skip to main content

please help me!! my perrenials are dying!!

13 years ago

About one month ago I planted a garden in front of my mom's house for mother's day. I'm located in Bay Shore, New York (Long Island).

I went to Walmart and bought soil and perrenials. The soil I got was Miracle Gro "Moisture Control" Garden Soil.

I forget the exact name of the perrenials but I got two kinds. I also bought one kind of seasonal. All three types were bought from Walmart two days before I planted. It was about 10-12 flowers total. I planted them from left to right: Perrenial #1 - Seasonal - Perrenial #2 - Seasonal - Perrenial #1 - Seasonal - Perrenial #2 ... as so on. All flowers were planted about one foot away from each other.

Before I planted the flowers, I dug up just a little bit of dirt (not much) and put down one layer of the Miracle Gro soil and 4-6 inches high. I then planted the flowers and added another 4-6 inches of Miracle Gro soil to surround it. I guess this is called a raised bed?

The location of this garden is in front of the house on the lawn (and as mentioned above in Bay Shore, New York).

The flowers get enough sun (6-8 hours) and they are watered once a day.

*Each day that goes by, the perrenial flowers die more and more and now some are turning brown. The seasonal look like they're growing because they got taller. But what is wrong with the perrenials?? How can I fix this and make them grow and eventually bloom?

PLEASE HELP ME IT WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Thanks,

Anthony

acfurino@yahoo.com

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

acfurino
Original Author
13 years ago
Names of perrenials are Peppermint Star Dianthus and Christy Veronica
aubade
13 years ago
I'm not an expert and I don't know anything about veronica. But I think you are probably watering too much. I have dianthus in my front yard, and they are actually drought-tolerant. It is good to keep them watered well until they are established, but even then that would only be every few days. Mine are in their 3rd summer now, and I never water them - they survive just fine by rain alone. IF there was a serious dry spell I might water them, but that's about it.

Also keep in mind that dianthus only really flower in the spring. Mine are already done with their big flowering for the season. At this point all the old flower stalks are now just tipped with wilted brown. When that happens, I trim all the old flower stalks (taller stems) off, and then you may get a second bloom, but it won't be as much as the first.
Related Discussions
Please Help Me Save My Dying Avocado Tree!
Q
Comments (7)
I have to disagree with jean001 a little. New potting soil (looks like yours has some perlite as well) will not compact and/or dry out such that it pulls away from the edge of the pot, and water runs right through without wetting it. Given the size of your pot, and the amount you're watering, I'd say it's been too wet. Avocados like well-drained soil, on the slightly dry side. A new tree, with few roots to absorb and transpire water, doesn't require much. As it grows and water needs increase, it can use more, but easy does it. As jean001 suggested, growing in a pot is MUCH different than in the ground. Care must be taken to maintain the correct soil moisture. There are perhaps a few avocado varieties that will produce in a container, but it would have to be a very large container. Also, you'll get few, if any, fruits, without cross-pollination. If you maintain a drier pot, and keep an eye on moisture levels further down in the mix before watering, it's possible your tree will come back. The way it's looking at the moment, I'd give it about a 30-40% chance. Also, small avocados are prone to sunburn -- don't keep it in direct sun all day. Shade it slightly, and/or paint the trunk. -Bruce
...See More
My perrenials aren't doing good already..please help!
Q
Comments (40)
It is true. The gallardia is toast and needs to be tossed. Your soil appears to be compacted and gallardia needs freely draining soil. This means loose soil with tiny air pockets. If there is a Lowe's near you they sell bagged soil conditioner for less than $4. This is what most compacted soil needs as it contains small pieces of pine bark that keeps the soil from packing down again. It gets mixed into the top 6 inches of the soil after you have turned and loosened it with the garden fork or with a shovel. It is likely that tha water you gave it was more than it needed, but not lossening the soil was probably the biggest problem. A free soil test from your county agrigcultural agent would be a great place to start with any amendments that you may need. If I don't have a soil test and can't wait for one, I just use soil conditioner, a little lime, and bagged dry cow compost in small amounts dug thoroughly into the soil. You may not need lime if your soil is not acidic. I never fertilize new transplants. It is best to let them begin to grow slowly into their new soil. Most of us have made the same mistakes as you and learned from our mistakes. Thats why this forum is so helpful. Once you get the area dug and replanted, be sure to mulch, with shredded pine bark mulch if it is available. This mulch will break down and improve your soil also.
...See More
Please help me with my gardenia bonsai, I think it's dying!
Q
Comments (1)
Can you post a picture to illustrate the problem? It is often easier if you can describe your problem with a picture. Also location of the plant (indoor//outdoor), your watering habits, and how you fertilize is very helpful in diagnosing problems. Flower buds drying off and falling, browning of leaves happens for many reasons and so little more detail is needed.
...See More
Please help me identify my dying plant!
Q
Comments (24)
Yes, usually rot. You can just feel it and the color is very much telling too...but if unsure, take a branch and start cutting thinner slices from the bottom to see what the flesh looks like. If very soft, you may not be able to get clean cut. Use a blade, scissors or pruning shears will just squish it. If you find firm flesh, there is a chance that it could be rooted - few of the stems may have some viable parts. The longer, thicker stem on left seems to have yellow tip too -BUT very light color could be caused by plant being shaded too much for a while. I am assuming rot since the main stem was rotted, and being able to see only photos.
...See More

Related Stories

Ideabook 911: Help Me Finish My Foyer

By Becky Harris

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Ceanothus Pleases With Nectar and Fragrant Blooms

West Coast natives: The blue flowers of drought-tolerant ceanothus draw the eye and help support local wildlife too

HOUSEPLANTS Mother-in-Law's Tongue: Surprisingly Easy to Please

By creative jewish mom.com

This low-maintenance, high-impact houseplant fits in with any design and can clear the air, too

PETS How to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor

By Alison Hodgson

Good fences certainly help, but be sure to introduce your pup to the neighbors and check in from time to time

LIFE Decluttering — How to Get the Help You Need

By Alison Hodgson

Don't worry if you can't shed stuff and organize alone; help is at your disposal

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: 38 Years of Renovations Help Artists Live Their Dream

By Esther Hershcovich

Twin art studios. Space for every book and model ship. After four decades of remodeling, this farmhouse has two happy homeowners

HOUSEKEEPING When You Need Real Housekeeping Help

By Becky Harris

Which is scarier, Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' show or that area behind the toilet? If the toilet wins, you'll need these tips

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways Cats Help You Decorate

By Molly Brandenburg

Furry felines add to our decor in so many ways. These just scratch the surface

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

Sponsored

Red Pine Landscaping

Industry Leading Landscape Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Bedrosians Cloe Tile from Amazon

16

Does dekton chip?

9

Phyllite/fake soapstone countertops?

5

I would like $30 off my next order

1

any ideas how to utilize this space?

5