The spider-like flowers of Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) look delicate and frail but for six or eight weeks from late December through to mid-February they are perhaps the toughest of all winter flowering shrubs. The thin, strap-like petals form a profusion of flowers...

Sweet peas are usually highly scented and rated for their beautiful flowers which come in a wide range of colours. As annuals, they only live for a year. PLANTING: The recommended time for planting sweet peas is from mid-March onwards. Plant in an open sunny site,...

Known for their graceful habit, often with attractive coloured foliage, and many with finely textured leaves, Japanese maples come into their own in autumn when their foliage turns stunning shades of golden-yellow, orange or fiery red. They are slow-growing and...

PLANT GOOD STOCK: The canes we have available have been passed by Ministry inspectors. USE FRESH GROUND: Where possible plant new canes in ground which has never cropped raspberries before, and avoid wet or boggy areas. PREPARE THE GOUND: Remove...

TEMPERATURE: To keep the plant in bloom, maintain it in a temperature of 15-21C (60-70 F) during the daylight hours and, if possible, move it to a cooler place at night. Because root disease is more prevalent at temperatures below 15C (60 F), do not put the...

TEMPERATURE: Varies between different types of orchids, but generally a day time temperature of 20°c in summer and 15°c in winter is ideal with a drop 3-4°c at night. Avoid cold draughts, they can be fatal. LIGHT: Orchids will require 10-15 hours of good...

OLEA EUROPA (Olive Tree) is a slow growing, evergreen tree and is the only species in cultivation. Small, fragrant, white or cream flowers are produced in axillary racemes from July-August, followed by fruits from September-October. The fruits are green at...

Magnolias are the true aristocrats of the tree and shrub world and are relatively trouble-free to grow. Most are deciduous and produce spectacular displays of goblet or start-shaped flowers in spring before their leaves have emerged. An evergreen form, M. grandiflora,...

IN THE HOUSE: LIGHT: Bright light but not direct sun. TEMPERATURE: Keep cool. The cooler the plant is the longer the flowers will last. WATERING: Keep the compost moist but NOT TOO WET at all times. Do not allow to dry out. AFTER FLOWERING: Cut...

Hardy and adaptable, heathers and heaths provide colour and interest for twelve months of the year. they are at their best when grown en masse at 5 plants per square metre but their range and adaptability provides much versatility. They can be grown individually, such...

POSITION: Bright light away from direct sunlight. TEMPERATURE: Place in a cool and airy situation, 14-16C, avoiding sudden temperature change. If the temperature is too high the leaves yellow and the flowers wither. In warmer houses place close to the...

COMPOST: Citrus trees need a slightly acid environment the pH should be between 6 and 6.5 (Lemons slightly lower pH than Oranges) so use a peat-based compost with an additive to keep the compost open, such as horticultural grit, which will give the pot more...