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How to match over 100 stunning flowers, shrubs and trees 10 creole a garden of beaufy

How to mix and match over 100 stunning ftowers, shrubs and trees to create a garden of beauty

DAVID SQUIRE

Published by Salamander Books Limited LONDON. NEW YORK

,

A Salamander Book

© 1986 Salamander Books ltd., 52 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4lR, United Kingdom

ISBN 0 86101 2186

Distributed in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton Services, P.O. Box 6, Mill Road, Dunton Green , Sevenoaks, KenlTN132XX

A~ rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo­copying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of Salamander Books Ltd.

All correspondence concerning the conlent of this volume should be addressed to Salamander Books Ltd.

CREDITS AUTHOR David Squire brings to this series practical experience both as a gardener and holder of many horticultural awards (including the Wisley Diploma in Horticulture and the NK Gould Memorial Prize from the international", famous Royal Horticuh:ural Society al Wisley, Surrey] and as the author of 14 books on gardening. He slililinds time 10 improve and enjoy the colourful garden at his home in West Sussex.

Editor Jonathan Elphick

Designer Barry Savage

Colour and monochrome reproductions Melbourne Graphics Ltd., London, England

Filmset Modern TexlTypesetting Ltd" England

Printed in Belgium by Proost International Book Production, Turnhout

CONTt:NTS INTRODUCTION How to Use this Book 6

The Scienoe of Colour Evaluation 8

Using Colour in the Garden 10

Harmonies and Contrasts in Blues and Purples 12

CHAPTER ONE: THE FLOWER BORDER 14

CHAPTER TWO: ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS 46

CHAPTER THREE: CONTAINER GARDENING 68

CHAPTER FOUR: WALL AND TRELLIS FILLERS 76

CHAPTER FIVE: TREES AND SHRUBS 82

fNDEX: Common and Latin Names 92

Picture Credits 96

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Introduction we",

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Gardeners are like painters, but with a fresh canvas available to them only once a year. Borders are planned, plant and seed

catalogues aVIdly searched and gleaned for more vibrant and longer-lasting colours, and fellow gardeners consulted . But shaukl you or your fam ily have a liking for flowers of certain colours - perhaps those that contrast with established plants In your garden, blend hapPily against colour-washed walls, or create memories of a cherished display in a wedding bouquet-then you need further help at your elbow. You need a rell8.ble gulCle whICh clearly portrays the range of plants within a partICular part of the colour spectrum, and that IS the purpose of thiS lavishly illustrated all-colour book.

The introductory pages explain the nature of light and colour and how diNerent colou rs are measured and defined, according to their hue, value and intensity There IS also useful information on Ihe inftuence of shiny or matt sui1aces, why some colours are dominant and the elfeets of bright sunlight and the shadows of evening Planning colour with the aid of a coIour-c/rcJe is fully covered, and the concept of comptementary and harmOniZing colours IS discussed in detail.

The main section of this Creative Gardener's Guide consiSTS of five chapters, detailing blue and purple plants in a wide range of garden settings: filling annual and herbaceous borders, adorning rock and naturalized gardens, bringing colour to window-boxes hangmg baskets, troughs and other containers on pallas and terraces, clothing bare walls, cllmbmg trellises or serving as a harmonious framework to knit together the variOUS elements of your garden design, Each plant IS IllusTrated In full colour and clearly deSCribed, including ItS botanical and common names, height and spread (in metric and Imperial units) , cultivation and propagation. Within each chapter the plants are arranged alphabetically according to their botanical names. At the base of each page there are valuable tiPS on uSing combmations of plants to create colour-contrasts, subtle harmonies, focal points and InteresTIng shapes and patterns. Flowers suitable for home decoration are also mentioned.

At the end of the book there are two comprehensive indexes. The first lists all common names, indicating if they are used in the British Isles or the United States. The second index is of botanical names, Including synonyms (alternaTIve names). The Inclusion 01 the latter helps you identify plants boTanists have recently re-cIaSSllied and given new names, whICh are freQuently sold under their old, better-known names.

This book forms part of the successful series of Creative Gardeners Guides and is designed to help bring further colour and interest TO all gardens, whatever their size and wherever They are. Other books in this ali-COlour series detail the uses of Reds and Pmks, Golds and Yellows, and Whites and Silvers, while further gardening dimenSions are revealed in Ih~ Seemed Garden and vanegated Garden. Each book forms a comprehensive and conCise guide to a partICular range of colours or garden theme, but when formed IntO a colour library can beneht garden planning In a manner few other books have ever achieved,

Above Cercis siliquaslrum Th/s hardy deciduous tree IS commonly known as the Judas Tree. Dunng early summer, /1 bears lovely nch rose-pmk flowers.

Above Camassia Quamash ThIS dramatIC purple or blue flowered bulbous fJ/ant from North Amenca bnngs colour to a border dunng mid-summer

Key: 1 Cupressus glatJrs PyramKiahS 2 Euonymus Iortunet £merakj Gold 3 Chamaecyoans obIusa Cnp(JS1I 4 Agap,mthus 5 Thymus 'E 8, Anderson'

6 \.t!ronJca prosttara and oeturuas 7 1pomooa VII)!acea (I rut:Jro..caerulro) 8 Hydrnngea milCfOl)hyla 9 Tra~irl\llob!!has and geramums

10 ClemahS montana ruoens

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Introduction

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THE SCIENCE OF COLOUR EVALUATION

What are light and colour?

The vast range of colours we see in our gardens and homes, with their near infin ite sUbtleties of quality, shades of light as well as Intensity, can beaccurately measured. But what exactly are lighl and colour? To state coldly and scientifically that they are forms of electromagnetic radiation clearly disregards the beauty of colour, but, technically speaking. that;s its nature.

Electromagnetic rad iation comes from the sun. and its range is wide, from gamma rays to low-frequency radio waves. But only a very small part of this extensive spectrum is in the form of visible light. from wavelengths at around O'0004mm when the colour is deep violet, through blue, green, yellow, orange and red to deep red, when the waves are O'0007mm. The wavelengths of purple and blue light range from 0,000492 to 0'000455mm See Diagram I , below

DIAG 1

ULTR .... VIOlET

IN FR .... REO

Defining colour

Colours can be conceived as having three dimensions - these have been given Ihe names hue, value and intensity.

Hue This first dimension is the quality by which colours are basically distinguished one from another, such as yellow from red, green, blue or purple. For convenience, the colours SO defined are those that are easily recognized , such as red, yellow, green, blue and viole\. However, the Munsell System in North America defines the principal hues as red, yel low, green , blue and purple, with intermediate ones as yellow-red, green-yellow, blue-green , purple-blue and red-purple In reality these names do no more than define points in a continuous range of hues that form a transi tional and continuous band of colour. They are best conceived as a ci rcle of pure colour, containing no white, grey or black

If a strip of paper with ten equal divisions is marked and coloured wi th the live principal and five intermediate hues of the Munsell System and held in a circle the continuous range of hues and their rela tionship one to another can be seen.

RED-PURPLE

See Diagram 2, lop right. DIAG 4

REO-YEllOW

BLUE-GREEN

or -GREEN-YEllOW

Value ThiS second dimension defines the Quality by which a hght colour IS distinguished from a dark one This is most eaSily depICted on a scale using black and white as the extremes. When defining the lightness or darkness within a colour, those with dark colou rs are called shades, while those that are light are tints See DIagram 3, centre left. Intensity This third dimension is also known as saturaflon or punty, and in Nonh America as chroma It defines the strength or weakness of a colour- Its brightness or greyness For instance, purple can be highly saturated With colour, or the pigments slowly decreased to a point when It becomes dark grey. Other colours will produce similar results. butlighl hues such as yellow will become light grey, whereas red will become grey See DIagram 4. bottom /eft

Colour absorption

When sunhght falls upon coloured surfaces. a few of the colours present in the white light- which contains a mixture of all wavelengths of the Visible spectrum-may be absorbed by the colour and not reflected This is known as colour absorplion and it tends to make primary hues. such as red, blue and yellow, more dominant

When white light falls on a white surface, most of the rays are reflected and the subject appears white. This, however, does not apply to all surfaces Blue surfaces absorb red , orange and yellow rays, and scaner blue, together With green, indigo and violet. Yellow surlaces absorb the blues, indigos and violets In white light, reflecting mainly yellow as well as some green, orange and red, while red , the most colour saturated of all hues, absorbs green and blue light but reflects red

ThiS IntenSIfication of blues, reds and yellows tends to make them dommant Fully saturated hues reflect no more than two of the primary colours, whereas pink, whICh IS a desaturated red (a pastel shade) reflecls all three of the primary colours but a greater amount of red than of the other two colours. See Diagram 5, below.

DIAG !5 9

Introduction

-USING COLOUR IN THE GARDEN

Colour wheels Colour wheels are frequently used to aid colour planning In the garden. When the great English SCientist Sir Isaac Newton investigated light in the late 16005, he made a wheel formed of seven colours (red. orange, yellow, green, blue, Ind igo and violet), DUring the late 1800s the American scientist A.H. Munsell researched colour assessment based on eQual changes in the visual spectrum. He created a colour wheel formed of five principal coioursCred, yellow, green, blue and purple, with intermediate ones between them). Other wheels have been created USing four colours (red, yellow, green and blue).

However, the easiest colour circle to use is formed of three basic hues (red, yellow and blue) with th ree secondary ones (orange, green and violet). The secondary colours are created by overlapping the basic hues.

These colour circles indicate complementary colours (those diametrically oPPOSIte) and those that harmonize with each other (those in adjacent segments) Complementary hues are those With no common pigments, while harmonizing ones share the same pigments. Therefore, It can be seen that yellow and violet, blue and orange, red and green are complementary colours, while yellow harmonizes With green and orange, blue With green and violet. and red with orange and violet.

ThiS colour-Clrcle IS formed by mixing coloured paints, by the process known as subtractIVe colour mixing. The other methoo of creating colour is by projecting three separate coloured lights (red , green and blue) onto a white surface ThiS process is known as addJlive colour mlxmg and creates colours With a different bias See Diagram 6, of a subtractive colour Circle, below.

DIAG6 ORANGE

,

YELLOW

"' Below Aubrieta The Vibrant colour of thIS wall plant creates a dramatJe effec1 atxwe a plan/Jng of orange flowers.

Above Clematis macropetala This superb climber IS Ideal for a large contalfJer, where ;/s mauve flowers. harmonizing With the green foliage. are seen to perfectJOn

.

Shiny and matt surfaces The surface texture of a leaf. flower or stem influences the reflected light and Its effect on the eye. A smooth surface reflects hght at the same angle at which the light hits it. This makes the light purer in colour than the same light reflected from a matt surface. There, the irregularities of the surlace scatter the reflected light and creale an impression of dullness. Another effect of different surface texture is that smooth surlaces appear darker and matt ones lighter. In Nature, however, few plant surfaces are as smooth as glass, and the scattering of reflected light occurs from most of them. See Diagram 7, below

OlAG7

The evening factor

The well-known delight of shepherds to have red sky at night, indicating a fine tomorrow, resul ts from a clear sky as the sun's rays penetrate atmospheric partiCleS and the air mOlecules themselves Even though the sky appears blue, the rays become redder, because blue hght is not created but scattered out of white light ThiS change to the violet end of the spectrum makes dark colours even darker. Blues and especially purples are made darker, while whites and yellows are not so dramatically affected. Conversely, bright sunshine glaring down at midday highlights light colours more than dark ones, such as blues and purples.

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Introduction r---------7~------~-----.1 L-____ ~._~ __ ~ __________________________ ~~

HARMONIES AND CONTRASTS IN BLUE Ranging from delicate pure pale blues to deep purples, bright and beautiful is the key to the treasure-house of plants in this book. As a group It IS rhododendrons that create much of the spnng and summer blue shrub colour The range of these shrubs is wide, from the dwarf Rhododendron impedltum, 15-45cm (6In-l }2ft) high and with pale mauve to purple-blue flowers, through the 9Ocm-l 5m (3-5ft) high Blue Diamond', with lavender-blue flowers, to Rhododendron auguslmii, 1'8-3m (G-IOft) high and wi th mauve to dark blue flowers during late spring

There are several groups of plants whose mere mention immediately conjures up Images of massed blue These include both shrubs and herbaceous perenmals The evergreen or deciduous ceanothus shrubs from North America (chiefly California) always bong a strong burst of blue for borders or walls, And like many other plants they are often best seen in combinations For example, CeanOlhus x Cascade', with arching branChes bearing small rich blue early summer flowers rises to 3m (10ft) on a wall and can be co-habited with the Mountain Clematis Clematis montana Use the form WilsoM with large while flowers II the rounded evergreen Mexican Orange Blossom shrub Choisya terna/a, wilh orange-scented fOliage and flowers, is set in front of them they form a superb trio of seent and colour

Delphiniums and asters are among the best known blue herbaceous plants The tall, stalely delphiniums are not easily merged into a border and are so dislinctive that they are best treated as tall Islands 01 blue spires amid other herbaceous plants. The asters, however, have such a varied height range, from ASler a/pinus at I 5cm (6In) high, With purple-blue daisy-like flowers, to the 90cm (3ft) semi-double Michaelmas DaiSY Aster novi-belgli "Eventide , with violet-blue flowers in late summer Between them are several other asters, Including Aster amellusGoelhe' a145-6Ocm (1.\2-2ft) , wi th pale mauve-blue flowers.

Blue Berries and Fruits Here IS a seleclJon of superb blue-berried plants

CalHearpa bodinleri giraldil Hetghl I 5-1 8m (5-6ft) A beaullful deciduous shrub Wllh hlac<OlQured flowers dunng late summer, followed by pale violet purple Of dark Iliac berfl&S

Clerodendron tricholomum He~ht 3-35m (1O-12ft)

--

A bushy. though sometimes open. deciduous shrub With turQuOlSe-biue berries In autumn; for lighter blue bernes try the form C t fargeSl;

Decalsnea largesii Height 21-3m (7-1010 A deciduous shrub wah large 60-9Ocm (2-3ft) long 1ea\leS formed of Ihineen 10 twenty-five leaflets; the mid-summer yellow-green lIowers are 10l1Owed by metallic-blue broad-bean-l ike fruits, 75-1Ocm (3·4In) long and I ' Bem (loin) wide ~-----

Viburnum davidii HeIght. 75cm-lm (2)2-3Y.!ft) A dlSllnctJve evergreen Shrub With 5-7 Scm (2-3In) wide flallleads ot white flowers In mid-summer. tollowed by turqUOIse-blue bernes; both male and female plants must be present tor the proouctlOn 01 berries

A/xJve Perovskia atriplicilolia The VIOlet-blue flower SPIkes of thIS hardy perennial dominate the centre of/hIS predominantty biue herbaceous border

Above: Aster thompsonii nanus This lovely 20cm (8in) high rock garden plant produces masses of slar·like lavender blue flowers set off by grey.green leaves

Key; 1 f'Icea pungens Thomsen' 2 Pinus sy/vestns Aurea 3 f'Icea pungensGlobosa' 4 Hydrangea macrophy/Ia 5 Salo( x chrysocoma

6 COMuS coggygnaNolCun's Vanety 7 Robima pseudoacaaaFnsia 8 Chamaecypan's lawsomana

'Columnans' 9 Cedrus derxiara Golden Horizon

10 Jumperus chinensis 'Pyramidalis'

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CHAPTER ONE

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.... 'I' , " -~ -, --.-

.,. \.,. ~ , ."

TUt: fLOWt:R HORDt:R

Blue-flowered plants are not renowned for their winter and spring blooms, and it is usually the start of summer before their

impact becomes apparent. Of course, as w ith every generalization, there are exceptions, like the rosy-purple Rhododendron praecox and other related species that show their colours in lale winter and early spring, But for the main burst of blue, mauve and purple/lowers, we have to wait for early summer, though there is then the reward of enjoying these colours right throug h to late autumn.

Asters are especially famed for late summer and autumn flower colour. Indeed, Aster novae angliae and Aster novi OO/g,i are popularly known as Michaelmas Daisies because they flower on Michaelmas Day, the 29th of September. The flowers are usually still In bloom on Old Mlchaelmas Day, the 10th of October. Introduced into Eng land during the early 1700s, these asters had particular Significance in the calendar 01 many agricultural workers during recent centuries, because their flowering time coincided with the statute sessions, when wage rates were fixed,

The number of blue, mauve or purple hardy herbaceous perennials IS large, rang ing from the popular, upright Purple Cone Flower, Echinacea purpurea, to the reliable dahlias of autumn, treasured as much for CuI flowers as for garden colour. Dahlias vary enormously in size and shape, and their classification is given in detail in thiS chapter, on pages 24-26. Such is the fascination of dahlias that each year we are blessed with new variet ies, some to last generations and to become part o f a flower enthusiasts vocabu­lary, while others soon pass into obSCUrity.

Single theme blue borders have immediate impact, thanks to their originality and eye-catching qualities, but they can often be enhanced fu rther with patches of demure while or delicate pale lemon-yellow (but not of blinding bright yellow, which commands too much attention in full sunlight and suppresses the beauty of pastel blue tints),

Colours, though, are a personal and often intimate choice, If blue, mauve or violet are your treasured colours, then the plants in thiS and the fo llowing tour chapters are bound to appeal 10 you,

l eft Delphinium Thunderstorm', with its startling blue spires, creates a dominant display In both herbaceous and mixed borders Its tall stems should be tied to strong stakes,

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THE FLOWER BORDER

Aconitum wilsonii Monkshood Wolfs Bane Helmet Flower (UK) Aconite Monkshood (USA)

This erect hardy herbaceous plant has deepty divKled dark green leaves and Scm (2In) high amethyst­blue hooded flowers during late summer and Into earty autumn Several varielles are available, including 'Kelmscott Variety' (lavender-bjue)and 'Barker's Variety' (deep blue). Height: 1 2-18m (4-6ft) Spread: 45-6Ocm (1 ~- 21t)

Cultivation: DeeP. fert ile, mOisture­retentive soil in slight shade suits It best Do not allow the soil to dry o ut.

Above: Aconitum wilsonii A stalely and erect herbaceous perennial, displaylnr;; amethyst-blue hooded flowers dunng late summer and into autumn It gels one of Its common names, Wolf's Bane, from lIS poisonous roots

and cut the pjants down 10 soil-level dUring aulumn. Propagation: It IS easily Increased by lifting and dividing established clumps in spring or autumn, Seeds can be sown in boxes of loam-based compost in spring and placed in a cold frame, but th is method takes a couple of years to produce flowenng­SiZed plants that will create a worthwhi le, dominant display

=Q,

Above Agapanthus praecox This half-hardy evergreen creates dense 5-7 Scm (2-3in) wide heads of pale blue flowers dunng mid ro lalesummer

Agapanthus X 'Headbourne Hybrids' Afn'can Lily (UK)

This popular hybrid is hardier than most other species Like Its relauves, it has long, strap-like mid-green ~aves, with stunningly attractive deep VIOlet-blue to pale blue flowers held in large heads like upturned umbrellas during mid 10 late summer, Height 60-75cm (2-2~ft) Spread: 45-6Ocm (t}~-2ft) Cultivation: Fertile, well-drained soi l and a sheltered position are needed The foliage dies down in autumn, With fresh leaves appearing in spring. Ensure thallhe soi l is not waterlogged during winter Propagation: The easiest way to increase it is by lifting and dividing established clumps in late spring, just as the new growth makes an appearance

Right Agapanthus x 'Headbourne Hybrids' A beautiful hardy herbaceous plant, but it does not like water-saturated soil dunnfj winter The flowers, borne In mverted umbrella-like arrangemenrs, appear on stout stems dunng mid to late summer

Aconitum napellus IS another Monkshood, With deep-blue flowers dUring mid-summer. It blends well w ilh a backcloth 01 the Venetian Sumach or Smoke

Tree, COlmus coggygrl8 'FolliS Purpureis'

Agapanlhus blends well w llh yellow-flowered and Silver-fol iaged plants For Silver foliage choose Stachys lanata, while Achillea fillpendula Coronation Gold' w ith lIS tlaillower heads provkles an ample splash of yellow

2

Ageratum houstonianum (Ageratum mexicanum)

1

A half-hardy annual with mid-green, hairy, heart-shaped leaves and 7 5-IOcm (3-4in) wide clusters of DOW{!ery blUish-mauve Iklwers from early to tale summer Severalsuperb forms are grown, including Blue CaP' and Blue Danube Heighl: 13-3Ocm (5-12In) Spread: 20-3Ocm (6-121n) Cultivation: MOisture-retenbYe sod IS besl. and a poSItIOn In fu!! sun or parMI shade Do nolsel the plants In heavy shade Rem<Ning the dead Hower heads helps to extend the floweflng season, and thiS IS especi­ally Important where the plants are being grown In containers on a patIO Propagation: During late winter and early SPflng, SOW seeds thinly 3mm (lIln) deep In pots of loam-based seed compost kept at 100 e (SO°F) When the seedlings are large enough to handle, pnck them off Into boxes and harden them off In a cold frame Plan! them out when an fiSk 01 Irost has passed

Below Ageratum houstonianum 'Adriatic Blue' A well-known half-hardy annual for summer-bedding schemes It IS esoeCially eye-catching as a border edgrng and looks good alongSIde gravel paths

Ageratum houstonianum can be used In many bedding combinations. Try an edging of ageratum With a carpellng of orange or salmon anllrrhlnums and dOl

~ants 01 Abu/lIOn stratum (A rhompsonll)

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THE FLOWER BORDER "

Above. Anchusa azurea The beautiful blue flowers appear during mid·summer, creating a strong colour impact The plants need support from tWiggy slicks Iflserted 81 an early stage so that they can grow UP through them

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Anchusa azurea Alkanet Italian Bugloss (UK and USA) A brig htly coloured hardy herba­ceous perennial with lance-shaped mld-green leaves, roug h and hairy stems, and large bnght blue flowers similar to forget-me-nots displayed In large heads dunng mid-summer There are several superb varielles, including Morning Glory' (bnght blue), 'Opal' (soft blue), 'Royal Blue' (nch royal blue) and 'Loddon Royalist (gentian-blue) Height: 9Ocm-l '5m C3-SIt) Spread : 4S-6Ocm (l}2-2ft) Cul tivation: Deep, fertile, well­drained soil in a sunny posItion is best. Anchusas need SUPp:lrt from twiggy sticks, in autumn cu t down the stems to solHevel Propagation: It is easily increased from root-cullings. These are best taken in winter, culling the roots into 5cm (2in) fang pieces. AI the stem end of each c utting make a flat cut at right-angles to the stem, while al the root end form a slanting cut. This helps to sort oUllhe cultlngs ~ they become mi~ed up. Insert them ffat end upwards in pots or boxes of loam-based compost, and put them in a cold frame

Aster ameli us Italian Starwort (UK) Italian ASler (USA)

ThiS well -known herbaceous perennial from Italy d isplays rough­suriaced grey-green !eaves and 5-6'5cm (2-2~in) wide daisy-like fiowers with golden-yellow centres during L3te summer and Into autumn. Several superb forms are avai lable. Including King George' (solt blue­violet), 'Nocturne' (lavender-pink), 'Sonia' (large and pink) and 'Violet Queen' (compact and dwarf). Height: 45-6Ocm (1 )2-2ft) Spread: 38-45cm (15-18in) Cultiva tion: Well-dralned but mOisture-retentive soH and a sunny position SUit it besl It dislikes excessive water dunng autumn and wimer In late autumn, cuI down Ihe stems to soil-~ Propagation: Dividing established clumps In spring is the easiest method of increasing this plan t. Alternallvely, take basal cuntngs

Below. Aster ameltus ' King George' A large-flov.ered aster. Ihls vanety has remained popular since it was first bred in 1914. It displays soft blue-VIOlet flowers with dramatically contrasting golden-yellow centres

Anchusa azurea looks spectacu~r when grown against a backclolh of yel low foliage, such as that of Ihe Golden Privet (Ligustrum ovallfdium :Aureum').

Lady's Mantle (Alchemila mollis) is small enough to be set around the front of the anchusa.

Asters are among the bnghtest /lowering plants in our gardens. and suit Ixlid plantings in a herbaceous or m ixed oorder. A few asters are small enough 10 be

planted In a rock garden setting, such as Aster alplnus which is o nly 15cm (6in) tal l.

Above Aster amellus 'Nocturne' ThIS IS an espeoally good brm chat has a compacJ and bushy habit wrrh semH;ioubie lavendeN1Ink flowers Free-drammg SCi IS essertlCll for rhIS late summer and 8utumn-llowenng planlla f)(Oduce a good display Unfortunately In areas Of high rain­fal/ me flowers lend /0 become sodden with water and to be weighed down This can be prevenred by covering the fIower­heads With 8 tent Of plastIC sheenng

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Aster x frikartii

This bnghtly-coloured hybnd aster between A ame/lus and A thofJ1S()(l/l reveals Scm (2inJ wide blue daiSY­like flowers WIIh orange cenlres dunng late summer and wellmto autumn The vanety Manch produces masses 01 clear lavender­blue Howers With yellow rayed centres Height: 75cm (2}..f\J Spread: 38 45cm ( IS-18m)

•

Above Aster)( frikartii 'Monch' A su{)efb hybnd aster beanng Iavender-bJueflowers dunng /are summer and InIO autumn, It IS useful for f)fOVJdlng colour earlier than Aster amelJus vanerles

Culti vation: Fertile, well--dramed SOIl and a sunny posItIOn sufi thiS Hower Dry sod in late summer spells doom, but althe same time exces5jYe wetness from III-<:l ramed soils IS also delrlmental Despite Its height It does not need Slaking In autumn, cut the flowered stems down to sod-leveL ASler)l tn"kartil blends well With late flowenng plants some combinatIOns are gillen at the base of the page For a really stunning arrangement. use a mIXture 01 Anemone)l hybrldaSeptember Charm' With clear pmk I\ov.'ers, Aster )l tnkartll Monch' and the pmk Nenne bowdemi 'FenWlCk's Vanety" Set these m front 01 the Chinese shrub Hydrafl(}ea Villose, which bears loose heads 01 pale purple flowers In late summer and early autumn Even a Single combination Of Aster)( fnkartuM6nch and the white Anemone x hybOOaHononne Jobert lOoks lovely Propa~lion: Dividing eslabished clumps In spnng IS the eaSIeSt methCx:l of mcreasing thiS plant_ Alterna~vety. lake basal cunlngs m SPling and put them m a frame

Aster x frikarlii IS useful In herbaceous or m ixed borders. and can be grown with many other plants,

such as Anemone x hybnda. Nenne bowdeflil 'Fenwlck'S VarlElty Acanthus moillS and Sedum

mS)Clmum Atroptlrpureum

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THE FLOWER BORDER

Left. Boraga officinalis ThIS anracwe hardy annual herb bnngs blue flowers /0 rhe garden over a tong penod The fresh yOUng /eaves and flowers can be used In summer salads and frurt cups FlOwers can also be dned for use If) potpourris in rile house

Baraga officinalis Borage {UK} TalfMon CooUankard (USA)

This IS a hardy annual, weJl.-known as a culinary herb, WIth leaves used when young and fresh to flavour salads and frUit cups They have a flavour reminiscent of cucumber, and are large, oval, green and covered with hairs. The/iva-petal led, blue, 18·25mm (~·1 in) wKje flowers appear in pendulous clusters from mid-summer onwards While and pUr~ forms are also available Height: 45-9Ocm (lh-3ft) Spread: 3Q-38cm (12-15In) Cultivation: Although thiS plant WI. grow In most soils, rt does better In well-dralned ground en a sunny position. II is well Sl 'ed to a sunny bank or tor a warm mixed border Propagation: During spnng. sow seeds In shallow drills where lhe plan!s are to lIower. When they are large enoug h to hand~. thin the seedlings to 25-3OCm (10'12In) apart lor strong. healthy growth

Campanula lactiflora Mtfky Bellflower (UK)

ThiS beauntul hardy herbaceous perenmal has stems smothered In small hght green leaves. The miniature belHike light lavender-blue flowers appear during mid-summer There IS a wide range 01 vanetles, including 'PrIChard's Vanety' at 90cm (31t) wllh lavender-blue flowers. Leddon Anna at I-12m (3Jl-4ft) With llesh-pink flowers. and PouHe at 2Scm (lOin) With hghl lavender-blue flowers Cultivation: Fertiledeep/y-culwated and well--dramed soil 10 full sun or slight Shade SUits It But ensure that the soil does not dry out dunng summer The tall-growlng vanetl9S

Borago oltlclnalls, like many other seed-raised culmary arxl medICinal herbs, can be used in mixed

borders or in odd corners, especial ly when a separate herb garden cannot be glV8n en~re~ to them

Below Campanula lactillora 'Poutle' A beautiful dwarf and hummock­forming campanula with light lavender-blue flowers during mid­summer Other forms of this campanula rise 10 9O:::m-l· Sm (3-5f1).

need SUPiXlrl In exiXlsed areas Propagation: The easiest way to Increase it is by diviSion of large clumps dunng spnng or aulumn Alternatively, take 4-Scm (1y'!-2in) long cuttings in spnng, Insenlng them in iXlts of equal pans peat and sharp sand and placing these in a cold Ira me. When the planlsare well grown, sel them Into lheir permanent poSitions In the garden. Alternatively. grow on the ptants In a nursery bed before flnat planting

Campanula medium Canterbury Bell (UK and USA)

Most gardeners know thiS lo>,e~ old hardy biennial, With an upright star.ce and 25-4cm (1-1}SinJ long bell·shaped blue. pink, white or purple flowers from lale spring 10 mK:J-summer The best known form IS the so-called Cup-and-Saucer variety, 'Calycanlhema 'Bells of Holland', 38cm (15in) high and With a conk;al growth habit. has a mixture of single flowers in shades of bJue. mauve, rose and white. Another form. 38-SOcm (tS-20in) high, IS Dwarf MUSK;aJ Bells' with mulli­coloured bell-like flowers smolhering Ihe ptents in blue, while and pink. Height: 4S-9Ocm (1)~- 3It)

Above. Campanula medium This reliable old fal'Ourlle hardy biennial should find a place in any garden. IllS Ideal for (1111119 bare areas in mixed borders, or as a h'9h edging to paths

Spread: 38-4Scm (IS-18In) Cultivation: Moderately rich, well· drained soil in a sunny position SUits this lovely plant Propagation: From spring to early summer. sow seeds 6mm (l'in) deep m a prepared seedbed. Alter germination and when large enough to handle, thin the seedhngs to 23cm (9m) aparl Dunng autumn. plant them into their flowering poSitions when the SalliS in a workable condition.

