Erysimums, aka shrubby wallflowers, bloom throughout most of the year. But if the first flush of flowers on yours is starting to look tatty, get out there with the secateurs. There are two pruning techniques depending on the variety, so make sure you pick the right one!

The larger evergreen ones, including Bowles Mauve and variegated Stars n Stripes should just have all the old flower stems cut out – if you look at the base of the flower spikes you will almost certainly see new buds forming, and that is where you want to cut to. If you cut too much into the leafy branches you run the risk of killing the plant.

The smaller, softer Pastel Patchwork and orange-flowering Apricot Twist get a much harder chop – all the flowers and all the leafy stems cut back to just a few inches from the ground. Don’t be tempted to leave too much, as you will just end up with scruffy regrowth.
You might need to give your Erysimums another prune later in the summer, which will give you flowers into October, November or maybe even longer!

Catherine McMillan gives top gardening tips on Felixstowe Radio. Listen every Friday.

This week she give tops on getting new plants settled in during hot spells; how to bush out your climbers; and how to stake your perennials.

Felixstowe Radio 107.5fm
www.felixstoweradio.org.uk

Catherine McMillan gives top gardening tips on Felixstowe Radio. Listen every Friday.

This week she give tips on keeping bindweed under control; sings the praises of Erysimums; and highlights the benefits of not rushing to plant new purchases.

Felixstowe Radio 107.5fm
www.felixstoweradio.org.uk

Catherine McMillan gives top gardening tips on Felixstowe Radio. Listen every Friday.

This week she talks listeners through the art of planting up summer hanging baskets.

Felixstowe Radio 107.5fm
www.felixstoweradio.org.uk

For video head to: www.facebook.com/KatiesGardenPlantCentre/videos/2682772875341912

Catherine McMillan reads excerpts from Gardening for the Uncommitted on Felixstowe Radio.
Listen to Catherine giving gardening tips every Friday.
Felixstowe Radio 107.5fm
www.felixstoweradio.org.uk

The magnificent bearded Iris are one of our recommended plants of the week at Katie's Garden.

Especially good for cottage garden schemes and gravel gardens. Ideally plant in clumps of three or more. Heights roughly 1-2ft.
These sorts of Iris should be planted with the corms just above the soil's surface so they can soak up the sunshine. If you are very keen to do things properly, plant with the leafy growth 'behind' to make the corms south-facing!