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Astibles
Guernsey Donkey2
Posts: 6,713
in Plants
I have never grown these, but would like to try. I am thinking they are perennial, but difficult to grow from seed. I was planning to put one or two in a damp position facing north, and another one or two in the bog area, which should always be damp. Any advice please? I have seen some on the J.Parkers site, mail order.
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Mine are beside the pond, which sometimes floods and they don't seem to mind. Moist is good, just so long as they don't dry out otherwise they sulk and shrivel to a crisp.
Yes, I will make sure that doesn't happen Hostafan, I think I have the ideal spot for them. It's certainly damp out there at the moment!
I have just read some reviews for J Parkers, and I am having second thoughts about using them. I will ask around, see if any gardening friends have some they might split for me.
I have some in a sunnier site as the ground's always damp, but they're happiest in a shady spot - and very useful for that!
Never grown from seed though - always bought a plant and divided etc.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have read that the seeds are difficult to germinate, but easy to divide once you have an established plant. We have a shady area along side a trellis fence, which is facing north and apart from a pyracantha and a purple flowering clematis growing up the trellis it is rather bare at ground level.
The bog garden isn't up and running yet, but I want to make a collection of plants in the next month or two, to set in the bog, once it is ready.
I'd go for young plants, rather than seed. I've planted them streamside in full sun, and in shadier spots, but as said, they don't like drying out. Best where they can tap into moisture without being sat in it. I'd also avoid certain suppliers, too.
H-C
A stalwart of my damp, shady area. Differing heights, flowering times and leaf colour.
I have put mine where they get the run off from the patio - rain and pot watering excess
I can send you plenty of damp areas. I've always plenty to spare...
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Has anyone got some Astible seeds preferably for red flowers to spare please? J Parker don't send to Guernsey, so that rules out my best laid plans of buying 2 or 3 mature plants.