Jewell
 Regular Plants Contributor
Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW (Washington State, US)
Posts: 1590
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| Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 6:27 pm Post subject: Question about Knautia and Phlox blooms |
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I am growing Knautia and phlox and this is the first year that they have really put on the blooms.
My question is how can I best maintain their blooms and keep them blooming. My son and fiance are having an outdoor engagement party here in mid August and I would like to have as many blooms as possible in the yard.
( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )
pink phlox ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )
Thanks for any input. 
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~Jewell
If a you have but two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one to sustain your life, and a flower with the other to give you a reason to live. ~Chinese Proverb
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Droopy
Regular Plants Contributor
Western Norway
Posts: 9272
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| Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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You've got me curious now, Jewell. Is there a way to keep the blooms for longer outside?
I've seen people put umbrellas and parasols over paeonies to protect them from being ruined by the rain, but I guess that rain isn't your main concern here.
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The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
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Jewell
Regular Plants Contributor
Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW (Washington State, US)
Posts: 1590
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| Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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Droppy thanks for looking.
I am hoping to keep the flower production on some perennials going a little longer. I've found that with the balloon flowers if I keep the spent flowers cut that keeps them producing flowers on side shoots.
With the Knautia I am noticing a lot of seed pods (balls) if I prune the stem back will that keep them going with flowers better. And phlox I know from past experiences that I should dead head, but how much? Will the side shoots keep blooming.
In the past I have just let things go to seed and not dead-headed. Now I guess I want to know which flower types (specifically perennials) continue producing with dead heading.
_________________
~Jewell
If a you have but two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one to sustain your life, and a flower with the other to give you a reason to live. ~Chinese Proverb
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Jewell
Regular Plants Contributor
Puget Sound Region of the Pacific NW (Washington State, US)
Posts: 1590
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| Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 9:47 pm Post subject: |
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Droppy, we got a week of really hot weather (up to 97F). I used your covering/shading idea and it really worked well especially for the mop-head hydrenga and asiatic lilies. My back yard currently looks like tent city, but many flowers will make it to this week-end which is all I wanted. After the engagement party for my son and his fiance nature can take its course in the garden.
garden tents for flowers???? ( photo / image / picture from Jewell's Garden )
_________________
~Jewell
If a you have but two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one to sustain your life, and a flower with the other to give you a reason to live. ~Chinese Proverb
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Netty
Regular Plants Contributor
Southern Ontario zone 5a
Posts: 9958
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| Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 11:48 pm Post subject: |
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Oh wow Jewell...I'm so glad you will still have color for the party! I never would have thought of tents!
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Droopy
Regular Plants Contributor
Western Norway
Posts: 9272
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| Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 6:14 am Post subject: |
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I am amazed that shading worked.  I'd have thought the heat would get to them no matter what. I'm so pleased for you, and good luck with the party.
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