Fuchsias are versatile shrubs that can be used to create hedges or borders and even used in containers. Before you buy and start planting away, make sure you select a hardy variety, one that says as much on the label, varieties such as Magellanica, Fuchsia Riccartonii and Tom Thumb are good hardy varieties. Once you have narrowed down the options to only the hardy varieties, you still have many characteristics you can look for such…
Fuchsias are easy to grow and can benefit from pruning, whether it’s pruning a hardy variety or pinching out the younger shoots of tender varieties ready for summer. They produce flowers from the middle of summer through to the first frosts in autumn and look amazing when in full flower. As far as maintenance is concerned, they need full sun but will do well in some shade. They will need some mulch after pruning if…
Pruning is not nearly as difficult a concept as you might think, and once you learn the basics of pruning shrubs, you can do it for any shrub you have to improve performance. The main consideration for working out when and how to prune a particular shrub is whether it’s deciduous or evergreen, and when it flowers. Pruning Deciduous Shrubs Deciduous shrubs will shed their leaves in winter and send any remaining food reserves to…
Japanese roses, or Rosa Rugosa, are strong rose-bearing shrubs. They offer pink, white or red scented flowers and green foliage. Very easy to grow, these plants are known for their scented flowers, subsequently, producing large bright hips after flowering and are often grown as hedging. Planting Rosa Rugosa When planting it is best to give the shrub moist, well-draining soil and exposure to full sunlight, another attribute that makes for a perfect hedge. It does…
If you are growing Rose Rugosa, you may find that pruning becomes necessary every now and again. These are wonderful shrub roses that are very easy to grow and very strong. You can use them as hedges very effectively, particularly if you want to encourage a lot of wildlife such as bees, pollinators, beneficial insects and birds. Rose pruning is important because it encourages more vigorous and floriferous development in the following years. Regular pruning…
The Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ is a very strong shrub that is able to survive the cold winter temperatures, making them perfect for gardens throughout the UK. More than that, come spring it creates a delightful display of new fresh red growth and stunning masses of white bell-shaped flowers, with a collection of colours that make it truly one of a kind. How to grow Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ Plant them in dappled shade If you are…
Pieris shrubs prove quite simple to prune because the majority of the time, they don’t need pruning at all. A close relative of the Rhododendron family, they only need small trims here and there when something has become damaged or overgrown. If your Pieris is a bit overgrown, you can use a sharp pair of secateurs (that have been properly sanitised ahead of time) to prune the plant. It is important to note that if…
Pieris are compact, slow-growing shrubs that delight gardeners from all over with their pink/red young leaves that take on cream colours during adolescence and end with green. The white, bell-like flowers add a certain Lily of the Valley look which is why the plant is commonly called the Lily of the Valley shrub. Adding year-round interest to your garden it can be devastating when there are suddenly pests, diseases or other problems getting in the…
The Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ takes on a magnificent appearance in the leaves and the white, bell-shaped flower clusters in spring. You can enjoy red, pink, cream and green as your leaves go through different stages of development, although they are well known for their fresh red foliage in spring. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to enjoy any of that if you don’t properly feed your Forest Flame. This, more importantly, actually starts with planting them…
