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new this year
sun
semi-shade
shade
ready in July
bulb
likes boggy areas
happy anywhere
liked by bees
grass
likes troughsC
CALAMAGROSTIS
X ACUTIFLORA ‘KARL FOERSTER’
Upright dark green grassy leaves, loose panicles of slightly fluffy flowers form a dramatic statement to the back of the border, in summer; and it still looks good through the winter.
Upright dark green grassy leaves, loose panicles of slightly fluffy flowers form a dramatic statement to the back of the border, in summer; and it still looks good through the winter.
1.8 m
EMODENSIS
Attractively arching, quite dense plumes of grass flowers, turning almost white as it ages, in summer. Seems to prefer a sunny position, not too dry.
Attractively arching, quite dense plumes of grass flowers, turning almost white as it ages, in summer. Seems to prefer a sunny position, not too dry.
80 cm
CALAMINTHA
GRANDIFLORA
Bushy perennial with aromatic leaves, and pink tubular flowers, for weeks in summer. Prefers humus-rich soil.
Bushy perennial with aromatic leaves, and pink tubular flowers, for weeks in summer. Prefers humus-rich soil.
45 cm
NEPETA
Scented green foliage, with clouds of tiny lilac flowers for months, from midsummer. Prefers well-drained soil, in sun.
Scented green foliage, with clouds of tiny lilac flowers for months, from midsummer. Prefers well-drained soil, in sun.
45 cm
CAMASSIA
Wonderfully easy bulbs especially if in slightly moisture retentive soils. We never seem to grow enough. Sell on sight!
LEICHTLINII ssp. LEICHTLINII
(syn. C. LEICH.‘ALBA’)
Tall spikes of creamy white flowers in late May.
(syn. C. LEICH.‘ALBA’)
Tall spikes of creamy white flowers in late May.
1.1 m
LEICHTLINII 'SACAJAWEA'
Tall spikes of creamy white flowers in late May with variegated foliage, very attractive.
Tall spikes of creamy white flowers in late May with variegated foliage, very attractive.
1 m
LEICHTLINII ‘SEMIPLENA’
Semi double cream flowers. Gradually opening up the stems in late May and June.
Semi double cream flowers. Gradually opening up the stems in late May and June.
1 m
LEICHTLINII 'SKY BLUE'
Tall ice blue flower spikes in May.
Tall ice blue flower spikes in May.
1 m
LEICHTLINII ssp. SUKSDORFII CAERULEA GROUP
What a mouthful! Tall blue flower spikes in early May.
What a mouthful! Tall blue flower spikes in early May.
1 m
CAMPANULA
A beautiful and varied genus with varieties to suit all gardens, from the very small to the much larger. Some, if happy, will run rather, so note the individual descriptions below! They seem to do best in not too dry a soil, and thrive in sun or semi-shade.
‘COVADONGA’
We have finally got the best form of this. Wiry stems with nodding blue bell flowers, like a wild harebell, from mid to late summer. Gently spreading.
We have finally got the best form of this. Wiry stems with nodding blue bell flowers, like a wild harebell, from mid to late summer. Gently spreading.
15 cm
GARGANICA ‘DICKSON’S GOLD’
Golden leaved Campanula, with starry, pale blue flowers in spring and summer. Probably best not to be in too hot a spot; it might scorch the leaves.
Golden leaved Campanula, with starry, pale blue flowers in spring and summer. Probably best not to be in too hot a spot; it might scorch the leaves.
10 cm
LACTIFLORA 'LODDON ANNA'
A wonderfully bushy plant with palish pink bell flowers on all the stems, for weeks from early summer.
A wonderfully bushy plant with palish pink bell flowers on all the stems, for weeks from early summer.
1.1 m
LACTIFLORA ‘PRICHARD’S VARIETY’
A wonderful bushy plant with good blue bell flowers on all the stems, for weeks from early summer.
A wonderful bushy plant with good blue bell flowers on all the stems, for weeks from early summer.
1 m
’LYNCHMERE’
Makes a base of foliage, then sends up small sprays of rich purple-blue flowers for weeks from midsummer.
Makes a base of foliage, then sends up small sprays of rich purple-blue flowers for weeks from midsummer.
