Hollyhock Support

Q: My hollyhocks, peonies, delphiniums, and other tall perennials have a tendency to lean and even break as they get tall.  Adding support at that point always looks contrived and awkward.  How do you handle this issue?

A:  First check to make sure these plants are getting enough sun.  Neighboring trees sometimes create enough shade to cause the growth of sun loving perennials to be weak and unable to support the weight of tall stems and heavy flowers.  Prune the tree or move the plants to more sun if that’s the case.  Otherwise, installing plant supports (stakes, cages, grids etc) early is key.  I have already started placing supports even though the plants are just breaking dormancy.  This allows me to secure the new growth as it develops, maintaining a natural appearance.  

Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show