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Category: Shrubs

Growing magnolias in pots is a good way to grow some of the smaller magnolia varieties such as Stellata. Learn how to grow them in pots here
Growing Magnolias In Pots and Containers – The Complete Guide

Growing Magnolias In Pots and Containers – The Complete Guide

Magnolias are one of my favourite shrubs and I have several varieties in my own garden, from the smaller growing Stellata and Susan that flower in spring, to the summer flowering Magnolia Yellow River which is a really impressive tree. These small trees present abundant blossoms of various colours, from white to purple, to pink and even yellow. Many people are usually surprised that Magnolias can grow in large pots because these plants possess a wide root system, but there…

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In this guide, I talk about how to grow Photinia 'red robin' from choosing the right position, pruning, propagation and common problems.
Growing Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – Planting, pruning and common problems

Growing Photinia ‘Red Robin’ – Planting, pruning and common problems

The Photinia Red Robin is a recognisable variety from a distance thanks to its vibrant bright red foliage in spring and clusters of beautiful small blooms around May-June. Photina is a fairly quick growing evergreen shrub that is perfect for any garden as they are easy to grow and do not require much maintenance, and respond well to pruning that will help to keep them under control size-wise. They do grow around 1ft a year and the eventual height can…

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Rhododendrons can sometime start to wilt and the leaves begin to droop so in this guide I show it happens and how to overcome it.
Why Are The Leaves On My Rhododendron Drooping – 8 Possible Reasons

Why Are The Leaves On My Rhododendron Drooping – 8 Possible Reasons

Rhododendrons are typically healthy plants known worldwide for their brightly coloured spring blooms. This sturdy plant comes in many different varieties of varying heights and foliage mass. If you have one in your garden, you might start worrying once you notice foliage starting to curl inwards or droop. Please, do not panic, finding the root cause of the problem will go a long way in restoring your Rhododendron’s health. Below is a checklist of some reasons why your Rhododendron’s leaves…

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I discuss how and when to prune acer trees several techniques. ideally you need to prune when its dormant.
Pruning Acer Trees and Shrubs – When and how to prune Japanese Maples

Pruning Acer Trees and Shrubs – When and how to prune Japanese Maples

Worth the centrepiece position in any garden and one of my personal favourites, Acer trees, also known as Japanese maples possess an understated elegance throughout the seasons. Their colourful foliage in spring together with bare branches in winter always offers visual interest to many. Regardless of whether you have a smaller variety like Acer palmatum or Acer platanoides, which is a larger variety; occasional pruning is essential in maintaining the shape and size of many varieties and most respond very…

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I talk about how to prune buxus and when to prune them to avoid burning the leaves or spreading diseases
When and How to Prune Buxus Topiary and Hedging

When and How to Prune Buxus Topiary and Hedging

Buxus, otherwise known as box plants can be trimmed into different captivating shapes to add some visual spice to your garden and these evergreen shrubs have dense foliage that is perfect for forming hedges around your property. To maintain the shape, regardless if you use them for hedging or topiary, requires pruning at least once a year but the key is to prune at the right time to encourage new growth, avoid burning the foliage and reduce the risk of…

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In general, pieris don't require yearly pruning but in this guide I talk about how to prune pieris to rejuvenate or trim them to size & when.
How to Prune Pieris – Rejuvenating woody plants and general pruning

How to Prune Pieris – Rejuvenating woody plants and general pruning

If you are one who usually likes to grow low-maintenance plants, Pieris shrubs should probably be top of your list. These evergreen shrubs which come in many varieties with ‘Forest Flame’ probably being the most popular because of the young fiery red foliage are used for ornamental purposes due to their colourful foliage, and small clustered blooms that attract insects like bees early in the season. Although Pieris shrubs are low-maintenance plants, pruning is a task that should be carried…

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Pruning camellias and the best time to prune
Pruning Camellias to maintain the shape, rejuvenate and remove dead, diseased or damaged growth

Pruning Camellias to maintain the shape, rejuvenate and remove dead, diseased or damaged growth

Camellias are known worldwide for their beautiful blooms and are considered to be one of the best early flowering shrubs that produce a mass of stunning flowers in spring. To maintain their beauty and reign in their growth, Camellias can benefit from annual pruning although it’s not essential. These evergreen plants benefit from pruning as it aids them in producing better blooms yearly by encouraging new growth as well as getting rid of dead or diseased branches. So how and…

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Pruning choisya - when and how to prune choisya
Choisya Pruning – How and when to prune to ensure continued flowering

Choisya Pruning – How and when to prune to ensure continued flowering

Aromatic and pleasing to the eye, Choisya plants play an ornamental role in most gardens and there are many varieties to choose from. Choisya ternata with its green leaves and cream-white flowers to Choisya Goldfingers with its slimmer looking golden-yellow foliage. They can grow up to two meters tall, producing large masses of beautiful flowers and foliage. While these plants look good in full bloom and really don’t require pruning, once in a while, it can help (to keep them…

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Cordylines are low maintenance in general but they can suffer from a few cordyline problems from pests and diseases.
Dealing With Cordyline Problems – Pests & Diseases

Dealing With Cordyline Problems – Pests & Diseases

Also known as cabbage palm, the Cordyline is a species of plant that looks similar to a palm tree and they can grow up to 20 meters tall. This hardy evergreen plant has over ten varieties, some of which sport different colours and thrive in different climates. To grow a Cordyline successfully, you need to be aware of some of the common problems that can affect it.   While Cordyline varieties such as the Cordyline Australis are typically easy to…

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Lavatera is best pruned back hard every year to encourage new flowering stems. Pruning is best done in spring as stems swell.
How to Prune Lavatera – When and How to Prune (Mallow Bushes)

How to Prune Lavatera – When and How to Prune (Mallow Bushes)

Originally from Mediterranean areas, Lavatera plants produce beautiful funnel-shaped flowers of different colours. These easy to grow plants enjoy well-drained soils but are not too picky about location and will grow well even in poor soils, but to really get the best from them I recommend pruning once a year, or at least every couple of years. To ensure these semi-evergreen plants thrive regardless of the weather, you need to know when, and how to prune Lavatera, also more commonly…

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