Download HEIRLOOM PERENNIALS

HEIRLOOM PERENNIAL NURSERY
Philippa Foes-Lamb
email: [email protected]
phone or text: (021) 522-775
for an appointment
Specialising in hardy and unusual perennials, particularly cranesbill
geraniums which I adore and other treasures that thrive in shady
spots. I will be adding to my plant list regularly, as I continue to
add to my treasures. I also have other treasures that are too few in
number to list here. Please feel free to ask about them.
PLANT LIST: SPRING 2009 – SPRING 2010
Hardy Cranesbill Geraniums
These wonderful, hardy perennials are not very well known in New Zealand. G. Johnson’s
Blue was the first to be introduced here and unfortunately it is not one of the best
performers. All of the geraniums listed here are top performers, grown in my garden, and
some are hard to find anywhere else in New Zealand.
Unless stated otherwise, all are incredibly frost hardy. I adore this genus of plants!
G. albanum – This gorgeous creature has soft green leaves and bowl shaped pink flowers
with slightly darker veins that are produced on trailing stems. Perfect in sun or semi-shade.
Very pretty! Semi-evergreen. 30cm x 30cm approx.
G. bohemicum – This is an annual geranium but is well worth having in the garden for its
stunning flowers. Its 2cm flowers are an intense violet-blue with darker forked veins and a
pink central zone. Self-seeds but is not invasive – just gorgeous! Best in sun but will
tolerate semi-shade. 45 x 30cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. ‘Brookside’ - G. pratense x G. clarkei Kashmir Purple – finely cut foliage and large
bowl-shaped flowers of a gorgeous clear blue, paler at centre. Sun or semi-shade. Winter
dormant. 45 x 45cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. canariense – similar to G. palmatum except with smaller foliage and lower growing.
Flower stems are covered in a pretty pink ‘fuzz’ and the smallish dark pink flowers and the
back of the petals are white. Very pretty. Semi-shade. Lives for around three years. Selfseeds well. Slightly frost tender. 45 x 30cm. Available in Summer.
G. cantabrigiense ‘Cambridge’ – This wonderful ground-cover grows steadily to form
dense mats of glossy, very aromatic foliage that has fabulous autumn colour. Bright pink
2.5cm flowers are produced freely over a long period of time. Perfect for rockeries or under
shrubs in sun or semi-shade. 20 x 60cm approx. Does not self-seed.
G. cinereum var. subcaulescens – a very pretty ground-cover with small dark green
foliage and the most intense crimson-magenta flowers with a dark eye. A definite must
have for a container or in the rock garden. Take care it doesn’t get smothered. Best in full
sun or semi-shade. Semi-evergreen. 20cm x 20cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. cinereum ‘Ballerina’ – as above with 1cm boysenberry coloured flowers and almost
black veins! Stunning. Available in Autumn.
G. cinereum ‘Lawrence Flatman’ – as above but with 1.5cm purplish-pink flowers and
boysenberry coloured veins. Very similar to ‘ballerina’ and absolutely stunning! Available
in Autumn.
G. clarkei ‘Kashmir White’ – lovely heavily cut, elegant foliage is topped with airy stems
of saucer-shaped 3-4cm white flowers with greyish lilac-pale pink veins. Full sun or semishade. Winter dormant. Few only.
G. clarkei ‘Kashmir Purple’ – as above with 4-5cm deep violet-purple flowers with lilacpink veins. Flowers face upwards and this plant forms strong clumps quickly. 30 x 45cm
approx. Few only.
G. ‘Criss Canning’ – This is one of the most beautiful blue geraniums. A much better
performer than Johnson’s Blue, it has foliage similar to G. pratense and is smothered with
rich blue flowers with red veining, all season. Sun to semi-shade. Winter dormant. 30-40
x 30cm approx. Few only.
G. endressii – this beauty forms leafy semi-evergreen clumps of fresh, slightly shiny green
foliage. Copious amounts of 3cm funnel-shaped pink flowers appear from late spring right
through until autumn. Benefits from being cut back in mid-summer as this promotes fresh
new growth and more flowers. A must-have!! Sun or semi-shade. Semi-evergreen. 45cm
x 45cm approx.
