Quick Questions
What has caused the burned leaves on my aucuba?
Kathleen Young, by email Spo ed laurel is regarded as a robust shrub, especially for difficult areas of dry shade. However, it’s quite susceptible to damage from winter waterlogging or cold, wet winters which manifests itself later in the growing season as areas of blackening on leaves and stems. Simply remove affected foliage and stems as necessary. Encourage strong regrowth by applying a balanced general fertiliser, such as Growmore, ideally in early spring. It’s probably not worth feeding this late in the season.
What screening shrubs can I grow in an exposed situation? David Slater, Newcastle
The situation you describe of shade, cold and exposure for a woody plant in a container is difficult. I’d be tempted to concentrate on pyracanthas with different coloured berries (red, orange, yellow). Euonymus
fortunei varieties, such as ‘Silver Queen’ and ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’, would also be a good bet.
How do I control blackfly on runner beans? Rob Hunt, Farnham, Surrey
Regularly inspect the growing tips and underside of leaves and use a jet of water to wash them off before they become too numerous. If already established, regular applications of organic insecticides based on plant oils and fa y acids should prove effective. A number of synthetic insecticides based on lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin and cypermethrin are available. Check labels for suitability on edible crops. Never use them on plants in flower.