Need help / suggestions

20 years ago

We planted these violas or pansies (not sure which) in our garden at work. They bloomed just like this the whole season,, didn't need deadheading or anything.... We got them at our local Home Depot, had a tag but of course can't find so I haven't been able to get the same plants.

This area is a raised bed that faces primarliy north, is damp, shady but the hostas don't really like the area to the back of this bad to well, looked nice the first growing season but after a winter not so well, takes them a long time to get on their feet. Going to put in some ferns this year to help fill in and maybe add a little background structure. We don't really want anything to tall in the back for benches are located on the porch for folks to view the gardens etc...

What I need help with is the front area that is the viola or pansies in the picture. Gets sun in area, I would like blooming plants in here that would fill in and look beautiful the whole summer. Low in height would be preferred. Any help would be appreciated. Would like perenials also and I'm a zone 3.

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Comments (8)

northspruce
20 years ago
I'm not quite clear how much sun you have there - you said it's damp and shady but also that it gets sun. If it's part shade I would suggest Heuchera (coral bells) but if it's a little sunnier I would go for a nice perennial Dianthus such as "Arctic Fire". I'm sure others will have lots of other ideas.

Great pansies BTW, love em.
echoes_or
Original Author
20 years ago
I'm sorry, the back part behind the pansies/violas is in almost total shade but the front part where the pansies are gets 4-5 hours of sun a day but not really hot penetrating sun. I'm just kicking myself because I can't find the tag - these plants were wonderful, never needed deadheading and didn't ever get leggy. Just stayed as the picture shows all growing season.
Thanks NS
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sierra_z2b
20 years ago
You may want to add some astilbe to this mix. I have a low creeping astilbe in the front of my hosta bed. You could even try some of the taller varieties in the back. They won't bloom all season....but the texture of the leaf structure is nice.

This bed may stay a little to wet for hostas to be happy. I am also wondering if you didn't dead head these pansies if they have self seeded and will just keep comming back on their own? Its pretty tough to find a perennial that will bloom all season.

Sierra
reddscarlette
20 years ago
HELP!!!

I have my dahlias planted in pots in the house (well...8 of them I do) to hopefully have SOME bit of early blooms this year.

But my problem is, the leaves are "cupping" or curling under. Any idea what this may be from? I water them when needed and don't over water them. They get lots of light too. Any suggestions? I've been tempted to cut them back, down to the last set of leaves grown.

Any thoughts? Are my babes in danger???

Nikki~
echoes_or
Original Author
20 years ago
Sieera, they have self seeded some but not with lots of vigor... They were the most amazing plants, I'm not fond of pansies because of the trimming involved with them.. I want them to always look nice and have blooms.. Unrealistic I know but I have a dream...........
northspruce
20 years ago
Nikki, sorry not to be mean but if you start a new thread people will be more likely to notice it and help you with your dahlias.

And I'm not sure what would be making them do that.
reddscarlette
20 years ago
Sorry...thought it was a "Help" type of thread lol

no biggy....
sierra_z2b
20 years ago
LOL.....ok I have to get myself a coffee ....

Okay back coffee in hand....

Nikki, Cupped leaves on dahlias can be caused from a few things. To much water for how fast they are growing. Planted in too small of a container. Not enough light. Could also be a bug problem...did you check for aphids, spider mites or ? This is one of the reasons that I don't start dahlias indoors very often. This can also cause them to be stunted. I wouldn't pinch them....I would just try to get them through till plant out time now....remember to harden them off for a few days before you plant them out....and make sure with new top growth that there is no chance of frost in your area. Which is around June 6th...if you didn't know. If you plant out and there is a chance of frost make sure to cover them.

Try not to stress so much Nikki...its only dahlias and they are pretty adaptable. You are learning and mistakes will be made.....I have been gardening all my life and I still make mistakes, or forget things. We all do.

LOL echos...I have a dream for my garden to..every year in fact...it just doesn't turn out the way I dreamed it though. My front bed is similar to this one.....I have one spot where the water pours off the roof on occassion and I haven't found anything that will grow in that area. I usually fill that area with annuals. The rest of the bed consists of hostas, astilbe, a white bleeding heart...that seems to survive but doesn't do really well. Liatris and tulips planted between the hostas, and crocus, snow in summer and perennial allysum. Oh ya and purple sensation onions. This bed gets morning sun, with the front of it getting more than the rest. Oh and there are a few pansys and johny jump ups that reseed as well.

Sierra