10 cm
OCHROLEUCA
Rarely seen, this Campanula is a delight. It has creamy coloured bell flowers above a gently spreading base of leaves, from mid to late summer.
Rarely seen, this Campanula is a delight. It has creamy coloured bell flowers above a gently spreading base of leaves, from mid to late summer.
30 cm
PORTENSCHLAGIANA ‘RESHOLDT’S VARIETY’
Enchanting plant, very long flowering period on and off throughout the year. Purple-blue flowers. Seems much more compact than the straight species.
Enchanting plant, very long flowering period on and off throughout the year. Purple-blue flowers. Seems much more compact than the straight species.
10 cm
ROTUNDIFOLIA ‘WHITE GEM’
A gently spreading plant, covered with masses of stems of pure white bell-flowers, for months from June. Like a white flowered harebell.
A gently spreading plant, covered with masses of stems of pure white bell-flowers, for months from June. Like a white flowered harebell.
30 cm
CARDAMINE
QUINQUEFOLIA
Lilac flowers with attractive cut foliage, early spring, which provide valuable early nectar for bees. Dies down in early summer.
Lilac flowers with attractive cut foliage, early spring, which provide valuable early nectar for bees. Dies down in early summer.
40 cm
CAREX
ELATA ‘AUREA’
‘Bowles’ golden sedge’. Found originally in the Norfolk Broads. Does best in really damp soil. Golden leaves with a thin outer edging of green. Semi-evergreen.
‘Bowles’ golden sedge’. Found originally in the Norfolk Broads. Does best in really damp soil. Golden leaves with a thin outer edging of green. Semi-evergreen.
40 cm
CARYOPTERIS
X CLANDONENSIS ‘DARK KNIGHT’
A tidy plant of silver-green foliage with a profusion of deepest blue flowering spikes for months from July.
A tidy plant of silver-green foliage with a profusion of deepest blue flowering spikes for months from July.
60 cm
CATANANCHE
CAERULEA
Clumps of slightly hairy grassy leaves, sending up wiry stems of lavender blue flowers for weeks in summer. Attractive seed heads.
Clumps of slightly hairy grassy leaves, sending up wiry stems of lavender blue flowers for weeks in summer. Attractive seed heads.
75 cm
CAERULEA 'ALBA'
White flowered form and the petals are suffused with blue as they age. Attractive seed heads.
White flowered form and the petals are suffused with blue as they age. Attractive seed heads.
60 cm
CEPHALARIA
GIGANTEA
Giant yellow scabious. Primrose yellow flowers, May to July. Makes a good clump for the back of the border. Strong, upright flowering stems. No staking necessary.
Giant yellow scabious. Primrose yellow flowers, May to July. Makes a good clump for the back of the border. Strong, upright flowering stems. No staking necessary.
1.6 m
CERATOSTIGMA
PLUMBAGINOIDES
A spreading carpet of foliage which turns orange and red in autumn. Gentian-blue flowers in late summer. Disappears underground for the winter.
A spreading carpet of foliage which turns orange and red in autumn. Gentian-blue flowers in late summer. Disappears underground for the winter.
15 cm
CHAMAEMELUM
NOBILE ‘FLORE PLENO’
(syn. ANTHEMIS NOBILIS ‘FLORE PLENA’)
Double-flowered chamomile. Flat mat of green scented leaves with double white ‘pom pom’ flowers in midsummer.
(syn. ANTHEMIS NOBILIS ‘FLORE PLENA’)
Double-flowered chamomile. Flat mat of green scented leaves with double white ‘pom pom’ flowers in midsummer.
15 cm
CHAMERION
ANGUSTIFOLIUM ‘ALBUM’
(syn. EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM var. ALBUM)
Willowherb family. Beautiful tall stems of white flowers for a long period through summer. Fluffy white seeds. Spreads by underground runners. Invasive.
(syn. EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM var. ALBUM)
Willowherb family. Beautiful tall stems of white flowers for a long period through summer. Fluffy white seeds. Spreads by underground runners. Invasive.
1.2 m
ANGUSTIFOLIUM ‘STAHL ROSE’
(syn. EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM ‘STAHL ROSE’)
A wonderful pink version of the above. Almost candy pink flowers with reddish sepals. Will run just like C. ang. album.
