Fhaabveshitraulbl!s Tfoorpbneeswt cvreogp Best cotoneasters revealed 16 JANUARY 2021 Amateur BEST PRACTICAL ADVICE SINCE 1884 This week: ODivide perennials ORevive faltering plants OSort overgrown shrubs OChitting early spuds Sorting problem plants It’s time to hard-prune your roses How to Heavenly relocate plants HelleboresTop tips for planting extra early potatoes Tough, easy to grow and downright gorgeous! 8 great fruit bushes to grow
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16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 19
Many soft fruit varieties will grow happily in a container and offer surprisingly high yields. Opt for a compact blueberry and grow in a pot filled with ericaceous compost The foliage of blueberries will turn fiery shades Make 2021 the year you inautumn Grow soft fruit Delicious and nutritious, berries are brilliant entry level options for anyone new to fruit growing as they give a good crop in a small space, says Kris Collins I F you’re tempted to try growing launches always catch my eye and out for ‘standard’ currants. Their large your own fruit this year then soft I can rarely resist. That’s why in my cropping canopies, topping single, fruit bushes make an excellent garden you’ll find old favourites such sturdy, clear stems, make them a introduction. The beauty of soft as Raspberry ‘Joan J’ and ‘Polka’, growing favourite patio fruit of mine. fruit is that, unlike apple or pear trees, alongside newer introductions – the say, you don’t need to clear large areas likes of ‘Ruby Beauty’, for example. Multi-season interest of soil to start growing it; bushes can Dazzling jewel-toned berries and currants be added to gaps in the border or small Rich pickings aside, many fruit bushes also add spring areas of prepared ground. Give them Most fruit canes and bushes take two or interest with their pretty flowers. Others an annual prune and feed and it’s three years to reach their full cropping go on to produce a range of stunning surprising what good yields you can potential – which means the earlier you foliage shades before leaf fall – the rich get from just one or two bushes. plant them, the better. Once these long- autumn colours of blueberries, for lived croppers are set out, you can example, rival those of Japanese acers. Even those who are really strapped expand your grow-your-own operation, for space can give berries a whirl as, and by the time your vegetable patch I started my fruit-growing journey with thanks to modern breeding, there is an is established you could be picking just a few patio pots. But I soon realised ever-increasing choice of compact yet full punnets of fruit alongside your the joy of homegrown fruit and the high-yielding varieties that will grow summer and autumn veg. relative ease with which you can achieve happily in patio containers and hanging pretty decent yields in even a small baskets. What’s more, you don’t even You don’t need to compromise on space. More than a decade later, my have to lift a spade to get started! aesthetics, either, thanks to bushes that front garden is full of fruit. I can’t look as lovely as their fruit tastes. For recommend it enough; but be warned: I grow a range of tried-and-tested something special on the patio, look fruit growing can get a little addictive! fruit varieties, but every year the new 20 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
8 fruit bushes to try ‘Blackberry ‘Triple Crown’ Gooseberry ‘Hinnonmaki Yellow’ Raspberry ‘Ruby Beauty’ Named for its three standout qualities: Delicious yellow berries boasting an A compact, multi-stem variety for smaller virtually thornless stems, upright habit, aromatic flavour with a hint of apricot. plots. One plant in a 10 litre pot will yield and late-ripening berries. Fruits are fairly Once established in the garden or a large up to 3lb (1.5kg) of supersweet berries large, with a strong, juicy, sweet flavour. pot, 4ft (1.2m) bushes will produce 61⁄2lb each summer – grow three in a 30-40 Crops through August and September. (3kg) of fruit each season. litre pot for a real bumper harvest. All photos Alamy, unless otherwise credited Yougarden.com Pomonafruits.co.uk Japanese wineberry Blueberry ‘Bluegold’ Blueberry ‘Pink Sapphire’ Despite being no harder to grow than Many blueberries need a pollinating Gives traditional varieties a run for their a raspberry, this delicious summer fruit partner to boost production; not this one. money in the sweetness stakes. The remains uncommon. Bristle-like thorns It’s a self fertile, mid-season variety with pink-blushed flowers are followed by are worth battling to harvest the heavy good yields of sweet berries. Grow in a pink fruit that’s ready to pick in August. crop of superbly sweet, dark red berries. pot of ericaceous compost if soil is chalky. Needs acid soil or ericaceous compost. Where to buy* Lubera lubera.co.uk 08455 527 1658 Mr Fothergill’s mr-fothergills.co.uk 0333 777 3936 Mr-fothergills.co.uk Pomona Fruits pomonafruits.co.uk Lubera.co.uk 01255 440410 Suttons suttons.co.uk 0333 043 0700 Blackberry ‘Black Cascade’ Lingonberry ‘Red Pearl’ Yougarden yougarden.com Three plants of this naturally compact, Also known as mountain cranberry or (online only) thornless variety will fill a 16in (40cm) cowberry. The aromatic, tart fruits are high hanging basket, producing 21⁄2lb (1.3kg) in antioxidants, and the evergreen foliage *Many nurseries are currently unable to send of berries each summer for three years makes good ground cover on moist, acid out plants – or despatch may be delayed. or so. Simply cut back after fruiting. soil. Bright red berries last well into winter. 16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 21
