Q I have pots of gloriosa and calla lilies overwintering in my porch. They were bought a few years ago in bloom, but have not grown or flowered well since. Can I bring them back to full glory, or should I start again? Maggie Linklater, Winscombe, Somerset
A There is a group of slightly tender exotic plants that die back in the autumn to storage organs. Fuelled by leaves during the growing season, these contain stored food ready to propel the plants back to life when they receive water and warmth in late winter/spring.
The gloriosa and calla lily mentioned rest as tubers, and you have done the right thing by keeping them in their original pots of compost dry but frostfree. Of course, you can buy new tubers or pay out for plants in growth and flower during summer. Yet this costs money and you would miss out on one of my favourite early spring gardening jobs – digging for buried treasure.
Denne historien er fra February 26, 2022-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra February 26, 2022-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters