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What has happened to my polyanthus?

BerkleyBerkley Posts: 431

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I was so pleased with the polyanthus in my garden last year (picture attached). I added lots more in the Autumn - and this is what they look like this year. (picture attached). What on earth are the corky growths on each one? I planted some more of the same variety in a different part of the garden and they are fine.

 

 

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  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,697

    They do look a bit unhappy so it might be worth looking to see if vine weevil larvae have burrowed into the stems just below soil level. I have just had a similar problem with some primroses..

  • BerkleyBerkley Posts: 431

    Thank you for your interest. I will dig one up tomorrow. 

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546

    The ones in my window box look a bit sad too, but that is because a pheasant keeps standing on them to tell me to hurry up with breakfastimage

  • Snow MaidenSnow Maiden Posts: 862

    I found the same thing had happened to one of mine that was in a tub today, I dug around and found lots of vine weevil grubs. Tomorrow I will empty out the whole tub and check out the rest. There are also lots of bulbs in the tub that are emerging, so I hope I can save them.

  • BerkleyBerkley Posts: 431

    Very disappointed to report that I couldn't find any vine weevil grubs ( never thought I'd say that!). Only 2 degrees out there - but dug up about ten. Although the roots are sparse, there is no sign of them having been eaten away. Do you have any more ideas? I suppose I should remove all thirty plants. What do I need to do then? Thanks to everyone in advance.

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,697

    You could try potting them up and giving them a lot of TLC but it might be better to just bin the lot and start again. Its far too easy to get emotionally attached to plants (I know.....I have a lot of things that ought to have been given the boot years ago) when sometimes it is just better to be brutal.

  • BerkleyBerkley Posts: 431

    I think you're right. I'm going to dig them all up. Would you recommend treating the soil with anything before I replant?

  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,697

    Difficult to treat it if you don't know the problem. Maybe just leave it polyanthus free for a while, a bit like crop rotation in the veg patch.

  • BerkleyBerkley Posts: 431

    Will do. Thank you.

  • LandlubberLandlubber Posts: 396

    I have just planted some polyanthus....  (plants) just hope they will be okimage

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