White or yellow-flowered plants loo!I superb With thiS blue herbaceous perenn~1 The tal l-growing forms bJend weH With Lllium regale and the Madonna Lily,

Lilium candidum. They can also jam shape-contrastlng but simllarly-coioured pjants to create blue textures

Campanula medium IS Ideal grown as bold clumps In a mixed border. where it will bring colour while

permanent plants are developing. perhaps ~endtng With other ephemeral plants such as Love-in-a-mist N/ge//a damascena and Candytult. /bens umbellala

"

THE FLOWER BORDER

Above Cenlaurea moschala 'Dobies GianI' An easily-grown hardy annual bringing large fragrant flowers ill paste/tints to the garden (rom early summer to autumn

Centaurea moschata (Centaurea Im perlais) Sweet Sullan (UK and USA)

This beautiful p~nl, nat ive to the Eastern Mediterranean, IS grown as a hardy annual. From early summer to autumn II displays sweetly-scented cornflower-like flowers In shades 01 purple, pink, white or yellow. The flowers, up to 75cm (3in) wide, are borne above the ,narrow grey-green leaves that display toothed edges Another, more commonly grown relative IS the Cornflower or Bluebonle, a native of Europe, w ith bright blue Howers Height 45·6Ocm (1)\> -211) Spread: 2S-3Ocm (10-12In) Cultivation: Fertile well-drained garden SOil and full sun suit It Removing dead flower heads helps to prolong the lIVes of the plants In exposed areas they w~1 need support trom twiggy sticks. Propagation: During spring, sow seeds where they are to flower Set them In shallow dril ls, thinning the seedlings to 23cm (gin) apart when they are large enough to handle

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides ThiS hardy sub-shrubby perennial from Western China has wide lance-shaped mKl-groon leaves that become tinged with red dUring autumn, The terminal clusters of bjue flowers appear from late summer onwards, and It IS a useful plant tor bringing late colour to rock gardens and mixed oorders, H eight: 25-3Ocm (10-12in) Spread: 30-38cm (12-15tn) Cultivation: Light SOil and an open but slightly sheltered poSition suit this attractive plant Propagation: It is easi ly increased by lilting and dIViding clumps in spring, just before shoots appear

Above Centaurea cyanus 'Tafl Double Mixed' ThiS hardy annual is vet}' reliable and seldom falls to create a domrnant display With its Sinking flowers rn shades of blue, maroon, red: rose and white from early summer to autumn 1/ rises /0 about9Ocm (3ft) htgh If Ihe soil is kepI moiSI, slightly less Ihan thiS rn dry condillOns, In England it is known as the Cornflower and in North America as Ihe Bluebottle

Below Ceratostigma plumbaginoides A pretty, hardy sub-shrub, ideal for late blue colour rn a rock garden. Its folrage IS a deltght rn autumn, when I/nged With red, and It looks superb positroned allhe base of a wall

Cenlaurea moschata IS a delight in an annuarborder where ItS flowers can be used alongside many other

hardy annuals wi thout any fear of Itscoiourdomlnatlng its neighbours It is gOOd for cut flowers, so plant It

Within arm's length of scissors

Ceratostigma willmoltianum is a half-hardy deciduous shrub With diamond-shaped stalkless leaves. It bears

terminal c lusters of small rich blue flowers durin!;! mid-summer, and IS ideal In a mixed border or even In a

herbaceous mixture

Left Chelone oblique An attractIVe herbaceOus perenntal with snapdragon./lke flowers dunng late summer This North Amencan plant can often be Invasive when established. slYfNJdlng rapidly

Chelone obliqua Tun~head (UK) Tun/ehead Snakehead (USA)

This interesting, rather cunous­lOoking hardy herbaceous perennial has 2'5cm (lin) long deep rose snapdragon-like flOwers dunng late summer These are borne on stiff, erect stems,from /OIntsalso beanng dark green lance-shaped !eaves with serrated edges ChelOne /yOml another Nonh Amencan native, IS a hardy herbaceous perenmal with terminal clusters of 25cm (lin) long pink flowers from mid summer to early autumn The plant eventually nses to about 75·9Ocm (21)-3ft) high Height: 6O-75cm (2-2lfzn) Spread: 3Q-38cm (12-15In) Cultivation: FertHe.llght . ....eN<lrained soil IS needed, together with a position in full sun or hg ht shade, In wind-protected gardens It may not require SUPPOrt from twiggy SlICks, but In cold and exposed areas this becomes essential In autumn cut down the stems to SOII--IeveI Propagation: 11 is eaSily Increased bydlvlSion of the rOOIS dunng spring or autumn, replanting only the young paris from around the outside of the clump AlternaTIvely seeds can be sown under glass in lSoC (59°F) In earty spnng USing thIS method lakes two years 10 produce flowering-SiZed plants

Len Ceralosligma willmollianum ThiS hardy deciduous shrub IS QUile simlar to Ceratostigma plumbagl­nodes (far left) However. C will­monlanum has lance-shaped!ea';€$ The smal, rdl bIue!'k>wers are borne In terminal Clusters from mid­summer to autumn_ and the /eaves tum red In autumn. It grows best In the shelter of a warm wall. In S/XIng. cut out old. dead or damaged shoots to soi/level You can trim the enllre plant to m8ke thiS job easier

Chelone obliQua IS best planted In a mixed or herbaceous border. alongside coIour-cotltrastrng and vtgOfOUS herbaceous plants such as the Shasla DaiSY

Chrysanthemum maximum

THE FLOWER BORDER

Above Dahlia 'Gypsy Dance' A bedding va~ry. deal for the front of a border or In bedding schemes dunng summer The small hrghly­coloured flowers are aViJllabie In single and double forms.

Dahlias

These fast-growir.g garden favountes can be divided mto two main groups Ihose grown as half-hardy annuals for use In bedding schemes; and those that are best in mixed borders, mingled with herbaceous plants,

BEDDING DAHLIAS These ha~-hardy pe renn~ls from MexICo are grown as half-hardy annuals, displaying S-7'Scm (2-3in) wide single, double or semi-double flowers from mid-summer \0 autumn. There are many varietfes in a wide colour range, In mixed or self-colours Height: 3O-SOcm (12-20In) Spread: 38-4Scm (15-24in) Cultivation: Well-cuitivaled, fertile, compost or manure-enrlChed soli and a sunny position SUit bedding dahlias. Soil 100 rich, however, will create excessjve foliage at the expense of flowers, There is no need to stake them, unlike the larger oorder types The removal of dead lIowers assists in the development of

further blooms Water the plants dunng dry perioos, Propagation: DUring the late winter and early summer sow seeds 6mm (~In) deep In a loam-based seed compost at 16°C (61°F), When they are large enough to hand~, pnck off the seedlings into boxes or small jX)ts of loam-based compost and slowly harden them off in a cold frame. Set the plants out in the garden as soon asall nskoffrOSI has po-

Above Dahlia 'Kay Helen' A ball type with very neal and compact blooms that look equally good in the garden or cuI and displayed in a vase indoors, Dahlias thn'"ve in rich 5011 and need a sunny poSition The globular flowers are produced on stiff stems that With thiS variety carry the flowers above the foliage To encourage rapid growth the soil must be carefully ennched before pfanting with the addition of bulky wei/-roiled compost or manure, worked In well With a fork

Ball -type dahliaS in England can be traced back to a nursery In Hammersmith, London In abou11 818, The

nursery, owned by Mr T Lee, received tubers from France and included early forms of ball types,

1 Leh Dahlia 'Earl Marc' A dlsfme/Jlle serm-cactus, n<:J as QUIlled or tubular as the cae/us types The flowers have "arter petals.

BORDE A DAHLIAS These halt-hardy tuberous plants, though eaSIly damaged by frost, are unsurpassed tor bringing colour 10 a garden QUICkly. There are several claSSIfications and many vanetleS Indeed. each ~r hundreds at new varietIeS are Introduced by dahlia SPeCaabsls, while others are 00 longer marketed When the dahlia was first grown as an exhibitIOn tlOwef In the early 1800s It conSISted solely 01 ball types. To indICate Ih~r value, some new var;eues were sold lor as much as a gUinea. At first no claSSIfication was recognized forlha ball types, or tor vanous other types 01 dahlaa that were procluced However, catalogues were soon ISSUEId by traders in dahliaS and these contallled a rough claSSIfi­catIOn In 19041he Bnhsh NatIOnal Dahlia SoCIety in conjunctIOn with the JOint Dahll3 Committee published a clasSlfI6d list called the ClaSSIfi­catIOn and Description of Dahlias Anemone-flowered (6Dem·lm/ 2·3~fI): These have double flowers With lIat outer petals and shon, tubular Inner ones. Flowenng is from mid summer 10 the Irosls 01 aUlumn Ball-type (9Ocm/3ft): As implied, these have baJ..shaped flowers with tubular petals dISplaYing blunl ends There are SmaN Baillypes With blooms lQ..l5cm {4·61n} wide. and Miniature BaHlorms With flowers up to tDem (4In) Wide Cactus and Semi-cadus (9Dem. t·5m/3·5f1): These are divided Into live groupings-Miniature (blooms up to lOcm/4ln wide); Small (blooms 10-15cm/4·6in wide): Medium (blooms 15·2Ocm/6-8in wide); Large (blooms 20-25cm/8·101n WIde); and G.ant(bIooms 25cm/l OIn or more WIde} Cactus Iypes have pelaJs rOIled back Of QUilled lor more than half their length Semi­cactus typeS have Similar petals, bul QUilled or rOiled back for less than half of their 101allength

Dwar! dahlias arelhought to have been developed from low-grOWlng forms found In 1750 on Ihe lower sJopesof the Sl6rra del AJusca mountains in Mexico. The plants

were said to be about 38·45cm (15·18in) high

"

THE FLOWER BORDER

CoIlarette (7Scm-l ml2~'2--4ft).These have bjooms with a single outer ring of flat ray florets and a ring of small florets in the centre, fo rming a d isc Decorative: These have double flowers without cen tral discs. They are formed of broad, Hat ray florets This grouping is subdivided Into' Miniature (9Ocm-12m/3-4ftJ these have flowers up to lOcm (4inJ wide Small (1 -1 2m/3}4-4ftJ: flowers 10-15cm (4-6InJ wide Medium (1-1 '2mJ3-4ItJ: flowers 15-2Ocm (6-Sin) wide Large Cl -1 'Sm/3}2-Sf\J: flowers 20-2Scm (8-1OIn) wide Giant (12-15m/4-5ft): flowers 2Scm (l Oin) or more wide. Paeonv-tlowered (up to 9Ocm/3f1J flowers formed of two or more rings of flat ray florets, with a centra l disc. Pompon (9Ocm-12rn/3-4f1J f10wers closely resemble those of Bal/types, but are more globular and do not exceed 5cm (21n) wide. The fforets curfs inwards for thei r entire fength . Single-flowered ( 45-75cm/ l ~-

2~1t): flowers up to IDem (4In) wide. with a single row of petals arranged round a central diSC Cultivation: Well·dralned SOIL with plenty of moisture-retentive compost

or well-decomposed manure added, is requ ired. Add a sprinkling of bonemeal before seiling the tubers IDem (4In) deep in the soil dUring mk:l to late spring . If you are pjanllng sprouted tubers, take care Ihat you do not plant Ihem 100 early. as frost will damage them. The plants will need stak ing. Nip out the growing tiPS of all shoots to encourage sk:leshoots to develop If you want large flowers, remove Sideshoots and buds from around the developing flowers. RemOVing dead Howers helps In the development of fur1her blooms. In autumn genlly dig up the tubers about a week after the foliage has been blackened by frost Remove soil from the lubers and store them upsk:le down for a few

left: Dahlia 'Scaur Princess' A beawlfully-cdoured decorallve rype whICh brings dis/mellon to any garden

Dahlias are superb for fi lling large blank areas In m ixed borders, where theyereate spectacularcolou rlul d lsplaysdunng late summer and into early autumn until frosts damage them . They are soon blackened by frost

Left. Dahlia 'Vicky Jackson' A decoratIVe cactus, producmg masses of flowers from mid-summer onwards unlll the frosts of lale autumn

RlQht Dahlia 'Willo's Violer A beautiful pompon type. With deep VIOJeI flowers and a hefQhl of about 1m (3'r2ft] IllS excellent as an exhlbillon dah/IEI

weeks to dry them QUI. Then place them In boxes of peat In a dry, frost­proof pQSItJOn until the ioIIOMng year Propagation: The eaSIeSt way for the home gardener to do this IS to diVIde the tubers In spring Dahlias In floral art: As well as creating colour In the garden the flowers of dahlias are Ideal for decora~ng the home The an of presenung dahlias for room decorallOn IS not difficult, and part 01 the skillin using them relies on the choice of colours Blue flowers, whatever thelf tone, need to be carefully used as the colOur lends to fade in ar\l!lCI8.l light Purples and mauves, hOwever can be used subtly. especially where they echo the same tones In the room. However, when used with white-llowered dahlias. whICh both hghten and dramaTIze the arrangement, the effect can be QUite different. In contrast, other colours such as yellow and orange are much warmer and radiate a strong leellng 01 cheerfulness Those flowers rich In scarlel however. can create the effect of warmth In rooms laCIng east and north and not subtected to strong summer sunshine. Rooms laCing north or east generally benefit from warm colours, such as orange. scarlet, yellow and amber. whereas cool colours such as pale mauve. lac-pmk. purple shades and lavender are bener In south and west-laCing rooms II strong­coloured blooms are used they can be given even greater Impact by ml~ l ng them wrth pastel-coloured tlowers

Collarette type dahlias Originated In the munICipal gardens 01 the Parc de Ia Tete d Or at Lyons. France. durrng the last years 01 the last century Specimens

of these planls arrrved In Bntain in 1901

" j

"

"

THE FLOWER BORDER

Left: Echinacea purpurea Tils stalely herbaceous perennral is justifiably famous for ;/s richly coloured flowers, from mid·summer to autumn The cone-like orange centres to the flowers are a particu­larly attrac/lve feature

Echinacea purpurea Purple Cone Flower (UK and USA)

A well-known hardy herbaceous perenmal, formerly called Rudbec*ia purpurea Its upr~ht stems bear purp~-{:f1mson daisy-like flowers, lOcm (4m) wide, at thelf tops from mid to late summer The lance­shaped, dark green leaves are s'ig h~ y toothed and rough to the louch. Several superb varielles are

Echinacea purpurea IS a dominant Hower, w ith the erect stems often holding the flowers high above

neighbouring plants, like islands of colour Surrounding plants should have subdued colours

avai lable, II1cludlng Rober1 Bloom (carmine-purple), 'The King ' (cnmson-purple) and White Lustre (while petal led with deep orange centres] Height: 9Ocm-12m (3-4ft) Spread: 60-75cm (2-2~1t) Cultivation: Well--drained fertile soil and a su nny poSition are essential lor success, Set the plants in position in spring, and in autu mn cut their stems down to SOil- level Propagation: Although it can be increased from seeds sown In spring at 13°e (55°F), diVision of established clumps dunng spring or autumn IS a much easier method Use only the young parts from around the outside of the clump for replanting In the border,

Above: Echinops ritro This hardy herbaceous {J{>:enmal is hgh/ychenshed by flower arrarrgers, The globular flower heads appear during mid-summer and lasl a long /lme after culting

Lelt: Echium planlagineum 'Monarch Dwarf Hybrids' A hardy dwarf mixture, up to 30cm (lit) high, these hybrids produce flowers m many pastel ImIS. When grown m ~ sunny position, they seldom fall 10 attraCI bees

Echinops ritro Globe Thistle (UK) Small Globe This/Ie (USA)

This hardy herbaceous perennial has deep green, thistle-like leaves and round, 4-5cm (1 ~-2in) wide, steel-blue flowers held on stiff stems during mid-summer Bees find the flowers especially attractive Height: 9Ocm-t '2m (3-4ft) Spread: 60-75cm (2-2 Y,.ftJ Cultivalion: Most SOils are suitable, bullhey should be well--drained and 111 fu ll sun, ThiS IS a plant that is selt-supportlng and therefore ideal for island beds. During autumn, cut the plant down to soil,level Propagation: It can be ,;'Ic reased from rool-cuttlngs taken in late autumn, Inserted in sandy compost and placed in a cold Irame before

planting out in the garden, But the division 01 established clumps in spnng or autumn is a much easier and quicker method

Echium plantagineum [Echlum IycopsjsJ Viper 's Bugloss (UK and USA)

ThiS distinctive hardy annual from Europe has mid-green leaves and upturned blue or pale purple bell­shaped flowers from mid-summer onwards, Although it norma l~ grows up to 90cm (3ft), several lower­growing forms at 30cm (1ft) are avai lable, Including 'Blue Bedder' and 'Monarch Dwarf Hybrids' with blue, pink, lavender and white flowers Several other species of echlum can begrown In the garden, including the bushy, hardy biennial Ech,um rubrum. From early to mKl­summer it displays 12mm ( Y,.ln) long bright red tubular flowers with eye­catching yellow stamens. Another specieS, Echlum vulgare, the Common Viper's Bugloss isa hardy blenmal, but is invanably grown asan annual It is re laTIvely short (6Ocm/ 2ft high) bushy and compact and bears tubular, 12mm [~in) long, purple-budded, violet flowers from mid to late summer Echium vulgare and Echium pianlagineum are both natives of the Bntish Isjes E vulgare IS found In grassy places on IlQht SOils near the coast, while E planlagineum grows in sandy areas near the sea, in the South-west Height 75-9Ocm (2~ -3ft)

Spread: 45cm (1 lSft] Cultivation: Lig ht, dry soil and a sunny position are needed, although partial shade also suits it Propagation: DUring spring, sow seeds 6mm (~ i n) deep in their flowering positions, th inning the seedlings to t5cm (6in) apart, Seeds can also be sown in autumn, but wait until spnng before thinning them, For earlier flowers, sow seeds In loam-based seed compost in late wimer or early spring at 13°C (55°F). Prick out the seedlings Into boxes when they are large enough to handle, and harden them off before planting them out

Echinops rilro is best planted In large clumps, where liS dominant nower heads blend with a background

grouping of Campanu/a /act/flora with smal l bell-shaped light lavender-blue flowers

Echium plantagineum In one of ItS dwarf forms IS 01 greater use In a garden than ta ller types II is ideally

suited lor annual borders, and also tor bringing height and shape contrast to small ornamental grasses

THE FLOWER BORDER

Eryngium bourgatii Sea Holly (UK) Eryngo (USA)

This hardy herbaceous perennial has sl il! , uprig ht and branching bluish stems beanng spiny, holly-like leaves and silver-blue, thistle-shaped flower heads during mid to lale summer. Height: 38-45cm (1S-18m) Spread: 30-38cm (12-15in) Cultivation: It g rows best in fertile well-drained soil in a sunny location. Only in exposed areas will it need support from twiggy stICks. In autumn, cut down the planllo soH-level. Propagation: It can be increased by taking root cuttings In autumn and inserting them in pols 01 equal parts peat and sharp sand. Place them In

a cold frame during winter and set the plants out into their permanent sites in the garden when they are well-9rown.

RlQht: Eryngium bourgali i This hardy herbaceous perenmal displays strikingly attractive foflage and flower heads, much cherished by flower arrangers for home decoratiOn.

Below righT Eupatorium purlXJreum 'Atropurpureum' This exciting hardy and reliable herbaceous perenmal with purplish folrage and rosy-lilac flowers is admirable for mixed or herbaceous tx>rders, as well as wild gardens

EupatOrium purpureum Joe Pye Weed (UK) Joe-pye Weed Sweet Joe-pye Weed· Green-stemmed Joe-pye Weed (U5A)

This handsome upright hardy herbaceous perennlat from North America has purplish stems bearing sterxler and POinted mid--g reen leaves. Fluffy, branching, lQ-13cm (4-5In) wide heads of rose-purple Howers are borne trom mid to late summer. The lorm Atropurpureum bears rosy-lilac lIowers and purplish leaves

There are several other superb Sea Hollies, inCluding EryngllJm alpmum, With trilled collars around the bases

of its steel-~ue lIower heads, and E. x ollveflanum wh~h is graced with deep blue heads

Eupatorium purpureum IS a dominant plant, often standing above its neighbours. In a m ixed border. Its height and colour create a pleaSing combination With

the blue Hydrangea macrophylla

Height 1-2-1 8m (4-6f!J Spread: 75-9Ocm (2y'! -3ftJ Cultivation: Any goo::l re latively mOlsture-retenllve and fertile soil suits it, in full sun or lighl shade. During autumn cut down the stems to soil-level. 11 benefits from a mulch with well-rorted manure or garden compost every spring Before applYing It. however, hoe the surface to remove all weeds. Propagation: It IS easily Increased by lifting and diViding established clumps in aulumn or spring

Fesluca glauca IS superb tor a colour contrast wllh yellow-flowered plants. such as Golden Garhc Allium moly, which is also known as Yellow Onion Posilton

the grass in front of the al lium

Left Festuca glauca This densely-lUffed perenmal grass IS Ideal for the front of a border To create an impressive clump, use threeortlve plants, each 20cm (8in) apart.

Festuca glauca Sheep 's Fescue Blue Fescue (UK and USA)

This hardy perennial grass forms a striking clump of bristle-like blue­grey leaves. It is ideal lor planting al the edge of a border, where it can be used to soft harsh edges, and blends well with gravel paths Dunng summer il is adorned with oval, purple spikelets of flowers. Height 20-25cm (a-lOin) Spread: 15-2Ocm (6-8in) Cultivation: Well-drained Hght soil and a sunny position are best Propagation: Seeds can be sown In a sheltered border, planting the seedlings oul into a nursery bed when they are large enough to haOOIe It is generally eaSIer, however, to lift and divide large clumps In spring or autumn.

Filipendula purpurea (Spiraea palmata)

A handsome thoug h dominating hardy herbaceous perennial With large lobed leaves held on crimson stems aOO surmounted by large flat heads of smal l carmine-rose flowers during mid-summer Height: 75cm-t2m (2.'7;-4ft) Spread: 75-9Ocm (2y'!-31t) and more Cultivation: An ideal plant for rich, fertile, mOisture-retentive soil In pa rt~f shade, perhaps In a wild garden or at the Side of an Informal garden pond Propagation: II is easlty increased by lifting and dividing large clumps in autumn or spring

Left Filipenduta purpurea An ImpreSSIVe herbaceous perennial for a ferTile, mOIst. cool posillon in slight shade Its carmine-rose flower heads form a dominant display dunng mid-summer

Filipendula rubra IS another attractive fi lipenduia With large pinkish flower heads up to 28cm (tlin) across It IS widely grown in the form 'Venusta' wilh deep pink

flowers. It loves moist SOil and slight shade

THE FLOWER BORDER

Gladiolus byzantinus Sword Lily (UK)

This hardy and relaableg ladiolus has 2S-38cm (1 0-15in) long flower SPikes loosely packed with up to twenty plum-coloured 65in) wide blooms dUring mid-summer The narrow, sword-like and upnght ribbed leaves with pointed tops rise \0 60cm (211J Height: 60Cm (2ft) Spread: 13·18cm (5-7inJ Cultivation: RICh. fertde. wen~rained but mOlsture-relenllve sod and full sun suit I! best. The corms can be left in the soi l lrom year 10 year al1d In light sOils II is best to planl them 15cm (6In) deep-1Ocm (4In) In

heavy SOil-so thal1hey are sell supporting and do nOI become blown over. in heavy soil, ptace a handful of sharp sand under each corm when planting it. Remove dead flower stems alter flowenng and cut down the yellowed foliage to soil-level in autu mn - but not too earty or it will not have transferred lIS food content to the corms, which act as slorage organs 10 help the ~ants survive win ter Propagation: Every four or fi ve years Ilfl lhe plants in autumn and remove Ihe little corm leis attached to the corm . Dry them and replant Ihem In spring in sand-lined dnl ls In

a nursery bed

Above Gladiolus byzanlinus Tills small-flowered gladIOlus flowers much earlier rhan Irs large-flowered relatives Well-dramed sOil and a position In lull sun assure success

Hosta recti/olia Tall Boy' Plantain Lily (UK) Plantam Lily· Day Lily (USA)

These hardy perenntalswlth beautifu l leaves, variegated In some varieties, were once known as Funkias. This Species displays broad. lance­shaped mid lodark green leaves and tall , uDfightlkJwer Siems beanng Scm (2in) long vio let-mauve flowers in slender spikes during mid-summer Several olher hostas, including H cnS{:).Jia, have purple Howers DUring mid to late summer this plant reveals li lac-purpje flowers aoove Its dark g reen. whlte·edged leaves, the feature for which It IS mainly g rown Height: l-l'3m (3~-4~ft)

Spread: 75-9Ocm (2~-3ft) Cultivation: Well-<lra lned but mOisture-retentive soH enriched w ith leafmould and In a lighlly shaded posttlOn suits it. During dry summers, It will be necessary to water the SOil Propagation; In SPring, lift and divide large clumps ThiS variety can be raised from seed. but vanegated hostas do noT come true from seed

Hostas are among the most attracllve of oorder flowers tor naturalized or woodland settings, or even large rock gardens. The variegated types, such as Hosla

fortunel AlbopfCta are especl3l1y attracllve

Left Hosla reel ilolia lall Boy' ThiS beautiful VIOJeI·mauve-flowered pJant IS Ideal for a wild garden. where the SOil does not become dry dunng summer Even when not In flower the Iolrage forms a dominant dlspia'l especially In early summer

R,ghl Hoste 'Halcyon' ThiS 8rtractrvely·fbwered hosta creates a dominant dlSf)lay In a shght/y·ralsed border. where the leaves can sprrMd safely WIthout bemg trodden upon or spJashed WIth 5011 dunng heavy ralnfafl Here IllS planted agamstthe grass Hak"onechlOa macra AltJo..aurea·. WIth narrow bronze-Onteel, variegated green and buff leaves ThiS grass has a cascading fjfOWlh habit and lOOkS good pos!lioned at a corner

lberis umbellata Candy/ull (UK) Globe CandytUII (USA)

ThiS weII·known hlghly·fragrant hardy annual from Southern Europe has mld-green. pomled. narrow leaves The5cm(2In)widecluslered heads 01 purple. wtHle and rose-red fiowers appear Irom early summer 10 autumn Irom SUCCessive SOWH)QS II is an annuallhat is well k"nown to ch'ldren and often Ihe first plant they sow )t soon germinates and forms'Sn edgmg for the side of a path AUernatr.-ely. set It In bold dnfts towards The fronl of a border Height: t5·38cm{6-15m) Spread: 23cm (9.n) Cultivation: INetl-dramed, even poor soil In full sun SUits II. Remove dead flower heads toexlerd the flowering season Propagallon: From late spring to early summer, sow seeds in shallow dnlls where the planls are 10 flower The seeds tak"e ten to founeen days to germinate When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 2o-23cm (8·g,n) apar!