(syn. EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM ‘STAHL ROSE’)
A wonderful pink version of the above. Almost candy pink flowers with reddish sepals. Will run just like C. ang. album.
1.3 m
CHRYSANTHEMUM
An herbaceous group of plants which provide a lovely show of flowers late in the summer-autumn. The following are hardy.
‘MEI-KYO’
Double-pink button flowers from late October onwards.
Double-pink button flowers from late October onwards.
60 cm
‘RUMPELSTILZCHEN’
Rusty-red, semi-double flowers from September until late autumn.
Rusty-red, semi-double flowers from September until late autumn.
75 cm
‘TAPESTRY ROSE’
This single flowered chrysanth is a lovely shade of rich pink. As with all the chrysanths it flowers for weeks in autumn, unless we get an exceptionally early and hard frost.
This single flowered chrysanth is a lovely shade of rich pink. As with all the chrysanths it flowers for weeks in autumn, unless we get an exceptionally early and hard frost.
75 cm
CHRYSOGONUM
VIRGINIANUM
A valuable plant for shade. Sprawling branches of slightly coarse green leaves with bright yellow flowers, spring until autumn. Does not seem to mind if the soil is dry or damp.
A valuable plant for shade. Sprawling branches of slightly coarse green leaves with bright yellow flowers, spring until autumn. Does not seem to mind if the soil is dry or damp.
20 cm
CIRSIUM
RIVULARE ‘ATROPURPUREUM’
Looks like a thistle until the flowers come out in May and June… then it looks like a crimson flowered thistle!
Looks like a thistle until the flowers come out in May and June… then it looks like a crimson flowered thistle!
1.2 m
CLEMATIS
RECTA 'PURPUREA'
An herbaceous clematis with velvety-maroon foliage. Small creamy white flowers from midsummer. Benefits from a stake.
An herbaceous clematis with velvety-maroon foliage. Small creamy white flowers from midsummer. Benefits from a stake.
1.5 m
CONVOLVULUS
ALTHAEOIDES
Finely dissected silver foliage with pretty pink flowers all summer. If the roots can grow under paving or rocks in a sheltered spot it should come through most winters. Spreader.
Finely dissected silver foliage with pretty pink flowers all summer. If the roots can grow under paving or rocks in a sheltered spot it should come through most winters. Spreader.
10 cm, or 2 m if allowed to climb
CNEORUM
A dwarf evergreen shrub with almost shiny silver foliage, covered in a mass of pink buds opening to white trumpet flowers, for months in summer. Needs a very sheltered, well drained position, protected from cold winter winds in sun, or put in a container and given winter protection. Worth a little extra care for such a lovely plant. Should be ready in mid May.
A dwarf evergreen shrub with almost shiny silver foliage, covered in a mass of pink buds opening to white trumpet flowers, for months in summer. Needs a very sheltered, well drained position, protected from cold winter winds in sun, or put in a container and given winter protection. Worth a little extra care for such a lovely plant. Should be ready in mid May.
50 cm
COREOPSIS
'STERNTALER' (syn. C. LANCEOLATA 'STERNTALER')
A base of green leaves sends up masses of yellow flowers with deep red inner ring, for months in summer. Flowers especially attractive hoverflies.
A base of green leaves sends up masses of yellow flowers with deep red inner ring, for months in summer. Flowers especially attractive hoverflies.
40 cm
VERTICILLATA ‘ZAGREB’
Pointed golden yellow daisy flowers from July onwards, on sturdy stems, covered in thin, dark green leaves.
Pointed golden yellow daisy flowers from July onwards, on sturdy stems, covered in thin, dark green leaves.
30 cm
CORYDALIS
SOLIDA SSP. SOLIDA ‘GEORGE BAKER’
Terracotta-red flowers in early spring. Good for a raised alpine bed, or in a frame.
Terracotta-red flowers in early spring. Good for a raised alpine bed, or in a frame.
15 cm
COSMOS
ATROSANGUINEUS
Chocolate scented, crimson flowers from July, for months. Plant it deep and mulch in winter, or grow it in a pot and dry off inside in the winter. Does not come up until mid May, so don’t think you have lost it. Ready in June.
