My Echinops are in full bloom and look great, but the stems are turning brown (like they are dead). This happened last year too, although the plants have been stronger this year.
Is this normal? If not any idea what is happening?
Mine turn brown from the bottom up as the season progresses. Not a problem as I hide them with other plants in front and then cut the whole lot down in autumn when flowering is over and the birds have had a good go at the seeds.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast. "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Ill cut mine back in March when the next cold snap is over. i leave it until then as the dead stems provide the plant with a little bit of frost protection.
Cut back the stems and remove dead leaves without damaging the crown of the plant.
Last edited: 20 February 2018 08:08:17
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
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Mine turn brown from the bottom up as the season progresses. Not a problem as I hide them with other plants in front and then cut the whole lot down in autumn when flowering is over and the birds have had a good go at the seeds.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Thanks Obelixx,
I was worried there was a problem / disease. Will put something in front of them now
Phil
Is it too late in middle of February to cut my Echinops Ritro back as it is all brown at the bottom?
Gill
Ill cut mine back in March when the next cold snap is over. i leave it until then as the dead stems provide the plant with a little bit of frost protection.
Cut back the stems and remove dead leaves without damaging the crown of the plant.
Last edited: 20 February 2018 08:08:17
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thank you Dovefromabove. I will do what you advise and wait till the cold snap is over