I recently planted vio... - Ask Extension
I recently planted viola Corsica in a sunny end of my perennial garden in the spring. It now is looking rather withered and the blooms are not opening...
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I recently planted vio... #657235
Asked June 28, 2020, 3:47 PM EDT
I recently planted viola Corsica in a sunny end of my perennial garden in the spring. It now is looking rather withered and the blooms are not opening but rather shriveling and the plant is falling open. It gets plenty of water even though it can take less. It’s in good soil and sun. Can I over fertilize this plant or are there insects that may attack it, although I don’t see any? Just trying to nurse it back to how it looked when I planted it. It was gorgeous a month ago in the middle of my “snow in summer“ when it was blooming:)
Thanks, Teresa
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Teresa,
I think it's just a combination of planting stress and the heat. These plants are grown in a greenhouse in optimal conditions and then they are planted outside into our wild weather and elements.
I would watch the water, since it is a drought-tolerant plant, and understand that perennials often "sleep" the first year, then creep, then leap. It takes some time for them to get established.
I also wouldn't fertilize at this time--the nursery/greenhouse would have provided plenty. Fertilizer usually doesn't help stressed plants.
I think it's just a combination of planting stress and the heat. These plants are grown in a greenhouse in optimal conditions and then they are planted outside into our wild weather and elements.
I would watch the water, since it is a drought-tolerant plant, and understand that perennials often "sleep" the first year, then creep, then leap. It takes some time for them to get established.
I also wouldn't fertilize at this time--the nursery/greenhouse would have provided plenty. Fertilizer usually doesn't help stressed plants.
