Red Hot Pokers Question

[9454scientist]

I planted these plants last spring, but never got any blooms. Someone told me that it was because they were cut back at the nursery before I bought them. So last Fall, I didn't trim them back; just mulched and hoped for the best. This spring I'm afraid to cut them back to neaten them up for fear of no blooms. They look terrible. How should I treat them?

[Newt]

Hi Scientist,
Like your name!! Just tidy up the dead foilage and leave anything that's green. They tend to sulk after being transplanted and might take another year before you see blooms. You'll have to be patient with these. It took mine 3 years to bloom well after being transplanted from a neighbor's yard.

Newt

[9454scientist]

Thanks, Newt.
So am I correct in thinking that they're evergreen? Do I cut them back next fall or just leave 'em alone? Also, the foliage looks very limp, all over the ground, although green. Will they perk up and look alert as the season progresses?

[Newt]

You're welcome! You have several questions but don't state your hardiness zone or your state in your post or profile, so I can't say for sure if they are evergreen where you live. I live in Maryland zone 7 where they are supposed to be evergreen, but that hasn't happened in the 3 years I've had mine. Got it from a neighbor as he didn't like it. I just tidy up the spent foilage in the spring. I leave the dead stuff in the fall to protect the crown of the plant for the winter. This is what I got from a Garden Web poster.

[/quote]The foliage is evergreen and any dead foliage can be cut off in the spring. A possible method of overwintering is to tie the leaves so that they cover and protect the crown of the
plant as it can be damaged by cold....Division is also usually done in the Spring

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/l...523020899.html

Here's another tip.
http://englishgarden.lifetips.com/Ti...__id__E__58196

Hope this answers your questions.
Newt

[9454scientist]

Thanks for the help! I neatened them up, so now I'll keep my fingers crossed for some beautiful blooms. By the way, I'm in Michigan, Zone 5. I think it's amazing that they wintered over so well and stayed green!