The following plants are those which we have in stock at sometime throughout the year - but we must stress thaT this changes day to day in peak season and it may be we are unlikely to keep this full variety in on the day you visit, but then something else may be in of interest.
ACAENA - A USEFUL ROCKERY PLANT WITH SERATED SMALL LEAVES ON CREEPING WIRY STEMS - THRIVES IN THE WORST GIVEN CONDITIONS
Plant name; ACAENA. MICROPHYLLA
Common name; NEW ZEALAND BURR
Best catagory - rockery -
Height 2 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour bronze burrs
Flowering season aug-sep
Preferable soil/situation well drained
Sun or shade sun/shade
Winter state Evergreen
A great carpeting plant useful for covering paths and poor areas - bronzy green hard leaves and red/bronze burrs that make an interesting show.
Its best attributes are its hardiness to tolerate some of the driest, poorest soils - good but can be a little beasty if not kept in check, so just trim periodically.
Plant name; ACAENA. BLUE HAZE
Common name; NEW ZEALAND BURR
Best catagory - rockery -
Height 2 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour red burrs
Flowering season aug-sep
Preferable soil/situation well drained
Sun or shade sun/shade
Winter state evergreen
A great carpeting, distinctly blue foliage plant useful for covering. simply great for the distinct blue foliage to contrast against the usual greens. Quite controllable.
ACHILLEA A WIDE RANGE OF COLOURS AND HABITS - MAINLY WITH FERNY, AROMATIC FOLIAGE AND 'PLATES' OF FLOWERS. THRIVES IN THE DRY.
Plant name; ACHILLEA. FILIPENDULINA 'GOLD PLATE'
Common name; YARROW or MILFOIL
Best catagory - Border -
Height 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season june-sep
Preferable soil/situation well drained
Sun or shade best in full sun
Winter state maintains a little base greenery.
Good for the back of the border - forming large clumps of strongly aromatic ferny foliage. Then topped by huge flat plates made up of hundreds of bright golden flowers. You need no more than one of these to make a great display. still unbelievably popular despite its size - can be a 'rogue' but lovable for its durability, thrives anywhere, but can take over if not kept in check. - its flowering season often goes on longer too in a good summer. Cut down to the ground in late autumn, or divide if too thick. It is used as a 'herb' such as in teas - also excellent for cutting and drying in flower arranging.
Plant name; ACHILLEA. PTARMICA 'THE PEARL'
Common name; YARROW or MILFOIL
Best catagory - Border -
Height 2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour ivory
Flowering season june-sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any well drained soil.
Sun or shade sun or semi-shade
Winter state maintains a little base greenery.
A slightly unusual form of achillea in that the foliage is made up of narrow leaves, then the blooms are in loose spray of ball like - flowers - a little like mini paper - chinese lanterns in an ivory white. This is a popular plant in our selections - and rarely stays in stock for long - although not particularly stunning - it is a great addition to any border - large or small - and a nice talking point. Cut down to the ground in late autumn, or divide if too thick.
Plant name; ACHILLEA. COLORADO MIX.
Common name; YARROW or MILFOIL
Best catagory - Border -
Height 2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour orangy mixes
Flowering season june-sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any well drained soil.
Sun or shade sun or semi-shade
Winter state maintains a little base greenery.
A great plant - the foliage forms a neat clump of attractive, ferny leaves - like long feathers with stems of flowers heads forming flat plates made of hundreds of neat upright mini flowers that accentuate their colour with the yellow centre. This range comes in multitude of summery oranges and pastel yellows or pinks. everybody loves this plant as the foliage is a great contrast to the usual heavy leaves in a border - and it makes a nice neat clump which is quite showy even without its flowering season. Cut down to the ground in late autumn, or divide if too thick. It is used as a 'herb' such as in teas - also excellent for cutting and drying in flower arranging.
Plant name; ACHILLEA. MILLEFOLIUM 'CERISE QUEEN'
Common name; YARROW or MILFOIL
Best catagory - Border -
Height 2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour pinky reds
Flowering season june-sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any well drained soil.
Sun or shade sun or semi-shade
Winter state maintains a little base greenery.
A great plant - the foliage forms a neat clump of attractive, ferny leaves - like long feathers with stems of flowers heads forming flat plates made of hundreds of neat upright mini flowers that accentuate the pinky red colour with the yellow centre. everybody loves this plant as the foliage is a great contrast to the usual heavy leaves in a border - and it makes a nice neat clump which is quite showy even without its flowering season. Cut down to the ground in late autumn, or divide if too thick. It is used as a 'herb' such as in teas - also excellent for cutting and drying in flower arranging.
ACONITUM A BEAUTIFUL, TALL HERBACEOUS PLANT SUITABLE FOR THE BACK OF ANY BORDER. ENJOYS PARTIAL HADE AS WELL AS FULL SUN
Plant name; ACONITUM
Common name; MONKSHOOD
Best catagory - Border -
Height 4 - 5 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season aug-oct
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any well drained , but moist soil. Good for shady areas - but even so seems to tolerate most conditions
Sun or shade sun or shade
Winter state totally herbaceous - dies right down and is late to re emerge. (april)
A traditional old favourite cottage garden perennial, tolerates shady areas with deep cut leaves not unlike delphinium in many of its characteristics - but well known for its poisonous foliage and roots - so not good in a family garden - or best planted well to the back of a border - out of reach. Flowers look like helmeted heads borne on tall stems. we love this plant - and would suggest it for most large borders - firstly for its durability in sun or shade, and secondly for its brilliant colour and flowering season - if you like delphiniums - then this is great for planting in the same border so it follows on from them into late October, even November ! No real maintenance is necessary, as it dies right back - so just cut away any left over stems - and divide in 3rd year if necessary. remember it is poisonous - so use gloves if handling it - and keep away from pets and children.
AGASTACHE ALTHOUGH AN OLD PLANT - RELATIVELY NEW IN ITS RE INTRODUCTION TO THE ENGLISH GARDEN. SOME VARIETIES DO NEED A LITTLE WINTER SHELTER, BUT A BEAUTIFUL ALTERNATIVE TO NEPETAS AND MINTS.
Plant name; AGASTACHE 'flaming embers'
Common name; GIANT HYSSOP
Best catagory - Border -
Height 2 FT
Spread 2 FT
Colour orange
Flowering season aug-oct
Preferable soil/situation thrives in well drained - dry soils and full sun.
Sun or shade sun
Winter state Semi-evergreen
We have seen this also listed as 'firebird'. Mint or sage - like aromatic leaves form a mound from which spikes of flower stems cover in many small 'hooded' blooms of orangy pink. Is not totally hardy so make sure yours is well established before winter, or take cuttings. - although we have found it o.k. in our Yorkshire climate. one of our favourite plants - and although not yet particularly popular - we think it will be in a short time - be careful when choosing agastache - as many are not hardy and treated as annuals. Grow in a well drained soil to ensure longevity - and although it enjoys full sun - it can take semi-sun. The flowers are almost iridescent in colour and can go on into November. No real maintenance necessary other than a trim. It has been used in medicines.
Plant name; AGASTACHE 'our own seed'
Common name; GIANT HYSSOP
Best catagory - border -
Height 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour purple
Flowering season aug-oct
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any well drained soil.
Sun or shade semi - to full sun
Winter state dies right back
A pretty stately plant - the leafy straight stems are topped by spires of violet-purple flower clusters, and form a nice neat clump. We are not sure to the name of this variety - we have had it some time and take our own seeds - but presume it to be 'foeniculum'. - it has proven very hardy. This is a great plant with its aromatic foliage - the foliage does get a little lost in an average border - but once it begins to flower - it makes a stunning addition, being totally herbaceous - clear dead foliage in late autumn as necessary. It is a plant that has been used in medicines and herbal remedies..
AJUGA ARE A FABULOUS COVERING PLANT FOR ANY SITUATION: SHADED OR EXPOSED, DAMP OR DRY - WITH LUSH OPEN LEAVES AND BRIGHT PINNICLES OF FLOWERS.
Plant name; AJUGA REPTANS
Common name; BUGLE
Best catagory - low border -
Height 9 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season april-June
Preferable soil/situation thrives anywhere
Sun or shade sun or shade
Winter state evergreen
A durable plant for any position - tolerates dry / damp - sun - shade. Foliage is neat, pretty and carpeting, from which rise stately stems covering in a vivid blue thick set flower cluster. And although the main flower season is early - it carries on through the year. No garden should be without this - its easy to split and place elsewhere - and although rampant - not unwelcome and certainly not a rogue. Maintenace is minimal other than too pull out if spreading too far.
Plant name; AJUGA REPTANS 'ATROPURPUREA'
Common name; BUGLE
Best catagory - low border -
Height 9 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season april-June
Preferable soil/situation thrives anywhere
Sun or shade sun or shade
Winter state evergreen
durable plant for any position - tolerates dry / damp - sun - shade. Foliage is neat, pretty and carpeting, from which rise stately stems covering in a vivid blue thick set flower cluster. Atropurpurea has a particularly attractive, dark leaf that is quite showy in itself. And although the main flower season is early - it carries on through the year. No garden should be without this - its easy to split and place elsewhere - and although rampant - not unwelcome and certainly not a rogue. Maintenace is minimal other than too pull out if spreading too far.
Plant name; ALCAEA/ALTHAEA 'Chaters double'
Common name; HOLLYHOCK
Best catagory - border -
Height 6-10 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season jul-sept
Preferable soil/situation any soil
Sun or shade best in full sun
Winter state dies right back
Probably one of the most associated with a traditional cottage garden - the hollyhock can be an elegant perennial - rising to over 10 ft in the right situation. Long stems rise straight up to be topped by a spire of large flowers - chaters are a double - fat - flower in a range of colours from pastel yellows, whites through to wine reds ( no blues/oranges). Plants do need care - firstly due to their size - keep them in a sheltered area away from strong winds - ideally against a wall - and secondly - they are susceptible to 'rust' . but worthy displays despite thEverybody loves this plant - but it is not the easiest to have success with - if you can get it to survive its attraction to slugs, mice and rabbits, then manage to grow it tall enough without it being blown over - then survive its tendency to have rust - you will adore its stunning flower displays - and your plants will be the talk of the neighbours. We also find that even though it is listed as a perennial - you will rarely get more than 2 years good display from each plant - so keep seeds and sow around the base to keep it going.eir troubles. Do stake if exposed to winds, save seeds and cut down to ground in late autumn - you can even take cuttings if easier. Holyhocks can be cut - but this seems a waste when they look so great in the garden
Plant name; ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS
Common name; LADYS MANTLE
Best catagory - low border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 - 2 ft
Colour green
Flowering season June-Aug
Preferable soil/situation any soil
Sun or shade sun or shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
Grown for its pretty foliage made up of flat span leaves that sit face up, covering in tiny light hairs that make it glistens - and hold waterdrops . Flowers are a light yellowy green - so not stunning - but delicate. - great for fronts of borders, back of rockeries or in problem shady areas. it surprises us that this plant is so popular - as really it is only ideal as a foliage plant - but it is a clean looking leaf - and durable in any situation.. cut away poor leaves in autumn - to keep the rest green through winter - or trim right down after flowering if big.,known for flower arranging.
Plant name; ALLIUM
Common name; FLOWERING ONION
Height 1 ft - 2 ft
Spread 6 inch to 2 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season may - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any soil
Sun or shade sun or shade
Winter state totally die down to bulbs
There are such a range of allium - although the foliage is generally the same : grassy and strongly aromatic, yet the flowers can be single starry, fat clusters, globular clustered heads, or droopy crocus like ! - all grow very easily in most soils. We usually sell this as a mixture - and tends to be the standard ball headed flowers rising only to 1 ft - but in pretty pastel shades of cream, pink and lilac. Leaves do die down straight after flowering - as with most bulbs - it is a pretty addition to any garden and becoming more popular. Maintenance is minimal, other than to dig up bulbs in third year - thin and replant. Its main attribute is its aromatic foliage as it is from the onion family - but not really used for culinary purposes. Larger varieties are used for flower arranging.
Plant name; ALONSOA WARSCEWICZII
Common name; MASK FLOWER
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour orangy red
Flowering season june-sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state keeps a little greenery
Very similar to a diascia with the same foliage made up of small oval leaves off thin wiry stems - with a multitude of 1 inch flat faced orangy red flowers all season long. Slightly tender - so let establish well before winter, and plant in a well drained soil. This is a new one to us - and as we are working from one stock plant - we are unlikely to have it out for sale until 2005 - but it should be one of our most popular for its vivacious colour and long season. Do trim down in autumn as it can get straggly.
Plant name; ALYSSUM SAXATILE COMPACTUM
Common name; ALYSSUM
Height 9 inch - 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season may-June
Preferable soil/situation absolutely any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state semi-evergreen.
This is the better of the alyssums for its compact foliage and flower cover. - forms great mounds of grey-green foliage which make a good foliage alternative in any garden - good in border edges, rockeries. alyssum are a must for any garden to follow on after the aubretia and arabis of late spring. Needs little attention and gives a great display. To maintain: just cut back the straggly foliage in autumn.
Plant name; ALYSSUM SAXATILE MONTANUM
Common name; ALYSSUM
Height 6 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season may-June
Preferable soil/situation absolutely any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
alyssum are a must for any garden to follow on after the aubretia and arabis of late spring. forming great mounds of grey-green foliage which make a good foliage alternative in any garden - covering in loose sprays of rich gold flower clusters: good in border edges, rockeries. Needs little attention and gives a great display. To maintain, just cut back the straggly foliage in autumn.
Plant name; ANACYCLUS DEPRESSUS
Common name; MT. ATLAS DAISY
Height 4 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season may-Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
It is a shame this plant is not more popular - easy to grow - but prefers well drained soils - so ideal on rockeries or problem slopes and dry spots. pretty ground covering foliage - very like prostrate carrot leaves, distinctly grey-green, with good sized white daisy flowers which lay prostrate over the foliage - but have pink under sides to the petals - so when in bud - stand up and make a great display. likes dry sun. We love this - its not just 'another daisy' - its pretty and semi evergreen - an asset to any problem area. To maintain, simply cut back the straggly foliage in autumn.
Plant name; ANAGALIS TENELLA STUDLAND
Common name; ANAGALIS
Height 1 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour clear pink
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
An unusual litlle alpine of low creeping foliage, with pretty minature upward cup flowers of a pale clear pink - that looks so clean its almost transparent. This is a great accompanyment to Pratia and Isotoma. A beautiful ground cover - but don't let it get waterlogged or it will rot away. To maintain : just tidy up in autumn.
