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Dividing perennials: too late?
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Posted by Ornata London UK (My Page) on Wed, May 11, 05 at 11:19
Hi. Is it too late in the year to divide Lobelia cardinalis and Ligularia dentata? I know it's supposed to be done in autumn or earlier in the spring, but can I risk doing it now? I suppose the worst that will happen is that it will slow them. Could it stop them flowering this year, do you think?
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Dividing perennials: too late?
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| I do not know about Ligularia, but I would have thought it was a good time to split Lobelia Cardinalis. Mine show very healthy rosettes but haven't started any serious upward growth. I think the main problem is that the stems are so brittle that you do not want to break the main stem. Whenever I (or the wind) have broken the main stem I just cut it into lengths and pot up as cuttings and they nearly all take. Apart from hardiness it seems to be really tough and vigorous. I understand you can transplant them when they are in full flower, and as long as you water them before and after they do not turn a hair. Super plant. |
RE: Dividing perennials: too late?
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| Excellent - that's just what I wanted to hear! I'll get to it this weekend. My one's "Queen Victoria" and it is a stunner. I had been keeping it, and the Ligularia (Desdemona - equally gorgeous), in big pots, waiting to be planted by the side of our pond (which unfortunately is still waiting to be dug...) I've since decided that they'd be better employed planted out in one of the damp areas of our garden. It's always a great feeling when you find a perfect match between a plant you love and a specific area of the garden, rather than just looking upon those areas (such as ones with less than perfect drainage) as a "problem". |
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