Quick questions & answers

QWhat is this plant, please?

Kathy Greaves, via email

Aquestion appears to be

P. multibracteatum. A native of Africa, it was discovered in 1882.

Easy to grow provided you site it in full sun and grow it in gritty, freedraining soil and water carefully – roots must not be soaked – it commands attention.

QWhat has happen to my king of Peru plant?

S McCusker, East Antrim

AThe pelargonium in

Your marvel of

Peru or king of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa) is suffering from sun scorch. Pleasingly, if you shade it lightly with fibre fleece and water regularly, strong new shoots will replace those that are damaged.

Mirabilis has great charm. Opening its flowers in the late afternoon, few pests trouble it and it blooms for many weeks in summer.

Q

What is this plant, please?

AAnne Randall, via email

This interloper is the greater burdock (Arctium lappa).

A robust British wildflower, its hooked seeds cling to passing animals, which ensures the plant’s distribution.

A biennial, it flowers, seeds and dies in its second year – it grows to around 5ft (1½m). Beloved by bees and other insects, it has sculptural appeal and looks fine in a wild garden.