Polemonium problems

Meomye

I planted a few of the these last year, one being Brise D'anjou and they were lovely but I am not sure if I am doing something wrong as the lower leaves always look pale and shrivelled. I have noticed this more when they have been watered so thought that maybe they don't like a lot of water but considering they are supposed to be shade lovers I am confused. Anyone have experience of these please? t i a 

Meomye

Anyone growing these?

AnniD

I have one that's around a year old, but that's in full sun. According to the RHS, they like full sun or partial shade. Maybe it's not getting enough light ?
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/13380/Polemonium-caeruleum/Details

Slum

My limited experience of them is they need a lot of watering until established. The lower leaves seem to direct rain water away from the plant so it’s important to direct the watering can to the roots. 

Lizzie27

I gave up on mine. Always looked droopy and the flowers didn't excite me. 

amancalledgeorge

I planted a couple last year in a semi shaded part of the garden and they look great this year. They're both hooked on our irrigation system so they get consistent watering which helps. 

Fairygirl

I used to grow Brise d'Anjou - never had a problem with it.
I only grow the white one now. They do like shade and damp soil, so if you can't reliably give them that, they might struggle. Great for bees and other insects.

They will produce some old tatty leaves low down as they mature. You can just take those off. Is that what you mean? 

Meomye

Thanks every one for replies @Fairygirl yes, it is the lower leaves that are an issue so i will try trimming off lower leaves and consider moving them, thanks.

Stevedaylilly

I’m my opinion they seem to do better in part shade. I have Polemonium Bressingham Purple and it’s thriving in the shade of a large Cornus with varigated folliage shrub so the purple flower stands out very well.
They prefer well drained but moist soil apart from that not a fussy plant