G. endressii ‘Wargrave Pink’ – as above but with salmon-pink flowers that have a silvery
sheen. Gorgeous!
G. grandiflorum – Similar to G. Himalayense but with purplish-blue flowers. Sun or semishade. Winter dormant. 30 x 30cm approx.
G. harveyi – a beautiful ground cover with small silver foliage. 1cm pink flowers smother
the plant from late spring through until autumn. Lovely cascading over rocks or retaining
walls. Best in full sun. Evergreen. 15 x 60cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. himalayense ‘Graveyte’ – Lovely foliage topped with intense 3cm violet flowers with a
reddish centre. Perfect in sun or semi-shade. Winter dormant. 50cm x 50cm approx.
Available in Autumn.
G. himalayense ‘Flore Plena’ syn ‘Birch Double’– The gorgeous double form. Smallish
round, divided leaves and lovely double 2.5cm soft lilac flowers tinged with pinkish-violet.
Sun or semi-shade. Winter dormant. 25cm x 30cm approx.
G. ibericum (sometimes confused with G. magnificum) – one of the most beautiful hardy
geraniums. Large scalloped foliage is smothered with large rich purple flowers in late spring
through summer. Dead-head to produce another flush of flowers. Totally stunning. Sun or
semi-shade. Winter dormant. 60 x 60cm.
G. incanum – this geranium is perfect for growing down a wall or bank. Fine, lacy green
foliage is topped with small but prolific deep reddish-purple flowers with a white eye. Sun
and good drainage. Benefits from a good cut back several times a year. Evergreen. 20cm
x 1m approx. Available in Autumn.
G. lambertii ‘Swansdown’ – Beautifully marked, soft dull green leaves and masses of
white flowers with pink veins and a crimson centre. Sun or semi-shade. Semi-evergreen.
30 x 30cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. ‘Joy’ – G. traversii x elegans x G. lambertii cross. This really is a beautiful geranium
with 3cm bowl shaped soft pink flowers with darker veins. Flowers from spring through to
autumn. Sun or semi-shade. 30 x 30cm. Available in Autumn.
G. macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ – One of the best ground-cover types for shady
spots. Spreads by fleshy underground rhizomes and forms fairly dense mats. Perfect for
dry shade. This is one of the loveliest varieties with soft pink flowers for a very long period
from spring. Semi-evergreen. 20 x 30cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ – as above but with deep pink flowers. Available in
Autumn.
G. macrorrhizum ‘White Ness’ – As above but with pure white flowers. Gorgeous!
G. madarense – the King of the hardy geraniums. This magnificent creature has rich
green dissected foliage the size of dinner plates. Taking 2-3 years to flower it thrives in
semi-shade making it perfect for woodland areas. Old leaves reach down to the ground to
support the plant when it flowers. A large flower head, smothered in hundreds of flowers
rises above the foliage. After seed is set the parent plant dies. Semi to full shade. 1m x
1m approx. Available in Autumn.
G. nodosum – a stunning plant for that shady spot. Will colonise really well in dry shade
under trees and has bright green, glossy leaves. Its flowers are funnel-shaped and are a
pretty lilac-pink with light veining. Delicate looking but very hardy. Semi to full shade,
including dry shade. Semi-evergreen. 20 x 20cm.
– A rockery treasure, forming mats of spreading bronze green foliage. Deep
pink flowers are produced for a long period from early summer. Full sun. Evergreen. 15 x
20cm approx.
G. ‘Orkney Pink’
G. oxonianum – a wonderfully robust hardy geranium raised in 1900. It’s lush green
foliage is large and forms magnificent clumps in the first season. Large funnel-shaped pink
flowers are produced over a very long period and respond well to dead-heading. Sun
through to shade. Semi-evergreen. 70 x 80cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. oxonianum ‘A T Johnson’ – a cross between G. endressii and G. versicolor. Delightful
silvered mid-pink flowers with darker veins are produced from late spring. Sun or semishade. Evergreen. 40 x 60cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. oxonianum ‘Heirloom Seedling’ – this gorgeous creature popped up in my garden. A
stunning form of ‘oxonianum’, forming a large mound of lush foliage with beautiful silverypink flowers with darker veins from mid-spring through to autumn. Sun or semi-shade.
