Alliums (ornamental)

A.christophii AGM 6-16”/15-40cm very reliable,

A.unifolium AGM 10-20”/25-50cm, 

A.sphaerocephalon 24-28”.

A.christophii

A.unifolium

A vigorous late summer flowering plant bearing cup shaped flowers in pale pink.  H 30" 0.75m.  Copes with clay soils and tolerates shade.  Bears large deeply cut dark green leaves.  Deciduous hardy perennial

Dwarf, cushion-forming rockery plant, covered in white flowers in May and June. H15cm. Evergreen. Needs sun and free draining soil. H2" 5cm S 5" 12cm

An excellent dot or container plant producing it's daisies all summer.  Best to take cuttings in September as insurance for the winter as it is not fully hardy, but well worth the bother. H24" S15"

Aster. H 28" 70cm) S 16" (40cm). Mildew resistant

HP Bright pink with a yellow eye. Mildew resistant. Very attractive and eye-catching. Prefers sun or partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil, with adequate moisture through the summer. 30" (75cm) Mildew resistant

 Mildew resistant. Upright perennial that in autumn bears clusters of daisy-like clear pink flower heads with yellow centres. H 1.2m 4ft. S 60cm 2ft. Likes sun and moisture retentive but well drained soil.

Rich purple daisy flowers in a lovely dome shaped plant. Mildew resistant and very attractive. Mildew resistant

Many large daisy flowers in rich lavender on a mildew resistant plant. Hardy perennial, flowering August to October. Likes sun or part shade and fertile well-drained soil. Mildew resistant. Cut down to basal shoots after flowering.

Hardy, neatly shaped perennial grown as an annual. Flowers all winter and spring in a sheltered spot. May self seed. Quite an amazing little plant suitable for edges, containers and good in shade. H 4"/10cm

Covered in purple-blue flowers early summer. A reliable and easy flowerer for the edge or the border, rockeries or containers. Likes sun or light shade and well-drained soil.

One of my favourite shrubs for it’s fragrant foliage (smells like lavender when crushed’ and it’s delicate blue flowers in late summer. H 90cm 3ft. Hardy deciduous shrub.

Perennial, violet cornflower.

Very eye catching vivid blue flowers appear in late summer. HP (in southeast)

Hardy perennial, flowering in summer and producing the lanterns in the autumn. Grows in sun or shade in well-drained soil. H18" S 60cm (24").

Compact evergreen shrub with bright golden yellow foliage and fragrant white flowers in late spring and summer, often with a second flush in Autumn. H 2.5m S 2.5m but is happy to be cut to preferred size in early summer. Best in light shade as it scorches in full sun.

 Hardy perennial H(60-70cm/ 24-28"). Will grow in any well-drained, preferably humus-rich soil in a sunny site.

A range of very useful small shrubs flourishing in the hottest and driest conditions. Grown for its succession of freely borne, short-lived, showy flowers. H 1m 3ft. I grow specimens with white, pink or plum coloured flowers. Trim over the whole bush straight after flowering.

Hardy evergreen perennial. Yellow button flowers from mid-Summer to early autumn. Silver coral-like aromatic foliage. Likes sun and well-drained soil

Fairly vigorous ground cover plant grown for it’s generous display of blue flowers late spring. Likes sun or semi-shade and free draining but moisture retentive soil. H 8" 20cm

Tough ground cover plant grown for it’s generous display of deep salmon buds opening to ivory and blue flowers in spring. Likes sun or semi-shade and free draining but moisture retentive soil. H 5" S 18"

Evergreen trailing plant which needs to be grown in sun and in free draining soil. Very attractive and well behaved cousin to our less desirable native weeds. Covered in delightful light purple flowers all summer, trailing over the edge of a container or in a hanging basket . Do not allow to become waterlogged in winter. Trails to about 30cm 12". Trim back to 5" each spring to promote bushy growth.

Hardy, deciduous shrub grown for its glowing red stems in winter, and attractive variegated leaves.

Rosettes of bright green foliage bearing clusters of tubular deep yellow flowers in spring. H6" 15cm

 produces a succession of huge and beautiful golden, well formed, trumpet shaped blooms over a long period. A good doer. Likes good rich moisture retentive soil, in full sun.

Very early flowering day lily, usually in late May and June, with narrow strap-shaped light green leaves. Abundant flowers. H22" 56cm

Little Beauty

Attractive day lily for the smaller garden.

