Quick questions & answers

Q

I have been waiting for two years for this plant to flower – is it an echium? Michael Anderson (via email)

A

Yes, it is an echium! This exotic-looking plant is a short-lived perennial, often treated as a biennial. It produces leafy stems followed by an enormous flowering spike, up to 2m (6ft) tall.

Q

When is the best time to move bluebells? Daphne Cowan, North Devon

A

The best time to move bluebells is from mid-to-late summer, when the leaves have shrivelled and the nutrients within them have been channelled into the bulbs.

In practice, bluebells can be lifted and transplanted at any time of year. They are vigorous and readily regrow.

Q

Is it too early to plant out summer bedding? Peter Walker (via email)

A

You need to keep your bedding frost-free for another three-four weeks while the nights are chilly, otherwise the plants will be stressed, stop growing and take a long time to recover. A heated greenhouse is the ideal place to keep them, or fleece them at night in an unheated greenhouse.