Right lberls umbellata ThIS aaSl/y-grown and hiQh/y fragrant hardy annual flowers over a long {JefJOd from SUCCes51V8 SOWingS It IS superb for {JIanling In {XJOf SOIls

lberis umbellata IS a very amenable plan! and associates With many others. such as Canterbury

Bells (Cam{Januls medium). Clark"1a (ClarkJa elegans) and Vrrglnaan StOCk {MaJcolml8 manllma)

"

THE FLOWER BORDER

Incarvillea mairei (lncarvlliea grandlflora bre<.npe$ I. br6'llpes) Trumpet Flower (UK)

This herbaceous perennial has attracbve. deep green, pjnnate leaves and bears rich pjnkish-purple flowers with lOng tubular yellow throats dunng early to mld·summer Height 30cm (1ft) Spread: 2O-25cm (8-10m) Cutti'lstion: Fertile welJ..dramed light sod In lull sun assures success Dunng spnng Dlant the fleshy roots 75cm (3m) deep. and in cold areas prOtect the young and newly­emerging ShOOtS and leaves with a doc!leor layer of straw In particularty !':Ok! places they may require protection throughout winter Otten Ihe new shoots are $low to emerge from the soil,n spring, so take care not to damage them with early spnng cultIVaTIons Propagation: Although Ihe crowns can be btted and dIVIded in SPring they are sometimes tough and d,Hcult to spht Instead. oow seeds In a prepared seedbed In Sprlng lransplan~ng them Ihe foilOWlng spnng to th~r permanent po~tlons

Righi InC8ryiliea mairei This IS a beautiful herbaceous perennial for the front of a border. or even for a rock garden where extra height IS desired The ye/Iowthroated pnkJsh-f)Urpie flowers appear dunng early to mid-summer:

RlQhl Ir is douglasians This beau/!ful Californian inS needs limy (alkalme) sOlI and forms a large dump of colour in early summer The plants are often short­Irved, but can be easily raised from seeds. The flOwers are superb for home decoration.

Iris douglasiana This beardless hardy ins lrom Calilorma has slender, coarse. deep green leaves thaI are normally evergreen and spread 00110 a Widlh oI6Ocm (2ft). The 7 Scm (3m) wide Howers are borne In fours or fives on branched stems Theyareln shades

Incarvillea delavayi IS another well-knOwn sPecieS, riSing to 60cm (2ft) and d isplaYing 5-7 5cm

(2-3In) kmg rose-pink tklwers dUring early summer ThiS specle5 IS taller than Incarvil/ea malrei

Iris douglasiana is ideal tor setllng aroul1d rhooodel1drons, where 1\ helps to produce ground

cover and to create c~our when some 01 the rhodcx:lel1drons have linlshed flowenng

01 bjue-purple and lavender, with distinctive veining on the talis' (the three outer petals), and appearfrom early to mid-summer Height: 30-4Scm (l -l!;ft) Spread: 6Q-7Scm ( 2-2~ ft)

Cultivation: This iris tolerates a little lime in the soil, and needs full sun or partial shade. However, Italsog rows well in neutral o r slightly acid soil. Propagation: It tends to be short­lived, but fortunately It IS easily increased from seed sown during autumn In ooxes of loam-based compost kepI at woe (SO°F). Alternatively lift and dIVIde the rh izomes In autumn, but take care thaI they do not dry out before becoming established.

Iris sibirica Sibenan Iris (UK and USA)

This versati le ins IS suitable for a herbaceous oorder as well as the margins of an Informal pond The slender, sword-like, mid"9reen leaves die down In winter The flowers are about 65cm (2~i n) wide and are borne dunng mid-summer. In the anginal species, they are in vanous shades of blue, with white veining on the fal ls' (the three outer petals). Because the original specieS hybridizes freely, usually only hybrids are availabje Good ones are 'Heavenly Blue' (rich azure blue), 'Cambridge' (pale blue), 'Ottawa' (clear light blue), 'Tropic Nighf (velvety violet) and 'Perry's Blue' (deep blue). Height: 7Scm-lm (2~-3}2ft) Spread: 45-6Ocm (1}2-2ft) Cultivation: It grows best in moist soil . but will also perform well In a herbaceous oorder, where it does not usually grow so high. Plant the rhizomes 25cm (lin) deep In the soil dunng autu mn or spring. Propagation: It is easily Increased by lifting and dividing congested clumps In tate autumn or spring. Aeplantthe dlvided rh lzomes2 'Scm (lin) deep Large clumps tend to become hollow and bare al their centres. and are therefore besllifted and divided atleasl every four or live years 10 keep them healthy

Above: Iris sibirica 'Heavenly BIlle' Tfus IS a hardy ms for a border or the mOist margm of a pond 1/5 neh blue flowers are borne two or three to a stem above rhe grassy swo«j./ike leaves

Iris sibirica, planted In a mOist area mixes well With yellow-fl owered plants such as the fragrant Himalayan COWSliP, Pnmu/a SJkkrmenSls, and P heelodoxa. It also

looks good In a border against an old wall

THE FLOWER BORDER

I w

Liatris spicala Blazing Star · Gayfearher Spike Gay/eather (UK) Blazing Star Button Snakeroot Gay-feather (USA)

This hardy, tuberous-rooted. herbaceous perennial has small. strap-like, narrow, mKl-green leaves 11 bears dense, 15-3Ocm (6-1210) long , palntbrush·like spikes 01 pinkish-purple flowers dunng late summer and early autumn on stiff. leafy stems A similar planl, Llalns OJllllepis , has bright carmine flower heads. The form 'Kobold' is even more attract ive, with frothy bnght carmine flower spikes, often up to 30cm (1ft) long It grows well even o n IXlOr soil, When planted in a small grouping. it creates a superb splash at mid-summer colour ThiS attractive variety has the advantage of growing to only 60cm (2ft) high, whereas the onglnal Species, Limns callilePls, rises 10 90cm (311J and requires m uch more room, being better >X)sltloned In a flower border than In a rock ga rden. Another species, Llalris graminita/ia, IS not so widely grown. During late summer and Into earty autumn It prcx:luces purple flower spikes, surrounded by rather sparse leaves attractively covered with white spots. This species has the advantage of growing well In poc>r and dry Sal ls Height 6G-9()::m (2 -311] Spread: 38-45cm OS-18inJ Cultivation: Ordinary garden 5011-not too heavy-and a position In lull sun suit the BlaZing Star. Propagation: During spring lift and diVKJe established clumps. To ensure the clumps are readi ly identilied, mark them in autumn Alternatively walt untillale spnng befo re dividing them, when the young shoots Will be apparent

Left Liatris callilepis 'Kobold' The tr(){hy flowers of (hIS tuberous­rooted herbaceous perennial are a dellghl dunng mid-summer to early autumn The flower5 are useful for flome decoration

LialriS spicala IS ideal lor the front 01 a mixed or herbaceous border. Sultable companions Include Red

Hot Pokers (KniphofiaJ . 8ergema Sllberhcht' and the Oregon Grape Maflonia aqulfolium

Unum narbonense Flax (UK and USA)

This well-known hardy perennial has narrow, lance-shaped, grey­green leaves and graceful, arching stems that usually d ie back in winter In colder climates but may persjsl throughout winter in m ilder regions The 25-3cm (1-1 )4inJ Wide neh blue flowers, borne at the lops of the stems, appear throughout the summer months. Lmum perenne IS another hardy and perenniai llax, rising 10 30-4Scm (1 -1 ~ttJ It has narrow lance-shaped 9 reyish.green !eaves and 2 Scm (lin) wide sky-blue flowers during mid to late summer like Linum narbonense IllS also shorHived, but can be easily ra ised from seed Unum uSIIaflSslmum, the Common Flax or Linseed IS a pale-blue flowered hardy annual It nses to about 60cm (2ft), with slender stems bearing 12mm (~lnJ wide saucer shaped !IOWNS during mid-

Above: Unum narbonense Allhough lall, Ihis Flax is sUi/able!Of" a rock garden. Theflowers, borneal the ends of long stems, appear lilrouglloul summer

summer. Lmum austnacum is another soft-blue flowered plan!. but IS a hardy perennial and has 2 Scm (1m) wrde heads In mid-summer Height: 3O-6Ocm (l-2ftJ Spread: 30-38cm (12-1Sln) Cultivation: Ordmary well-drained garden soil and a sunny poSition SUit Flax best. It will tolerate both slightly acrd and limy soil. Propagation: During eany summer row seeds 6mm ()4inJ deep in a prepared seed bed. When the seedl ings are large enough 10 handle, thm them 10 20-23cm (8-9in) apart In autumn, transfer them to their flowering positions. The plants are qUite Short-lived, so II IS basI to buy fresh plants every three or four years and replace old ones

Above Liriope muscari ThIS hardy perenmal drspiays deep qreen, archmg grass-like leaves throughoullile year Tile lilac-mauve flowers appear from fate summer IhrouglllO lale autumn They bear some resemblance to those of Grape Hyacmths As an added bonus, Ihe leaves remam attractive throughout the year

Liriope muscari Turf Lily (UK and USA)

ThiS hardy, compacl and clump.­forming evergreen perennial has darK green grass-liKe leaves and upright stems, whICh bear 7'S-I3cm (3-5in) long s~Kes of bell-shaped, lilac-mauve flowers from late summer through to autumn. The speCies Lino{E spcata is qUite Similar, bul With more ereet aro narrower leaves From late summer and mto autumn it disptays S-7 Scm (2-31n) long spiKes of bng ht mauve, bell-shaped flowers It is shghUy shorter than Lmope muscari. nSlng to a height of 38cm (ISIn) Height: 30-38cm (12-1Sln) Spread: 38-4Scm (IS-18in) Cultivation: W~I-d rained light and ferti le SOi l in fu ll sun or slighl shade suits it well. Remove the flower heads when they fade Propagation: During spring, 11ft and d iVIde congested clumps.

Unum narbonense With Its cottage-garden appeal, IS al home by the srde of an old-lOOKing fl ight o f steps,

against a wealhered wal l or as a perteet fOil for grey-leaved plants

Uriope muscari IS Ideal for the edge of a border or alongside a path It harmonizes wel l With the Autumn Crocus (ColchICum aulumnale), Nenne bowdenu or

Sedum x 'Autumn Joy

"

THE FlOWER BORDER

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell Hybrids' Lupm Lupine (UK) Lupine (USA)

These hardy herbaceous perenn~ l s

are familiar to most gardeners. Their slender, upright spires of blue or red mkl·summer flowers are borne above mid-green leaves formed of a circle 01 ten to seventeen leaflets Many superb biue forms are available, such as BlueJacket , 'Freedom', Jane Eyre' and Josephine'. Heigh!: 9Ocm-"5m (3~5ft) Spread: 60-9Ocm (2-311) Cultivation: WeIkIralned moderately­tertlle salls are best, In fu ll sun or lig ht shade. Set the plants In posillon in autumn or spnng. and cut them down to soil-level in autumn. Propagation: Increase mimed torms from 7'S-1 Ocm C3-4inJ long basal cuttings in spring, inserted in polS 01 sandy soil and placed In a cold frame. When the cuttings are rooted. pot them up into small pots of ~m-based compost Plant them Into permanent poSit ions In autumn or spring. when the soli is workable

Right: Lupinus polyphyllus ·Russell Hybrids· These hardy herbaceous perenmals are popular and reliable plants lor any garden. providrng a mass of colour. They grow equally well in slightly acid or neutral soils. and in full sun or Ilghl shade

Lupinus polyphyllus ·Russell Hybrds· ml~es With a wide range of herbaceous plants Highlight the flowers

by planting It against a dark green hedge, or use Its own fohage as a backcloth for lower-growing plants

4= Q

Left Nemophila menziesii This hardy annual has a rather spreading growth habit and bears sky-blue buttercup-like flowers from early summer onwards. IllS ideal for edgrng an annual border or even a mixed border

Nemophila menziesii (Nemophila insignisJ Baby Blue Eyes (UK and USA)

This bright-eyed hardy annual from California has light green deeply-cut feathery fo~ge and 3cm (1 ),1in) wide. sky·blue flowers With white centres from early to late summer

Nemophila menziesii has flowers thai are not colour dominant. so II can be mixed with plants such as

the Poached Egg Plant (Limnanthesdouglasir). with lIs ye llow-centred white flowers

-

Height: 18-23cm (7-9mJ Spread: 15-2Ocm (6-8In) Cultivatio n: Although this annual g rows In ordinary garden soil , It does even better in fertile, mOlsture­retenllve soil in lul l sun or sl ight shade Sandy soils enriched with plenty 01 compost are also sUitable Propagation: DUring spring and ear ly summer, sow seeds 6mm (}iin) deep in thelf flowering positions. When the seedl ings are large enough to handle, th in them to 15cm (6in) apart. As well as being sUitable lor sowing In the garden, thiS annual can also be grown tor flowering In pots In a cold

greenhouse. To grow such plants, sow seeds thinly in 13cm (5in) wide pots of loam-based compost In a cold frame dUring lale spring or early summer When they are large enough 10 handle. thin the seedl ings to three In each pol Make sure the greenhouse IS not kept tOO hot

Rlgnt N icandra physalOides ThiS la" . Vigorous. branching hardy annual needs space in whICh to develop property The pale-blue, bell-shaped flowers are borne over many weeks, from mid to lale summer

Nicandra physaloides Shoo-fly Plant Apple of Peru (UK and USA) This hardy annual from Peru is vigorous and strong growmg, Its spreading shoots bearing oval, mkj.~W:len ~aves with finely-toothed wavy edges. The pale-blue, bell shaped, 4cm (1 ~inJ wide flowers have white throats, and appear from mid to late summer. These are followed by non--edible apple-shaped green frUits that can be dried for home decoration. It IS said 10 gam the name physaloK1es from the resemblance of the frU its to those of PhysaliS alkekengl. commonty called Chinese Lantern or Bladder Cherry Height: 75-9Ocm [2~-3ft) Spread: 38-45cm (15-18in) Cult ivation: Rich. moist soH and a sunny posl~on are the keys to success When preparing the flowering poSition, fork In plenty of wel l-rotted compost. Propagation: DUring late winter or early spnng, sow seeds 3mm ["in) deep in trays of loam-based seed compost kept at ' OoC (50°F) When the seedlings are large enough to handle.prfck them oil into seedboxes and put them in a cold frame to harden them off. Set the plants in the garden dunng late spring. Alternatively, sow seeds in late spring where the plants are to flower. 6mm ( ~in) deep Subse­Quently, thin the seedlings to 25-3Ocm [10-12inJ apart

Nicandra physalOid es gams one of Its common names. Shoo-fly Plant. from Its ability to repel tiles. It

makes a lovely chOice lor the back 01 a border. with Its attractive bell-shaped flowers

THE FLOWER BORDER

Physoslegia virginiana (Dracoc8phalurn virginianum) Obedient Plant (UK) Obedience' False Dragonhead Lions-head (USA)

This distinctive hardy herbaceous perennial bears long spires 01 mid-summer tubular pink-mauve flowers aoove large, glossy, dark green, coarsely-toothed leaves. The plant gets lis common name from lis flowers, whICh have hinged stalks and can be moved from side to side, remaining as posdloned Several forms are available, including 'Rose BouQue( (pink-mauve). Summer Spire' (deep lilac-purple) and Vivid' (deep pmk) Height: 45cm-lm (1)\.-3)2ft) Spread: 45·60cm (1)2-211) Cultivation: ThiS plant needs

Above' Physostegia virginiana 'Rose Bouquet' A natlYe of North AmenC8, this popular hardy herbaceous perennial bears spires of mauve-pink, tubular flowers which resemble small snapdragons,

ordinary fe rti le garden soil that does not dry out during summer DUring autumn, cut it down to soil-level Propagation: Il lS easily increased by trtling and diVIding plants in autumn or spring. Alternatively, during spring, take S-7'Scm (2-3in) long cuttings, Insert them In pots of sandy compost and place these In a COld frame, When the cuttings are rooled, pot them up and plant them out into their flowering poSitions In autumn In cold areas with wet soH, p lanl them dunng spnng

Poiemonium foiiosissimum Jacob 's Ladder (UK) Jacob's Ladder Greek Valerian (USA)

A hardy herbaceous perennial from North America, Jacob's Ladder has stiff, upnght siems bearing leaves formed of narrow, dark green leaflets, From early to late summer, It bears t 2mm ()fin) wde mauve-blue flowers in clustered heads, The handsome flowers are highlighted by orange-yellow stamens An early form is 'Sapphire', with light blue saucer-shaped flowers Height: 7S-9Ocm (2)f-3ft) Spread: 4S-6Ocm (I !6-2ft) Cultivation: RiCh, deep, loamy soi l in full sun assures success, These plants soon exhaust the SOil , which Will need annual mulching or feeding with ferti lizer Propagal ion: The easiest way to Increase thiS plant IS by lifting and d ividing estabHshed clumps in autumn or spring

Below Polemonium foliosissimum This herbaceous perenmal is ideal for any border and flowers over a long penod of time It needs rich SOil, because the roots qUICkly exhaust the supply of nutnents

PhysoslegiCl virginiana IS a reliable plant lor a mixed or herbaceous border, The deep lilac-purple variety Summer Spire' needs non-conflictlng colours set

around It at a lower level

Polemoniums come mostly from North America, but PolemOlllum caervieum onglnated In Europe and

ASia as well It gained its first name from King Poternon 01 Pomus an anCfenl country In North-east ASia Minor

Above Salyia J. superba ThiS hardyeye-calchmg herbaceous perenmal forms a dommant splash of cOlour in any border

Salvia x superba (SaMa Vlrgala nemorsaJ Long-branched $age (UK)

A dominant planting of this superb hardy herbaceous perenmal will Immediately attract anenllon, Its erect stems bear abundant. nch VIOlet-purple flower sPIres at their tops all summer through. so sellt at the edge 01 a border Dwarl forms rise 10 less than hailihe height 01 the type plant. and Include 'lubeca (VIOlet-blue 75cm/2Io:2ft high) and 'East Fneslarl(f (VIOlet-purple 45cm/t)2ft high). Height: 45-9Ocm (1 )2-3ft) Spread: 45-6Ocm (1.I~ -2ft)

Cultiyation: Rich, well-dra ined but mosture-relenllW SOIl In lull sun assures success Dry SOIls are nol SUitable Staking Wlth IWIggy pea-

Above Salyia virid is IS a beautdul hardy annual wilfl pfJe pfik or purple flOwers whICh fealure especially s/nkmg coloured bracts allhe laps o( lhe stems It IS raised as a half-hardy or a hardy annual, and il delights m a sunny and I'te/l-dramed position m Ihe garden

stICks IS necessary for tali-grOWlng torms In exPOS9cl areas Cui down old stems 10sod-levelln late autumn Propagation: It IS easily increased by lifting and dividing cOllgested plants dunng autumn or spnng

Salvia viridis (SalVIa hormlnum)

ThiS hardy annual from Southern Europe bears 12mm (Jl..in) long pale pmk or purple flowers lrom mid 10 lale summer It IS better known. however, for Its 4cm (1 1-2ln) long bnghtly coloured termillal bracts (modified leaves), whICh can be dned with Ihe stems for home decoralJOn. There are several fine forms, With a range of coloured bracts, such asB/ue Bouquet (rdl purple-blue bracts) and Rose

BouQuet (rose-carmll""18 bracts). Height: 38-4Scm (tS-18In) Spread: 23-3Qcm (9-12In) Cultivation: Ordinary well drained soi l in full sun SUits II. To encourage well-branched plants, PInch out the growll19 tiPS when the plants are only a few IncheS high Propagation: Dunng Iale spong Of

early summer, SOW seeds 6mm ( }.l in) deep where the plants are to ~ower When the seedhngs are large enough to handle, thm them out to 23cm (9In) apart You can false earlier-fIowenng plants by SOWIng seeds Ihlnly In trays ot lOam-based compost at 18°C (64°FJdunng late wtn ter or early spnng . When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick lhem oN Into pots of loam-based compost and place them In a cold trame to harden ott

SalYia x superba demal1ds space 10 beat liS best. Plant it althe Irani of the border, With taillight blue

delphmlums at the back and a sandWICh of yellow achdlea between them

Salyia viridis. beller known as Salva hormlnum, IS besl used to create dominant cOlour at the tOPs of ItS

stems. It IS more often grown for Its coloured bracts than lor its flowers ..

.,

THE FLOWER BORDER

Above Trachymene caerulea The dellcare heads of srnaN lavender­blue flowers appear from mId­summer /0 autumn. This IS a useful plant for bnngmg delICate blue shades to flOVv'ef arrangements

Trachymene caerulea (Didlscus caeruleus) Blue Lace Rower Queen Annes Lace (UK) Blue Lace Flower (USA)

This IS one altha mOSt delICate and pretty 01 all ha~-hardy annualS. II formsa bushy ~anl with light green, deeply-divKled fol iage The smal" dainty, ~vender-blue !lowers are displayed In heads 2 5-5cm (1-2inJ WIde and appear from mid-summer \0 autumn They are SUitable for cutllng for home decoraTIOn, but the leaves and Siems are stICky to touch Height: 45cm (l~ft) Spread: 2S-3Ocm (10-12,n) Cultivation: Ordinary well-culhvated garden SOIl and a sunny, sheltered poSition SUit It Propagation: Dunng lale winter and earty SPring. SOW seeds 3mm (}8ln) deep In trays 01 loam-based seed compost a116°e (61°F), When the $€€dhngs are la rge 800ugh to hand~. pnck them out Into small pots or boxes of seed compos!. Plant the young plants out Into the garden as soon as al1 risk of frost has passed

Above Tradescanlia virginlana 'Isis' ThIS well-known Spderworr has striking purple-blue flowers dunng most of summer We/I.cfamed but mOisture-retentive sOIl ensures success with thiS reliable plam

Tradescantia virginiana Sf)lderworr Tnmty Rower {UK} Common Sptdef'NOrf W.dows Tears (USA)

ThiS hardy herbaceous perennial. With smooth. glossy strap-bke, dull­green leaves and long lasting. 2· 5-4cm (1-1 ¥.rln) wide. three-petalled flowers. is a dehght throughout summer and Into autumn. II IS the hybnds from T Vlrglnlana or T x andersonJana that are mainly grown Some botanical authorities suggest these hybrids are derwed from the former species. while other botanists name the tatter as a parenT Whatever their ongln, the resulling plants are superb and Include 'Carmine Glow' (carffilne),lsis' (purple-~ue). -Ins Pritchard (white, stained azure blue) and Purewell GlSnt (carmine-purple) Height 45-6Ocm (1.\<i-2fl) Spread: 45cm (ly'!ft) Cultivation: Ordinary garden soil, well-dralned but also fTlOIsture­retentive. is best. In tate autumn, cut the plants down 10 sod-leYeI Propagation: Lift and divide congested clumps In SPring

RlQht Tulip 'Lilac Time" ThiS beaunfullullp from OivlSlOfl 7 IS dlStlndive. WIth I/S mal.N'e, Illy­like flowers Rowers in thiS dlVlSK)n are usually /S-2Ocm {6-8m} WIde and appear m mld-spn'ng

Tulips The range of form and colour 01 these well-known hardy bulbs IS as wide as their possible uses In the garden. They can be used In bedding schemes dunng SPrIng, In mixed borders or rock gardens, and In tubs ortroughS lor bnghtenlng up a patiO in SPring There IS a wide range 01 Specl8S, and in additIOn botanISts have ClaSSIfied ltlose that have been created by bulb eJ(pens Into fifteen dMSlons, encompassing the wide range oillower Sizes, shapes and heights. These are DiviSion l-Single Early (15-38cml 6-15In) The Single flowers appear in spnng when grown OtJ!-OI-dOOfS, or during winter indoors, Each flower is 75-13cm (3-5in) wide and sometimes opens flat when In direct and lull sun_ Many purple vanetleS are avaaable, as well as ones With white, pmk, red. orange and yellow flowers. DiviSion 2-Dooble Early (30-38cm/12-t 51n): The double flowers appear In spnng when grown out-of-doors In beddmg schemes. or earlrer when lorced indoors

Trachymene caerulea from Austra!18 soon attracts attenhon when grown In a dom_nant dnft among hardy annuals Of In a ml_ed border. II can also be grown In pots In an unhealed greenhouse lor summer colour

Tradescantia virginiana and T. x andersooiana are ideal to, a milled or herbaceous border Many planlS combine well With them, Including border geraniums

and Campanu/a lactlflora Pritchard's Blue'

Each fiower IS IOcm (41n) wide and ralher like a double paeony The COlour range IS wide. including gOOd purple varietIeS, as well as red, \IiOIet pink and yellow ones Division 3-Mendel (38-5Ocm/ 15·20in): These flower later than the pr9VIQus types With rounded 10-t3cm (4-5In) wide blooms on somewhat slender stems Colours Include white and red. as well as yellow They look like a cross between Single early types and DarwlOs Division 4- Triumph (up 10 5Ocm/ 20in): In mld-spnng, these bear angular-looking 10-13cm (4-5In) wide tIowerson strong stems There are lovely lilac-Mowered var!9\1es, as well as red and pink ones Division 5- Darwin Hybrids (60-7Scm/2-2''2h): TheSe ~ some 01 the largest and most brilliant Rowers. upto 18cm (7In) wide. they appear dUring mid-spring There are multl-coloured forms, as well as pur~e, red, orange and yellow vanetles Division 6- Darwln (60-75cm/ 2212ftl These are extenSIVely used In bedding schemes, prodUCing

rounded flowers up to Bcm (Sin) wide In late spnng There are some excellent purple vanelles. alSO yeIow white pmk and red ones Division 7 - Lily-llowered {4 5-6Ocm/t)l-2ftJ Thesearecharacler IZed by the narrow walstsot their flowers, also by the POinted petals that curl outwards as much as 20cm (8m) dunng mld·sprmg They look espeaallyanracllWwhen massed In bedding schemes Colours Include while, orange, red, yellow and multl-colours Division a- Collage (up to 9Ocm/ 3ft) Th iS ok:! grouping has oval or rounded flowers to-l3cm (4-5In) wide In mld-spnng The petals sometimes have a hint of fnnglng and are looser than those of other varieties. As welf as li lac, flower colours include green, while plOk. red and yellOw Division 9 - Aembrandt (7Scm/ 2)<.,ft) These tulips all have broken colours The rounded 13cm (Sin) wide flowers dls~ay vivid s~ashes of colour on the petals dunng mid-spring Base colours Include VIOlet. as well as brown. white orange red. yellow and pmk

Division 10-Parrot (45-6Ocm/ 1)2-2/tJ: These bear flowers up to 20cm (&n) wide m mid-spong, easdy recogmzable by their fealher-hke, heaVlIy-fnnged petals The colour range Includes brilhant white, pink, orange and yellow, as well as some lovely P\Jrples. Division ll - Double Late (45-6Qcm/I.lT2ft): These havevery large and shoYly double flowers, Similar to paeomes and up to 20cm (8In) wide. They remain in flower for a long panod dunng mid-spring There are some stunning VIOlet vanelies, as well as white. orange pink, red and yellow ones There are also multJ-coIoured forms WIth stripes and edgings. Division 12- Kaufmanniana varieties (10-25cm/4-10In) These have been developed from Tuhpa kaufmanf1l8fl8, and have fine-p:lIflied flowers that open nearly flat, gIVIng the appearance of water·11l1eS They appear In spnng on sturdy stems and are kleal for Ironts of borders, rock gardens and containers. Most have two-coiouroo 1I0wers DiviSion 13- Fosteriana varieties (45cm/l j!zln) These are denved from Tullpa foslenana and dISplay large blunt-ended Howers In reds and yellows In mid-spring Division 14- Greigii variet ies (25cm/l0In): These are maInly denved Irom Tu//pa grfNglI, and produce brlfllant roo. yellON and near-while lOng-lasting flowers during mid spring Cultivation: When growing tu lips In the garden, select well-drained SOil. preferably laCing soutll and In a sIlettered poSJ1IOO, Plant the bulbs t Scm (6In) deep dunng earty WInter, Spacing them to-t5cm (4-61n) apart, Remove dead Nowersand dlQ up the bulbs when the leaves turn yellow However, If the bed IS needed earl!er, drg up the bulbs as soon as flowering IS over and heel them IntO a trench unlilthefoliage has yeIowed and dE'd down Propagation: The easiest way IS 10 remove the bulb Offsets clustered at the bases 01 the bulbs Plant these In a nursery bed and leave them to develop Into fIowenng·Slzed bulbs

For a blue and gold display try the dark blue Darwin tulip (DiVISion 6) 'La Tullpe NOire With the orange

Sibenan WaliMower Chf!lranthus x aillOnl! Goklen Bedder For extra shades 01 blue, add a lew

Forget·me-nots (Myosolts)

For a mixture of creamy-white and blue, try planting a bed wilh the mauve--~ue Parrot tulip (DiviSIOn 10) Blue Parrot dark purple Darwin tulip (DIVISIOn 6) Queen 01 Night and the Wa!lflower Ivory White'

'3

..