Plant name; ANCHUSA AZUREA 'FELTHAM PRIDE'
Common name; OX TONGUE
Height 2 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season july-sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade full sun
Winter state may leave a few dry stems above ground - don't plant in winter wet soils
scruffy, hard raspy rough foliage forms a loose clump - but each stem is topped by numerous little 'forget me not ' flowers. probably the most vivid blue flower you can get ( competing with the gentians ) but foliage is very 'straggly' and does let it down - however, if you have a big border than can take losing the foliage amongst other leaves, then the topping of bright flowers is a great attribute. not a centre piece. Do cut down to the ground in autumn.
Plant name; ANOMATHECA LAXA MIX
Common name; ANOMATHECA
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour red/orange or white
Flowering season june-sep
Preferable soil/situation any soil
Sun or shade sun or shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
a pretty little plant of grassy foliage then long stems topped by a single 1 inch flat flower - usually with a different centre - such as the white has a red flash centre. Quite unusual very delicate. a new plant to us - and as we are still working on stock plants - we expect to have this out in small quantities by 2005 ! - makes a great accompaniment to any of the sisyrinchiums - ideally in a rockery as it could get lost in the larger borders.
Plant name; ANTENNARIA DIOCIA ROSEA
Common name; CATS EAR
Height 6 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour pink
Flowering season may-June
Preferable soil/situation any drained soil
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state evergreen
creeping grey, narrow leafed foliage spreads quickly - then stubby stems are topped by clusters of pinky grey flowers ! Durable as its very strong, ideal for paving or rockeries. not a particularly stunning plant - yet it is a good seller - and doesn't stay in stock for long. Its mat forming foliage is great for problem areas. To maintain: just keep trimmed.
Plant name; ANTHEMIS TINCTORIA KELWAYII.
Common name; OX EYE CHAMOMILE or GOLDEN MARGUERITE
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season June-Oct
Preferable soil/situation any drained soil
Sun or shade prefers sun- but O.K. in most places
Winter state evergreen
a true favourite for all gardens - neat, fine, ferny ( divided ) leaves form a neat thick clump, then stems of good sizes daisy flowers, with a large centre boss which flower on and on. we can barely keep up with them demand for such a typical plant - mainly because of its durability in any situation, and its ongoing flowering season. To maintain just trim down to a neat mound in autumn.
Plant name; ANTHEMIS TINCTORIA 'SAUCE HOLLANDAISE'
Common name; OX EYE CHAMOMILE or GOLDEN MARGUERITE
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour pale yellow
Flowering season June-Oct
Preferable soil/situation any drained soil
Sun or shade prefers sun- but O.K. in most places
Winter state evergreen
a true favourite for all gardens - neat, fine, ferny ( divided ) leaves form a neat thick clump, then stems of good sizes daisy flowers, with a large centre boss, that is brighter than the creamy yellow petals. and it flowers on and on, the kelwayii and hollandaise look great next to each other as the flowers are so different in colour - but same size. we can barely keep up with them demand for such a typical plant - mainly because of its durability in any situation, and its ongoing flowering season. To maintain, just trim down to a neat mound in autumn.
Plant name; ANTIRRHINUM GLUTINOSA
Common name; SNAPDRAGON
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour pale pink
Flowering season july-sep
Preferable soil/situation well drained soil
Sun or shade sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
a beautiful, sub shrub, woody stems cover in oval, grey blue oval leaves, spreading outwards, to give a subtle display of sizable palest pink snapdragon flowers. Needs to be in a well drained sunny site as is a little tender - but given these conditions will be o.k.. we often sell this as a shrub, but in a good year it will go in with the perennials - and is a great buy for any garden. The pink of the flower is a very pretty - grey-pink and pure. To maintain: trim down if straggly.
Plant name; ANTIRRHINUM BRUAN BLANQUETTI
Common name; SNAPDRAGON
Height 2 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour pale yellow
Flowering season july-sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade best in full sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
this antirrhinum has proven long living and hardy, forming a straggly clump of leaves, with spikes of heavy snapdragon flowers - blanquetti is traditionally pale creamy yellow - but now and again it crosses for pastel shades of purples or to white. - not as showy as the annuals - but still pretty. snapdragons are not considered perennial - but we have had blanquetti in our borders for over 5 years. The plant is woody, semi evergreen and pretty. trim down if straggly. can be cut - but this seems a waste when they look so great in the garden.
Plant name; AQUILEGIA VULGARIS
Common name; COLUMBINE
Height 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season may-july
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade loves shade or sun
Winter state totally herbaceous - dies right down.
such a pretty plant, with delightful ferny leaves that fan out and lie flat in layers as they rise up the stem, topped by delicate nodding flower heads - easiest described as a round petaled flower within a pointed petaled flower - each of a different shade or colour, with the outer having long spurs to the back. thrive in any soil and great for shady areas as well as sun. there are so many varieties of aquilegia - we could not attempt to stock them, so we pick the easiest to grow - or old favorites. We have noticed that many eventually naturalise back to shades of purples / violets, but into the 3rd year. Best to take seeds and throw around the garden to keep up the variety of colours. To maintain, as it is totally herbaceous - clear dead foliage in late autumn. Aquilegia can be cut - but this seems a waste when they look so great in the garden.
Plant name; AQUILEGIA VULGARIS NORA BARLOW MIX
Common name; COLUMBINE
Height 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season may-july
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade loves shade or sun
Winter state totally herbaceous - dies right down.
such a pretty plant, with delightful ferny leaves that fan out and lie flat in layers as they rise up the stem, topped by delicate nodding flower heads - easiest described as a round petaled flower within a pointed petaled flower - each of a different shade or colour. Nora Barlow are double so they are of a 'pom-pom' effect and more 'starry'. without spurs. Thrive in any soil and great for shady areas as well as sun. there are so many varieties of aquilegia - we could not attempt to stock them, so we pick the easiest to grow - or old favourites. We have noticed that many eventually naturalise back to shades of purples / violets, but into the 3rd year. Best to take seeds and scatter in the border to maintain colours. Aquilegia are totally herbaceous - clear dead foliage in late autumn. They can be cut - but this seems a waste when they look so great in the garden.
Plant name; AQUILEGIA VULGARIS - MCKANA HYBRIDS
Common name; COLUMBINE
Height 3 - 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season may-july
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade loves shade or sun
Winter state totally herbaceous - dies right down.
such a pretty plant, with delightful ferny leaves that fan out and lie flat in layers as they rise up the stem, topped by delicate nodding flower heads - easiest described as a round petaled flower within a pointed petaled flower - each of a different shade or colour. thrives in any soil and great for shady areas as well as sun. there are so many varieties of aquilegia - we could not attempt to stock them, so we pick the easiest to grow - or old favourites. We have noticed that many eventually naturalise back to shades of purples / violets, but into the 3rd year. Best to take seeds and scatter in the border to maintain colours.
Plant name; AQUILEGIA VULGARIS 'MELLOW YELLOW'
Common name; COLUMBINE
Height 2-3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour wine pink
Flowering season july-sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade loves shade or sun
Winter state totally herbaceous - dies right down.
such a pretty plant, with delightful ferny leaves that fan out and lie flat in layers as they rise up the stem, topped by delicate nodding flower heads - easiest described as a round petaled flower within a pointed petaled flower - each of a different shade or colour. thrives in any soil and great for shady areas as well as sun : the pink contrasts beautifully against the yellow. This is our favourite, for its distinct golden foliage : its contrast of pinky flowers, And Its late flowering season ! - a real must for the columbine love ! Aquilegia are totally herbaceous - clear dead foliage in late autumn.
Plant name; ARABIS ALBIDA 'SNOW BALL'
Common name; ROCK CRESS
Height 6-9 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season mar-apr
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade loves shade or sun
Winter state evergreen
a great mound forming, spreading greyish green foliage plant of leathery semi evergreen leaves, from which rise short stems topped by pretty loose clusters of creamy white flowers. no garden should be without this - it is one of the main essentials of any low border or rockery, and it heralds the beginning of spring. Keep it neat and it will reward you all spring and early summer. do keep it trimmed into a neat mound as it gets bigger - and a little clipping now and again will keep it fresh - but this is all it needs. good in perennial pots and troughs.
Plant name; ARABIS 'SPRING CHARM'
Common name; ROCK CRESS
Height 6-9 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour pale pink
Flowering season apr-Jun
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade loves shade or sun
Winter state evergreen
a great mound forming, spreading greyish green foliage plant of leathery semi evergreen leaves, from which rise short stems topped by pretty loose clusters of rosy pink flowers. no garden should be without this - it is one of the main essentials of any low border or rockery, and it heralds the beginning of spring. Keep it neat and it will reward you all spring and early summer. do keep it trimmed into a neat mound as it gets bigger - and a little clipping now and again will keep it fresh - but this is all it needs. good in perennial pots and troughs
Plant name; ARENARIA CAESPITOSA AUREA
Common name; SANDWORT
Height 1 inch
Spread 1-2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season apr-Jul
Preferable soil/situation anywhere
Sun or shade loves shade or sun
Winter state evergreen
very low - compact, almost mossy or 'hairy' golden foliage that creeps, to be dotted with tiny starry white flowers all season long. Good for on rockeries or under bushes and trees. Also listed as 'Sagina' in many reference books. we find this plant so useful - it covers blank areas - great under mini bushes as it also retains the moisture underneath. Trim at the end of the year ( or mid summer if needed ) to keep fresh looking - don't use it as a 'focal' point - it wants to accentuate other plants around it ! do keep it trimmed into a neat rounds as it gets big and 'hairy' - and a little clipping now and again will keep it fresh - but this is all it needs. use in perennial troughs and pots.
Plant name; ARENARIA MONTANA
Common name; SANDWORT
Height 6 inch
Spread 1-2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season may-july
Preferable soil/situation anywhere
Sun or shade loves shade or sun
Winter state evergreen
creeping, leafy stems, form a basic mound to be covered in hundreds of small, 5 petalled white flowers on short stalks. Trim it to keep it fresh. many books 'down' this plant - but we love it - the foliage looks great and creeps in paving or over edges, just needing a little trimming now and again, and the flowers cover in a stunning starry display. do keep it trimmed now and again through the season, or it starts to look unkempt. use in perennial troughs and pots.
Plant name; ARMERIA 'LARGE FLORAL MIX'
Common name; THRIFT, or SEA PINK
Height 2 ft
Spread 9 inch
Colour pinks
Flowering season may-sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade full sun
Winter state evergreen
the 'grassy' foliage lies flat to form hummocks to only about 4 inch high - then single long stems rise from 1 - 2 ft, topped by sizable ( 2 inch ) globular clusters of flowers in shades of pinks from whites through to wine. this variety of armeria is great for the border or rockery - its not imposing despite its height for the rockery, and is tall enough for the front of the border - it self seeds easily and is long lasting. Maintenance is little to none other than a tidy.
Plant name; ARMERIA MARITIMA
Common name; THRIFT, or SEA PINK
Height 6-8 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour pink
Flowering season may-july
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade full sun
Winter state evergreen
The 'grassy' foliage lies flat to form hummocks to only about 4 inch high - then single stubby stems rise a further few inch to be topped by sizable ( 1 inch ) globular clusters of flowers in shades of pinks, preferring full sun. a popular and pretty alpine, thriving almost anywhere, staying neat - and very pretty. Maintenance is little to none other than a tidy.
Plant name; ARMERIA MARITIMA ALBA
Common name; THRIFT, or SEA PINK
Height 6-8 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour white
Flowering season may-july
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade full sun
Winter state evergreen
The 'grassy' foliage lies flat to form hummocks to only about 4 inch high - then single stubby stems rise a further few inch to be topped by sizable ( 1 inch ) globular clusters of pure white flowers, preferring full sun. a popular and pretty alpine, thriving almost anywhere, staying neat - and very pretty. Maintenance is little to none other than a tidy.
Plant name; ASPHODELINE LUTEA
Common name; ASPHODELINE
Height 3 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season may-June
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - even particularly dry areas.
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state dies right back
blue green grassy leaves form a tidy clump, bearing tall spikes of many yellow 6 petaled starry flowers. Is a bulb so dies right down in winter. Quite an exotic addition to any border. for its distinct blue grey foliage this is quite an exotic looking plant. Due to its popularity it doesn't stay in stock for long. just cut back the straggly foliage in autumn
Plant name; ASTER ALPINUS 'TRI-MIX'
Common name; ALPINE ASTER / ALPINE MICHAELMAS DAISY
Height 6 - 9 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour pinky lilac, yellow centered.
Flowering season jun-oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - even particularly dry areas.
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
strong, woody stems cover in oval leathery leaves that form a creeping heavy mat. In late season stubby stems of good-sized lilac daisy flowers create a dazzling display . a great plant to tolerate any condition, this is the one you often see on railway sides these days, our 'TRI-mix' often gives some interesting colour surprises too, rather than the usual lilac shades. do cut back at the end of the year as it can get straggly.
Plant name; ASTER 'AUTUMN SPLENDOUR MIX'
Common name; MICHAELMAS DAISY
Height 4 - 5 ft
Spread 2 - 3 ft
Colour purplish shades
Flowering season aug-oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - even particularly dry areas.
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state deciduous - so trim away worst to induce fresh growth.
semi-evergreen foliage forms a neat bush, then large daisy flowers cover the foliage in a fabulous late summer - autumn display. This variety is a good alternative to autumn splendour mix for those gardens with less free space ! Can be prone to mildew in hot, dry summers but even so is a favourite. everyone loves the michaelmas daisies for its late colour when most other plants are finished and Amellus varieties suit most gardens. do cut down after flowering - to tidy up, it is semi-evergreen. Split in third year to stop overcrowding.
Plant name; ASTER AMELLUS 'MIX'
Common name; MICHAELMAS DAISY
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour purplish shades
Flowering season aug-oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - even particularly dry areas.
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
semi-evergreen foliage forms a neat bush, then large daisy flowers cover the foliage in a fabulous late summer - autumn display. This variety is a good alternative to autumn splendour mix for those gardens with less free space ! Can be prone to mildew in hot, dry summers but even so is a favourite. everyone loves the michaelmas daisies for its late colour when most other plants are finished and Amellus varieties suit most gardens. do cut down after flowering - to tidy up, it is semi-evergreen. Split in third year to stop overcrowding..
Plant name; ASTER PRINGLEI 'MONTE CASSINO'
Common name; MICHAELMAS DAISY
Height 3 - 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season sep-Nov
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - even particularly dry areas.
