A new hibiscus with long-lasting orange flowers is brightening up balconies and patios this summer. HibisQs® Petit™ Orange from Thomson & Morgan has won a clutch of awards for its vivid shade and plentiful flowers. It has a naturally compact habit and its leaves are small and shiny.
Hibiscus is a tropical species, so once summer is over it should be brought indoors.
www.thompson-morgan.com

Scottish Gardener:

 

Scottish Gardener:

TOP TIP

Before going on holiday, move plants in containers into a shady spot, drench thoroughly and mulch with grit or compost. Cut the bottom off large plastic bottles, pierce the cap and insert one into each container then fill the water. They'll deliver a constant drip of moisture to the roots while you are away.
 

WHAT TO DO NOW

  • Test sweetcorn for ripeness. Squeeze a kernel and if the inside is creamy then its ready to eat.
  • Take semi-ripe cuttings of shrubs including lavender and box, setting the cuttings around the rims of small pots filled with gritty compost.
  • Watch out for blackspot on roses, removing leaves from plants and clearing up and burning any fallen foliage.
  • Ventilate greenhouses to prevent the spread of tomato leaf mould.
  • Collect seed from annual flowers as they ripen.
  • Rambling roses should be pruned back once they have finished flowering.
  • Begin to harvest cucumbers as they ripen.
  • The compost in pots where blueberries are growing should be kept moist at all times.
  • Feed plants in containers with liquid tomato feed. This also works on perennials in need of a boost.
  • Pot up rooted strawberry runners.
  • Deadhead roses and dahlias to keep the plants flowering.
  • Cut out the old fruited canes on raspberries.
  • Keep picking sweet peas to encourage more flowers to grow.
  • Water hanging baskets daily - twice daily during warm weather - and apply liquid tomato food once a week.
  • Pick courgettes before they have a chance to turn into marrows.