2 to grow in containers Suttons.co.uk Mulberry Charlotte Russe’ Cranberry ‘Pilgrim’ Worthy winner of the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year contest Anyone looking to add some homegrown produce to the in 2017, this compact, self-fertile variety allows anyone to Christmas table next December should have a pot or two grow fresh mulberries – in the smallest of spaces. While most of cranberries growing on the patio. Evergreen plants offer mulberry bushes reach whopping proportions, diminutive year-round shape plus a crop of fruits in September/October ‘Charlotte Russe’ grows to just 5ft (1½m). – in time for making festive cranberry sauce! Grow a superberry Goji berries Honeyberry Extremely hardy The vitamin C-rich once established, berries of Lonicera Lycium barbarum kamtschatica can produces vibrant be eaten fresh or berries packed used to make jam. with antioxidants For the best yields, and vitamin C. For treat yourself to extra large fruits two or more try ‘Synthia’, a fairly plants – ideally of new strain that different varieties; also has a higher you will find sugar content (for pollination is much extra sweetness). better as a result. Chokeberry Secrets to soft fruit success The new kid on the ‘superberry’ To ensure the best yields, the majority block, Aronia melanocarpa of soft fruit varieties require decent claims to have the highest levels of levels of sunlight. antioxidants of any fruit. Sharp to the Add compost and bonemeal to taste when raw (hence the name), planting holes to encourage good it sweetens when cooked. Has pretty root growth and fast establishment. spring blooms and good autumnal Apply a high potassium fertiliser Consider netting to leaf colour, too. in late spring – this will help support prevent birds stealing fruit production through summer. your crop For acid-loving blueberries, cranberries and lingonberries, use ericaceous feeds and composts. Pruning isn’t always essential, but it will encourage the best yields. Requirements vary, but most good suppliers will provide advice on this when you buy your bushes. Garden birds will seek out your berries just as they ripen. Have protective nets ready as fruits form. 22 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
Blackberry ‘Triple Crown’ is virtually thornless and ripens later than most. Grow against a wall or a fence in full sun
Hellebores flower in shades from pure white to almost black – along with almost everything in between. Many, like Harvington Double Cream Speckled, feature petals splashed with contrasting colours For early colour, plant Hellebores Varied and versatile, these fail-safe flowerers combine a tough constitution with blooms in different colours and shapes, plus interesting foliage, says Tamsin Hope Thomson M ORE than any other month a different colour to the rest of the petal), prefer a sunnier spot. The Christmas rose of the year, in January we’re and blooms can be single or double with (H. niger), meanwhile, grows best in the waiting for colour, eager to a ruffled look. Some are more unusual; light shade of a woodland setting. glimpse bright flowers or for instance, H. foetidus, which offers foliage that will bring a foretaste of architectural interest rather than colour. Most hellebores are deep-rooted spring. What we need are hellebores. and need space for their roots, so if you Snowdrops are fêted for their early arrival, Low-maintenance plants want options for containers it makes but many hellebores are also in flower in These hardy flowers are a doddle to sense to look for more compact varieties January, and with the right varieties you grow. Seed-raised Lenten Roses (H. x such as H. x sternii or H. ericsmithii. can have a display until April. hybridus) are among the easiest and so Alternatively, you could grow other reliable. Try plants from the Ashwood species in containers for a spring display, The appeal of hellebores is huge – Garden Hybrids series; given a spot in then plant them out in the garden once they bring winter interest from colourful partial shade, in well-drained, moist soil, they’ve outgrown the pot. flowers and evergreen or sometimes they should flourish. This goes for most marbled foliage; they’re good for early hellebores but it’s a good idea to check Exploring the wealth of hellebores pollinators and for different-sized plant labels as a few, such as H. x sternii, available makes a cheering start to the spaces, whether you have a container new year – and offers easy ideas to or a generous border. They’re also great help transform any space. mixers: a hellebore makes an excellent partner for spring bulbs, winter stems, Where to buy* early-flowering evergreen shrubs such as viburnums, and many others. You can Ashwood Nurseries ashwoodnurseries.com 01384 401996 use them in a groups to perk up areas Crocus crocus.co.uk. (currently online only) beneath trees, or plant up a winter pot. Farmyard Nurseries farmyardnurseries.co.uk 01559 363389 Peter Beales Roses classicroses.co.uk 01953 454707 Hellebores come in a spectrum of Hertfordshire Hellebores herts-hellebore.co.uk 01920 438458 colours, from pure white, yellow, green, Twelve Nunns Nursery twelvenunns.co.uk 01778 590455 pink and red through to deep purple; many feature lovely markings, whether *Many nurseries are currently unable to send out plants – or despatch may be delayed. speckles or picotee (where the edge is 24 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