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
frondy semi-evergreen foliage rises up to a pretty clump then covering in loose sprays of numerous small white daisy flowers. Very delicate and attractive. Good for late flowering, a truly great late flowering perennial - not like the usual asters - both foliage and flowers are delicate - and if you like gypsophila then this is a great alternative. trim down if straggly.
Plant name; ASTILBE CHINENSIS 'BRESSINGHAM BEAUTY'.
Common name; ASTILBE
Height 3-4 ft
Spread 3 ft
Colour pink
Flowering season june-sep
Preferable soil/situation ideally - moist, rich soil, but not too fussy.
Sun or shade shade or sun
Winter state deciduous - so trim away worst to induce fresh growth.
deep cut large leaves - quite rampant, form creeping clumps that rise up into tall magnificent fluffy pinky red plumes. Said to prefer moist rich soils - so best for woody or bog areas - likes shade - but we don't find it that fussy. this is a rampant plant - not for every garden, and reportably prefers rich damp soils, yet we find this one hard to control anywhere so don't be put off if you like its flowers - and great if you want to fill a boggy area. trim right down as it does get straggly, split in 3rd year. great for cutting and drying.
Plant name; AUBRETIA DELTOIDES 'PURPLE CASCADE'
Common name; ROCK CRESS
Height 4-6 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour purple shades
Flowering season mar - jun
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - doesn't like acidic levels
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state evergreen
The true herald of spring . Aubretia form creeping clumps of thick, neat foliage, totally layered in hundreds of purple flowers throughout the early months. an essential plant for the 'spring' garden, but don't be fooled when listings say 'red', or 'blue' - aubretia only comes in shades of purples, so if its red - it’s a deep rich reddy purple, but not to say a few different shades would look spectacular in any border. just trim away bad foliage in autumn to keep tidy.
Plant name; AUBRETIA DELTOIDES 'ROYAL MIX'
Common name; ROCK CRESS
Height 4-6 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour rich purple shades
Flowering season mar - jun
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - doesn't like acidic levels
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state evergreen
The true herald of spring . Aubretia form creeping clumps of thick, neat foliage, totally layered in hundreds of purple flowers throughout the early months. an essential plant for the 'spring' garden, but don't be fooled when listings say 'red', or 'blue' - aubretia only comes in shades of purples, so if its red - it’s a deep rich reddy purple, but not to say a few different shades would look spectacular in any border. The Royal shades are distinctly deeper. To maintain : just trim away bad foliage in autumn and keep tidy.
Plant name; BAPTISIA AUSTRALIS
Common name; BAPTISTA
Best category - Border - ( sub-shrub )
Height 3-4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season June-Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state totally dies down
A relative of the lupin, and you will see the similarities in its growth. The foliage is delicate and pretty, then spikes of loose lupin flowers are quite vivid blue and follow by spires of dark pods. The stems are quite spindly and will need staking if exposed. Baptista is not the easiest plant to propagate as it doesn't like being moved, so we do not have it in stock often - but once you have one in your own border - it spreads well to provide magnificent displays. Baptista are totally herbaceous so clear dead foliage in late autumn, and remember where it is.
Plant name; BELLIS PERENNIS 'TASSO MIX'
Common name; DAISY
Best category - rockery or low border edging -
Height 4-6 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season April-Aug
Preferable soil/situation any soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
Creeping large, lush, oval leaves spread in whorls from which short stems of single or double, pom-pom daisy flowers rise, continually flowering through early to late Summer. Combinations of colours are always whites, pinks and reds, with the yellow centre. Thrive anywhere. Most gardeners treat the Bellis as an annual - don't ! - leave it to spread as its one plant the garden can't go without - use it in borders, rockeries, pots or troughs. To maintain: just clean away poorly foliage in autumn, and split if necessary.
Plant name; CAMPANULA CARPATICA 'DEEP BLUE' CLIPS.
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - rockery -
Height 8 inch
Spread 12 inch
Colour violet blue
Flowering season June - September
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
This Campanula is distinct for its mound forming foliage - that makes a neat hummock from which the large, 2 inch across, open cups lie outward like little satellite dishes. The blue is a rich violet shade and very striking. This is without doubt one of the prettiest rockery campanulas. To maintain/; just tidy in autumn, the foliage is semi evergreen, but can look tatty in bad winters - do leave it to spread. This campanula is just as good in perennial pots and troughs
Plant name; CAMPANULA JACK FROST.
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - rockery -
Height 9 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour almost white
Flowering season June-Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A good spreading, campanula with creeping, dense foliage covering in numerous, starry cup flowers, the flower appears to be white - but look long and you will see the faintest luminous blue - as you would expect from such a name. A pretty 'clean' campanula.and a nice accompanyment to the usual blues. To maintain, just tidy in autumn, and thin out if necessary. Rockery Campanula are just as good in perennial pots and troughs as they require little water for their shallow root system.
Plant name; CAMPANULA PORTENSCHLAGIANA
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - rockery -
Height 6 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour violet
Flowering season May - July
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A very neat campanula - not invasive, forming mounded clumps with deep violet purple, stubby tube based ; starry flowers, this darker flowering variety seems to enjoy shady spots as well as sun. It is great for rockeries and borders, being very pretty, non-invasive and with a distinct richness of colour. To maintain, just tidy in autumn, and thin out if necessary. Rockery Campanula are just as good in perennial pots and troughs as they require little water for their shallow root system.
Plant name; CAMPANULA POSCHARSKYANA.
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - rockery -
Height 6 - 9 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
The best campanula for quick, pretty, colourful cover. Rampant creeping foliage will travel around stems and up and over walls and edges, coating in panicles of starry light lavender blue flowers. This can be very invasive, but welcome as it covers over rocks and walls cascading up or down ! Just pull out clumps if it goes too far. To maintain this, just pull out clumps to thin as necessary, and tidy in Autumn. Campanula are just as good in perennial pots and troughs as they require little water for their shallow root system.
Plant name; CAMPANULA PERSICIFOLIA.
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - Border -
Height 2 - 3 ft
Spread 1 - 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jun - Jul
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A typical border Campanula made up of stately, evergreen basal foliage, with long wiry stems which are dotted up the stem with sizable cupped pure blue flowers. It spreads easily to make a very pretty display as a great stately plant to tolerate any condition in any situation. The basal foliage is quite strong and stays evergreen in spreading fans.
For simple maintenance: just cut back the flower stems in Autumn, and thin out if necessary. The flower stems can be cut for indoor arranging - but don't last particularly long in a vase.
Plant name; CAMPANULA PERSICIFOLIA 'BOULE DE NEIGE'.
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - Border -
Height 2 - 3 ft
Spread 1 - 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season Jun - Jul
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A typical border campanula made up of stately, evergreen basal foliage, with long wiry stems which are dotted up the stem with sizable cupped pure white flowers. This spreads easily to make a very pretty display: for it is a great stately plant to tolerate any condition in any situation. The basal foliage is quite strong and stays evergreen in spreading fans.
For simple maintenance: just cut back the flower stems in Autumn, and thin out if necessary. The flower stems can be cut for indoor arranging - but don't last particularly long in a vase.
Plant name; CAMPANULA LATIFOLIA.
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - Border -
Height 4 - 5 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour mix whites / blues
Flowering season Jun - Jul
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A great Campanula : leaves are longer, thicker and upright, flower stems rise up to tall spikes of bells in either white or blue. This is a very popular plant at the farm, customers love it for its great displays at the back of the border and its easy habit to spread.
For simple maintenance: just cut back the flower stems in Autumn, and thin out if necessary. The flower stems can be cut for indoor arranging - but don't last particularly long in a vase.
Plant name; CAMPANULA PUNCTATA
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - Border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour pinky white
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
A more subdued but exotic Campanula, foliage only reaches 1 1/2 ft, but flowers are pendulous, long ( 2 inch ) fat, tubular in shape, dappled pink to a blush white. Spotting can be very prominent, and if it likes its situation will spread into a good sized clump. This is one of my personal favourites, it just looks so different to any other Campanula - is quite long lasting, and has a beautiful dapple !
To maintain, just tidy away flower stems and poorly leaves in Autumn, divide and thin if necessary.
Plant name; CAMPANULA RAPUNCULOIDES
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - Border -
Height 2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour violet purple.
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
A rampant Campanula, ideal in any garden as it can fill problem spaces with a great display of deep violet purple flower spikes for a long season. Foliage is semi-evergreen - and spreads well. A durable plant - thrives well anywhere and is quite showy.
To maintain, just tidy away flower stems and poorly leaves in Autumn, divide and thin if necessary.
Plant name; CAMPANULA TRACHELIUM
Common name; BELLFLOWER
Best category - Border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour violet blue
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
A rampant Campanula, with pretty heart shaped leaves, ideal in any garden as it can fill problem spaces with a great display of deep violet blue cup flower spikes for a long season. Foliage is semi-evergreen - and spreads as a durable plant, thriving well anywhere and quite showy.
To maintain, just tidy away flower stems and poorly leaves in Autumn, divide and thin if necessary.
Plant name; CAREX COMANS
Common name; ORNAMENTAL GRASS
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour grass seed heads
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
As with all the grasses - this is evergreen, forming a neat cascading mound of fine long blades. Thrives anywhere - and looks great in pebble borders where it contrasts against the usual greens. Do not expect flowers, as that is not really a function of any Carex in the garden, it is really just a foliage plant, although a few other grass species do have some interesting 'seed heads'. Flowers are literally the usual 'grass seed' seen on most 'weeds'. Comans is one of the nicer grasses - as it forms mounds rather than spreading outward, plant it with a few other grasses to get the best from their contrasting foliage, movement and reliability.
To maintain, tidy or thin out as necessary.
Plant name; CAREX COMANS BRONZE
Common name; ORNAMENTAL GRASS
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour grass seed heads
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A bronzy green leaved Carex, that are almost orangy, with thin blades that spread in clumpy mounds. It spreads easily. Do not expect flowers, as that is not really a function of any Carex in the garden, it is really just a foliage plant, although a few other grass species do havesome interesting 'seed heads'. Flowers are literally the usual 'grass seed' seen on most 'weeds'. As with all the Carex, this is hardy, reliable and an attractive contrast to the usual greens of any border. Don't let it take over and it will reward you with its longevity.
To maintain, tidy or thin out as necessary.
Plant name; CAREX BRONZE
Common name; ORNAMENTAL GRASS
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour grass seed heads
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A deeply brown leaved grass - every blade is a distinct pure golden brown, forming pretty clusters that contrast heavily against the greens of a border. Do not expect flowers, as that is not really a function of any carex in the garden, it is really just a foliage plant, although a few other grass species do havesome interesting 'seed heads'. Flowers are literally the usual 'grass seed' seen on most 'weeds'. We are always amused to hear comments made on this grass - as for its distinct brown colour many customers are convinced it has dyed in the pot - yet it also remains one of the most popular for this.
To maintain, tidy or thin out as necessary.
Plant name; CAREX FROSTED CURLS
Common name; ORNAMENTAL GRASS
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour grass seed heads
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
This is very like Carex Bronze, only the tips of the blades do indeed curl into a frenzy. The deeply brown blades form a thick mass and spread quite easily. Do not expect flowers, as that is not really a function of any carex in the garden, it is really just a foliage plant, although a few other grass species do havesome interesting 'seed heads'. Flowers are literally the usual 'grass seed' seen on most 'weeds'.
To maintain, tidy or thin out as necessary.
Plant name; CAREX TESTACEA
Common name; ORNAMENTAL GRASS
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour grass seed heads
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A taller grass of the Carex, forming tight clumps of arching 'olive-green' leaves that do have a bronzy red tinge that lessens to orange or deepens to the green through the seasons - so makes an interesting plant. Do not expect flowers, as that is not really a function of any carex in the garden, it is really just a foliage plant, although a few other grass species do havesome interesting 'seed heads'. Flowers are literally the usual 'grass seed' seen on most 'weeds'. A great grass for its changing colour, neatness and reliability.
To maintain, tidy or thin out as necessary.
Plant name; CATANANCHE CAERULEA
Common name; CUPIDS DART
Best category - Border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil, even dry.
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
Mounds of narrow grey-green leaves shoot out as a starry base from which rise thin stems topped by beautiful 'cornflower' flowers. Which are a little like a thistle bud that opens to a daisy-like bloom with blunt or square ended petals.They feel papery to touch, the blue is pure and vivid. thrives anywhere. This is a beautiful plant - but needs to be at a border edge - or rockery as it can become lost amoungst other plants.
Maintenance is relatively none, other than a simple tidy up of finished stems. The flowers are often used in drying and arranging.
Plant name; CENTAUREA - YELLOW.
Common name; CORNFLOWER or KNAPWEED
Best category - Border -
Height 2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 - 3 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil, even dry.,
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
A spread of leathery foliage covering in a stunning display of large loose, narrow ray, petaled flowers. The gold is rich - almost orangy, and carries on into late season. This has surprised us by being one of our most popular sellers: quite sought after now. Don't confuse this with the annual cornflower - it is far 'heavier' and showier.
To maintain, do split and thin in third year and thereafter to keep it at its best.
Plant name; CENTAUREA - DEALBATA.
Common name; CORNFLOWER or KNAPWEED
Best category - Border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 3 ft
Colour pink
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil, even dry.
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
A spread of leathery foliage covering in a stunning display of large loose, narrow ray, petaled flowers. The flowers are white centred, pink, bold and vivid.carries on into late season. This is one of the most stunning plants , don't confuse this with the annual cornflower - it is far 'heavier' and showier, thriving in any situation.
To maintain, do split and thin in third year and thereafter to keep it at its best.
Plant name; CENTAUREA MONTANA.
Common name; CORNFLOWER or KNAPWEED
Best category - Border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 3 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil, even dry.
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
A low, sprawling spread of leathery foliage covering in a stunning display of large loose, narrow ray, petaled flowers. The blue is rich, bold and vivid.carries on into late season. Don't confuse this with the annual cornflower - it is far 'heavier' and showier, thriving in any situation.
To maintain, do split and thin in third year and thereafter to keep it at its best.
Plant name; CENTAUREA MONTANA ALBA.
Common name; CORNFLOWER or KNAPWEED
Best category - Border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 3 ft
Colour White
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil, even dry.
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
A low, sprawling spread of leathery foliage covering in a stunning display of large loose, narrow ray, petaled flowers. The display is bold and showy carrying on into late season. Don't confuse this with the annual cornflower - it is far 'heavier' and showier, thriving in any situation.
To maintain, do split and thin in third year and thereafter to keep it at its best.
Plant name; CENTRANTHUS RUBER.
Common name; RED VALERIAN
Best category - Border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour shades of reds
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation thrives in any soil, even dry.
