Ligularias can be difficult to site if you don't have suitable soil and conditions, because they also like sun. However, they will grow perfectly well with some shade which can make it easier. If you don't have adequate rainfall and moisture retentive soil, you'll need to create a moister area - not quite a bog garden, but a similar method. Heavier soil for them too, but decent drainage. A conifer and a maple will deprive them of the moisture they need. Not a suitable position for them unless you're in a consistently wetter part of the country where the moisture gets through their canopies in summer.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Ligularias can be difficult to site if you don't have suitable soil and conditions, because they also like sun. However, they will grow perfectly well with some shade which can make it easier. If you don't have adequate rainfall and moisture retentive soil, you'll need to create a moister area - not quite a bog garden, but a similar method. Heavier soil for them too, but decent drainage. A conifer and a maple will deprive them of the moisture they need. Not a suitable position for them unless you're in a consistently wetter part of the country where the moisture gets through their canopies in summer.
The previous owner was a keen gardener, as was his dad before him, and the soil does seem to be very good. The two against the fence get some shade mid-late morning, and the conifer doesn't give shade as it is shaped, but it will compete for moisture. Similarly they are not directly under the sycamore but will be competing. The one in the opposite border gets more sun in a morning and for much of the day.
I'll keep an eye on them and see what seems to be the best for them. As its our first year here there's a lot to see and learn as the seasons progress. I'm already thinking I'd like more height differences in the biggest border, but first we have lots to do inside the house. I'm taking pics and making notes this year......
No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.
It may just be that it's been too hot and dry for them this year. I've never had mildew on any of mine, but the slugs do love them which is a pain as the foliage is one of the attractions of the variety I have in this garden. I've never had it in previous gardens on any of them either. I used to have one of the green foliage varieties donkey's years ago, but it was fine too. Mine did get a bit wilted last year during summer because we had our hottest, drier summer on record here, and even though they're in amended clay soil, it was harder for them to do well, especially the one in full sun all day.
It may well be that they've been fine in the past, but the changing climate is certainly affecting many plants, so the generally drier weather may just have been a bridge too far for them this year, especially when there's a lot of other planting around them.
They're easy enough to divide and replant if you feel it might be an ongoing problem. Alternatively, adding lots of organic matter to improve the soil can be beneficial.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
If you don't have adequate rainfall and moisture retentive soil, you'll need to create a moister area - not quite a bog garden, but a similar method. Heavier soil for them too, but decent drainage.
A conifer and a maple will deprive them of the moisture they need. Not a suitable position for them unless you're in a consistently wetter part of the country where the moisture gets through their canopies in summer.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The one in the opposite border gets more sun in a morning and for much of the day.
I'll keep an eye on them and see what seems to be the best for them.
As its our first year here there's a lot to see and learn as the seasons progress. I'm already thinking I'd like more height differences in the biggest border, but first we have lots to do inside the house. I'm taking pics and making notes this year......
It may well be that they've been fine in the past, but the changing climate is certainly affecting many plants, so the generally drier weather may just have been a bridge too far for them this year, especially when there's a lot of other planting around them.
They're easy enough to divide and replant if you feel it might be an ongoing problem. Alternatively, adding lots of organic matter to improve the soil can be beneficial.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...