Heavenly hellebores for... Late winter ‘Walhero’ AGM H. niger HGC Ice ‘n’ Roses Red The unmarked dusty pink petals of this Known as the Christmas rose, this A recent introduction from Germany, recent introduction are the result of a hellebore is one of the earliest to flower. bred from H. niger and H. orientalis. cross between H. niger and H. hybridus. The white blooms – sometimes flushed It’s long flowering, with forward-facing Star-shaped, the single blooms face with pink – are set against a backdrop blooms (unlike many hellebores); all the outwards and will keep up the show of evergreen leaves that add interest better for admiring those rich red petals. over a long period. Flowers: Jan-Apr. to the border year-round. Flowers: Jan- Likes a sunny or lightly shaded spot. HxS: 14inx2ft (35x60cm). Mar. HxS: 1x11⁄2ft (30x45cm). Flowers: Jan-Apr. H&S: 16in (40cm). All photos Alamy, unless otherwise credited Classicroses.co.uksEparrinlyg H. x hybridus ‘Double Ellen Pink’ H. x hybridus Harvington H. x hybridus ‘Harvington Shades Make an impact under a tree with yellow speckled of the Night’ this double hybrid, which is not only Plant beneath trees for a hefty dose of For a complete contrast to all the pale incredibly pretty, but tough and hardy, early spring cheer. With blooms in yellow shades and pinks, try this deep purple too. The slightly ruffled flowers are with red speckles – a bit different to the variety – the closest to black you’ll get freckled with dark pink flecks and plain pink and white varieties – it’s with a hellebore. Semi evergreen; plants will appear from February to April. perfect for lighting up shady areas. can lose their leaves in winter. Flowers: H&S: 14in (35cm). Flowers: Feb-Apr. H&S: 11⁄2ft (45cm). Feb-Apr. HxS: 11⁄2x2ft (45x60cm). Mid spring H. (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) H. x ericsmithii H. x ballardiae HGC Merlin Anna’s Red Unusually for a hellebore, this variety Combines attractive grey-green Named after plantswoman Anna Pavord, likes a spot in full sun. It comes from the leaves with lovely pink flowers that are Anna’s Red is a tall variety, making it good Mediterranean and is not reliably hardy produced well into spring. Blooms are for combining with an underplanting of in very cold areas, so grow in a sheltered more outward-facing than drooping, spring bulbs. Those rich red-purple spot in free-draining soil to enjoy its their petals deepening in colour to blooms have great border impact. luminous beauty. Flowers: Feb-Apr. crimson as they mature. Flowers: Flowers: Feb-Apr. H&S: 2ft (60cm). HxS: 11⁄2ftx16in (45x40cm). Feb to May. HxS: 16x20in (40x50cm). 16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 25
3 for something different H. argutifolius AGM Hayloft.co.uk H. x hybridus ‘Double Ellen Picotee’ Corsican hellebores have green flowers held above glossy leaves with serrated This frilly delight has cream petals with edges, and are invaluable for adding architectural interest to borders at a time pink spots and a pink edge. The big when there’s not much else in bloom. Flowers: Jan-Mar. HxS: 20inx3ft (50x90cm). double flowers are an arresting sight in winter, when they are surrounded 4 for containers by evergreen leaves. Fully hardy. Flowers: Feb-Apr. H&S: 14in (35cm). H. x ericsmithii ‘Ivory Prince’ H. x sahinii Emerging from pink ‘Winterbells’ buds, the flowers on With its long flowering this bushy plant open habit, ‘Winterbells’ ivory white, developing is a great pick for pink and green flushes containers, where it as they age. With all will add impact from the colours on display winter into spring. The at once, it makes a classy blooms are a striking addition to a creamy green shade pot in winter and early with just a hint of a spring. Flowers: Dec- pink tint. Flowers: Mar. H&S: 1ft (30cm). Jan-Apr. HxS: 20inx1ft (50x30cm). H. ericsmithii ‘Winter Moonbeam’ H. x sternii Long-lasting white Granted, it may not flowers (they age to a be as hardy as other deep pink) on a plant hellebores, but this is a with a neat habit – it’s great variety for a pot. the perfect formula for Compact, with vaguely any container candidate. pink-tinged green The foliage is attractive, flowers, as well as too, the dark green deeper green leaves leaves livened up carried on purple by contrasting silver stems. Plant in a sunny veining. Flowers: Jan- or sheltered position. Mar. H&S: 1ft (30cm). Flowers: Feb-Apr. HxS: 14inx1ft (35x30cm). 26 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
H. foetidus AGM Stinking hellebore may not be pretty but it is architecturally striking, with unusual purple- rimmed, green flowers. The leaves release a bad smell when squashed – hence the ‘stinking’ part. Grows well in shade. Flowers: Jan-Apr. HxS: 32inx11⁄2ft (80x45cm). Plant in part shade, any time from autumn to spring A pot filled with snowdrops and hellebores Planting and care tips will lift flagging spirits in late winter Q Plant between autumn and spring. Partners for hellebores in... Q Cut off last year’s foliage in winter – this will help prevent hellebore leaf spot. Containers Q Remove seed pods if you want to avoid seedlings Hellebores really cheer up a winter pot and are easy to springing up that are not true to the parent plant. combine with plants such as evergreen ferns and early Q Most hellebores are happy in a partially shady spot flowering bulbs like snowdrops, iris and mini daffodils, with a few hours of sun each day; there are exceptions, as well as pansies and pulmonarias. For something with however, so do check your variety. a bit of height, try carex and other evergreen grasses. Q Plant in any soil that is fertile but not too dry or likely to become waterlogged. Borders Q Mulch around plants in the autumn and spring. Hellebores make perfect underplanting for trees and are excellent for filling gaps between evergreen shrubs such 16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 27 as Christmas box, or those with vibrant winter stems, like cornus. Many container companions will look equally good with hellebores in borders – try mixing them with early spring bulbs and the likes of Cyclamen coum.
