Allotments 4 All

I planted some of this last year and thought it was mucking fagic. Now I've just left it as is over winter but now it's showing signs of new growth. Should I chop it right back and let it come from the base or should I trim it cosmetically at the top or should  I just leave it to do its own thing? It's growing against the house wall in a sunny and relatively sheltered site.

I just trim the dead tall foliage off of mine and it grows again from the base. It also self seeds prolifically, so watch out for new bairns! ;D

Quote from: grawrc on March 24, 2008, 19:21:38
I planted some of this last year and thought it was mucking fagic.

totally agree, some self seeded outside the living room window, it was amazing to watch the bees climbing all over it  ;D
I've cut some down and just trimmed the others..it's coming up in lots of places, I'm going to try transplanting some  :)

You could also take cuttings of the new growth.  Will root easily.  But I agree with Deb P verbena bonariensis is not just for one year, it's for life.  Having said that it is pretty, does attract butterflies and hoverflies.  I certainly wouldn't put it in the 'thug' class.

valmarg

Yippee! That's what I was hoping. :) :) :)

this is one from last year, lovely

Quote from: manicscousers on March 24, 2008, 19:49:00
I'm going to try transplanting some  :)

I lifted all the small ones last autumn and potted them. I shall be planting them today all 600 of them in a huge drift.

Down under the hedge I shall also be planting some galium which attracts humming bird hawk moths to lay their eggs. So if you like watching the bees on the verbina, you wait till you see these moths in action.

Weed!
;D

 I love it, but for some reason it doesn't self-seed in my garden. :( Got some seeds from RHS though so hope to replenish my stocks.

Quote from: ACE on March 25, 2008, 07:20:36

Quote from: manicscousers on March 24, 2008, 19:49:00
I'm going to try transplanting some  :)

I lifted all the small ones last autumn and potted them. I shall be planting them today all 600 of them in a huge drift.

Down under the hedge I shall also be planting some galium which attracts humming bird hawk moths to lay their eggs. So if you like watching the bees on the verbina, you wait till you see these moths in action.

What type of Galium are you planting ACE?  It's wild form is "Cleavers" isn't it?  I've got plenty of that around the garden!

If you are down for our open day Caroline we will dig you some up!!
;D

Quote from: caroline7758 on March 25, 2008, 08:53:43
I love it, but for some reason it doesn't self-seed in my garden. :( Got some seeds from RHS though so hope to replenish my stocks.

It's odd, it missed a couple of years in my garden too, then suddenly reappeared with a vengance.....perhaps it was just waiting for the right weather?

Morning Deb... are you coming down today?
::)

Might hold you to that, saddad!

Quote from: saddad on March 25, 2008, 10:16:57
Morning Deb... are you coming down today?
::)

Yep, I will be down early pm, still recovering from first day back at work yesterday! ;D

Sent you an E-mail see you later!  ;D