THE FLOWER BORDER

RighI Veronica proslrala ThIS beaul!ful ground-rovenng IlefQmca produces masses 01 small deep blue flowers from early to mid-summer There are several superb forms, If/cJuding a very low-groWlng rype

Veronica prostrata (VeronICa rupestrls V leucnum prostrata)

A hardy mat-!ormmg alpme verOOlCa ItlIS IS a distant torm 01 the Hunganan. Of Saw-Iea\I8d, Speedwel trom Southern Europe and NOfthem Asia. It IS useful as a ground cover plant, dlsplaymg toothed mld-green leaves and 5-7 Scm (2-3In) long SPIKeS of deep blue flowers from earty to mid-summer. Several rel ~bIe torms are available, including 'Spade Blue' (clear pale blue), 'Rosea (deep pmk), :Alba' (while) and a dwarf form Pygmaea' (Scml 21n high. With deep ~ue IIowers). Height: l Q-2Ocm (4-6In) SPf'ead: 38-45cm (15-18In) Cultivation: Any wel-dramoo garden soli and a sunny po$IbOn 50/111. Propagation: During mid-summer, take Scm (2In) long cuttings and Insert them In pots of equal pans peat and sharp sand Place the pots In a cold frame and when the cuttmgs are rooted, pot them up SIngly into klam-based compost Dunng the follOwing spring plant them out fnto the garden

Veronica spicata Spked Speedl'l!(!/l (UK)

An upnght slim-flowered hardy herbaceous perennlal,lhls veroolCa IS well-SUited to the front of a oorder It dlspjays long, toothed, lance­shaped , midiJreen leaves, The narrow, 7 5-tScm (3-6in) lOng sPires of small blue flowers are borne throughOt.Jt mid-summer Several superb forms are wonh growing, Including Blue Fox (ultramanne blue) and Barcarofle' (rose-pmk). ~ long/folia IS another purpie-blue-llowered oorder plant. It nses up to 12m (4ft) and bears t5cm (6In) lOng terminal Spires of

flowers from early to late summer To create a dominant clump, set the Individual plants about 4Scm (t J,h) apan \ot>ronlCa VlrgmlCa IS another goOO border speaes. With pale blue SPires of flowers H eight: 3O-45cm (1 -1 );.ft) Spread; 30-38cm (12-15In) Cultlvatlon: WeIl-draH1OO but moisture-retentive fnable soli In full sun or Slight shade assures success In late autumn, cut the siems down to soil-level Propagation: Dunng spnng, lilt and divide COngesTed clumps-you can usoalty do thIS f'Nery three or 10Uf years. This ensures healthy plants

Top fight Veronica spicata ThIS IS a reJl8b1e haroy herbaceous perennial for the fronl of a border. where II can dISplay I/S spires of small blue flowers /0 advantage dunng mid-summer There are several excellent varieties from whICh 10 choose

Right Catananche caerulea ThIS beautiful short-lIVed perennliJl bnngs a wealth of colour loa border IllS also excellent as a cut-flOwer. and can be dned for WInter decora­tIOn In the home The flowers appear dunng summer For detaJis see under Further plants to consid"r on lhe OPf)OSlte page

Veronica prostrata blends well In a rock garden With yellow-flowered plants such as Unum fl8vum , With

2 Scm (lin) wKle mKl~summer flowers, and the ever reliable Hypencum oIymPICum, With

golden-yellow flowers

, 4.

Further plants to consider

AJuga replans Bugle (UK) Carpet Bugleweed (USA) Height 1 G-2Scm (4-' Oin) Spread 30-SOcm (12-20,n) A well-known, soil-smothering, hardy herbaceous perennial, with whorls or blue flowers borne on uprlghl stems dunng mid-summer The form Alropurpurea is dlSnnctrve, with purpte leaves

Campanula persicifolia ielham Be .... ty' PeaclHeaved Campanula (UK)' Peach-bells Willow BeIIfIower{USA} Hetght 6G-9Ocm {2-3ftJ Spread 3O-38cm (12-tSln) A delightful perennial,wlth an evergreen basal rosette The lich blue 2 Scm (lin) WIde. saucer-shaped fIowersappeardunng mid-summer Pride 01 EJo:mouth' disptays nch lavender-blue Iklwers

Calananche caerutea Cu()ld's Dart (UK and USA) HelQht 4S-7Scm (1}2-2}2 f1J Spread 4S-6Ocm (IMo-2ft) A shan-lived herbaceous perennl(ll with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and lavender-blue flowers dunng summer The form Major' bears nchef' blue flowers

DeJphinium elalum Height. 9Ocm-l Sm (3-Sft) Spread 4S-6Ocm (1Mo,2ft) The actual speclBS is seldom grown, but It IS the well-known Belladonna and fla/urn (also known as 'iarge-tlowered') types that are widely grown . The range of blue-llowered forms is wide, including Blue T,r (indigo-blue), Blue Jade' (sky-blue), 'Page Boy' (brilliant mid-blue), 'Blue Bees' (bright pale blue), '80Ma' (gentian-blue), Wendy' (gentian-blue flecked purple),Cre5$rda' (pale blue with a white eye) and Mullion' (cobalt-blue with a dark eye),

Geranium x magnificum (Geranium lbencum Geranium p1atypetalum) HeIght 4S-6Ocm (1J1J-2ft) Spread 4S-SOcm (l8-20m) An eye-catching hybnd geranrum. Wlth VIOlet-blue 25cm (lin) WIde Howers durrng mid 10 late summer

Geranium pralense 'Johnson's Blue' Height 3Scm (1510) Spread 38-45cm (IS-1Sin) A well-Known light-blue mid-summer flowering hardy herbaceous perennial The fklwers are borne amongst mrd-g reen five or seven-lobed leaves

L.lmonium lalifolium Sea Lavender Staoce (UK) Helghl 60cm (2ft) Spread 4S-6Ocm (IJ2-2ft) A dlSllOChve hardyperenmal formertydassrfied asSfat/Ce. From mid to late summer, IldlSpiays lavender-blue IIowers In large loose heads Two gooo forms are VIOletta (VIOlet) and Blue CIotXI (lavender-blue)

Veronica splcata IS a Brrtlsh native plant that gams Its second name from the spike-l ike arrangement of

lIS flowers. The related V beccabunga acquired ItS unusual name from the old word beck, 'a rill or d itch ,

and bung, 'a purse', .,

CHAPTER TWO

ROCK AND NATURALIZt:D GARDt:NS

There is a wealth of blue, mauve and violet-coloured plants lor the rock garden or naturalized site. Many are of a bulbous

nature, and produce corms, rhizomes or true bulbs. These include Autumn Crocus, Colchicum autumna/e, which, together with Colchicum speclosum, brings splashes of colour in autumn, Crocus tomasimanus and Glory of the Snow, Ghionodoxa {ueiliae, flower in late winter and early spring. Then there is a wide range of irises Varieties such as Japanese Iris. In's kaempfen', the crested Iris gracilipes and the diminutive Ins relicu/ata are a JOy on their own. Grape Hyacinth Muscan" armeniacum, Scilla lubergeniana and Scilla sibirica are further cand idates, while the Spanish Bluebell, Endymion hispanicus, a dominant and widely-grown bulbous plant that at one time seemed to change its name every time a botanist sneezed, is wonderful for creating blanket colour in moist, fertile and slightly shaded areas.

Garden pools and their edges can support a wide range of blue-flowered plants. Those for planting in water include Pickerel Plant, Pontederia cordata, Floating Water Hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, with spikes of lavender-blue flowers, and Water Forget­me-not, Myosotis palustris, with pale blue yellow-eyed flowers from spring to mid-summer. The Water Forget-me-not IS suitable for water up to 7·5cm (3inJ deep, while the Floating Water Hyacinth survives deeper water but displays its flowers above the surface. Pnmulas, Iris kaempferi, Iris sibirica and meconopsis prefer the moist conditions around a pool, but not a swamp.

Ltthodora drffusa, better known as Lithospermum diffusum , is one of the best blue-flowered perennials for a rock garden. with its charming funnel -shaped flowers. 'Grace Ward', with intense blue flowers, is one of the most familiar forms. Edralanrhus pumilia is another plant with funnel -shaped flowers that makes a good choice for a rock garden.

Left: Grape Hyacinths (Muscari armeniacumj, with their tightfy­clusrered azure-blue flower heads, create a strong colour contrast with a mixed assot1ment of yellow. pink and red polyanthus.

ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

Anemone blanda Blue Windflower (UK) Windflower (USA)

This wek:ome and reliable spring­flowering plant has rather lern-like deeply-cu! dark green leaves and 2S-4cm [1 - 1 ~in) wide daisy-like flowers in pale blue, Dink, lavender or white. Height: 13-15cm (5·6in) Spread: lD-l3cm (4-5in) Cultiyat ion: Well-dramed fertile soli, neutral or slighty acid, in light dappled shade. suits it best The corms are best planted in autumn, Scm (2In) deep and 13-1 5cm (5-6inJ apart. Propagation: Lilt and dll/Kle congested clumps in late summer A lternatively, sow seeds when ripe in pots or boxes of loam-based compost, placing them in a cold frame Prick of! the seedlings into boxes when they are large enough to handle

Right: Anemone blanda 'Blue Pearl' Anemones are a/ways welcome In spring, with thelf neat, daisy-like flowers with bright centres There is a range of colours, includmg this slnkmg blue variety They can be naturalized beneath trees or set m neat clumps in a rock garden

Aubrieta delloidea

This IS one 01 the besH.nown rock garden plants, well suited for covering Jarge areas and for trai ling overwalls It is also useful as an edging to paths and for combmlng with herbaceous pjants. There are many forms, originated from selected seedlings oithls hardy, spreading and low­growing evergreen perennial These include 'Barker's Double' (rose­purpJe), 'Dr. Mules' (violet-purple), Henslow Purple' (bright purple), 'Triumphanf (blue) and Tauncola (deep purple-blue). Height: 75-1Ocm (3-4In) Spread: 45·6Ocm (1~-2ft) Cultivation: Welklrained, slightly limy garden soil and a sunny p:)Sltion SUIt It best. Keep the plants neat by

tnmming them after flowenng Propagation: The plants can be easily Increased by lifting and divfdmg them dunng early autumn,

Far ng ht Aubrieta deltoidea 'Sallawtey Amethyst' This handsome, spreading and [railing evergreen perennial IS Ideal for cascading over walls, as an edging to paths and even for growing With herbaceous plants There are many lorms to choose from, with colours ranging from pink through 10 blue and violet-blue,

RlQht: Anemone coronaris ThiS IS the well·known flonsts anemone. popular in both borders and in rock gardens, as well as being extenSively grown for cut-flowers,

Anemone blanda 15 stnkmg when naturalized among the dappled IIghlllltermg through Sllver·barked

trees. Also, try a mixture of anemones, polyanthus, Grape Hyacinths and Drumstick Pnmulas

Aubrielia delloides harmonizes With many others, Including the hardy pink or white perenn~1 Arabis

caucaSI(;8, the yellow-flowered bulb Tuilpa tarda, and the hardy perennial yellow Alyssum saxal/Ie,

Above Campanula cochleariilolla This hardy dwarf perennial with lIS noddlflfl thimbJe-hke flowers IS a delighlln 8 rock garden. It IS one of the most amenable and rewarding of all campanulas

Campanula cochleariifolia (Campanula puS/lla) Falfles Thimbles (UK)

A dainty, undemanding easily-grown hardy dwart perennial, this IS Ideal lor a rock garden. It d isplays mid-green, shallow-toothed leaves and 12mm ()loIn) long, nQddmg, bell-shaped, sky-blue fIowersdunng mid to late summer A white torm IS also avaIlable Height: 10-1Scm (4-6In) Spread: 3O-3Scm (12-15In) Cultivation: ~1~ralJ'\ed SOIl and lull sun SUllll Sellne plants In poSItIOn In autumn or SPring Propagation: It is eaSIly Increased by lilting and dlvdlng large clumps in autumn or spring . Alternatively, take soft cuMings Scm (2in) long In spring, inserl them In pots of eQual pariS peat and sharp sand and place these In a cold frame. When the cultlngsare rooted, pot them UP IntO small pots untillhey are large enough to be planted In the garden When gTVE!n lhoroughlydralned SOIl , 11 soon spreads to lorm large mats of Howers and lollage

Campanula cochleariitolia IS ideal lor tra iling and cascading over rocks It also delights In growing

between natural stone paving slabs, and IS superb lor planting 81 the sides 01 paths in large rock gardens ..

ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

AtxNe: Chiooodoxa luciliae giganlea The dominant coJour of these delicate flowers will bnghlen any garden in Jare winte~ IllS not a fussy piant, and grows wei/In any well-drained soil in full sun All chionodoxas are superb for bnnging colour dunng lale winter:

Chionodoxa luciliae Glory of the Snow (UK and USA)

This bright hardy bulb trom Asia Minor produces bnllaant sky·blue, 2·5cm (lin) wide flowers during lale winter and early spring. Each flower has a white centre. The form Chionodoxa luciliae Qlgantea, ohen called C. gigantea, is larger, and has pale vio~t-blue 4cm (l~in) wide flowers with small while centres Chionoooxas are deal /or rock gardens. tor naturalizing In short, line grass. and lor placing at the front 01 borders. Height: 18·2Ocm (7·8in) Spread: 7'S-IDem (3·4in) Cultivation: Ordmary well-drained garden soil and full sun assure success. Plant the bulbs 6'Scm (2~ln) deep. Propagation: Lift and divide large clumps as soon as the leaves have died down. Replant the bulbs Immediately

Colchicum autumnale Autumn Crocus (UK) Autumn Crocus Fall Crocus' Meadow Saffron Mrsterla Wonder Bulb (USA)

This hardycorm-beanng plant bears large mid to dark green leaves up to 2Scm (lOin) k>ng In spnng and early summer, which later die back. In autumn, it produces IScm (6In) high. goblet-shaped, rosy-lilac fiowers, often with a chequered partern. There are also some lovely purplish forms. as welt as white varieties and Roseum-plenum', with double rose-PInk flowers Height: 2S-30em (1O-12in) S pread: 20·25cm (8-10in) Cultivation: It delights In weH-dramed soil in full sun or light shade. Plant the corms during autumn, 7 Scm (3in) deep in small groups. Propagation: II can be raised from seed, bullhe productIOn alflowering­~zed corms lakes uPIO seven years

Aoove: Colchicum speciosum ThiS unusual corm-beanng plant flowers m autumn after its foliage has dl8d down. It thnves in sun or partial shade and IS superb for bringing colour to the garden

It IS easier to lift congested clumps when the leaves have d ied down and remove Ihe offsets. Plant them out in a nursery bed lor a couple of years until ready for their Imal positions. and replant the parent corms, too.

Colchicum speciosum Autumn Crocus (UK)

ThiS distinctive hardy corm-bearing plant from ASia Minor displays 30cm (1ft) long, lOem (4In) wide leaves in spring and early summer In autumn. when the leaves have died back. ItS 15cm (6in) high stems bear fk)wers in a wide range of colours, from white 10 prnklsh-Illac

Chionodoxa luci liae IS superb for planting under the golden-yellow flowers 01 the Chinese Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mol/is). It also blends perfoctly with

Narcissus c~Jamlf1eus 'February Gold'

Colchicum autumnale. the Autumn Crocus or Meadow Saffron, has nothing to do with crocuses or with

saffron, which comes from Crocus satlvus. Howe>.er, Its dried corms are a valuable ingredient 01 medICines

AlQhl Colchicum aulumnale Another corm-bearing p/an( II produces 1ea\o€S In Spring and early summer that die baCk afterwards (n autumn, It bears crocus-llke flowers thaI provide welcome colour

and reddish-purple II has been crossed with other specJeS to create many superb hybnds Height: 3O-38cm (12-15In) Spread: 2S-3Ocm (10-12In) Cultivation: We!1-dralned SOil in full sun or light shade SUits II. DUring autumn, plant the corms 7·S-1Ocm (3-4In) deep In small clumps Propagation: It can be raised trom seed, but the proclucbon of I\owenng­SiZed corms takes up 10 seven vears It IS eaSIer to hft congested clumps when the leaves have died down and remove the offsets planllllg them out In a nursery bed for a coupk3 01 years un111 ready for their final positions Replant the large, parent corms. too

Colchicum speciosom IS useful for planllng under shrubs and trees. where lIS spnng and earty

summer leaves cannot swamp nearby plants It IS superb for planting under SpecIeS roses

"

ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

Convolvulus sabalius (ConYDlvulus mauntamcus)

This hal'ldsome North AmeriCan 1railing and mat-tormlng perennial IS I)()t fully hardy, so 11 is Ideal for warm, sunny rock gardens or even In hanging baskets. The 2 5-4cm (1-1hln) kmg. almost round, mid· green ~ves are surmounted by 2 Scm (lin) WIde. purple-blue, trumpet-shaped lowers WIth smail whole throats borne ~ngy from mid 10 !ale summer Height: 5-7 SCm (2-3m) Spread: 45-6Ocm (Hi!-2ft) Cultivation: light, well-{1ralned, sandy soH In a warm area and a shel1ered IXlSltIOn suit 11 best. It 1$ onty really successful in warmer areas Propagation: During mid-summer. take Scm (2in) klng cunlngs, Insertn19 them In pots 01 equal parts peal and sharp sand. placing these In a cold frame. When the cunmgs are rooted. pot them up SIngly In10 small pots of loam-based compost and oYer-wmter them Ina frost-prool greenhouse. Wall untllla1e spnng before planting them ou11n10 the garden or In conlamers

Below: Convolvulus sabatlus This dehghtful member of the bindweed family IS often bener known as Convolvulus rnauntamcus IllS not fully hardy but well wonh groWing for Its beautiful blue flowers from mid-summer onwards

Convolvulus sabatius can be used In a rOCK garden to cover large, bare areas or to trail owr rocKs where

It helps to fuse the vaflOUS elements of the rocK garden together

Above Crocus lomasinianus ThiS IS one of the earliestcf'tXuses to flower In late Winter It needs protecllon from cold WindS but. once established, II WlH ff1five in most gardens

Crocus tomasinianus An anract!Ve late-Winter ~owenng bulb, thiS crocus diSplays narrow dark green iea'.'es With pronounced white mldnbs. The lowers range In colour from pale tawnder to reddISh-purple and are borne dunng late winter and Into earty spflng Good vanetles Include Barr's Purple and Whltewell Purple, both purple

Crocus lomaslnlanus mixes well With many other late-winter flowenng plants, such as Cyclamen coum aM the Winter Aconrte (Eran/hls hyemal,s) or With

earty-flowenng shrubs liKe Mahoma jafXJnIC8

Height 7 S-IOcm (3·4In) Spread: S-S-Scm (2-2!-2,n) CulUvalion: OrdHlary well-drained soil and a sunny. sheltered place free Irom COld winds are SUItable, II IS often recommended for naturahzmg In shan grass. but It does not always do well In such a position and IS best planted In the bare soil 01 rock gardens or under deciduous !tass andshrubs SetthecormsS5-7'5cm (2l'z-3In) deep. Propagation: It will seed and naturallZeilSel1 (june readily. espaoally In bare SOIl Alternatrvely, remove cormle!s from around the corms When re~anted, these take two or three years to produce good plantS

Crocus vernus (Crocus neapolitanus) Dutch Crocus (UK and USA)

The species IS the parent 01 the many vanetlElS 01 Dutch Crocus Wlth large goblet-shaped lowers In a range of colours Il"ICludll"IQ hlac, purple and white. often With striking WIning Flowenng IS dunng early spnng , There are many vaneties to choose Irom and blue or purple ones include 'Oueen 01 the Blues' (Iavender-b!ue),Stnped Beauty (dark purple-blue stnpes on a Silver-White background and Wlth a viOlet-purple base 10 the petalS) andPurpureus Grandlftorus (purple-blue) Height: 75-t3cm (3-51n) Spread: 4-Scm (I ~-2In) Cultivation: We!I-drall19d soil and a sheltered and sunny posIlionsult 11. 11 can be grown In rock gardens or naturalIZed In the shon. fine grass of an alpine meadow Propagation: lilt and divide the corms when the fohage has died down after ftower ing Remove the small corm lets and repiantthem.

Below Crocus vernus 'Striped Beauty' ThIS Dutch crocus has de/lcale V9Jmng on Its large_ goblet-shaped flowers The bulbs Increase naturally unllliarge dnfts are formed If gwen free-draming soil and a pas/ton where it gets plenty of sun.

Crocus vernus IS a parleet match for NarcJSSus C}CIamlf"leus February Golef With bnght yelleM' spnng

flowers. and Crocus aureus Dutch GOld whICh has deep yellow blooms

ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

Cyclamen hederifolium (Cydamen neapolilanum) Baby Cyclamen (USA)

An easlly-grown, long-lived, free­ftowering and extremely hardy corm-bearing plant, th iS cyclamen has deep green leaves, red beneath and with silvery markings above. The variable, mauve to pink., 2·5cm (tin) lOng ftowers appear from lale summerlo early winter. There isalso a white form. Height: IDem (4m) Spread: 10-15cm (4-6in) Cultivation: Humus-rich, well­drained soil in lig ht, dappled shade suits II best. Plant the corms In late summer, where they can be lelt undisturbed lor many years. It IS a long-lived plant and even old corms produce flowers, Propagation: The corms do not produce offsets, so they must be increased by sowing seeds in late summer, thinly and in pots of loam-based compost. Place the pots in a cold frame or against a wall. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them off into individual ~ts of a loam-based com~sl. Do this as soon as their second leaves appear. When they are strong and weU-grown, plant them into their finat positions

LeI!: Cyclamen hederifolium This IS one 01 the hardiest and most free-flowering of all cyclamens for creating colour in the garden. The flowers appear from lale summer to early winter. growing best under frees where the ptant gams shelter and shade.

Edraianlhus pumilio Grassy Bells (USA)

ThiS hardy herbaceous perennial from YugosJall'la is an excellent rock garden ~anl. It procluces clumps of narrow grey-green teaves, and clusters of upturned lavender-blue funnel-shaped nowers during early summer. It is ideal for planting In troughs and stone sinks. Height: 5-7-5cm (2-31n) Spread: 15-2Scm (6-IOIn)

Cultivation: Well-drained deep SOil and a sunny position SUit it best. Propagation: During late winter, S(yN

seeds in SMail pots of klam-based seed compost and place them in a cold frame. Prk;k out the seedlings into bigger pots when they are large enough to handle. Alternatively. in late summer, take Scm (2In) long cunings and insert them In pots of equal parts peat and sharp sand, ~acing them in a cold frame. When they are rooted, pot up the cutt ings. Plant them In the garden In spring

Below: Edraianthus pumilio This is an excellent chOIce for a well--drained scree bed in a rock garden, or for a trough or slone Sink. The lavender-blue, funnel­shaped flowers appear In early summer.