With its herringbone branches, autumnal leaf colour, abundant scarlet berries and easygoing nature, Cotoneaster is a poplar choice, but choose species with care if you live in the countryside Did you know? Why every garden needs Cotoneaster cambricus, one of our rarest wild plants, grows on the Great Orme in North Wales. Its survival is threatened by the feral Kashmir goats that graze the cliffs, and by invasive species of cotoneaster Cotoneaster The ultimate berried treasure, these useful shrubs offer so much more. They’re good for winter interest, wildlife, walls, hedging… pretty much everything, says Louise Curley GOOD structure and plants that fabulous for wildlife: the spring flowers quantities, in a choice of eye-catching provide long-lasting interest act as a magnet for pollinators while colours: red, yellow or orange. are important for every garden. birds love tucking in to the berries. But in a small space this is Choose with care even more crucial – only hard workers The foliage of cotoneasters can be The most commonly grown cotoneaster need apply, and few are more hard- evergreen or deciduous, with some is C. horizontalis, which has a distinctive working than cotoneasters. Or, for that putting on an attractive display of herringbone pattern of branches. But matter, more diverse. autumn colour. And then there are did you know that it’s now classed as an those berries, produced in copious invasive species? Along with C. simonsii, Fact: there’s a cotoneaster to suit your C. integrifolia, C. microphylla and C. garden, whatever its size or conditions. Along with showstopping berries, you bullatus, it’s listed on Schedule 9 of the Members of the rose family, they are also get glossy leaves and clusters of 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, which native to temperate Asia, Europe and pretty spring flowers states that while these plants can be North Africa, but most come from south- grown in private gardens, they cannot west China and the Himalayas. They be planted in the wild (and should be range in height from ground-hugging prevented from escaping into the wild) types to large, tree-like shrubs; some in England and Wales. can be trained as wall shrubs while others make good hedging plants. Care must be taken when disposing of prunings. However, it’s impossible for Most cotoneasters are hardy, resilient us to control the birds that eat the berries plants that can tolerate some shade – and spread the seeds beyond gardens. although they’ll flower and fruit best For this reason, anyone who lives in a when planted in sun. And one of their rural location should definitely choose most attractive attributes is that they’re 28 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
The best cotoneasters for... Berries All photos Alamy C. salicifolius ‘Pink Champagne’ AGM C. x suecicus ‘Coral Beauty’ AGM ‘Rothschildianus’ AGM A vigorous evergreen shrub with a This bushy, mid-height shrub has a wide, An evergreen (semi-evergreen in colder pendulous, weeping habit and dense spreading habit. The small, oval leaves gardens) arching shrub that has narrow, foliage. The lance-shaped leaves are are a glossy bottle green that contrasts oval leaves and clusters of late spring mid-green with attractive veining. The well with the bright orange-red fruits that blossom. A good choice if you’re looking autumn berries are yellow but take on cover the plant from autumn into winter. for a change from red berries as these pink tints in winter. H&S: 13ft (4m). HxS: 39inx61⁄2ft (1x2m). are creamy-yellow. H&S: 8m (26ft). Acuotulomurn ‘Cornubia’ AGM ‘Exburiensis’ C. horizontalis Handsome, pointy, green leaves, masses This large shrub/small tree makes a great This low-growing, deciduous shrub has of creamy-white flowers in early summer choice for small gardens. Its curving stiff, sprawling branches that fan out in and an abundance of berries make this branches are covered in dark green an attractive herringbone pattern. There cotoneaster a great all-rounder. And leaves that take on golden tones in are tiny, lustrous green leaves that turn there’s a bonus: before falling, the foliage autumn, alongside dangling clusters red in autumn, creating an eye-catching develops autumnal tints of golden of pale yellow fruits, their skins often combination with the bold red berries. yellow and fiery orange. H&S: 20ft (6m). tinged with pink. H&S: 26ft (8m). HxS: 39inx5ft (1x1.5m). a cotoneaster that isn’t deemed to be Where to buy* invasive. Luckily, there’s no shortage of options. And if you fancy trying a Burncoose burncoose.co.uk 01209 860316 cotoneaster hedge, now is great time to Hedges Direct hedgesdirect.co.uk 01257 494102 plant bare-root. Not only will your hedge MacPennys macpennys.co.uk 01425 672348 establish more quickly than if you wait Ornamental Trees ornamental-trees.co.uk 01943 660870 until spring, it will also cost less as bare- root shrubs are almost always cheaper. *Many nurseries are currently unable to send out plants – or despatch may be delayed. 16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 29
I want a cotoneaster for... Gcroovuenrd C. dammeri Walls C. conspicuus A low-grower with This species long, trailing stems makes a carpet and dark green of evergreen leaves all year branches that are round, plus tiny covered in small, white flowers in shiny leaves, late spring and summer flowers shiny, red berries and red autumn in autumn. berries. Plant at Requiring little the base of a wall, in the way of where it can be maintenance, it’s trained; or allow great for tricky to tumble over spots like slopes. a low wall. HxS: 20inx61⁄2ft HxS: 20inx8ft (50cmx2m). (50cmx2.5m). Screening C. franchetii Height C. lacteus AGM One of the best, Large and bushy, especially if you with oval green are after a more leaves that have naturalistic feel. white, hairy Semi-evergreen undersides, plus foliage is a glossy large flower heads grey-green with made up of smaller white, felted individual blooms. undersides, giving Plants produce a silvery look. a profusion of White flowers, sparkling red their petals tinged berries that clothe with pink, are the branches as followed by shiny the days get orange-red fruits. shorter. Evergreen. H&S: 4m (13ft). H&S: 4m (13ft). Structure C. ‘Hybridus How to grow Pendulus’ 30 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021 Vigorous and COTONEASTERS prefer prostrate, this cotoneaster is top- fertile, free-draining, grafted to make a small, weeping loamy soil; but they are tree with a mound of trailing adaptable plants, and branches. The leaves are will thrive as long as the evergreen and provide the perfect soil isn’t waterlogged. foil to cascades of scarlet berries. A Little pruning is real winner. HxS: 61⁄2ftx39in (2x1m). required, except for the removal of any branches that spoil the shape. This Use nails and ties should be done in spring, when wall training after flowering. Many are suited to wall training – the secret is to pin stems as they grow. Watch out for fireblight, which can cause die-back of shoots. Prune back to healthy growth, then clean secateurs and burn infected plant material.