Sun or shade prefers sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
A lush - rubbery foliage than rises to 2 ft, with rounded clusters of ruby red flowers - the flower season is long and showy, and it thrives anywhere.This plant was often associated with railway sidings, and if it thrives in such conditions - you'll be sure it will survive the worst you can give it. Will grow from gaps in paving against walls - just about anywhere ! It isn'y a long lasting plant - so sow its seeds around the base to ensure its longevity.
To mainain, just clean away poorly foliage in autumn, split if necessary.
Plant name; CEPHALARIA GIGANTEA.
Common name; CEPHALARIA
Best category - Border -
Height 6 - 8 ft
Spread 2-3 ft
Colour pale yellow
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any soil, even particularly dry.
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
A large perennial for the bigger border - long oval leaves serate as they get bigger into exotic palm like foliage that forms a wide mass up to 4 ft, then stately long branching flower stems can rise up to 6 - 8 ft, with loose sprays of pale yellow 'scabious' like flowers - disapointingly small : about 2 inch dia, for the plants size - but prolific enough to make an interesting display. ( does self seed easily ) Providing you don't let this plant take over - it is a great assett to any large garden, giving a great display all summer long, and making quite a talking point. Do get rid of seedlings - otherwise your garden will look like a border full of trifids ! To maintain just cut down the main flower stems at the end of the year. Basal foliage will remain evegreen.
Plant name; CERASTIUM TOMENTOSUM. YO-YO.
Common name; SNOW IN SUMMER
Best category - rockery -
Height 6 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season May - July
Preferable soil/situation any soil, even particularly dry.
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
Almost white foliage, made up of straggly stems covering in narrow oval - silvery grey leaves, form creeping mounds over rocks, walls and edges, to be covered in upright stems of 5 petaled flowers borne in loose clusters. As long as you don't let this plant take over - it is a great assett to any garden. Kept trimmed it can be made to form neat mounds with a great display all summer long.
To maintain, trim periodically to keep in check.
Plant name; CHIASTOPHYLLUM OPPOSITIFOLIUM
Common name; LAMBS TAIL
Best category - rockery -
Height 9 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season April - May
Preferable soil/situation well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A good reliable evergreen, succulent, wide oval leaves ( almost cacti like ) spread outward in florets to only about 2 inch ht, whilst flower stems rise 6 - 7 inch and bend over with the weight of long flower clusters - as the nick name suggests: in the shape of many lambs tails, maybe to a dozen on each stem. Some books list this as a fussy plant, but we have not found this - it seems to thrive anywhere - but it won't like constantly wet soils. It is not a showy plant - but a pretty talking point.
To maintain: split and thin clumps if they are too thick - either in autumn or after spring frosts around May.
Plant name; CHRYSANTHEMUM MAXIMUM SNOWCAP
Common name; CHRYSANTHES or 'DOG DAISY'
Best category - Border -
Height 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state evergreen basal foliage
A traditional old cottage garden favourite - rampant spreading, dense foliage - with long flower stems of large white petaled, yellow centred daisies, with a good long flowering season, thriving anywhere. We all remember picking this dog daisy in our childhood - so why not keep it as a fond memory in a corner of all our gardens.
To maintain simply cut away dead stems in Autumn. This is a good flower for cutting and indoor arranging.
Plant name; CHRYSANTHEMUM CRASY DAISY
Common name; CHRYSANTHES or 'DOG DAISY'
Best category - Border -
Height 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state evergreen basal foliage
A traditional old cottage garden favourite - rampant spreading, dense foliage - with long flower stems of large white petaled, yellow centred daisies, this variety has an appealing soft shagginess to the rays of petals, thriving anywhere. We love this daisy - the flowering season isn't long - but is ar a time when others are finishing - and the shagginess of the finely rayed petals will appeal to everyone.
To maintain simply cut away dead stems in Autumn. This is a good flower for cutting and indoor arranging.
Plant name; CHRYSANTHEMUM KOREAN HYBRIDS
Common name; CHRYSANTHES
Best category - Border -
Height 3 - 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season Sept - Oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state semi-evergreen
Truly the last flowers of summer - pretty foliage rises to long flower stems of finely rayed petals in a huge variety of colours from whites, through shades of yellows to pinks and darker wine reds : all with the yellow central disc. I never appreciated this plant until I saw it in a customers garden: it makes a beautiful, showy, neat mound of perfect flowers: keeping it trimmed to the size you want will promote thicker growth and prolific flowering and of course it thrives anywhere. Do cut right back after flowering for better growth the following year.
To maintain simply cut away dead stems in Autumn. This is a good flower for cutting and indoor arranging.
Plant name; CIRSIUM JAPONICUM ROSE BEAUTY
Common name; THISTLE
Best category - Border -
Height 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour deep pink
Flowering season Jul - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - may need watering during very dry summers.
Sun or shade thrives in sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen basal foliage
Place at the back of a border as its size can be a little oppresive - but interesting for its deeply serated thistle leaves, that rise to stems of deep pink fluffy flower heads. A plant not to everyones taste - but great as a sculptural piece at the back of a border. A plant not to everyones taste - but great as a sculptural piece at the back of a border.
Do cut right back after flowering for better growth the following year. The flower is often dried so it can be used for flower arranging.
Plant name; CONVALLARIA MAJALIS
Common name; LILY OF THE VALLEY
Best category - low border or rockery -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour white
Flowering season April - May
Preferable soil/situation needs a moisture retentive soil, hence under trees and bushes are best.
Sun or shade prefers a shady site
Winter state totally dies down
Everyone loves the scent of Llily of the Valley - and this can be cut with its leaves for floral arrangements - or even plant in pots for indoor flowering. Of course its best left in the ground to spread and spread - its only let down being it has little to offer once it has finished flowering - as leaves fall back at the same time.
If the clumps get too thick - thin them and replant. Finished leaves will naturally clear away. A flower well used for indoor arranging.
Plant name; COREOPSIS GRANDIFLORA EARLY SUNRISE
Common name; TICKWEED
Best category - Border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state semi-evergreen
A striking plant for its bright, clear gold, daisy flowers on thin stems , over pretty long leaved foliage. A great favourite for its cheery, bright display. This is often listed as an annual - but not so - we have had the same plants year after year - and they do reward with stunning brilliance.
To maintain do cut away poorly foliage and stems in Autumn. Coreopsis are a favourite for cutting and indoor flower arranging.
Plant name; COREOPSIS VERTICILLATA MOONBEAM
Common name; TICKWEED
Best category - Border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour pale yellow
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state dies right back
A great Coreopsis as its foliage is very different - in that it is extremely fine and frondy, forming a spreading clump of hundreds of stems - then thin, wiry flower stems are topped by numerous starry pale yellow flowers with a deeper gold central disc. A very pretty, sought after plant for its dainty foliage and attractive flowers.
To maintain do cut away poorly foliage and stems in Autumn. Coreopsis are a favourite for cutting and indoor flower arranging.
Plant name; CORTADERIA SELLOANA
Common name; PAMPAS GRASS
Best category - Border -
Height 7 - 8 ft
Spread 3 - 4 ft
Colour cream
Flowering season Sep - Nov
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
Densley packed, grassy leaves have course, cutting sharp edges, and each blade rises to 5 or 6 ft, forming a huge impenetrable clump, then thick bamboo like flower stems unfurl into 2 - 3 ft long feathery champagne plumes. Not a plant every garden can 'handle' - it needs space, or to be used as a central piece. A golden rule is if it doesn't flower - burn it or treat it badly - it will feel threatened and so flower to seed.
When maintaining: do trim down hard - but handle carefully as its leave blades are sharpe and do cut. Use the large, showy plumes for dry flower arrangements.
Plant name; COTULA HISPIDA
Common name; COTULA HISPIDA
Best category - rockery -
Height 2 inch
Spread 9 inch
Colour yellow
Flowering season may-july
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state semi-evergreen
A delicate plant made up of silvery , filigree foliage that forms a clump - with the thinnest, almost invisable 1 inch stems topped by pretty little yellow buttons. Put it in a rockery, or front of border to see it at its best. A lovely little plant, very different to anything else in the garden.
To maintain, do pull out any untidy clumps which will induce a fresher growth of foliage.
Plant name; CYANARA CARDUNCULUS
Common name; CARDOON
Best category - Border -
Height 5 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour purple shades
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen basal foliage
Better known as Cardoon - this was used as a vegetable and is of the artichoke family. Stunning sculptural plant with deeply divided - grey white foliage forms a neat base - topped by tall stems rising to large globular, irridescent blue thistle flowers. You will need a border with a big gap to take this plant, and its best in a prominent position as it is a striking foliage plant.
To maintain: do trim down scruffy foliage after flowering to keep the basal growth. Groups can be split. The base used to be used as a vegetable, and flowers make great dried flower arrangements.
Plant name; CYPERUS LONGUS.
Common name; SWEET GALINGALE.
Best category - Border -
Height 3 ft
Spread 2 - 3 ft
Colour green
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any soil - even bogg land or marginal.
Sun or shade sun or partial shade
Winter state evergreen
A rogue of any garden, a tall grass of thick glossy leaves that densley pack in large clumps. The 'flower' stems are topped by an umbrella like split to about 6 inch. And it is often nick named the umbrella grass as such. This truly is a 'beast' and needs a warning when buying - we don't often put it out for sale, but if you do want it - we'll always be able to find a piece for you ! Its only real attribute is that it can be used on pond edges - and of course if you have a big garden, and time to pull out its seedlings - then yes it is a useful rogue.
Cut away flower stems, ideally before the seeds drop, do divide as necessary, and don't let it get too wide unless you have the space.
Plant name; DELPHINIUM 'pacific mix'
Common name; DELPHINIUM
Best category - Border -
Height 5 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mixed shades
Flowering season Jun - Jul
Preferable soil/situation well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a sunnny, sheltered site
Winter state totally dies down
Elegant cleanly divided foliage, forms a neat clump, rising up to huges spires of the most beautiful flowers in shades of whites, pinks, blues to deeper purples and wine reds. The true Lady of the Cottage Garden - a perennial favourite, but you will battle wilth slugs, mice and rabbits to get this one established - and once you have suceeded - your prize may be dashed by a strong wind - so be prepared.
Give space and water in heavy dry spells. Trim down after first flowering and it may induce a second flush before the summer end. Trim down to the ground in autumn, and split to thin if overcrowded. These can be cut for arranging, but its far nicer to see them in the ground.
Plant name; DELOSPERNUM CONGESTA
Common name; DELOSPERNUM
Best category - rockery -
Height 2 inch
Spread 1ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state evergreen
A pretty rockery plant, with very tight - tubular succulent shiny leaves, packing uptogether without a gap, and spreading outward in a neat clump. Flowers are of finely rayed, good sized ( 1.1/2 inch ) daisies. This is a plant that you would not expect to be hardy, but it has proven its worth over many years. A nice addition to any rockery or low border.
This need no maintenance other than a general tidy.
Plant name; DELOSPERNUM COOPERII
Common name; DELOSPERNUM
Best category - rockery -
Height 2 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour Magenta
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation well drained soil - won't care for water logging.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state semi-evergreen
A delightful, showy, rockery plant. Succulent tubular leaves on creeping foliage. Flowers are large - almost 2 inch across - of finely rayed daisies in the brightest magenta pink. Prefers a sunny spot and flowers close up in the evening. We didn't expect this plant to be so hardy - but we have had it over 10 yrs - and proven very robust. Every one will love the bright flowers that go on for a long time.
Maintenance is minimal, but if it spreads too much, simply pull out clumps - if it is hit by hard frosts - don't give up on it as it will revive in mid Spring by shooting from the woody stems.
Plant name; DIANTHUS ARENARIUS
Common name; ALPINE PINK
Best category - rockery -
Height 6 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour palest pink - almost white
Flowering season Jun - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
A pretty dianthus - grassy foliage forms dense hummocks to about 3 inch. Flowers are on 3 inch stems - good sized ( 1 inch ) flowers are so pale pink they appear white - and particularly pretty for their shagginess of petals. This is a Dianthus that is often forgotton about - and undeservedly so - it may not be large, bright or showy, but it has a beautiful daintiness to make a delightful centre piece.
This needs little maintenance other than a trim at anytime it should need it.
Plant name; DIANTHUS DELTOIDES 'FLASHING LIGHTS'
Common name; ALPINE PINK
Best category - rockery -
Height 6 - 9 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour pinks
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
A vibrant little alpine dianthus. Grassy dark foliage spreads out in mounds, from which shoot thin stems topped by the prettiest little mini carnations of brightest pinks and reds. In full flower this is stunning, easy to grow and a great edging plant. A pretty edging or rockery plant with on going sporadic flowering.
To maintain, simply trim and tidy as needed.
Plant name; DIANTHUS ALLWOODII - MIX
Common name; MODERN PINKS
Best category - rockery -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - likes chalky ( alkaline ) but not essential as it tolerates any condition.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen basal foliage
A beautiful old plant, foliage is sturdy, grassy, evergreen and a blue-grey, forming spreading mats. Pretty double, fragrant flowers in an array of pink shades top long stems. Dianthus are becoming more used in pots and troughs - yet they are at their best in the ground, needing little attention. Do tidy if needed and dead head flower stems to induce more blooms. These Dianthus are great for cutting - although short stemmed.
Plant name; DIANTHUS BARBATUS 'MIX'
Common name; SWEET WILLIAM
Best category - Border -
Height 2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mixed shades
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
A truly stunning flower display in every conceivable combination of pinks, whites and reds. Flowers are borne in large heads to over 6 inch diameter, over good, upright rich green foliage. This is really the most showy of the Dianthus - but strictly a bi - annual. ( although we have had same colours for 3 years ) Its so nice - we could not exclude it from our selection - so just remember to take seed, or ensure it scatters around the base for perennial displays.
To maintain, do trim down to tidy after flowering - this should induce second flowering. Barbatus is great for cutting, and profuse enough to not miss a few stems.
Plant name; DIANTHUS CAESIUS ROSE
Common name; PINKS
Best category - rockery -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour candy pink
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - likes chalky ( alkaline ) but not essential as it tolerates any condition.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
A beautiful old plant, foliage is sturdy, grassy, evergreen and a blue-grey, forming a spreading mat. Pretty single, frilly edged, fragrant flowers top long stems. This is such a useful, beautiful plant. Dianthus are becoming more used in pots and troughs - yet they are at their best in the ground, needing little attention.
To maintain, tidy if needed and dead head the flower stems to induce more blooms. This is great for cutting - although short stemmed.