Cyclamen hede~lfotium is ideal for naturalizing in bare soil beneath trees, planting on banks, or in a rock

garden. II left undisturbed, the plants eventually create large drifts 01 colour

Edraianthus pumilio is ideal for a scree bed, where Its foliage blends with small stone chippings. Even when grown in a stone sink, it can be given a

similar background

Endymion hispanicus (~campanulata ScIa t1sp:Inca) S(J8ntsh 8/uebel (UK) S()8msh Bluebell Spamsh Jacinth Bel/-flowered SquiD (USA)

A dominating plant. this bluebell has broad strap-like leaws and blue, pmk or white bell-shaped Icfflers, suspended lrom upoght Siems, which appear from Spnng 10 mid­summer Severa! vanetleS are avai lable, including 'ExcelSior' (deep blue) and 'Myosotls (clear blue), Height 30cm (1ft) Spre&d: 15-3Ocm (6-810) Cultivation: Fertile, mOISt but not boggy SOIl and an open or slightly shaded poSItion are best. II IS most suited to a moist wild garden. Propagation: Self-sown seedlings appear d the seeds are allowed 10 fall

J f • on surrounding soli. Alternatively, lift and divide clumps annuallv. replanting them Immediately as the bulbs do not h<M! outer SiMS and soon become dry and damaged The bulbs do not store well, shrivelling If kept too dry

RlQhl: Erythronlum dens-canis ThIS IS a beaullful corm-beanng plant for a moot nalurallzed garden or the side of an mformal pool It needs shade and a north­facing slope. whiCh help to orevent /he soil drying out during summer

Below: Endymion hispanicus ThiS sinking bluebeH forms large dumps In moist soil under light shade. When sel in lighl woodland in a wild garden, il creales a carpel oIC01our from spnng 10 mid-summer Erythronium

dens-canis Dog 's-tooth Violet (UK and USA)

This hardy corm-bearing plant lOr wikl gardens has broad lance­shaped leaves blOtched With brown or grey Dunng spring, II dISplays Pink-purple nodding Six-petalled 5-75cm (2-310) WIde towers WIIh reftexed petals, resembling those of the Turk's Cap Lily, Ulium managon SeverallOrms are avaitable, including 'Litac Wonder' (pale purple) and Purple King' (nch purple) While

and pmk IOfms are also avaIlable Height 15cm (6In) Spread: 10-1Scm (4-610) Cultivation: Moisture-retentive but not totally saturated SOil is needed, Semi-shade and a north-lacing sJopeare destrable. Set thecormslO PQSItlOn In lale summer, where they can be left UndistUrbed lor several years to produce a IoYeIy diSplay. Propagation: The Quickest way to increase this plant is by removing otfsets in late summer, when the leaves have died down. Place them In a nursery bed lor three or four years 10 dE!llelop into plants large enough 10 be set in the garden, GrowlOg from seed lakes live or more years to produce sizeable plants Dunng thIS penod, keep the nursery bed free from weeds and well watered

Endymion hispanlcus can be planted With a wide range of plants, such as DOiyanthus, or underneath Magnolia

x soufangrana with Its white chalice-shaped flowers In spong ttalso IOcJj(s good with other bulbous flowers

Erythronlums are a delight In a moist, naturalized area, Other spec~ useful for creating cotour contrast are the Amencan Trout Lily (E revoIutum), With pink

flowers, and E tuo/umnense, With bnghtyellow IIowers

ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS [ .

Gentiana acaulis (Gentaana kochli3na G alpma G CIUSli) Trumpet Gennan (UK) Stemless Gemlan (USA)

This isa beautiful hardy perenmal lor a rock garden, c reating early summer colour The brilhant biue. 5-7 Scm (2-3m) long trumpet­shaped ftowers are near stemless and borne amid mats of cj.ossy. mld-green leaves Height: 75cm (3In) Spread: 38-45cm (15-18In) Cultivation: Heavy. gntty, mOlslUf"&­retent.ve but weli-dralned loam and a sunny position SUi t It Set the plants in position during spnng Propagation: It is easi ly Increased by diVISIOn 01 the plants in late spnng or early summer. Alternatively, take Scm (2in) long Cutllngs from basal shoots In mid 10 late spring Inse,., them In pots of ooual parts peat and sharp sand and place these Ina cold frame Pot up the cunlflgs. when rooted. InlO smaU pells of loam-based compost and replace In the cold frame Plant Oulrnto the garden dUfIJ'lg spring of the following year

RlQ ht Genllana acaulis A be8ulifui but often variable plant for a rock garden, thiS gentian d!sf)Jays Its brilliant blue trumpets In early summer II often spreads to form a large clump only a few Inches h!f}h

Gentiana septemfida Crested Gen/lan (USA) ThiS hardy, reliable and undemand­Ing gentian Irom Iran and ASI8 Minor has lal1Ce-shapecj, mid-green leaws ar.d a prolUSion 01 terminal, deep blue ftowers from mid to lale summer Each ftower is about 4cm (1)2ln) long ar.d resembles an uDlumed trumpet Height 20-3Ocm (B-12in) Spread: 25-3Ocm (10-12In) Cultivation: Any good, nch, rTlOISfUte-retenllYe garden soil SUIIS It Grow It In Mher lull sun or light shade Fortunately, It IS one 01 the easteSt genMns to grow

Propagation: Good lorms are best raISed from Scm (2in) long cultJngs 18k-en In spring and Inserted in pots of equal parts peat and sharp sand placed In a cold frame When Ihe cunlngs are rooted, pot them up Into small pots and replace in the cold frame until spong of the folloWing year 11 can also be increased by sowing seeds In autumn ar.d placing them In a cold frame

RlQht Gentiana septemlida Th!s !S one of the eaSIest gentians to grow WIth an abundance 01 deep blue upturned trumpel-like Rowers from mid to /ale summer IllS Ideal for nestling In a rock garden

Gentlana aeaulls blends with several other rock garden plants, including saxifragas, Violas cornuta, the

Pasque Flower [Pu/saWs vulgans). Aster a/pIOus Thymus drucer and Geranium dalmallCum

Gentiana septem/ida IS superb on Its own In a rock-garden pocket but also com bines well With alpme SpecIeS 01 gypsophlla, such as Gypsoptllia cerastlOides

and G repens both WIth white or pmk flowers

,

--==~G~'·~e~n;;II.:a~na~s~.,-n~o-o~~rn~a~ta~~~~~~~~~~=-~~~~r.i~~=-:J Right Gentians sino-ornala ThIS beaulifuland wel'-knoWf) Chmese and Tibetan gentian IS 8 true delllJhlln autumn, and when seen In a large dnh IS highly memorable. It needS a SOil ncIlln leafmou/d The narrow mld.green leaves provide a perfect foil for the dominantly. COloured. brill,in/ blue. trumpet­shaped flowers

This IS an outstanding autumn­Dowenng gentian with Scm (2In) long. bollianl blue. trumpet-Shaped lowers These are SI(lped WIth a deeper blue. as well as greemsh­yellow The leaves are narrow, mldlIreen and rather grass-~ke. prodiJClng a pJeasant backcblh for the flowers. ThiS beautiful gentian wasdlSC<>Vered by theworid-famous plant hunter George Forrest (1873· 1932) In 1910-11 In South-west China On the same exped,!JO(l Forrest collected seeds of the beau­hful shrub f>lens formosa forresty. whICh was named in hiS hOnour Height: 15cm (6m) Spread: 30-34cm (12-18,n) Cultivation: Fenlle deep. peaty aCid sod and a shaded positIOn SUIt it best Take care that the sod does not dry out dunng hot summers Set the plants out In the garden dunng spnng when the SOIl IS warm Propagation: The eases! way to Increase thiS plant IS by lilting and dividing large clumps In spnng

Ipheion uniflorum (Brocliaea unllora Milia ullllora Tnte/eaa unllora) Spring SlarflOwer (UK and USA)

ThiS beautiful and reliab~ bulbous plant forms a hummock of grass-like leaves and Scm (2in) wide, SI~­petal led, star--st1aped, seemed Bowers dunng spnng They range tram white to deep lavender blue In COlour There are several good vanetJeS, Including Gaeruleum (pa~ bfueJ,lMsIey Blue (VIOlet-blue) and VlOIaceum' (v;oIeO Height: 15-2Ocm (6-8tn) Spread: 75-1Ocm (3-4In), but ~ants grow together to form a large clump Cultivation: Ordinary weli-<Jralned garden SOIl In full sun SUits It A sheltered posrtIOn IS also needed Plant the bulbs Scm (2In) deep In autumn Propagation: Dunng autumn, hft and divide large clumps re~antlng the bulbs Immediately so that they do nOI dry out Youcanalsodo thiS Imme<lIately alter flowering

Below: tphelon uniJlorum 'Viotaceum' ThIS beau/JIu/lorm of (he Spring Starflower bears /aMy SIx-petalled flowers dunng spnng It IS natwe to Peru and Argentina It IS Ideal for creatlflg low hummocks of coJour akmgside paths, and lOoks eSf)eClal/y arrractlWJ a/the SIdes of crazy­f)8Vlng and gravel paths

Genliana sino-omata IS often dllflCult to combine W1th other plants, and IS therefore beSt soon on Its

own, ~anted as a large, bold splash of colour agatnst a wall or 10118ge plants

Iphelon uniliorum makes a welcOme early splash of CQk)ur In rock gardens or as an edging 10 paths. In borders n can be combtrled With deciduous azaleas

and Rhododendron lu/eum

ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS _. Iris cristata Dwarf Crested Ins Crested Ins Crested Owarllns (USA) This IS a beautiful Nanh AmeriCan dwarf crested ins for a rock garden. Dunng late spnng , It bears 5-6-Scm (2-2~ln) wide, lilac-purpe nowers, whOse w hite crests are tipped with orange Height 15cm (6in) Spread: lS-2Ocm (&-8in) Cultivatk>n: Slightly moist. fertile SOlI ennched with lealmould IS needed, either shghlly acid or neutral, A sheltered posIlion In light shade IS desirable Propagation: After !lowering, 11ft and divide the plants, replanting the rhizomes Immediately_

BeJow Iris crlstata ThIS dwarf crested Ins from the Sou/hern States of North AmeriCa needs Slightly acid or neutral SOd In light Shade II IS well SUited to planting In a peal bed

Iris gracilipes ThiS crested iriS belongs 10 Ihe groopollflse5 whICh haveorchld·hke l!owers with cock's-comb cresls instead of beards This species ~ hardy, with slender, dark green leaves. and 25-5cm (1 -2in) wide, \a\lElnder-pnk 1\ovJefs, whICh appear dunng mid and lale spnng Height 20-25cm (8·lOm) Spread: 2O-25cm (8·tOm) Cultivation: Fertile, moish.Jre-retentrve hme-free SOIl IS essenMl, In a

sheltered and sllghlly shaded poslTlon. To ensure that the SOIl IS nch In humus, top-dress II with 'M3I-decomJX)Sed com~ In spnng, Plant the rhizomes in the soil dUfing late spnng, Just below the surface Propagation: It Iseasity Increased by hltlng and dividing the rhizomes in late spnng Other crested Inses are best lifted, dMded and replanted Immediately after the IIowers have faded, but thIS beautdul speoes IS the exceptIOn to the rule

Below' Iris gr&cilipes ThIS small cresJed Ins diSplays pretty flowers In S{)fIng. It IS !deal for IJ/anflng in mOIst. acid SOIl, In a sheltered, slightly shaded position

Iris kaempferi Japanese Ins (USA)

ThiS beardless IflS belongs to a group that delights In moist soli It displays deeply fibbed, deciduous, deep green leaves, and 10·2Ocm (4·8In) wide Howers in earty summer Many vanetleS and strains 01 thiS IfIS have been developed, wllh colours mcludlng btue, reddish-purple, pmk and while Some are completely one colour, while others have a mIXture and a few r&."ea.1 a nenrng of whlte or coloured vems. Height 60-9Ocm (2-3ft) Spread: 4S--6Ocm (1}2~2ft) Cultivation: Moist soil at Ihe edge of an informal pool IS best, but Ihe rOOlS

IriS gracilis is a dwarf ins that is ideal for a Sheltered pockel In a rock garden. Alternatively, plant it

among small acid·loving shrubs that otler shade and protectIOn for the delICate flowers

Iris kaempferl forms a bold display at the side of a p:)OI, Ideal as a backcloth for the pool itself and

for bnnglng heighl to the poot surrounds. The large, bright flowers are best grown on their own

,

- '\7 • should 1'lO\ be set in the water RK:h soil and an annual mulch of well-roned comlX)SI are aids to success Plan! the rhiZomes Just below the surface dUring the sprmQ or autumn Propagation; IllseaSiIy Increased by hftu'lQ and diVIding the rhizomes Immediately flowenng is over Allhls lime the plants can be eaSily lilted. even from very boggy SOil They must be replanted Immediately

Below Iris kaempleri ThIS handsome beardless inS for mOist soi/af the edges 01 a nond has been bred In Japan /0 produce a wKie range Of flower forms and coJours dunng early summer

Above: tris rellculata 'Jeanine' ThiS IS a reliable bulbous ms for a rock garden or front 01 a border. fIOwenng In lale WInter and early S/XIng "is suI/able for Chalky soil.

Iris reliculata

ThiS well-known, small, bulbous Iris IS deal tor a rock garden orthefront Of a border. It is now available In a range of colours, but the true speaes is blue and VIOlet, With Of

Without orange blazes on the falls (the lower, drOOPIng petalS). Flowers appear during late winter and early summer. Good forms to look lor Include 'Canlab' (~ht I:)ue), 'Clalrette' (sky-I:)ue), Royal Blue' (deep blue) and 'Jeanine' (VIOlet I:)us) Cultivation: Light, well-dralned chalky soil In lull sun or IlQht shade surts II. Plant fresh bulbs In autumn, CCNering them With a 5-7 Scm (2-31n) layer of rol ThiS attractJVe bulbcan also begrown IndOOrs, but the plants should not be taken Inside until the flower buds show cok>ur. They are better grown in a cold greenhouse or conservatory Propagation: It lSeasily Increased by lifting and dIVIding large Clumps In late summerorearty autumn. large bulbS can be replanted, While smaller ones should be planted In a nursery bed and grown on lor a tew years until large enough to set out in ther tinal, flowering posItions.

Iris reticulata blends With many early spnng·lowenng plants, such as the Sl'IOYIdrop (Galanthus n.vahs),

the yellow-Dowered shrub MahOma }apomca and the CofSlCan Hellebore (Hel/eborus /Mdus COfSICUS ).

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ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

I

Above Llthodorit diffusa 'Grace Ward' This is a beauMul prostrate plan/lor 8 rock garden, cascading over rocks to form 8 large mat of colour ThIS form produces intense blue Rowers from mid-summer /0 early autumn

Lithodora diffusa (llthospermum dlffusum)

This superb hardy, spreading, mat­terming perenn~IIOf a rock garden, IS ollen better known by Its prevIOus botamcal name, even though this has been superseded. ThecreePlng stems are covered With small, oval, dark green 1ea\l9S, and the Iive--Iobed, 12mm ()<lIn) wide, deep blue flowers appear from mid summer to early autumn Two vanebeS are widely avaIlable Heavenly 81ue' (deep blue) and Grace Ward (a beau~ful Intense blue) Height: 75-1Ocm (3-4In) Spread: 45-6Ocm (1 h-2ftJ Cultivation: Ughl. weil-drained, shghtly acid soil nch In leafmoukl or peat suits 1\ best, and a po5Ibon in full sun will ensure success Propagation; It IS !XII easy to Increase. the exact lime tor lalong the cutlingS belllg CrillCal. Take 4-6-5cm(1 }Y2~1n) long heel curungs after the first week In mid-summer Inser1lhem In boxes 01 equal parts peat and Sharp sand and place In a COld Irame Ensure that the compost does not become dry

""

R;ght Muscari armeniacum This stunmngly attractive blue bulbous plant for spnng colour deal for naturalizing under deciduous Shrubs or as a path edging IS a native of Turkey and the Caucasus

Below Ponlederia cordata This e~tchlng North Amencan water plant bnngs height and colour lall3ln summer EventuaHy tt forms a large dump W!lfJ pur,je-tiue IJOv.ers

1I1hodora diifusa can be used With other prostrate plants. such asHelianlhemum nurnmu/anum

Beech Park Scarret and the blue-purple Campanu/a {)Oftensch/aglana

Muscarl armenlacum IS a superb companton tor Primroses and polyanthus Anemone blanda can be

added to thiS trio, al1d they can all be set like a multl<Oloured rull around a spring-flowenng tree

Muscari armeniacum Grape Hyacinth (UK and USA) In spnng, this well-known hardy bulb has the heads of its stems ifghtly clustered wllh bell-hke, azure­~ue to deep pu rple-~ue flowers, whICh have wMlsh nms to thejr mouths The narrow dark green leaves tend to spread and separate as the flowers appear Several forms are aval~bIe, such as Cantab' (pale sky ~ue),Heavenly Blue (bright ~ue) and Blue SPike (double and mld·~ue) It IS ideal for planting In Large dnfts under shrubs or In line grass. When planted In a rock garden. It needs careful watching as it can soon spread and dominate choICe pjants Height: 18·23cm (7·9m) Spread : lD-l3cm (4·5m) Cultivation; Any wel-dralned garden soli In full sun SUitS it During late summer Ofearty autumn, plant r'tf!1W bulbs 7 Scm (3m) deep Propagation; It otten spreacls QUite easily by self-sown seedlings Alternatrvely. large clumps can be hlted and dMded when the leaves are yellOWing Replanllhem Immediately

Pontederia cordata PICkerel Weed (UK and USA)

ThiS IS a hardy and vigorous herbaceous perennial tor the edge of a garden pool, In water up to 23cm (9In) deep The glossy, deep green heart-shaped leavesare borne on stili, long. upnght stems, W1th 5-tOcm (2-4In) long heads of purple-~ue flowers during late summer arid InlO early autumn. Height: 45·7Scm (1)i;,-2J021t) Spread: 30-45cm (1-1 )tit) Cultivation: RICh, fibrous loam and a sunny poSjtlon are needed, w,1t1 the rh,zomes covered by several inches of water Planting IS best done dUring Late spring or early summer Propagation: It IS best Increased by lifting and dlVldll"lQ the rhizomes In Late spnng Take care that they do not dry out Also, make sure that the roots are submerged deeply unlJl the plants are established

Pontederia cordata IS Ideal torthe side of a formal pool. where ItS foliage spills out over the edges, soltenlng and blending the structured elements with the pool

and creating a brrght splash 01 colour

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ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

Primula denliculata Drumstick Primula Drumstick Primrose (UK)

This popular hardy pnmula producesadramatlcgardendlsplay. The pa!e-green lance-shaped leaves form a compact rosette at its base, while during spring and Into early summer the siems bear S-7'Scm (2·3In) wide globular flower heads in colours ranging from deep purple to deep lilac and carmine. A white form 'Alba' is also availabje. while 'Ruby' IS rose-purpje. Height: 23-3Ocm (9-12In) Spread: 20-25cm (8-lOin) Cutlivation: Moisture-relentlve loam,

Above Primula denliculala ThIS IS the well-known DrumstICk Pn'mula, with globular heads of flowers dun'ng spnng and Into early summer. It is an excellenl and reliable plant for beginners to gardening and seldom fails to attract attention.

enrk:hed with leafmoukJ, and a lighny shaded site are ideal. Propagation; Sow seeds In mid­summer In pots of loam-based compost and place them in a cold frame, When they are large enough to handJe, prick out the seedlll1gs into boxes of compost and plant them out Into the garden In autumn

;; 3 Ii

Primula vialii A distinctive outdoor primula, th iS species has a rosette of large pale green narrow ~nce-shaped leaves and 7·5-13cm (3-5in) Iong, !Xlker-like, dense s~kes of slightly scented, lavender-blue flowers dUring mid-summer. Height 20-3Ocm (8-12in) Spread: 23-3Ocm (9-12in) CUltivation: MOisture-retentive fertile soil and lig ht shade suit it. The soil must not dry out during summer, but at the same time should never be waterlogged Propagation: Established plants can be diVIded and replanted directly after the flowers havefaded, However, it is often better to sow seeds in summer in loam-based compost and place them in a cold frame. Shade the boxes and subsequent seedlings from strong sunlight. When they are large enough to handle, prick oN the seedlings Into boxes and replace them In the cold frame Plant them out into the garden in spring.

Righi Primula vialii ThiS beautiful Chinese primula bears ooker-/lke spikes of sJif;htly-scented lavender-blue flowers m mid­summer When planted in a large dnll, perhaps at the side of an mformal garden pool, It is a stunmng sight in f/owe~

Puschkinia scilloides (Puschkinia libanolica P. sicula . Adamsla scilloides) Striped Sauill (UK)

ThiS exceptionally attractive small hardy bulb suits many Sites in the garden. from naturalizing in low. fine grass to planting in rock gardens or alongside narrow borders al the bases of walls The mld-green, strap-like leaves are surmounted by arching Siems, bearing up to SIX, Si lvery-blue, ~I-shaped , 12mm (~in) long flowers during spring', Height: t3-2Ocm (5-8in) Spread: 7 5-1Ocm (3-41n) Cultivation: Any light garden soi l and a position in sun or partia l shade

Primula denticulata IS an amenable plant that mingles happily With many other spring-flowering types, such as Anemone blanda. the Grape Hyacinth (Muscan'

armeniacum). Daffooils and Primroses

Primula vialii needs careful positioning in a garden, as Its distlncllve flowers are best not forced to compete

With other low-growing plants. It is best g iven a bed or corner to itself,

assure success. Plant the bulbs in autumn, 5cm (2in) deep. and leave them where they are lor many years. Propagation: Alter flowenng and when the foliage has died down. lift and divide congested clumps. Removeanddry the 00100, reDianting them in autumn.

Right Puschkinia scilloides This attractIVe bulbous plant proouces silvery-blue flowers in spring on arching stems. It tolerates sun or partial shade, and. once planted, can be left undisturbed lor many years

Puschkinia scilloides displays such soft-coloured flowers that they can be blended With many other rock

garden plants. The Vivid mauve flowers of Vk)/a /abradonca are h~hlighted by puschklnia's lIowers.

Above Ramonda myconi A distinctIVe a/pine plant that prefers not to have moisture covering its leaves, Ramonda is therefore often happier planted at a slight angle on a slope or between rocks. where It will freely produce liS blue flowers

Ramonda myconi (Ramonda pyrenalca)

A hardy, dainty-flowered. rosette­forming rock-garden plant with evergreen, deep green, crrnkled and rusty-haired leaves. The 2'5-4cm (1-1 )o2in) wide, lavender-blue flowers with golden stamens are borne in late spring. several to a stem. Height: tG-l5cm (4-6in) Spread: 20-25cm (8-10In) Cultivation: Wel l-drarned leafmould­ennched garden soil and a cool poSItion on the north SIde of a slope suit It best. Do not allow the soil to dry out. It IS also good for plantmg in rock crevices or between peat blocks. Propagation: DUring autu mn or early spring, sow seeds in a tray 01 a loam-based compost and place II in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into small pots and replace them In the frame Pfant them out Into the garden when they are wel l establ ished. Alternatively, take leaf-cuttlngs In mid-summer. They take about SIX weeks to produce roots. Pot up immediately

Ramonda myconi. with its wrtnkled rusty-coloured leaves and blue fiowers, IS so distinctive that il is best

g iven plenty of space to reveal itself. A background 01 washed shingle helps to show tl all even better

ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

r=

Above: Rhododendron 'Blue Tif This dwarf dome-shaped evergreen shrub has funnel-shaped lavender­blue flowers thaI darken WIth age. It IS ideal for a rock garden, creallng helghl and dramatIC colour In lale spring and early summer

Rhododendron 'Blue Tif A hardy and reliable smalHeaved evergreen dwari rhododendron tor a rock garden, peat bank or heather garden. It forms a dense, fOunded shrub with smailiunnel-shaped lavender-blue flowers at the "PS of the branches during late spring and Into early summer As the flowers age, they become dark blue Height: 90cm (3h) Spread: 9Ocm-12m (3-4ft) Cultivation: Moisture-reten tive acid soil in lighl shade under trees IS best To keep the soil mOist, mulch the surface with well-decomlX)sed compost In spring Propagation: Alter flowering, take cuttings 01 young shoots With heels and insert them In pots 01 peaty compost. Place them In a cold frame and grow on until ready for planting out in the garden.

Scilla sibirica Sibenan Squill (UK and USA)

This popular, hardy, spnng-lIowering bulbous plant has wide, dark. green, strap-shaped leaves, which appear in spring These are followed by

Above Scilla sibirica 'Spring Beauty' These vIvid-blue fJowers appear m spring, dell9hllng in moist but well-dram¢ soil in a wild garden or boggy area around a POnd They can grow beneath shrubs

several stems, each bearing two to five bri ll iant blue, nodding, bell­shaped ftowers The blue is so dominant that If often appears to overwhelm other plants It is the tormSpring Beauty' (often known as Atrocaerulea'), With deep blue fiowers, that ismost freQuent1yseen. Height 13-15cm (5-6m) Spread: 7 5-1Ocm (3-4m) Cultivation: Well-dra lned but moist soil in fu ll sun or slight shade suits 11. Set the bulbs 5-75cm (2-3In) deep m late summer. Propagation: Established clumps can be lifted and diVKled in autumn, otherwise they are best lett alone

Rig ht Rhododendron "Slue Star ' This dommanrly coloured dwarf rhododendron creates a bold display Several other vanetles are noted for thel( flowers, too. including Blue Diamond' with Clusters of rich lavender-purple flowers in spnng. It IS slowgrowing and only 1m (3v.It) high

-

Right Scilla tubergeniana Although Its c%Uf/ng IS notso stnkmg as Scilla sibinca, It does form a soil-covering mass of COlour and is ideal tor plantmg in rock gardens or under deciduous shrubs, where It bnngs early colour

Many other blue-flowered rhododendrons can be used m small gardens, such as 'Slue Diamond

(lavender-blue), Blue Chip (bnlliant blue) Praecox (rose-purple) and 'Samt Merryn' ( intense blue)

Scilla sibirica IS superb for planttng under Oaphne mezereum Alba' or among the lilac-fiowered

carpet provided by a mass planting of the diminutive Violet Cress (/onopsrdum acaule),

Scilla lubergeniana

This anractJVe hardy bulbQus plant trom North-west Iran displays lIS pale blue or white llowers in earty spring AI first, the flowers are bell·like. bUllater they fianen amKl wide s!rap-like glossy bright green leaves In addition to thiS

SpecIeS and Sctlla SJblrica. the 23<3Ocm (9-12m) high Cuban Lily (SC/lla pertMana) IS well worth growing In the border. DUring early summer. thIS SCIlla bears crowded heads of attractive, star· shaped blue flowers Height: 75-1Ocm (3·4in) Spread: 75-1Ocm (3·4In) Cultivation: MOist but YJeIl-dralned soli in full sun or light shade SUIIS It best Plant The bulbs 75cm (3In) deep In late summer Propagation: Congested clumps can be lifted and dMded in autumn. Alternatively, II can be raised from seed but lhls takesuptoflveyearsto produce tIowering-Slzed plants

Above Sisyrlnchium bennudianum ThIS IS a beaU/ltul {)Ian/lOT a rod; garden. where 1/ readily Increases Ilse1f by seIf·sown seedlings which grow in the gaps between paving Stones, as welles other inhOspItable places in (he garden

Sisyrinchium bermudianum B/ue-eyed Grass (UK and USA)

A hardy member of the lOS family. With Sbll and erect narrowgr8Yilreen leaves and brarx:hed stems At their tiPS, the stems bear 12mm min) wide. star-shaped, satin-blue, yellow­centred !lowers from early summer until late autumn. It IS best grown in a rock garden. Height: 2D-2Scm (8-lOm) Spread: 15-23cm (6-9in) Cultivation: Well-dralned, humus­ennched garden SOIl and a sunny poSItIOn ensure success. In autumn, cut all dead IeaYeS and flowered stems Propagation: It tends to readily Increase IIse/I by seed. and these seeds can be gathered and potted up for plantmg out at a later stage when bener developed Bong them on in a cok:l lrame and set them oul In the garden when they are growing strongly.

