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Month: November 2021

Learn about growing Pieris Forest Flame from the perfect growing condition, propagation and pests and diseases to look out for.
Growing Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ General care, planting and propagation

Growing Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ General care, planting and propagation

Add a splash of colour to your garden by growing the ever-popular evergreen Pieris shrub. In this guide, I am going to mainly refer to the ‘Forest Flame’ variety, but this information is also suitable for all other Pieris varieties as well. These evergreen plants present dramatic bright red foliage and small clusters of white flowers in the spring for an amazing display. You can find a wide range of cultivars to grow depending on your aesthetic preferences, so some…

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Growing magnolias in pots is a good way to grow some of the smaller magnolia varieties such as Stellata. Learn how to grow them in pots here
Growing Magnolias In Pots and Containers – The Complete Guide

Growing Magnolias In Pots and Containers – The Complete Guide

Magnolias are one of my favourite shrubs and I have several varieties in my own garden, from the smaller growing Stellata and Susan that flower in spring, to the summer flowering Magnolia Yellow River which is a really impressive tree. These small trees present abundant blossoms of various colours, from white to purple, to pink and even yellow. Many people are usually surprised that Magnolias can grow in large pots because these plants possess a wide root system, but there…

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Growing clematis against a fence or wall
How to plant clematis against a fence using trellis, wire or plastic netting

How to plant clematis against a fence using trellis, wire or plastic netting

Clematis are one of my favourite climbers, some of my favourites include the Clematis ‘Multi Blue’ and the Clematis ‘Nelly Moser’ as well as the evergreen (yes that’s right, evergreen!) Clematis armandii. I am also a huge fan of the Montana varieties because of their low maintenance, the minimal pruning that is required and how fast-growing they are. All are excellent for growing up and along a fence to provide a stunning show of colour and create privacy in your…

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Clematis problems including pests and diseases
Clematis problems – Pest, diseases and other problems to look out for

Clematis problems – Pest, diseases and other problems to look out for

The Clematis is by far the most popular climbing plant and anyone who has grown clematis appreciates the spectacular beauty of their display when in full bloom. These low maintenance plants just need fertile, well-drained soil and plenty of sun to thrive. For the most part, clematis can grow without any issues, but problems arise due to environmental factors, pests and diseases that attack the plant. However, most can be treated and sometimes even prevented. Understanding some of the problems…

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In this guide, I talk about how to grow Photinia 'red robin' from choosing the right position, pruning, propagation and common problems.
Growing Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – Planting, pruning and common problems

Growing Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – Planting, pruning and common problems

The Photinia Red Robin is a recognisable variety from a distance thanks to its vibrant bright red foliage in spring and clusters of beautiful small blooms around May-June. Photina is a fairly quick growing evergreen shrub that is perfect for any garden as they are easy to grow and do not require much maintenance, and respond well to pruning that will help to keep them under control size-wise. They do grow around 1ft a year and the eventual height can…

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