Semi-evergreen. 60 x 90cm approx.
G. oxonianum ‘Pearl Boland’ – a New Zealand hybrid. Especially pretty as pale pink
flowers with darker veins turn darker pink as they age, causing a two-tone effect on the
clump. Lovely and vigorous. Sun or semi-shade. Evergreen. 60-75 x 75cm approx.
Availabe in Autumn.
G. oxonianum ‘Thurstonianum’ – as above but with more dissected foliage - gorgeous.
Pale pink flowers with fully divided petals appear from late spring through until autumn –
unusual and very pretty. 60 x 60cm approx.
G. oxonianum ‘Thurstonianum x Heirloom seedling’ – this seedling sprang up in my
garden this year. As above but with darker pink petals and a ruffled centre. Very pretty.
60 x 60cm approx. Available in Autumn .
G. oxonianum ‘Walter’s Gift’ – A smaller growing hybrid with beautifully blotched foliage
and pale pink flowers with darker veins. Very pretty and a must have. Sun or semi-shade.
Semi-evergreen. 40 x 40cm approx.
G. palmatum – this majestic creature is a must have. It’s foliage is green and lush and it’s
crown has to be seen to be believed. Stunning deep pink flowers appear from mid-spring
onwards and if dead-headed will keep flowering all season long. Thrives in semi to full
shade and will also tolerate dry conditions. Note: do not cut off the old foliage as it helps to
support the plant when it is in flower. Life-span of three years. Self-seeds readily so if you
don’t want oodles of seedlings, dead-head before they are produced. Evergreen. Grows in
difficult shady spots. Slightly frost tender. 1m x 1m approx.
G. phaeum ‘Mourning Widow’ – the first hardy geranium I ever bought. Gorgeous
clumps of blotched foliage with 60cm stems of dark maroon flowers. Responds well to
dead-heading. Very hardy and reliable. Loves dry shade too. Semi-evergreen. 40 x
60cm approx. Available in Summer.
G. phaeum ‘Album’ – as above but with stunning pure white flowers. 30 x 30cm approx.
G. phaeum ‘Heirloom Seedling’ – as above but with large deep lavender flowers. 45 x
60cm approx.
G. phaeum ‘Lily Lovell’ – as above but with gorgeous pale to mid-lilac flowers. 60 x
60cm.
G. phaeum ‘Samobor’ – as above with amazingly blotched markings on foliage. Dark
maroon flowers. Very sought after. 30 x 30cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. ‘Philippe Vapelle’ – a cross between G. renardii and G. platypetalum. Glorious
textured foliage is topped with stunning blue flowers. Needs dividing regularly to keep its
vigour. Sun or semi-shade. Semi-evergreen. 300 x 30cm. Few only.
G. platyanthum – Lovely downy soft green foliage is topped with saucer-shaped slatey
mauve-pink flowers. Grows well in semi-shade. Winter dormant. 60cm x 45cm.
Available in Autumn.
G. platypetalum – A gorgeous geranium! Its foliage is similar to G. ibericum, slightly
smaller and not as crinkly, forming a compact clump. Stunning shallow saucer-shaped
flowers are around 2.5-3cm and are violet-blue, slightly paler in the centre with bluish-black
anthers. Very pretty. Sun or part-shade. Winter dormant. Available in Autumn.
G. polyanthes – This beauty has small, shiny, almost succulent-like leaves. In summer
2.5cm funnel shaped bright pink flowers with very finely penciled veins are produced on
stems that sometimes reach 45cm, but are more often 20cm. Perfect for the alpine garden
or the front of a flower border. Can be slow to appear in spring. Winter dormant. Few
only.
G. pratense ‘Heirloom Seedlings’ – Meadow cranesbill. Very hardy with lovely dissected
fresh green foliage that appears in early Spring. These selected seedlings from my garden
have flowers in various shades of blue. If dead-headed regularly you will have flowers all
season. Sun or semi-shade. Winter dormant. 60 x 60cm approx.
G. pratense ‘Alba’ – as above but with pure white flowers. Available in Autumn.
G. pratense ‘Plenum Caeruleum’ – The much sought after double form of the above.
Stunning mid-blue flowers with a pink centre. Needs dividing every two years or so to
retain its vigour. Winter dormant. 60 x 60cm. Few only.
