Growing
25 Gorgeous Flowers Gardeners Recommend To Sow Or Plant In April
IN THIS GUIDE Annual Flower Seeds To Sow In April 1) Alyssum 2) Amaranthus 3) Borage 4) Calendula 5) Cornflowers 6) Cosmos 7) Marigolds 8) Nasturtiums 9) Nicotiana 10) Poppies 11) Sunflowers 12) Sweet Peas 13) Zinnias Perennials To Sow Or Plant In April 14) Agastache 15) Korean Angelica 16) Astrantias 17) Comfrey 18) Crambe cordifolia 19) Lavender 20) Monarda didyma 21) Nepeta 22) Salvias 23) Scabious 24) Verbena bonariensis 25) Yarrow April is a busy time in the garden, as the weather begins to warm and we leave the frosts behind. April is a very variable month, and there are some years when it almost feels like summer, and others when winter still seems to cling on. But no matter what the weather is like, there is plenty that you can be getting on with in the garden this month. If you grow your own, April is a time when you will likely be sowing many seeds for your kitchen garden. But as well as sowing a range of fruit and vegetable seeds this month, you should also make sure you make time for ornamental and wildlife-friendly flowering plants too. Annual Flower Seeds To Sow In April In April, one of the main jobs will be sowing annual flower seeds. Some should be sown indoors, ready to plant out when the weather warms, while some others can be sown directly into your garden. “April is a busy month in the garden, with my greenhouse (the engine room of the garden) full to bursting, Colin Skelly, Master Horticulturist, says. “At this point in the year, many of the more tender flowers and vegetables can be sown under glass. “Some plants can sown outdoors, but those that need a warmer soil temperature should wait until May (check soil packets for germination temperatures and sowing times).” Here are some of my favourite annual flowers that you can think about sowing this month: 1) Alyssum Sweet alyssum, Lobularia maritima, is relatively easy to grow from seed in spring and will flower between June and October. It is a great choice for borders, alpine gardens, hanging baskets or planters. Sow indoors in March or April and plant out later in May. 2) Amaranthus Amaranthus is a rather spectacular and dramatic flower to grow and amaranth also provides edible yields – the leaves can be cooked like spinach. Sow indoors this month to plant out once the weather has warmed, in ornamental beds or borders, or in your vegetable plot. 3) Borage Borage is a favourite of mine. After sowing it once, it should self-seed readily in the right conditions and you may not need to sow it anew each year. Not only does borage have beautiful blue flowers, rich in nectar for bees and other pollinators. It is also an edible flower, great in salads and summer drinks. Sow borage direct in the garden, after the last frosts in your area. 4) Calendula Calendula can also be direct sown this month in the garden in many parts of the UK, or you can sow indoors to plant out a little later if you prefer. Calendula is another attractive and useful plant, which is great for you, and for the beneficial insects in your garden. 5) Cornflowers Cornflowers are very pretty additions to a mixed border, but as with the options mentioned above, can also blend in nicely and attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to your edible garden areas. They are lovely with other cornfield flowers. Sow cornflowers direct into your garden later this month, or next. 6) Cosmos These cheerful, colourful flowers are a great choice for many gardens. And these are one more seed to consider sowing indoors this month, in seed trays or flats, soil blocks or modules. Harden them off and plant them out next month. Sowing early indoors means you can enjoy their blooms over as long a period as possible. 7) Marigolds Marigolds are another flower to sow indoors in April to plant out in May once the weather has reliably warmed. These are another cheerful and colourful choice, and another great option to consider for companion planting in your vegetable garden. 8) Nasturtiums Nasturtiums are another reliable favourite, easy for anyone to sow and grow. They are really bright and really useful in a range of ways. These flowers can also be sown indoors this month to plant out after hardening off into your garden. They’re not only beautiful – you can eat them too. 9) Nicotiana It is not too late to sow nicotiana (tobacco plant) this month. These attractive and popular plants are great for a wildlife-friendly garden, and can flower from June right through to October. Sow between February and April indoors, then wait until June to plant out. 10) Poppies Poppies, like cornflowers, are attractive meadow or cornfield flowers that look great in many gardens, either as part of mixed borders, or wildflower planting schemes. It is best to direct sow annual poppies where they are to grow, in a sunny and open spot. Like other flowers on this list, they can often self-seed readily. 