Charlie Wilkins answers your gardening questions — Camellias, damsons, weeds and honeysuckle
Life & Style

Charlie Wilkins answers your gardening questions — Camellias, damsons, weeds and honeysuckle

Some leaves on my potted camellias have produced lumps on their undersides but I can’t find any pest there. What are these?

These bumps are known as oedema. Water taken up by the roots can evaporate from the leaves but if too much water is given the leaves waterlog and swell.

Camellias and ivy-leaved geraniums are particularly prone to oedema. Ensure the drainage holes in your container are not blocked.

 

What’s the difference between a damson and a plum? We were given this question at a club quiz recently and we did not get a satisfactory answer from the quizmaster.

Whilst related, damsons have smaller fruits than plums. They’re very sour until fully ripe. Hardier than plums, they make very large trees.

 

Due to illness I could not spray the weeds on my patio area during summer and now, the pavers are chocked with weeds and wild grass. What can I do?

Use ‘Weedol’ and all annual weeds will be gone in three days. Strong perennials may recover and if so, re-spray. Be warned, it kills everything green.

 

Can I grow a honeysuckle in a pot? I want plants with a good perfume for a wedding reception next year.

I suggest you plant it into a half barrel (minimum) making sure that there are plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill with a good brand of compost not garden soil.