Little Joy

Fast growing repeat bloomer for full sun. H28" S18-24". Hardy to -20^oC

Yellow Bouquet

 fragrant 3" double yellow flowers produced repeatedly h&s 18" /45cm. flowers early. water freely in spring when the buds appear.

The strawberry foxglove.  Flowers are said to be the colour of crushed strawberries.  Happy in shade and often lasts year after year, especially if kept dead headed.

Late summer-flowering hardy perennial. Prefers sun and humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. H up to 4’ S 18". Bears large, daisy-like, mauve flower heads, with a dark cone-shaped centre.

An attractive deciduous shrub grown for its dark green foliage, which matures to a deep purple black. Pink flower buds open to white in April. H 2m, best cut back each Spring to get the best leaves.

Evergreen shrub grown for its profuse, 5-petalled flowers and glossy foliage.  Requires full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Wind resistant and ideal for hedging.  Trim after flowering. H1.5-2m

Erect perennial. H 1.2m 4ft, s 45cm 18". HP. In late summer bears dense, flat, thistle-like, flower heads. Has nettle-like bronze leaves.

Lime yellow flower bracts in early summer. Elegant clump former with long leaves for sun to part shade. H 90cm/36" S 50cm/20"

Hardy perennial bearing 2cm white daisies with yellow centres. Likes sun and fertile well drained soil. Good for wildlife. 2-3 leaves in a sandwich relieve a migraine. H 45cm 18" S 20cm 8"

Easy to grow robust hardy perennial. Likes moisture retentive or boggy soil, and full sun or semi-shade. Each stem produces 4-12 golden-yellow flowers 3-5" wide.

A real must-have for any garden. Unusually free flowering for such a large bloom. Likes a shady or part shady spot with good water retentive soil. HHP

Hardy perennial. Deciduous compact shrub. H and S 60cm 2ft. Has small semi-double flowers with rose red tubes and sepals and rose veined, white petals. Very pretty.

Hardy fuchsia bearing small, very pale pink flowers.  I've seen it thriving on neglect, on the north side of a wall, so it must be happy with quite a lot of shade and rather dry soil. H3' 90cm

Very pretty carpeting, rhizomatous perennial. H & S 30cm 12". Fully hardy, bears loose clusters of cup-shaped, deep purple flowers in summer. Rounded leaves are deeply divided and finely veined.

Clump-forming hardy perennial with large, cup-shaped, violet-blue flowers borne on long stalks in summer over dense tufts of neatly cut leaves. Likes sun and well drained soil, but also looks good scrambling around beneath shrubs. H 30cm 12" S 60cm 24"

Looks lovely grown under branching deciduous shrubs such as roses or as part of a cottage garden. Clump forming hardy perennial H 75cm (30") S60cm (24"). Saucer-shaped violet-blue flowers on branching stems are formed in summer over a long period. Good leaf colour in autumn. Will grow in any but waterlogged soil, in sun or part shade.

About 30" 75cm height and spread. Striking cup shaped magenta flowers with black centres for many weeks in early Summer. Clump-forming hardy perennial with deeply cut leaves which have lovely autumn colour.

A fully hardy perennial. Does best in sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil (dig in compost if needed). H 30cm. Glowing orange flowers mid April to mid August.

A really good grass, keeps its lovely yellow-green colour all year round. Best in sun but tolerates shade. Drought resistant. Looks good in winter. Recommended by Alan Titchmarsh.

 Bears grass heads exactly as the name suggests over lush grass blades. Good in a rockery, front of the border or summer containers. Just asks to be stroked. H 10" 25cm.

This very attractive sedge enjoys humus-rich soil or even the margins of a pond. The grower will be rewarded by extravagant lime-green foliage topped by golden flower heads. H18". Recommended by Chris Beardshaw

Grown at Wisley in very very well drained beds as permanent planting.

A delightful small grass growing to 20" 50cm. With very narrow leaves, moves in the slightest breeze. The seed heads are light and airy. Looks good in winter. Good in pots, patio or bedding. Drought tolerant and hardy.

Easy to grow and drought tolerant shrub. Likes sun and a very well-drained spot. Trim over lightly after flowering. H&S 3’. Very pretty bright pink flowers in late summer.

