Q: Which watering can is best: plastic or galvanised iron?
A: Both have their good points. Plastic is light, often very cheap, and fairly durable. But slime soon develops if cans are left full; left empty they tend to blow around. Cheap galvanised cans soon start to rust if left
full of water. Better-quality models are expensive, but worth the investment if you like a traditional look. A removable rose (preferably brass) makes for easier cleaning, and a rim round the base stops wear if the can is sitting on concrete.
Q: Does leonotis (aka lion's tail) withstand hard pruning?
A: Yes, but take a few soft and semi-soft cuttings for insurance. Leonotis is a soft-wooded evergreen native to South Africa. Growing to about 2m, it tolerates most soils so long as they are well drained. Full sun is best, and once established the shrub is fairly drought-resistant, producing a succession of the bright orange blooms that give the plant its common name (there's also a white form). Prune in spring to remove frost damage and keep the plant tidy.
