Plant of the week
Any gardener who has never lusted after a specific plant can't really call themselves a true gardener.
And the hibiscus seems quite high in the top 10 of what we would love to grow – but can't. Even with the promised (or threatened) global warming, we may try but will always fail to cultivate a happy, healthy tree hollyhock unless it has the perfect conditions. The likes of H syriacus 'Woodbridge' needs full sun and shelter from cold winds; free-draining, rich soil – and devotion from the gardener. Then it can stage a wonderful show – weeks and weeks of huge, saucer-shaped flowers. Far better to try to grow the inside version of the hibiscus, the China Rose. Its flowers last for only a few days, but in a warm, bright spot, it can continue to bloom for weeks and grow for years. eventually produce a plant several feet high.
Alternatively, plump for the common, easier to grow but very attractive old cottage garden favourite, the hollyhock.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