Plant name; DIANTHUS 'ENFENT DE NICE'
Common name; MODERN PINKS
Best category - rockery -
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mixed shades
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - likes chalky ( alkaline ) but not essential as it tolerates any condition.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state This variety apprears to be less tolerant of the wet - so ensure a well drained soil to keep it semi evergreen.
An attractive variety of carnation. Straggly grey-green creeping stems with long flower stems topped by quite large double fragrant blooms in very rich colours. This beautiful variety of carnation has particulary richly coloured flowers in its range. Because the foliage is straggly, it is a flower best placed in a low border with other plants, rather than as a centre piece.
To maintain, tidy if needed and dead head the flower stems to induce more blooms. This is great for cutting.
Plant name; DIANTHUS 'SPRING CHARM MIX'
Common name; MODERN PINKS
Best category - rockery -
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mixed pastel shades
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - likes chalky ( alkaline ) but not essential as it tolerates any condition.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
Densley packed, blue green grassy foliage forms tight clumps with long flower stems of pretty, double, fragrant mixed shades. Despite its name - this variety still flowers in mid - late summer - we suspect the choice in name is for its softer colours - and we often see pretty pale yellows in this collection.
To maintain, tidy if needed and dead head the flower stems to induce more blooms. This is great for cutting.
Plant name; DIANTHUS 'SWISS MIX'
Common name; MODERN PINKS
Best category - rockery -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mixed shades
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - likes chalky ( alkaline ) but not essential as it tolerates any condition.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
Loosley packed, blue green grassy foliage forms a trailing clump with long flower stems of pretty, double, fragrant mixed shades. This variety appears to trail a little, so is great placed on edges where the blooms can flow downward. As with all the dianthus the height of two foot is in the flower stems - the foliage tends to only reach foot.
To maintain, tidy if needed and dead head the flower stems to induce more blooms. This is great for cutting.
Plant name; DIANTHUS 'DWARF VIENNA MIX'
Common name; MODERN PINKS
Best category - rockery -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mixed
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - likes chalky ( alkaline ) but not essential as it tolerates any condition.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
Densley packed, blue green grassy foliage forms tight clumps with long flower stems of pretty, double, fragrant mixed shades. Flowers are large and profuse. Dwarf Vienna is one of our best mixes for its neat covering foliage, its durability, and wide range of colours.
To maintain, tidy if needed and dead head the flower stems to induce more blooms. This is great for cutting.
Plant name; DIANTHUS 'CARNATION MIX'
Common name; BORDER CARNATION
Best category - rockery -
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mixed shades
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - likes chalky ( alkaline ) but not essential as it tolerates any condition.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
Densley packed, blue green grassy foliage forms tight clumps with long flower stems of pretty, double, fragrant mixed shades. Flowers are substantially large, long stemmed and profuse. This Carnation mix has longer, thickler flower stems and larger, double flowers with a more definite fragrance.
To maintain, tidy if needed and dead head the flower stems to induce more blooms. This is great for cutting.
Plant name; DIANTHUS 'WHATFIELD GEM'
Common name; OLD FASHIONED PINK
Best category - rockery -
Height 4 inch
Spread 9 inch
Colour Wine laced pale pink
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - likes chalky ( alkaline ) but not essential as it tolerates any condition.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
A delightful rockery pink with a distinct flower, single pale pink with a deep wine lacing through the edge. Foliage is distinctly blue green, compact and neat. We don't keep many single varieties in our selection - but this is a very old beauty, in a clump it makes a stunning display.
To maintain, simply trim the bush if it spreads too much for your position.
Plant name; DIANTHUS ALPINUS
Common name; ALPINE PINK
Best category - rockery -
Height 1 inch
Spread 9 inch
Colour brightest pink
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
Tiny, compact, grassy blue-green foliage forms a neat evergreen mound. Flowers are almost 1 inch across, irredecently bright and almost swamp the foliage in full bloom. A stunningly bright alpine that makes a vivid display in any rockery or even pots.
To maintain: this is not the sort of plant to become unruly - it keeps its neat, compact habit so requires little trimming.
Plant name; DIANTHUS IDEAL MIX
Common name; MODERN PINKS
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour mixed pinks
Flowering season May - Oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen
A stunning variety of pink, fleshy green foliage forms neat up right clumps, that spray into a flat multitude of rich pink flowers. Do ensure good drainage to maintain this plant as its roots are susceptible to rotting in winter - but the reward of its bright long season is worth the chance.
Do trim away the flower heads in late September and you will be surprised by another full display into November. Do not trim again until after the Spring frosts or you may disturb new growth at a tender time. Once into late Spring growth you can split the clumps to plant elsewhere.
Plant name; DIANTHUS IDEAL MIX
Common name; MODERN PINKS
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour mixed pinks
Flowering season May - Oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state evergreen basal foliage
A stunning variety of pink, fleshy green foliage forms neat up right clumps, that spray into a flat multitude of rich pink flowers. Do ensure good drainage to maintain this plant as its roots are susceptible to rotting in winter - but the reward of its bright long season is worth the chance.
Do trim away the flower heads in late September and you will be surprised by another full display into November. Do not trim again until after the Spring frosts or you may disturb new growth at a tender time. Once into late Spring growth you can split the clumps to plant elsewhere.
Plant name; DIASCIA CORDIFOLIA RED
Common name; DIASCIA
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour deep pink
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state evergreen basal foliage, but does act herbaceous in poor winters.
A stunning plant with a long flowering display. Leaves are small and narrow - on spindly wiry stems, flowers are loose spikes, lobed and spurred - a little like many hippo faces. Flowering is profuse, and then sporadic at either end of the season. Diascia are a great plant to be used in borders, rockeries, pots, baskets and troughs. They used to be considered an annual - but has proven more than resilient once established.
To maintain: trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; DIASCIA RUBY FIELDS
Common name; DIASCIA
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour ruby pink
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state evergreen basal foliage, but does act herbaceous in poor winters.
A vibrant and showy diascia, with fatter flowers in a very ruby pink: profuse and long lasting. Foliage is lusher than its other varieties, on spindly wry stems, flowers are loose spikes, lobed and spurred - a little like many hippo faces. Diascia are a great plant to be used in borders, rockeries, pots, baskets and troughs. They used to be considered an annual - but has proven more than resilient once established.
To maintain: trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; DIASCIA TWINKLE
Common name; DIASCIA
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 9 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour candy pink
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state evergreen basal foliage, but does act herbaceous in poor winters.
A short, spreading Diascia. Foliage is of oval small leaves on spindly creeping stems, flowers are 5 petaled with the bottom lobed and spurred like a little hippo face. Twinkle is particularly pretty for its brghtness and jewel colour. Diascia are a great plant to be used in borders, rockeries, pots, baskets and troughs. They used to be considered an annual - but has proven more than resilient once established.
To maintain: trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; DIASCIA SALMON
Common name; DIASCIA
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 9 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour salmon peach
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state evergreen basal foliage, but does act herbaceous in poor winters.
A short, spreading Diascia. Foliage is of round, small, grey green leaves on spindly creeping stems, flowers are 5 petaled with the bottom lobed and spurred like a little hippo face. Salmon has a distinctive pastel shade which is quite unlike any other. Diascia are a great plant to be used in borders, rockeries, pots, baskets and troughs. They used to be considered an annual - but has proven more than resilient once established.
To maintain: trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; DIASCIA STACHOIDES
Common name; DIASCIA
Best category - rockery or border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour pale pink
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state evergreen basal foliage, but does act herbaceous in poor winters.
A taller, spreading Diascia. Foliage is of oval leaves on spindly upright stems, flowers are 5 petaled with the bottom lobed and spurred like a little hippo face. This diascia is best in a border for its size, although bigger and durable it tends to be softer - so do ensure it has established well through the Summer before allowing it to suffer a hard winter.
Diascia are a great plant to be used in borders, rockeries, pots, baskets and troughs. They used to be considered an annual - but has proven more than resilient once established.
To maintain: trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; DIERAMMA PULCHERRIMUM
Common name; ANGELS FISHING RODS
Best category - Border -
Height 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour wine pink
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state The basal foliage is evergreen, ensure it is kept in well drained soil as it will not tolerate water logging. This plant is native to the South African Mountains: so although it will stand the cold, will not tolerate prolonged winter wetting.
Long grassy leaves and stems form a wide clump, the foliage rises to about 2 foot, but then the flower stems reach up a further 2 ft and arch over with the weight of numerous pendulous, funnel shaped, papery bells, indeed just like fishing rods. This is a beautiful elegant plant. It is now becoming more popular and available. It makes a great talking point - and if you have any water in the garden - why not plant it near ( not in ) so that the heaviest stems can arch over and almost touch the surface.
To maintain: trim away the flower stems to tidy it.
Plant name; DIGITALIS EXCELSIOR MIX
Common name; FOXGLOVE
Best category - Border -
Height 4 - 5 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mixed shades
Flowering season Jun - aug
Preferable soil/situation loves woodland - humus rich soil - but tolerates mostly anything.
Sun or shade loves the shade as well as sun.
Winter state the basal foliage does stay partially evergreen.
Large leathery oval leaves form basal rossettes, then tall flower stems rise up to 4, 5 sometimes 7 ft, the flower length itself can be as much as 2 - 3 ft, made up of fat tubular 1 inch flowers that circle round - all facing outward - and all showing the inside mottling which comes in an array of colours and combinations - mostly pinks, whites and yellows, best of all - it loves shade. We are asked so often for a plant that will tolerate in the shade, this is the best - being traditionally a woodland plant it will thrive in even heavy tree shade to give beautiful displays. It is treated as a bi annual - but ensure seeds fall and you will have a perennial border for years to come.
To maintain: trim down flower stems after seeding. Digitalis was well known to be used as a poison long ago.
Plant name; DIGITALIS VERIDIFLORA
Common name; FOXGLOVE
Best category - Border -
Height 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour greeny yellow
Flowering season Jun - aug
Preferable soil/situation loves woodland - humus rich soil - but tolerates mostly anything.
Sun or shade loves the shade as well as sun.
Winter state the basal foliage does stay partially evergreen.
Rich shiny green oval leaves form basal rossettes, then tall flower stems rise up to 4ft, the flower length itself can be as much as 2 ft, made up of long tubular 1 inch flowers that circle round - all facing outward. The flowers are not showy, but unusual and pretty. As with all digitalis, this loves the shade. We are asked so often for a plant that will tolerate in the shade, this is the best - being traditionally a woodland plant it will thrive in even heavy tree shade to give beautiful displays. It is treated as a bi annual - but ensure seeds fall and you will have a perennial border for years to come.
To maintain: trim down flower stems after seeding. Digitalis was well known to be used as a poison long ago.
Plant name; DORONICUM MAGNIFICUM
Common name; LEOPARDS BANE
Best category - large rockery or low border
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season March - May
Preferable soil/situation any soil
Sun or shade loves the shade as well as sun.
Winter state semi-evergreen
Beautiful lush, perfect heart shaped leaves form a neat evergreen mound for sunny or shady areas, then the most brilliant large yellow daisy-like or marigold-like flowers brighten any early spring day. This pretty plant heralds spring, and there are occasional flowers through into summer, but it is just as pretty for its rich foliage that will fill any problem areas. It is actually related to the marsh marigold, or lesser celendine which you see along roadsides through Spring and Summer - although this is a larger and more refined variety. To maintain : just tidy up in late autumn, or divide if necessary.
Plant name; ECCREMOCARPUS SCABER
Common name; CHILEAN GLORY VINE
Best category - CLIMBER -
Height 8 - 10 ft
Spread 3 - 4 ft
Colour mix
Flowering season Jun - Oct
Preferable soil/situation a well drained soil in a sheltered site.
Sun or shade prefers full sun.
Winter state Herbaceous - so totally dies down.
An interesting herbaceous climber, rising from nothing in early spring, up to its full spread within weeks, the foliage is light, ferny and fragile. The flowers are borne in loose clusters of long tubes, in shades of yellows, oranges and pinks : often called 'peaches and creams'. Flowering starts early and finishes late - and each flower turns into a large seed pod that sheds thousands of seeds once dry. Let it shed these as it gives a back up to the plant which has to be well established to guarrantee longevity. This plant needs to establish well before winter, new growth may rot, but once it has set in deep roots its hard to get rid of. It is best against a wall or fence as it clings and twines by itself. It is a beautiful, exotic plant.
Do cut down in Autumn to tidy up.
Plant name; ECHINACEA PURPUREA
Common name; RUDBECKIA
Best category - Border -
Height 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour purple
Flowering season Jul - Oct
Preferable soil/situation a well drained soil in a sheltered site.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Herbaceous - so totally dies down. New shoots are late to emerge.
A late flowering perennial ideal in larger borders,. Wide lobed leaves rise up to stately straight stems topped by large stiif, reddy purple daisy flowers with a dark, almost black central cone. Thrives well anywhere but enjoys full sun. Echinacea and Rudbeckia are really the same plant, and so look great planted together with the same flower heads but contrasting colours. Is now a well known for its medicinal qualities - but also a beautiful cut flower -although always nicer left in the border.
Do cut down in autumn to tidy up.
Plant name; ECHINOPS RITRO
Common name; GLOBE THISTLE
Best category - Border -
Height 4 - 5 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation absolutely any soil, any situation.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state Herbaceous - so totally dies down
A great architectural perennial, best used as a centre piece or placed at the back of the border.Leaves are grey-green, deeply serated. Flowers are totally globular, starting as a metallicy blue - opening into a pure bright blue in late summer. This is a great plant if your garden has a space for it , the flowers are striking, bright and good for arranging.
Do cut right down in autumn to tidy up.
Plant name; ERIGERON AURANTICUS
Common name; FLEABANE
Best category - border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour orange
Flowering season Jun - Aug
Preferable soil/situation absolutely any soil, any situation.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state the basal foliage does stay partially evergreen.
A beautiful, reliable perennial, forming clumps of oval leaves. Flowers are large, heavily double of finely rayed daisy like petals - with a central golden disc. Very similar to the better known Asters only more showy but not as tall. A plant that has not yet become over popular - which is unjustified as it is far showier and more impressive than many of the garden 'daisy' flowers.
Do cut right down in autumn to tidy up.
Plant name; ERIGERON AZURE FAIRY
Common name; FLEABANE
Best category - border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour lavender blue
Flowering season Jun - aug
Preferable soil/situation absolutely any soil, any situation.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state the basal foliage does stay partially evergreen.
