What is this, please?
is the problem. Sadly, there is no cure for either disease.
Ideally, but it may be impracticable, return the tree to the supplier, who will replace it.
Nevertheless, contact the company and explain what has happened. They may send you another by carrier.
QMy neighbour has just bought me this lovely plant. Can you tell me the name please and if it’s winter hardy?
Barbara Stacey, via email
AThis is a gentian, probably G. ‘Inverleith’. Happiest in loam-based ericaceous compost augmented with quarter part coarse grit, by volume, it loves a sunny position.
For the moment, feed it weekly with an ericaceous liquid fertiliser, ensuring the compost is damp. Then, when the plant becomes pot-bound and roots push the drainage hole, move it into a container 6in (15cm) larger in diameter, placing crocks or pea shingle over the base before filling in with compost.