A friend has given me a fothergilla. How do I care for it?

F Arthur, Camelford

Fothergilla major is a slow-growing deciduous shrub with clusters of scented, creamy-white flowers in late spring and dark green, hazel-like leaves that take on fiery shades of red, orange and yellow before falling in the autumn.

This shrub has an upright habit and will eventually reach a height of 6ft-8ft, with a slightly smaller spread. For the best results, it needs to be planted in a moist but welldrained acid soil (ie, with a pH less than 7); it tolerates full sun or partial shade. A range of fothergillas is available from Burncoose Nurseries (01209 860316, www.burncoose.co.uk).

How should I deal with a patch of cleavers in my garden?

S Dury, by e-mail

Galium aparine (cleavers, or goosegrass) is a vigorous annual weed with thin, bristly stems, up to 5ft long, that scramble through hedges, clamber over shrubs and herbaceous perennials, and trail along the ground. Fortunately, this weed is relatively easy to control: pull up the stems (these may cling to gloves and clothing) and dig the slender roots out of the ground. Young seedlings can be destroyed by regularly hoeing beds and borders. If possible, never allow this weed to produce flowers (these are white, and appear between June and August) or set seed, otherwise the “sticky” rounded, green fruits will attach themselves to anything that brushes past, such as pets and wild animals, and be dispersed all around the garden.

Neil Wormald is a qualified horticulturalist. Send your questions to Garden Expert, Home, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST, or e-mail: garden.expert@sunday-times.co.uk

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