These sections are updated regularly with all of the answered questions that pass through the Gardeners Club, so click back and check each section periodically for future assistance in your garden.


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Questions & Answers - Flowers A - C
Agapanthus
 From: Irene G, UK



I Have grown some agapanthus plants from seed but I would like to know how long it will take them for them to be large enough to begin to flower, at present they are about 8 inches high?



From Alex M, UK

As you might be aware this is an evergreen Perennial which will develop to around 2'-6" - 3'-0 (750-1000mm) high and normal flowering time is July-Sept.
You do not mention when you sowed them but it is my guess you did it this year so I think the best you can hope for is for them to flower next year.


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 AIDA Wallflower
 From: Peter, UK



I understand that there is a new wallflower available this autumn which blooms then and in the Spring. It's name is AIDA and the height is 6 to 8 inches. Where may I be able to obtain some?



From Alex M, UK

Better late than never Peter. I have just had a catalogue from 'Gardening Direct' and they have the Wallflower 'Aida' for sale as plug plants this year by mail order. Prices as follows: 42No = £7.95 60No = £9.95. You can order on line @ www.gardeningdirect.com. Hope this helps.........A

From John T, UK

I have recently purchased some of the new AIDA Wallflower seeds from a website called www.nickys-nursery.co.uk - you may want to try them?.


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Alstroemeria
 From: Alex M, UK



I have recently purchased some Alstroemeria ligtu plants and in some literature I have read they are winter hardy whereas in other press/literature they are classified as half hardy perennials. What I want to know is how should I treat them over the winter months here in the Pennines of Yorkshire (approx. 900 ft above sea level). Should I treat them similar to Dahlias where I lift them and store in a frost free position or should I just leave them in the ground? I thank you in advance for your response



From Michael Barratt - the Gardeners Club resident gardener

Alstromeria ligtu will take temperatures down to -10c. although will take very brief spells if the temperature falls to -15c. Much will depend also on the soil type. A combination of cold and wet In a heavy soil it would be worth lifting to protect them. Whereas with a light free-draining soil (which is their preference) they could stay in with a dry mulch over the top.


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Amarylis
 From: Peter C, UK



I had recently bought three different varieties of Amarylis, they flowered beautifully, so I decided to cross pollonate them by using pollen form the antlers of one onto the stigma of the other. I now have some fine large, fat, green "seed pods" .........now what?? Any ideas ???



From Alex M, UK

Let the pods dry off. Sow them asap, the fresher they are the better, sow seeds 1" (25mm) deep in 4"(100mm) pots and keep at 61degF (16degC). It will take up to eight years for the seedlings to flower. Pot up the seedlings annually in fresh compost. Patience is a word that comes to mind!


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Asiatic Lilies From Yvonne, UK


What do I do with my Asiatic Lillies when they have finished flowering,can some one help me they are such lovely flowers


From Valerie, Ontario
I was reading your question and I also have these lilies - I live in Ontario and would appreciate anything you can share with me. Thanks Valerie

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Aubrietia
 From: Peter, UK



Being new to growing plants and having only ever lived in a flat, can anyone tell me how I grow aubrietia?



From Mr Clark, UK

Try the BBC gardening website - they will keep you on the right way!


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Auriculas From Christine, West Scotland


Hi - can you help? I have been trying to find a supplier near us who grows Auriculars. We saw them on the Chelsea Flower Show Programme and I really like them - but have not found a good source - I look forward to your reply - with thanks Christine We live in the West of Scotland


From Clare, Gardeners Club Secretary*
Try visiting www.arcadianurseries.co.uk/ a mail order nursery specialising in Fuchsias and Auriculas.

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Azaelea - Blue Danube
 From: Gary, UK



Hello. I have the azalea "blue Danube". I have had it for about 3 years. Up until now it has flowered and grown well. This season it started to develop new leaves then the leaves started to turn brown on the tips and gradually all the leaf would turn brown and dry out completely. This starts on one side of the plant and eventually the whole plant dried out to a crisp. I have noticed this starting on three of my other azaleas. Thank you for any advice.



From Mr Clark, UK

A nitrogen type fertiliser may have got to them. It's best to treat it as a no go area around these plants for such stuff!


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Azaelea
 From: Peter, UK



I bought an azaelea in March, potted it in a terracotta pot and sunk it in soil on top of a rockery - which is soil and carstone - that covers an old silver birch tree stump. It has flowered but it now seems a bit wilty and losing its leaves. A friend has just told me about the rainwater only rule and as far as I know I have put it in ordinary compost. Will it live?



From Mr Clark, UK

I put mine in the front border in garden compost. I refrained from adding fertiliser to it and the surrounding plants and it thrived.


