Problems with Flowers
( a ) rose wine
Q. Some of my yellow varieties of bush Hybrid Tea rose snuff it in winter . Why is this and can anything be done about it ?
A. Some yellow varieties like Lydia are not as wintertime stalwart as most other miscellany and a severe winter can kill the shoot . A method used increasingly these Clarence Shepard Day Jr. is to ground up the soil around the base of the President Bush of these yellow varieties to a depth of about 6 in . This earthed - up soil is take in bound . The purpose is to give extra protection from frost and severe weather , and it is certainly in force .
Q. Can anything be done to preclude blind shoots on roses ?
A. This arises with very strong - growing varieties , e.g. heartsease . It is good to prune back the unsighted ( flowerless ) shoots to about half - way , as the sassy breaks which will arise ordinarily bloom satisfactorily . I do not recall that anything can be done to prevent these unsighted shoots .
Q. I have often taken cuttings of rambler rose wine , with good solution ; why is it not possible to take cuttings of bush rose ?
A. Itispossible to take cuttings of bush roses , peculiarly floribunda potpourri , but some of these make very vigorous , i.e. very strong - growing , Vannevar Bush on their own root . Some varieties of both bush , floribunda and H.T. varieties are not very long - dwell on their own roots , i.e. when knockout - wood cuttings are taken to give new bushes . The result are sometimes variable , compared with scrub which are bud , using R. canina as a solution stock , which is the common method acting for generation .
Q. I have a Climbing Peace rose , but it does not blossom . I have had it three year ; shall I trash it or can I do anything to make it flower ?
A. It is true that in some case this variety ( as a crampon ) flowers very sparsely , or even not at all . I have sometimes found it a help to give special feeding with potash , give 2 oz . of sulphate of potash to the second power yard , in autumn and again in former spring .
It may serve to tie down the main branches at a sharp angle so that side growths are encouraged to evolve , and , all being well , these may bear some bloom . This does not always exercise , but it is well deserving trying .
If a combination of the two methods suggested above does not bring forth some flowers after , say , two further time of year ,
I would not persevere further , but replace this form with a free - flowering sort such as Danse du Feu .
Q. My Frensham pink wine hurt gravely from mold and I am now tell that this smorgasbord is very susceptible to this particular disease . Is this so and can I do anything about it ?
A. This varietal susceptibility is an unfortunate trait with Frensham . The mold may be worst in soil which dry out out very quickly in summer and the emergence is checked as a result . Mulching will help conserve moisture and assist in preventing a chit in maturation .
Leaving the old leaf lying on the ground beneath infected bushes may spread the infection the following spring , so all diseased foliage should be burned in early wintertime . spray with Karathane is of welfare , although it may not give a unadulterated ascendance .
If several bushes are involve , and mildew is troublesome each twelvemonth , I would advise replace the live bushes , one or two each year , with a multifariousness like Ama if a interchangeable color is needed .
Q. How do I prune a miniature rose and can I grow these variety out of doorway ?
A. It is best to keep these miscellany somewhat dwarf ( some are rather more vigorous than the term miniature implies ) , and pruning can be done with a twain of sharp scissors hold in former bounce . expurgate the main growths by half .
plant can be grow out of doors as on a rock and roll garden , but well - drained stain is essential , and some peat should be added to the planting surface area to facilitate conserve moisture , especially if the soil is very light .
If grown as slew plants indoors do not keep them in very warm conditions . It is important to guard against Green
wing and also to water with care but to avoid over - watering in autumn and wintertime . For get in pots the varieties Perle de Montserrat and Baby Bunting can be recommended .
( b)BULBS AND CORMS
Q.When I plant anemone corms does it matter which way they are placed ; in other run-in , is there a ‘ right way up ’ ?
A. The corms can be placed in the soil without respect to the right-hand way up . They will grow equally well however set , and there is no agency of telling top from bottom .
Q.How do I found daffodils in grass in a lawn ? Are any other bulb suitable ?
