I am growing Frangipani from seed this year. A seedling germinated for me on 29 January and grew well until I potted it on. The packet came with dire warnings about root disturbance so I transplanted the seedling complete with its compost from the the original cell. The seed case was stuck on the top of the plant for a long time and I feared it would rot (as has happened with some Ricinus) so I removed it carefully. The seedling now stands at 1 1/4 inches but does not seem to be growing. I fear the compost is too dense and that I should have added some grit or perlite to the mix but am nervous to interfere because of the 'root disturbance' warnings. The seedling gets plenty of light but not direct sun and is indoors. I let it dry out between waterings. Have you any advice on what I should do?
I have recently obtained a load of newly cut bark chip. How long do I need to wait before spreading it on planted areas? Six months?
I have a weird problem with my Datura and I wonder if anyone has come across it before?My Datura is flowering. It is of the double flowered type. That is to say, the flower is supposed to be double-decked with an inner bell shape and an outer one. The first flower opened and when I looked up inside it I could see the ruffles of the inner bell. However, the inner bell never came down so you could only see it by looking up the 'skirts' of the flower. The flower turned brown from the inside out and was ugly within a few days of opening.It's almost like the inner flower is stuck and rotting as it can't come down. I tried giving it a little tug but it didn't want to come down and the whole flower came off.There are lots more flowers coming on the plant and I was really hoping not to suffer from the same problem (see photo on my journal of today).
I have a 10 ft yellow stemmed bamboo. It appears to be clump forming and is happy in the position it is in. I would like to move it but don't want to kill it. Is moving advisable? If so at what time of year would be best?
Hi GerryWhen in Bloom this year I noticed a black bamboo in one of the show gardens. It had been stripped of leaves from the ground to about 4 ft up. It looked very attractive.I would like to do the same with my bamboo at home but wonder if it is advisable.My bamboo is about 8 ft high and planted in an area where its roots are restricted from spreading by a surround of roof slate embedded around it in the soil. It seems quite healthy so I adopt an attitude of laisser-faire. Thanks for your advice.
Hi Gerry,
I've been lazy and haven't lifted or split my crocosmia in about 6 years. They are the tall red ones, Lucifer. Before they get a chance to flower, they flop over.
The problem is that the clump is so large I fear that I will damage many of them. It's also hard to get enough spade under them to lift.
I did chip a few away from around the edge last year. I damaged some but the transplanted ones are doing well.
Now is the right time of year so, tips please!
PS love the new website