11) Sunflowers Sunflowers are another incredibly easy flower to grow. Whether you grow them yourself, or get kids involved, this month is a good time to get them growing indoors before you plant them out as soon as the risk of frost has passed in your area. 12) Sweet Peas Sweet peas can also be sown this month, either in seed trays undercover, or direct in warmer and more southerly areas. These are classics for many gardeners in the UK, and are an easy annual to start with if you have just been bitten by the gardening bug. 13) Zinnias Sow zinnias indoors in a free-draining medium this month, and plant them out in May or June. Then you can enjoy their colourful, daisy flowers for a long period between July and October. Remember, these annuals are not only great options for bedding and borders. They can also find a place as companion plants in your kitchen garden. Some of the options on the list above (borage, cornflowers and poppies) are sometimes included in wildflower mixes. It is worthwhile seeking out suitable wildflower mixes for your area as April is a great time to sow seed for a wildflower or cornfield meadow planting scheme. Perennials To Sow Or Plant In April A number of perennials can also be sown in spring, and April is a good time to start on that garden job too. Certain perennials can also be planted out into your garden this month, as the best time to plant many herbaceous perennials is either in spring or autumn. Remember, perennials won’t just enrich your garden for a single summer, they will return year after year. Here are just a few great perennial flowering plants to consider: 14) Agastache Anise hyssop is a great plant for bees and other pollinators, and a useful herb as well as a flowering plant. Sow this and other Agastache varieties in a seedbed between March and May before transplanting them to their final growing positions in early autumn for flowers the following summer. Or you can look to plant out pot grown plants in May or June. 15) Korean Angelica Angelica gigas is another dramatic and attractive perennial plant. You can sow it undercover between March and May, then harden off and plant out to enjoy spectacular displays between May and September which will bring plenty of pollinators and other beneficial insects to your garden. 16) Astrantias Sow Astrantias this month, then plant between May and September. They will add visual appeal to your garden from June through to October and draw in a wide range of wildlife with their pollen and nectar-rich flowers. 17) Comfrey Comfrey is a very useful plant to have in an organic garden and it can be rather ornamental too, with bee-friendly flowers. Sow seeds this month or plant out between May and September. Purple, pinkish or white flowers will appear between June and early September. 18) Crambe cordifolia This is a somewhat more unusual perennial to consider for your garden – it blooms with an abundance of small white flowers. This is another seed you can sow this month. It is not just ornamental but is also a very useful perennial vegetable crop. 19) Lavender Plant out lavender in your garden this month and you can enjoy the fragrance and beauty of this well-known herb and flowering plant from July to September. Bees love it, as do many other insects – and it is great next to a seating area where you can enjoy the lovely smell. 20) Monarda didyma Bergamot or bee balm is another great perennial to choose for a wildlife-friendly garden. Seeds can be sown any time from late winter through to spring. Pot up seeds once they are large enough to handle, then plant out in May or June for stunning red flowers between June and August. 21) Nepeta Catnip, or catmint, is another great flowering herb to sow this month. Sow this month, or purchase pot grown plants, and plant out in the garden in May or June for pretty flowers right through from June until October. 22) Salvias Salvias are also great long-blooming perennial flowering plants. Plant out this month or next, to enjoy blooms which, depending on variety, can extend all through summer and perhaps even continue as late as November. 23) Scabious Perennial scabious can be planted out any time between April and September. The flowers are great for wildlife, and pincushion flowers also make wonderful cut flowers. Existing plants can also be divided this month to obtain new plants and ease any overcrowding. 24) Verbena bonariensis Verbena bonariensis, Argentinian vervain, can be sown this month, and/or planted out any time between May and September. The beautiful purpose flowers, great for a wildlife-friendly garden, will bloom between July and October. 25) Yarrow Last but not least, yarrow (Achillea) is another great perennial flowering plant to sow this month or in May, to plant out in May or June. It can also be sown in early autumn. This is another of my favourite plants for a wildlife-friendly and beautiful garden.
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These Are The Ideal Growing Conditions For Growing Erysimum 'Wallflowers'
IN THIS GUIDE Overview Habitat & Growing Conditions How To Grow Wallflowers Planting Erysimum Care Common Problems References Erysimum is one of the most underrated of all flowering plants. Commonly known as the ‘Wallflower,’ this delightful plant has everything going for it. It is fairly disease-free, is low-maintenance, and is as at home by itself in a pot on a patio as it is with a motley crowd in a large bed. As for those vibrant blooms, they’re no ‘wallflowers’; they’re dazzling knockouts! Erysimum is quite a varied genus comprising of annual, biennial, and perennial plants. As herbs and sub-shrubs, they are dainty little things individually but make for a lush carpet collectively. They make excellent bedding choices but are also genuinely ornamental flowering plants in their own right. Many species flower abundantly from early spring to late summer, and some even dazzle with autumn blossoms. The small four-petalled flowers usually occur as racemes – their colours include white, cream, yellow, orange, red, and purple, many of which are of a vibrant hue. Besides being colourful, the blooms are also sweet-scented and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Their foliage too is pleasing to the eye, being in the main of a chalky green colour with a bluish tinge. The daintiness of the stiff, narrow, lance-shaped leaves makes for a fine match to the flowers, and complement them wonderfully well. Erysimum sub-shrubs are sometimes grown as upright plants by themselves while herbaceous Erysimum varieties – besides the sub-shrubs – are grown in beds, and often occur in their native habitats in clumps and gently swaying mounds. Overview Botanical Name Erysimum Common Name(s) Wallflowers Plant Type Perennial / Annual / Biennial Flower Native Area South Asia, Europe, Africa, Micronesia, North America – through Costa Rica Hardiness Rating H4 Foliage Evergreen Flowers Fragrant four-petalled flowers When To Sow February, March Flowering Months March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November Wallflowers are members of the mustard family, Brassicaceae.1 Similar to mustard and rapeseed plants, they manufacture phytochemicals that repel insects which would otherwise feed upon the flowers.2 The Wallflower has a pleasant (or unpleasant, depending on your point of view) proclivity to take root in the interstices of bricks and stones of a wall, hence its colloquial and common name, ‘Wallflower’. In a very literal sense this flower grows from and on walls. E. cheiri Wallflowers It is a not-uncommon site on the stone ramparts of old castles and brick walls in the British Isles. Habitat & Growing Conditions Erysimum species occur very widely nearly throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Their range is so extensive that it would be easier to mention the regions to which they are not native or introduced. Most species are best suited to soils that are dry and very well drained with pH ranging from neutral to mildly alkaline. Most prefer full sun but can make do in partial shade. Hardiness In the main their hardiness falls between RHS Zones H4 – H6. However, a few species native to Northern climes are hardy to H6 – H7. Erysimum is either annual (flowering in summer for one season), biennial (planted in autumn and flowering the following spring) or perennial (lasting for several years). How To Grow Wallflowers Depending on the particular species or cultivar, Wallflowers can be grown virtually year-round but mid-Spring and late-Autumn are the best times to grow from seed. Planting In the United Kingdom, Erysimum should be planted where it can get full sun or sun with partial shade. In general it is best placed in loose chalky and sandy soils that are not overly rich nor moist – soil must have very good drainage. E. cheiri You can’t go wrong with slightly alkaline soil. In general, a good mix of different Erysimum species will provide a fantastic splash of brilliant colour in spring and summer. Wallflowers are among the best put-anywhere plants. Choose from the varieties listed above for beds, borders, and even accents in rock gardens. They are perfect for flower pots on parapets and hanging baskets on balconies. Many varieties self-seed, so once grown, you can just let these plants renew themselves in your garden. “One of the best wallflowers for the garden is E. ‘Bowles’s Mauve’, a perennial cultivar that will flower for most of the year,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “I use this plant a lot in planting designs both for its quick establishment and its value as a flower for pollinators, particularly early in the year.” Erysimum Care One of the many great attributes of Erysimum is that it is a low-maintenance plant that makes do with what little it gets. Though this does not mean that it should be neglected, this happy plant is ideally suited for busy lifestyles that leave little time for gardening. Erysimum plants really do not need fertiliser – within the Plant World these diminutive things are real troopers! A small amount of slow-release 10-10-10 fertiliser can certainly be given to them as a special treat. It should be kept in mind that what is written in this section and the following ones does not and cannot apply to Erysimum as a genus – it has over 200 species that are native to very different geographic locations. The advice and recommendations given here apply only to the species, hybrids and cultivars commonly found or grown in the United Kingdom. Common Problems The most common problem Wallflowers face are slugs and snails. Slugs are nocturnal so you may have a slug problem without being aware that the damage being caused to your plants is from slugs. A variety of slug-control methods have been devised, from beer traps and diatomaceous earth to microscopic nematodes. The other main worry is downy mildew, which is tough to combat. Promptly remove all affected parts and ensure that the plant is not crowded in by other plants and has plenty of sun and air. References 1. The genus Erysimum (Brassicaceae) in Bulgaria. (n.d.). JSTOR. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.jstor.org/stable/41767349 2. Züst, T., Strickler, S. R., Powell, A., Mabry, M. E., An, H., Mirzaei, M., York, T. M., Holland, C. K., Kumar, P., Erb, M., Petschenka, G., Gómez, J. M., Perfectti, F., Müller, C., Pires, J. C., Mueller, L. A., & Jander, G. (2020). Independent evolution of ancestral and novel defenses in a genus of toxic plants (Erysimum, Brassicaceae). ELife, 9. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.51712
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Joe Harrison's 20 Hardy Annuals That Can Be Direct Sown Outside