Scilla tubergiana has sUbtly cOloured 3owers, and can be mIXed With other small bulbs. like the 'Nintar Aconite (Eramhls hyemaJis) and Snowdrop (Galamhus nrvallS), withOut bemg dominated by or overwhelming them

Sisyrinchlum bntchypus is another delrghtful specres, With 18mm (loin) Wide, star-shaped yellOw !lowers.

borne from early summer onwards on relatJvely low plants. only 1Scm (6In) high

"

ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

I Tecophilaea cyanocrocus Chilean Crocus (UK and USA) This beautiful, crocus-like, South American bulbous plant is not fully hardy in temperate regions, but is well worth growing lor its gorgeous 4cm (I)2ln) long flowers, with deep blue to pUrple petals and while throats. whiCh appear In spnng Height lo-13cm (4-5m) Spread: 13-I5cm (S-6mJ Cultivation: In ItS natIVe Chlle. II grows on stony. well-dr3lned slopes In the garden, therefore. rt needs well-dramed sandy soil, and a warm andsunnyposmon 'tgrcmsoutdoors only In mild areas, free from severe frost In weI climates it needs protectoo wah cloches during WInter, Plant the corms in mid-autumn. Propagation: It is not easily Increased and usually the plants produce few cormiets, When grown in a cool greenhouse, the plants can be removed from the pots In autumn and the carmlets paned up

Veronica teucrium This hardy alpme veronICa forms a clump of upright stems bearing mid todark green, loothed lance-shaped leaves, with 5-7'5cm (2-3in) lOng SPlk.es 01 sky blue flowers during mOSl 01 summer Several cultivated vanetleS are available, which are loWer grOWIng than the onglnal specIeS these mclude Trehane (gOlden-yellow leaves and pale blue !Iowers),Shlr\ey Blue' (deep blue !lowers) and 'Rosea' (rose-pmk. !lowers and only 15cm (6In) high), Height 23-38cm (9-15In) Spread: 45-6Ocm (1~-2ft) Cultivation: Ordinary well-dralned garden SOil and a sunny poSltk>n are essenMI lor conlinued success Propagation: Dunng spnng, lift and dIVIde large clumps, Alternatwely, tak.e cunlngs from mid to late summer and Inserllhem m pots of equal pans peat and sharp sand When they are rooted, pot up the curungs and overwinter them In a COld Irame before planting them out )n the garden

Above Tecophila&a eyanocrocus A IOwgrowlng rock garden plant lhallhrives in a wefl-drained, sheltered and warm poSJlion, Excesswe mOisture in Winter will harm 1/ The nchIy-coIoured crocus­like flOwers appear in $piing

•

Below· Veronica leuerlum 'Trehane' ThIS beaullful rock garden plant has gok:Jen-yeliow leaves, and bears spres o( pale blue flOwers dunng most of summer. fts foIl89El blends well With rocks, harmontzmg With the colour of the stone

Tecophilaea cyanocrocus IS a warmth-loving bulb that does wel l in Sltuallons Similar to those needed by the lender South Afncan nennes and the beaullful Algerian

Veronica teucrium IS deal for planting at the Iront of borders as well as rock gardens, especially mIXed With yellow and while flOwers. In a rock garden It blends well With the lemon-yellow Hypencum oIym{JICum 'Crtnnum Iris (Ins ungUlculans), also k.nown as Ins sty/osa

Above; Viola cornu!a This beautiful hardy vIOla IS Id&JI for weII-<1ramed but mOtst and fertile SOIls m sun or Shflht shade. ft is perfecl for bringing colour to paTh edges or In rock gardens. There is also a white-flowered form

Viola comuta Homed Violet (UK and USA)

A reliable, lusty and robust violet from the Pyrenees, the Horned Violet bears lavender or violet­coloured !lowers thai provide early or mid-summer colour. The 2 Scm (lin) wide, spurred IIOwers are borne above the mld-green. oval leaves, whICh have rounded teeth, SeYeral forms are available, Including Minor' (lavender· blue), Jersey Gem' (blue-OUr'PeJ and :Alba' (wtute) Height: 10030cm (4-12in) Spread: 30-38cm (12-1SIn) CultIvation: Fertile, well-<lrained but moist soil In full sun or shght shade suits it best. PICk off dead flowers to encourage the development of further blooms Propagation: DUring spring or summer, sow seeds 6mm (}{in) deep In a prepared seedbed outdoors When they are large enough to handle, ttlln the seedlings to 2S-3Ocm (10-12,n) apart In autumn, transfer them to their flowering DOSItiOns.

Further plants to consider

Meconopsis betooicifolia (Macono~s balleyi) Himalayan Blue Poppy (UK)' Blue PoPW (USA) HelghI 9Ocm·l-Sm [3-SII) Spread 45cm (1~1I) A distinctive hardy herbaceous perennial for a moist, shaded area, prOOUClng 6 5-7 Scm (2~-3In) wide. sky ~ue flowers durrng mid-summer

Meconopsis grandis Hetght: 45-6Ocm (IMo-2ft) Spread 45cm (l n ft) A hardy herbaceous perennial/or a mOISt and lightly-shaded area beanng 10013cm (4-SlnlWlde, nch ~ue to purplellowersdunng early summer

Meconopsis quintuplinervia Harebell Poppy (UK and USA) Height 23-3Ocm (9-121n) Spread 3Q-38cm ( i 2-1Sin) A spreading dwari perennial, with mld-{lreen leaves and Scm (2in) wide, nodding, lavender-blue or purple "owers during early summer

Mertensla vlrg lnlca Virginian CowsliP (UK) Bluebells Virginia Bluebell Virglnl8 CoWSliP Roanoke-bells (USA) Hetght 3O-6Ocm (I-2ft) Spread 4Scm (!Mt) A hardy herbaceous perennial Wl\h ~ue-grey. lance-shaped leaves and pendulous clusters 0/ purple-blue flOwers In early summer

Omphalodes verna Blue-eyed Mary (UK) CreePing Forge/·me-not (USA) H61ght. 13-15cm (S-6in) Spread 3O-38cm (12-1S,nJ A spreading herbaceous perenmal for a rock garden or woodland From eariy spnng to early summer, lI bears white-throated, bng ht ~ue flowers, 12mm (~in) wide

Primula jutiae Height 7 5-1Ocm (3-4in) Spread 25-3Oc:m (10-102in) A dellQhtlul mat-forming pnmula With yeUow-eyed. 18mm (}lin) WIde reddISh-purple IIowers In spnng and early summer

Primula marginata Hetght 10-13cm (4-5In) Spread 20-25cm (8-1OIn) A beauliful alpme primula with grey-green, Sllver-edged leaves and numerous heads of !8-2Smm (~-lm) wide, fragrant, lavender-blue flowers in spring The lorm ·Linda Pope has deep lavender-blue lIowers.

Pulsatilla yulgaris (Anemone pulsatilla) PaSQue Flower (UK and USA) Hetght 25·3Ocm (10-121n) Spread 30-38cm (12-15in) A beautiful and highly memorable hardy herbaceous perennial With mld-green, fern-llke leaves and 5-7 Scm (2-3m) WIde, cup-shaped. purple flowers WIth bright centres dunng spnng and early summer

Viola cornuta IS robust enough to be set al the front 01 a border With a backing of white "owers Alternatively,

DOSItlQn It in a rock garden, where It can trail over the rocks and merge With other plants

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CHAPTER THREE - .-

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CONTAINt:R GARDt:NING

Once the spnng-flowering bulbs burst Into bloom it is possible to believe that spring has really begun and that Nature is not

going to play any perverse tricks Although a slight frost is s\11I possible In late spring, bulbs appear to withstand a few degrees of below-freezing temperatures without coming to any harm

Bulbs for spnng diSplays are often sok:! in ready-to-plant mixtures that Includedominant blues as well as colour contrasts in yellow and white SelectIOns for window-boxes and troughs Include blue Grape Hyacinths, yellow Crocus chrysamhus, red dwarf Species tulips and pink hyaCinths. For urns and tubs, where extra height is acceptable, you might choose blue hyaCinths, yellow NarciSSUS cyclamineus 'February Gold', the Darwin Hybrid tul ip 'Apeldoorn' (about 60cm (2ft) high with rich red flowers), blue Grape HyaCinths and blue crocuses

In large tubs a relatively flat spnng display looks best, so try polyanthus with the bright blue Grape HyaCinth. Set the polyanthus m a clfcle towards the outside of the tub, with the centre reserved for a random mixture of Grape HyaCinths and polyanthus. This combinatIOn looks stunning poSItioned against a whlte~loured wall in full sun. For extra height plant blue Forget-ma.nots Interspersed with white narciSSI. You could also buy a large herb or strawberry-growlng POt. which has cup-like holes around the outside, and plant a living picture of crocuses at the sides with a hyacinth and several crocuses althe top.

In window-boxes and troughs a montage of small white species tulips, blue Grape Hyacinths and a small-leaved variegated IVY is appealing Another attractive combination is blue stocks, white Marguerites and the silver-leaved Senecio ocalor

Containers can look superb filled With single plants of one hue. rather than a mixture of colours and flowers Examples Include a white urn planted With Grape HyaCinths, agapanthus in a wooden barrel, and violas In large-topped weathered contamers When planting only one species It is essentralto give thought to the style of the container, as both will be competing for attention and they must be In harmony

Left· Petunias are Ideal In contamers, smot/Jeflrt} the surface With flower heads. Remove dead flower heads regularly to ensure a continuing display throughout summer

"

CONTAINER GARDENING

Above Agapanlhu5 campanulalus This is a beaU/lful plant for the garden as well as in large containers, where II Quickly forms a strongly­coloured focal pOm!

Agapanthus campanulatus Afncan Lily (UK)

ThIS fleshv-rOOled nearly hardy herbaceous plant trom Natal has mld-green, sword-like leaves that

anse from liS base DUring lale summar, II reveals pale ~ue flowers In crowded, rounded heads, bOrne 81 the tops of long, stiff stems atx;lYe the foliage Severa! varietIeS e)(tend the colour range from white 10 amethyst. ISIS has large heads of lavender-blue Howers. Although not lully hardy, illS Ideal for a large tub Ofl a warm and sheltered patIO. preferably lacing south or west. H eight: 6O-75cm (2-2}<ift) Spread: 38-45cm (15-18In)

•

CulUvation: Welf.dramed, fertile SOIl and a sheltered sunny posltlOn SUit 11 Spnng is the besl llme to set the plants out In the open SOil YOU Should cover the crowns with Scm (2in) 01 soil. In conta iners, use a Iree-dralning, loam-based composl Alter flowering, cut the stems down to SOIl-level and cover the base 01 the plant with straw, bracken or peaty compost Plants In containers are best placed In a cold, frost-Iree greenhouse dunng Winter boTh to prOTecT The crowns from Irost and 10 preventthecompostfrom becoming 100 wet. PrQP8gation: The eaSjest method IS to lilt and divide congested clumps In mid to rate spring Take care not to damage the roots

Convolvulus tricolor (Convolvulus minor)

This beau~ful hardy bushy annual Irom Southern Europe has dark green wide lance-shaped leaves and I'ICh blue trumpet-shaped 4cm (1~ln) wide flowers With yellOw or while throats lrom mid to late summer Several superb vanetles are ava'iable, including 'Blue Flash' at23cm (9in) high with brrlliant blue flowers With star-like white and yellow centres, and 'Royal EnSlgn With a trailing habit and deep blue flowers displaying yellow and white centres The shortervanelleS Include RainboYl Flash' at 1Scm (6In) hrgh_ ThIS IS a new dwart hybnd In a WIde range 01 colours Including blue, purple, pmk and rose Height; 3O-38cm (12-t5In) Spread: 2-25cm (8-tOln) Cultivation; Ordinary well-dralneci ferti le garden soil and a sunny ~Ilon W its them. Select a ~tered position, and the taller-growlng types may require suppon Irom IwrggystK:ks Trese delightful plants are deal lor window-boxes and troughs, or at the Iroms 01 borders And of course they can also be grown In annual borders Propagation: When grown"iQ lor window-boxes or the fronts 01 borders sowseedSlneartyspnngIn polS 01 loam-based compost at

Agapanthus campanulalus needs a large container al l to itself-do not try mixing it w ith bulbous plants.

These are best planted In separate containers and stood around the agapanthus

Convolvulus tricolor brtngs a dist inctive bnghtness to borders, happrly blending with many annuals such as French and African Marigokjs (Tageles

erecta and T (Ja/ula)

"

15°C (59°F) When they are large enough to handle, pr;ck out the seedlings into boxes of loam-based compost and harden them 011 In a cok:l frame Plant them out when atl nsk Of frost has passed A/!ernauvety oow seeds In late SPring where the plants are to flower, 12mm (hln) deep When large enough to handle, thin lhe seedlings 10 23cm (9In) apan For larger plants, oow seeds under cloches during late summer

Right Convolvulus tricolor 'Rainbow Flash' ThIS dwarf hybrid produces bright new flowers each morning, and IS Ideal for WindOw-boxes. tubs and /roughs Other lIarielJes are a good choice for annual and mixed borders

Felicia bergeriana Kingfisher DaiSY (UK and USA) ThiS stunntngly anracnve half-hardy annual has a mat-lormlflQ habit and grey, hairy, lance-shaped Jeaves The 18mm (~In) wlCle, steel-blue flowers with gold centres appear from mid to late summer It is ideal for growtng in containers, such as tubs, troughs and window-boxes, as wei as for POStltOf1.Ing as an edg.ng to paths or tn a rock garden Height: t5cm (6in) Spread: 15-2Ocm (6-8In) Cultivation: Well-drained garden SOil and a sheltered ~lIon In ful l sun SUits It. When grown In containers use a well-dralned loam-based compost. Propagation: From early to mlCl­spnng sow seeds thinly In POlS 01 loam-based seed compost att5°C (59°F). Pnck out the seedlings Into boxes of loam-based compost and harden them 011 In a cold frame. Set the plants out In the garden or In cOf'1 tainers dUfll19 late spring, after all fISk of frost has passed

Righi Felicia bergeriana Thl$l$ an eye-catchlTlfJ half-hardy annual Kieal for gfOWlng m con­lamers. as a path edging or m a rock gan:Jen It is a South Afncan f)lant Ihal reqUires a sheltered and warm positIOn

Felicia bergeriana IS neal and dwar1, makmg II surtable for IOOUSIOn In a poloourn 01 bright annuals In

containers. These plants look besl when viewed from above, 00 do nol plant them In high Window-boxes

"

CONTAINER GARDENING

C Hyacinthus oriental is Common Hyacmrh Garden Hyacintn (UK) Hyacinth Dutch Hyacinth Common Hyacinth (USA)

These beautifully-scented bulbs are 9Qua'~ at home whether in spnng bedding schemes or In raised bedS. tubs. troughs and window-boxes The True SpeclBS IS no longer generalty grown and therefore II IS the larger-Ilowered Dutch Hyacinths that are commonly seen, These have elegant, scented, 10-15cm (4-6m) high spires of wax-like flowers In a wide range of colours, Including blue Height: 15-23cm (6-9inJ Spread; 10-15cm (4-6mJ Cultivation: Light. weJl-drained but rn04sture-retentIVe soi1 SUits ii, and when grown In a garden the bulbs can be selin position, 13-1Scm (5-6m) deep in autumn ThiS IS usuallydone after summer-fk:r.Nenng plants have been removed Irom the border or contall'le( The bulbs afe leflln IX)Smon until after they flower then Imad and fe-planted In an out-of-the-way poSihon where they can be lett ur'ldlsturbed to Hower dunng the follOWing and SUccessive years When grown In containers, use a loam-based compost, sett ing the bulbs t3·15cm (5-6InJ deep and the same distance apart.· Ptant the bulbs dunng autumn. When grown In small-area containers WlndOW­txlxes and troughs-lake care to ensure that the compost does not become totally saturated With water and then freeze for long perIOds dUring winter. large rubs usually need less care and attenoon. After flowenng, the bulbs can be lifted and planted among shrubs Propagation: Although hyacinths can be raised from seeds, they take up to $I_ years 10 produce flowenng-51Zed bulbs by IhiS melh<xJ and even then Iarge·fIowered types do nol always come true IllS therefore much eaSIer to buy IIowenng-saed bulbs each year Make sure you buy your bulbs from a reputable suppler who can guarantee lhelf Quality

Above Hyacinthus orienlalis The fragrance and cokJurs of these Dowers can be bener appreciated when they are grown m contamers or raised beds Such beds are easily mSlntamed by gardeners who are m wheelchairs or have mfirmilles Ihal prevent them from bending. SuI lake care not to make the beds too WIde or the wrong hetght

left Hyacinlhus orienlal is ·Oslars' ThIS IS a deep purple-blue hyacmth that produces a dense sea of colour In borders or conlalf~rs It also gives off a wonderful scent

Hyacinlhus orienta'is can be mixed With many other bulbs, such as Grape HyaCinths, species tulIPS and

yellow crocuses Another combination IS blue crocuses, Grape HyaCinths. specieS tuhps and Narcissus

C)<:/ammeusFebruary Gold'

-

Lobelia erinus Edging LobeJ/8 (USA)

This well-known rehable border edging and contall)9r plant IS a hall-hardy perennlallnvanably grown as a hall-hardy annual. 1\ has light green leaves. With masses of 6mm {4In} wide pale blue or while flowers from earty summer to the frosts 01 aUlumn. There are oolh traihng and compact border edging vaneties, In a range 01 colours The border­edging compact types Include Cambrdge Blue (pale blue), Crystal Palace-(darkblue)and MrsClibran (bolhant blue) Tralllllg types Include

Blue Cascade' (cambridge blue) and Sapphire (brilliant blue), Some vaneues, such as Colour Cascade Mixed reveal flowers in shades 01 blue, mauve, red and rose Height: 10-23cm {4-9m} Spread: 10-1Scm (4-6in) Cultivation: Fenlle, mOIst garden SOIl In a sheltered and sunny posrtJOn tn light Shade SUIIS It In containers use well-dralned Ioam­based compost Propagation: Dunng late wmter and early SPring, sow seeds thinly and shallowfy In pots of loam-based compost at 15°C (59°F), As soon as the seedlings can be handled

• -

Above Lobelia erinus These are mdispensabJe haff-hardy annuals lor both contamefS and If Ie garden When groWIng them m cOn/8Iners, take care that the composl does not dry out dunng summfJf, especially when in shallow ums that hOld relaltve/y small amounts of compost

pnck them out Into ooxes of loam-based compost and harden them off In a cold frame Move the pjants to the garden when all nsk 01 frost is over. To create an Instant display 01 colour, plantlobellas In pots In a greenhouse

lobelia erinus blends With a wealth 01 other plants A happy combination lor containers IS the pink-flowered fibrous-rooted 8egoflla semperflorens 'Pink A..elanche

and Lobeil8 ennusCambndge Blue

Lobelia erinu$ IS a good bed-Ienow for gerariums In both containers and borders. Try pink pelargonlums

With dark bfue Iobelta, or light or dark bfue Iobelta with French Marigolds (Tagetes pa/ula) that dISPlay

slrong rich colours

"

Above Myosotis alpestris 'Ultramarine'

•

The deep blue flowers of this Forger-me-nor form a dense, low carpet it IS ideal for bnngmg colour to a rock garden or 'or planling In combmalion WIth S()fIng-ffovvenng yellow or orange bulbs.

Myosolis alpeslris (Myosotls ruplCola/Myosolls sylvallCa alpestns) Forge/-rne-not (UK) Forge/-rne-not Scorf)lOO Grass (USA)

ThiS well-known hardy perennial, best treated as a hardy bf8nmal, IS Ideal for planting In a container, a rock garden or a bed with SPrlng­IIowenng bulbs where II forms a dense blanket of fragrant azure-blue flowers from late spnng to mid­summer. Several exclling forms are available, including 'Ultramarine' (deep blue) and Blue Ball' (riCh Inchgo-blue). Height: 1D-2Ocm (4-BIn) Spread: 15-23cm (6-9m) Cultivation: Moderately fertile well­drained but mOisture-retentive SOil In light shade IS best Propagation: DUring mid-summer, sew seeds 6mm ()::in) deep In a well-prepared seedbed When they are large enough to handle, plant out the seedlings 15cm (61n) apart In nursery rows. If Originally sown thinly they can Just be thinned to 1Scm (61n) apart, Keep the rows weeded and In autumn plant out Into their fIowenng POSItIOns

, --------~----------------~

Right: M}"MOtJI.1peIb1I ThiS half-hardy annual is Just as good In contamers as In a border. perha{)lS. an edging. Even on its own tr Cffi8tes a dense splash 01 • COlour early In the year:

Myosotis alpestris can form an ideal low edging to beds, with a centre pjanting 01 the hlgher-growing

{3Ocm/lftJ Myosolls SyfYa/1Ca 'Blue Bird' and yellow or hght orange tuhps

- •

Further plants to consider

Campan .... la lsophylla IlslJsn Belli/ower Slar of Italy (UK) Italian Bellflower Failing Stars Star of Bethlehem (USA) Height 1Scm (6in) Spread 45-6Ocm (1~-2ft) A tfailing dwart perennial, often used Indoors as a house plant but hardy outside In hanging baskets In m~der. sunny gardens The heart-shaped mldijreen leaves are borne amid a mass of tangled trailing stems. With 2 Scm (lin) wide star-shaped blue flowers appearing In late summer and Into autumn

Crocus chrysanthus He.ghl" 7 Scm (3In) Spread 6 Scm (2)2ln) ThIS dellQhlful spring-flowenng bulb bnngs colour to containers as well as 10 rock gardens. The SpecIeS type IS golden-yeHow, but there are several blue or mauve forms. such as 'Blue Pearl' (pale blue on the outside, white Within), 'Lady Kil ler' (purple-blue, edged while) and Princess Beatri)(' (cloor blue With a yellow base),

Crocus lIomus (Crocus neapohtanus) DulCh Crocus (USA) HEtlQht 10013cm (4-Sln) Spreaj 7 Scm (3In) ThIS spnng-flowenng bulb IS the parent of the large Dutch crocuses wldety seen In gardens and containers Blue, mauve and purple forms IncludeOueen of the BlueS (lavender-blue), Negro Boy (deep reddish-purple) and Purpureus GrancflflOrus (purphsh-blue)

Exacum aHine Persl8n Violet (UK) German Violet/Persian Violet (USA) Height 23,3Ocm (9-12inJ Spread' 20-2Scm (8-1011"0) Allhough usually grown as a ~anl for the home, in mikler areas It can be used In containers on warm paliOS and terraces, From mid to late summer II displays fragrant. saucer-shaped 12-18mm O~-l:ln) wide purple flowers WIth yellow stamens

Fuchsia magellanica 'PumHa' HelQht 15-2Ocm (6-8In) Spread 2S-3Ocm (10-12In) ThiS dwarf but spreading form 01 the hardy fuchSIa IS dainty and small enough for tubs, where It reveals red and purple IIowers from mid 10 late summer and often InlO autumn

Petunia It hybrlda Common Garden Petuma (USA) Height 2S-38cm (1O-ISm) Spread 30-38cm (12-1Sln) A half-hardy perennial besl grown asa half-hardy annual, and used in contalflers as well as for bedding schemes In the garden The large trumpet-shaped flowers from mid to late summer and often into autumn are available In a wide colour range. Iflcludmg mauve and blue Among these are RestSto Blue (mid-blue), Polaris' (deep blue With a white star), Blue Frost (deep VIOlet-blue wllh a pure white edge) and Blue 8eddef (blue) There are also many vanelles WIth milled colours, Including blue, VIOlet and mauve

Myosotls alpeslris also looks splendid when planted in a spring-flowering bedding display With creamy-yellow tulips and an occasional edging tuft

01 the Iemon-gOld Alyssum sa)(atlleCilrinum ,

"

CHAPTER FOUR ; a:: s

WALL AND TRt:LLIS fILLt:KS

If sparkling linset highlights Christmas trees, then the garden equivalent for a trellis or pergola must be clematis, an extensive

and vaned group of climbers with flowers in many colours, including blue, mauve and purple It is usually the large-flowered forms that are grown and one althe best is Clematis x jackmanl/, with violet-purple flowers from mid-summer 10 autumn. This is especially anracllve when grown with Rosa 'Mermaid , which has a rambling growth habit and large. smgle. sulphur-yellow flowers with deep amber stamens. Alternatively, this clematis looks splendid trained on a SQulMacing wall with a deep pink hydrangea al its base to create extra colour and provide a cool area of soil beneath for the rools of the clematis.

Clema/ls macropetaJa is one of the best of all clemalls, with pendulous, double, light and dark blue flowers. II looks superb on a trellis, or scrambling out 01 a large and ornale container where It can merge with soft yellow llowers at the sides. Avoid strongly-coloured yellow plants as neighbours, since they may take on a dominant role Instead 01 a supporting one

When grown on a trellis, Clematis macropersls harmonizes with Common White Jasmine, Jssmlnum officinale_ which produces a tangled mass of heavily-scented pnmrose-shaped white flowers from mid to lale summer and often Into autumn

Laythyrus odorarus, the annual Sweet Pea chen shed by flower arrangers, is a delight from mid to late summer, with Its fragrant, hlghly-coloured flowers. It can be grown against a wall or up a tripod of canes and potes in a mixed border, where it provides a colourtul focal point at eye level over a long period of time, Varieties worth considering include 'Larkspur' (pale blue), 'Noel Sutton' (deep rich mid-blue), Blue Danube' (deep mid-blue), -Evensong' (soft blue). Blue Mantle (deep VlOlet-blue).The Doctor (mauve), Eclipse (deep mauve). Milestone (bnght velvety purple) and Royalisf (a beautiful rich purple)_

Heights and spreads given for the plants in thiS chapter should on ly be taken as gUides. If more space is available in one direction, the plant Will adapt its growth accordingly

Left_ The evergreen Ceanothus impressus grows besl against a warm wall, where It creates a dominant display of deep blue flowers In spnng

n

"

WALL AND TRELLIS FILLERS

Above: Abuilion vlliiolium This nearly-hardy shrub is a deJlQhl when set against a warm wall, where It will produce pale /0 deep mauve flowers in early and mid­summer It likes the shade and protOCIJOn afkxrJed by nearby plants.

Abulilon vilifolium Flowenng Maple ParlOr Maple /ndlBn Maple (USA)

This beautIful dOClduous shrub needs the protectIOn of a warm wall , and grows beslln milderclimales. 1t develops downy, grey. three or five-lobed, palm-like leaves, and SCm (2In) wide, pa~ to deep mauve flowers that open flat during early and mid-summer. The form 'VeronICa Tennant Pfoduces large Howe" Height: 2-4-Sm (8-15ft) Spread; I-S-21m (5-7ft) Cultivation: Well-dralned ordinary garden soil surlS It, choose a position in slight shade and against a warm south or west-lacing wall No regular pruning is needed. Propagation: It IS besl raised Irom seeds sown In mid-spnng In Ioam­based compost a116°C (Gt°F). When they are large enough to handle, pock out the seedlingS Into POlS of loam-based compost and place them in a COld frame Once the young plants are established, plant them oul into a nursery bed fo r a couple 01 years

Ceanolhus impressus Callfomsan Ulac (UK) Santa Barbara Ceanolhus (USA)

ThiS Impressive 6Y8rgreen shrub wrth a bushy ha~t IS best grown against a warm wall. In the open It IS not fully hardy. During spnng, it reveals clusters 01 deep blue flowers amid small deep green leaves With deeply impressed vems Helght 24-3m (8-1Oft) Spread: 1 8-2 4m (6-8ft) Cultivation: Ught, fertile SOIl and a south or west-laCing wall surt II best It tolerates limein the sad. No regular prunmg IS needed, other than initially shaPIng it when young . Propagation: Dunng late summer take half-npe cutungs 6 5-7 Scm (2~-3In) Iong,lnsenll"lg them In pots 01 equal pans peat and sharp sand Place them In a propagatIOn frame at 16°C (61°F) When the cuttings are rooted , pot them up InlO smaJi pots of loam-based compost, setting them out in lhe garden wilen they are well grown_

Above Ceanolhus impressus ThIS beautiful evergreen Califorman Ulac WIth small deep blue ffowers m spnng IS not fulty hardy and reqUires lhe pro/ecoon of a south or west­faCing waN. Ceanothus plants are natIVe 10 Norrh Amenca, and come mostly from califOrnia

Ceanolhus rigidus GalifomlBn U/ac (UK) Monlerey Ceanothus (USA)

ThiS beauhful half-Ilardy evergreen wall shrub has dlSlmctNe wedge­shaped dark green leaves and 18-25mm Cit-tin) long clusters 01 purple-blue flowers during spring It has a stili, upnght, compact growth Ilabit, Ideal for narrow or restncted areas Height: 18-3m (6-1Oft) Spread: 12-1 5m (4-5ft) Cultivation: Light, fertile soil and a warm wall faCing south or west ensuresuocess. No regular pruning is needed, other than shaping durir.g formative years.

