Pruning French / Spanish Lavender French and Spanish Lavender is part of the Lamiaceae family of plants and is also known as the Lavandula stoechas. It is more tender and less hardy than the more common English Lavender (Lavandula angustifola) that is often planted as low growing hedging. French Lavender is best grown in pots where it can be moved into sheltered positions for the winter. This more tender type of Lavender is often easily identified by…
Hanging baskets plants Using the best plants for hanging baskets can help transform your outdoor space and add tranquillity to an outside area but with so many different basket plants to choose from, which ones are really right for you? Hanging baskets planted in summer are usually planted with upright plants in the centre and trailing plants around the edge so that they trail over. Furthermore, you might want something with beautiful foliage to trailer over the…
Pyracantha rogersiana (Asian Firethorn) Originating from Western China, the Pyracantha rogersiana is a drought-resistant, evergreen and bushy shrub that is ideal for forming a hedge or as a border/wall shrub. The arching branches produce creamy-white flowers in spring followed by orange/red berries in autumn and these provide food for many species of wildlife and birds. This evergreen shrub has oblong leaves that are around 4cm long and spiky branches, so it often makes a good…
Pruning Camellias Many gardeners think that Camellias are difficult plants to grow but this could not be further from the truth. In fact, they will grow in most areas, except for places where the soil is chalky or limestone as this creates alkaline soil and Camellia plants need acidic soil. However, they can be successfully grown in pots using ericaceous compost. They are available in many colours and there are hundreds of varieties to choose from. They…
Fast growing hedges Quick growing hedges are typically planted to mark out your property boundary or perhaps you would like to form a fast-growing privacy hedge to stop prying neighbours looking into your garden. Hedges can also help to reduce road traffic noise as well as shelter your garden and property from prevailing winds. Evergreen hedging is usually better for achieving these results and such plants include leylandii conifers and common laurel as they form thick, dense…
Growing Buddleia alternifolia (Butterfly Bush) Most of us could quickly identify the hugely common, but extremely popular Buddleia davidii and some may have seen the new dwarf Buddleia varieties but most will not recognise or even have heard of a Buddleia alternifolia (also known as the alternate-leaved butterfly bush). Originating from China, this large deciduous shrub or small tree has arching branches that nearly touch the floor and produce clusters of sweetly scented purple-lilac flowers along its…
How to propagate Buddleia plants Buddleias are more commonly known as the ‘Butterfly Bush’ because of the magnet-like attraction butterflies have to them. There is no mistaking the highly scented spiked flowers of Buddleia bushes that flower in abundance throughout the summer. These are highly attractive to a variety of beautiful butterflies, our much-loved bees and other beneficial insects that pollinate our plants. Buddleia is a very versatile plant and will grow in most conditions, including…
Lonicera (Honeysuckle) Honeysuckle Climbers Lonicera, more commonly known as the ‘Honeysuckle’ plant is one of the most popular garden climbing plants and is often seen in many gardens throughout the UK. They are available as evergreen varieties, such as Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’ AGM and the Lonicera Henryi. Deciduous cultivars include Lonicera periclymenum and the sempervirens varieties. These climbing honeysuckles are perfect for climbing over pergolas, fences and alternatively up walls too. Most of these climbers have highly perfumed…
Pruning blackcurrants Blackcurrant bushes are often considered hard to grow, yet this is not the case at all. They can be grown directly in the ground, but those of you who don’t have the space, don’t worry as they also grow well in pots. They are excellent plants and produce fruit in abundance (around the mid-summer) which can be used in pies and jams. Blackcurrants are also a great source of vitamin C. A healthy established…
Pyracantha ‘Golden Charmer’ An outstanding, compact and bushy evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest. This hardy evergreen shrub with sharp spiky branches and small dark glossy green leaves produces clusters of the most beautiful white flowers throughout the summer. These are followed by bright orange berries in late Autumn and Winter. Quick Facts Other name: Firethorn ‘Golden Charmer’Grows in exposed and sheltered areasProduces clusters of white flowers in summer and orange berries in late autumn and…
