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.The flower stems are strong and tall, up to 1.2m (4ft), and each supports a single magnificent bloom, blood red and boldly imprinted at the base of each petal with a jet-black splodge. The stamens, arranged in a broad circle around the dark, central knob

good sharp knife. Plastic potsSeed/cuttings compostKnifePlantScissorsJune - July20 minutes to take the cuttingsSelect a young, healthy looking, medium-sized leaf. Remove it from the main crown of the plant using scissors or a sharp knife.Use a clean

foliage. Height/spread 1.2m x 90cm.Corsican hellebore, Helleborus argutifoliusDespite its name, it's not that likely to flower for Christmas - more usually seen flowering from late-winter. Flowers are white, though sometimes flushed pink, and flat

it facing upwards. Cover with compost. Position somewhere cold and dark and check regularly for watering and pests. Once leaves appear in 10-12 weeks, bring the bulbs into the house.AdamTry forcing other spring bulbs, such as Narcissus 'Hugh Town', 'Itzim

Learn how to grow azaleas as Christmas-flowering house plants in Rachel de Thame's video guide, with tips on the best watering techniques.DecemberMore advice on growing azaleasPlanting up a pot of azaleas and campanulasLearn how to deal

Learn how to plant colchicums, and pick up advice on soil enrichment, drainage and corm planting depth, in Chris Bearshaw's video guide.summerMore advice on plantingHow to plant in wavesGrowing dahlias from seedBrowse a variety of crocusesChoose autumn blooming bulbs

, and Helleborus niger, the Christmas rose, which starts to flush pink in January and February.Januarywinteran hourHelleborus niger 10cm pot x3Carex buchananii 2 litre pot x130cm satin zinc cube potPeat free, multi-purpose compostElectric drillCrocksWatering can

it with this just poking through the compost. Keep it warm and well watered, and a bulging, pointed shoot will quickly develop into a mottled stalk, topped by three leaves.The flower (or, more correctly, the spathe and spadix) will develop alongside the stem

.AdamPick lavender for drying when the flowers are just about to open.Tie a bunch of stems together with string or a rubber band. Hang it in a warm place away from direct sunlight, e.g. an airing cupboard. It can take up to 10 days for the stalks to dry out

Taking summer cuttings of lavender is so easy. Choose non-flowered shoots of this year's growth and ensure that it is free from pests and disease. Follow our simple step by step and get more of your favourite plants for free.Lavender plant