Quick Qu estions
Why are my petunia leaves so dark?
Grant Rivers, South Ockendon, Essex This is a common sign of cold damage. In spring, night time
temperatures can plummet even if days are warm. As long as the plants don’t get frosted they’re fine. Before planting out gradually harden off.
How do I grow sarcococca from seed?
Sue Downs, Bristol Gather seed when it’s fully ripe. If spring is dry, water plants to ensure plump berries. Remove the fleshy covering as this inhibits germination. Soaking seeds in lukewarm water for six hours helps. Store in plastic bags of damp Perlite or Vermiculite in the veg compartment of the fridge and sow in pots in autumn. Place outdoors for winter.
What is this weed taking over our village?
Shelagh Hutchings, Uley, Gloucestershire This is winter heliotrope ( Petasites fragrans). It’s native to southern Europe,
but naturalised in Britain, where it favours damp, shaded hedgebanks and stream margins. As only male plants are present in the British Isles, it spreads entirely by rhizomes underground. Thorough digging will eliminate it. Alternatively, spray with a glyphosate-based weedkiller such as Roundup or Tumbleweed.
Why doesn’t my viburnum flower?
Mr G Bradbury, Adel, Leeds
Viburnum tinus is a pre y reliable shrub apart from the predation of the viburnum beetle. It originates from the Mediterranean, so in colder localities it does best in a warm, sunny spot. In cu ing it back hard you’ve made a classic mistake. This won’t encourage flowering, only the growth of strong new shoots that’ll take a few years to flower.