Q A couple of years ago, I bought an oleander described as a hardy shrub. My garden is not particularly cold and I planted it in a sheltered spot, but it has not grown much. Although buds have formed, they struggle to open. What went wrong, and can I improve things? Jennifer Kirkpatrick, Salisbury, Wilts.
A Enjoying a touch of the Med is a lovely idea and oleander is a firm favourite. Widely planted around the roadsides and hotels of warmer countries, the profuse white, pink or red flowers and evergreen foliage are a familiar and easily recognisable sight. Basking in hot weather and sunshine, plants can make large shrubs 20ft (6m) tall, capable of flowering all year round. Just take care when planting and handling oleanders, as all parts of the plant are poisonous.
Denne historien er fra August 08, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra August 08, 2020-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
