What climber looks like convolvulus but has large blue flowers?
Peter Livingstone, by email
Stefan says: This is a lovely climber you can grow from seed. It’s called ipomoea, or morning glory, and I’d guess the blue one you saw was ‘Heavenly Blue’. It is, in fact, a relative of the bindweed, convolvulus, but being half-hardy, it will never become a permanently established weed in your garden.
Several years ago, I grew a lovely variety of ipomoea called 'Grandpa Ott' in a container against a sheltered wall. Although it’s an annual, I’ve discovered that it self seeds fairly readily and I haven’t needed to resow since. In fact, the container also supports another glorious climber, the perennial Abutilon mesopotamicum and seeing a few of the purple morning glory flowers among the red and yellow ones of the abutilon is a special delight!
Your very own pear orchard on just one plant – three varieties on the same tree – ‘Williams’, ‘Conference’ and ‘Abbe Fetel’. All three will grow in harmony, giving crops over a much longer period, and they’ll pollinate each other, too. Easy to care for and supplied as a two-year-old tree in 3L pot for immediate planting. Item: 300185.
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This stunning variety of daphne is compact and slow growing, so is perfect for smaller gardens or potted displays on balconies and terraces. It’s a semi-evergreen variety, producing perfumed flowers on new growth, meaning pink blooms keep coming all summer long! H&S: 90cm (3ft). Supplied approx 25cm (10in) tall in a 2L pot. Item: 510732. DEAL PRICE: £14.99 – save £5.
A variegated dragon tree with evergreen, boldly striped leaves of green and golden yellow. Neat and compact, it will easily give a tropical feel to your home. A beautiful houseplant and easy to care for, a dracaena will bring a bold splash of colour to any room. Supplied as an established plant 70cm (2¼ft) tall, including pot. Item: 800199. DEAL PRICE: £17.99 – save 10 per cent.