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Annuals/Dianthus turniing brown

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Expert: - 5/24/2010


Question
I have some dianthus surrounding a mail box which I planted about 6 weeks ago. They did very well but have suddenly started to turn brown. Should I simply deadhead them or does it suggest another problem?

Answer
Michael,
If it's the flowers only that are turning brown, they are probably at the end of their bloom time and this is natural. Dianthus bloom for about 6 to 8 weeks tops. Cut the stems back to the foliage and enjoy the look of the foliage for the rest of the summer.

If the entire plant is turning brown, there is a problem. Plants can turn brown from drought, fertilizer burn or occasionally a fungus. Be sure never to fertilize a thirsty plant, water deeply less often, and don't spray the plant frequently with water.

I hope this helps,
C.L.

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C.L. Fornari

Expertise

Annuals suggested for specific situations (sun, shade, windowboxes etc) New or unusual annuals are a particular interest of mine, and I grow many of these from seed. I am happy to help problem solve, answer questions about maintenance, and guide you to sources of unusual plants.

Experience

I am a garden writer/speaker/consultant and host of a weekly gardening radio program in the Northeast. I have been gardening all my life for my own pleasure, and started as a professional gardener and garden communicator 15 years ago. I work part-time at a garden center, selling and tending shrubs/trees/annuals/perennials...and doing some propagation and design work. I often think that all these professional activities serve to put a somewhat legitimate framework around a serious case of plant-lust.

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