Plant supports

Sorry, it's another one of my silly question threads!

I don't think I have lots of plants that need supporting this year, but I will have some Rudbeckia, Oriental poppies and very large dahlias.

I wondered what everyone would recommend for them in terms of support?

I was thinking of these metal loop supports for the rudbeckias and poppies (as long as rust isn't bad for the soil) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-X-Class...t=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item1c4efbac28

And maybe some big stakes for the dahlias with ties.

But I've also seen those round supports with the grid in the circle for plants to grow through.

 

Re: oriental poppies. I've never staked mine, Jack, they didn't seem to need it.

 

Paullypaul grew some lovely dahlias last year. I'll tag him in and maybe he'll be able to offer advice. @Paullypaul any ideas?

 

Great question, something I've been meaning to ask. I had some huge dahlias last year and had to retrofit some bamboo canes and twine but they just weren't strong enough!

 

There's no "silly questions" on this forum, all questions are welcomed and relevant so ask away.!!

 

Dahlias need fairly strong support
The foliage and flowers (especially the bigger ones) makes them very top heavy.

 

Agree Sirius, do these suit?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GAP-Garden-...qid=1426674853&sr=8-1&keywords=plant+supports

 

Thanks everyone

The few big dahlias I've seen seem to have been supported by wooden posts about 1 1/2 - 2 inches thick. But I'm less sure on the medium / normal sized ones like Dahlia 'Hillcrest Royal'

 

I've been using some which are like a hooped cone, smaller at the base than the top. They come in several sizes and at a range of prices but they're still going strong three years on and I leave them in year round. They also serve to remind me where some of the pants which die back in winter (esp Peonies) are planted.