Quick Qu estions
Can I rejuvenate my 20-year-old ‘Roseraie de l’Hay’ rose? Barbara Tribe, Honiton, Devon
Pruning of this popular rugosa rose simply consists of removing an old stem or two in late winter to allow space for new ones. There’s not much evidence of young stems on your plant so you may have to cut all stems back to 15cm (6in) in late winter. Apply a rose fertiliser and mulch with well-ro ed manure or garden compost. Alternatively, look to buy a replacement but plant into fresh ground.
Why is my friend’s rhubarb producing big leaves but skinny stems? Mrs J Baldwin, Coventry
Rhubarb needs a fertile soil in full sun. In spring, apply Growmore fertiliser and mulch with manure. Each plant needs at least a square yard of space and it’s important to plant with the crown just above soil level. Water well in dry weather and never harvest until at least the second year.
Why does my fiveyear-old magnolia not flower? Mrs H Crawley, Canvey Island, Essex
It sounds as though you bought your magnolia as a ‘whip’ - a one-year-old tree with just a single stem. Young trees make strong root and shoot growth in the early years and only later commence flowering. Magnolias in too much shade may not flower.
What do I do with the fronds of my tree fern? Margaret Hodgens, Welwyn, Hertfordshire
In most parts of the UK, older fronds brown in cold weather. As new growth shows, cut away any unsightly fronds. Water well several time a week, including the trunk. Use a liquid feed once a fortnight in summer.