Ask the RHS EXPERTS
Bulbs for summer
Q Can you recommend some summer bulbs? There are so many varieties to choose from!
A Lilies are surely the best summer bulbs. They like cool, moist soils with their heads in the sun and the soil shaded. Larger gladioli, 90cm high, come in a huge range of colours, add height to borders and are good for cutting. I like Acidanthera or Gladiolus callianthus , which has a dark brown throat to its scented white flowers. Shorter gladioli suit smaller gardens and borders. Search out large bulbs for best results. All thrive in large containers.
If you have a sheltered garden, try Eucomis or pineapple lilies. Neither pineapples nor lilies, these bear pineapple-shaped flower spikes above strap-like foliage with a topknot of leaves – ‘Leia’ with pink/purple flowers is one of the best.
To feed or not to feed?
Q Would my shrubs benefit from a spring feed and what would you recommend I use?
A Fertiliser makes little difference to most trees and shrubs (other than roses, soft fruit and tree fruits). Insufficient soil moisture and weed competition are common causes of failed newly planted woody plants. For most trees and shrubs 50mm of mulch – compost or rotted manure, for example – is usually enough. Buddleja and other shrubs drastically cut back annually will appreciate potassium-rich fertiliser at about 70g per square metre. Half that amount will do if using compost or manure. This will last all summer.
Fig fruiting
Q My fig tree is too big and never gives me any fruit! What should I do?
A Figs in Britain