A beautiful, reliable perennial, forming clumps of oval leaves. Flowers are large, pink, heavily double of finely rayed daisy like petals - with a central golden disc. Very similar to the better known Asters only more showy but not as tall. A plant that has not yet become over popular - which is unjustified as it is far showier and more impressive than many of the garden 'daisy' flowers. Do cut right down in autumn to tidy up.
Plant name; ERIGERON PINK JEWEL
Common name; FLEABANE
Best category - border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour deep pink
Flowering season Jun - aug
Preferable soil/situation absolutely any soil, any situation.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state the basal foliage does stay partially evergreen.
A beautiful, reliable perennial, forming clumps of oval leaves. Flowers are large, pink, heavily double of finely rayed daisy like petals - with a central golden disc. Very similar to the better known Asters only more showy but not as tall. A plant that has not yet become over popular - which is unjustified as it is far showier and more impressive than many of the garden 'daisy' flowers. Do cut right down in autumn to tidy up.
Plant name; ERIGERON 'PROFUSION'
Common name; FLEABANE
Best category - rockery -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 1/2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season Jun - Oct
Preferable soil/situation absolutely any soil, any situation.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state evergreen
A pretty erigeron - very different to the rest of its family - in that its daisy flowers are far smaller : only 1 inch across - but so prolific it is an array of colour, particularly as the white daisies turn dark pink as they age. The foliage trails so it cascades over walls and edges. A stunning little daisy that is useful in so many areas of the garden, great for borders, rockeries, pots and baskets. It can become rampant - but always comes from one stem. To maintain : trim away rampant foliage to make a more compact bush.
Plant name; ERODIUM RICHARDII
Common name; STORKSBILL
Best category - rockery -
Height 1 inch
Spread 6 inch
Colour pinks or whites
Flowering season Jun - Oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers sun or partial shade.
Winter state Evergreen
Erodium looks very like a minature geranium in both leaf and flower. The leaves lay flat to the ground and creep outward. The 5 petaled open, 1 inch flowers lay face up and often have a distinct vein. They come in a variety of pinks and whites - and there is a double, although the habit is smaller. The plant is only small, but very pretty and worthy of a space in any garden. The common name of storksbill comes from the seed head left after flowering, which just looks like a head and long beak. ( it also relates to the name used for Geranium of Cranesbill. Erodium is a very pretty little flower - but needs to be in a rockery or low border to see its attributes - or it can easily be lost. It is not a wide spreading plant - but you can divide it as it grows and so replant in bigger clumps. We sell these as a mix, but all are very similar but for their shades of pinks and whites.
As this is a short spreading plant do divide and re plant to thicken its growth, but it needs no other tending.
Plant name; ERYNGIUM PLANUM
Common name; SEA HOLLY
Best category - border -
Height 2 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation Enjoys any soil.
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Evergreen.
Foliage begins as clean oval green leaves, as these establish, they serate and then gradually whiten, the seration becomes a distinct thistle like, branching habit - hard and woody, the tips then turn a blue, as though dusted with powder, flower heads are like that of a thistle, but have a neat, intricate wide ruff, that closes into a thick round tipped cone that starts as a metalic blue that turns rich blue. The flower is long lasting and the white and blue foliage is an interesting contrast to the usual greens of the border. The flowers and foliage are great for drying and flower arranging.
Maintenance is of your choice - if you leave it alone for winter it will remain evergreen and give a pretty display. If you cut it right down, you can use it for floral arranging, and then the basal foliage will re establish in Spring.
Plant name; ERYNGIUM VARIFOLIUM
Common name; SEA HOLLY
Best category - border -
Height 2 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation Enjoys any soil.
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Evergreen.
Foliage begins as clean oval dark green leaves, with a distinct white veining and soft marbling: as these establish, they serate. The seration becomes a distinct thistle like, branching habit - hard and woody, the tips then turn a blue, as though dusted with powder, flower heads are like that of a thistle, but have a neat, intricate wide ruff, that closes into a thick round tipped cone that starts as a metalic blue that turns rich blue. The flower is long lasting and the foliage is an interesting contrast to the usual greens of the border. Varifolium does not turn as grey as Planum, and basal leaves do maintain their strong marbling. The flowers and foliage are great for drying and flower arranging.
Maintenance is of your choice - if you leave it alone for winter it will remain evergreen and give a pretty display. If you cut it right down, you can use it for floral arranging, and then the basal foliage will re establish in Spring.
Plant name; ERYSIMUM BOWLES MAUVE
Common name; PERENNIAL WALLFLOWER
Best category - border -
Height 2 1/2 ft
Spread 2 - 3 ft
Colour mauve
Flowering season Mar - Oct
Preferable soil/situation tolerates any soil
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Evergreen
This is a striking shrubby perennial, long thin blue green leaves form loose fans on very woody stems. This makes a large evergreen mound, with long stems of a typical wall flower bloom that last from early Spring to Late Autumn, and even sporadically throughout the winter. The perennial wallflowers are far superior to the annuals - but you are limited in colours - and Bowles Mauve is the hardiest. Beware that the roots are very shallow - so as the plant gets too large in its third year onward - it is likely to fall or break, or even rot in damp soil. Cuttings are easy to take - so to maintain this - take such, or accept that you may need to buy another. You are guarranteed to love this plant ! Trim if necessary, and cut away finished flowers - but it needs very little maintenance.
Plant name; ERYSIMUM 'GOLDEN BABY'
Common name; PERENNIAL WALLFLOWER
Best category - rockery or low borders -
Height 2 1/2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 - 2 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season May-Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil - and will not like waterlogging.
Sun or shade prefers full sun.
Winter state Evergreen
This Erysimum is a little fussy in that it will absolutely not tolerate a winter water logged soil - but yet thrives in poor soil and is very popular. The dark green foliage of long oval leaves form wide spreading clumps over woody stems. Flowers are in little clusters of the most brilliant gold that flower from early to late summer, and then sporadically the rest of the year. Unlike the usual wallflowers that bloom on long stems - this stays close to the foliage and is not for cutting. Everybody loves this plant and it is well used as edging or on rockeries and low borders for its bright, long lasting colour. If leaves start to drop and leaves a woody stem - then more than certainty the ground is too wet - so dig up and plant elsewhere before it rots too far. To maintain trim away poor foliage and tidy if necessary.
Plant name; ERYSIMUM ' ORANGE FLAME'
Common name; PERENNIAL WALLFLOWER
Best category - rockery -
Height 6 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour orange
Flowering season May-Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers full sun.
Winter state Evergreen
This Erysimum is unlike a normal wallflower - it has long spindly, loosley covered stems of small leaves. The straggly flower stems are topped by little round clusters of brightest orange blossom. This thrives in any soil. This is a straggly low growing perennial, that is great for filling a space. It is not a focal piece - but the flowers are bright and pretty and worthy of a space. To maintain: Trim away poor foliage and tidy if necessary.
Plant name; EUPHORBIA POLYCHROMA
Common name; SPURGE
Best category - border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season April - May
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
Euphorbia are an interesting 'foliage plant' that are well used for their affinity to shady sites as well as sun. The foliage is made of leathery grey-green oval leaves, that form dense stems in to a mound. Flowers are more 'bracts' that rise loosley up the stem to a cluster at the top.The colour is more green than yellow, but it makes an interesting combination. All parts of Euphorbia are poisonous - so handle carefully. Reactions to the white sap are a rash or ittitation. Euphorbia are great planted under trees or in shady sites, as well as a sunny border - it is not showy - but very popular. To maintain, trim away foliage in late Autumn. All parts of Euphorbia are poisonous - so handle carefully.
Plant name; EUPHORBIA GRIFFITHII FIREGLOW
Common name; SPURGE
Best category - border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season April - May
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
Griffithii have long strappy, lush green leaves with a distinct white and red line down the centre, these form quite a mass of thick foliage. Then tops are covered in clusters of papery 3 petaled bright orangy red flowers. Foliage is totally herbaceous, but re emerges early and so stays fresh in season. Euphorbia are great planted under trees or in shady sites, as well as a sunny border - it is not showy - but very popular. To maintain, trim away foliage in late Autumn. All parts of Euphorbia are poisonous - so handle carefully.
Plant name; EUPHORBIA FENS RED
Common name; SPURGE
Best category - border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season April - Jun
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
Fens red' is, in our view, the most pretty, and interesting Euphorbia. The foliage is made up of incredibly fine darkest short blue green leaves tipped red, forming a hairy mound only to 1 ft - 1 1/2 ft ht, with yellow flower bracts on top that contrast vividly against the blue and red. It tolerates almost any condition and is quite showy for just its foliage. Euphorbia are great planted under trees or in shady sites, as well as a sunny border - it is not showy - but very popular.To maintain, trim away foliage in late Autumn. All parts of Euphorbia are poisonous - so handle carefully.
Plant name; FESTUCA GLAUCA
Common name; BLUE GRASS
Best category - rockery or border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour grass seed heads
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade Prefers full sun.
Winter state Evergreen
A neat little evergreen grass of very fine, steely blue blades. The typical grassy oatmeal coloured seed heads do contrast against the blue - it is the foliage that it is grown for. A neat little evergreen grass that everybody loves, be careful not to let its soil get too waterlogged, or it will rot. It does self seed quite profusely so weed out seedlings as you see them unless your garden can cope.
Pull out 'poorley' foliage in late autumn or early spring.
Plant name; FRANKENIA THYMIFOLIA
Common name; SEA HEATH
Best category - rockery -
Height 2 - 4 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour pink
Flowering season Jul Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Evergreen
The long thin straggly stems are a little like that of the ground covering thymes, or a spindly heather. They stay close to the ground, creeping over the poorest of soils, and covering in pretty little, 1 cm across, open, 5 petaled, yellow centred flowers - not dislike a minature potentilla. A pretty little plant that can be used like groundcover thymes, in paving and walls, or edges and rockeries. This does not tolerate waterlogged soil very well so chose its site carefully. Quite an unusual plant. Do pull out 'poorley' foliage in late autumn or early spring.
Plant name; GAILLARDIA DWARF GOBLIN
Common name; BLANKET FLOWER
Best category - low borders and rockery -
Height 9 inch - 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour orangy red and gold
Flowering season Jun - Oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site.
Winter state evergreen basal foliage.
Leaves begin as grey green leathery long ovals that then serate in a soft 'wiggly' edge, these spread into quite large, densley packed clumps. Then in Mid summer - the most beautiful large, 3 inch across, daisy flowers bloom. These are double coloured with deep browny red cone centres, fanning out in orangy red petals tipped at the ends in bright gold. All gaillardias are stunning, but most are annuals, so Goblin is the most reliable, and great in any border. They cope well in the driest of soils, although they will not tolerate waterlogging. These are long lived, bright and cheerful. They can be cut - although Goblins flowers are short stemmed - so why not leave them in the border where they are at their best. To maintain just tidy up in late autumn, or divide if necessary.
Plant name; GAURA LINDHEIMERI. 'The Bride'
Common name; GAURA
Best category - border -
Height 4 - 5 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour pink and white
Flowering season Jul - Oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers full sun.
Winter state Gaura is totally herbaceous.
A graceful, elegant plant of long, strappy leaves in a basal whorl, rising up to long willowy flower stems, topped as spikes of 4 petaled, 1 1/2 inch across, pinky tinged - white flowers with long stamens so that they look like thin butterflies or insects. It thrives well in dry soils where the foliage will turn pinky red. This is such a beautiful plant, with a long, late flowering season: it is not that popular yet - so will add a little exotica to your border. To maintain: cut down in autumn to tidy up. Do plant in a sheltered site as the flower stems are tall and wispy.
Plant name; GERANIUM CLARIDGE DRUCE.
Common name; CRANE'S BILL
Best category - border or large rockery -
Height 2 1/2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 1/2 - 3 ft
Colour clear pink
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation Any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state These are evergreen, but often it is best to trim down to the base to encourage fresh growth.
Large 4-6 inch deeply divided palmate leaves form a large mound of neat foliage. Flowers are large 2 1/2 inch across, 5 petaled saucer shaped flowers in a clear pale pink. The flowering season is long and profuse. It tolerates any condition. All geraniums are our best sellers - mainly because they suit any garden and give such a long flowering season that they will brighten any border. These can be used in pots - but don't plant with anything else as it will fill a good sized pot on its own and drown anything else. Trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; GERANIUM JOHNSONS BLUE
Common name; CRANE'S BILL
Best category - border or low rockery -
Height 2 1/2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 1/2 - 3 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation Any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state These are evergreen, but often it is best to trim down to the base to encourage fresh growth.
Large 4-6 inch deeply divided palmate leaves form a large mound of neat foliage. Flowers are large 2 1/2 inch across, 5 petaled saucer shaped flowers in a vibrant blue with deeper veining. The flowering season is long and profuse. It tolerates any condition. All geraniums are our best sellers - mainly because they suit any garden and give such a long flowering season that they will brighten any border. These can be used in pots - but don't plant with anything else as it will fill a good sized pot on its own and drown anything else. Trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; GERANIUM SANGUINEUM
Common name; CRANE'S BILL
Best category - low rockery -
Height 1 ft
Spread 1 1/2 - 2 ft
Colour magenta
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation Any well drained soil.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state Evergreen
Foliage is dark, deeply divided, small 2 inch, tidy palmate leaves that form a spreading mound, turning distinctly red in late summer and winter. Flowers are deep magenta pink, heavily veined and about 1 1/2 inch across. This suits low borders, rockeries or even in perennial troughs and tubs. A great geranium for its rich colour - evergreen foliage and durability, being of a size most gardens to cope with. Just tidy up in late autumn.
Plant name; GERANIUM PALMATUM
Common name; CRANE'S BILL
Best category - rockery -
Height 2 1/2 - 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour deep candy pink
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation Any well drained soil.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state Evergreen
A geranium that defies the usual habit you would expect: this has large 1 ft, deeply divided palmate leaves on long stems that all come from a single base that eventually rises to a cone shape not unlike a pineapple or palm base up to 1 ft across. Flowers are not as large as you would expect - to only 2 inch across, but bright candy pink and quite profuse in thin sprays. A great plant. Customers come back again and again for this geranium - and we find it hard to keep up with demand - it is not one you can split - and so we rely on seeds, but its well worth waiting for. To tidy cut away old leaves to leave a thick bottom.
