GARDEN GURU

Q I bought a small pomegranate bush that I’m growing in a pot on my patio. Can you give me some growing advice?

Charlie Priest

A As they originate from the Middle East, pomegranates like a sunny, sheltered position. Water plants regularly during the growing season and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Although associated with warmer climes, some varieties are hardy down to about -15C. Though they’re tough, I would move it undercover in winter or protect branches with horticultural fleece. Your plant will eventually produce red flowers, followed by small red fruit. These usually drop prematurely in the UK as plants need a long, hot summer to produce viable fruit.

Q Are you able to identify the plant in my photo which has appeared in my garden? I think it may be a type of lilac. Also, it’s in the wrong position, so can I move it into a pot?

Martin Norman

A The plant in the picture you emailed to me is Buddleia davidii, otherwise known as butterfly bush. This summerflowering shrub is adept at colonising empty patches of soil and its seeds probably blew into your garden from a plant nearby. This wild species grows vigorously to 10ft – and isn’t really suitable for a pot. However, there are many compact forms that are ideal in containers, such as the ‘Buzz’ range that are available in several colours.