Category Archives: Plants & Seeds
Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’
A sight to behold in late spring and early summer, the Snowball Tree produces hundreds of pure white pom-pom flower heads which start green and gradually change to pure white. Forming a large bushy rounded shrub, Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’ has attractive maple-like leaves which become glorious red in autumn – a final show before they
Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ‘Black Beauty’
Sambucus nigra porphyrophylla ‘Black Beauty’ has the most beautiful, delicate pink flowers which contrast well with the deep, dark and dense foliage; making this hardy shrub a really decorative specimen plant. With sweet, lemon-scented blooms which are carried in dense flower clusters in early summer, and are then replaced with glossy black elderberries, this Elder
Pyracantha ‘Orange Glow’
Firethorn ‘Orange Glow’ is a tough but easy to grow shrub that has the reputation of being a good security feature for the home as the plant has an abundance of sharp thorns that would deter anyone from trying to climb over or push through it. Pyracantha can be trained against a wall or grown
Laurus nobilis
The Bay Laurel holds an RHS Award for Garden Merit. This handsome, upright, evergreen tree or shrub has aromatic, leathery leaves which are useful in cooking. Laurus nobilis is easy to grow and maintain. Although it can eventually grow quite large, it can be clipped into various forms of topiary or hedging. Its glossy, evergreen
Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ‘Black Tower’
Sambucus nigra porphyrophylla ‘Black Tower’ has the most wonderfully deep, dark, dense and compact foliage and with its upright habit makes it a great Elder for small gardens. Sambucus is a great specimen plant too as it has the most unusual, flattened heads of fragrant pink flowers, which are replaced with shiny black elderberries in
Mahonia aquifolium
The Mahonia aquifolium is great for year round interest in the garden, providing a variety of colours through the seasons. This wonderful shrub has shiny weatherproof foliage, which contrasts with the bright acid-yellow tones of the spring blossom. With blue-black berries adding more vibrance and leaves flushing autumn purple this prickly evergreen is ideally suited
Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’
Whether you are a first time gardener hoping to create a perfect cottage garden or an old hand struggling to enhance tricky costal areas, it is worth considering Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’. This Russian Sage is easy to maintain, even in dry and windy areas. The hardy shrub is quick to establish its silvery-green foliage, which
Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’
For an easy to grow hardy shrub Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ is a perfect choice, with its splendid feathered foliage which has lovely bright, golden colouring this delightful Elder is set to liven up any garden space. Easy to care for, shape and prune this fabulous shrub can resist sun scorching really well too. Late
Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’
Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ produces a dazzling display of young scarlet foliage in spring which, along with the crimson stems, contrasts fabulously with the mature green foliage further down the plant. Rich white spring flowers further complement this stunning variety, which is the proud holder of an RHS AGM. Photinia ‘Red Robin’ tolerates a
Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’
Japanese Rose, or Kerria are very easy to grow deciduous shrubs that are a superb choice for small gardens and traditional cottage garden borders. They fill empty space quickly and once they flower the arching branches become full of golden-yellow blooms. Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’ flowers in spring and likes a full sun or partial
Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’
Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’ produces rich indigo-blue scented flowers at the tops of the stems. This easy to grow shrub is drought resistant and thrives on neglect, as well as attracting wildlife to the garden. Height and Spread: 2.5m (8.2).
Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’
The shrub Cotinus coggyria ‘Royal Purple’ is popular and easy to grow. It has marvellous beetroot red rounded leaves, forming in whorls around its stem. The leaves appear almost translucent on a bright sunny day, and change to glorious copper tones by autumn. In mid summer the feathery blooms are stunning and will be the
Edgeworthia chrysantha
This special shrub is an early feature in the garden as the flowering period is February till April. The flower starts as dozens of silky white buds which shimmer in the winter sunshine, then open up to reveal richly perfumed canary yellow flowers atop the bare stems. Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’ is an unusual and striking
Rhododendron ‘Geisha Orange’ (Azalea Group)
Azalea Geisha Orange (Dwarf Rhododendron) is a compact hardy evergreen that produces bursts of colourful orange flowers throughout May and June. As with all azaleas it prefers a shallow planting hole and ericaceous soil but as a dwarf variety it will happily reside in a container on a patio in sun or semi-shade. It makes
Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ (Marginal Aquatic)
An attractive ground cover plant, Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ is a spreading herbaceous perennial with heart-shaped, variegated leaves in green, cream and bright pink. In late spring, Houttuynia produces simple white flowers with prominent centres. Unfussy about soil conditions, Houttuynia is robust and easy to grow beneath shrubs, on banks, beside ponds or in patio containers
Cornus canadensis
Cornus canadensis creates a weed-beating blanket, an ideal ground cover plant for problem areas, such as beneath trees and shrubs. It bears eye-catching white flowers from late spring, followed by colourful, bright red berries. These herbaceous plants form a dense mat of oval leaves, produced in whorls. Height: 15cm (6). Spread: up to 1m (39).
Hydrangea petiolaris
An elegant climbing Hydrangea that’s perfect for those cold, north facing walls that rarely see the sun. Shade loving Hydrangea petiolaris bears lacy white blooms in summer that contrast beautifully with its cloak of dark green foliage.
