staKinG 75
Staking
S
taking is not my idea of fun. No matter what kind of stakes or
technique I use, it’s still a chore I could do without. One way to skirt
the staking issue is to select tall plants that are self-supporting—but
this isn’t always a solution, because what is free standing in one
situation might not be in another. A need for staking can be due to
richer or moister soil, heavier winds or rains, more shade, the fact
that division is needed, or sometimes I’d swear it’s simply contrari-
ness on the plant’s part! Another way to get around staking is to use
shorter growing cultivars. Planting tightly, so that neighbors can
help hold up a falling individual, is a choice method for airy perennials. Heavier
tumbling plants will simply pull their companions down with them. Sometimes
plants need to be lifted up off smaller neighbors so the lesser counterpart doesn’t
remain completely hidden or rot from lack of light and high moisture under the
canopy. Pinching or cutting back is one of the most effective ways to avoid
staking. Unfortunately, even with all these alternatives, staking isn’t always
avoidable.
So, if it needs to be done, do it early, after the first flush of growth but before
full growth. The stems need to be sturdy, and flower buds should not be formed
yet. Stakes placed early are easily hidden by maturing foliage. Avoid waiting
until it is too late, when the plants have already toppled over and the stems have
started to be affected by polarity.
Staking should be done as naturally as possible, without adulterating the
normal habit of the plant. Follow the natural line of the stem. Use natural
materials such as branches whenever feasible, and for ties use jute or string that
blends well and is biodegradable (plastic-coated twist ties are not!). Examine the
plant closely. Perhaps only the center of the plant is falling open. In that case only
the sagging section, not the entire plant, needs to be staked. Don’t tie the stem so
tightly that it looks restricted. Let stems have a bit of slack to allow some
movement.
Single stakes such as bamboo or steel bamboo-look-alikes are most effective
for plants with spiked flowers (a group of flowers on a single upright stem) or
with single heavy flowers. Tie the jute or string around the stem first and then
around the stake, or make a twist in the tie, so that the plant is not in contact
with the stake. Sometimes the stem will need to be tied in several locations along
the stake. The stakes ideally should end approximately 6 in. lower than theStaking should be done as
naturally as possible. Single
stakes are effectively used on
this foxglove (Digitalis
purpurea).