Easy to grow and drought tolerant shrub. Likes sun and a very well-drained spot. Trim over lightly after flowering. H&S 2’. Pretty pale pink flowers in late summer.

Easy to grow and drought tolerant shrub. Likes sun and a very well-drained spot. H&S 4’. One of the few Hebes, which can be cut back hard after flowering, as it, produces good basal shoots to cut back to. Spires of purple flowers late summer.

Easy to grow and drought tolerant shrub. Likes sun and a very well-drained spot. Trim over lightly after flowering. H&S 2’. Pretty pale pink flowers in late summer.

young plants available for growing on. Colours pale pink to deep plum. Hardy clump-forming perennial. H&S16" 40cm. Likes shade or part shade and well drained soil.

Young plants sold to grow on and produce single flowers in a range of colours. Attractive plant for the cottage garden. Likes well-drained but moisture retentive soil, but is also said to grow in waterlogged clay. Attractive to bees. H 4-6’ 120-180cm.

The very attractive leaves develop in a damp sunny spot to give bright red, yellow, cream and green hues. Will also grow on very sandy soils. White flowers in late summer. Vigorous. Best colours on poor soil. Used in Chinese medicine.

A pretty native plant reputed to have anti-depressant properties. HP. Likes sun, good drainage and is happy on poor soils. H 18-24" 45-60cm.

Various grown in small quantities including  Persian Ivy, with its large creamy blotches.  Very happy on a north wall or fence.  Good for bees for late nectar and pollen.

Hardy perennial, which bears spikes of blue flowers. Likes shade and damp soil. Looks good in a container. Flowers look good in salads and potpourris. also available in white.

Hardy perennial, which bears spikes of lilac veined,white  flowers. Likes shade and damp soil. Looks good in a container. Flowers look good in salads and potpourris. 

A reliable flowerer from November to early Spring, looking very cheerful amidst winter’s gloom. Avoid planting on an east or southeast facing support. Hardy climber

Hardy fragrant, deciduous climber. Flowers mid summer over a long period. Reputed to be an aphrodisiac.

Late season flowering, rhizomatous perennial with flowers that are excellent for cutting.  Requires sun and fertile, moist soil.

vigorous ground cover plant for sun or shade, with dark green leaves splashed with silver and mauve flowers all summer. H 6" 15cm, spread, 36" 90cm or more. HP

Hardy spring flowering perennial. Mound forming and semi-evergreen. Prefers full or partial shade. Ideally prefers moist, but well-drained soil, but copes well with my raised beds which become rather dry in summer. H&S 12". Various other lamiums also available

Clump forming hardy perennial. H&S 12". In spring, slender stems each bear 3-5 deep pink flowers.  Has fern-like, much-divided soft leaves.

dwarf variety with deep purple-blue flowers. H 35cm 14". HP. Fragrant, and attractive to bees. Likes sun and free draining soil.

Fully to frost hardy. Tolerates full sun through to dense shade. Grow outdoors in any but waterlogged soil. To restrict growth, cut old shoots back hard in spring.

Hardy tuberous perennial forming clumps of narrow strap-shaped leaves above which rise unusual spikes of mauve flowers, produced over a long period.  Likes full sun but is also very tolerant of the shade under trees.

is a hardy upright perennial loved by bees. H 60-120cm 2-4ft. Flowers over a long period. Long spires of tiny purple flowers.

is a hardy upright perennial. H 60-90cm (2-3ft) S 60cm (2ft). Flowers from mid to late summer. Racemes of small pink snap-dragon like flowers are borne above narrowly oval, grey-green leaves.

A dramatic plant with scarlet flowers over dark purple-red foliage flowering in late summer. H 75cm 30". Hardy most winters in the south. Happy in a border in sun, in moisture retentive, but well drained soil,or standing in a pond. HP

Highly recommended.

A useful and attractive hardy shrub for sun or shade. Readily cut to shape or can be cut back really hard. Tiny evergreen golden leaves border long slender stems. Good as a specimen of a hedge. H 120cm 4ft

Fully hardy perennial grown for its large, imposing racemes of pea-like flowers. . Plant in a sunny position in good well drained, but moisture retentive soil. H 1m (3ft) S 45cm (18"). Copes with chalky soils,

The Chatelaine

Pale yellow lupin. Copes well with chalky soils.

