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| I had no success when I WS'd Canterbury Bells, Foxglove, Lupines, Delphiniums and Salvia. The plants grew beautifully in containers and were growing in the ground, but they started diminishing to nothing.
My soil PH meter is reading 8.2. If you have success in growing the above. Please let me know about your soil conditions. (In the future, I am going to have a soil test done) |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by gardenweed_z6a 5b/6a N CT (My Page) on Fri, Jan 6, 12 at 7:52
| I haven't done a soil pH test but am reasonably certain my soil is slightly acidic based on what I've grown successfully over the years. WS lupine, foxglove, campanula and salvia have all thrived. I did lose a yellow lupine but found the roots had been eaten by a nasty crawly bug. My WS lupines have done well by contrast. I lost WS foxglove to crown rot but prior to that they thrived. I found this when I Googled soil pH: Moderately alkaline: 7.9-8.4; sea water=8.2; sodium bicarbonate=8.4 According to my perennials book, foxglove prefer acid soil which might explain those not thriving for you. Both salvia and lupines apparently will tolerate varying soil pH. The book also says delphiniums will not tolerate wind, heat, drought or poorly drained soils which probably explains why they don't thrive in my garden. My soil drains well but we definitely get the wind, heat & drought. |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Fri, Jan 6, 12 at 9:20
| how fast after planting.. did they start to decline ... what is your base soil type ... and how did you plant them ... clay is often bizarre in terms of pH .... but the root problems are the clay itself.. rather than its pH ... also.. the CB and delphs.. were extremely short lived perennials for me ... looking great for one full season.. and then inexplicably disappearing in fall/winter ... your members page says you do roses ... do they have a problem in your pH??? you are focused on pH.. i am just looking outside that box ... a professional soil test never hurts ... ken |
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| You really should have a soil test done, see what if anything is going on with your soil. A ph of 8.2 would be unnaturally alkaline for New Jersey amd could just be misinformation from your home meter |
Here is a link that might be useful: Rutgers.edu PH
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| Home pH meters are notoriously inaccurate. It would be worth your while to spring for a 'real' test. I'd check with your local Rutgers Extension office for further information. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Click here for information
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- Posted by ladyrose65 6bNJ (My Page) on Fri, Jan 6, 12 at 23:59
| I get a soil test done. My roses are doing fine. The only problem I had with them were Dahlia bulbs overcrowding their root space. I had no idea how large the bulb's can get...whoa! The annuals took off like lightening! I do have 2 foxgloves that look like they are still growing. I just have one Lupine left. The Butterfly bushes had to be removed. Too Large. Thanks for the links. I'm just going to have a soil test done. |
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- Posted by ladyrose65 6bNJ (My Page) on Thu, Jan 12, 12 at 1:53
| Yesterday, I sent in my soil test. Hopefully, I get some answers. |
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