Q&A with Glenys Woollard - Gardening

WILL MY DAFFODILS STILL MULTIPLY NEXT SEASON IF I KEEP PICKING THE BLOOMS?

Yes, but avoid cutting the leaves as these supply nutrition to the bulb. In late spring, fertilise the bed with compost or bulb fertiliser. Note that even if you don't pick the flowers they should still be deadheaded, or plant energy goes into producing seeds. Daffodils can be picked while still in bud as long as some colour is showing, and they will last longer in a vase if you change the water daily.

MY JACOBINIA SOMETIMES SENDS UP SUCKERS - WOULD THESE BE SUITABLE FOR CONTAINER GROWING?

There are many species of Jacobinia, but I assume you refer to Jacobinia pauciflora 'Firefly', also known as Justicia rizzinii. This is an evergreen shrub about 1.2m tall and almost as wide, covered from autumn through to spring with a cheering display of yellow-and-red tubular flowers. And yes, rooted suckers can be severed to make good container plants. Site in sun or part-shade and prune after flowering to encourage a bushy shape.

If you have a gardening question, email Glenys at glenyswoollard@clear.net.nz