The weeping habit of Cotoneaster ‘Hybridus Pendulus’ creates an attractive focal point
32 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
Ask John Negus John has been answering reader queries for 50 years Remove individual weeds but leave wider treatment until spring Lawn weed query Alamy It’s tricky to take hybrid tea rose Q Is this a good time to remove cuttings, such as those of an weeds and moss from the lawn? ‘Alec’s Red’, but worth a try Beth Knight, Leominster Are hybrid tea rose cuttings successful? A You can pull out larger individual weeds, but for general treatment Q Is it easy to take a cutting from a rose? I have an ‘Alec’s Red’ rose in the front I would wait and apply a combined garden and would love a second in the back garden. fertiliser, weedkiller and moss killer in Grant Rivers, via email late March and early April. A I would like to say that the beautiful at the bottom end. Then insert your If you don’t want to use chemicals, hybrid tea rose ‘Alec’s Red’ can be cuttings to half their length in a vertical- apply 4oz (112g)/sq m of blood, fish and propagated from cuttings. sided trench 4-5in (10-13cm) deep, lined bone mix monthly from April to August at the base with 2in (5cm) of sharp sand. if dry conditions are forecast. Sadly, unlike floribunda varieties, hardwood or softwood hybrid tea Create the trench in a sheltered area This will encourage grass to grow cuttings have less vigour and seldom of the garden where you don’t intend to vigorously and crowd out the unwanted root successfully. do much planting for several months as moss and weeds. rooting can take until autumn. But, you may be lucky and it is worth trying to increase your variety from Push cuttings into the sand and firm hardwood cuttings. They are normally soil around them. If the soil freezes and taken in November, but it may not be too lifts around the cuttings, wait until it’s late now as the plant is still dormant. crumbly, then refirm it around the shoots. Select mature pencil-thick shoots 9in The cuttings will hopefully have (23cm) long and make a sloping cut just developed roots by the autumn, when above a bud at the top and a horizontal they can be carefully dug up, potted up cut immediately below a leaf node (joint) and grown on for another year. What is this handsome arrival? Hungry herons will happily fish your pond for snacks Q Could you please identify this evergreen plant Heron horrors growing in my garden? Susan Grant, via email Q How can I stop herons eating my pond fish? A The attractive and architecturally Keep Peter Lamb, via email appealing plant is a fine specimen of stinking hellebore, also your plants A There are various things you can called bear’s foot or dungwort do, including laying strong metal (Helleborus foetidus). happy by Stinking hellebore is mesh over the top of the pond so the cutting out a glossy and heron can’t access the fish, or placing a A native of Western and Central plastic heron by the side of the pond as Europe, it is happiest in a frost-free faded flowers in attractive plant a decoy, to deter the real thing. spot; it may regress if the temperature All Future, unless otherwise credite drops to around zero for a long time. early spring and by A third option is to erect a barrier of stout canes around the pond edge and You seem to have found an mulching with well-rotted garden tension fishing line between them and ideal place for it. Indeed, yours are across the pond. carpeting better than most I’ve seen. compost or composted manure at the same time. A splendid red-stemmed form called ‘Westerflisk’ – what a vision it is – may also enjoy your garden. 16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 33
Ask John Negus John has been answering reader queries for 50 years Quick questions & answers Q What should I do with my autumn raspberry canes? Sally Griffiths, Bath Spa Living willow structures need annual Alamy A Cut them to maintenance to keep them in shape ground level now. How can I keep a willow structure shapely? New canes are produced and Q A few years ago I went on a willow the structure or thinned out as required. these flower weaving course and built a These rods can also be used to fill and fruit at the structure in the garden. This has now end of the grown so much I’m forced to start sawing any gaps to replace dead or damaged growing season. bits off the top. What is the best way shoots. Any unwanted side shoots to keep willow weaving in shape? should be removed completely to However, if you only D Earle, Henley in Arden, Warks keep the structure’s shape intact. remove the fruited tip of some canes, they will fruit earlier, giving A Willow structures need pruning You should also make sure that you a longer season. annually to prevent them from any ties that are helping to keep the turning into groups of trees. You can structure’s shape are still secure, Q Can I use nettles as an do this in autumn, or you can leave it otherwise it will spring apart and insecticide or a plant food? for extra bushiness. grow out of shape. Ian Penfold, via email Once the structure is two-three years Another option is to start your own A Nettles make a good liquid old, cut back some of the thickest willow bed with autumn-pruned rods fertiliser that is rich in nitrogen uprights each year, reducing the trunks that are more than finger thick at the and other nutrients. to within a few inches of the ground. Lots base. Try cutting them into 12in (30cm) of new shoots will grow from the stumps, lengths and planting them to start your Pack a large drum or bucket with and these can be woven in to rejuvenate own willow bed if you have the room. stems, and cover They will soon grow and provide you with water, with material for other