Plant name; GEUM CHILOENSE LADY STRATHEDEN
Common name; AVENS
Best category - border or larger rockery -
Height 2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour double vivid yellow
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation Any well drained soil.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state Evergreen
A pretty leaf of lightly serated edges to a palm shape of 3 inch across, lieing in a neat mound to about 1 ft high, with long wiry stems to two ft, topped by pretty double rich yellow, 1 1/2 inch across blooms, with central yellow stamens - so almost a rose like appearance. The flowering season is long and the plant thrives almost anywhere. The Geums are a great traditional cottage garden favourite, thriving in any condition with wonderful flowering displays. The yellow of Lady Stratheden is such a bright, rich gold - we would be tempted to call it orange although it is always listed as yellow. If you can get a few different colours - mix them in the same border with the herbaceous potentillas for a pretty display. Trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; GEUM CHILOENSE 'MRS BRADSHAW'
Common name; AVENS
Best category - border or rockery -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour double scarlet red.
Flowering season may-sep
Preferable soil/situation Any well drained soil.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state Semi - evergreen basal foliage.
A pretty leaf of lightly serated edges to a palm shape of 3 inch across, lieing in a neat mound to about 1 ft high, with long wiry stems to two ft, topped by pretty double rich scarlet, 1 1/2 inch across blooms, with central yellow stamens - so almost a rose like appearance. The flowering season is long and the plant thrives almost anywhere. The Geums are a great traditional cottage garden favourite, thriving in any condition with wonderful flowering displays. If you can get a few different colours of Geum - mix them in the same border with the herbaceous potentillas for a pretty display. Trim down in late autumn to tidy.
Plant name; GYPSOPHILLA PANICULATA ELEGANS
Common name; BABY'S BREATH
Best category - rockery -
Height 3 - 4 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season July - Aug
Preferable soil/situation Prefers an alkaline, well drained soil.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
The very hap-hazard, straggly stems have few long leaves and break easily - so this is well worth staking to ensure it lasts, with this, they will rise up into of hundreds of loose billowy stems, to be covered in tiny double white flowers that look like great clouds. Best planted behind bolder flowers at the back of the border. This plant does prefer an alkaline, well drained soil. A real favourite, particularly to flower arrangers, as its cloudy pannicles of white bloom make great backdrops to other brighter flowers, and last quite long as a cut flower. This plant does not tolerate acidic soils and will just not take off if it dislikes its situation. This is not an appealing plant for its foliage as it is straggly. Do trim right down in autumn.
Plant name; GYPSOPHILLA REPENS
Common name; BABY'S BREATH
Best category - rockery -
Height 6 - 9 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season May - Sep
Preferable soil/situation absolutely any soil, any situation.
Sun or shade prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
Winter state evergreen
This gypsophilla is unusual as it is made up of oval, leathery, densley packed leaves, forming a compact, spreading, evergreen mound, that then totally covers in pretty little 1/2 inch, white 5 petaled flowers. These are not as delicate as its larger border relative, and more in comparison to a neater arabis. The flower season is quite long, and the plant is very hardy and long lasting, great for border edges, low borders or rockeries, with a creeping habit that will cascade over rocks and walls. If you like arabis - you'll love this plant - and it follows on after such, so you can give an effect of continual white displays - in fact a great 'white' low border can easily be created with this gypsophilla, arabis, cerastium, arenarius, leontipodium, dianthus arenarius, and so - creating interest with complex foliage and pretty floral displays. just tidy up in late autumn, or divide if necessary.
Plant name; HELENIUM AUTUMNALE
Common name; SNEEZEWORT
Best category - border-
Height ft
Spread 1/2 ft
Colour ixed reds, oranges and yellows
Flowering season July - Sep
Preferable soil/situation tolerates any soil
Sun or shade Tolerates sun or partial shade.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
A Stunning, daisy - like flower : foliage is of thin, long: 3 inch leaves, rising up long stems of up to 3 ft, topped by large: 3 inch across flowers - a little like wide petaled daisies with a prominent central cone, and the petals tend to arrange themselves downward as they age: a little like a wide shuttlecock. Flower shades are varied - in yellows, coppery oranges, through to dark reds. The flowering goes on to very late ; indeed after the stems are starting to winter deteriote - so although it is showy - it is nota great foliage plant - so best set in a full border with other, better foliage plants. There are so many late flowering perennials beginning with H - Heliopsis, Helenium, Helianthus ! - put them altogether and mix with Asters, Chrysanthemums and Salvias - and you will have a border of colour going on into September, October and even November, that will be the envy of your neighbours - and all of these are great for floral arranging. After flowering is over, cut right down as this is a totally herbaceous perennial.
Plant name; HELIANTHEMUM NUMMULARIUM MIX
Common name; ROCK ROSE
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 6 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour pastel mix
Flowering season May - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil, and will not tolerate any prolonged winter waterlogging.
Sun or shade Prefers full sun.
Winter state evergreen, or sem-evergreen in bad winters.
This is a very pretty sub shrub, forming a neat woody mound of leathery small thin leaves that stay evergreen. The foliage can range from rich dark green, to silvery grey, depending on the variety or flower colour. The flowers are delicate, papery, 5 petaled open saucers, totally covering the foliage. Each flower only lasts a day, then the petals drop like confetti, yet each is quickly replaced to give a continual display all summer long, then if you trim the bush in late August, you are sure to induce another late flush. This is a beautiful plant that thrives well in a well drained soil. Helianthemum are now often classed in Shrub sections, being shrubby in form, and related to the larger Cistus ( Sun Rose. ) They are worthy as they form a very shrubby, evergreen , long lasting bush, great for border edges, rockeries or spot plants. Nummularium is a great pastel mix, ranging from whites, to yellows and pinks. Trim to shape if needed, but otherwise it stays neat. These will not do well in a water logged soil.
Plant name; HELIANTHEMUM 'SALMON'
Common name; ROCK ROSE
Best category - rockery or low border-
Height 6 inch
Spread 2 ft
Colour peachy pink with a yellowy inner ring.
Flowering season May - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil, and will not tolerate any prolonged winter waterlogging.
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Evergreen.
This is a very pretty sub shrub, forming a neat woody mound of leathery small thin leaves that stay evergreen. The foliage is very strappy and straggly, loosley covered in thin leathery leaves, and spreads wide. The flowers are quite large: 1 1/2 inch, delicate, papery, 5 petaled open saucers, totally covering the foliage. Each flower only lasts a day or two, then the petals drop like confetti, yet each is quickly replaced to give a continual display all summer long, then if you trim the bush in late August, you are sure to induce another late flush. Salmon', is quite a showy helianthemum, with slightly larger flowers, and more of a low creeping habit than the usual mound they form.
Trim in late autumn to tidy up if necessary.
Plant name; HELIANTHEMUM 'BEN ALDER'
Common name; ROCK ROSE
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 4 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour deep orange
Flowering season May - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil, and will not tolerate any prolonged winter waterlogging.
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Evergreen.
This is a very pretty sub shrub, forming a neat woody mound of dark, leathery small thin leaves that stay evergreen. The foliage is compact, neat and mound forming. The flowers are quite large to 1 inch, delicate, papery, 5 petaled open saucers of deep, vivid orange with a darker centre: totally covering the foliage. Each flower only lasts a day or two, then the petals drop like confetti, yet each is quickly replaced to give a continual display all summer long, then if you trim the bush in late August, you are sure to induce another late flush. This is one of the most reliable, hardiest rock roses. Ben Alder is one of the hardiest Rock Roses - staying very evergreen and tidy. It is bright, showy and pretty. Do trim to shape if needed, but otherwise it stays neat. These will not do well in a water logged soil.
Plant name; HELIANTHEMUM 'JUBILEE'
Common name; ROCK ROSE
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 4 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour vivid double yellow
Flowering season May - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil, and will not tolerate any prolonged winter waterlogging.
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Evergreen.
This is a very pretty sub shrub, forming a neat woody mound of dark, leathery small thin leaves that stay evergreen. The foliage is compact, neat and mound forming. The flowers are smaller than other helianthemum, but make up for this in being 'double' and bright, delicate, papery, deep, vivid gold saucers : totally cover the foliage. Each flower only lasts a day or two, then the petals drop like confetti, yet each is quickly replaced to give a continual display all summer long, then if you trim the bush in late August, you are sure to induce another late flush. any well drained soil, and will not tolerate any prolonged winter waterlogging. To maintain : trim to shape if needed, but otherwise it stays neat. These will not do well in a water logged soil.
Plant name; HALMIOCISTUS
Common name; SUN ROSE
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season May - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil, and will not tolerate any prolonged winter waterlogging.
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state Evergreen
This is a very pretty sub shrub, forming a neat woody mound of dark, leathery small thin leaves that stay evergreen. The foliage is compact, neat and large mound forming. The flowers are sizeable: 1 1/2 inch white, delicate, papery saucers : totally cover the foliage. Each flower only lasts a day or two, then the petals drop like confetti, yet each is quickly replaced to give a continual display all summer long, then if you trim the bush in late August, you are sure to induce another late flush. Halmiocistus has a larger habit to that of Helianthemum, and is nearer to that of The Cistus, so is often sold as a Shrub. Its display in full bloom is outstanding, and needs little tending. Do trim to shape if needed, but otherwise it stays neat. These will not do well in a water logged soil.
Plant name; HELIANTHUS
Common name; SUNFLOWER
Best category - Border -
Height 4 ft
Spread 1 1/2 - 2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
The perennial Helianthus is not as popular as its annual relative. Foliage is made of large 4 - 6 inch long 'dock' like leaves that loosley grow up the sturdy tall stems. These may need staking in exposed sites, but left as a clump - they do lean well on one another - to then be topped by good sized : 3 inch across, yellow, wide petaled, daisy flowers. The centres are wide yellow cones. This perennial is totally herbaceous, but spreads widely and is quick to re emerge. The perennial Helianthus is not the usual 'sunflower' you know - so you will be disappointed if you pick it to recreate those childhood memories of huge flower heads on giant stems, however : as a garden perennial it is superb for its bright, long lasting display at the back of any border. We don't name the variety we sell - as it 'arrived' with us - but we are certain that it is Helianthus Decapetalus 'Soleil D'Or' - which is a clear yellow - supposedly double - but appears single from a distance. It has a clarity of colour - and is long lasting and reliable. The stems are long so it is a great cut flower. Do cut away stems after flowering to tidy.
Plant name; HELIOPSIS SCABRA.
Common name; HELIOPSIS
Best category - Border -
Height 3 ft
Spread 1 1/2 - 2 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season Jul - Aug.
Preferable soil/situation tolerates any soil
Sun or shade Prefers a sunny site.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
This is a delightful daisy flower for the back of a border. The foliage is slow to start, but forms a compact, rich green bush. Then flowers are made up of wide petals, and a central gold cone, that reach around 3 inch across. The flowering season is long and prolific. It thrives in any soil, but prefers a sunny site. This is one of the better daisy type perennials as the bush it forms is neat and compact once established. It is not over invasive, so really doesn't need splitting as often as other herbaceous perenials. The flowering season is lengthy and prolific. Do watch out as we find this is liked by caterpillars. Do cut right down in autumn.
Plant name; HEMEROCALLIS MIX
Common name; DAY LILY
Best category - border -
Height 3 ft
Spread 1 1/2 - 2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season Jul-Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade Tolerates sun or partial shade.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
A totally herbaceous plant, with Iris - like, long strappy leaves that rise up to around 2 ft, then flower stems rise a further foot, with long buds opening into a typical lily flower. The petals are clean, open and tend to last only a day, but are quickly replaced. They are nearly always a clear yellow, although new colours of oranges and pinks are available from larger centres and nurseries. We rely on hemerocalis as splits - which we can only do once a year - so we don't have this out for sale for long - it is ever popular - and duly so for its large bright trumpet flowers. It spreads easily in clumps in the garden - so if you already have one - do split it to put elsewhere rather than buying another. Do cut away bad foliage at the end of the year and divide and thin if clumps are overcrowded.
Plant name; HESPERIS MATRONALIS
Common name; SWEET ROCKET
Best category - border -
Height 2 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour mauve shades
Flowering season Jun - Jul
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade Tolerates sun or partial shade.
Winter state Basal leaves are evergreen, and tinge shades of pinky reds.
A beautiful plant ; Large evergreen leaves often tinge pinky reds, spread in clumps to make a dense set of stems that rise up with long flower clusters of lilac shades in loose clusters - not disimilar to honesty - but far showier. The evening fragrance is powerful. If the plants are left to spread, different shades of lilac show through and you can end up with quite an array of colour. ( there are named colours available, but we find these often revert back, or are not as long lived. ). Hesperis thrives well in any soil - even poor, and enjoys sun or shade. The name Hesperis is latin for 'deceit' and this name comes from the fragrance it exudes at dusk - yet there is barely anything before : even in the heat of the day. We have had customers bringing in heads of hesperis - to ask us what it is they have bought from us with such a beautiful fragrance ! For this it is great planted with Evening Primrose which has similar qualities. Unfortunately both are not long lived plants - yet their seedlings will re emerge all over the garden. Ideally they should be planted in a border where they can be left to spread well, and so establish. To maintain, cut away bad foliage at the end of the year and divide and thin if clumps are overcrowded.
Plant name; HEUCHERA SANGUINEA
Common name; CORAL FLOWER
Best category - border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour pink
Flowering season June - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade Tolerates sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen
Heuchera is grown as much for its foliage display as its flower. From a 1 ft evergreen basal mound of large lobed, lightly veined and marbled leaves with a distinct hairy texture, rise thin spikes of small, light, airy clusters of pinky red bell flowers. The foamy looking flower clouds rise a further foot above the foliage. These thrive in any soil, and are well used in shady areas as well as sunny borders. A great foliage plant for any border, and we have seen it becoming more popular in pots now, although it should be planted on its own as it will crowd out anything else in the same container. Flowers are not showy - but delicate and pretty. Cut away poor foliage and stems to tidy, split if overcrowded, and watch out for vine weavil that enjoy its fleshy roots.
Plant name; HEUCHERA MICRANTHA DIVERSIFOLIA 'PALACE PURPLE'
Common name; CORAL FLOWER
Best category - border or large rockery-
Height 2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season June - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade Tolerates sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen
Heuchera is grown as much for its foliage display as its flower. From a 1 ft evergreen basal mound of large lobed, richly purply-red leaves with a distinct hairy texture, rise thin spikes of small, light, airy clusters of white bell flowers. The foamy looking flower clouds rise a further foot above the foliage. These thrive in any soil, and are well used in shady areas as well as sunny borders. A striking, deep purply red foliage plant for any border, and we have seen it becoming more popular in pots now, although it should be planted on its own as it will crowd out anything else in the same container. Flowers are not showy - but delicate and pretty. Cut away poor foliage and stems to tidy, split if overcrowded, and watch out for vine weavil that enjoy its fleshy roots.
