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How to plant a potted shrub
Q We were given a mahonia for Christmas. It is still in its pot and is starting to look sad. Will it recover in the soil and where is the best place for it?
Michael O’Donahue, Fife
A Pleasing us with clusters of aromatic sulphur-yellow, cone-like blooms when most plants are sleeping, its needs are easily met. Ideally, wait fora mild spell, then consign it to a sunny or lightly shaded free-draining spot. Initially, water it the day before transplanting it, so that roots are less inclined to cling to the pot wall.
Then dig a squarecoarse grit to encourage robust growth.