Question
Hi, I've had my somona for about 8-10 years now, and it just hit me that it hasn't flowered in about 5 years.  I've had it in full sun, but it does well out of direct sunlight, insofar as the leaves are healthy and it's growing taller.  In the last month, it's begun to grow two new shoots, which has me very excited, but I really would love to see the flowers again!
It's in a 4" pot (the same one it's always been in) and I water once a week, sometimes once every 2 weeks, using tap water that has time to distill. I fertilize with Miracle Grow mixed in the water once every four or five waterings.  Should I repot or at least change the soil? Should I hang it in the bay window where it will get lots of sun?  I'm in Michigan and this time of year has a tendency to be pretty gray....
Thank you for any help you can give me!
Alice

Answer
Hi Alice,

It is really hard to say just why your Somona has not flowered. In general, the more direct sun the better, so the bay window sounds like a good move. If is has been out of direct sun that may explain the absence of flowers.

As long as there is enough soil to keep the roots moist for a week or so, then the pot is probably large enough. Uppotting often triggers new growth, but it tends to discourage flowers.

Use a fertilizer that has a low nitrogen content (first number of the three listed on the label). Nitrogen tends to produce foliage at the expense of flowers

Hybrids are very unreliable after their initial flowering cycle. They are often bred for a spectacular flowering show at the time of sale, but then languish after that. It is one of the common trade-offs with flowering hybrids. That may or may not be the case with yours.

If your local tap water is on the hard side, then switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater. Letting water sit will allow chlorine to evaporate, but it will not remove any of the other minerals.

So try providing more light, changing the ferilizer, and hope for the best.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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