Chocolate scented, crimson flowers from July, for months. Plant it deep and mulch in winter, or grow it in a pot and dry off inside in the winter. Does not come up until mid May, so don’t think you have lost it. Ready in June.
60 cm
COTONEASTER
CONGESTUS 'NANUS'
A carpeting shrub with small evergreen foliage. Our form seems to rarely flower or fruit, but is wonderfully ground-hugging.
A carpeting shrub with small evergreen foliage. Our form seems to rarely flower or fruit, but is wonderfully ground-hugging.
15 cm
COTULA
HISPIDA
Very fine silver foliage forms a low mat, covered in yellow button flowers on slender stalks, in late summer.
Very fine silver foliage forms a low mat, covered in yellow button flowers on slender stalks, in late summer.
10 cm
CRAMBE
CORDIFOLIA
Large, rather coarse lobed foliage, sending up huge sprays of honey scented, delicate white flowers, in June. Its spread can reach about 2 metres wide.
Large, rather coarse lobed foliage, sending up huge sprays of honey scented, delicate white flowers, in June. Its spread can reach about 2 metres wide.
1.8 m
CREPIS
INCANA
Rosettes of leaves covered with a mass of pink dandelion flowers, for months in summer. Only a few.
Rosettes of leaves covered with a mass of pink dandelion flowers, for months in summer. Only a few.
15 cm
CROCOSMIA
Crocosmias are wonderful late summer flowering bulbous plants. They like a good, rich soil which does not get too dry, especially in the summer. If we have a mild winter and they start shooting early, it might be wise to protect the emerging shoots with a light mulch.
‘BUTTERCUP’
Arching stems of yellow flowers, for weeks in late summer.
Arching stems of yellow flowers, for weeks in late summer.
60 cm
X CROCROCOSMIIFLORA ‘COLETON FISHACRE’ (syn. C. X CROCOSMIIFLORA 'GERBE D'OR')
Bronzy foliage with arching spikes of rich egg yolk yellow flowers in late summer.
Bronzy foliage with arching spikes of rich egg yolk yellow flowers in late summer.
60 cm
'EMBERGLOW'
Scarlet-orange flowers, on loosely branched stems, for weeks from July. Slightly later than C. 'Lucifer'.
Scarlet-orange flowers, on loosely branched stems, for weeks from July. Slightly later than C. 'Lucifer'.
1.1 m
‘HELLFIRE’
Large dark red flowers, on loosely branched dark stems, for weeks from July.
Large dark red flowers, on loosely branched dark stems, for weeks from July.
1 m
‘LIMPOPO’
Large pinky apricot flowers, on loosely branched stems, for weeks from July. (PBR)
Large pinky apricot flowers, on loosely branched stems, for weeks from July. (PBR)
1 m
‘LUCIFER’
Arching stems of scarlet flowers during the second half of summer. A must for the flame border.
Arching stems of scarlet flowers during the second half of summer. A must for the flame border.
1.1 m
CROCUS
TOMMASINIANUS
Pale lilac-purple flowers in early February; wonderful for naturalising.
Pale lilac-purple flowers in early February; wonderful for naturalising.
7 cm
TOMMASINIANUS 'ALBUS'
Very distinctive white flowered form of Crocus tommasinianus, with rich yellow stamens. Flowers in late January and February. Very rare.
Very distinctive white flowered form of Crocus tommasinianus, with rich yellow stamens. Flowers in late January and February. Very rare.
7 cm
CYCLAMEN
COUM
The winter-flowering cyclamen. Grown from seed, so varying shades, mainly pink, from December to March. Prefers a woodland situation i.e. under deciduous trees and shrubs, in a humus-rich soil.
The winter-flowering cyclamen. Grown from seed, so varying shades, mainly pink, from December to March. Prefers a woodland situation i.e. under deciduous trees and shrubs, in a humus-rich soil.
10 cm
CYNARA
CARDUNCULUS SCOLYMUS GROUP
Ornamental globe artichoke. Statuesque plant, large silver-grey deeply divided leaves. Large blue-purple thistle flowers from August onwards.
Ornamental globe artichoke. Statuesque plant, large silver-grey deeply divided leaves. Large blue-purple thistle flowers from August onwards.
1.6 m