Gardener's diary - June gardening
Our Guide to June Gardening.
June sees garden pests becoming more of a problem so extra attention should be paid to pest control.
The last of the half-hardy annuals should be planted during the month.
The last of the half-hardy annuals should be planted during the month.
Herbaceous Perennials
Pests are common at this time of year. Check for aphids and also leaf miners, which leave a silvery trail. Control infestation otherwise the insects will fall to the ground causing a secondary, possibly worse, infestation.
If the weather is wet then check on Paeonies for paeony wilt. If stems become soft and collapse, remove dead growth to prevent dead growth to prevent further damage and dust the base with fungicide.
Continue with routine tasks. Fill in any gaps with annuals. Dead head regularly to maintain strength and tie in any plants that require it. Keep weeds in check and continue watering regularly.
If the weather is wet then check on Paeonies for paeony wilt. If stems become soft and collapse, remove dead growth to prevent dead growth to prevent further damage and dust the base with fungicide.
Continue with routine tasks. Fill in any gaps with annuals. Dead head regularly to maintain strength and tie in any plants that require it. Keep weeds in check and continue watering regularly.
Hardy Annuals
Thin out seedlings and plants in beds as needed.
Half-Hardy Annuals
Plant the last of the half-hardy annuals and use any left over to fill gaps in other borders.
Shrubs
All shrubs need a good watering in the summer months, even if you have applied mulch earlier in the year.
Shrubs which are flowering on last years wood will require pruning once flowers start to die back. This includes plants such as Buddleia alternifolia and Weigala.
Prune shoots back to the old stem, which will keep the size of the plant under control.
Shrubs which are flowering on last years wood will require pruning once flowers start to die back. This includes plants such as Buddleia alternifolia and Weigala.
Prune shoots back to the old stem, which will keep the size of the plant under control.
Climbers and Wall Plants
Prune new growth on Pyracantha to reveal flowers. Regular pruning of Ceanothus will keep it under control. Prune back Chaenomeles after flowering. Take back to 5 buds, then 2 buds in late summer.
Trees
Young trees are growing rapidly and ties should be checked to make sure they are not cutting into new growth.
Trees grown in containers can be planted throughout the season. When planting, water the planting hole thoroughly before placing the new plant. Try not to plant when the sun is on the site and soak the root ball well before planting. If the plant is pot bound, tease out a few rots to encourage them to spread. Stake and tie plants securely.
Trees grown in containers can be planted throughout the season. When planting, water the planting hole thoroughly before placing the new plant. Try not to plant when the sun is on the site and soak the root ball well before planting. If the plant is pot bound, tease out a few rots to encourage them to spread. Stake and tie plants securely.
Hedges
Container grown hedges can still be planted as long as they are watered well. Trim hedges such as Berberis darwinii, Fagus and Lonicera. Lonicera should be trimmed 2-3 times during the first year to encourage growth.
If trimming a formal hedge keep sides parallel or narrowing towards the top. If they are allowed to get wider towards the top the hedge will open up.
If trimming a formal hedge keep sides parallel or narrowing towards the top. If they are allowed to get wider towards the top the hedge will open up.
Heathers
Water regularly and keep weed free. Renew or top up mulch to retain moisture.
Bulbs and Corms
Spring and summer snowflakes can be moved after flowering if needed. Other bulbs should be lifted after foliage has yellowed, dried off and stored ready for replanting.
Alpines
In heated and unheated frames this is a peak time for propagation. Seeds are becoming ready for collecting and sowing, which should be done as soon as possible.
Take cuttings from hybrid plants as they will not come true from seed. Those plants with rosettes can be propagated by pulling off healthy rosettes and planting them in horticultural sand. Rooting can be improved with the use of hormone rooting powder.
Check cuttings frequently for damping off and remove any infected plants.
With rock gardens and raised beds trim back plants with shears after flowering. This will encourage new growth for a good display next year. Continue to keep weed free.
Take cuttings from hybrid plants as they will not come true from seed. Those plants with rosettes can be propagated by pulling off healthy rosettes and planting them in horticultural sand. Rooting can be improved with the use of hormone rooting powder.
Check cuttings frequently for damping off and remove any infected plants.
With rock gardens and raised beds trim back plants with shears after flowering. This will encourage new growth for a good display next year. Continue to keep weed free.
Lawns
Mow frequently and water during dry periods. If lawns have become compacted and worn then improve by spiking deeply followed by a light dressing of soil and water thoroughly.
Start planning of a new lawn ready for preparation in July.
Start planning of a new lawn ready for preparation in July.
Plants that are in flower in June
Annuals and Biennials:
- Ageratum
- Begonia
- Bellis
- Calendula
- Campanula
- Delphinium
- Dianthus
- Dimorphotheca
- Echium
- Eschscholzia
- Gaillardia
- Godetia
- Heliotropium
- Iberis
- Impatiens
- Lathyrus
- Limnanthes
- Linaria
- Linum
- Lobelia
- Malcolmia
- Matricaria
- Matthiola
- Mimulus
- Nemesia
- Nemophila
- Nicotania
- Papaver
- Petunia
- Phlox
- Portulaca
- Salpiglossis
- Tagetes
- Tropaelum
- Viola
- Viscaria
Border Perennials:
- Ajuga reptans
- Anchusa azurea
- Aquilegia vulgaris
- Astrantia major
- Centaurea dealbata
- Delphinium hybrids
- Dianthus plumarius
- Eremurus robustus
- Filipendula hexapetala
- Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'
- Geum chiloense
- Iris (Tall Bearded)
- Iris kaempferi
- Lupinus hybrids
- Meconopsis betonicifolia
- Nepeta mussinii
- Paeonia lactiflora
- Primula florindae
- Prunella grandiflora
- Ranunculus aconitifolius
- Saxifraga umbrosa
- Stachys macrantha
Rockery Perennials:
- Arenaria balearica
- Armeria maritime
- Campanula spp.
- Cerastium tomentosum
- Dianthus spp.
- Dodecatheon meadia
- Dryas octopetala
- Erigeron mucronatus
- Erinus alpinus
- Gentiana verna
- Geranium cinereum
- Geum montanum
- Helianthemum
- Iberis sempervirens
- Iris spp.
- Leontopodium alpinum
- Linnaea borealis
- Lychnis alpina
- Onosma tauricum
- Oxalis adenophylla
- Primula vialli
- Ranunculus gramineus
- Sedum spp.
- Veronica prostrate
Bulbs:
- Allium
- Brodiaea
- Camassia
- Cardiocrinum
- Cyclamen europaeum
- Gladiolus (Species)
- Ranunculus
- Scilla nonscripta
- Scilla peruviana
- Sparaxis
- Trillium
- Tritonia
Shrubs:
- Abelia schumannii
- Buddleia globosa
- Cistus species
- Cotinus coggygria
- Deutzia species
- Erica cinerea
- Erica tetralix
- Escallonia species
- Fabiana imbricata
- Genista species
- Hebe species
- Kalmia latifolia
- Lonicera tatarica
- Philadelphus species
- Senecio greyi
- Weigela species
Trees:
- Crataegus (various)
- Laburnum (various)
