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Author: Chris Lindsay

When and how to prune mahonia
When and how to prune mahonia (x media & aquifolium)

When and how to prune mahonia (x media & aquifolium)

Mahonias only require a light pruning to keep them healthy and in a good shape. Knowing when and how to prune your mahonia depends on the type of shrub that you have. The smaller border growing varieties need less pruning than the taller back-of-the border types. And both need to be pruned after flowering takes place. It’s also important to understand it’s not essential that mahonia is pruned and often do well when not pruned at all. Mahonia classes With…

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Orchid problems to identify and how to resolve
Orchid Problems – Troubleshooting Orchid Issues

Orchid Problems – Troubleshooting Orchid Issues

Despite their reputation for being delicate plants, orchids are not that difficult to grow and care for. That said, they are susceptible to some problems, as with all house plants. I’ve written a series of articles that identify the most common orchid problems and give details about what to do about them. Read on to find out your own orchid’s particular problem and go to the relevant article for more information and how to deal with it. Let’s get started!…

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Learn how to grow lupins from seed from collecting seeds to planting and over wintering them and planting out.
How to grow lupins from seed – step by step

How to grow lupins from seed – step by step

Propagating lupins from seeds and cuttings, along with dividing them, are the three ways to make the most of your lupin production. I cover taking cuttings in the article Propagating lupins by taking cuttings. I haven’t covered dividing lupins as it’s extremely difficult to do successfully due to the plant’s long tap root. Seeds are a great way to grow lupins from seeds you have collected, or you can purchase them from garden centres and nurseries. Read on to learn…

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How and when to prune lupins to get more flowers and for winter
When and how to cut back and prune lupins?

When and how to cut back and prune lupins?

As well as pruning, deadheading lupins is an important key to keeping your plants successfully blooming over the summer. I generally deadhead as individual flowers finish flowering, and then once they stopped flowering well, I usually hard prune to ground level, which usually results in a second flush of flowers. I then usually prune back at the end of autumn to ground level to get my lupins ready for winter. Here’s how I personally deadhead and prune lupins in more…

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Peony pests and diseases and how to treat them
Peony pests and diseases to watch out for

Peony pests and diseases to watch out for

Following on from my article on why your peonies might not be flowering, I thought I would talk about peony pests and diseases. Peonies are susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases and a few garden pests which I start with below. I have covered the ones that I have found that cause the main problems and some ideas on what to do if an infestation of them occurs on your peonies. Pests that attack peonies Ants Ants love peonies and…

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When and how to prune Magnolia ‘Stellata’? (Star Magnolias)

When and how to prune Magnolia ‘Stellata’? (Star Magnolias)

Magnolia Stellata is a deciduous magnolia tree. As such, it only needs some light pruning. Over pruning of magnolias leads to health issues for them as well as issues with flowering. Magnolia stellata is one of the varieties that can be grown against a wall or fence and shaped, in this case, you can lightly trim them after flowering in spring. If you have one that is too large and needs pruning more significantly, then I recommend renovation pruning over…

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Are there miniature magnolia trees?

Are there miniature magnolia trees?

Magnolia trees range in size from large and wide trees down to compact shrubs. Compact and dwarf magnolias are available and these are best grown in large containers. Here are three of the most popular miniature magnolia trees which are stellata, susan and yellow bird. More on them below. Magnolia Stellata (Star Magnolia) Magnolia Stellata is a compact tree that reaches a height of around 2.5m when it’s fully matured. In early spring, small silvery buds appear on the bare…

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There are many pests that attack magnolias from common ones such as mealybugs and thrips to Magnolia Borer. See possible treatments now
Pests that attack magnolias?

Pests that attack magnolias?

To find out what’s attacking and eating your magnolia plants, you need to get down and close up to the leaves themselves. Maybe even with a magnifying glass. Actually, it’s a good idea to make a point of doing this regularly so you can deal with any bug infestation as soon as it starts. It’s much easier to tackle an infestation while it is small and they have caused limited damage. Here are some of the most common culprits that…

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