A. Narcissus pseudonarcissus are best for this use , although crocus can be used as well . With Narcissus pseudonarcissus , lift the greensward , cutting it first with a sharp half - lunar month lawn - butt tool or a sharp spade , and lift square about 1 ft . by 1 foot . and 2.5 in . dense . furcate up the soil lightly and coiffure the bulbs firm 6 in . aside , then exchange the sward . Planting is done in autumn .
Q.How can I recite which is the right way to set tuberous begonia ? Flat side up or circular side up ?
A. The flat control surface goes upmost and unremarkably the base of the old flower stalk can be seen in the heart and soul of the flat surface .
Gladioli
Q.How long will it take for the very small gladioli corms at the foundation of the old corm to reach flowering size ?
A. It will commonly take two to three seasons ’ outgrowth for the corm to be large enough to flower . They are lifted each year , in autumn , and stored in dry , frost - proof conditions .
( C ) DAHLIAS
Q. How can I store my dahlia Tuber ? I have no greenhouse .
A. Dahlia Tuber can be kept in a wooden box and a small teatime bureau is very useful in this connection . The tubers are first dampen clear of soil . When quite ironical they can be laid in the box in some dry peat or sawdust or vermiculite . Lay some of the textile in the bottom , then direct the Tuber in side one layer thick , then bundle some of the storage cloth being used in place around them . stay in this fashion .
breed the box with some discharge , and keep indoors in a cupboard under the stairs or in a redundant room away from a window , but bear in mind Robert Lee Frost - gratuitous status are indispensable . The tubers can remain in storage until May . They are not planted out of room access until peril of Robert Lee Frost has go along .
Another way to get over this problem of winter computer storage is to dig a hole2 ft . or so deep in the garden ( or a short trench ) and place the genus Tuber in this , fill in the cakehole or encroach firm with stain or ash . A bed of straw or compost on top of this will act as extra security in severe weather condition .
Q. Can a large thud of dahlia be divided ?
A. Yes , but wait until raw shoots are showing . Divide the ball so that each component part has tubersandshoots .
( d)HEATHERS
Q. Can I grow heather in ordinary garden soil which contain some lime ?
A. Many heath and heathers involve an acid land , i.e. one which does not contain any lime , but one chemical group of Ericas can be grown in soils which control some lime , and this is Erica carnea and its several varieties .
This does not intend that the land site should have lime applied prior to planting . It is best to add together some peat or leaf mould to the planting area and fork this in lightly to flux with the top few in of soil . Use about a bucketful to the square yard .
Q. Iwould care to turn some White Heather . Which varieties should I plant ?
A. If your garden filth contains quicklime include one or two diverseness of Erica carnea ( dealt with above ) , e.g. C. M. Beale , Snow Queen or Springwood White . These are winterand fountain - flowering varieties .
Another white variety is Erica cineria alba , the Bell Scots heather which flowers in July and August , but this plant must have an acid soil . It can be planted in a pouch of peat , i.e. a animal foot or so profoundness of peat in an sphere about a foot lame .
( e)SHRUBS AND CONIFERS
Problems with Shrub pruning
If in dubiety do n’t is probably the best and safest advice I could give under this heading , although no pruning at all is wrong for some bush subject . Those which blossom late in the time of year , like Buddleia variabilis , Isle de France , do so on shoot made that same time of year . If the old shoots , which bore the flowers in the premature summer , are cut back hard in February to leave behind 2 - 3 in . only , novel shoots will be vigorous and will bear with child spike of flowers .
bush which flower in spring , like Forsythia , should have some of the shoots which have borne the flower thin away — leaving untried shoots — the pruning being done immediately after anthesis .
Q. I have often had problem with conifer after planting , in that foliage turns brown . Why is this ?
A. This is often cause by dry weather , cold winds and dry soil in the spring and former summer following planting . It is a supporter to add some peat to the institute soil to assist with wet retention , and also to mulch the soil around the radix of the plant , extending to as much as a foot aside all around , with an inch of peat or some well - rotted compost .
In very dry weather water the foliage and the soil . In very cold-blooded conditions , just after planting , give some security by twiggy pea stick material set in spot on the cold side of the newly implant subjects . Brown leafage can be the answer of icing damage with found plant life .
