Here is another example of an unhappy plant placed in the wrong spot. This is salvia 'Black and Blue' and it grows quite contently in other parts of the yard with little damage from insects or disease. For some odd reason (most likely the color looked right here when it was small) I put it in a narrow planter next to the house along the driveway in SJC. It doesn't get enough direct light and not enough air circulation as well as the roots are probably cramped. When a plant is under stress it sends off signals that insects pick up on and they head in for the kill. With not enough vigor to defend itself, the poor plant starts looking like this. I will come to its rescue and transplant it out in the open garden beds and fill in this area with some smaller plants that can handle the shade and we'll see what happens. There are some daylilies and impatiens that are growing quite happily in this bed also, so I know it is just this poor salvia.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sad Salvia
Here is another example of an unhappy plant placed in the wrong spot. This is salvia 'Black and Blue' and it grows quite contently in other parts of the yard with little damage from insects or disease. For some odd reason (most likely the color looked right here when it was small) I put it in a narrow planter next to the house along the driveway in SJC. It doesn't get enough direct light and not enough air circulation as well as the roots are probably cramped. When a plant is under stress it sends off signals that insects pick up on and they head in for the kill. With not enough vigor to defend itself, the poor plant starts looking like this. I will come to its rescue and transplant it out in the open garden beds and fill in this area with some smaller plants that can handle the shade and we'll see what happens. There are some daylilies and impatiens that are growing quite happily in this bed also, so I know it is just this poor salvia.
This is the kind of post which throws a bolt of enlightenment. It's a why-didn't-I-think-of-that moment . . . that creatures will home in on a struggling plant. I feel rather silly - but also pleased I read this. I shall go away humming.
ReplyDeleteLucy
Oh, that poor baby. Move him quick maybe it will yet survive.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Hello,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great illustration of the right plant, but the wrong place.
I hope it does well in it's new spot!
So true--it's important to put plants in the right place. Interestingly, that 'Black and Blue' salvia handles shade with aplomb in hot, sunny Austin. In fact, it prefers afternoon shade to do its best, otherwise it can crisp up in the summer. I have some in deep shade, and it's blooming beautifully. The right spot all depends on where you garden.
ReplyDelete