I’m a big fan of lupins as they are super easy to grow, the flower spikes look amazing, and they generally don’t require much care once established. As long as they’re in their preferred environment (sunny position in well-drained soil) they require little care. A little deadheading, watering if grown in pots and maybe feeding with a little potassium-rich fertiliser such as Vitax Q4 and they will do well. Here’s my guide on what you need to provide to grow…
Of the three ways of propagating lupins – from seed as shown here and dividing them are the other ways – taking lupin cuttings is the easiest way to get established lupins quickly and probably my favourite way of propagating lupins. Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to take lupin cuttings. Wait until March or April – this is the best time to take cuttings from lupins Spring is when the lupin plant produces new growth that’s suitable for cuttings….
I have been growing lupins for over 20 years, and here is what I do with my own lupins after flowering. Once lupins have flowered, you have a couple of options of what to do with them. Firstly, you can cut them back, and you are usually rewarded with a second flush of blooms later in the season. After the second flush had finished blooming, I usually collect the seeds from the seed pods and then in late autumn, cut…
I’m a big fan of azaleas, but I usually grow mine in pots as I think they’re perfect for pots and being a little tender in harsh winters, it makes them easier to provide them with a little winter protection. They also grow well just remember that ericaceous compost. I have successfully grown azaleas in pots for years, and they do very well. They are also a good option if the soil in your garden isn’t of the acidic type…
Azaleas are shallow-rooted plants and need some preparation to survive successfully over the winter. It’s not difficult to overwinter azaleas if you plan ahead of time what to do. In fact, in my family’s small nursery, we use to bring azalea into a cold polytunnel over winter and just keep them watered enough not to allow them to dry out totally. Not got a greenhouse or tunnel, no problem just read on to learn more. The best way to successfully…
Azaleas don’t actually need pruning. However, here’s what to do if you ever need to remove dead or diseased branches, revitalise the azalea, control your plant’s shape or tidy it up a bit. Always use a light hand when you prune azaleas and always prune straight after they have flowered. Pruning too late in the season will remove the flowering shoots that will provide next year’s flowers. Personally, I NEVER prune Azaleas after the start of July. Sterilise your cutting…
Azaleas don’t need much looking after and they are generally problem free with the exception of a few pests and diseases as discussed here. However, a shot of fertiliser in the spring sets them up for a good growing season. I also like to give them another feed as the flowers fade as I’ve found it really does help get the most out of them. When to feed azaleas I like to fertilise my azaleas both in pots and in…
Various pests and even a few diseases may be eating your azalea leaves or at least giving the appearance that they have been eating your azalea leaves. I talk about bark scales, leafminers and caterpillars here, among other pests. To find out what to do about any of these, also read my Azalea Pests and Diseases guide, as I cover even more pests and especially diseases. If you have more of an issue with your azalea leaves dropping turning yellow…
Azalea diseases and pests of various kinds affect azaleas, and some are more common and more of an issue than others. Common diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot disease and rust. While Phytophthora root rot and Galls/canker as less common, they can be much more serious. Pests include the usual aphids, which can be treated with soapy water or pesticide bug killer if needed. Other pests also include scale insects, caterpillars, leafminers, roundworms and spider mites. I discuss each of…
The main reason your azalea leaves are turning yellow is probably an iron deficiency caused by poor soils or not enough nutrients in the soil. This is usually linked to the soil not being acidic enough. Azaleas like Rhododendrons and Pieris need an acidic soil with a ph rating of pH 4-6 with pH 5.5 being perfect. Any above 7.0 is too high and considered alkaline and the leaves will turn yellow. Two other causes are a lack of water, you…