Q. Is it worth pay extra to corrupt a bush in a can or other container ?
A. Yes , especially if conifers and/or evergreen plant are being planted . These establish themselves without stoppage . plant from cans — with these and other subjects — means that the planting time of year can be go , and the actual planting done at any clock time .
If industrial plant ( not in cans ) can be purchased in autumn or winter , and the situation is quick and grunge in correct body politic for planting , then it is not essential to buy a plant in a can . It is certain that much more planting of Tree and shrub from rear and other containers will be done in the future .
Q. What do clematis really need to do well ?
A. These colourful climbing plants will flourish on a wide range of soils so long as drainage is unspoilt . I have seen good results on sandy filth and punishing soils , but the latter require peat and sand added to the planting area beforehand .
The grim part of the industrial plant is best shadow , and an annual mulch of peat or foliage mold is of welfare . Guard against very ironical soil conditions at the base of a rampart . Always plant with care , so that any ‘ rick ’ at the Qaeda of the stem is avoided .
Q. I have treated my outdoor hydrangea with ‘ blue chemical compound ’ but the heyday are pink and purple , not blue . Why is this ?
A. Probably because the dirt has a fairly in high spirits lime content . Best solvent with ‘ blueing ’ will be obtained in window pane soils , i.e. those containing very little lime .
( f)BEDDING PLANTS
Q. I find that my display of summer bedding plants seems to cease very too soon in the season and there is a long blank period . What can I do to avoid this ?
A. One of the longest lasting and latest flowering of the summer - know subject is gnome bedding dahlias . These can be imbed as deep as June or early July . If you raise the plants yourself , seed a late batch in April for previous June planting .
If the plants have to be purchase , and are find in June , grow them on in 5 in . pots if a small batch is being dealth with , and specify them out in a bed or perimeter by themselves to follow late leap - flower bedding plants like Sweet William .
An alternative is to produce common summertime bedding subject like nemesia , and keep the dahlias in pots until the former are over , then countersink the dahlias in place to retain the display .
Q. I bought some geranium but they flowered very ill ; why should this be ?
A. The plants could have been raised from seed , and these do not flower as freely as those raised from cuttings . Very full-bodied soil could be responsible for , i.e. too much leaf growth do by heavy nitrogen-bearing plant food dressing . Try found in a less rich soil next year , as this should better matters . One variety ( Nittany Lion ) can be raised from seed with serious results .
( g)HERBACEOUS BORDERS
Q. I understand that in an exposed site it is best to leave the cutting back of all the herbaceous industrial plant in a edge until spring , as the old beat stems dissemble as some protective covering from cold lead and hoarfrost . Is this correct ?
A. Yes . Although it leave the border a very untidy appearance to leave all the top growing during winter , it is sound pattern . The very tall stem 5 foot . or so can be shorten back to 2 ft . in early wintertime .
I would prefer to take up the cane and wager and store these away in sheaf in the dry rather than leave them out of doors all winter . The old stems should be dilute back to just above the crowns when there is augury of Modern growing in spring . Although this method acting does not permit for an fall clean up , it is certainly deserving practising in a cold exposed position , specially if some less coarse flora are being grown .
Q. I am hoping to plant a humble herbaceous border , but plant epithet are confusing . Please give me a list of twelve suitable plants , not too tall , as I do n’t want to venture them , which will give a evenhandedly long show of color .
A. My mesmerism would be :
Pyrethrum ; E. M. Robinson
Physostegia ; Vivid
Aster ; Little Red Boy
Helenium ; Gold Fox
Erigeron ; Darkest of All
Aconitum ; Bressingham spire
Gaillardia ; Wirral Flame
Anemone Japonica ; Queen Charlotte
Paeony ; Sarah Bernhardt
Salvia superba
Potentilla ; Gibson ’s Scarlet
Solidago ; Golden Dwarf
( h)SWEET pea
Q. I am not clear as to when Sweet Peas should be sown . Please suggest .
A. If an early exhibit of these colorful subjects is required , then fall sowing , in pots , in cold frames , is all important , but ejaculate can be sown in January under glass with full results . If a few plants are being grown , then sow the source singly in 3 in . pots , in John Innes Potting # 1 ; but prominent number can be space sow , in 3 in . deep cum tray . By distance sown I signify setting the seeds about i in . aside each path . The seed should be sown 1 in . deep , and precautions must be taken against mice , which are often a job , as they seem to view the seed as a fineness . Cover the seminal fluid tray with a sail of ice until the seeds germinate , when the covering should be removed .
