Ammobium alatum, commonly known as winged everlasting, is a beautiful and reliable addition to any garden, with its papery white blooms creating a stunning contrast against the green foliage. But what happens when this beloved plant refuses to flower? I’ve been there—patiently waiting for those little buds to appear, only to be left with foliage and no blooms. If your Ammobium alatum isn’t blooming, don’t worry. I’ve gathered some insights based on personal experience that might help you encourage those flowers to finally show up.
Main Causes of Non-Blooming Ammobium Alatum
1. Lack of Sunlight
Ammobium alatum craves sunlight. Without a full dose of it, the plant will focus more on growing foliage than producing flowers. I noticed this in my own garden when I planted it in a spot that only got a few hours of sun. Moving it to a sunnier location made all the difference. This plant needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight to bloom its best. If your Ammobium is in partial shade, that might be the reason it’s not flowering.
Solution:
Try relocating it to a brighter spot. If your garden doesn’t offer full sun, consider planting it in a container so you can move it around to catch the sun throughout the day.
2. Over-Fertilizing
Sometimes we think a little extra fertilizer can give our plants a boost, but too much of a good thing can backfire. When I first started gardening, I made the mistake of over-fertilizing, and the result was a lush, green plant with no blooms in sight. Ammobium alatum is a light feeder and doesn’t need rich soil to thrive.
Solution:
Cut back on fertilizers, especially those high in nitrogen. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, which can prevent blooming. Instead, focus on balanced fertilizers or even skip feeding altogether if your soil is moderately fertile.
3. Improper Watering
Ammobium alatum prefers well-drained soil and can handle dry conditions better than soggy ones. I learned this the hard way when I overwatered my plant. The roots started to rot, and the plant just sat there, refusing to bloom. Waterlogged soil can seriously stress the plant, leading to poor flowering.
Solution:
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, and ensure your plant is in well-drained soil. Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to halt blooming, so be mindful of your watering routine.
Other Solutions to Encourage Blooming
4. Deadheading and Pruning
Once your Ammobium alatum starts blooming, regular deadheading can help keep the blooms coming. I’ve found that trimming off spent flowers not only keeps the plant looking neat but also encourages more blooms. When I skipped deadheading one season, the plant slowed down significantly.
Solution:
Make it a habit to regularly snip off any spent blooms. This redirects the plant’s energy toward producing more flowers rather than seeds.
5. Ensure Adequate Air Circulation
I didn’t realize at first how much airflow could impact blooming, but crowded plants can sometimes struggle to flower. If your Ammobium alatum is packed in with other plants or growing in a tight space, poor air circulation might be part of the problem.
Solution:
Give your plant some room to breathe. Thin out nearby plants or relocate your Ammobium alatum to a spot where it has plenty of space to grow. Good airflow helps prevent fungal diseases and can lead to a healthier, more floriferous plant.
6. Patience and Timing
Sometimes, it’s just about timing. Ammobium alatum blooms later in the season compared to other perennials. When I first started growing it, I got impatient and thought I was doing something wrong. Turns out, the plant just needed more time.
Solution:
Be patient. If you’ve ruled out the other factors like sunlight, water, and nutrients, it may just be a matter of waiting. Ammobium alatum can sometimes take its time to bloom, but when it does, it’s worth the wait.
Final Thoughts
Gardening is often a balance between providing what your plants need and letting them do their thing. If your Ammobium alatum isn’t blooming, start by assessing the basics: sunlight, water, and nutrients. I’ve found that once you get those right, it’s only a matter of time before the blooms start to appear. Don’t be afraid to experiment with placement or pruning, and most importantly, enjoy the process. After all, those papery white blooms will be all the more rewarding once they finally arrive!