(see Maltese Cross)

neat, summer flowering hardy perennial. Requires sun and well-drained soil. Clump-forming. H 1m (3ft) S 30-45cm (12-18")

Likes damp soil, or bog gardens and sunshine or shade. Annual but seeds freely.

Plant out after the frosts, giving support to climb up to 5-6'. Each flower opens for just one day but is quickly replaced by more. HHA.

is a very attractive evergreen shrub smelling of nutmegs when the leaves are crushed. It bears tiny fragrant white flowers like pom poms. Needs a very sheltered spot such as a south facing wall with good well drained soil. Can be used as a conservatory and summer patio plant. Ideal for tubs and pots. H 150cm (5ft) slow growing. 

Glowing scarlet flowers against dark coloured leaves. Very striking.

Likes sun and well drained soil. Bushy, clump forming perennial, useful for edging. Forms mounds of small, greyish-green leaves, from which loose spikes of tubular, soft lavender-blue flowers appear in early summer. H&S 45cm (18")

Stately rear border and dot plant annual that produces long white fragrant flowers all summer long. Even the leaves are fragrant. Self seeds, and young plants may Overwinter in a sheltered spot. H 1.5cm 5ft.

A british native growing in freshwater lakes, ponds and slow streams. Flowers smell of alcohol 4-6cm across., June to September.

I grow this around the base of a bird bath and it always looks wonderful whether in flower or in the green. Adds a splash of brightness all the year round with its evergreen yellow-green leaves. Also suits a rockery or path edging, or even in gravel.

 Reliable hardy wall or fence climber. Quite vigorous, and will need support.

 Stunning red-purple flowers with the traditional crown of thorns and nails in the centre.Needs a sheltered position and can be grown in containers. Suitable as a summer patio plant or in conservatories. Likes sun or light shade and well drained soil. Flowers August to October. H 13ft (4m). Requires support.

Hardy semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Prefers full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Flowers to 2’ (60cm) all summer. In March, cut back last year’s foliage to the new shoots at the base.

Hardy semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Prefers full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Flowers to 2’ (60cm) all summer. In March, cut back last year’s foliage to the new shoots at the base.

AGM Hardy semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Prefers full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Flowers to 2’ (60cm) all summer. In March, cut back last year’s foliage to the new shoots at the base.

Attractive sturdy plants bearing clear pink bells with red markings over a long period

Hardy semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Prefers full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Flowers to 2’ (60cm) all summer. In March, cut back last year’s foliage to the new shoots at the base.

Gorgeous semi-evergreen upright perennial 30". Trumpet-shaped, white throated, bright crimson flowers. Frost hardy, prefers full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Flowers all summer. In March, cut back last year’s foliage to the new shoots at the base.

Hardy semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Prefers full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Flowers to 2’ (60cm) all summer. In March, cut back last year’s foliage to the new shoots at the base.

Frost hardy semi-evergreen perennial bearing many red tubular flowers over a long period. Prefers full sun and fertile well-drained soil. Flowers to 2’ (60cm) all summer. In March, cut back last year’s foliage to the new shoots at the base.

Evergreen. Very useful under trees as a ground cover plant, tolerant of shade. Pretty blue flowers in spring.

Fully hardy shrub, grown for its golden leaves, but with the added benefit of its fragrant flowers in early summer. Happy in light shade and beneficial to insects.

Vigorous native yellow water lily, for a large pool. Flowers open in Summer. Attractive to wildlife. Fully hardy

Meconopsis cambrica a good plant for a gravel garden, or cottage garden. Yellow flowers from late spring into early autumn if kept dead-headed. Leave the final seed heads on and it will seed around. Prefers shade. H30-45cm 12-16";

Meconopsis ruprifragum. One of my favourites. It produces its lovely soft orange blooms all summer if kept dead headed (easy to do).

Good for damp areas, makes a good windbreak.

Lemon Zest - Yellow

Pot marigold - Orange

Petals are edible and can be used instead of saffron or can be added to olive oil to make a soothing skin ointment.

