F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions
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The following F.A.Q.'s relate to all the dryland plants
at Bannockburn Floriculture
Q. How much Water do they need?
Normal winter and spring rainfall is usually enough. It is essential they are kept dry over the summer.
Q. How important are Frosts?
For the Eremurus frosts are essential. The rest of our plants will bloom without frosts, although they all do happily grow in frosty conditions.
Q. Can they grow in Shade as well as Sun?
Our plants are all big-time sun-lovers. However a few can handle partial shade - the Nectaroscordum and some of the Alliums.
Q. What Soil Type do they prefer?
The soil must be free-draining, such as a sandy loam. Clay is usually too moisture-retentive, although raised beds can help in marginal cases.
Q. When can the old leaves be Cleaned Up?
Don't remove them until they have naturally died back otherwise next season's flowering will be affected.
(Hint: Try planting the bulbs amongst perennials that will hide the foliage.)
Q. What about Dead-Heading? Do any self-seed?
Most heads can be left on after flowering. The only ones to remove, to avoid self-seeding, are Allium caeruleum, Allium neapolitanum and Nectaroscordum siculum. And this is only necessary if you don't want them naturalising.
Q. Do they need Feeding? When?
An annual dressing in autumn or winter with a bulb or potato fertiliser will improve their performance.
Q. Do they need Dividing? When?
Don't disturb the clumps if they are flowering well. When they become crowded lift after flowering once the plants are completely dormant.
Q. Are there any special tips for Replanting?
Replant promptly; don't let them dry out, especially the Eremurus. As a general rule plant at twice the depth of the bulb itself and the same distance apart. For the Eremurus, plant so the tip of the bud is just below the soil surface, and allow half a metre between plants.
Q. Do they have problems with Pests and Diseases?
Very few. Water-logged soils will cause rotting at any time, as will wet or humid conditions in summer. Aphids and thrips can be a problem, but the most important pest is slugs - they love young Eremurus shoots.
Q. I always thought Alliums might smell "oniony" - do they?
Only the foliage, and only when handled. The smell evaporates quickly.
