My know-it-all friend and the Micklemas Daisies...

Morning Forum,

A pal of mine is of the opinion that A-L-L- plants that are resited/devided etc., MUST be cut back as soon as in the ground. Now this sounds a bit cruel to me, as I've planted the 6 small clumps (about 20" tall) of the above flower and although looking a bit sad (it's pouring down here...) have certainly perked up since planting Wednesday.

Question is then, does anyone else cut everything down in this manner? Also, ALL her plants that have flowered she cuts back, sometimes getting a second flush.

Soooo, should I leave them or cut down please?

Thank you

Springy
x

 

:D
The idea behind cutting back on a replant is to give the disturbed root system less work to do whilst recovering from the stress of the move and settling into their new home
If you daisies are holding up they will be fine
I don't honestly think the idea is quite 'set in stone'

 

Thank you Sam, yes. They ARE holding up, although mighty wet!!!!!

S

 

Im in the cut it back camp, in adtition to what whiskey mentions you are also reducing wind resistance.

With roses in particular havin lifted them I leave the roots soaking in a bucket of water for an hour before planting.

 

Another one of those "it depends" answers. Wind resistance, time of year etc are always crucial. Grow from seed and move early is MY rule. Risk a frost and keep back ups .......sorry not to be much help

 

I think it depends a bit on the weather and the plant. If it is hot and dry,definitely cut, because the plant is loosing a lot of water through perspiration. If it is cool and damp you may get away with leaving them alone. As Pro GArd says wind is also a factor. Staking with twiggy sticks helps sometimes.

If you HAVE to move plants in the wrong period (i.e. roses in summer) you may have to cut back and even defoliate. It does sound cruel, but it may save a condemned plant.

 

Unless you are moving house and really have no choice about moving plants in the wrong season I wouldn't BUT if you do have to I am afraid as annoying as it may be your 'know-it-all' friend does actually know what they are talking about and probably has yours and your plants best interests at heart. So be gracious and accept the advice given in the context that it was given on this occasion. Maybe your chance will come when you can offer sound advice to them and be glad if they take it.

 

I would agree with the others. As Whis4ey says root growth below and foliage growth above will be in balance for a healthy plant. If you damage the roots, as you will when you lift or divide a plant, you should also cut back the foliage above to retain this balance. If you don't the foliage will be transpiring water faster then the reduced roots are able to extract it from the soil.

By chance, Asters (Michaelmas Daisys) are one of the few plants that probably don't need this. I have been told by Paul Picton, who holds the national collection of Asters, that you can lift Asters even when they are in flower and they will happily continue to flower. This means that you can grow Asters in a hidden part of the garden and move them into the main border as late as September 1st with no ill effects. The only other plant, that I know of, that you can move when it is in flower is the perennial Lobelia. But everything else will benfit from being cut back.

Quite a few perennials will reflower if you cut them back after flowering but before they set seed, but some won't. Its always worth a try. Also many plants that are traditionally regarded as biennials become more perennial if you cut them back before they set seed. As seed starts to set, chemicals are produced in the plant that tell the plant it has done its job and it can finish. For some it just means finish for the year, but for others (biennials) it means finish permanently. This also explains why some sterile plants, such as Geranium 'Particia', flower for a such a long period. They keep trying to produce seed but can't.

 

When lifting any plant at this time of year, give it a good watering the evening before lifting. This negates the need to cut back, as the plant is full of water ( turgid ).

 

Just an aside line.... David, I like your new photo (avitar) G.man

 

Thank you Gman.:p:thumb:

 

Looks like a bouncer or debt collector, heh,heh.

 

Tweaky, I`ve been called a lot of things in my time, but never " debt collector ".:D:thumb:

 

Bet your a big softy at heart.:thumb: