GARDEN GURU

Q I’d like to buy a ‘Graham Thomas’ rose. Could you recommend some suppliers? Margaret Blythe A My first port of call would be David Austin Roses (davidaustinroses.co.uk), which bred this variety in the early 1980s. Crocus (crocus.co.uk) and RHS Plants (rhsplants.co.uk) are also worth a try. Q How should I care for a poinsettia over winter? Maggie Perrott A Poinsettias are best in a room that’s neither too hot nor too cold. A temperature between 16C and 21C is ideal. They are happy in light or slight shade, but avoid putting them close to heaters or above radiators. Keep compost damp using slightly tepid water – roots will rot if left sitting in puddles. Q I’m worried about my Picea pungens ‘Super Blue’. I planted it 18 months ago, but growth has been disappointing. Any idea why? Wayne Fisher A The photo you sent me certainly shows a poorly plant. You mention that it might have been pot-bound prior to planting, and this could have led to a loss of needles, as it would struggle to take up moisture and nutrients. It’s also possible that a combination of extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall or drought could have led to the plant’s decline. However, the presence of leaves means that hope is not lost. Feed with general-purpose fertiliser in late winter and spread a 3in layer of garden compost over the soil.