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A couple of years ago, on the wasteland, where I have been given permission to 'do what I like with it' I planted several lavatara bushes. Several reasons really, Firstly, they are fast growing and make an excellent hedge. I'm trying to hide the view of the motorway! Secondly, open flowered which bees and butterflies prefer. Thirdly, because I had created a hedge with lavatara somewhere else, I assumed they were hardy bushes and could withstand anything. I remember clearly trying to remove a lavatara planted in the wrong place, and was amazed at the size of the roots......I cracked four ribs in the process! At the beginning of this year, I noticed that 4 out of the 5 I had planted looked dead and the branches made that 'stick' sound when touched. I hoped that I was wrong but unfortunately my fears were true. The bushes have died. Had it have been a hot and dry summer last year, I could have understood it, as my hose does'nt reach that area and I have to carry water by cans. But last year was wet. I do'nt understand why these bushes have died. From one foot plants, they had grown to 6 foot bushes, and last year were amazing with lots of activity on the flowers. Next to the bushes is my herb patch including, various mints, sage, dill, fennels, and giant angelicas. All of which seem to be doing well. So, has anyone got an idea why they died? Or do Lavatara have a life limit? I'd be grateful for any replies. Thanks.
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Hello Sunflower, I think Lavatera is just quite short lived. 2 or 3 years maybe. Well that's my experience anyway.
From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. -
Not short-live in my experience, but I have no idea why they should die. Do you think that someone could have killed them off without knowing that you were cultivating the area?Comment
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Be carefull with these we had one in our garden and my son came out in a horrible rash the rabbit hutch was next to it and my son used to climb on top to look over the fence turned out he was allergic it was the only thing he had been near to never had one again.Gardening ..... begins with daybreak
and ends with backache
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Hi SimonCole, It's funny you should say that because that was my first thought. We have a neighbour who does'nt like me cultivating the wasteland. Even though the land was so terrible and overgrown, dogs, cats, squirrels avoided the place like the plague, and there were no significant wildlife plants growing there. Last year, he told me not to grow my tomato plants near his fence as this would encourage moles into his garden. I obliged with his request. But I do wonder whether he sprayed the ground overlooking the ancient lane and killed the bushes. I have permission to grow things there and other people including the town gardeners have commented on the beauty of the place now.
I think what I may do now is to dig up the dead bushes and plant native bush specimens. That was my original intention but I was trying to hide the motorway. I'm thinking that if I plant a variety of native plants like hawthorn and may, their growth is slow and less obvious. Thank you for your comments.Comment
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Shame to hear your troubles. The problem these days is that people are so highly polarized from society.Comment
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