PLANT OF THE WEEK
LAGERSTROEMIA INDICA
across the foliage which becomes pale and dries up.
The solution? They hate water so a good hosing down will help and regular misting is a good idea.
There is a biological control for this – a small mite called Phytoseiulus which when released in your glasshouse will gobble up the red spider mite.
Glasshouse thrips are tiny black insects that cause a silver mottling on leaves and flower distortion.
Ask for blue sticky sheets from your garden centre and hang these above your plants to catch them.
There are a number of predatory mites that you can order online, such as Amblyseius, or use organic sprays.
You can also try homemade recipes to make your own fly deterrent. These involve mixing varying concoctions of liquid soap, garlic, neem oil, peppermint, vinegar or baking soda diluted in water and used via spray bottles.
So if you’re a DIY-er, get mixing in the kitchen. Crepe myrtle is a highly decorative small ornamental tree that is increasing in popularity.
It’s borderline hardy so best grown in southern or milder coastal areas – a sheltered post against a sunny wall is a good option. Right now it’s covered in frilly pink flowers that look as if they have been fashioned from crepe paper. Depending on the cultivar, these flowers also come in white, crimson or purple. It has a pleasing overall shape and will reach 20ft tall in maturity.
Added bonuses include its attractive bark – which is mottled light grey and pale pink – and good autumnal leaf colour.