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Azaelea
 From: David, UK



I recently planted an azaelea and I was told that they need acidic soil (not sure if my soil is acidic) - so I was told to place pine needles around the bush. Is this true? Is there anything else that I could use to help acidity around the plant?



From Mr Clark, UK

Mine is thriving on garden compost layered around annually, only refraining from adding fertiliser to the other plants in the same bed.


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Azaleas From Treva, UK


We have just bought a new home which has a lot of Azaleas, but they are all really overgrown and some are in the wrong places for us!
They are all 4'x6' or more. We need them to be maybe 3'x3' is there any way of really cutting these plants back and making them more groomed without hurting them? Also is it possible to move them without damage?


From Karen, UK
I have been able to prune my azaleas to 1/2 their original size and they have done very well. You should cut them right after they finish blooming. It does leave you with alot of unsightly stems the first year, but I thought it was worth it. you should also thin out any dead stems. I have done this with a dozen plants with no ill effects. Good luck

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Azaleas From Susan, UK



When is the best time to prune azalias?



From Angela, Gardeners Club Secretary*
 The best time to prune azaleas and rhododendrons is just after their blooming period in spring. If you prune at this time , no additional pruning will be necessary.

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Azaelea Cuttings
 From: Terry, UK



How can I take cuttings of Azalias and when?



From Jo, UK

Hi Terry. My RHS Book says:
"Surface-sow seed at 55-64 deg.F in ericaceous (lime-free) propagating compost or fine moss peat in early Spring. Sow seed of hardy dwarf species and hybrids in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. They hybridize freely and garden-collected seed may not come true. Root semi-ripe cutting in late summer. Layer in autumn. Graft in late winter or late summer."
I'd get a specialised book if I were you to help you out!


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Bacopa
 From: Dave, UK



I have 3 nice bacopa hanging baskets, can I overwinter them? or how and when could I take cuttings?



Bacopa can be overwintered and treated as a half-hardy plant. ie. it is kept away from frosts. It can be kept indoors. Keep just moist and give a light trim when it it becomes untidy. Feeding can begin again in March/April ready for flowering in June.
Cuttings can be taken in the normal way. Take non-flowering stock approx 3-4 inches long. Place 2 cuttings in a small pot in a multi-purpose compost.
Bottom heat encourages rooting. Avoid misting. Don`t overwater as this will encorage root and stem rot.
Pinch out growing tips after about 3 weeks to encourage branching. When planted out pinch out again after about 3 weeks.
Continue to dead-head during growing season to promote continued flowering.


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Bellis Perennis
 From: Bill H, UK



Bellis Perennis - do I set out in tubs now or wait till next spring to avoid getting plants soggy and turning brown?



Bellis require a well drained soil.  If they are to be grown in tubs then use a loam based compost ie John Innes No 3.  However in tubs, it can tend to become compacted, so add 50% peat to the mix to lighten it up. Only the weather will determine if they become wet and soggy and as we know to our cost the summer cannot guarantee fine weather!

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Bougainvillea.
 From: Nancy, UK



I have recently returned from Turkey, a country I fell in love with. The gardens of the hotel we stayed in were abundant with Bougainvillea. On my return to England, completely by chance I found two small bougainvillea plants which were just begging for me to buy them. Problem is, what do I do with them now? I wanted to plant them into my front garden (only gets sun in late afternoon) but on reading some info on various websites, it seems as though they should be pot grown in this country. Is this correct or will they survive in my garden throughout the winter? My back garden is south facing. Would they survive there in the winter or would I be able to plant them into large terracotta pots and then perhaps move then into my garden shed in the winter months? Please advise. I am trying to create a little bit of Turkey in Surrey and would greatly appreciate your advice. I look forward to hearing from you.



From Michael, UK
I am afraid the only bit of Turkey you will be able to get in your back garden is the eatable kind. If you have a conservatory then that is the perfect place for them as long as it gets plenty of sunshine year round.
Remember that most of the varieties are climbers and will need some kind of support later on. You may be able to bring them outside during summer but winter is a BIG no no for them in this country. Good luck!

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Bougainvillea From Gill, Basingstoke


I am growing a bougainvillea in my conservatory for the first time. This has been it's first summer and there has been prolific growth, but no flowers. My questions are: Firstly, do I need to cut it back for the winter or just leave it as it is ? Secondly, how do I get it to flower next summer ?


From Clare, Gardeners Club Secretary
Bougainvillea should be grown in full sun, on a windowsill, in a porch or a conservatory. They can be placed outside during the summer. In the Summer they should be given a good soak and then allow to dry a little between waterings. Water sparingly in the winter. Feed every 7 days, while in active growth. When growth is sufficient, to enhance colour development of the bracts. Bougainvillea are best grown in Terracotta pots. Keep the Bougainvillea fairly pot bound. Do not repot plants until they have acclimatised to your conditions (2-3 weeks). When potting, support the root ball, place compost into position and water in to settle.
In warm weather you may find it beneficial to soak the pot in water before repotting.
Bougainvillea should be pruned at the end of February. You can prune lightly after each flush of flower. They must be kept in a frost-free position in winter. Can be stored at 2-3c. Under 10°C will tend to go deciduous, but will leaf up again when it gets warmer. The plants can flower well in winter. In a temperature above 10°C.

