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, are topped with an abundance of dark anthers quivering with purple pollen. As fast as the flowers come, they disappear. Each lasts a few days at the most and, although an established clump may produce scores of flowers, each one makes its own statement

Streptocarpus is easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Summer is the best time to do it, as plant cells divide quickly, promoting growth. You don't need a lot of kit - just a pot filled with sieved compost, a plastic bag, a piece of string and a good sharp knife. Plastic potsSee...

, yellow, pink and purple in between.They grow in most conditions, but thrive in well-drained, humus-rich soil, out of direct sunlight. Avoid moving or dividing them once established.Hellebore varieties include:Bears clusters of saucer-shaped flowers

the winter underground in the cold and dark, which breaks their dormancy, then warmer weather signals spring and flowering time. By forcing, you mimic this process, covering and leaving the bulbs in a fridge or cold place before bringing them into the warm

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

There are fewer gardening jobs to keep you busy in January, so make the most of extra time and plant up a stylish container to decorate a terrace or doorstep. This elegant cube-shaped container is filled with the curly sedge, Carex buchananii, and Helleborus niger, the Christmas ...

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