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Mint and Lemon Verbena ... Not Quite Growing
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Posted by agnes_wa WA Aust (My Page) on Sat, Apr 24, 04 at 9:05
| I have some mint in shady spot - two plants - and was expecting it to just take over and grow like wild (you know, the mythic growth qualities of mint). They get watered almost every day, if not at least every second day. They get little direct sun. They have been given some blood and bone. They were planted about 5 weeks ago. Growth has been pathetic to say the least. The only good thing is that they haven't died. Is there anything I can do to kick it along?
In another spot in the garden I have some lemon verbena. It gets alot more sun (5 hours) and it gets the same amount of watering and has also been given blood and bone. It was planted the same time as the mint. It has managed to shrink in size - bits are drying up and dying - but has thus far avoided death. Methinks, though, that it is on the cusp. Any tips on resuscitating my verbena?
Thanks - any tips and suggestions would be most appreciated.
Aggie |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Mint and Lemon Verbena ... Not Quite Growing
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| Give it time, and stop feeding them! Too much food can be just as unhealthy for plants as it is for humans, and will often slow down plant growth. You may be overwatering the mint - the soil should be moist, not wet. And the lemon verbena doesn't really like a lot of water, and needs a lot more sun than yours is getting. Also, don't forget we are almost into winter, and your plants are probably entering dormancy right now - that means their watering (and food) requirements will be even less. (You don't eat or drink when you're asleep, do you?) Your lemon verbena may very well lose all or most of its leaves and look decidedly dead. Wait until spring and you'll see a difference. |
RE: Mint and Lemon Verbena ... Not Quite Growing
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| agree.. the lemon verbena has thrived on neglect and is forming a nice shrub... will lose it leaves over winter and in spring have a little prune to once again bounce back to lovely shrubberinesses... still working on culinery usages .... but makes lovely stylish arrangement to any seafood dish - Kat :-) |
RE: Mint and Lemon Verbena ... Not Quite Growing
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| Thanks guys for your responses. I wasn't aware that the lemon verbena loses its leaves - huge sigh of relief... Aggie |
RE: Mint and Lemon Verbena ... Not Quite Growing
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| Hello agnes wa, my mint disappears totally during winter and comes back very happy in spring. Lemon verbena has survived no water and dreadful neglect, not a perfect shrub, but the leaves are divine, love the fragrance and they make a great herbal tea, just pour over boiling water, as does the mint of course. |
RE: Mint and Lemon Verbena ... Not Quite Growing
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| Ringtail Thanks. I have gone into decline as my mint now looks like it has been eaten by caterpillers. I can't even find my lemon verbena anymore ! Will perservere, and let you know if they have lived through winter. Cheers.
Aggie |
RE: Mint and Lemon Verbena ... Not Quite Growing
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| If you want mint to grow find a spot in your garden that is damp or you can get it growing in a pot, cover the first 2inchs of the pot with small rocks fill, put some mulch then fill with potting mix and just water once a week in winter if not raining and every second day in summer. |
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