Quick Question & Answer

Q What is this plant? Peter Driver (via email)

AThe plant is Fasicularia bicolor, our hardiest bromeliad that can withstand temperatures down to 2°C (36°F).

In summer it has a dense spray of blue flowers embraced by ivorywhite bracts. It grows to around 20in (50cm) and can be positioned outdoors in a frost-free garden.

Grow it in ericaceous compost and grit and site it in a sheltered spot in full sun. If a spell of very cold weather is forecast, move it into a frost-free greenhouse for the duration.

Q Please can you tell me what this plant is? It looks similar to groundsel. Heather Whent (via email)

AThe plant in question is Canadian fleabane (Conyza canadensis), a North American introduction which has colonised most parts of the British Isles.

It is best removed and composted before seeds form, otherwise it will spread throughout the garden.

Q Could you please identify this shrub – is it an evergreen? Gill Evans, Chester

AThe shrub is a very attractive form of dwarf laurel called Prunus laurocerasus ‘Zabeliana’. A splendid carpeter, it flourishes in light shade. Introduced in 1898, it is similar to ‘Otto Luyken’, which we first grew in 1940 and gained an RHS Award of Merit in 1968.

Both shrubs are happy in light or heavy soil and need little attention apart from removing shoots outgrowing their situation.