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Ammi majus 2) Agrostemma githago 3) Calendula officinalis 4) Centaurea cyanus 5) Clarkia amoena 6) Echium vulgare 7) Gypsophila elegans 8) Helianthus annuus 9) Lavatera trimestris 10) Limnanthes douglasii 11) Lunaria annua 12) Molluccella laevis 13) Nigella damascena 14) Orlaya grandiflora 15) Papaver 16) Phacelia tanacetifolia 17) Phlox drummondii 18) Salvia viridis 19) Scabiosa atropurpurea 20) Tropaeolum majus Hardy annual plants that will survive low temperatures are handy as they help you avoid stresses with late or early frosts. Hardy annuals are those which can usually be grown outdoors in most parts of the UK from spring through to autumn without any form of protection. Some are sown in autumn, while others are sown in spring. Remember: it is important to note that hardiness is a range, not an absolute. So while there are many plants commonly described as ‘hardy annuals’, the degree to which they can cope with cold temperatures can differ dramatically. The temperatures they can survive at will depend on a range of factors to do with the specific local conditions in your garden. Which hardy annual plants you should choose will depend on where exactly you live, and the conditions to be found there. Also consider when you plan to sow, and why you wish to grow the plants in question. “Seed companies are extremely helpful and include lots of useful growing advice and tips on the back of the seed packet which will give you lots of key information to help you get started,” shares Joe Harrison, a Garden Writer & Blogger. “The seed packet will usually advise the depth at which to sow the seeds, how many days it should take the seeds to germinate, the height and size of the mature plants and where the best location is to grow them.” Here’s a list of 20 hardy annual plants upon which UK gardeners may usually depend: 1) Ammi majus COMMON NAME: COMMON BISHOP’S WEED HARDINESS RATING: H6 HARDY TO: -20 to -15°C Ammi majus, bullwort, or common Bishop’s weed has a hardiness rating of H6. This is a great plant for pollinators and other beneficial insects, with delicate umbels of lacy white flowers which bloom from June to August. It can be a great choice for many gardens, working in most soil types as long as they are well-drained. These plants are happy in full sun, partial or dappled shade and are particularly easy to grow from seed. 2) Agrostemma githago COMMON NAME: CORNCOCKLE HARDINESS RATING: H5 HARDY TO: -15 to -10°C Agrostemma githago, also known as corncockle, is a pretty annual with funnel-shaped purple flowers 5cm across in summer. It will work well in well-drained sand or loam in a sunny spot, and has a hardiness rating of H5. These flowers are also attractive to bees, and like the above, work well for cut flowers. 3) Calendula officinalis COMMON NAME: COMMON MARIGOLD HARDINESS RATING: H5 HARDY TO: -15 to -10°C This tried and tested favourite is a great hardy annual, which works equally well in a mixed flower border, or as a companion plant in your vegetable garden. These flowers will grow best in full sun, but can also cope with partial shade, as long as the medium/soil is well-drained. These also have a hardiness rating of H5. 4) Centaurea cyanus COMMON NAME: ANNUAL CORNFLOWER HARDINESS RATING: H6 HARDY TO: -20 to -15°C The annual cornflower, Centaurea cyanus, has a hardiness rating of H6. This meadow flower is wonderful for a well-drained south or west-facing position in full sun. If you have sandy or loamy soil where you live, this could be an excellent hardy annual to consider. The pretty deep blue flowers are a delight in late spring and summer. 5) Clarkia amoena COMMON NAME: GODETIA HARDINESS RATING: H6 HARDY TO: -20 to -15°C Also known as Godetia, or ‘farewell to spring’, this is another hardy (H6) annual worth considering. Flowers in summer are lilac or pink, sometimes with white centres. They will thrive in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained loam or sandy soil with an acid pH. 6) Echium vulgare COMMON NAME: VIPER’S BUGLOSS HARDINESS RATING: H7 HARDY TO: -20°C OR COLDER This is one of my top picks for a wildlife-friendly garden. “Echium vulgare and its cultivars, such as E. ‘Blue Bedder’, are fantastic choices for pollinators and are a great option for sandy, free-draining soils where they will thrive,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Like its taller cousins from the Canary Islands, this plant will hum with pollinators in early to mid-summer.” Echium vulgare is also known as ‘Viper’s bugloss’ and it is one of the hardiest of hardy annuals out there, with a hardiness rating of H7. It will thrive in chalk, sand or loam that is well-drained, in a full sun position. It has an upright growing habit, growing to around 75cm tall, and bears beautiful blue or lilac flowers in early summer. 7) Gypsophila elegans COMMON NAME: BABY’S BREATH HARDINESS RATING: H5 HARDY TO: -15 to -10°C Also known as annual baby’s breath, this is also a pretty hardy annual flowering plant – it has a hardiness rating of H5. The plant grows to a height of around 60cm and produces elegant sprays of delicate star-shaped, white or pinkish flowers in the summer months. It will thrive in well-drained soil in full sun and is great for cut flowers as well as visual and wildlife appeal in your garden. 8) Helianthus annuus COMMON NAME: SUNFLOWER HARDINESS RATING: H5 HARDY TO: -15 to -10°C Typically with a hardiness rating of H5, the common annual sunflower, Helianthus annuus, is another go-to hardy annual for UK gardens – and with good reason. No doubt you will already be familiar with the large and dramatic flowers. These are also easy to grow, and provide edible yields for you and potentially for local birds and other wildlife. The sunflower does not just work well in an ornamental border in full sun, with alkaline or neutral, moist yet well-drained soil. It can also be interesting to consider as a companion plant for a vegetable garden. 