PLANT OF THE WEEK

LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (ENGLISH LAVENDER)

Another box problem that can occur is red spider mite. This shows up in the form of a mottled appearance on the leaves caused by sap-sucking insects.

It’s not life threatening to the plant, only a bit disfiguring, and you could try organic plant oil spray to help reduce your mite population.

Another more serious problem in recent years is the box moth caterpillar which can defoliate a plant.

If you spot a caterpillar, remove by hand. You may be alerted to them by the presence of their fine webs.

Let’s not give up on box yet – plant breeders are busy trying to create a blight-resistant box.

In the meantime, if my Buxus don’t survive I think I will turn to yew as an alternative.

For low-edging hedges, Lonicera nitida, ilex crenata or some of the smaller leaved hebes can also make good alternatives. If there’s one plant that’s happy in our current drought conditions it’s lavender.

Associated with delicate cottage gardens, it’s an introduction from the Mediterranean and is tough as old boots. It comes into bloom when the first flush of other garden flowers is over and leads you into and through to the mid-summer period.

Plant the English one rather than the French one – I find that it’s a better performer.

Site in an open sunny position. You don’t want it getting straggly and woody so cut it back when flowering is finished, removing all of this year’s growth, but not back into the old wood.

Define areas of your outdoor space with a low border of box White-out: Diarmuid’s damaged box