projects. preferably rainwater. Can I roll my lawn to flatten it? Leave for about a month, Q We have heavy clay soil and the and stir them lawn is very lumpy and bumpy (not several times to mention waterlogged). Would it do a week. more damage than good to run a roller over the grass? Q Can I buy cultivated hogweed Derek Seymour, Romford, Essex to add height to the garden? Pete Fowlds, Croydon A I suggest that you level your lawn For the flattest lawn, lift the turf and infill when it is drier and no longer or remove excess soil underneath A Giant hogweed (Heracleum waterlogged, when you are able to cut mantegazzianum) shouldn’t and lift turf and remove excess soil or sprinkle soil over the treated area and be grown as it is highly invasive and add more to ensure a level surface. rake it into gaps between turves with its sap can burn skin. the back of a rake. I advise you against using a roller It is closely related to cow parsley now, when the turf is saturated, as it If it’s very dry and rain isn’t imminent, (Heracleum maximum); would compress the clay and make it use a sprinkler to ‘wash’ soil into the these and other even less able to drain. cracks to help them knit together. Heracleum species were As for cutting turf, use a spade or half- grown as moon edging tool to allow you to peel it ornamental back and remove or add soil. plants in years past, but have When you’ve finished levelling it, fallen from favour now. 34 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
While John sometimes advocates using chemicals against pests and Contact John Negus by email address below diseases as the most effective means of control, organic options are Email: [email protected] sometimes available and we advise readers to go with their preferences Terracotta containers are Potatoes like warm soil and need to be attractive and porous chitted (sprouted) before planting Which container? Q Is terracotta or plastic best material Alamy for patio pots? Alamy Maggie Turnbull, via email Do I warm the soil before planting spuds? A Clay pots tend to be more fragile Q I will be buying my first early potatoes soon. Is it worth covering the ground than plastic, though they allow to warm it up or just leave it? water to evaporate through their porous Sue Mann, via email walls, which is good for roots. They are heavier, which is good for larger plants A Early potatoes are special and moment you’ve bought the tubers. and windy gardens. worth cosseting. Start by warming Then position tubers on a windowsill the soil by covering it with tunnel Plastic pots are generally less cloches or plastic sheeting for about six or somewhere similar which receives expensive and lighter, so they are weeks before planting. good light, but not bright sunshine, for easier to move. However, they can be about six weeks or until shoots are about weakened by exposure to the sun Work in a balanced organic fertiliser, 3⁄4in (18mm) long. Do not remove any over time, and become brittle. such as fish, blood and bone meal, two shoots, as the more an early variety weeks before planting. has the greater will be the crop. They allow water to evaporate only from the surface so compost stays Meanwhile, chit (sprout) tubers by In spring (Easter is the traditional damp for longer. nestling them rose (bud) end uppermost planting time) set tubers 12in (30cm) in seed boxes or egg cartons. Do it the apart in rows 2ft (60cm) apart. Veronicastrum virginicum is an Will my banana survive winter outside? attractive hardy perennial Q What should I do with my three-year-old banana plant? It’s in a pot and its leaves are dying back. Anne Maxwell, Abergarie, Perthshire Unknown plant A In this country it is normal for Bananas lose their leaves in winter bananas to lose their leaves in and need sheltering Q What is this plant? It comes back winter. Being a tropical plant, they every year. resent low temperatures and react trunk in fleece too. Mark Saunders, Tiverton, Devon by dying back. Remove all the wrappings in spring, A It is Veronicastrum virginicum, a Pleasingly, its roots should be then dig out the top few inches of hardy herbaceous plant whose strong and healthy so new growth compost and replace with fresh to flowers are followed by seed heads will appear from the crown and from encourage healthy new growth. which, when dried, look good in winter the base next summer. arrangements. All you need to do now is remove It makes a fascinating focal point and the dying leaves and cut it back so looks good with pink daisy-flowered the trunk is about 3ft (1m) tall. pyrethrums. Ideally, cut it back to within a few inches of the base in autumn and Then move it somewhere feed it with Vitax Q4, monthly from spring sheltered, against a wall or into a to late summer. greenhouse if you have one. Top dress the compost with straw or manure and wrap the pot in bubblewrap or horticultural fleece. Water sparingly through winter and if a very hard frost is forecast, wrap the 16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 35
