Quick questions & answers

QI bought this plant without a label – what is it?

Mr W Constable, East Barnet, Herts

AThis is a Dischidia platyphylla that is native to Burma, Thailand and Malaysia.

Grow it in peat or epiphytic orchid compost. Keep it warm and mist it 2-3 times a week with rainwater.

Water it freely in summer when it’s growing strongly, but less in winter.

QI saw this plant in America – can you identify it?

Mr E Shaw, Worthing, West Sussex

AI think this is Thespesia lampas, a native of India, Malaysia and the Philippines. A member of the hibiscus family (Malvaceae), it grows to 20-30ft (6-9m) and bears hollyhock-like flowers.

QCan you tell me what is wrong with my Rhamnus alaternus? I fear it might be some sort of disease.

Richard Deere, Newbury, Berkshire

AI think your plant’s somewhat motley state is almost certainly due to low temperatures.

Provided you nourish it with a balanced fertiliser, such as Vitax Q4, in mid-March or early April, watering it in if the soil is dry, strong new growth will emerge. For the best results, repeat applications monthly, until September.

Additionally, keep roots cool and active by mulching a 3ft (90cm) circle around the tree, avoiding the main stem.