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Bougainvillea.
 From: Jeanette W UK



I have a very healthy Bougainvillea. growing in a pot indoors - the roots are now coming out at the bottom - should I be repotting it now or later in the spring - also should the pot be much larger than the original.



From Alex M, UK

You do not say what size of pot it is in now, normally you would repot into the next size up e.g.10" to 12" (250-30mm)etc. Pot up in February into John Innes No.3 compost. Pruning; shorten the main growth in February by about one third and prune spurs back to main growth. Cut out all weak and unwanted growth and dispose of. Alex


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Cabbage
Flower
 From: Jackie, UK



I saw a flower on a market stall, it was Dutch and called a cabbage flower. Could anyone tell me more about it and if it could be grown in this country. If so where might I be able to find some seeds? It was about 2ft in length with a purple tip which opens to a cream flower.



There is a flowering cabbage which is an ornamental plant. It likes direct sunlight and normal soil. They grow well in containers and flower for months. You can buy seeds from www.crocus.co.uk for a very reasonable price.


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Canna Lilies From Ginny, South Carolina


I recently started planting canna lillies. They reproduce really fast and grow quite tall. Do I trim them in the fall or just leave them as is for spring? (They will survive the winters here in SC.)


From Valerie, Ontario
Hi - I live in Ontario (Hamilton) and I also have canna lillies - I bring the bulbs in over the winter and replant in the sprint. Have you found you can leave them in the ground?

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Cannas From Rhonda, UK


When you dig your cannas up for the winter do you cut the foliage off before storing them?


From Brian,UK
Cut off the stems to about a foot high and pot up into a dry compost and store frost free. In March they can be encouraged into growth again on a windowsill and planted out in May.

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Cannas
 From: John M, UK



What is the after flowering care for Cannas?



From David T, UK

Lift the rhizomes (root/stem) and place them in a box with just some moist peat - ensure that they are left somewhere completely frost free. Be careful because if the peat gets too dry it will shrivel up and die, but if it gets too wet it will rot. They can be brought out again in March if they are going into pots, otherwise wait until May/June to put them in a sheltered spot within an open border.

From John W, UK

I to have done exactly what David T, UK advised with mixed results some survived some never made it but last year I left one Canna Rhizome in the ground and mulched it with chipped bark and it survived and it is the best show I have ever had and will certainly do it again I live in the south of England but last winter was pretty harsh at times I did give it about 5inches of mulch.


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Carex Phyllocephala Sparkler
 From: Barbara M, UK



Carex Phyllocephala Sparkler - what is the correct cultivation method for this plant?



From Michael Barratt - the Gardeners Club resident gardener

Carex Phyllocephala is best grown in partial shade, in moist but free draining soil. It can be grown in full sun but may require frequent watering during prolonged dry periods. It is fairly hardy but will benefit from some protection in exposed areas during the winter. It is also prone to rotting off in very wet weather.


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Ceanothus
 From: Gill C, UK



Why won't my ceanothus flower? It was a cutting from my sister's which
flowered profusely and is now about 8 years old and growing very well. It is
in a semi-shady spot against a wall.



From Michael Barratt - the Gardeners Club resident gardener

Ceanothus prefers a full sun, but protected aspect if they are to flower successfully. Being in a semi-shaded site would probably account for the non-flowering. Unless you can move it, is unlikely to flower, even if it is fed. If there is nowhere to plant it in the ground, have you thought of putting it into a large half-barrel in the right aspect. It should be ok for at least five years providing you give a feed during the summer.


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Clematis
 From: Nichola H, UK



Hi Gardeners Club, I have a two year old clematis that was doing really well, then what seems to be over night it died. The one next to it is still doing well what did I do wrong.



From Monica K, UK

If the leaves shrivelled up, it sounds like clematis wilt,suggest you cut it
right back and put extra couple of inches of soil over the plant,it may
rejuvinate it.


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Clematis From Anne, UK


Can you please help me? can you tell me when is the best time to cut back my clemantis as this is the first year that I have had one.


From John, UK
It is best to wait until late spring to see if the vines are indeed dead before pruning since new sprouts can emerge from some very dead looking vines.

From Paul, London
It also depends on what sort of clematis it is - some need a hard pruning to
about 12 inches, some just need a cosmetic trim, others you need to cut
right back down to the ground - and all at different times of the year!

