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Potentilla monarchs velvet given up?

ShennyShenny Posts: 127
in Problem solving
Hi
This morning I left for work and my Potentilla was lovely and healthy with loads of buds ready to burst into their tiny red flowers. I have come home and it looks like it has given up! The leaves have curled up and stems have bent over. I could cry! I have watered it but the water is just running out of the pot. What could it be and why has it happened so suddenly? It’s been hot today but then it has been through much hotter this year already. Any ideas and what to do next appreciated. Thanks 

Posts

  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Do you think the water is running out of the pot without soaking the compost?  Sometimes, when it's been very dry, the compost shrinks away from the edge of the pot and it's hard to water it properly.  If you think that might be the case, put water in a bucket and lower the pot into it so it's submerged.  Take it out when bubbles stop rising from the compost.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think that's exactly what's happened @Liriodendron :)
    It's technically a shrub, and you'll need the right kind of medium for it to thrive if it's staying in a pot. It would be better in the ground - they get to quite a decent size, although not quite as sizeable as the fruticosas,  so will be difficult to keep happy in a pot long term unless it's big enough. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ShennyShenny Posts: 127
    Thank you for the advice. I will certainly put it in a bucket and hope it revives. 
    The plant is about 4 years old and I have been gradually moving it to a bigger pot. Think I will repot again and put in fresh compost. Can you advise when best to do this and which medium(s) to use. There is no chance of it going in the ground. Just don’t have the space. 
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    First of all, @Shenny, I'd try the bucket of water technique, and see if it perks up.  If it does, you could then tip it out and see if the roots are filling the pot.  If they are, the plant will run short of water and nutrients more quickly, and I'd repot it straight away.  It likes good drainage, so I think I'd add grit to commercial compost; something with a bit more "body" to it than standard multi-purpose would be good if you can get hold of it (such as a soil-based compost - maybe JI no.3).

    I think Monarch's Velvet is actually herbaceous, @Fairygirl - not that it makes much difference to the care it needs.   :)
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • ShennyShenny Posts: 127
    Hi
    following your advice, the leaves have definitely perked up and to be fair so have some of the stems. Many of the stems are still bent, should I snip them off now or leave them and see what happens during the day. It’s sunny now but forecast rain later in afternoon. 
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Just leave it alone to recover from its ordeal in its own good time ,is my advice .
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