hollyhocks & delphiniums

geum keenbutgreen

HI there, I've just bought some hollyhocks and delphiniums, at planting out size (9cm pots I think). My question is, how much space should I give them when planting, or should I group them quite closely? I don't know if one plant will give multiple flower heads or not (I don't know much ).  They are in a nice sunny south west facing border with decent drainage, planted with young shrubs.

Also, how fast will these typically grow in their first season?  I'm happy to go buy more if I need to get a better planting ratio (I have five dotted through the border at the mo, quite well spaced out). Would I be better planting in clumps / drifts?

Thanks for any help!

Hostafan1

I'd give them plenty of space, maybe 18" .5m ( depending if you're old school or new ) they make big plants . 

Prepare the soil well before planting and they should reward you with tons of growth.

geum keenbutgreen

Ah, cool thanks Hostafan, they have lots of space at the moment in my planned planting pattern

Hostafan1

the mistake we've all made, I know I have anyway, is to look at the plant and think ,"it's small, it doesn't need much space" 

Mark56

Just beware of the slugs and snails 

Fishy65

Hollyhocks grow like weeds in my garden keenbutgreen. Delphiniums less so as slugs/snails destroy them while ignoring the hollyhocks 

pansyface

Delphiniums grow like weeds here but I can't keep hollyhocks from rusting up.

Fishy65

WD40 pansyface? 

geum keenbutgreen

Tricky stuff! I shall mount a slug patrol.... To be honest I'll be doing well if I keep any alive

musher

I'd nip any flower heads off your delphs this year.Give them this next year to get established.. Next year revel in their glory. Feed mine with well rotted manure and a top dressing of fish blood and bone Last year they were touching the dizzy heights of 7 foot .And many flowering spikes

rosemummy

oh dear planted hollyhocks too close together...surrounded both with grit and bird friendly sliug pellets