Re: question about monarda
Val
I did as you advised. I did one of the clumps, I have 2 more to do. they
look better already, not as leggy and scrubby looking. Now that I know you
can prune them, I'll start earlier next year.
I wonder if there is a perennial you can't prune.
Thanks ever so much
Donna in NE Mississippi zone 7
Lowery@teamzeon.com wrote:
> Donna,
>
> cut it back in layers. Mentally divide your clump into thirds (if you've
> got more than a couple of plants). Now, cut the front 1/3 down by half.
> Cut the middle 1/3 by a third, and leave the back 1/3 alone. What will
> happen is that your monarda will bloom in waves and it will appear that you
> will have a longer bloom time, when actually it is staggered. Another
> advantage is that the plant seems to get bushier and the foliage stays
> fresher longer.
>
> I must admit that I took the idea from a book whose title escapes me, but
> is very popular on this list. The author's first name is Tracy. Anyway, I
> tried it last year and it worked like a charm. Next year try doing the
> pinching while the plants are young and you won't get that legginess like
> you have now. If you cut back your plants now, you'll end up with bloom --
> just at a later time than usual.
>
> Val in KY
> zone 6a
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
> message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