Abolilon vilifofium IS superb with yeUow-fiowered shrubs and trees, such as the glonous bnght yellow

dalsy-like flowers of Senecio -Sunshine' and the sweetty-scented yellow broom GemSl8 Cinerea

Ceanolhus Impressus IS superb when positlOlled under a high WindOW or al the SIde 01 a lower one

Because of lIS neat. tJghl growth small late-winter and spnng-fiowenng bulbs can be set at liS base

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Ceanolhus rigidus is an excel lent panner for low growing yellow-flowered shrtJbs thai Will continue the

display into summer Potentillas with their long flowering period are KJeal for this purpose

Propagation: DUring late summer, take half-npe cuttings 6·5-7·5cm (2M--3in) long. insenlng them in pots of eq ual parts peat and sharp sand Place them in a propagation frame at 16°C (61°F). When the cuttings are rotted, pot them up into smal l potS at loam-based compost, planting them oulln the garden when they are well grown.

Left Ceanolhus rlgidus This half·hardy evergreen shrub IS ideal for a narrow. resm'cted area against a wall. IllS a native of North Amenca. and was first introduced mto England In 1847.

Ceanolhus Ihrysiflorus repens CAliforman Lilac (UK) Creeping Bluebiossom (USA)

This hardy, vigorous, mound­formmg evergreen shrub is ideal tor planting against a wall , where II creates a dense screen at small shiny green leaves and IlQht ~ue flowers in 75cm {3inJ long clusters dUring early summer This versatile shrub isalso sUitable for a large rock garden. Height: 1 2-15m (4-5ftJ Spread: 15-1 8m (5-6ftJ Cultivation: Light, ferti le soil and a south or wesHacing position are best. No regular pruning IS needed. other than an mitlal pruning dunng its formati ve years. Propagation: During late summer. take half-ripe cuttings 65-75cm (2}2-3In) long, mserting them in pots 01 eq ual parts peat and sharp sand Place them in a propagation frame at 16°C (61°F) When they are rooted, pot upthecuttlngs intosmall IXl!S of loam-based compost. and plant them in the garden when they are wel l g rown. Ensure the young plants are well established.

Left. Ceanothus Ihrysiflorus repens This hardy evergreen shrub IS Ideal for covenng walls. especldlly under Windows. It IS lower growlnr; than Ceanothus thryslflorus, whICh often reaches 3m (lOft) or more.

Ceanolhus Ihrysillorus repens creates a display of flowers at an earlier stage in ItS life than most

ceanothus spedes-often when only two years ok:l­so it is useful in new gardens or re-planned ones.

WALL AND TRELLIS FILLERS [ Clemaiis- Large­flowered Types These are some of the most spectacular and well-known of all climbers, producing a stunning display of large flowers during summer They are derived from severallarms, such as Ronda, Jackman!i, lanugmosa, patens, lexensis and vl/ice/la. They are superb for training over pergolas, trell ises or along wires tensioned against a wall. Most are Single forms, but a few have double flowers. They Include a wide range of colours, among which blue, mauve and purple can be found In the follOWing types: AHce Fisk' (mauve). 'Barbara Oibley' (pansy­viole!, with a carmine Slripe),BeIIe of Waking' (pale mauve, and double), G ipsy Queen {rich velvety violet-purple), Jackmanii Superba' {nch vio let-purple), Marcel Moser' (mauve. With a deep carmine bar). Mrs Cholmondely' [pale blue}, Percy Picton (In tense mauve, With

a pink eye), President also called The PresKlent -(deep purpje blue), Vy-iyan Pennell' (deep violet-blue) and 'Wil l~m Kennel (lavender-blue) Height: 1 2-3m (4-1011] Spread: 75cm-18m (2~- 6f1)

Cultivation: Slightly alkal ine lemle well-dralned soil and an open and sunny IXlsinon suit it, but the roots must be shaded from strong sunlight and you m ust not allow the SOil to become dry during summer LOloll-9rowing plants, as well as shrubs, can be IXlSltioned to keep the roots shaded and cool Propagation: They root readi ly from lo-13cm (4-5in) long slem cu\1 lngs taken In mid-summer and inserted in !Xlts 01 equal parts peat and sharp sand, kepi at 16°C (6tOF) When the cuttings are rooled, pot them up singly into 7 5cm (3in) !XltS of loam-based com!Xlst and place them In a cold frame during winter Transfer the cumngs to larger pots In spring or summer and pjant them out mlo the garden m autumn, Alter­nalively, new plants can be obtained by layering low shoots In spring; they Will root wllhin a year or so

Clematis are eaSi ly trained up supports, as they hang by Ihelf leaves Each leaf is fo rmed of several

leaflets held on long stalks, and it IS these that secure the shoots In posmon

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Above Clematis 'Alice Fisk' This eye-catching clema/fs, which produces an abundance of large blooms, is a delight in a flower border when given a rustle pole for SUPfXJrt It does well in combinallon with otherpiants, WhiCh glvslls roots welcome shade

Left Clematis 'Percy Picton' ThiS IS a relatively weak-growmg type, but IS ideal when planted in a small area, II is especially attracllve when planted against a well­weathered wall

Rig ht Cobaea scandens This vgorous climber IS grown as a half-hardy annual, and needs a sheltered and sunny pOSillon The large bell-shaped purpie flowers have dlslinc/lve green calyces (their oute~ protective parts)

Clematis are eXCiting when planted in aSSQCk1t ion With roses, perhaps e;ther side of an entrance, Blue clemans are eye-catching with yel low creamy-white or pink roses, and low growing plants at the base

to keep thelf roots cool

It

Cobea scandens Cathedral Bells Cup and Saucer \I'!'ne (UK) MexiCan Ivy Monastery Be/Js Cup and Saucer Vine (USA)

ThiS spectaCular Me)(K'".an hall-hardy perennial climber IS best grown asa half-hardy annual Fast-growmg, It IS

ideal for trelliswork aM pergolas, dls~aying mid to dark green leaves formed of three pairs of leaflets_ and 65-7 Scm (Z}!. -3In) long. bell­shaped, purple flowers wllh green, saucer-~kecaJyces(outer protectIVe parts) from early to late summer In a greenhouse rI soon reaches 6m (ZOO). buIll does not grow so tall outdoors Height: 3-45m (10-1511) Spread: 1 8m (611) Cultivation: Ordinary well-dratned garden soil aM a sunny, sheltered OOSlllon are needed. H the $Oil 1$100 noh, e)(C8SSIVe growth 1$ produced althee)(penseoff1owers Nlpoutthe tips of young plants to encourage the development of stdeshoots Wiresupports or wOClden trell iswork are needed for support Propagation: During late winter and earty spnng, sow seeds Singly tZmm (Moin) deep in 7 Scm (3in) pots conlalntng loam-based compost and kept at 16°C (61°F). When young ~an ls are established move them 10 a cold frame 10 harden ott Planl lhem out inlO the garden afler all risk of frosl has passed

Further plants to consider

Ctematis alpine (Alragene alPlna)

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Hetght I 5-1 8m) (5-611) Spread 9Ocm-12m (3-411) An arlractlVe. but weak-grOWlng decidUOUS c~mber_ With 25-3cm (I-I\2ln) wide, cup-shaped VIOlet-blue_late spnng and earty summer flowers that hang With their faces downwards The form Frances Rlvls' IS Iree-flowenng, wllh larger Howers

Clematis macropelala HetghI24-36m(8-1211) Spread lZ-15m(4-5ft) A hardy bushy deciduous climber, related and qUite Similar 10 C a/pna 11 produces 5-7 SCm (Z-3In) wide. pendulouS,ltghl and dark blue !lowers In earty to mid-summer The form Maidwell Hall' has deep blue llowers

Clematis viticella Hetght Z4-35m(8-1Zft) Spread 15-I'Bm{5-61t) A slender though bushy deciduous climber, With bell-shaped 5-6 Scm (Z-Z"'ln) wide blue, VIOlet or reddish-purple flowers during mldtolatesummerandlntoeartyaulumn. The form Abundance has soft purple llowers and Royal Velours has deep vetvaty-purple ones

PaSSiflora caerutea Common PaSSIon Rower Blue PaSSIOn Flower (UK) Blue PassIOn Flower (USA) Height 6-75m (20-25ft ) Spread: 45-6m (15-20ft) A vtgorous evergreen climber, not tully hardy In cold, e)(posed areas Ounng summer, 11 has 7 Scm (3In) wide white-petalled flowers With blue-purple centres

Solanum crlspum Chilean Potato Tree (UK) Hetghl4 5-6m (15-ZOft) Spread 35~4 5m (l2-15It) A hardy semi-evergreen bushy and scrambling climber, prodUCing star-shaped purple-blue flowers With yellow anthers from mtd~ summer Into autumn The form Glasnevin' (syn Autumnale) IS hardier than the ongtnal type specteS

Solanum jasminoides Jasmine Nightshade (UK) Porata VlfJe (USA) Hetght 3-45m (10-15ft) SPfead 1 8-Z 4m (6-8h) A raptd-growlng. twining, evergreen climber, whICh has star-shaped pale blue !lowers, With golden anlhers In their centres, from mid· summer 10 autumn,

Wisteria floribunda 'Macrobotrys' Japanese W,srena (UK and USA) Hetght 75-9m (Z5·3Oft) Spread 6-7 5m (20-2511) A spectacular hardy deciduouschmber. displaYIng fragranllllac-blue and purple flOwers In drOOPIng clusters up to 90cm (3ft) long In early 10 mid-summer Arguably, IllS the last word In climbers. and IS certain to catch the eye

Annual cUmbers have the advantage of qUICkly clothing trefllSWOrk or pergolas and 01 proouclng

vanety each year-Important In smaR gardens where change IS needed to create continUing Interest

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CHAPTER FIVE

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TImt:S AND SHRUBS

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Few shrubs or trees have received such acclaim as lilac. Synnga vulgaris , an East European native, commonly known as lilac

and formerly as the Pipe Tree, has received the attentions 01 botanists and nurserymen for hundreds of years. A native of North Persia, It was introduced into Great Britam and North America via Vienna , around 1600. There are superb varietIeS to choose Irom, Including double and single forms, some with French names, and some such as 'Maud Notcutf suggesting the plant breeding endeavours of an important English nursery, Notcutt and Sons. Among these varieties are many blue and mauve forms, including 'Slue Hyacinth' (frag rant, mauve and opening to lavender-blue), 'Massena' (fragrant. with deep purple flowers), 'Firmamenf (fragrant, single and lilac-blue) and 'Kathenne Havemeyer' (fragrant, double lavender-blue, fading to soft lilac-pink).

Other shrubs that are strong contenders for summer and autumn colour include Hebe 'Midsummer Beauty', with long tassle-like heads of lavender-purple flowers throughout summer, and Hebe 'Autumn Glory', a low growing shrub with violet-blue flowers from mid-summer to autumn.

Blue-flowered shrubs are particularly In evtdence in autumn, and include Caryoptens x clandonense, hydrangeas, hibiscus, Cera­tosttgma willmonianum and vincas. For autumn berries, try Callicarpa bodmien' giraldii (violet-blue berries), Clerodendron tnchotomum (beautiful China blue bernes with cnmson calyces) and Viburnum davidii (bright turquOise beffles on female plants).

Blue-foliaged conifers are usefu l for introducing yea r-through colour, and in add ition to those deSCribed In this chapter there are Chamaecypans lawsoniana 'Pembury Blue' (Slivery-blue), Juniperus honzonra/ls 'Blue Chip' (bright blue) and JUniperus squamata 'Blue Star (silvery-blue).

The heights and spreads given for plants in thiS chapter are those to be expected after twenty years In good soil.

Left The nch purple-leaved Berberis x otlawensis 'Purpurea' creates a contrast to the latesprmg white-flowered Spiraea x cinerea 'Grefshelm ' m this anractive shrub border.

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TREES AND SHRUBS

Abies concolor 'Glauca Compacta' This beautiful dwarf and compact conifer (often sold asAbis concoJor 'Compacta ) has an Irregular shape and greyJsh·blue foliage II is so SIow-growmg thai even after twenty­live years ~ often reaches no more lhan 75cm (2)?It) high. WIth a 1m (3hft) spread II is ideal lor a rock garden. or even In a large container Cultivation: Deep, we!k:lrained, shghdy acid soil SUtts ilbes! It prefers

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Above Abies concolar 'Glauca Compacts' ThIs IS one of the best s/ow-growmg dwarf conifers for a rock garden or container lIS greyish-blue foliage is .-ery attractIVe and looks all/S best when the tree is planted on I/S own or In a ccJour-.contrastmg grout>

a warm. dry oosrnon It IS essential to aVOId chalky soils. Propagation: IllS raised by grafting . a technIQue beslleft to nursery experts

Ceanothus 'Gloire de Versailles' (Ceanolhus l( delinianus 'Glolfe de VersaiIJes')

This ha rdy deciduous rather open shrub IS one of the best known ceanolhus plants for a border The soft. fragrant, J,X)wder-blue flowers are borne In heads upto 20cm (8In) long from mid-summer un~1 early aUlumn IllS best planTed In a mixed border. where Its long stems can splay out over iower~rowmg pianls Height I 8·2 4m (6-8ft) Spread: IS-21m (5-7ft) Cultivation: Welf-dramed fertile soli in good light SUits II. Because the flowers are borne on the new wood, the bush must be pruned hard in SPring Cut back the prevIous seasons shoots almosl to their poinTS of ongm. Follow thiS With an application of fertilizer 10 encourage the rapid growth of new shoots Propagation: Dunng summer take 7 5-IOcm (34inJ long ha~-npe cunrngs of the current season-s growth. Inserting them In POlS of eQual parts peat and sharp sand Place !hem In a propagallOn frame al a temperature of 16°C (61°F) When they are rooted. pot up the CUttingS into 7 5cm (3in) pots of loam-based compos! and overwinter them In a cold frame Plant them out In the garden in spnng

Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree (UK) Judas Tree Love Tree ( USA)

A hardy. rounded. wide-spreading. deciduous tfee from the OnenT and Southern Europe, the Judas Tree IS said to be the tree from whICh Judas Iscariot hanged himself after the betrayal of Jesus Christ Whether or not thiS is true, there is no doubt Ihal the tree IS eye-catching and dlstlnc­lIVe II bears clusters of rICh rose­purple flowers on bare branches in eartysummer. ANer lhefiowers have faded ndeYelopsrounded. glauoous­green leaves W1th hean-shaped bases Subsequently. It produces attraC\Ne Hal. green. pea-like p(X!s tinted red when fully npe

Abies concolor Violacea Prostrata IS another blue conifer deal for a small garden IllS semi or

totally prostrate. with strongly-coloured Silver-blue iOlrage Another proslrate blue form IS Abjes procera

'Glauca Prostrata

Ceanothus 'Gioirede Versai lles' orrgmated In France. In 1830 a breeding prog ramme was initiated to raise

new hybrids, and this shrub was one of the results Most ceanothus shrubs With French-sounding names

ong,nated al Ihal lime

r

Above Ceanolhu5 'Gloire de Versailles' This stni<:mgly Impressive deciduous shrub produces large heads of f)OW(iery-blue flowers on open stems from mid to /are summer IllS best grown In a mf)(ed borrier

Height: 4 5·6m (15-2011) Spread: 35-4Sm (to-15ft) Cultivation: Any good garden soi l and a sunny position away trom late spnng frosts SUIt it No regular prumng IS needed Propagation: Dunng spnng. sow seeds In POlS 01 loam-based compost keplal130C (55°F). When they are large enough 10 handle, POt up the seedlings SIngly in loam-based compost and plunge the pots up to their oms In a sheltered corner Once establiShed, the plants can be sel out miD the garden.

RlQhl Cercis slliQuaslrum ThlS/$ (he VI!"eIl-knCMn Judas Tree. whICh produces a wealth of COlour along I/S bare branches m early summer In colder areas 1/ may reaUire the protection of a south or west·faCing wall.

:

Cercis siliquastrum IS Ideal for blendll"lg with late spnng and early summer bulbs Often, Ihe tree becomes

bare o! Jaw branches, and bnghl bulbs can create vital colour and Interest around large and mature trees

TREES AND SHRUBS

Corylus maxima " Purpurea' produces its main burst of foliage colou r at eye heig ht, and is useful for bringing local points to a shrub or mixed border Its hfgh stance

allows illo be underplanted with spring-flowering bulbs- but not too close to its base.

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Righi Colinus coggygria 'Notcun's Variety '

-This superb hardy shrub with an Im/X)smg stature bears beautiful deep pur{)le /eaves. II produces I/S besl colour when planted In poor SOIl.

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' Purple-leaved Filbert (UK)

This IS a nch-purple-leaved torm 01 The Filbert. a nallVB of Western AsIa and Southern Europe IllS a deciduous shrub whICh has large heart-shaped leaves. The whole shrub has an open, spreading growth habit often becoming bare alliS base. The parent torm, Cory/us maXima, was Introduced mto the Brlltsh Isles In 1759 and soon became very popular tor providing nuts II also soon spread to North America and In 1833severaldistlnct varieties were known to be in culli­vallOO At one time it was WIdely grown In Europe. espeoa[)y lla/yand Spam, Early in the 1 BOOs a plantatlon near Recus. Sp8m. yKllded nuts thaI were shipped VI8. Barcelona They became known as Barcelona nuts Height: 2 4-3Sm (a-12ft) Spread; 28-3m (8-10ft) Cultivation: Any good well-.drained garden soi l and a sunny position, preferably sheltered from cold north and east WindS. IS SUitable. During Its early years. cut It back in late Winter and early spnng to encourage the deveIopmenl of shoots from around Its base Prune back by hall the growth made the previous year As the shrub develoPS. do not cut II back SO severely Throughout this penod, cut out congested shoots from the centre of the shrub. Propagation: Purple-leaved forms seldom come true from seeds and are therefore best increased by layering low growing shoots in autumn

Lett: Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' ThIS IS a useful shrub for bnnglnf} c%ur<XJf/lrastmg kil8f}e to a gan:Jen throughout summer It IS a reliable piant. but IS best given shefter from cOld eastan<i norTh winds

Cotinus coggygria 'Notcutfs Variety' ThiS hardy deciduous shrub has eye-catching deep purple leaves that never lose Ih~r freshness and are ul~mately semHranslucenl. It also bears feathery purple flowers dunng mid-summer Height: 3 5-4 5m (12-15ft) Spread: 3-3 5m (10-12ft) Cultivation: Any good we!l-dramed garden SOIl and a poSItion in full sun SUit 1\ AVOId nch soils, as II produces

the besl colour when In poor corn;lllions No regular pruning IS needed, other than Initially shaPing the plant when young Propagation: During late summer, take 10-13cm (4-5rn) long heel cuttlngs, inserting them In pots of equal pans peal and sharp sand Place the pots In a cold frame and dunng spnng set out the young plants Into a nursery bed unnl they are large enough to be planted Oul In the garden. Keep the nursery bed tree trom weeds

Collnus coggygria 'Nolcuns Vanety' Will produce a large specimen shrub on a lawn o r as a backcloth tor colour-conlras~ng plants For small gardens, C c

'Royal Purple' is bener, grOWing to 3m (10ft) In helQht and the same wid th.

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TREES AND SHRUBS I : --- - - ----- ,_

Hydrangea macrophylla Common Hydrangea (UK) FrenchHydrangea Hor/ensJa[USA]

ThiS well-known deciduous and rounded shrub from Japan and China has oval. slightly JX)Inted coarsely·1001hed light green leaves The f!ower·heads appear from mid 10 late summer There are two forms HortenSJa types and the

Lacecaps The Honensra forms have large globose heads, while the Lacecaps d isplay flat flower heads formed almost enllrety of stenle flowers with a flat disc-like corymb In the centre there IS an area of lIny ferule flowers and thiS has a marginal ring of ray florets whICh are stenle The form Blue Wave IS a good e~mple of thIS type Height: 1 S-18m (5-611) Spread; 15·1 8m (5-6f1)

Cultivation: SllQhtly acid, light well­drained but mOisture-retentive soi l IS best. Ackl soil is essential to ensure thaI blue varieties remain blue Pink vartetJes also produce blue colours when gIVen an acid soil and an aluminium suiphate dr9SSlrlg Propagation: From late spong to mid-summer. take cuthngs 7 Scm (3In) long Remove the lower leaves and cut the bases just below lea! jOints. !nsen them in pots ot eQual

Hydrangea macrophylJa IS Ideal lor tormlng a backcloth toa large lawn. where II prOVides colour over

a long penod In such a position, a HortenSia type IS best. The Lacecaps perform betler In a

naturalized garden sewng

::: pans peat and sharp sand and place them In a cold frame. When the CUttings are rooled. pot them up into an acid compost and plunge the 001$ 10 their rims in a nursery bed until !hey are ready to plant out Into the garden.

lett Hydrangea macrophylla HortenSIa hydrangeas are reliable garden favountes. creating a dominant display of mOfrllke heads from mid /0 late summer

R.ghl Hydrangea macrophylla 'BlueWS'I8' ThIS VIgorous Lacer;aO hydrangea provK1es flowers in shades of blue and pink throughout/he summer months Itgrowswellmsllghtshade

Lavandula stoechas French Lavender (UK) French Lavender SpanISh Lavender (USA)

ThIS hardy evergreen shrublS nalM! to the Meclo1erranean region 11 has narrow, grey-g reen leaves and distinctive. deep pur~, tubular flowers borne on 2 5·5cm (I-2m) long four-angled spikes dUring early to md-summer. It IS charactenzed by tufted purple bracts (moct.iled leaves) borne altha laps altha flower sPikes Height: 30-45cm (I-Illft) Spread: 45-6Ocm (Ill-2ft) Cultivation: ltght, well-drained soils and an open and sunny positIOn suit It It IS not as hardy as the EnglIsh La~nder and dunng severe WInters can be sellOUsIy damaged In 8xlX)$8d areas Propagation: Dunng late summer take 7 Scm (3in) long cumngs and insert them in pots of equal parts peal and sharp sand. Place them In a cold frame. Pol them up when they are rooted and plant them out Into the garden In spnng

RlQht Lavanduta sloecnas ThiS pretty lavender has dlSllnctwe deep purple flowers topf)ed by purple bracts (mOOlfled /eaves) Ihal perslsllOng after the actual nowers have faded

Lavandufa sloechas brings height and colour toa rock garden_ E~n after the flowers ha~ laded the

grey-green leaves prOVIde an anracllve feature. Cover the sod With stone chlPPII')gs to add extra Interest

and SlOP SOIl splashing on Ihe leaves

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TREES AND SHRUBS

I

Picea pungens 'Koster' KOSIer's Blue Spruce (UK)

ThIS dlSnnctlV6 lorm ollhe Colorado Spruce has Intensely blue tohage and a neat growth habit, forming an upnght and pyramidal shape up to 2'lm (71t) high and 1m (3}1ltt) wide after ten years Dunng spring, IllS lunher enhanced by pale blue tuftS 01 new 9 rowlh Height: 9m (30ft) Spread: 3m (10ft) Cultivation: DeeP. most soil-acid or neutral-Is needed A pasHlon in full sun or shght shade SUits rt best Propagation: It IS grafted onto stocks 01 Plcea pungens to proouce a distinctive upnght form. The cost to nurserymen 01 thIS bm& consuming technIQue accounts for Ihe hlQh pnce they Will ask for young plants 01 this lOvely vanety

Picea pungens 'Pendula' ThiS diStmc\JVe blue comfer -often known as Plcea pungensGlauca PenduJa - somehmes has an errabC shape but can be recognized by rlS down-swept branches and glaucous-blue leaves, Dunng spnng. the young grOWlhs are tufted and pa~ blue II often produces twO leading shoots one needs to be tramed upright, while the other trails downwards Height: 3-5 4m (lo-18ft) Spread: 3-5 4m (to-18ft) Cultivat ion: MOISt, deep SOil-acid or neutral -IS best, and a posiUon in slight shade or lull sun Pl'Q9&gation: It needs to be gral1ed ontO a stock of Pcea pungens, so the plants are often expensive to buy, as With P pungensKoster'

=:

Above Picea pungens 'Pendula' With carefultralmng and prumng this often unpredICtable comfer can be oersuaded to develop a suoerb weepmg shaoe and to create an excmng focal pomt in any garden

Left Plcea pungens 'Koster' ThIS IS one of the best blue spruces. WIth a neat pyramidal habit It lOoks especially allrac/lve tn spnng when the young and fresh growths appear on the branches

Picea pungens 'Thomsen' This eye-catchmg blue spruce has an UPright, cone-like growth habit and branches packed with ~Ivery­blue fohage DUring spring, it develOps a fresh growth 01 very pale Silver-blue that contrasts WIth the ok:ler and darker foliage It forms a smalto mediulTl-SlZOO tree, reaching only 2·1m (7ft) high and 1 m (3}211) wide al1er ten years Height 9m (30ft) Spread: 3m (tOft) Cultivation: MOist deep SOil-acid or neutral-is best. and a poSItion In slight shade or full sun. Propagation: It is a gral1ed form and therefore plants tend to be expenSive RaiSing new plants IS best left to nurserymen.