9) Lavatera trimestris COMMON NAME: TREE MALLOW HARDINESS RATING: H4 HARDY TO: -10 to -5°C Hardy throughout most of the UK, Lavatera trimestris is another interesting hardy annual to consider. It is also sometimes known as annual lavatera or royal mallow. This upright plant grows up to 1.2m in height, and bears open funnel flowers in summer that can be up to 10cm across. Usually, blooms are in shades of pink, or white. 10) Limnanthes douglasii COMMON NAME: POACHED EGG PLANT HARDINESS RATING: H5 HARDY TO: -15 to -10°C Better known to some as a poached egg plant, Limnanthes douglasii has a hardiness rating of H5. It will do well in most soils, as long as they are moist but well-drained, and will prefer a full sun location. This bush-shaped annual takes its name from the appearance of its flowers, which are open to a bowl shape, with yellow in the middle, and white towards the outside. 11) Lunaria annua COMMON NAME: HONESTY PLANT HARDINESS RATING: H6 HARDY TO: -20 to -15°C Annual honesty, Lunaria annua, is H6 hardy. It bears purple flowers in late spring and early summer followed by attractive silvery seed pods. Though it can sometimes be biennial, it is usually treated as an annual in the UK. It is a good choice for a chalk, sand, or loamy soil that is moist but well drained, and it can cope in either full sun or partial shade. This is another great choice for a wildlife garden. 12) Molluccella laevis COMMON NAME: BELLS OF IRELAND HARDINESS RATING: H4 HARDY TO: -10 to -5°C Molluccella laevis, also known as bells of Ireland, is highly prized for flower arranging – it has a hardiness rating of H4. These hardy annuals can grow well in most soils, as long as they are moist but free draining. A sheltered spot in full sun will be ideal. These plants can grow up to almost a metre tall, and bear small white or pale pink flowers in bell-shaped calyx in late summer. 13) Nigella damascena COMMON NAME: LOVE-IN-A-MIST HARDINESS RATING: H3 HARDY TO: -5 to -1°C Nigella damascena, also known as ‘love in a mist’ has a hardiness rating of H3, so is fully hardy in coastal and milder parts of the country. While not quite as hardy as the options mentioned above, it is still classed as a hardy annual, and is a great choice where well-drained, full sun and sheltered conditions can be provided. It is another plant that is good for bees and other pollinators, and is a well-known stalwart of many cottage gardens. It has pretty blue flowers between July and September. 14) Orlaya grandiflora COMMON NAME: WHITE LACEFLOWER HARDINESS RATING: H7 HARDY TO: -20°C OR COLDER This plant, also known as white laceflower, is another option that is great for insects. It bears white flowers in graceful umbels in summer and into autumn. This is another of the hardiest annuals out there, with a hardiness rating of H7. It likes well-drained soil in full sun. 15) Papaver COMMON NAME: POPPY HARDINESS RATING: H7 HARDY TO: -20°C OR COLDER There are a number of different poppies that are great hardy annual plants. Papaver rhoeas, the common poppy, has a hardiness rating of H7. Its fleeting bright red flowers are instantly recognisable, and are found in many wildflower meadows. It will grow in any free draining fertile soil in full sun. 16) Phacelia tanacetifolia COMMON NAME: FIDDLENECK HARDINESS RATING: H4 HARDY TO: -10 to -5°C Another top pick for wildlife gardens, and also useful as a cover crop for cultivation areas, Phacelia tanacetifolia (Fiddleneck) is H4 hardy, and is beloved of bees and other beneficial insects. It does well in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Like Echium vulgare, it is in the Boraginaceae plant family. 17) Phlox drummondii COMMON NAME: PHLOX HARDINESS RATING: H6 HARDY TO: -20 to -15°C Annual phlox, P. drummondii, has a hardiness rating of H6. It will grow well in full sun or part shade in well-drained and fertile soil. Phlox have pretty little flowers, in a range of hues, often with prominent eyes, which bloom in spring. 18) Salvia viridis COMMON NAME: PAINTED SAGE HARDINESS RATING: H5 HARDY TO: -15 to -10°C Painted sage, Salvia viridis, is grown not for its flowers but for its colourful bracts, modified leaves, which are born on upright stems in summer. They come in a range of pink and purplish shades. This plant is rated with a hardiness of H5. It will do best in a sunny and free-draining position out of strong winds and can look great below rose bushes. 19) Scabiosa atropurpurea COMMON NAME: ANNUAL SWEET SCABIOUS HARDINESS RATING: H4 HARDY TO: -10 to -5°C Scabiosa atropurpurea, annual sweet scabious, is another great hardy annual to consider for your garden. It is an annual (or sometimes short-lived perennial) with a hardiness rating of H4. It will grow well in a fertile, well-drained alkaline or neutral soil in full sun, and bears beautiful purple flowers followed by bristly seed heads. 20) Tropaeolum majus COMMON NAME: NASTURTIUM HARDINESS RATING: H3 HARDY TO: -5 to -1°C The nasturtium is an incredibly useful garden plant. In addition to producing plenty of pretty flowers, it can also be useful as a companion plant in a vegetable garden, and even provides a number of edible yields itself. It has a hardiness rating of H3, but though not quite as capable of surviving low temperatures as most other hardy annuals on this list, it is still well worth considering in many UK gardens. These are just some of the many interesting hardy annuals to consider for your garden – but should give you an interesting place to start when making annual plant choices for your location.
