Too close for comfort does matter?

11 years ago

For the past couple of seasons it is this time of year that I begin to post pictures bragging of our most fave perennial in the garden i.e. "Thalictrum" Splendide.

SPLENDIDE from last year

But I am disappointed to see that this year there is something...wrong with it. Specifically the flowers are not developing and it is not weather related. The foliage looks fine and there are bits of pink for developing flowers but it isn't maturing :(.

I am trying to think of what is different this year as compared to last. And all that comes to mind is this is the first full season having very vigorous helianthus' on either side of it.

I planted them last summer but it is this year they have taken off.

Is it likely that our beloved "Splendide" does not like the competition?

My plan next year is to perform a significant "Chelsea Chop" earlier in the season on the 2 sunflowers with the intention of keeping each to be 3 feet in height maximum (each are approaching 5 feet right now).

But such an action won't affect the root ball.

I would rather not move the 2 sunflowers but I would if I knew it would help "Splendide".

What do you think?

Featured Answer

mnwsgal

11 years ago

I rather like the tall heliopsis as a balance for your tall thalictrum. Perhaps Splendide is late this year as noted above.

We have had rainfalls of an inch or more each week this year. Some of my clematis along the chain link fence like the rain while others that have bloomed well other years are sulking. Go figure.

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Comments (8)

User
11 years ago
..they look fine to me, perhaps your 'Splendide' is a little later this year?

...they also look reasonably far apart not to cause a problem, but I can see lots of buds and vigorous growth on your Thalictrum, so I don't think I would worry if that was mine... however, you obviously notice a difference Rouge..

..I've seen previous photos of your plant and it does indeed look splendid...
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a)
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks Marlorena. But given our good growing weather this summer there is no obvious reason why it is so behind development from the past 2 years. And I will be debating all winter whether or not to move those nearby 'helianthus' just in case that will help :(.
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User
11 years ago
It looks like you have to tie the M. Rue up to a stake to keep it from flopping. If possible I'd consider a spot with more sun if its spending part of the day in shade and leave the other two there rather than the other way around, The two sunflower plants look quite good. Personally I like tall plants like Meadow Rue as dramatic features growing among lower growing plants. All three being the same height (except different plants) doesn't work visually, the middle odd duck guy seems like he's between twin brothers with a strap across his middle.
arlene_82 (zone 6 OH)
11 years ago
It looks like it may already be in full sun? http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1669517/splendide-in-full-sun?n=24

Perhaps there is somewhere else you can move it to. I agree that the helianthus look good together, perhaps with something shorter between.
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a)
Original Author
11 years ago
arlene, you are correct in that this is full sun (or close to it) and "Splendide" really did thrive there until this season. And yet the only evidence that it isn't doing as well is the lack of flower development.
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a)
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
All three being the same height (except different plants) doesn't work visually, the middle odd duck guy seems like he's between twin brothers with a strap across his middle.

I agree completely tr2. Thanks for the confirmation.

If I keep all three in the same location then next season I will make a much more conscious effort to cut back each of the sunflowers with more gusto earlier in the season to keep their final heights much closer to say...3 foot.
User
11 years ago
When in doubt, Chelsea Chop! rouge, give us a thrill and post those Splendide pics from last year, won't you?