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Category: Shrubs

When do Magnolias bloom and why to choose specific varieties
When do magnolias bloom?

When do magnolias bloom?

Magnolias bloom from spring onwards Magnolias, in general, bloom with their lush colours and sweet scents from early spring to late summer. Different varieties of magnolia have different blooming times within this period. But the large showy flowers always make a splash regardless of whether they’re from trees or shrubs. Magnolia flowers usually open in spring along with the leaves. The leaves are usually large and oval shaped while the shape of the magnolia flowers varies with the variety. They…

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There are a few common reasons magnolias sometimes don't flower including incorrect pruning or pruning to hard and frost bud damage
Why is my magnolia not flowering?

Why is my magnolia not flowering?

The three main causes of your magnolia tree not flowering are related to its environment, your care and maintenance of it, and infestations. Have you purchased a suitable variety for your environment? The first thing to check is whether your variety of magnolia is suitable for your local environment. Some varieties do better in warmer climates while others can tolerate cooler places such as Magnolia Stellata and Susan. Read the label that came with the tree to see if your…

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I share some of the top recommended Shade Loving Plants for Containers including shrubs, perennials and summer bedding.
Top 10 Best Shade Loving Plants For Containers

Top 10 Best Shade Loving Plants For Containers

In this guide, I’m going to share some of my favourite shade loving plants that grow well in containers. These are perfect for patios, balconies or any position where you need to plant plants, that will thrive in containers but also in shadier areas such as under trees or even along a north facing wall on a patio or decking. Below is a mixture of perennials that provide colour throughout summer to bedding plants and even some shrubs for all…

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Dwarf Buddleia Butterfly Bushes and recommended varieties, general care, pruning and more
Dwarf Buddleia – The Perfect Butterfly Bushes Ideal For Patio Pots and Containers

Dwarf Buddleia – The Perfect Butterfly Bushes Ideal For Patio Pots and Containers

Butterfly bushes have got to be one of my favourite shrubs but the usual common varieties have a reputation for being invasive and growing very large and are not always suitable for smaller gardens or growing in smaller pots. However, they are great for attracting butterflies and other beneficial insects into the garden. This is where some of the new dwarf varieties of buddleia are turning the tide by proving less invasive than their taller counterparts, as most of them…

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In this guide, i'm going to show you some of my best plants for pots all year round including azaleas, Agapanthus and hebes
10 Best plants for pots all year round – my favourite picks

10 Best plants for pots all year round – my favourite picks

In this guide, I’m going to look at some of my favourite plants for pots that provide all ready colour whether that be the sunning flowers followed by evergreen foliage or attractive foliage that changes throughout the seasons. I will start with one of my favourites for growing in pots and these are Azaleas, often the first to provide some colour in spring after a long winter. 1. Azalea japonica Those looking for potted plants with vibrant colours should consider…

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Learn how to grow and care for Cordyline Pink Passion cabbage palms. They prefer a sheltered site in full sun or semi-shade.
Growing Cordyline Pink Passion

Growing Cordyline Pink Passion

Cordyline pink passion is a variety of cordyline with such dazzling colour that it steals the show wherever it is cultivated. With the right conditions, this vibrant variety or cabbage palm will retain its vibrant colour year round with few issues but in colder regions, it may need some winter protection, more on this further down. Growing cordyline pink passion is no different from planting other varieties of cordyline, especially the more tender varieties, you just need fertile soil with…

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Buddleia is a strong hardy plant but some insects can take a liking to their leaves. These include the Mullein moth caterpillars and beetles.
What Is Eating My Buddleia leaves and How to Treat Them

What Is Eating My Buddleia leaves and How to Treat Them

Buddleia is one of my favourite shrubs and I really do enjoy the butterflies that sometimes arrive in their masses. If you’re lucky enough to have hummingbirds (I know I don’t as I’m in the UK) I know they also love butterflies bushes too. Buddleia is about as hardy as shrubs come but what I have experienced and been asked about is what is eating my buddleia leaves. For most people, it’s likely to be caterpillars, usually from moths including…

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In this guide, I'm going to explain why your buddleia leaves might be turning yellow before eventually falling off including iron deficiency.
Why Are My Butterfly Bush Leaves Turning Yellow and Falling Off?

Why Are My Butterfly Bush Leaves Turning Yellow and Falling Off?

Butterfly bushes are a favourite for gardeners seeking to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies and you don’t get much better than planting a butterfly bush or two. Healthy buddleia bushes display vibrant blooms and dense foliage, which can look amazing when cared for correctly. Something they can suffer from though is the leaves turning yellow and falling off so in this guide I’m going to tell you why this might be happening. Read on further for common issues…

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In this guide, I provide the most common reasons why your Buddleia is probably wilting including root rot to watering issues and root shock.
Why Is My Buddleia Wilting?

Why Is My Buddleia Wilting?

If you have a wilting buddleia it’s usually something I often see with newly planted buddleia and buddleia that have put on new growth in spring. Generally, it’s usually water related, either not getting enough, more on this below or drowning, often in clay soil with bad drainage. Various things are to blame for the wilting of your butterfly bushes, and I will cover them below starting with the most likely: Not getting enough water or to much water Are…

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In guide, I talk about how to grow Buddleia bushes from choosing the right variety, planting, general care and then finish off with propagation.
How to Grow Buddleia Bushes (Butterfly Bushes)

How to Grow Buddleia Bushes (Butterfly Bushes)

Buddleia bushes are one of my favourite shrubs and whether love them or hate them, the butterflies love them as they’re full of nectar which is why they get the name butterfly bushes. Pollinators such as butterflies, moths, and bees find themselves lured by the bright beautiful blossoms that vary in colour depending on the variety. They are probably one of the easiest of all shrubs to grow and you could even get away with providing no care but with…

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