Identification Area

It is very borderline hardy. I just lift it in the autumn, plop it in a pot in the shed and plant out again in May.

Had a feeling it was something like that.Thanks for reply.

Cornus alba (Dogwood)

Thanks for your replies guys.Going to de-head the plant next visit. She's a new customer and no doubt will end up with them everywhere and a lot of work for me if Herb Bennet is anything to go by. The seed heads and burrs are indistinguishable from Wood Avens (which her borders are already...

Looks like eroded concrete filled with lightweight aggregate (micro ballons)Used as an insulation type infil where you don't want a lot of weight

You wont get it under control, its always a large plant. Best to dig it out, if you dont like it.

The seeds pods on them explode and can fire them for several meters which isn't helpful for either.

Who knows still might be worth growing.

yes - I have looked at that one and thought it was a possibility - many thanks

Many thanks - so an aster; yes, tall ones are coming into bloom nearby. And Golden Abelia - brilliant identification - thank you!!!

Anyone advise if I can cut it right down to 6inches off the soil and bring it in over winter? Will it grow back as high in spring?

That would be nice!

I agree....they looked a little dried out and discoloured. I hesitated and got it right by a process of elimination.

Thanks guys. I would guess that it's high because it's been buried in other plant life - it's just going upwards to the light.

Pyracantha have thorns straight from hell and it's also known as firethorn. Makes a great hedge for deterring burglars.

Oooh, you are lucky, I'm just thinking of buying a medlar. They are handsome plants when in a sunny spot and looked after. They have 'textured' crinkled leaves, delicate flowers and form a lovely low crown. I was admiring some in people's gardens in the Loire Valley last year. OK, this photo...

It did give off an interesting scent while I was watering it. Thanks!

The leaf shape looks like S.microphylla or Salvia x jamensis (S.gregii leaves are longer and less broad with less pronounced veins). Too many cultivars of each to say much more than that although Salvia x jamensis "Peter Vigeon" has similar pale pink almost lilac flowers.

My top tip for winter survival is to not cut them back until the spring. The stems are hollow so winter wet can rot them from the inside out in cold areas such as mine and yours. Here's my four year old plant..............As a precaution I mulch around the base with fallen conifer leaves and...

Looks the right leaf shape for Birch.