Cherry Star Superbells photo PBH
DYING PLANT ALERT
Why are my superbells dying? I water them every other day…they always seem to be dry?
They are in a hanging container that lets them drain well.
I live in California and they receive full sun all day.
Please help.
Thanks,
Blanca
Hardy and steady blooming plus these bloomers are self-cleaning. Photo by Patsy Bell Hobson.
My gardening friend, this is what I think.
Of course, I can’t see the problem, but my guess is that your container is too small or you should add some organic matter to the soil. Something like peat moss, core, grass clippings, shredded news paper. In CA, you should not have to water every other day.
The soil does not seem to have much water holding capacity. If, when you water, the water goes straight through the hanging basket, the water is not being absorbed by the soil or basket liner. That’s good, it tells us that the problem is:
A. Too many plants in too small of a space.
B. poor quality soil mix.
C. You need a better and probably a bigger basket.
So, decide if you want fewer plants in your basket or, buy a bigger basket for all the flowers (Or divide the flowers making two baskets.)
Don’t give up on the Superbells, I have some that have overwinter and lived to bloom another year. They serve me well when other flowers are suffering the summer heat.
Soil quality it is important to give your plants the best home. So invest in a good soiless potting mix. I usually mix my own. But some times it’s just easier to buy
Organic Container Mix from Gardeners Supply loaded with peat moss, perlite. They also have a self watering variety that might solve your problem.
I am a great believer in starting with a good base of moisture holding, well draining potting soil.In my gardens I’m replacing peat with core. It’s cheaper, more readily available and a good environmental choice.
Watermelon slice was a butterfly magnet last spring. Photo PBH.
My advice is to start all over. Using the plants you have. Giving then a better or bigger root space will allow them to thrive.
Please let me know of your success and how you solved the problem.
Getting these reliable Superbell bloomers off to a good start and you will have summer-long success. Patsy Bell Hobson in SE Missouri. email: Patsy64068@yahoo.com
