Garden Guru

QA year ago I planted a honeysuckle in a container filled with soil and compost. Nearby hedgerows have the heaviest crop of flowers I’ve seen, but my plant has none, despite its healthy growth. What’s wrong with it? Wendy Walmsley

AIt’s probably fine. I’d be worried if it wasn’t growing, so I think it just needs time to establish. It’s certainly not unusual for plants to take several years to settle down before they start blooming. In the meantime, keep the plant well watered and feed with a balanced fertiliser before the end of the month.

QThe branches on my weeping cherry tree are heading upwards rather than downwards. What’s wrong? Margaret Keir

AWeeping cherry trees are propagated by grafting, where the bud of a cascading variety is fixed to the top of a straight trunk. Occasionally, shoots will grow from the straight stem, below the point of grafting. These shoots are more vigorous than weeping ones and will take over. Prevent this by pruning them out immediately.

QMy lupins were marvellous until they were attacked by pests. I sprayed with soapy water but there are now hundreds of them. Please help. Jan Richards

AThe picture you sent me shows an adult capsid bug, which eats holes in leaves and prevents flowering. It can be controlled by spraying with a contact pesticide, such as Bayer Sprayday Greenfly Killer.