I'm considering adding wallflowers to my garden beds at this time of year, specifically garden-ready plug plants. We have a sunny new area where I've already moved some peonies and primroses, and I'm planning to plant tulip bulbs too. However, I'm worried about slugs, as they often visit our garden. I want to brighten up the space with wallflowers, but I'm concerned they might just become a snack for the slugs. I'm not the type to go out at night to collect them or set traps, so I'm looking for advice on whether to proceed with buying wallflowers or if there are any slug-resistant alternatives I could consider instead!
5 Answers
Unfortunately, wallflowers can attract slugs when they're young, especially as plug plants. If you're not diligent about checking for slugs, they might get eaten before they can settle in. You might want to consider plants like lavender or hardy geraniums instead since slugs tend to steer clear of those.
Now's a great time to plant wallflowers, whether they're plugs or bare-root. They're hearty and can withstand early frost and even slugs. Go for it!
Thank you for the encouragement! ☺️
Back in the day, you could get a bunch of bare-rooted wallflowers cheaply, about 8 to 10 inches tall. That size is perfect for bedding out now for the coming spring, if only those deals were still around!
Would that be 8 to 10... inches? If it was in the good old days? 😄 I'm sure these will probably be half that, if I'm lucky, so, no good? 🤔
I've planted small, potted wallflowers before, and they actually do well thanks to their established root systems. If they were bare-root, they might struggle to grow new roots, but with plugs, you should be just fine!
Thank you!
I planted wallflowers in spring, and honestly, they took a while to establish. Some critters nibbled on them, and I thought I lost them, but now they are flowering beautifully! I think spring is actually the best time to plant them. Also, the ones I put directly in the ground did way better than the potted ones I tried first. If you cut off any flowers early on, it helps them focus on developing their roots. Good luck!
They are beautiful! Thank you lots!
Thank you for the advice and for suggesting alternatives! Yes, I'm a big fan of hardy geraniums and have several types around. I did try growing lavender before, but it didn't do so well as it's kind of soggy here near Glasgow. But I’m always on the lookout for more geraniums! 😄