Plant name; HIERACIUM AURANTIACA
Common name; HAWkWEED
Best category - border -
Height 9 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour orange
Flowering season Jun - Aug.
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a sunny site
Winter state
Raspy, leathery leaves form a basal spread to only a few inch, whilst flower stems rise up to 9 inch with 1/2 inch dark orange daisy flowers, with a yellow centre that are profuse. This is a weedy plant, but thrives in the worst conditions you can give it. We are always surprised that people ask for this - it is really a weed - but its distinct orange daisy flowers are bright and colourful, and it does meet the ever increasing demand for wild flower borders. Just keep an eye on it as it can take over if unchecked. Do keep it under control by pulling out surrounding seedlings.
Plant name; HOUSTONIA CAERULEA
Common name; BLUETS
Best category - rockery -
Height 4 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jun - Aug.
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers a shady site but enjoys sun.
Winter state Evergreen.
A low, mat forming plant, of tiny, rich lush leaves, to be dotted with a continual display of 4 petaled starry blue flowers. The blue petals start from the prominent yellow centre as white - so it makes an interesting little plant. This plant looks best from being in a moist, shady site - where it maintains a distinct lushness, however it still thrives well in full sun, and gives a pretty display. To maintain pull out 'poorley' foliage in late autumn or early spring.
Plant name; HOUTTUYNIA ' JOSEPHS COAT'
Common name; JOSEPHS COAT.
Best category - border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season Aug - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade prefers a shady site but enjoys sun.
Winter state totally herbaceous - to re emerge early spring.
Houttuynia is a wonderful foliage plant for its rich variegated colour of leaf, which are pinks, creams, yellows and greens all at the same time. The colourful heart shaped leaves are on rampant spreading stems which have a pungent aroma when crushed. Flowers are simple papery four petaled white shapes about an inch across. It does enjoy a damp site and tolerates shade. Houttuynia is so rampant that it is often best restained in pots - or planted in problem areas such as under trees - where it can be left to spread freely. It is a striking foliage - which is showy and appealing. It is a totally herbaceous plant. Do pull out clumps if it becomes too unruely. Rake away top foliage in autumn as it dies down ready for winter.
Plant name; HYSSOPUS OFFICIONALIS
Common name; HYSSOP
Best category - border -
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state Evergreen
Sturdy evergreen, shrubby foliage forms a neat mound. Leaves are long, narrow and a little like that of rosemary or even lavender: indeed it does have an aroma when crushed, and was used as a herb, mostly as culinery. Flowers rise up on higher stems , made up of numerous deep blue, tubular, long stamened blooms in profuse whorls just like rosemary. The flowers are fragrant and it is a great alternative to lavender - which some people find hard to grow. Hyssop thrives well in any condition and is perfectly evergreen. This was traditionally a well used culinary herb for chopping in salads or cold drinks. It is a beautiful plant, and now becoming more popular in the garden. It is often listed as a Shrub, or 'Sub-Shrub'. And rightly so as it is a woody evergreen mound forming plant. To maintain : trim to shape if needed, but otherwise it stays neat.
Plant name; HYSSOPUS OFFICIONALIS ROSEUM
Common name; HYSSOP
Best category - border or low rockery-
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour pink
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state Evergreen
Sturdy evergreen, shrubby foliage forms a neat mound. Leaves are long, narrow and a little like that of rosemary or even lavender: indeed it does have an aroma when crushed, and was used as a herb, mostly as culinery. Flowers rise up on higher stems , made up of numerous bright rosy pink tubular, long stamened blooms in profuse whorls just like rosemary. The flowers are fragrant and it is a great alternative to lavender - which some people find hard to grow. Hyssop thrives well in any condition and is perfectly evergreen. This was traditionally a well used culinary herb for chopping in salads or cold drinks. It is a beautiful plant, and now becoming more popular in the garden. It is often listed as a Shrub, or 'Sub-Shrub'. And rightly so as it is a woody evergreen mound forming plant. To maintain : trim to shape if needed, but otherwise it stays neat.
Plant name; HYSSOPUS OFFICIONALIS ALBUS
Common name; HYSSOP
Best category - border or low rockery-
Height 1 1/2 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season Jun - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil.
Sun or shade enjoys sun or shade.
Winter state Evergreen
Sturdy evergreen, shrubby foliage forms a neat mound. Leaves are long, narrow and a little like that of rosemary or even lavender: indeed it does have an aroma when crushed, and was used as a herb, mostly as culinery. Flowers rise up on higher stems , made up of numerous white tubular, long stamened blooms in profuse whorls just like rosemary. The flowers are fragrant and it is a great alternative to lavender - which some people find hard to grow. Hyssop thrives well in any condition and is perfectly evergreen. This was traditionally a well used culinary herb for chopping in salads or cold drinks. It is a beautiful plant, and now becoming more popular in the garden. It is often listed as a Shrub, or 'Sub-Shrub'. And rightly so as it is a woody evergreen mound forming plant. To maintain : trim to shape if needed, but otherwise it stays neat.
Plant name; INULA ORIENTALIS GRANDIFLORA
Common name; INULA
Best category - border -
Height 2 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season Jul - Aug.
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys full sun
Winter state herbaceous - this is best cut down to the ground in autumn.
This perennial is a striking plant. The rich green leaves form a thick basal clump with loosley clad stems topped by sizeable 3 inch across: 'shaggy' finely rayed daisy flowers, with a central yellow disc. The plant dies right down to the ground in winter, and re- emerges as reddy shoots that gradually unfurl into the large leaves. This variety is great for any garden as it only reaches 2 ft - but look out for the larger varieties.
Plant name; INULA MAGNIFICA
Common name; INULA
Best category - border -
Height 5 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour gold
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys full sun
Winter state herbaceous - this is best cut down to the ground in autumn.
This perennial is a striking plant, requiring good space. The large floppy leaves can reach 2 - 3 ft long, and make a great feature: forming a thick basal clump with loosley clad stems, reaching to 5 ft or more, topped by sizeable: 4 inch across: 'shaggy' finely rayed daisy flowers, with a central yellow disc. The plant dies right down to the ground in winter, and re emerge as reddy shoots that gradually unfurl into the large leaves again.
Plant name; IRIS SIBIRICA
Common name; IRIS
Best category - border -
Height 3 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour blue and yellow
Flowering season Jul - Aug.
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state Evergreen strappy foliage.
Sibirica is a typical iris with the usual bright purply blue flowers, having a white centre blending to yellow. Flowers are large, aprox 3 1/2 inch height, above tall, thick bladed foliage. The plants spread in rhizomes, so can be easily split and replanted. A beautiful plant, but many people think they are marginal plants : not at all ; these need a well drained soil. Be wary of vine weavil which love the fleshy roots of these plants, but otherwise, they need no attention and thrive happily in poor soils. These can be used for cutting: but are much showier when left in the garden. To maintain just tidy up in late autumn, or divide if necessary.
Plant name; IRIS SETOSA
Common name; IRIS
Best category - rockery or low border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 9 inch
Colour blue and white
Flowering season June- Jul
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen.
Setosa is a little Iris, often used in rockeries, border edges or even small pots. It has pretty, thick bladed foliage that forms small clumps, then good sized : 2 inch height flowers stand just above it. A pretty little iris that is very popular, yet we can only split it once a year - so stock is limited to early season, however - you will find this in most nurseries and garden centres. A pretty little iris that is very popular, yet we can only split it once a year - so stock is limited to early season, however - you will find this in most nurseries and garden centres. These can be used in small indoor bowls ; although always best left to spread out in the garden. To maintain just tidy up in late autumn, or divide if necessary.
Plant name; ISOTOMA 'FAIRY FOOTSTEPS'
Common name; ISOTOMA
Best category - rockery or border edges -
Height 2 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season May - Oct
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil: does enjoy a little moisture retentive ground .
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen.
A stunning little carpeting plant : foliage is small leaved and creeping. Then tiny little three petaled flowers cover in a thick carpet of brilliant crystal blue that is hard to compare to any other flower. Flowers are only 1 / 2 inch, yet vibrant and showy. They do indeed look like minature footsteps. The flowering season is very long and this makes great cover on rockeries or at fronts of borders. We adore this minature flower - and it sporadically flowers all through winter which is quite unusual. Foliage is creeping and thick, making great weed smothering cover. To maintain : just pull out parts if it spreads too much, it is not an untidy plant and tends itself.
Plant name; IBERIS SEMPERVIRENS
Common name; PERENNIAL CANDYTUFT
Best category - rockery or border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 ft
Colour white
Flowering season april- may
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen.
Sempervirens are the best of the Iberis for forming a tight, compact, evergreen shrubby mound. The leaves are thin, narrow and shiny, then covers in great flat topped, round clusters of pretty 4, petaled clean white flowers. Thrives well in any situation and is very showy during its short flowering season. To maintain simply trim to tidy.
Plant name; IBERIS GIBRALTER
Common name; PERENNIAL CANDYTUFT
Best category - rockery or border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 6 inch
Colour 1 1/2 ft
Flowering season May - Aug
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil, and will not tolerate any prolonged winter waterlogging.
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state evergreen.
Gibralter form a spreading evergreen shrubby mound. The leaves are thin, narrow and shiny on straggly stems. The foliage sporadically covers in flat topped, round clusters of pretty 4, petaled palest pinky white flowers. Thrives well in any situation but will not tolerate winter water logging. This is a great iberis - in that it is one of the few perennial varieties that have a colour to the flower, however to be careful to plant it in the right place as it will not tolerate a particularly waterlogged site. To maintain simply trim to tidy.
Plant name; IBERIS COMPACTA
Common name; PERENNIAL CANDYTUFT
Best category - rockery or border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 9 inch
Colour white
Flowering season May - June
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen.
Gibralter form a spreading evergreen shrubby mound. The leaves are thin, narrow and shiny on straggly stems. The foliage sporadically covers in flat topped, round clusters of pretty 4, petaled palest pinky white flowers. Thrives well in any situation but will not tolerate winter water logging. This is a great iberis - in that it is one of the few perennial varieties that have a colour to the flower, however to be careful to plant it in the right place as it will not tolerate a particularly waterlogged site. To maintain simply trim to tidy
Plant name; JAISONNE PERENNE
Common name; JAISONNE
Best category - border -
Height 1 1/2 - 2 ft
Spread 1 ft
Colour blue
Flowering season Jun - Jul
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade prefers full sun
Winter state evergreen.
Jaisonne is quite an unusual perennial: with raspy long strappy leaves that lie down into florets or mound, then short stems of irridescent dusky blue 'pin cushions' last through the summer. This can be planted in low borders or on rockeries and enjoys dry areas. Jaisonne is a pretty plant, with quite an unusual habit. The foliage itself is mound forming: but be careful, as if it is in a situation that is too waterlogged - it tends to rot - so ensure a wll drained spot - and you will be rewarded with pretty blue mounds. Do trim away bad foliage in late autumn.
Plant name; KNIPHOFIA UVARIA
Common name; RED HOT POKER
Best category - border -
Height 2 1/2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour orange/yellow
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys full sun.
Winter state evergreen.
A true old favourite of the cottage garden, thick bladed grassy leaves form a clump to 2 ft high, and as much as two ft spread in age, with stems topped by the familiar fat spikes of hundreds of tubular flowers that start as creamy yellow, then change half way up to a dark orangy red. This is a plant that will thrive anywhere ! This is one for the children, or those with the child still in them: its bright colour and shape are a great contrast in any border. Do divide in autumn if necessary.
Plant name; KNIPHOFIA CAULESCENS
Common name; RED HOT POKER
Best category - border -
Height 2 1/2 ft
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour orange/yellow
Flowering season Jul - Sep
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys full sun.
Winter state evergreen.
A true old favourite of the cottage garden, thick bladed grassy leaves form a clump to 2 ft high, and as much as two ft spread in age, with stems topped by the familiar fat spikes of hundreds of tubular flowers that start as creamy yellow, then change half way up to a dark orangy red. This is a plant that will thrive anywhere ! This is one for the children, or those with the child still in them: its bright colour and shape are a great contrast in any border. Do divide in autumn if necessary.
Plant name; KOELERIA GLAUCA
Common name; KOELARIA
Best category - rockery or border edges -
Height 4 inch
Spread 1 ft
Colour foliage plant
Flowering season foliage plant
Preferable soil/situation any well drained soil
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen.
Koeleria is a grass, but unusual in that it spreads outward a little like florets. The foliage is distinctly blue all year round and makes a pretty cover to border fronts or rockeries. A good little grass for ground cover and problem areas. This needs little tending other than a tidy.
Plant name; LAMIUM GALEOBDOLON.
Common name; DEAD NETTLE
Best category - border -
Height 1 ft
Spread 2 1/2 ft
Colour yellow
Flowering season May - June
Preferable soil/situation Tolerates absolutely any soil condition
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state herbaceous - this is best cut down to the ground in autumn.
This is a great ground covering perennial for larger areas - foliage is heavily marbled, spreads quickly with long stems that root where they touch the soil. Flowers are very like heavily hooded little snapdragons, it whorled clusters of creamy yellow. The flower display is not over showy, and this perennial i grown more for its foliage. This is a popular perennial, but please be wary - you need no more than one in a garden, it is rampant and can easily swamp a border within a few weeks. This is great when planted in problem areas - under large shrubs and trees, or to fill an area where you can easily maintain it. Lamium are from the nettle family, and you will recognise the leaf and flowers for this. Do pull out big clumps to keep in check as this is a rampant perennial.
Plant name; LAMIUM MACULATUM WHITE NANCY.
Common name; DEAD NETTLE
Best category - border -
Height 4 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour May - June
Flowering season white
Preferable soil/situation Tolerates absolutely any soil condition
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen.
White Nancy' is a pretty little lamium with highly dappled heart shaped 'nettle' leaves, ( that do not sting ) which clump in heavy foliage, with white nettle like flower clusters. Useful for border edges and rockeries. The Maculatum are far easier to control, neat and tidy: unlike the usual Lamium ! - plant it anywhere for great foliage display. To maintain just tidy up if needed.
Plant name; LAMIUM MACULATUM
Common name; DEAD NETTLE
Best category - border -
Height 4 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour Pink
Flowering season May - June
Preferable soil/situation Tolerates absolutely any soil condition
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen.
Plant name; LAMIUM MACULATUM AUREUM
Common name; DEAD NETTLE
Best category - border -
Height 4 inch
Spread 1 1/2 ft
Colour Pink
Flowering season May - June
Preferable soil/situation Tolerates absolutely any soil condition
Sun or shade enjoys sun or partial shade.
Winter state evergreen.