Author: Victoria

I have a fig tree that is top heavy and hasn’t got a lot of branches. What can I do? Fig trees grow very quickly and pruning them when they are dormant and some summer light pruning is important for fruit production. Many people find their fig trees growing too tall. It is possible to…

When do I prune Miscanthus giganteus? This tall grass is a hybrid of Miscanthus sinensis and M. sacchariflorus and originates in Southeast Asia. It grows in a columnar shape and fountains forward toward the top. It is similar to bamboo in its design placement in the garden and can be used as a screen. It…

Wood mulches (and Raspberries) Return to: You Asked Us Question Topics Victoria Chapter page

Can I use cedar chips for mulch on raspberries to control weeds? About raspberries Raspberries belong to a large group of fruits known as brambles, all in the plant genus Rubus. They have perennial roots and crowns, but their canes (branches) live for only two summers. Raspberries are not just another tasty berry; they are…

I have Myrtus communis in a container. Can it stay outside in the winter? About this plant: The common myrtle, also known as Foxtail myrtle, Sweet myrtle, True Roman myrtle and True myrtle is a species of flowering plant in the family ‘Myrtaceae’. This species and the more compact M. communis ‘Tarentina’ have won the…

Specific Nuts Almonds: Almond tree has peach leaf curl. Return to:

I have a 4-5 year old almond tree that looks very unhealthy. It has bad leaf curl. What can I do to save it? To solve your Almond tree’s poor health, we will assume that it was properly diagnosed as Peach Leaf Curl caused by fungus Taphrina deformans It overwinters within the buds. As buds…

Why is my calla lily not blooming? The botanical name Zantedeschia aethiopica more commonly known as Calla or arum lily is not a true lily, nor grown from a bulb but a rhizome. This plant is poisonous – handle with care. The sap can be irritating, all parts should not be ingested ~ watch pets…

How does one deal with Conium maculatum (poison hemlock)? Poison hemlock stem Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is an invasive poisonous plant found in parts of southern BC, including the greater Victoria area. It grows 1-3 metres tall, has fern-like leaves, umbrella clusters of small white flowers, and purple spots or streaks on its stems. Be…

What is causing large holes in my Rhubarb leaves? Large and ragged holes in the leaves of rhubarb are caused by slugs. The conditions in which rhubarb thrives (moist and mulched) are ideal habitat for slugs. In the moist and temperate climate of southwest B.C. slugs may sometimes cause significant damage to rhubarb leaves but…