Plants fall open in the middle.

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
snowpea Phoenixville, PA(Zone 6b) May 26, 2009

I have two different plants which are suppose to be in the form of a mound, artemisia and nepeta. However, my plants fall open in the middle and I don't know what to do about it. The Nepeta is quite large and about 7 years old. The artemisia is new. Any thoughts on what I might be doing wrong or how to fix the problem?

Post #6599250
Quote
JasperDale Long Beach, CA(Zone 10a) May 26, 2009

The plants you mention have a tendency to do just that when they get tall. The artemesia you have may not be a mounding variety after all...they usually do retain a mounded shape. You probably have one of the taller growing varieties.

You can either stake the stems or pinch them back, which will cause them to resprout laterally and fill in the gap.

Many plants will "fall apart" in the center just by their own weight when they get too tall. You can prevent this by pinching out the tips as it's growing to attain a fuller denser form.

Post #6599543
Quote
snowpea Phoenixville, PA(Zone 6b) May 26, 2009

Thanks, I'll give it a try

Post #6599706
Quote
frida11 Yakima, WA May 26, 2009

It may be that pinching or cutting back will fix the problem. However, when these plants get too big and woody, they may need to be divided.

Also, these are drought-resistant plants that will get rangy if given too much water. They will retain a bushier, more compact growing habit if not overwatered.

Post #6601054
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP