Lupins - Something wrong with the leaves

mgelardi

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and the the gardening World too.
I’ve planted a lupinus in my garden just few days ago and now I noticed that the leaves are suffering. I watered it every night for a couple of days but now I’ve stopped because I am afraid that could make the situation worse.
I’ve planted a lavender too and the flowers are already drooping.
I am attaching a picture and I really hope you can help me. Happy to provide with more information.

Very nice to e-meet you all and thank you in advance for your help.

Dovefromabove

Hi @mgelardi and welcome to the forum

That's a combination of transplant shock and drought.  How much water have you been giving it?  A bucket full every evening wouldn't be too much.  It will recover, but be warned, it may look worse before it looks better.  Just don't panic 

Give the lavender a bucket full too. I know it's a Mediterranean plant, but when they've just been planted they need a lot of water 
It's asking a lot of a plant to cope with a new home when it's in full flower., especially in a heat wave   

mgelardi

Hi @Dovefromabove,

thanks a lot for getting back to me.
I was giving it just a little water (compared with the full bucket you mentioned! ).
I will start tonight to water it more and I will keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks a lot once again!

Dovefromabove

I'll keep mine crossed too ............ let us know how it gets on 

Lyn

If it were my lupin, I would and do, cut the first flowers off, it’s taking a lot of the plants energy to produce seed on that flower head, if it’s cut off it will put all it’s energy into growing it’s roots. Next year you will have lots of flower stems if you cut this off now. 

Fairygirl

I'd agree totally with @Lyn. It will benefit in the long run  

mgelardi

That's a very good idea @Lyn - I will do that too. Thank you all very much!

Lyn

I know it’s hard when you wait for the flower and someone says cut it off,  but you also need to think of the plant, it will reward you next year. Just watch out for slugs when they first show through. 

JennyJ

You can put the flower in a vase indoors (if it hasn't already gone to the compost bin) so all is not lost.

Dovefromabove

Lyn said:

I know it’s hard when you wait for the flower and someone says cut it off,  but you also need to think of the plant, it will reward you next year. Just watch out for slugs when they first show through. 

Yes, don't panic when it dies down in the autumn and disappears ... that's normal ... I usually mark the spot by covering it with some potting grit ... it reminds me there's something planted there so I don't stick my spade in it, and it also deters slugs and snails from gathering to eat the new shoots when it begins to reappear in the spring.

mgelardi

Very grateful for all your suggestions here, really appreciate that!! I didn't cut the flower your but I won't waste it for sure