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Gardening’s king of trivia and brain-teasers, Graham Clarke This Wonderful witch hazels week it’s: We take a close look at this bewitching plant I’VE always had a soft spot – albeit virginiana), while the later ones will still Hamamelis flowers stand out a cold one – for witch hazels (forms be doing their thing in early March. As against a dark background of hamamelis). In the depths of winter, we are now slap bang in the witch hazel when there is precious little other season, there is no better a time to look garden colour available, they produce at some of their stories. their spidery, richly coloured flowers on otherwise bare branches. Because hamamelis bloom on bare branches, they will always benefit from The earliest appear well before a dark background: when lit by the Christmas (as with Hamamelis winter sun, the flowers really stand out. Idiosyncrasy 1: the flower Idiosyncrasy 2: the space CLOSE up, the witch hazel flower is SOMEWHAT variable in habit and characteristics, intriguing. Technically, each one has hamamelis normally make sizable spreading shrubs. I four thin, ribbon-like petals up to ¾in have grown witch hazels in borders where they have (2cm) long, but as the blooms come in other shrubs near them, but the secret is not to crowd small clusters, it appears as though them. They will not show off their best, and become there are many more spidery petals to inhibited if they are too close to other shrubs. Some of the each flower. They are extremely hardy, best I’ve grown were as specimen plants, grown in a too, with even the severest of British Hamamelis x circular bed cut out of the lawn (see picture). Here you can winter frosts leaving them unbruised. intermedia ‘Aurora’ Typically, the petals are yellow, stained is fragrant in varying degrees with purple, and usually with purple sepals. But these days there are also oranges, reds, golds and copper see the full vase-like shape of the plant without hindrance flowers, too. – and, with the scented types, you can also get up close and Those of Japanese and Chinese origin (Hamamelis enjoy the fragrance. japonica and H. mollis) are attractive enough, and generally fragrant, but even better are the H. x intermedia hybrids. Idiosyncrasy 3: 5excellent and differently the fruits coloured witch hazels IN Latin, Pale yellow: ‘Westerstede’ Orange: ‘Jelena’ Orange: ‘Aphrodite’ hamamelis Golden yellow: ‘Arnold Promise’ translates Red: ‘Diane’ loosely as 16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 37 ‘together with fruit’, referring to Hamamelis fruit the fact that the flowers are seen at the same time as the maturing berries from the previous year. These fruits comprise a capsule in two halves, each half having a single glossy black seed. About eight months after the flowers have faded, by late autumn or early winter, the capsule explodes open, All photographs Alamy unless otherwise credited throwing out the seeds with surprising force – even as far as 30ft (10m). US botanist Dawn Gerlica, of Holden Arboretum, in Ohio, USA, says: “As a kid, I collected the capsules and put them in Ziploc bags. When they exploded, they shot across the street – bag and all.” The explosive power of the seed, when in a paper bag, has been compared to the sound of exploding popcorn.
Gardening’s king of trivia and brain-teasers, Graham Clarke Prize draw Witch hazels for autumn colour Miracle-Gro is giving two AG readers a bundle that’s perfect for all their houseplant MANY witch hazels needs! The two bundles of products make keeping houseplants healthy as easy as Evergreen produce excellent possible and are each worth £28.85! autumn colour, The winners will receive two bottles of Miracle-Gro Pump & Feed All Purpose (RRP: £4.29), a fast and easy way to keep your plants fed for a week with just one mainly yellow, but pump. And there’s no more backache from lifting heavy bags of compost, as winners will receive two 6-litre bags of new Miracle-Gro Plant & Grow lightweight compost shades of red and (RRP: £4.99 each). Light in weight but not in quality, this mighty compost will feed your plants for up to six months and help retain up to 25% more moisture! orange are to be had To keep orchids well fed, winners will also receive two packs of Miracle-Gro Drip with some cultivars Parrotia persica & Feed Orchid (RRP: £3 each). Simply cut off the top and stick into the soil for a month’s worth of feeding. They’ll also receive Miracle-Gro Spray & Spritz Hydration like ‘Jelena’, ‘Vesna’, Mist (RRP: £4.29) for easy hydration. ‘Pallida’ and ‘Hiltingbury’. How to enter Send your name and address on the back of a postcard to Miracle- Gro Houseplant Bundle Draw (16 January), Amateur Gardening, Pinehurst 2, One of the best garden shrubs for Pinehurst Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7BF. Or you can email your details to ag_giveaway@ futurenet.com, heading the email Miracle-Gro Houseplant Bundle autumn leaf colour is the Persian Draw (16 January). The closing date is 22 January 2021.Note: prizes will not be sent out until the crisis is over and people are back at work. ironwood (Parrotia persica), with its leaf tints of red, gold and orange. The reason I’m including here is that until around 1830, this was known as Hamamelis persica. But then a botanical boffin decided to change its name, in honour of his teacher, Georg Parrot! W£3IN0 Word search Historical gardening event of the week: 18 January 1933 No: BOTANIST, television 552 presenter, author This word search comprises W I T C H H A Z E L and environmental words associated with witch campaigner David hazels. They are listed below, G S Y E L L O W H G Bellamy was born and in the grid they may be N J RARRPANC on this day, in read across, backwards, up, London. He began down or diagonally. Letters may I A A E A O M I A A lecturing in botany David Bellamy, be shared between words. at Durham University pictured at Chelsea Erroneous or duplicate words N N N N W A D P N D in 1960, becoming a may appear in the grid, but I S G EMO S S D I professor in 1982. By this time he there is only one correct had forged a media career for solution. After the listed words V E E E L U L E D L himself. Over some 40 years, he are found, there are eight letters wrote more than 45 books on remaining; arrange these to I V L P L E E F E L botany, ecology and environmental make this week’s KEYWORD. D I X E S S J E R A issues, and presented around 