Hello, If you are trying to create a tight clump then you could plant them at 45cm intervals.

Helen

Hello There, I am not really sure why your Acanthus is not thriving, although it is worth keeping in mind that they die right back in autumn and wont really have started growing much (if at all) just yet this year. If you planted yours later in the year last year, then this would explain while there has been little growth, but if it was planted in the earlier part of the year then perhaps the plant was concentrating on putting on root growth rather than top growth. They like a spot in full sun or partial shade with deep, fertile, well-drained soil and given time they are quite boisterous, so I would try to improve the growing conditions if you can and hopefully you will see some action soon. I'm sorry not to be more help. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello There, There are a number of reasons why plants don't flower including too much shade, not enough water or nutrients, or pruning at the wrong time of the year. It can also be caused by the plant putting on new root growth instead of focusing its energies on producing flowers. I am not really sure why yours has not produced buds, but you can often give them a bit of a push by feeding with a high potash fertiliser. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello There, These plants can be propagated by either division in spring or autumn or take root cuttings in winter. Division is probably the fastest and easiest. It is best carried out on frost free, dry days when the plant is dormant, normally between late autumn and early spring. Simply lift the parent plant and shake off the excess soil. Separate the plant into sections using two forks or a spade, making sure that each section has a good root system and replant immediately keeping the soil level the same as before. Root cuttings are generally done in winter when the plants are completely dormant. You should select healthy, young roots, preferably at least 5mm in diameter that have been taken close to the crown of the plant. Trim the roots to 5-10cm for the thicker pieces and 7-12cm for the thinner ones, making a straight cut on the end which has come from the near the crown and a slated cut at the furthest end. Remove any fibrous roots and dust with a fungicidal powder. Pop them vertically into pots of compost, with the straight cut end flush with the surface of the compost. The thinner roots you can lay flat in trays and cover with a little compost. They should then have a topdressing of grit or sand. Keep them in a cold frame or propagator and don't water them until they have formed roots. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Melanie, There are a number of reasons why plants don't flower including too much shade or not enough water or nutrients. I am not really sure why yours has not produced buds, but you can often give them a bit of a push by feeding with a high potash fertiliser such as Tomorite.

Crocus Helpdesk

Hello Andree, The most likely cause is either too much shade, or not enough of the right nutrients. To encourage flowering, you can feed it with a high potash fertiliser, which should give it a bit of a push. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Crocus Helpdesk