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'Cosmos Is An Absolute Must For Me' Says Ann-Marie Powell - Here's How To Grow Them
IN THIS GUIDE Overview Why Grow Cosmos? Choosing Cosmos How To Grow Cosmos Cosmos Care References Cosmos are excellent flowers for ornamental and wildlife-attracting gardens, or even for your vegetable plot. These flowering plants are extremely popular in British gardens – and with good reason. “Cosmos is an absolute must for me and my garden,” says Garden Designer Ann-Marie Powell. “I grow it every single year without fail.” It is a common garden plant in temperate climes and is therefore often referred to as garden cosmos. Overview Botanical Name Cosmos Common Name(s) Mexican Aster; Garden Cosmos Plant Type Annuals / Perennials Native Area North & South America Hardiness Rating H3 Foliage Thin, wiry green leaves Flowers Large, colourful outstretching petals with clustered centres that are typically yellow When To Sow March, April Plant Out April, May Flowering Months June, July, August, September, October Deadheading Months Throughout flowering season Cosmos can be herbaceous perennials or annuals; the species in this genus are native to North and South America – with Kew listing 35 accepted species.1 Most of the species grown in the UK are varieties or cultivars of either C. bipinnatus or C. sulphureus. C. bipinnatus Garden cosmos, C. bipinnatus, is a half-hardy annual, though it is common for the plants to self-seed in many situations and so it is common for them to return over a number of years. Cultivated varieties come in a range of hues, from white, through pink, to deep purple – this is a common garden plant for the UK. C. sulphureus Another cosmos common in UK gardens is C. sulphureus, ‘yellow cosmos’. This is another half-hardy annual with flowers in many warm sunlit colours of yellow, orange and red. Their height can vary considerably, and there are some dwarf forms. C. atrosanguineus The perennial C. atrosanguineus (otherwise known as ‘chocolate cosmos’) is not reliably hardy in UK gardens, but can be overwintered successfully in some areas – provided the base of the plant is covered with a 15cm thick mulch of straw, dry leaves, or other such material to protect it from the cold. It is safest to grow these plants in pots and bring indoors over winter, or overwinter cuttings. It has fragrant flowers, with a similar aroma to chocolate. Why Grow Cosmos? Of course cosmos of the types mentioned above are great ornamental plants – chosen for their attractive blooms that can really brighten up a garden. You can not only enjoy the blooms in your garden, but also inside your home, as these can also make excellent cut flowers. But aesthetics are not the only reason cosmos could be a good idea where you live. The main reason why cosmos can be a wonderful garden plant is that the flowers are in bloom for a relatively long period, and are great for attracting a wide range of beneficial insects to your garden. They will attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators; whilst also attracting predatory insects like ladybirds and hover-flies which eat aphids and other pest species and help to keep their numbers in balance. The plants themselves are also rarely troubled by pests or disease, and so can be a very useful plant for those who want to enjoy a relatively low-maintenance garden. They can thrive easily even in relatively difficult growing conditions, and as you will find out below, there are plenty of places you could potentially plant them. Things are made even easier by the fact that when they are grown in the right conditions, annual cosmos will often readily self-seed – so you can sow them once and expect them again the following year without any extra work on your part. You can also very easily collect the seeds from open-pollinated cosmos to sow yourself the following year. Note, however, that hybrid cultivars will not usually be ‘true to type’, so what the seeds will grow into can be something of a lottery. One final thing to note is that if you choose organic seeds, and cultivate your flowers without the use of harmful pesticides or fertilisers, the pretty petals of C. sulphureus flowers can also be eaten.2 They can be added to brighten up a mixed summer salad. Choosing Cosmos There are, as mentioned above, a wide range of varieties and cultivars of cosmos to choose from. Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Picotee’ C. bipinnatus and C. sulphureus provide many of the flowers that are most commonly grown in UK gardens. Some cosmos to consider are: C. bipinnatus ‘Apollo White’ C. bipinnatus ‘Xanthos’ C. bipinnatus ‘Apollo Carmine’ C. bipinnatus ‘Apollo Pink’ C. bipinnatus ‘Sensation Pinkie’ C. bipinnatus ‘Rubenza’ C. bipinnatus ‘Dazzler’ C. bipinnatus ‘Picotee’ C. bipinnatus Sonata Series C. sulphureus ‘Ladybird’ (Mixed) Of course, there are plenty more options to choose from, including the perennial chocolate cosmos. ‘Sulfur yellow’ Cosmos If you are looking to take advantage of the plant’s ability to attract and benefit pollinators, then single-flower type cosmos are best, though there are also double-flowered cultivars to consider for ornamental blooms. How To Grow Cosmos Soil Requirements Cosmos will grow well in most typical garden soils, as long as they are in full sun, and as long as the ground does not get too damp and waterlogged. Though they can cope with relatively dry and low-nutrient soils, they will not like a very dry, very poor site – and they certainly won’t thrive in heavy, wet soils. As long as the soil is moist but free-draining and