400 WITCH TV programmes. His most-watched HAZEL HAMAMELIS SESP I DERYP television series included Bellamy’s EXPLODING SEED HOW TO ENTER: Enter this week’s keyword on the entry form, Backyard Safari and Bellamy on CAPSULES and send it to AG Word Search No 552, Amateur Gardening, Pinehurst 2, Pinehurst Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 Botany. In the 1970s and 80s, he was 7BF, to arrive by Wednesday 27 January 2021. The first correct entry chosen at random will win our £30 cash prize. regularly parodied by comedians, most famously by Sir Lenny Henry, who created the catchphrase “Gwapple me Gwapenuts”. For most DIVINING of his working life David lived with RODS YELLOW This week’s keyword is .......................................................................................... his wife Rosemary in Co Durham. In a Name ........................................................................................................................ 2011 interview, he said: “We used to try to grow all our vegetables, but we SPIDERY Address .................................................................................................................... had so many rabbits we gave up! FLOWERS ................................................................................................................................... Now we eat the rabbits!” He died on ORANGE Postcode .................................................................................................................. 19 December, 2019, at the age of 86. RED JELENA Email ......................................................................................................................... As a child, David Bellamy had PALLIDA VESNA Tel no ........................................................................................................................ hoped to become a ballet dancer. He Future plc, publisher of Amateur Gardening, will collect your personal information once said: “I had some lessons – but solely to process your competition entry. my physique was quite large, so I knew I couldn’t. But I wish I had!” 38 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
Potty about hamamelis Crossword ...just for fun! MOST garden plants are fine for () *+ , growing in patio containers – but . hamamelis are among the few (( - (* exceptions. Some get very large so (+ are not really suitable, and even the / (/ 0 (' smaller ones should be given the () biggest pot you can find. They hate becoming dry so, in summer, watering is crucial. In summer also, the pot itself is best in the shade, while the top of the plant should be in full sun! Plant hamamelis in (, Oh, and witch hazels need a ericaceous compost (0 deep acid soil for best flower colour, so if you really must (- (. grow one in a pot, use an ericaceous compost, mixed with John Innes No3 with some added leafmould. The witch connection )' WHY ‘witch’ hazel? There are two ACROSS 1 Lathyrus – climbing schools of thought: annuals (5,4) for bergamot (Monarda didyma)! (6,3) (anag) 1. H. virginiana was considered by 7 This light, sparkling Italian wine is found in astilbes! (4) DOWN the early settlers in Virginia, USA, 2 The subjects of this week’s 8 This Italian volcano is a Miscellany! (11) to have magical properties – they variety of astilbe! (4) 3 Brass instrument that makes used stems of it as divining rods, 9 A lorry driver sits in almost a sound like a dahlia tuber! (4) half a cabbage – or a taxi! (3) which gave rise to an association Hamamelis 4 Canker (fungus) disease of with witches and the occult. virginiana 11 The fraxinus tree (3) some plants (particularly 2. The ‘witch’ part of the name comes willow, cornus, plane trees – 12 Royal Horticultural and tomatoes) (11) from the Middle English word wiche, Society (1,1,1) 5 The genus subject of this which itself came from the Old English wice, meaning 13 Genus of the snowdrop week’s Miscellany! (9) tree, or silverbell (7) ‘bendable’ or ‘pliant’ – which the stems most certainly are! 6 Very lightweight timber, from 14 Time period of the tropical Ochroma lagopus The witch hazel species indeterminate length, tree, used chiefly for making Hamamelis mollis found in a gerbera! (3) models and rafts (5,4) Wow! I didn’t know that... 15 This animal could slip 9 The bog arum genus (5) on a Primula veris! (3) There are just five or six species of hamamelis (botanists 10 Not a witch hazel, but a disagree on the actual number), but there are around 16 Limb (not necessarily witch broom! (5) 100 cultivars and hybrids. of a tree) found in the thrift genus! (3) 17 Round piece of (often Witch hazels tend to be more expensive than ‘normal’ precious) metal, as in the shrubs, because they are grafted plants (which needs to 18 The holly genus (4) Narcissus bulbocodium be done by hand), and they are slow-growers (requiring ‘Diamond ____’ (4) prolonged care in the nursery prior to selling). 19 This beetroot variety is on its own! (4) H. virginiana is not a noteworthy garden plant – but it is grown for woodland projects, and it’s the species used 20 A wet goose is the to provide the essential oils for witch hazel lotion. alternative common name Witch hazels are not related to hazelnuts (corylus). ANSWERS TO ABOVE CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Sweet peas 7 Asti 8 Etna 9 Cab 11 Ash 12 RHS 13 Halesia 14 Era 15 Cow 16 Arm 18 Ilex 19 Solo 20 Oswego tea DOWN 2 Witch hazels 3 Tuba 4 Anthracnose 5 Hamamelis 6 Balsawood 9 Calla 10 Besom 17 Ring KEYWORD TO WORD SEARCH 547 (28 November): CHINA AND THE WINNER IS: MRS BARBARA BROWN, WALTON-ON-THAMES, SURREY 16 JANUARY 2021 AMATEUR GARDENING 39
40 AMATEUR GARDENING 16 JANUARY 2021
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