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Category: Shrubs

In this guide, I look at Acer plant problem and reasons your Acer might be dying from vine weevil eating the roots to diseases such as Phytophthora
Acer plant problems / acer dying

Acer plant problems / acer dying

There aren’t too many acer plant problems. The acer tree (known also as the Japanese maple) is a relatively easy plant to look after. However, it can be susceptible to a few harmful conditions. The environment, insects, fungus, disease and even you can cause these acer plant issues, sometimes causing the Japanese maple to die. Environmental problems Environment problems such as too much sun result in scorched leaves on the acer tree. This is where the leaves turn brown at…

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I look at different things you can do to protect your acer trees over winter from using fleece with potted acer trees to mulching
How to protect an acer tree over winter?

How to protect an acer tree over winter?

Acer trees (aka Japanese maples) are hardy trees and easy to look after. However, protecting an acer tree over winter helps them to survive to yet another growing season. I cover advice for both acer trees planted in the ground and those grown in pots. For all acer trees, wherever they are planted Overall Health The healthier your acer tree is, the stronger it is to survive the winter weather. Look after it well all year long, attending to its…

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When and how to prune Magnolia ‘Stellata’? (Star Magnolias)

When and how to prune Magnolia ‘Stellata’? (Star Magnolias)

Magnolia Stellata is a deciduous magnolia tree. As such, it only needs some light pruning. Over pruning of magnolias leads to health issues for them as well as issues with flowering. Magnolia stellata is one of the varieties that can be grown against a wall or fence and shaped, in this case, you can lightly trim them after flowering in spring. If you have one that is too large and needs pruning more significantly, then I recommend renovation pruning over…

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How to take semi-ripe magnolia cuttings – step by step

How to take semi-ripe magnolia cuttings – step by step

It’s quite tricky to take magnolia cuttings and grow them well. Here are the basic steps to follow for a successful process. I have had the most success taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer to early autumn when the bottom of the cutting is hard and the top soft, I also remove a strip of bark from the bottom of the cuttings on one side known as wounding which seems to help. Growing them with bottom heat also helps them…

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Are there miniature magnolia trees?

Are there miniature magnolia trees?

Magnolia trees range in size from large and wide trees down to compact shrubs. Compact and dwarf magnolias are available and these are best grown in large containers. Here are three of the most popular miniature magnolia trees which are stellata, susan and yellow bird. More on them below. Magnolia Stellata (Star Magnolia) Magnolia Stellata is a compact tree that reaches a height of around 2.5m when it’s fully matured. In early spring, small silvery buds appear on the bare…

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Magnolia trees should be pruned mid-summer after flowering, only lightly prune or prune over a few years if pruning harder.
When and how to prune a magnolia tree?

When and how to prune a magnolia tree?

You don’t need to expend much effort to prune a magnolia tree as they require only light pruning. In fact, overpruning is one of the most common problems with magnolias and can lead to them not developing flowers. When to prune a magnolia tree? Keeping the magnolia tree healthy At times, parts of your magnolia tree may become diseased and even die. Cut off the diseased or dead branches, leaving only the living, healthy, green parts behind. If the branches…

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In this guide, you will learn where the best place to plant a magnolia tree is and how to give it the best start.
Where is the best place to plant a magnolia tree?

Where is the best place to plant a magnolia tree?

It’s difficult to move a magnolia tree once you’ve planted it. So take some time to scout out the perfect location before you plant a magnolia tree. I tell you about its preferred location, soil, and amount of sunlight and heat. Location Magnolias need to be in sheltered places, out of any winds or rainstorms. Don’t plant your magnolia in a wind corridor or where it’s completely exposed. While most magnolias are excellent as lawn trees, make sure that there’s…

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In this guide. I look at why your magnolia buds might not be opening or simply dropping before opening from to much nitrogen to frost damage.
Magnolia buds not opening – common reasons

Magnolia buds not opening – common reasons

Your magnolia buds may not be opening for one or more of several reasons. The most common are that you didn’t have any buds in the first place, that the environment isn’t suitable for your tree, or that your tree hasn’t received the care and attention it needs. Incorrect pruning at the wrong time of year as well as harsh winter frost can also cause buds to drop or cause them to rot and not open. No buds, or just…

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Pieris Forest Flame Diseases and how to treat them including leaf spot disease
Pieris Forest Flame Diseases – what to look out for and how to treat them

Pieris Forest Flame Diseases – what to look out for and how to treat them

Fungal Leaf Spot Pieris Forest Flame is the most popular variety of pieris grown in the UK. From the bright red leaves and white bell-like flowers in the spring, the leaves go through colourful changes from red to pink to cream to green during the growing season. But if your Forest Flame leaves are looking a bit sickly, there’s probably one main culprit – the disease of Fungal Leaf Spot. Does your pieris forest flame have fungal leaf spot? To…

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Pieris leaf problems, how to identify them and how to fix them
Pieris Leaf Problems

Pieris Leaf Problems

Leaf problems with your pieris could be due to pests, disease, the environment or a lack of correct care but the two most common problems are probably fungus leaf rot also known as leaf spot disease or pieris Lacebugs. Pests – Pieris lacebug What is a pieris lacebug? There’s a pest named after the pieris shrub that first appeared in Windsor, UK, in 1998. The pieris lacebug torments pieris shrubs along with rhododendrons. This is an insect that’s only about…

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