"Sacha" wrote in message
...
On 2/6/04 9:58, in article , "Glen
Able" wrote:

I planted out a small Cotoneaster lacteus recently. Now allow to me to
expose my ignorance...

It's has several long stems of about a foot in length. All these stems
are
tied fairly tightly to a foot high stake. I'm wondering if this is
right?
Does it need the stake at all and, if so, do I need to replace it with a
bigger one?


It's not usually tied to stakes. The long arching branches are part of
its
growth habit and charm. I think tying them to stakes is a trifle too
regimented. Or do you mean that only the central stem is staked and the
branches are allowed to 'flow'? If it's still a youngster, a central
supporting stake is a good idea. ;-)

Hi Sacha,

Yes, the plant basically consists of half a dozen or so 1 foot stems, which
are all tied in tightly to the stake at a couple of points. I'm really not
sure what this is supposed to achieve.

So, d'you reckon I should untie it, shove a new bigger stake in and tie it
to that instead? This is part of a new informal hedge and the more natural
it looks the better.

thank you!