Tall perennials that don't need staking.
StrettonFox
Posts: 7
in Plants
I never seem to have any luck with medium to tall perennials. They all look lovely in spring when their fresh new foliage is emerging from the ground but by flowering time they've all flopped forward and smothered my front of border perennials. I don't much enjoy tiptoeing between plants with sticks and pieces of string all summer long. I would welcome suggestions for plants which are taller than one metre which require no support please!
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Hi StrettonFox. I have similar problems and the only plant I grow that seems to fit your needs is Verbena bonariensis. Got some useful tips from other posters though and that is to carry out this Chelsea Chop. So I guess that must be late May where you reduce the height of your plants. I need to research and find out how much you cut them back but apparently it reduces the height to form a more robust plant without losing flowers etc.
When you've had your shower can you tell me how much to cut off my plants next May please?
L'bird: one of the phlox, in an exposed area, I cut half way back. others I do alternate stems which staggers the flowering period
This year I took the whole buddleia half way back and it's just come into flower.
Thanks Joyce. I'll need to check for others too or is it a blanket chop of all tall floppy perennials? Is it easier to know which ones NOT to chop? I always cut my Buddleja down to 30cm above the ground every spring then dead head as and when.
L'bird, someone will enlighten us as to what not to chop.
I think it really depends on your climate and the rate of growth L'bird. If I 'Chelsea chopped' perennials I wouldn't have any in flower till October!
On the whole, late May is too early here for most perennials to have sufficient growth which could be chopped.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thats a big help thanks. So I will go on instinct and rate of growth for which plants to chop and which will not like such drastic treatment. Thanks for the lists Verdun and all the advice FG.
Last edited: 14 August 2016 19:26:10