here.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 963
    Thanks, @Obelixx, I'll get on and cut them all back now!

    Lincolnshire
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Good luck.  If you have a hot or dry spell, water them again every few days to encourage them to regenerate.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Janie B I think I would cut back the Astrantias too if they look bad, the problem is they are only going to look worse over the next few weeks. It is a risk especially with the forecast but I think a plant that is just starting to shoot is better than one that has lots of nasty leaves which can happen to Astrantia. Water as per Geranium. I hope your son and his partner have a lovely day, I know you have put alot of work into the garden.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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