Category: Growing Trees And Shrubs in Containers

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the wonderful colourful berry plant of Callicarpa in containers. Callicarpa or beautyberry to give its common name (you will see why) are small trees or shrubs of the Lamiaceae (the Sage) family.  Callicarpa is native to parts of Asia, Australia, Madagascar, and North and South America. It is a compact bush only growing up to 2m in height. There are 3 species that are often found growing in a UK garden.

When in full leaf in summer the plant is nothing to write home about, as they are serrated and oval …

In this article, we will discover how to grow the not so often seen Abeliophyllum in containers. It is not popular because it is often said to be an untidy plant, which is only sparsely covered with leaves. This is not a valid reason in my eyes and it will make a great change to the Forsythia often seen in gardens everywhere.

Abeliophyllum has the common name of miseonnamu, Korean Abeliophyllum, White Forsythia, or Korean abelialeaf. It is a member of the Oleaceae, the Olive family.

It has Korean in its common name should give a clue to where it …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the wonderful perennial wildflower called Centranthus in containers. Centranthus is a flowering perennial or sub-shrub that is native to South Europe. It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family, the honeysuckle family. It does not look like honeysuckle but it is part of the family.

Twelve species are known to exist, where Centranthus ruber is the most known. If you look at the British countryside, you will find the plant growing on old walls and gravel paths.

The flowers are small and are borne in large clusters above the lance-shaped, green …

In this article, we will discover what to do once your fruit trees and fruit bushes have been planted.  Once you have planted your fruit trees, fruit bushes and canes you cannot rest on your laurels, as still there is plenty to do.

After all, that time spent in planting them, staking them, tying them in, it is now time to look after the plant, as you cannot let them grow by themselves.

The most important routine that you must get right is to how to water and feed effectively, as well as how to control weeds.

 GET THE WATERING

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In this article, we will talk about how to harvest your home-grown fruit, how to determine it is ready to harvest and what to do to store your little treasures.

We, home-grown gardeners, work hard throughout the growing season and when harvest time comes the reward of all the hard work comes to fruition and you can enjoy them. Most fruits are best eaten straight picked from the tree, shrub or canes, ideally within hours. After all, it is the main reason we grow them but often there are gluts and we must store fruit. This is the best way …

In this article, we will be discussing the best way to grow roses in containers but particularly patio and miniature roses.

In theory, any roses can be grown in containers, but this is not often practical for rambling roses and tall climbers, as they have such a large root system.

They can be grown in containers but the container that is used has to be very deep and very wide; something like 1.5m deep and 1.5m wide to do well. This means you need to build or purchase a deep raised bed to grow your rambler in, not very practical.…

In this article, we will be talking about what shrubs can be grown in containers that will do well in the shade. We all know that growing plants in the shade can be problematic as plants, in general, do not do as well as if it is grown in full sun. I have in the past talked about plants that can be grown in containers in the shade, but in this article, I want to concentrate on what shrubs can brighten up shady areas, as a feature specimen.

You are limited to what can be grown but this does …