PLANT OF THE WEEK

DIARMUID

GALANTHUS NIVALIS

It’s lovely to see snowdrops now in flower and it’s a good time to purchase them if you are looking to introduce them to your plot.

Bulbs bought in autumn tend to be too dry, so they are best bought “in the green” which is anytime from now onwards and planted immediately on arrival.

You can also buy them in pots now and this is a good way to see what type of flower they have. There are tonnes of different cultivars, with various subtle markings or flower shapes, but you won’t go wrong with the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis – it’s pure and simple. Plant in moisture retentive soil – and they look beautiful naturalised in grass.

Q

Do you have any tips for growing lupins? I’ve tried unsuccessfully a few times but the snails got them. Do they get stronger every year? And how do you manage green fly?

Bronagh, via email

AUnfortunately, snails do seem to like lupins a lot! You just have to keep on top of this, especially when they are putting out new tender growth. Try to make it difficult for the snails to get to the plant by using gritty or spikey substances around its base, such as crushed eggshells or dried seaweed, or make beer traps to lure the snails.

Greenfly or aphids are also great fans of lupins and like to suck sap from them to the point where the lupin will wilt. Remove them by hand, with a hose or by using an organic spray.

In terms of soil, lupins are actually quite easy as they are nitrogen fixers which means they can convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into nitrates in the soil.

This ability allows them to thrive in poor conditions. Free-draining soil is best so add a bit of grit when planting if your soil is heavy.