| I have a large bed of Sea Pinks at my front door area. This is the third year for the Pinks and last year, the plants started turning brown and looked so bad that I removed about 25%. I like the look of the plants when they are healthy, but not when brown. Any suggestions? Thank you. |
| Not many pests or diseases affect Sea Pinks so environmental or cultural practices may be the problem. Your plants like well draining soil and a deep watering once or twice a week during the growing season. Sometimes the crowns of the plants, especially when overcrowded, can push up above the soil level, exposing them to dry air and sunshine. You may want to redo the bed this spring, rogue out the sickly, and replant in freshly amended soil. Start by removing the plants and then spreading 4-5 inches of compost or other organic matter over the surface, digging it in to a depth of about 8 inches. Level the soil and then replant, giving each plant about 6 inches of elbow room to encourage good air circulation. Water thoroughly and then plan on watering deeply once each week. I think you will see a great difference in their performance. Best wishes with your landscape! |