there is full sun, your plants should do well – just keep them out of shade. Remember, these plants are native to much warmer climes. If you do have heavy soil or struggle to find a suitable spot, it is also worthwhile considering that you can also grow shorter cultivars in containers. Companion Planting In terms of companion planting, cosmos can be a great choice for scattering throughout or around the edges of your vegetable plot. Since they attract pollinators, they can often work well for polyculture planting schemes – perhaps alongside other great flowers for your kitchen garden including marigolds, calendula, borage, nasturtiums etc. Cosmos look great in many ornamental schemes, especially, arguably, in meadow-style planting – perhaps alongside Verbena bonariensis, Nicotiana, and wispy ornamental grasses, for example. Cosmos can also work well with other showy blooms like dahlias, or zinnias, for instance, in an ornamental border or planter. From Seed Cosmos seeds are sown in spring. You can direct sow the seeds where they are to grow from later in spring, or you can start them in soil blocks, plugs, modules or small pots filled with free-draining seed compost in early spring. See our guide to sowing for more information. Planting Out If you do sow in pots, pot on the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle, then plant them out in late April or May after the last frost date in your area. If you are growing taller cultivars, these should ideally be grown in a more sheltered position; even where they are, they may still require staking or some other form of support. In order to avoid damage to root systems, it is a good idea to have supports in place before you plant out your cosmos. In certain areas, it may also be a good idea to provide slug protection for young plants just after they are planted out. Long term, the best way to control slugs in your garden is to boost natural biodiversity and encourage plenty of the wildlife that eats them. Cosmos Care As mentioned above, cosmos are relatively low-maintenance plants and will require little care. Often they can bloom from June right through to the first frosts in autumn. Watering They will only need watering in dry conditions, and should flower over a long period with little work. Note: remember that if you are growing in containers rather than in the ground you will usually need to water your plants more frequently. Feeding In order to ensure that the cosmos you are growing flower well, it can be a good idea to feed them with an organic liquid plant feed a few times during the summer months, though this is not an absolute necessity and often cosmos will flower pretty well without any such intervention. Deadheading As with many other flowering plants, it is also a good idea to deadhead regularly in order to keep the plants flowering over as long a period as possible. Of course, you can also take the blooms to use as cut flowers in your home, and perhaps even, if you are growing organically, harvest a few of the petals for salads. Overwintering At the end of the season, as seeds form, you can leave the plants to self-seed naturally, or you can collect the seeds from annual cosmos varieties to plant next year. If you are growing the perennial chocolate cosmos, then you can divide the tubers. As mentioned above, these will need winter protection, and in cooler and more northern areas, it may be best to lift the plants for storage over the winter months, so they can be overwintered indoors. When you lift the plants for storage, this would be a good time to propagate the mature specimens by tuber division. Propagating The chocolate cosmos, Cosmos atrosanguineus, can be propagated by basal cuttings,” says Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish. “These are harvested in the spring as new growth appears. “Thoroughly water the plant about an hour beforehand. “Then take a third of the new shoots, and cut cleanly to soil level with a knife or secateurs. Place them immediately, half their length deep, in pots of moist compost. “Given regular watering, a cool position indoors out of direct sunlight, they should root within a couple of weeks.” By now, you should see more clearly why cosmos can be such great (and pretty easy) flowers to grow, and perhaps you will consider growing some in your garden. References 1. Cosmos. (n.d.). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:8410-1 2. Cosmos Edible Flowers. (n.d.). Nurtured in Norfolk. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://nurturedinnorfolk.co.uk/product/cosmos-edible-flowers/
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17 Types Of Thistles With Native, Naturalised And Even Edible Options
IN THIS GUIDE Why Grow Thistles In Your Garden? Native / Naturalised Thistles 1) ‘Scottish Thistle’ (Onopordum acanthium) 2) Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) 3) Melancholy Thistle (C. heterophyllum) 4) Creeping Thistle (C. arvense) 5) Meadow Thistle (C. dissectum) 6) Marsh Thistle (C. palustre) 7) Woolly Thistle (C. eriophorum) 8) Slender Thistle (Carduus tenuiflorus) 9) Musk Thistle (C. nutans) Other ‘Thistles’ & Thistle-Like Plants 10) Carline Thistle (Carlina spp.) 11) Common Knapweed (Centaurea) 12) Blue Sow Thistle (Cicerbita alpina) 13) Globe Thistles (Echinops) 14) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) 15) Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) 16) Cardoon (C. cardunculus) 17) Sea Hollies (Eryngium) References Thistles are flowering plants characterised by their sharp prickles – some are common weeds but many can be great additions to