How often should indoor houseplants be watered in winter?

Most tropical houseplants reduce their transpiration and growth rate significantly during late autumn and winter due to lower light levels. The general rule is to reduce watering frequency by 40-50% compared to spring and summer. Always perform the 2-inch finger moisture test: insert your finger 2 inches into the compost and only water if the substrate feels completely dry.

When and how should I prune Wisteria in the UK?

Wisteria requires a two-stage pruning regimen to flower prolifically: (1) Summer Prune in July or August: cut back the whippy green current-season shoots to five or six leaves (approx. 15-20cm); (2) Winter Prune in January or February: cut back those same shoots further to two or three dormant buds (approx. 5-8cm) while the plant is fully dormant.

Why do houseplant leaves turn yellow with brown crispy tips?

Brown crispy tips paired with yellow margins are usually caused by a combination of low ambient humidity (common in centrally heated rooms) and uneven watering, or tap water mineral accumulation (chlorine and fluoride). Increasing humidity with pebble trays and allowing compost to dry slightly between thorough soakings will resolve the issue.

What are the three RHS pruning groups for Clematis?

Clematis are divided into three RHS pruning groups: Group 1 (early spring flowering like Clematis montana) requires minimal pruning immediately after flowering in late spring. Group 2 (large-flowered cultivars blooming in May-June and again in late summer) requires light shaping in late February. Group 3 (late-flowering like Clematis viticella) requires hard cutting back to strong pairs of buds about 30cm (1ft) above ground level in February.

Which popular indoor houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?

Pet-safe indoor houseplants include Calathea (Prayer Plants), Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata), Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum), Peperomia varieties, Parlor Palms (Chamaedorea elegans), and Phalaenopsis Orchids. Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalates (such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Peace Lilies) should be kept out of pets' reach.

Boxwood / Common Box Hedge

Buxus sempervirens

Pruning Window: Late Spring / Early Summer (Derby Day / late May to June)

Pruning Group: Formal Evergreen Topiary & Hedging

Clip on a dry, overcast day to prevent scorching of fresh cut leaf edges. Clean tools to prevent Box Blight.

Step by Step

Select an overcast day: Direct sunlight on freshly cut foliage causes unsightly brown bleached margins.
Sterilize shears: Wipe blades with surgical spirit or methylated spirit to avoid spreading fungal spores (Cylindrocladium buxicola).
Slight taper: Trim hedges with a slight 'batter' (narrower at the top than the bottom) so light reaches the lowest foliage.
Collect clippings: Always lay a sheet beneath to remove all fallen cuttings, which harbor box blight spores.

Tools Required

Sharpened hand shears or sheep shears, Tarpaulin sheet to collect clippings, Disinfectant spray

RHS (UK) Notes

The quintessential parterre hedge for British grand conservatories and formal estates. Keep vigilant for box tree caterpillar.

USDA (US) Notes

USDA Zones 5–8. Plant in sheltered sites protected from dry winter winds.

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