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ASK MONTY...

I have a camellia (below) and a

hydrangea in a south-facing part of my garden. When the flowers are in bloom they turn brown. Can they be moved?

Jean Parr, Cheshire

You can move them if you accept that they won’t perform well for a few years. Hydrangeas do best in light shade and prefer to be slightly damp. Camellias do better in sun, but hot midday sun will scorch the flowers. A west-facing position is ideal. Move the hydrangea in October, cutting it back by half. Move the camellia now, watering it well.

My patio Victoria plum tree leaves are riddled with small holes – how do I stop this from happening?

Mrs Carnan, Ayrshire

This sounds like Coryneum blight, or ‘shot hole’, caused by a fungus. You may have to replace the plants. Make sure the drainage is good and they’re well ventilated.

My 30 rose bushes in pots have problems with black spot (above right). What can I do?

Judith Lewis, Somerset

Like shot hole in the previous letter, black spot is a fungal disease, so no insecticide will help. The key here is ventilation. Prune the roses so they are open, discard any fallen leaves and allow airflow around each plant.

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