One of the troubles of working in a garden project – even if these days I am mainly in the office – is that it makes my home garden efforts look decidedly…
Cultivation
These frost-hardy to somewhat frost-tender plants are best grown in well-drained, moist, light loam, enriched with animal manure or compost. They have a minimum temperature of 5C. Most grow in sun or part-shade but resent wet conditions in winter. Prune after the first flush of flowers to encourage repeat flowering, and fertilize weekly with a liquid manure during the season. Transplant from late autumn until early spring. In cold areas some perennials and shrubs are therefore best lifted in autumn and placed in well-drained compost in frames.
Propagation
You can propagate by annuals by seeds in the spring, and perennial species by seed or division in the spring. Specific cultivars are propagated by division only. Shrubs by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Pests, diseases or disorders
Prone to leaf blotch.