G. pratense ‘Plenum Violaceum’ – Extremely sought after. Similar to above but with
perfectly formed pompoms of rich violet flowers. Blooms later than ‘Plenum Caeruleum’.
Just gorgeous. Available in Autumn.
G. pratense ‘Rose Queen’ – same as pratense but with lovely pale pink flowers. Few
only.
G. pratense ‘Silver Queen’ – same as pratense but with pale mauve buds, opening to
white flowers flushed with silver. Very pretty! Available in Autumn.
G. pratense ‘Striatum’ – As above but with lovely white flowers, individually splashed with
mauve, as though someone has painted each one. Very pretty. Winter dormant. 40 x
40cm. Few only.
G. pratense ‘Summer Skies’ – as above with 2cm pale mauve fully double flowers with a
white eye. 60 x 60cm. Few only.
G. pratense ‘Victor Reiter’ – As above but with stunning purple foliage that turns dark
green later in the summer. Beautiful large deep blue-purple flowers all season if deadheaded regularly. 45 x 45cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. psilostemon – perhaps the most sought after hardy geranium of all. Very large, deeply
toothed foliage forms a magnificent clump up to 1.2m in ideal conditions. 4cm bowl-shaped
sizzling magenta flowers with black veins and a black eye put on a show right through from
late spring to autumn. Gorgeous when planted with silver foliage, lemon flowers or the cool
blue of G. pratense. Very hard to find. Sun to semi-shade and fertile soil. Winter
dormant. Grown to order.
G. pulchrum – A beautiful, very hardy South African species. Strong-growing with slightly
woody stems and beautiful grey-green soft foliage. 4cm mauvish-pink flowers are produced
from late spring through to late summer. Dead-head regularly to keep flowers coming. A
must have and simply stunning during frosty weather – the frost hugs the leaves. Best in
sun. Evergreen. 60-70cm x 70cm approx.
G. pyrenaicum ‘Bill Wallis’ – A lovely cultivar that grows rapidly and is smothered with
small purple flowers. Seeds very readily so best dead-headed regularly to encourage new
flowers on existing plants. Sun or semi-shade. Semi-evergreen. I’ve had flowers on mine
in winter. 30 x 30 cm.
G. pyrenaicum ‘Summer Sky’ – as above but with pinkish-mauve flowers. Available in
Summer.
G. pyrenaicum ‘Summer Snow’ – as above but with white flowers. Available in
Summer.
G. ‘Red Propellers’ – this hybrid geranium has lovely robust mid-green foliage and a
slightly spreading habit. Hot magenta flowers with dark veins are produced from late
spring. Perfect for the front of a border. Sun. Semi-evergreen. 30 x 40cm approx.
Available in Autumn.
G. renardii – soft sage green textured leaves make this plant a must have in the garden.
3cm white flowers with purple veins produced from early summer and sometimes again in
early winter. This beauty can be temperamental if given too much nitrogen, which results
in masses of foliage and not many flowers. Best underfed and does well in sun or semishade. Semi-evergreen. 30 x 30cm.
G. riversleaianum ‘Mavis Simpson’ – a cross between G. endressii and our native G.
traversii. This is a wonderful groundcover with pale green leaves and saucer-shaped silvery
pink flowers all summer long. Forms a low spreading mat and the elegant stems of flowers
weave through surrounding plants in the border, just beautiful. Sun is best. Semievergreen. 20 x 60cm approx.
G. l ‘Russell Prichard’ – the original clonal cultivar raised at Prichards Nursery in
Hampshire, UK. As above but with deep raspberry flowers. Delicious.
G. robustum – spreading mounds of finely cut foliage and smothered with successive
flushes of large purple-pink flowers. Hard to beat for sheer flower-power. Sun or semishade. Semi-evergreen. 30 x 30cm approx. Available in Autumn.
G. rubescens – similar to G. canariense, with red stems and 2.5cm bright pink flowers with
pale veins and a small crimson-red eye. Perfect in semi or full shade and will also do well in
drier positions. Very pretty. Evergreen. 60cm x 60cm approx. Few only.
