Quick QUESTIONS
What is wrong with my Betula pendula?
Caroline Boyce, by email You have a dwarf tree in a pot and a while ago it was infested with greenfly and covered in the honeydew residue from them. Although the greenfly have gone, the symptoms seem to be getting worse. I think the problem is the sooty moulds that are growing on the honeydew are cutting off light to the leaves. Try a spray with RoseClear Ultra and give regular liquid feed.
When should we transplant our magnolia?
Sarah Styles, by email
Your plant is 90cm high and in a trough. You don’t say what kind of magnolia it is but magnolias in general don’t like being moved but I think your small tree will be alright. You have two choices: October or next March. If you can wait, I’d suggest you wait until next March because if we have a cold winter, this could be detrimental to a newly moved plant.
What is the problem with our Oriental poppies?
Daniel Sorrell, by email Some of the stems of your Oriental poppies wither about 15-20cm from the flower and the flower hangs down vertically. The stem turns brown, usually while the flower is in bud. It sounds as if a rot such as botrytis grey mould is attacking the stems because they are weak. Give the plants a fertiliser with plenty of potash and phosphate but not too much nitrogen.