CHECK ON PELARGONIUMS

Pelargoniums are easy to keep overwinter and most will tolerate temperatures as low as 0C (32F) but they must be kept as dry as possible. It’s especially important to keep the foliage dry or botrytis and other fungal diseases can be a problem. It’s essential to maintain perfect hygiene and remove any dead flowers and leaves to prevent fungal infections. Watering should be kept to a minimum and plants should only be given enough water to prevent severe wilting. Avoid the temptation to cut back plants now because the cut surfaces can lead to die back.

Hellebores are beginning to bloom now, sending up flower stems. At the same time the older leaves often lay flat against the ground. New foliage will appear when the flowers open. It’s wise to remove old leaves in winter. It will remove any disease on the plants so the new growth won’t be infected with any fungal spores. It also shows off new flowers be er, with the old, browning foliage taken away.