Ask John Negus: your questions

Q

I was wondering if you could identify this plant for me, please? Katie, via email

A

This is Cape mallow (Anisodontea capensis), a native of South Africa with a long display of ruby-red flowers.

It is not fully hardy. If you don’t have a garden sheltered from frosty winds, lift it in October or November, shorten it to 12in (30cm), pot it and overwinter it in a greenhouse or insulated coldframe, or even on a windowsill indoors.

Q

I live close to stables where horse manure is burned. Can I use it on the garden?

Carole Roddis, via email A

Do use the burned horse manure to top-dress your borders, but compost it for three months first. It is safe and ideal for adding humus to the soil to increase helpful bacteria and to encourage worms and other beneficial creatures. It also retains moisture.

Q

Do gazanias take a long time to flower? We’re still waiting for ours to bloom!

Joyce Mullins, via email A

It is not uncommon for gazanias not to flower in their first year. They will next season.

In late October, move your plants to a frost-free greenhouse or somewhere similar and set them outdoors in late May or early June to flourish and flower.