Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Cultivation => Cultivation Problems => Topic started by: brianw on February 21, 2015, 04:59:23 PM

Title: Weeds over Eremurus
Post by: brianw on February 21, 2015, 04:59:23 PM
Not exactly an alpine, but we all like a change.
Last year I planted 2 groups of Eremurus, 1 hybrids and the other robustus. Both flowered well but I have unfortunately let that area grow over somewhat and I am not sure where they are. I planted some snowdrops in the centre of the hybrid group which are now in flower, but could not safely get any amongst the very vigorous robustus roots in the summer. The weeds are mostly coarse grasses. The Eremurus shoots will not be showing yet but are not far below the surface.
Any suggestions as to how to expose them without damage? Weed killers, Flame torch? I read recently about using vinegar as a weed killer; anyone tried it? Once I know where they are I can weed properly without damaging the shoots.
I suppose I could put a heavy mulch on and wait.
Title: Re: Weeds over Eremurus
Post by: Jupiter on February 21, 2015, 05:59:22 PM
I'd be inclined to use glyphosate and a paint brush. Grasses are extremely sensitive to it and we get good control here applying it selectively. Since the eremurus are still below ground you have a good opportunity to kill the grass without disturbing what's going on underground.
Title: Re: Weeds over Eremurus
Post by: Susan Band on February 21, 2015, 07:00:29 PM
I would agree with roundup. Burning is good for a lot of things but encourages grass.
Susan
Title: Re: Weeds over Eremurus
Post by: melager on February 21, 2015, 07:25:56 PM
I would not use vinegar, I did on my seed pots and just painted on the liverwort and I lost some lovely seedlings even though I didnt paint near them,
A gloved hand and paint brush with round up and brush the weeds, I do that in difficult areas were grass is getting amongst plants and seems to work
Title: Re: Weeds over Eremurus
Post by: brianw on February 24, 2015, 08:13:42 AM
I thought that most of these weed killers did not work on plants that were not actively growing. I had assumed this meant at the beginning of the season as well as at the end. That is assuming I can get some dry leaves to treat at this time of the year. Frost about once a week and lots of showers at present.
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