G. sanguineum – A wonderful groundcover with dark green, very dissected small leaves.
Large bright pink flowers are produced from late spring until almost into winter. Sun to
semi-shade. Semi-evergreen, winter dormant in colder areas. 45 x 45cm.
G. sanguineum ‘Album’ – as above with large pure white flowers. A wonderful contrast to
the dark green foliage. Stunning. 45 x 45cm approx.
G. sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ – as above with rich purple flowers. 25 x 45cm
approx. Available in Summer.
G. sanguineum ‘Lancastriense var. Striatum’ – worth the name! As above with the
prettiest pale pink flowers with slightly darker pink veins – like candy-striping. Available in
Autumn.
G. Sue Crug – this beauty is a cross between G. procurrens and G. lambertii. Its mauvemagenta flowers with darker veins and a dark central eye are produced over a long period
of time and look fabulous when planted with contrasting colours such as lime green. Sun or
semi-shade. Semi-evergreen. 40 x 40cm.
G. sylvaticum – a lovely upright form with dark pink flowers. Best in semi-shade and does
well in ordinary garden soil that doesn’t get too dry. Winter dormant. 50 x 30cm approx.
Available in Autumn.
G. sylvaticum ‘Album’ – as above but with white flowers. Available in Autumn.
G. sylvaticum ‘Ray’s Pink’ – as above but with lovely pale pink flowers in mid-summer.
Few only.
G. versicolor – a superb specimen for shady spots. This beauty has light green foliage that
looks similar to G. endressii with brown blotches between the leaf divisions. Very pretty
white trumpet-shaped flowers with magenta veins are produced over a long period, from
spring through to autumn. Semi to full shade. Evergreen. 25 x 30cm approx.
G. wallichianum ‘Buxton’s Blue’ – this is a very pretty ground-cover with heavily
marbled foliage and large sky-blue flowers with a white eye on trailing stems. Sun or semishade. Winter dormant. 20cm x 30cm.
OTHERS
Aquilegia viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ - a delightful small granny’s bonnet with green
and brown flowers with a lovely fragrance. Semi-shade. 30 x 30cm approx. Few only.
Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Raven’s Wing’ – Beautiful ferny bronze-like foliage topped with
fine queen anne’s lace-like flowers from spring onwards. If regularly dead-headed will
flower all season. Sun through to shade. 60 x 80cm approx. Available in Summer.
Astrantia major – A wonderful cut flower, this treasure has beautiful lobed foliage and
pink toned flowers with a creamy white ‘ruff’. Great for drying and last a long time in the
vase. Sun to semi-shade and rich soil. 70 x 60cm approx. Can be slow to establish. Few
only.
Campanula persicifolia ‘Alba’ – this lovely perennials forms deep green rosettes of finely
lanced foliage. Pure white 2.5cm flowers are produced over a long period of time from late
spring. A wonderful cut flower. Sun or semi-shade, hardy and easy. Flower stems to 75cm
approx. Semi-evergreen.
Campanula takesimana ‘Alba’ – this is the perfect ground cover for large areas such as
under trees. Spreading by underground runners, this lovely creature can become a thug if
planted in rich soil so it is best to plant it in slightly difficult conditions – making it perfect
for dry areas. Large drooping tubular white flowers with maroon spots in the throat are
produced from late spring onwards. My garden wouldn’t be without it as it lights up difficult
shady spots. 75cm x 1m approx.
Clematis recta ‘Purpurea’ – this herbaceous clematis is a non-climber and produces
lovely upright stems of purple tinged foliage with masses of small white flowers over a long
period from late spring. Appreciates some support. Sun. Winter dormant. 1.5m x 60cm
approx.
Clematis stans – a shrubby herbaceous clematis with very pretty ‘maple-like’ foliage.
Flowers are fairly small and are a gorgeous shade of dusky blue. Deciduous in winter. Sun
or semi-shade. 75cm x 75cm approx. Few only.
Dianthus x hybrida ‘Rainbow Loveliness’ – These fragrant, antique charmers have an
intense sweet and spicy aroma. Flowers are lacy and deeply cut in shades of rosy pink,
lilac, white, purple and red on long stems. Gorgeous rich green foliage. Sometimes bloom
in first season. Hardy perennials. Full sun or semi-shade. 30 x 20cm approx.
