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Southwestern Gardening

texas bluebonnet in albuquerque

19 years ago

howdy folks,

my name is Stephanie, and I recently planted texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) here in albuquerque. they germinated fine, and now they are shriveling and turning yellow. I understand that they need well drained soil, and do not tolerate clay. I am afraid the soil is too clay-ish and I would like to amend it with sand or gravel. however, I also understand that these flowers do not transplant well.

what to do? is there any way to rescue them?

thanks!

peace

*stephanie

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Comments (2)

the_butterfly_lady
19 years ago
Stephanie,
In Texas where they are beautiful wild flowers all over the countryside, Blubonnets bloom in spring, and die back when the temps start gettin hot. I'm guessing that's what's happening to you now.
I bought them in 6-pac cells at Walmart (in Alamogordo)this spring, and carefully planted them (don't disturb the roots at all!) All flowered and looked great until the heat hit.
The best time to plant seeds is fall. They need the stratification in winter, and will set roots then. This way, you'll have purty flowers in spring.
proper_gait
19 years ago
I agree w/ the butterfly lady.I have also tested the transplant theory and they can be succesfully transplanted.
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