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Clematis
 From: Alan W, Spain



We live in the South Eastern part of Spain where the area is very much desert like, my question is, my Clematis has not flowered this year, could it have Clematis wilt? The leaves have now all discoloured and wilted.



From Jane W, UK

We've had this over here in the UK this year because it has been so wet. The advice I got was that it was Clematis wilt or mildew. Clematis wilt is difficult to control unless you spray with a systemic fungicide and also feed with a general liquid food. With careful nurturing mine came back and went on to flower later on in the season. I was told to make sure that any infected leaves were cut off and removed from the garden completely. 


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Climber
 From: Fiona P, UK



Can you recommend an unusual hardy climber that can be planted in a large pot for the front of a exposed North facing wall, which gets very little sunlight.



From Margaret P, UK

You could try growing the Rose 'Mermaid', but be warned - it has horrible thorns

From Alex M,UK

Any of the following should fit the bill but apart from the 'Hedera' (Ivy) they will all require additional support .e.g canes,wires,trellis etc. Clematis, Hedera, Jasminum, Polyganum, Pyracantha.


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Climbing Plants
 From: Stephen, UK



Hello. Could anyone advise me on what climbing plants would be best to put against a trellis that is in shade for the most part of the day. I would like something that has plenty of colour and aroma if possible. As I am a complete novice I would appreciate any advice. Thanks



From Mr Clark, UK

Clematis comes to mind or climbing roses like Masquerade which have 2 colours on each flower. Or honeysuckle - another plant with scent.


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Cheese Plant
 From: Wares, UK



I have a cheese plant, which is several years old and looking a bit sad, can it be pruned to encourage new growth ?



From Michael Barratt - the Gardeners Club resident gardener

Monstera deliciosa (swiss cheese plant) can be pruned in the spring by removing a main stem above a leaf joint. At the same time it is worth repotting or changing the compost to help with with new growth.


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Chocolate Cosmos From Val, UK


How do I propagate a Chocolate Cosmos?


From Clare, Gardeners Club Secretary*

Chocolate cosmos or Cosmos astrosanquineus is a slightly tender perennial that can sometimes be left outside in a sheltered position. But if you want to propagate it, you should treat is as you would a dahlia.
Lift it in October when the frosts are imminent and dry off the tuber in a cool, airy, frost-free spot indoors. When leaves have shrivelled, cut them back to just above the tuber, which you should then pack in a pot of dry peat. Keep this cool and dry over the Winter - but it must be frost free. In Spring, re-plant it into a pot of multipurpose compost and keep in a warm place. When shoots emerge, take basal cuttings, insert them half their depth around the edge of a four inch pot of gritty compost and water and place in a propagator or polythene bag on a warm windowsill.

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Chocolate Plant
 From: Tracy S, UK



I bought a chocolate plant last year and it flowered beautifully all summer. I then covered the base in mulch for the winter period and the plant has totally disappeared. I can't see any new shoots yet - can anyone tell me when to expect the first new ones so that I know if I've lost it altogether. Many thanks



From Alex M, UK

What is a 'Chocolate plant'? If I knew I could possibly look it up for you. I do believe there is a Cosmos that has a chocolatey smell - would this be the plant you have? If it is it won't appear until the ground starts warming up.
Tip: For anyone reading this article; How do you know when the ground is 'warming up' as the experts put it?..... It's when the annual weeds start growing! Alex


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Clematis
 From: Mary B, UK



I am looking for any sources of information about the plant Clematis, I would be extremely grateful if someone could point me in the right direction.



From Alex M, UK

Have a look on the following site, I think you will find most of what you want to know. If not get back to us through the club.
http://www.gardeninglaunchpad.com/clematis.html

Also from Alex M, UK

Have a look in: http://www.massdfa.org/homeowner.htm


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Clematis
 From: Caroline K, UK



Is there a Clematis Society? Does anyone know the website address, alternatively does anyone know of a good plant database where I could find out detailed information about named cultivars etc.? Thanks.



From Michael Barratt - the Gardeners Club resident gardener.

There is a Clematis society at www.britishclematis.org.uk. This would be a good place to start.

From Alan B, UK

Hi Caroline, try www.saska.demon.co.uk/index2.html, it is one of the best sites I know for clematis. Have Fun.


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Curcuma
 From: John W, UK



Could anybody please give me some advice on growing a CURCUMA flowering bulb ie overwintering etc.



From Michael Barratt - the Gardeners Club resident gardener

Curcuma grown in the UK is best grown under glass preferably in John Innes No 2 in pots, or in the ground. If grown outside ensure that the aspect is partial shade and well-drained soil. In winter keep the bulbs almost dry at temperatures of no less than 54degF (12degC). Apply a general liquid feed once a month during the growing season.


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