Digitalis ‘Yellow Carillon’ – this dwarf truly perennial foxglove is another must-have in
the garden. Fresh green, smooth foliage and stems of clear lemon-yellow from late spring.
Semi-shade to shade. Semi-evergreen. 30 x 20cm approx.
Epimedium x youngianum ‘Niveum’ – Bishop’s Hat – a wonderful groundcover for shady
areas. Graceful foliage topped in spring by delicate pure white flowers. Foliage changes
colour in autumn. Winter dormant in colder areas. 20 x 30cm approx. Few only.
Erodium gruinum – Storksbill. This is a gorgeous relative of cranesbill geraniums with
pretty scalloped foliage and stunning violet blue flowers. Renowned for it’s slightly ghoulish
seedheads that remind me of ‘Freddy Kruger’s’ fingernails! Just amazing and a must have.
Sun. Semi-evergreen. 45cm x 30cm approx.
Erodium manescavii – As above but with ferny foliage and bright pink flowers. Seedheads not quite as spectacular. Sun. Evergreen. 40cm x 30cm approx.
Helleborus orientalis ‘Heirloom Mixed’ Seedlings – Selected seedlings from my most
beautiful helleborus. Shades of white, pink, and burgundy. Some may have speckled
centres. Sun through to shade, although they perform best in semi-shade. 70cm x 90cm.
Helleborus orientalis ‘Lois’ – Dark Seedlings – beautiful dark seedlings from my friend’s
Lois’ garden. Same conditions as above.
Lobelia – Tall Perennial ‘Mixed Shades’ – This is a fabulous perennial and is suited to all
sorts of situations from full sun to almost full shade. The flowers are identical to bedding
lobelia only larger. They are shades of pale pink, purple and red and this wonderful hardy
perennial will grow anywhere except the driest sites. The flower stems are produced from
mid-summer to a height of around 70cm-90cm. After flowering new growth is produced
from the base of the plant. Multiplies well. A must-have! Available in Summer.
Lupin ‘The Chatelaine’ – this lupin has to be seen to be believed. Very surreal flowers of
mushroom pink and white. Just gorgeous. Best in full sun but will tolerate semi-shade.
Flower spikes to 70cm, plant width 60cm approx.
Lupin ‘Carmine Shades’ – As above but in lovely shades of carmine-red.
Lupin ‘Blue’ – As above but with blue flowers. Few only.
Lupin ‘White’ – As above but with white flowers. Few only.
Macleaya cordata – Plume Poppy. This is a much sought after, gorgeous perennial that
has very attractive grey-green foliage with scalloped edges. The flower stems are very tall
with tiny frothy buff-coloured flowers. Multiplies slowly by underground runners. Not
invasive! Sun with some moisture or semi-shade. Also does well in dappled all-day shade.
Winter dormant. 1.5m x 2m approx (over time).
Narcissus ‘Hoop Petticoat’ – A delightful dwarf daffodil that looks just like a hoop
petticoat. Perfect for the rockery. 10-15cm approx.
Nicotiana sylvestris – one of the most beautiful of all summer perennials. This beauty
thrives in semi or full shade and will also tolerate full sun really well. Long tubular, pure
white flowers are produced over a very long period. Intensely fragrant in the evening perfect for an outdoor entertainment area. Tends to be biennial and then perennial if cut
back after flowering. A must have and sought after. 1-1.2m x 90cm.
Papaver orientalis ‘Pizzacato Mix’ – Oriental Poppy – Forms a robust clump of slightly
hairy foliage and large flowers emerge from incredibly fat buds. Easy to grow in full sun or
semi-shade and hardy to frosts. Mixed colours such as salmon and orange. 60 x 60cm
approx. Semi-evergreen.
Primula auricula – These gorgeous flowers were very popular in Victorian times and are
much prized for botanical art. Their showy flowers appear from mid-spring onwards and
they make perfect rockery specimens for semi-shade. Best in fairly rich soil with some grit
added for drainage. Mixed colours. Semi-evergreen. 15 x 15cm approx once established.
Primula bulleyana ‘Candelabra Primula’ – These lovely plants form magnificent clumps of
fresh green foliage and flowers in whorls up the stem in shades of white, pink and purple.
Perfect for damp semi-shade or shade. Will also do well in average garden conditions.
