Potting Shed

Welcome to my potting shed! This is the column where I’ll share all my gardening hints and tips – and I’ll try to answer any queries you may have.

I like Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ but it tends to topple over. Is there a sturdier alternative? – Brian Watt, by email

Crocosmia ‘Mistral’ is a similar colour, but it is slightly smaller than ‘Lucifer’, so is better for exposed gardens.

My local garden centre is selling spring bulbs. Can I really plant them now? – Hayley Thompson, East Kilbride

Yes, most spring bulbs can go into the soil in late summer and early autumn. However, hold back on planting tulips until November in order to avoid problems with fungal conditions.

If you had room for just one Acer in your garden, which one would you choose? – Peter Manning, Kirkintilloch

It would have to be Acer palmatum ‘Autropurpureum’, which has the best autumn colour of all the acers.

What’s the best waterlily to grow in a half-barrel? – Gail Hutchison, Aviemore Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Alba’ is the smallest of the white waterlilies and is well suited to shallow water features.

Why are there very few apples on my trees this year? – Lesley McCann, Lockerbie Apples need a cold snap in order to promote fruiting the following summer, so recent mild winters have caused a drop-off in fruit production.

email your questions: ps@sundaypost.com