RlQht Picea pungens "Thomsen· ThIS IS a beautlfu/ blue spruce Wltha cone-shaped out/me The fo//age IS thICk and the needles 10"9 It grows steadily tnto It strong, upnght shape

Plcaa pungens ·Koster' brings height to a small planting 01 heathers or the edge of a small rock garden. Eventually it forms a large plant, but up to the age of

15·20 years rt IS QUite sUltable lor a small area

Picea pungens Pendula· must be given space and an open Situation where other plants do not compete for attention. For colour contrast, set It in a sea of Heather (Galluna vulgans). selecting forms With

gold-tinted lotiage

-Further plants to consider

Hebe 'Autumn Glory' Height 60-9Ocm (2-3ft) Spread 75cm-lm (2'~,37ft) A well-known ewrgreen hybnd shrub. WIth purple stems displaYing dark green leaves. From mid-summer to autumn, 11 bears VIOlet-purple flowers In s!)kes 4cm (I )'211'1) long

Hebe x andersonnii 'Variegate' Height 90cm (3ft) Spread 6Q-9Ocm (2-3f1J A beautiful doubje-value somewhat tender evergreen shrub with mld-green and cream leaves The soft mauve flowers borne In dense spikes 7 5-13cm (3-5In) long appear from mid-summer to autumn It IS Ideal for setlJng In a mllted border where II creates al1enhon throughout the year

Hibiscus syriacus 'B lue Bird' Shrubby Mallow (UK) Althaea Rose of Sharon (USA) Helghl 18-2 4m [6-811) Spread 12-18m (4·6ft) A hardy deciduous shrub, with riCh green leaves and mld·blue. 7 Scm (3In) wide flowers from mid to late summer and often Into autumn The form Coelesle has deep blue Howers. and Mauve Queen' has mauve flowers that reo.oeal maroon centres

Paulownia lomenlosa Pnncess Tree Karri Tree (USA) Height 6-75m (20-25ft) Spread 35-4 5m 02-15ft) A hardy deciduous tree. WITh m ld-green heart-shaped !eaves and lavender-blue flowers In early summer

Teucrlum fruticans Shrubby Germander (UK) Height 12-1 5m (4-5ft) Spread 9Ocm-1-2m (3-4ft) A somewhat tender evergreen shrub. only really sUitable for warm areas The greytsh-green Jeaves are fragrant, with twQ-lipped, lavender-blue flowers appearing from mid to late summer

Vinca major Greater Penwinkle (UK) Greater Penwlnkle Blue Burtons Band Plant (USA) Helght.15-3Ocm(6-12InJ Spread 9Ocm-12m(3-4ft) A well-known trailing and mat-forming evergreen sub-shrub, W1Ih glossy mld-green Jeaves. DUring SPring and early summer. and often repeatedly Into autumn. it produces 25-3cm (1-1 ~.In) WIde, purple-blue flowers

Vinca minor Lesser Penwlnkle (UK) Lesser Penwlnkle Common Penwmk/e MynJe Running MynJe (USA) Height 5-1Ocm (2-4ln) Spread 9Ocm-l 2m (3-4ft) A spreading mat-forming evergreen sub-shrub, With 18-25mm (;;-lln) wide, blue flowers dunng spnng and mid-summer, and olten Into autumn

Picea pungens Thomsen IS superb when posilloned several metres in front 01 yellow-fOliaged conrlers or

Inan openSituallOn WIIhClear sky behind Takecare not 10 cramp It W1\h OTher con~ers selloo close as thiS

Wilt spoil Its shape

"

INDf:X COMMON NAMES Names In IUIIIC type are moss us!!d In Nonh Amenca

A C DelP"llnium 12. 41 GoIOcn Garlic 31 Dragonhead. False 40 Golden Privet 18

Achlllea 41 Cablorroan Uac, 78, 79 Dog s-tooth VIOlet 55 GrapeHyacmlh 047 , 61 , 82, 89 Aconite 18 Campanula, PeactHeaved 45 DrumsbCk Pnmula 82 Grape. Oregon 36 AconJte. Wltlmr 52 Candytu11 21 , 33 Orums!JCk Pnmrose 82 GlaSSY BeIs 54 Atncan Uy 16, 70 Candyrufl GIoOe 33 Dwarf Ins. Cresled 58 Greatel PerlWlnk\e 91 Agapanlhus 7, 89 Cantert:lury Bel 21 , 33 Owart Crested Ins 58 Greek Wi.ffi8n 40 Algenan Ins 66 Carpel Bug/ewood 4S HaJrbeIl PoPIJV 67

""""" Cathedra' Bells 81 HeIletxxe Corsican 59 An~rmonums 17 CeaOOlflus Monterey 78 E Helme! Flower 16 App4e 04 P9nJ 39 Cea~hus. Santa Barbara 78 Hibiscus 83 Aster 18 Ch4ean Crocus 66

Egg Plant Poached 38 HImalayan Blue Popoy 67

Autumn Crocus 16, 31, 47, 50 Chilean Potato Tree 81 Himalayan CowslIp 35 Clarkia 33 Horned Videl 67 Commoo Flax 37 HonenSiiJ 88 Common Garden Petunia 75 F Hol PoI<:ers, Red 36

B CorSICan Hellebore 59 Hyacinth 72 Common Hyacinth 72 FalrJl,!s Thmlbles 79 Hyacinth, Common 72

Baby C).cIamen S4 Common Hydrangea 88 Fal Crocus 50 Hyacinth. DutCh 72 Band Plant 91 Common PaSSIOO Flower 8\ Fdng Stars 75 HyacInth. Garden 72 Bane Wolfs 18 Cotnmon While Jasmllll:l n False Dr8gonhead 40 Hyacinth. Grape 61 , 62 BeI1Iower l\allan 75 Cone Flower PurPle 15 filbert. Pur~ed 87 Hyaonlh Water .7 8e/1fIower. WIIow .5 CooI-tankard 20 ",", 37 Hydrangea 7, 77, 83 8ef.IIowered ScUll 55 Com""", ,, Flax. Common 37 Hydrangea Common 88 B81s, Gt<fssr ~ ~, H1malayan 35 Fotgel-me-not Creeamg 67 H)'drangea Fronch 68 BeIs. Monastety 81 CowsIrp Virgm<an 67

Forget-mEH''IOt Water .7 Bethlehem, Starof 75 Creepng 8/ueoIossom 79 French Hydrangea 88 BlaZing Star 36 Creeptng FOff}8I-me-not 67 French lavender 89 Blue Bl.mons 91 Crested Dwarf Ins 58 Funkla 32 ~ue PaSSIOn Flower 81 Crested GenMn 58

Ins, Algerian 66 Blue Poppy 67 Cres/ad Ins, D.varf 58 Ins, Japanese 47, 58 Blue PoPP't' Hmalayan 67 Crocus, Autumn 37, 47, SO

G Iris, Sibenan 35 Blue Spruce, Koster's 90 Crocus, Ctmean 66 Italian Bellflower 75 Blue WHld/lowef, 48 Crocus, Fill/ SO Ny MexlC8n 81 Bluebell. SpanISh 47, 55 Cyciamen, Baby 54 Garden Petu.-.a Common 75

BIuebeI, V<rYlftlan 67 Cul)lCls Dart .5 Garlic. Golden 31 I.,.,. vanegaled 69

- " Cup-and-saucer Vme 81 """'"-,. BIu8CIossom Greepmg 79 Gay-fa:lrher 38 ~ - " GentJan, Crested 56

EIue-eyed Mary 67 German ViOle' 75 ",,,.,. 20 D Germander. Shrubby 91 .../aQnIh, Sparw;h 55 Bugle .5 ~en. Stemless 56 Jacob s ladder 40 Bug/eweed. Carpel 45 DaiSY KlngliS/1ef 71 Gen\lan. Trumpel 56 Jaooroese Ins 47, 58 Bugloss, Viper's 29 DaISy, MICl'Iaeimas 12, 15 Gk:l1le Car.dytull 33 Jaoonese W,stena 81 Bulb WDnder SO DaISY, SI'IaSla 23 Globe ThIStle 29 Jasmine Nightshade 81 Burton Snal(erool 38 Dart, CuOid s 45 Globe Thistle, Small 29 Jasmlf1e, Common White 77 Burtons, Blue 91 Day LIly 32 Glory of !he Snow, 47. SO Judas Tree 84

"

K Mynle 91 Purple Cone Flower 15 Sweet Pea 77 Myrtle, Running 91 Purple-leaved F,lbert 87 Sweet Sultan 22

KamTree 91 Myst€rl<l SO Sword Lily 32 KII19!isher Daisy 71 R Krllphofia 36 N T Koster's Blue Spruce 9Q Red Hot Poker 36

Nightshade JasmIF'le 81 Roanoke-bells 67 Taieaon 20 L Rose 01 Sharon 91 Thimbles. FairIeS 49

Runmng Mynle 91 ThIStle, Globe 29 ladder, Jacob s 40 0 ThIStle, Small Globe 29 Lady's Mantle 18 5 Trumpet Genbarl 56 layender, Fr€och 89 ObedlfJnC8 40 Tulips 69 Lavender Sea 45 Obedioot Plant 40 Saffron, Meadow SO Turt Lily 37 Lavender. Spanish 89 Onion, Yellow 31 Sage, Lorig-branched 41 Turtle-head 23 lJlac 83 Oregon Grape 36 Santa Barbara CeanOlhus 78 lilac, CalifOfm<ln 78, 79 Sea LaWnder 45 V lily. Alncan 16 P Sharon. Rose of 91 vly, Day 32 Shasta DaISY 23 I4llenan, GreeI< 40 LiI:y, Madonna 21 Pasque Flower 67 Shoo-fly Plant 39 VenetJan Sumach 16 Lily. Plantain 32 Passion Flower, Blue 81 Shrubby Germander 91 Vine, Potato 81 Lily Sword 32 PaSSKln Flower Common 81 Shrubby Mallow 91 Vinca 83 lily. Tur1 37

Peach-bells 45 Siberian Iris 35 VIOlet, Dog s-tooth 35 unseed 37 Lion's-head 40

PeadHeaved Campunula 45 Small Globe Thlstfe 29 Violet, German 75 Periwmkle, Common 91 Smoke Tree 16 VIOlet, Horned 67

Love Tree 85 Periwinkle, Greater 91 Snakehead 23 Vi~et, PerSjan 75 Love-in-a-mlSl 21 Penwlnkle, Lesser 91 Snakeroot, BUf/on 36 Viper's Bl.Igklss 29 Lupin 38

Persian VI01e1 95 Snow Glory 011he 50 Virgml<in Bluebel/ 67 LUpine 38 Peru, Apple of 39 Spanish Bluebell 47, 55 Virginian Cowslip 67

Petunaa 69 Soomsh Jacmth 55 Virg inian StOC~ 33 Petunia, Common Garden 75 Spaflfsh Lavender 89 Picker~ Weed 61 Spke Gayfeather 36 W Madonna ldy 21 Pipe Tree 83 Spring Starflower 57

Mantle, Lady's 18 Plantain Lily 32 Spruce, Koster's Blue 90 Water Forget-me-not 47

Mallow, Shrubby 9 1 Poached Egg Plant 38 $QUlq, Bell-flowered 55 Marguerites 69 Pokers, Red Hot 36 SQUtll , Sinped 62 Water Hyacinth 47

WlNow Bellflower 45 Marigold, Alrican 70 Polyanthus 47, 61 , 69 Smr of Bethlehem 75

Windflower 48 Mangold, French 70 PoPlY'! Blue 67 Star olltaty 75

WindHower, Blue 48 Mary. Blue-eyed 67 Pappy, Hareool 67 Slar, Blwng 36

Winter Acoo ite 52 Meadow Saffron 50 Poppy, Himalayan Blue 67 Starflower, Spnng 57

Wisteria, Japanese 81 MeconoP5's 47 Potmo Vine 61 Stars, Falling 75 Mex~n Orange BJossom 12 POIenbna 79 StatlGe 45 Wolf's Bane 16

M&lCan Ivy 81 Potato Troo, Chilean 61 Stemless Gen/lan 56 WOnder Bulb 50

Michaelmas DaiSIeS 12, 15 Pnmrose, OrumSliCk 62 Steck 69 Monastery BeiJs 81 Pnmula 47, 61 Stock, Virginaan 33 Y Monkshood 16 Pnmula, DrumsbCk 62 Striped SQuiB 62 Monterey Ceanothus 78 Pnncess Tree 91 Sumach, venetian 16 Yelklw Oruon 31

,.

INDf:X LATIN NAMES

A

Aboes concolof Compacta 84 Aboes concolor 'Gtauca

Compacta' 84 Ables concoIor 'V1OIac:ea

Prostrata 84 Abubion stnalum 11 Al:JuI*)n !hom psor'III 11 Abublon 'o'nrfolium 78 Acanthus moIIis 19 Ac~ fiHpenduta

Coronaoon Gold 16 Aconotum na~lus 16 Aconitum wilson~ 16

Barker"s Vanety' 16 Kelmscon Vanety 16

AdaffiSla SCIIIoides 62 Agapanlhus campanulatus 70 Agaoanthus ~ HeadbOurne

Hybnjs 16 Ageni!um houstonJanurn 17

Adnatlc ~ue' 17 Blue CaP' 17

Ageratum mexocanum 17 ~uga replans 45 A1chem~ta mollis 18 Allum moly 31 Alyssum saxa\lle 48

Otnnum 7S Anchusa aruma 18

LodOOrI Royalist 18 Mormng Glory' 18 Opal 111 Royal Blue' 18

AnemOfM:! blanda 48, 81 , 62 Blue Peart' 48

Anemone coronarta 48 Anemone x hybnda 19

$eplemb&r Charm 19 Hononne Jobert' 19

Anemone vulgans 66 Arabscaucasca 48 Aster alpmus 1 2, 18 Aster ameRus 18

KII'\g George' 18 Nocturne' 18. 19

""" " Violet QUOOf'I 18 Aster x fnkartll 19

M6nch 19 Aster ~angl~e IS Aster r'KM-belgu 15

Evenllde 12 Atragena aloma 81 Aubnela deI100dea 48

BaIIawIey Amethyst 48

B

Barker's Double 48 Or Mules' 48 Henslow Purple' 48 Tauncola' 48

6egorua semperflofens PInk AvaiaflCt1e 73

8efbens x Otlawen51S Purpurea 83

6efgen<a Sdberk:hf 38 Brod.aea un.flora 57 Borago officlnalts 20

c Ca"!lCarpa bod,noer, ""ala, 12,

83 Campanula COChlearofoka 49 Camoanuta lSOPhyUa 75 Campanuta 1actJ!lora 20

'Loddon Anna 20 Poufle 20 Pnchard's 'Ianety' 20

Campanula medium 21 Bells 0/ Helland 21 Ca¥::anthema 21 Cop-and-Saucer Iofm 21 Dwar! Musca! Bells 21

Campanula perSOC>foka T~ham Beauty '15

Campanuta portenscnlaQlat'la eo

Campanula ousdia '19 Caryopl&flS • clandonen~s

83 Catananche C3eru!ea 44, '15 Ceanolhus _ Cascade 12 Ceanolhus • delinlanusGbre

de \lersaoles' 8'1 Ceal10lhus Gbre de

""""' '' Ceaoothus Impr&s5US 71, 78 CeaI'lOltlUS ngodus 78 CeaOOltius Ihrystllorus reoons

" Cedrus deodara GOOen HorizOI1 13

Cootaureacyanus 'Tall Doubje M,.ed 22

Cer1taurea Imperl1lils 22 Cootaurea moschala 22

DobIes Gillnt' 22 CeralO6bgma oIUmbaglfllOdes

22 CeratosllQma WIllmoruanum

23, 83 CerClS s,l>Quaslrum 85 ChamaecyO<lrlS Iawsonl1lna

Co/umnartS' 13 Pembury Blue 83

CheIone~ 23 CheIone oblIQue 23 ChIonocIoI(8Iuci1ae 47, 50 CtuonodoI(8 ~ ~lQantea .. Chotsya ternata 12 Chrysanthemum mal<Jmum 23 Clarkia elegans 33 Oema\lS-Iarge-~ed typeS

eo AlIce FISk 85 Barbara DIbIey' 85 BeIe 01 WOkmg 85 GIpsy Queen 85 Jackman. Suoerba 85 Marcel Moser' 85 Mrs Cholmondelv' 85 Percy PTcIOl1' 85 PrOSldenl 85

Vyvyan PenneR 85 W,lIIam Kennel 85

Clemalls alpina 81 Clemavs _ iackmanii 71 ClemaUS macroootala 11 , 77,

" ClemaltS ffiOI1lana rubens 7 Clemans VItIC8Ila 81 Clerodeodton lrichotomum

13, 83 Cobaea scandens 80, 81 ColchICum autumnale 37, '17 , .. ColchICum SpeclOSUS 47, 50 Conldvvlvus maunlamcU$ 52 ConllOlvulus minor 70 ConYOlvulus sabaliuS 52 Convolvulus Incoior 70

RainbOw Flash' 71 Cof)tus ITI8Xlma Purpurea 86

87 Cot,rl\JS ooggygna FoolS

Puroureos' 18 CoMuS OO{Xjygna Notcutrs

vanet{ 13, 87 CoMuS oogg~na Royal

Purple' 87 Crocus aureus Dutch Gold

53 Crocus chrysanthus 69

Blue Pearl' 75 Lady KII&r' 75 Pnncess Beatnx 75

Crocus neaoolltanus 75 Crocus sall~US 50 Crocus lomaSlnlanus '17, 52

'Barrs Purple' 52 Whilewel Purple' 52

Crocus W!!nus 52, 75 Negro SOy' 75 Purpureus GrandillOrUS' 53, 75 Q..-.. 01 the Blues 53, 75 Sinped Beauty 53

Cupressus glabra Pyramidahs' 8

Cyclamef1 coom 52

Cyclamen hedenfollum 54 Echlflops r itro 29 Geraruum prat€T15e Johnsons Ins kaempfen 47, 58 Cyclamen neapolltanum 54 Echium rubrum 29 Blue' 45 Ins reticulata 47, 59

Echlum vulgare 29 GladiOlus byzant,nus 32 'Cantab' 59 Edraianthus pumilio 47, 54 'Cta'rette' 59

D ElChhorma cra~pes 47 Jearune' 59 Endym06n hlspanlCus 47, 55 H RoYaf Blue' 59

Dahlia 25 EranthlS hyemalis 52 Iris sibrica 35 Anemone-flowered 25 Eryngium alplnum 30 Hebe x andersonii 'Yanegata' 'Cambridge' 35 Ball·type 24, 25 Eryngium bourgaw 30 19 Heaven~ Blue' 35 Border 24, 25 Erynglum x oIwerianum 30 Hebe Autumn Glory" 83, 91 Ottawa' 35 Cactus 25 Erythronlum dens-canlS 55 Hebe Midsummer Beauty' 83 Perry S Blue' 35 Cdlarene 26. 27 Lilac Wonder' 55 Hehanthemum nummutarium Tropic NighT 35 Decorallve 26 Purple King' 55 Beech Park Scarier 60 Ins sty10sa 66 Dwarf 25 Erythronium revoiutum 55 Helieborus IMdus corSICus 59 Ins UngUICUlariS 66 'Ea~ Marc 25 ErythrOnlum tuolumnense HibiSCUS SYMCUS 'Bjue Bird' 91 'Gypsy Dance' 25 55 Hosta crispula 32 Kay Helen' 24 Euonymus fortune, 'Emerald Hosta fortune< Albopicta' 32 ~ Paeony-flowered 26 'N Gold 7 Hosta Hatycon 33 Pompon 26 Eupatorium purpureum 30 Hosla roctifol<l Ta ll Boy' 32 Jasmlr'lum olTlClnaie 77 ScaUf Pnncess' 26 'AlrOPUrPIJreum 30 Hyaonlhus onentalLs 72 Jumperus horizonla~sBlue

$em,-caclus 25 Exacum affine 75 'Ostara 72 Chip' 83 'VICky Jackson' 27 Hydrangea macrophy11a 13, JUniperus obtusa 'CnppSii' 7

Decaisnea fa rgeSll 12 F

30, 88 Juruperus squamata Blue Star' Delphinium e\atum 45 Blue Wave' 88 83

Blue Bees' 45 HortenSl(! Types 88 lathyrus oooratus 77 Blue Jade' 45 Fe1lC1a bergenana 71 lacecap Types 88 Blue Oar'lube' 71 Blue Til' 45 Festuca glauca 31 Hydrangea villosa 19 Blue Mantle' 17

'Bonlta 45 Filipendula PlJrpurea 31 HyperICum oIymPIGum Echl)Se' 71 Cressida' 45 Filipendula rubra 31 Cltnnum' 66 Evensong' 17 Mullion' 45 VenusuI 31 LarksPIJr' 77 Page Boy' 45 Fuchsia mageflanlCa Pumlla Noel Sulton' 17 Wendy 45 75 Royalist' 77

Delpruruum Thunderstorm ' 15 'The Doctor' 77 Dracocephalum lberisumbellata 21, 33 Lavandula sloec:has 89

Vlrglmanum 40 G Incarvillea brevlpes 34 Liatns cal lilepstS 89 Incarvillea de\avayi 34 Kobold' 37

Galanthus mvalis 59 Incarvdlea grandlflora liatns spicata 36 E Gentiana acauHs 56 brevipes 34 Ugustrum Q\lallfolum 'Aureum'

GenMna alpina 56 Incarvillea malfel 34 " Ecninacea PlJrPIJrea 15, 28 Gemiana ciUSIi 56 Ipheioo ufllfkxum 57 [j~um candldum 21 Robert Bloom' 29 GenMna kochlana 56 Caeruleum' 57 [j~um regale 21 'The King 29 Genllana seplemfoda 56 "Violaceum' 57 umnanltl€os dougla~i 38 'While lustre' 29 Gent<lna Slf1Q-Ornata 57 Wisley Blue' 57 umonlum latlfolium 45

Echium IycopSlS 29 Genista c inerea 78 Ipomoea rubro-caeruiea 7 uf)um austnacum 37 Echlum plantaglneum 29 GeranIum iberlCum 45 Ins cristata 58 unum narbonense 37

'Blue Bedder' 29 GeranIum x magnilicum 45 Iris douglaSlilna 34 Unum perenna 37 Monarch Dwarf HybrKJs' 29 GeranIum platypetalum 45 Ins grac,lipes 47, 58 unum uSitatisslmum 37

"

unope muscan 37 FenwICk s Vanety 19 LJnope SPlWta 37 Nteandra physa lOtdes 39 Ultlooora dltfusa 47, 60 Nlgeila dilmasceM 21

'Grace Ward' 47, 60 'Heavenly Blue' 60

0 lupmus poIyph~us 'Russell Hybrids' 38

lobelia erinus 73 Omphai<.:>OOs vema 67 'Blue Cascade' 73 Cambridge Blue' 73

p Colour Cascade MI~ed' 73 Crystal Palace 73 Mrs Chbran' 73 PasSiflora caerulea 81 Sapphire' 73 Paulowma tomentosa 91

Petunia x hybrlda 75 Blue Bedder' 75

M Blue Frost' 75 'PolarIS' 75

Mahonla aqUifollum 36 'Resjsto Blue' 75

Pt1ysallS alkekengl 39 Mahonica j<lponica 52, 59 Physostegla Ylfglnlana 40 Magnolia x soulanglana 55 Rose Bouquet' 40 Malcolmla maritima 33 Summer SPire 40 Mecooopsis baileyi 67 Vivid 40 M0CQI10PSlS betonlC~oIia 67 Picea pungens Glauca' 90 MOCQI1opslsqulntuplil1erva 67 Plcea pungens Globosa' 13 Mertensoa w gintCa 67 Picea DUngens Koster 90 MIRa uniHora 57 Picea pungens Pendula' 90 Myosotis alpestris 74 Picea DUngel1s Thomsen' 13, BIIJ(l6811' 74 90 Ultramarine' 74 Picea sylvestns 'Aurea' 13 MyoSOM palustns 47 PoIemomum caeruleum 40 M)'OSO!iS~tK:a Blue6<rd' 74 PoIemomumfolioslSSlmum 40 Muscan armenlacum 47, 61 , " Sapphire 40 62 POl1tooerla cordata 47, 60

Pnmula denticulata 62

N Pnmula helodol<a 35 Pnmula jLJhae 67 Pnmula marglnata 67

NarCISSUS cyclamlneus Pnmula Slkk,mensis 35 February Gold SO, 53, 69, Primula \/\a lii 62 72 Pulsatilla Vl.JJgaris 67

Nemophlia inSIQnlS 38 Puschkinla IibanotlCa 62 Nemophlla menziesn 38 Puschkmla sc~loIdes 62 Nenne tx:>wdenii 37 Puschkirua sicula 62

CRfDITS Photographers The majOrity of the photographs in thIS book have been taken Oy En:: CrIChton C Salamander Books Ltd

Copyright Il1the following photographs belongs to the wop/lers Pat Bnndley 51 ErK: CrlChtol1 18.21 (Top rig ht), 35. 38/39. 41 (Top left), 55 (Bottom), 59 (Top), 60/61 (Top), 71 (Bottom), 72 (Bottom), 74,78 (Top fight), 85 (Top left), 89 (Top) Peter McHoy' 27, 43 HarrySmlth PhotographicColiectlOn 32 (Top ten). 59 (Bottom) Oallld $Qwe From Cover, 6, 7, 10/ 11 11, 12, 13, 14/15, 16 (Top oghtl, 22(Top right), 23 (Bottom), 33 (Top), 44/ 45, 46/ 47 48 (Bottom), 49 (Bottom), 60/6 1 (Bottom), 64 /65 68/ 69 72

~.

, " - --

R T Ramonda m)'COni 63 1ageles erecta 70 Ramonda oyrenatea 63 1agetes patula 70, 73 Rhododendron Blue Teooph llaea cyanocrocus 66

Dlamond' 12 Teucrium /rutlcans 91 Rhodooendron Blue Star' 64 Thymus E B Anderson 7 Rhodooendron 'Blue nl' 64 Tmeleia unltlora 57 Rhododendron Impe(jltum 12 Tulip Apeldoorn' 69 Rhododendron pracoo~ 15 Tulipa tarda 48 Robinia pseudoacaclil 'Fr;s;a

13 Rosa 'Mermaid' 77 V

veronica beccabunga 45

5 veronICa Iongltalia 44 verontCa prostrata 7, 44

'Rosw' 44 Sa iL'< alba Trost 's 13 Spade Blue' 44 Salixx chrysocoma 13 verOnica rupestris 44 Salvia hormlnum 41 Veronica SPIWta 44, 45 SaJvia x superba 41 Barcarolle' 44 SalVIa wgata nemorosa 41 Blue Fox' 44 Salvia VlndlS 41 veronica teucnum Rosea' 66 SCifta campanulata 55 'Shirley Blue' 66 ScIDa hlspal1tCa SS 'Trehal1e' 66 Sc~1a Slblnca 47 WIronICa teucnum pmstrata 44 Scilla tubergeniana 47 veronICa virgintea 44 Sedum Autumn Joy' 37 Viburnum davldti 12, 83 Sedum maximum Vinca majOr 91

:Atropurpureum 19 Vinca mInor 91 Senoc:K) blCoIor 69 VIOla cornuta 67 Senecoo Sunshine' 78 Viola labrodonica 63 Solanum crispum 81 Solanum jasminoldes 81 SPiraea x cinerea 'Grelsheim' W

83 SPiraea palmata 31 Wisteria fIonbunda Stachys lanata 16 Macrobotrys' 81 Synnga vulgans 83

BILJfI HyaCInth ' 83 Firmament 83 Katherine Havemeyer' 83 Massena 83 Maud Notcutl' 83

(Top), 73 74175 76/77. 78(Toplefl) 79 (Top), 79 (Bottom ) 80 (rop), 80 (Bottom), 82/83, 86. 88, Back Cover MK:hael Warren 87

Artists Copyright of the artwork iUustratl()!'lS 011 lhe pages f~lowl ng the artists names IS the property 01 Salamander Books ltd NickI KembaU: 617, 12/ 13 Steve linds (linden ArtISts) 8, 8/9, 9 10 11 Cl,ve Spang (linden ArtIsts): Front and BaCk Covers

Editorial ASSistance Proofreading Oy Joanna Chapman mdexlng by David SqutJe

Detailed advice on growing over 100 of the best blue and purple flowers,

shrubs and trees to create a beautiful colour scheme

in your garden

96 pages 34,000 words 2 illustrations of planting schemes,

7 diagrams and over 100 photographs, all in full colour

ISBN 0-86101-218-6

9