Got a problem in your plot? Let our Garden Guru Martyn Cox help you out

QI planted a star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) against a southfacing wall four years ago. It produces lots of growth but no flowers. Should I just pull it out? Jan Ordowski

A Star jasmine is happy in sun or semi-shade, so long as it’s warm and sheltered. These climbers will generally flower within three years, but as yours sounds healthy enough it might just be dragging its heels a bit. Give the plant a kick-start by spreading slow-release fertiliser around the base in early spring, followed by a regular high-potash feed from late spring into summer.

Q For the past two years the buds on my camellia have fallen off early in the year – I’ll be lucky if I get half a dozen flowers in spring. What’s gone wrong? Chris Mellor

A Camellias form flower buds from late summer to early autumn. If plants struggle to find water at this time, buds will fail to develop or drop prematurely. There’s nothing you can do before spring, but ensure that your camellia is well watered this summer for a display next year.