Plant of the Month: October
Shrubs
Our plants of the month for October are shrubs. Autumn is a good time to plant them, when the warm soil and rainfall can encourage root growth, so fill a bare patch in your garden with a beautiful shrub.
If you’re limited on planting space, many shrubs look good in large patio pots. Plant them using a free-draining loam-based compost.
Embrace autumn with the richly coloured acer palmatum, also known as the Japanese maple. This hardy shrub is low maintenance. It provides a focal point in the garden with foliage that looks good from spring right through to late autumn. Some varieties are slow growing, and a perfect choice for any small garden or courtyard, as they remain a compact size.
Acers like dappled shade. They are best grown in moist, free-draining neutral to acidic soil. They can be grown in the ground or in a container. A sheltered spot is ideal to provide shade from the sun at its hottest, and protection from windy conditions.
Variegated holly shrubs have gold or cream edges on their leaves. Their bright red berries provide welcome food for birds and make natural Christmas decorations. Holly has both male and female varieties, and only the female carries berries. Ask for advice at Garsons, as you may need to grow a male form nearby for it to develop berries.
When planting a tree or shrub, give it a long soak first in a bucket of water. Add some slow-acting fertiliser to the planting hole to get it off to a good start. If you have heavy soil, add compost mixed with horticultural grit to the hole to help drainage. Add a thick layer of mulch for more protection over the winter.
Mediterranean shrubs, such as rosemary, are drought-tolerant and need less watering during hot, dry summers. Be sure to plant them where they can soak up the sun.