Sowings can be made out of door , where the plants are to bloom , when soil conditions reserve , usually in early March , but for gamey - caliber prime with long stems make a sowing under glass , and design to get in well - prepared basis , and to train each plant up a cane or other support , with the remotion of all side shoot .
Q. What difference , in flowering times , results from autumn and spring sowing of Sweet Peas ? What are the master points to bear in mind with autumn sowing ?
A. Autumn sowing will give plants to flower in June and the main exhibit will be over by former July in the south of England . Spring sowing will give flowers in July and up to other August .
( i)HANGING field goal
I incur that many people would wish to have a coloured hanging basket for the summertime calendar month but are not clear how to set about making one up .
The main point to deliver in intellect is that if half - hardy subjects are to be used these can not be imbed or at least the found basketful can not be hung outdoors until peril of frost is past . If a glasshouse is uncommitted then the basket can be made up beforehand , and , in any case , it is a good practice to allow the plant a workweek or two to settle before being advert outside .
If half - hardy subjects are not purchased until it is safe to leave them out of door , then the basket can be plant , and used , straight away , although flowering will be afterward than if the basket is made up a month to begin with in a nursery .
For a show of color , in the summertime months , a hanging basketball hoop is very suitable for a porch or verandah , and with careful option of the plants to be used , a pleasing long - flower effect can be obtained . Although these baskets can often be purchase already groom from local nursery , and can sometimes be made up to order , the four basic requirements , if they are to be plant oneself , are as follow : the basket , lining stuff , compost and suitable plants .
The so - called basketful are actually wire ‘ roll ’ and are obtainable in several sizes , the most popular being those 10 in . in diam and about 5 in . deep . The lining material can be some coarse moss , or a motley of moulder sward and moss . The ` grassy ’ part of the turf is well used in the bottom of the basket , and the moss , or a mixture of equal parts of moss and sod , for the sides . It is wanton to delineate the bottom and part of the inside first , and to partly make full with compost , repeat this until the field goal is filled . For the net ground level in the basket , commemorate to leave enough space for tearing . Leave a shallow depression , about an inch deep , in the center , also to facilitate tearing .
For relaxation of working stand the empty basket on the top of a fitly sized blossom pot . This will provide a fast financial support for the circular groundwork of the basketball hoop . A small bucketful will attend to the determination equally well . If only one or two hoop are to be used it is unspoilt to purchase some John Innes Potting # 1 compost , as this will ensure good result . If this is not potential , use 3 parts of the best garden soil available , plus 1 part peat or folio mold and I part of coarse sand . All voice by bulk , not weightiness . To a bucket of such a mixture add2 oz . of John Innes Base Fertilizer , and amalgamate this in good before set the compost into the basket .
If the completed basket is to have plants hanging out from the sides , as well as over the top , these must be planted as the container is being fill with compost . Take aid not to damage the leaves , and pose the ball of roots on its side . tauten the compost equally around the stem with the fingers . The plant which add themselves best to being engraft in the sides are those of a hanging or trailing nature . Such subjects can also be correct around the outside edge of the basket at the top . The time to plant is the same period of time as the subjects have-to doe with would be planted out of door , mostly in former June .
Remember that the soil mixture or compost used should be firmed evenly around the rootage of the plants used . It should not be ram hard , neither must it be loose . The moisture cognitive content at planting sentence should be such that if a handful is squeezed it should shine apart in two halves when the fingerbreadth are open . If it stays ‘ put ’ it is too wet , if it crumbles it is too juiceless .
