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Category: Shrubs

One of the most common questions I get asked is Do Cordylines flower? Learn more about what you need to do and more importantly what not to do
Do Cordylines Flower? This is what you need to know

Do Cordylines Flower? This is what you need to know

Cordylines, more commonly known as Cabbage Palms, are typically grown for their striking foliage. This striking foliage comes in an array of colours, from the more common green variety that you will often spot in a neighbour’s garden to the more exotic looking Red Star, Torbay Dazzler and Pink Sunrise Cordylines. Many people don’t think these palm-looking plants produce flowers, but in actuality, they can. However, not all Cordyline varieties can produce flowers. Varieties such as the Cordyline australis (the…

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Cordyline plants need winter protection so in this guide I will show you how to protect a Cordyline in winter and what you need to do.
How to protect a Cordyline over the winter

How to protect a Cordyline over the winter

Cordylines are hardy plants that prefer tropical climates but they can also survive in dry and colder climates. These palm-type trees do not thrive in the cold, despite them being evergreen. In cold weather, when the temperatures start to drop and the risk of a prolonged hard frost is high, most Cordylines will need some kind of protection to ensure they can survive the winter. Winter protection is crucial as it prevents the plants from getting slime flux. Slime flux…

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Growing Lavatera in pots
Growing Lavatera in Pots

Growing Lavatera in Pots

Subtle in appearance spotting elegant blooms, a Lavatera will draw cosmetic attention wherever they are placed. They possess abundant foliage that contrasts well with the bright blooms making them a garden favourite.   Are you curious about growing Lavatera in pots? Well, you have come to the right place! This article sheds light on when and how to grow these semi-evergreen plants in pots. You will also find tips on caring for your Lavatera in the long run. First things…

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Pests and Diseases That Attack Lavatera Plants
Pests and Diseases That Attack Lavatera Plants

Pests and Diseases That Attack Lavatera Plants

If you notice that your Lavatera shrub is discolouring or wilting, there is a high chance that they are suffering from disease or pest issues, the good news is that it is nearly always treatable. It is crucial to identify the culprit according to the symptoms displayed to employ a suitable treatment method. This is usually as simple as applying a pesticide for pests and fungicide for fungus infections such as Hollyhock rust and mildew. In the sections below, are…

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In this guide, I talk about why your Lavatera leaves might be turning yellow and what to do about it. Overwatering, pests, late fall and more
Why Are The Leaves on My Lavatera Turning Yellow?

Why Are The Leaves on My Lavatera Turning Yellow?

Lavatera is one of my favourite shrubs, but one common problem with them is that the leaves often start to turn yellow, especially on more established plants. If you notice your Lavatera’s leaves yellowing, there might be a problem. Instead of guessing what the problem could be, it is better to investigate and figure out what really going on. Firstly, I just want to highlight a couple of things you need to consider before jumping in and blaming pests or…

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Lavatera should in fact be cut back fairly hard and respond well to hard pruning once a year, the best time is early to mid spring. Learn more now
Should You Cut Back Lavatera?

Should You Cut Back Lavatera?

The simple answer is, yes, you should. Unless you have plans of letting them grow wild, cutting back Lavatera (also known as mallows) is beneficial for the overall health of the plant and its appearance. Many people have asked me this question because they are worried that cutting back Lavatera would be detrimental. In the information presented in this article, you will discover why pruning Lavatera is advantageous and how you should do it. In general Lavatera, usually the shrubby…

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Growing lavatera baby barnsley and care guide
Growing Lavatera ‘Barnsley Baby’ and Care Guide

Growing Lavatera ‘Barnsley Baby’ and Care Guide

Lavatera Barnsley Baby is one of my favourite shrubs to grow in pots and containers as they don’t get too large. They are fairly low maintenance compared to their larger cousins, the Rosea and the Burgundy Wine and give one of the best shows of any shrub, flowering for longer than another other variety of shrubby Lavatera. What is there not to love! You would think that they take a lot of effort, but in reality, they are quite easy…

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How to grow Lavatera Mallow Bushes and Care Guide
How to grow Lavatera bushes (Mallows)

How to grow Lavatera bushes (Mallows)

Have you come across Lavatera bushes and their lovely blossoms in spring? If you have, it is difficult not to appreciate their understated beauty and abundant flowers and foliage. You can easily add these plants (which are available as shrubs, perennials and annuals depending on the variety) to your garden display because they don’t need much attention to thrive with the exception of a little pruning in spring and some mulch around the base in autumn. In this article, I…

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In this guide i explain when and how to take Lavatera cuttings step by step. Ideally you need to take semi-hardwood cuttings in mid Summer. Learn more
How and When to Take Lavatera Cuttings

How and When to Take Lavatera Cuttings

One of the best ways to propagate Lavatera is by a method known as taking softwood cuttings. This is often done in the spring or early summer and is super easy to do, even for beginners. If you have never propagated Lavatera through cuttings, this is the perfect opportunity for you to try.  With the tips you will find below, you should have garden ready plants either this year if you take them early enough which is spring, or next…

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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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