Flower stems to 45cm. Winter dormant.
Primula denticulata ‘Drumstick Primula’ – Thriving in semi-shade these gorgeous
creatures have drumstick-shaped heads of mauve or white primula flowers in late
spring/early summer. Does best with some moisture and is perfect in containers. 30 x
30cm approx.
Primula vialii – Lovely soft green foliage, topped with unusual pointed heads of mauve
flowers opening from crimson buds from early spring make this primula a must-have.
Again, does best in an area that doesn’t dry out in semi-shade. Also fabulous in containers.
30 x 30cm approx.
Salvia confertiflora – A very beautiful salvia for a semi-shady spot. Robust stems of
foliage with a tamarillo-like fragrance, topped with terracotta coloured flowers from midautumn right into winter. Waxeyes really love it. 1-1.2m x 1m approx. Semi-evergreen.
Frost tender so best under trees or amongst shrubs. Available in Summer.
Salvia farinacea ‘Blue Bedder’ – one of the most beautiful salvias and a wonderful all
round performer. Thrives in sun and semi-shade in most soils and has the most stunning
spikes of blue flowers from summer through to autumn. Prefers an area that won’t dry out
completely but still very forgiving in dry weather. Winter dormant. Tolerates moderate
frosts. 75 x 75cm approx. Available in Summer.
Salvia madrensis – this rare and very beautiful yellow salvia is one of my absolute
favourite perennials. Best in semi-shade, it sends up very sturdy reddish stems to around
1.5-2m and these are topped with beautiful pale yellow salvia flowers in mid autumn which
remain right into winter. Loved by waxeyes. Semi-evergreen. Frost tender so best planted
with some shelter from trees or shrubs. Foliage has a lovely lemony scent too. Few only.
Salvia patens ‘Gentian Sage’ – the large, surreal electric blue flowers of this wonderful
perennial have to be seen to be believed. Best in full sun or semi-shade in soil that doesn’t
become waterlogged in winter. Winter dormant, frost tender. 60 x 45cm approx.
Salvia patens ‘Chilcombe’ – as above with very pretty mauve flowers.
Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Imperial Mixture’ – a wonderful performer in the garden. Used
to be sold as an annual in punnets but is truly perennial. Fresh green foliage are smothered
with pincushion flowers in shades of white, pink through to burgundy all season long. A
great cut flower. Sun but will also tolerate semi-shade. 60-80cm x 30cm approx. Semievergreen.
Verbascum hybrid ‘Banana Custard’ – a very hardy biennial with grey-green soft foliage
– flowering in its second year from seedling – then perennial, for a well-drained spot in
ordinary garden soil. Flowers are two shades of yellow and are approx 2cm across.
Remove spent flower stems to encourage another flush. Full sun. Semi-evergreen. 1.5m
flower stems x 60cm approx.
Verbascum hybrid ‘Snow Maiden’ – as above but with pure white flowers with yellow
stamens. 1m flower stems x 60cm approx.
Verbascum phoenicum ‘Antique Rose’ – gorgeous dark green basal foliage. Produces
70-90cm soft purplish-rose flower spikes over a long period. Cut back after each flowering and will produce flowers all season. Sun or semi-shade. Very hardy. Semi-evergreen.
Available in late Spring.
Verbascum phoenicum ‘Flush of White’ – as above but with stunning white flower stems
up to 100cm. Available in late Spring.
Verbascum phoenicum ‘mixed shades’ – gorgeous dark green basal foliage. Produces
70-90cm high flower spikes in shades of pale pink, slate mauve, deep purple and rose. Sun
or semi-shade. Cut back after flowering and will produce more all season. Very hardy.
Semi-evergreen.
Verbascum x hybrida ‘Southern Charm’ – this gorgeous verbascum has flowers in
shades of creamy yellow, soft lavender or peach up to 75cm. Each flower has a fuzzy
purple bee. Few only.
Veronica spicata ‘Blue Bouquet’ – This is a wonderful performer in the garden. Deep
green, slightly waxy foliage produces spikes of deep blue flowers all summer long. Deadhead regularly. Best in full sun. approx. Resistant to mildew. Semi-evergreen. 25 x
25cm. Available in Autumn.