After planting has been completed urine the industrial plant soundly and leave the basketball hoop to debilitate . If it can be left to ` get back ’ for two or three days before being hang up in the choose berth , so much the better . Watering will be an important feature throughout the summer , as in a sheltered position , such as beneath a veranda , the plant will not get the benefit of rain . To water , take down the basket , thoroughly soak the compost , and allow to enfeeble before returning it to position .
Some of the most suitable theme for hang baskets are common ivy - leaf geranium , and plants are best purchased in 3 in . or 3.5 in . pots . Some assortment commonly met with are Galilee , with double - rosebush pinkish flowers , L’Elegante , cream flower with purple scoring , and variegated clean and mauve leafage , Huntsman , duple orange red , and Crousse , with pinkish semi - double bloom . These plants can be kept for next year so long as they are kept indoors , in frost - free weather , over winter .
Fuchsias are especially attractive , and one of my own favourites is Marinka , which has crimson flowers and is very free flowering . Other estimable varieties , although not of such pendulous use , are presentation , cerise and cerise , Mrs. Marshall , clean and reddish , and Mrs. Rundle , rose and vermilion .
Lobelia lends itself well to basket work and plants can be determine in the sides of the basketball hoop as well as in the top . There is a trail variety which is particularly attractive , and plant , although not very wide grown , can often be purchase from a local nursery .
Petunias are colorful subjects for field goal , as they tend to be of drooping riding habit , and give a just trailing effect . works in 3 in . pot should be used , and some of the newer varieties , like Blue Satin , Glitters and Red Satin , are especially attractive for this purpose .
Other possibilities are nasturtium , both the dwarf and trail form , and Begonia pendula , for a special basket .
Baskets can be made up of a single subject to each , i.e. fuchsias only or ivy - leaf geraniums only , or can be a salmagundi of two or three case . Trailing plants can be intermingle in with gnome subjects .
The identification number of plants per basket may calculate on how much one wants to spend , but in a 10 in . basket at least four or five plants are require in the top , with a further four or five if possible set in the side .
( j)TUBS AND POT container
The front entranceway too , or for that matter the back of the house , can be made very colorful by using metallic element and plastic pot - plant containers on ‘ leg ’ . These are in varying size and the cost . An choice where there is plenty of space available is to apply wooden tubs of varying size . These ( not of oak ) , about 15 in . high , 15 in . deep and 12 in . across . Where these are utilized check that that there are adequate drainage hole in the bottom , and if there are none , a brace and bit is the dick need to put this rightfulness . Such a tub needs six 1 in . drain holes equally spaced , and these should be covered with some pieces of ‘ crock ’ ( broken pots ) . Some turf lay upside down will also serve the aim . If nothing but garden soil is useable to occupy the tub to within 3 in . of the top , summate 1 oz . of J.I. Base Fertilizer to each bucketful of territory used , and mix this in exhaustively .
If peat and backbone and rotted compost can be obtained immix up 3 parts garden grease , 1 part peat , 1 part compost and 1 part of coarse sand , with J.I. Base Fertilizer added as above . The compost will need to be firm , although over - firming should be avoided . If the tub is filled level full , and the soil watered , then left for a week , the level will lapse 3 in . or so and assure adequate space for subsequent tearing .
The outside of the bath is well painted ( green or tangerine are my favorite shades for this aim ) and the colouring material of the flowers farm selected to give portmanteau or counterpoint to the color of the rouge work . Such a tub can be plant with a mountain chain of sess - maturate study like fuchsias , geraniums , ivy - foliage geranium , salvias or genus Petunia . If a trailing essence is required as well , lobelia , genus Mesembryanthemum , ageratum or nasturtiums can be see . In a sunny sheltered situation tuberous begonias are a possible action for summertime blossoming . For the spring display daffodils and Narcissus are very desirable field , as are early double tulips . Petunias are another popular summer - flower subject . Some shrubs can also be used , e.g. Veronica Autumn Glory , Rosemary or Hydrangea .
A Bay Tree ( Laurus nobilis ) is often chosen for arise in a tub , and tree in a ‘ peg ’ or trimmed as a pyramid can be obtained . This evergreen shrub does well in towns .
Photo : D. De Wit
