PUSHING THE BORDERS

Normally plants grow very well in my soil, often far exceeding suggested ultimate heights. I’ve had this Disporum in the garden for 7 years or so and it has always been rather lovely, assuming that you can accept variegation. The clump has been lush, ever expanding and even requiring curtailing.



This year only three shoots have emerged. Do they have an acknowledged lifespan? Or are they prone to simply getting weaker with age?

I’m now unsure as to whether to leave what I have in the ground with the hope that it begins to re-expand or dig up and pot up the three shoots and hope that this prompts them to go forth and multiply?

I've been thinking about this.

Slugs, snails and vine weevil are the most likely concern.

I think some very cautious excavation is in order to see what has happened to the rhizomes that haven't thrown a visible sprout.

Most likely are small slugs that have eaten off the growth below ground level before it showed above ground.

Unless you find vine weevil larvae in the soil, I would slug bait, and feed with a mulch and some mild fertiliser. And, slug bait in March and again in April next year.

Chad

Thanks Chad. I will do just that. I have a young Night Heron nearby and that hasn’t been affected. I’m hoping to get hold of Night Lark next month as well. At least, I’m on the list!