step by Step

1

Your wallflowers will be sold in ta y bunches of leafy roots – ‘in the green’ – with brown paper or newspaper wrapped round the roots to protect them. Unpack and ensure they look healthy and relatively moist.

2

Soak in water for at least an hour before planting to make sure roots are fully hydrated and not dry. Sat in a garden centre or post office for days may mean they’re not at their best for planting straight away.

3

Dig holes big enough to fit the root mass, and plant in clumps quite closely together to stop there being a ‘gappy’ look to your planting, though leave room for a bushy plant to develop. Firm the soil in well around the crown.

4

Water in well and mulch with gravel to keep weeds down, and for a neat effect. During hot spells, mulch with woodchip to retain moisture but give no extra unnecessary nutrients. This will also keep roots warm in winter.