Bushy plants producing rosy flower spikes, ideal for herbaceous borders and pond margins. Flower July onwards. H 90cm 3ft. Attractive to wildlife

 Golden yellow flowers with dark centres H 50cm 20"

HP. Masses of golden yellow flowers with dark centres 20" 50cm

A hardy semi-evergreen sub-shrub. Likes sun, but requires good drainage in winter. Flowers May to November. Trim to tidy in spring. H & S 30" (75cm)

Frost hardy herbaceous perennial growing to up to 120cm (4ft). Likes sun, and a well drained position is essential, especially in winter when it should be thickly mulched. Flowers July to October (at least), but will start considerably earlier if kept in a container in a frost free glasshouse or conservatory for the winter.

A beautiful and dramatic addition to the late summer border, flowering until December. Forms a spectacular fountain of spikes of indigo flowers, up to 18" long. Half hardy perennial. Flowers July to December. Requires well-drained soil for the winter, but it is as well to take cuttings, in September, which root easily, as insurance.

Bushy, woody-based perennial H 24-30"+. Has racemes of large, rose pink flowers in late summer and autumn. Described as half hardy, but has over wintered happily for many years in my garden provided it is not water-logged.

A really good doer that has flowered consistently for me from late April/early May to November every year. . A hardy semi-evergreen sub-shrub. A hardy perennial, provided there is good drainage in winter. Trim to tidy in spring. H&S 32"(80cm). Likes full sun or part shade.

An upright variety with pink flowers. Useful for a mixed border, or in all forms of patio container.  Flowers summer to early autumn.  Likes sun and well drained soil.  H&S 36" 90cm stated, but mine stays at half that size.

very similar to wislizeni, but slightly more compact.

Plant in sun or part sun in well-drained but moisture retentive soil. Keep well watered until established. A hardy perennial, provided there is good drainage in winter, but keep one or two roots in a pot in a sheltered spot just in case. Suitable for growing in a large container. H 1-1.8m depending on shade and competition.

Grow near the plants you want to protect in the summer, requires protection from the cold in the winter. Happy in light shade

Sedum cauticola. Trailing, shallow-rooted perennial. H 5cm (2") S20cm (8"). Bears many clusters of red flowers in Autumn. Fully hardy Needs sun and any well drained soil. Suitable for rock gardens. Cut back old stems in winter. 

H 30cm/1ft. Likes full sun and well drained conditions. Bees like the pretty mid-pink flowers. Leaves are variegated white and mid grey-green, very attractive. HP

HP loving a sunny well-drained spot. Spires of soft yellow flowers rise above semi-evergreen sword-like leaves. Tolerates part shade and moist soil.

Attractive hardy shrub. The earliest leaves are bronze (useful for flower arranging) but later turn yellow-green, followed by pink flowers. Likes sun or part shade and well drained soil.

Clump-forming perennial with heart-shaped leaves, from which arise stout stems producing whorls of hooded, purple violet flowers in summer. H 30-40cm 12-16" S 30-60cm 12-24". Prefers sun and well drained soil, but also does well in shade. HP.

A very pretty and useful ground cover plant which also bears white flowers followed by small fruits (the only strawberries containing iron). I’ve grown it in hot dry places and in cool shade, a very amenable plant. Spreads by runners.

Valentine

branching variety bearing creamy coloured flowers with dark centres.  Flowers over a long period of time.

grow up canes or rustic poles, through shrubs or over a pergola. I find these flower for much longer than annual sweet peas, on altogether more drought tolerant and robust plants. Sadly they are not fragrant.

a golden leaved thyme. Looks good even in the middle of winter. It is a very dwarf carpeting variety. A fine foliage plant for the rock garden. H 3cm (1") S 30cm 12". Likes sun and free draining soil.

Perennial, Ht 20cm (8"). Yellow flowers with orange tips in summer. Likes sun and well drained soil. This is a British native and does well in poor soil. Bees love it.

is a hardy upright perennial. H 60-90cm (2-3ft) S 60cm (2ft). Flowers from mid to late summer. Racemes of small purple or pink snap-dragon like flowers are borne above narrowly oval, grey-green leaves.

A hardy native plant which will grow almost anywhere. Loved by bees.

Perennial with bright eye-catching rosy lavender flowers on tall stems. Likes sun and well drained soil. Self seeds into gravel if available.

A very fragrant violet (not our native plant),  Low growing HP. Evergreen. This is the truly fragrant violet, often flowering on and off all winter and into Spring. Spreading plant, forming a mat in light shade.

HS. Very attractive shrub with cream variegated leaves followed by clusters of mid pink bell-shaped flowers.