Beautiful Gardens Spring Edition 2015 | Page 19

New for 2015 Expert tips FROM CHRIS YOUNG Editor of the RHS ‘The Garden’ magazine Nandina ‘Obsessed’ Hebe ‘Red Wine Collection’ 2 3 Camellia japonica 4 Many colours available Rhododendron ‘Tinkerbird’ . RIBES ‘AMORE’ OPPOSITE 5 Deciduous azalea . NANDINA ‘OBSESSED’ 6 When planting in the ground, dig over adding a slow-release fertiliser or compost to help the shrub establish and grow well. Keep shrubs in containers well watered and feed them annually in spring. Check if a plant will thrive in sun or shade by looking at the plant label or online. For acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, test your soil to check that it is acidic. If it’s not, plant in ericaceous compost in a raised bed or container. Ensure your shrub is planted at the same level as it was in its original pot. If the stems are buried or left proud of the soil surface, the plant may not thrive. Mulches help lock in soil moisture. Try gravel or slate or wood chippings. . RHODODENDRON ‘TINKERBIRD’ Ornamental currants are the mainstays of the spring garden and very easy to grow. ‘Amore’ is a compact form, ideal for small gardens, with masses of pinky red flowers. Perfect for a pot or garden border, the leaves of this beautiful evergreen shrub turn from warm red in spring to green in summer, and then purple-red in autumn. A winner for a patio container, this elegant, compact rhododendron produces white scented flowers from pink buds. Plant it in ericaceous compost or acid soil. Height & spread 1.2m (4ft) x 1m (3ft) Aspect full sun/part shade; Soil free-draining Height & spread 60cm (24