UK gardens. Sometimes, the word ‘thistle’ is used to refer only to specific genera – Cirsium, Carduus and Onopordum. And sometimes it is used more broadly to refer to a wider range of prickly flowering plants. However you define the term, thistles can be very useful and attractive plants for your garden. Even those commonly considered to be weeds can be great choices to consider. We will begin by discussing a number of native or naturalised thistles that could be grown in UK gardens. Then we will go on to discuss other plants referred to as thistles or thistle-like plants that you might want to grow in your garden. Why Grow Thistles In Your Garden? The first and most important thing to recognise is that some of the plants listed below can be rather thuggish – they can be invasive plants and can quickly become irritating weeds if you do not take care.1 However, all of the thistles or thistle-like plants on this list are also excellent for wildlife – so it is well worthwhile considering giving them some space in a wildlife-friendly garden. Thistles of different types are important nectar sources for pollinators.2 When we are too zealous in getting rid of thistles or are reluctant to give them space in our gardens, we risk diminishing biodiversity and contributing to the loss of many important pollinator species. The spear thistle ranked in the top ten for nectar production in a survey carried out here in the UK, and this and other thistles are valued by bumblebees, for example, for their high nectar production.3 Thistles are also important for a range of lepidoptera, and are a favourite nectar source for several native butterflies, including the ‘painted lady’.4 Thistle seeds are also an important food source for finches and other seed-eating birds.5 You might be surprised to learn that thistles can also be a human food source. A number of thistles and thistle-like plants have edible uses and can also provide other yields in an abundant and productive garden. Native / Naturalised Thistles 1) ‘Scottish Thistle’ (Onopordum acanthium) Onopordum acanthium While it is likely to be one of the common plants that spring to mind when you think of the thistle, this national emblem of Scotland, chosen by Sir Walter Scott, is not actually a native plant.6 It is believed to have been introduced in Europe pre-16th century and has now naturalised in many areas. Though vigorous and often considered a weed, it can still be a useful plant, in flower from July to September and noted for attracting wildlife. The flower buds can be cooked and eaten, though are a little fiddly, and stems (with rind removed) can be boiled like asparagus or rhubarb. 2) Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) C. vulgare The spear thistle, common thistle or bull thistle is the most likely candidate for the true Scottish thistle. This is also abundant in Scotland and native throughout much of the UK. This also has great benefits for wildlife, and has limited culinary uses. The root can be cooked and is somewhat akin to Jerusalem artichoke – and the flower buds can also be cooked and eaten. The dried flowers can also be used as a rennet substitute in cheese making.7 Though it can be a pernicious weed, eating the weeds can be a great way to deal with them while retaining natural biodiversity in your garden. 3) Melancholy Thistle (C. heterophyllum) C. heterophyllum A plant found in upland pastures in the north of the UK, it is common to see it in hay meadows, open woodlands and along streams and woodland verges. It could be another thistle to include in your garden. Unlike other thistles, it does not have prickles. Its leaves have a dense white felt underneath and it has single purple, thistle-like flowers. 4) Creeping Thistle (C. arvense) C. arvense This is the most common thistle species in the UK and is frequently found on disturbed and cultivated ground.8 It spreads very quickly and is often considered a weed, but like the other thistles mentioned, it has great benefits to wildlife. Its seeds are an important food source for garden and farmland birds. Like other thistles, these too have historically been viewed as a human food source.9 5) Meadow Thistle (C. dissectum) C. dissectum The meadow thistle is an herbaceous perennial that is small and slender, without large spines on its leaves. It is a short thistle, up to around 80cm in height, with single pinky-purple flowers. And is commonly found on damp meadows and grassland. It could find a place in a similar habitat in your garden if you are in Southern England, South Wales or Northern Ireland. 6) Marsh Thistle (C. palustre) C. palustre The marsh thistle or European swamp thistle is a tall thistle that produces a lot of nectar for a wide variety of pollinators.10 It thrives in damp ground such as wet fields, marshes or stream banks. Typically the multiple flowers of this plant are purple though white flowers are sometimes also found. 7) Woolly Thistle (C. eriophorum) C. eriophorum This is one somewhat more scarce species of thistle that is found mainly in Southern England. It prefers chalk or limestone grasslands and will do well in these conditions in a southern garden.11 The woolly flower heads of this type of thistle are unmistakable. The reddish-purple flowers top spiny bracts that are covered in ‘white wool’. 8) Slender Thistle (Carduus tenuiflorus) Carduus tenuiflorus The slender thistle, also known as the seaside thistle, occurs naturally occasionally in the UK, mainly in coastal regions. It occurs very infrequently inland. It is quite tall, and bears small pinking flower heads in compact clusters of 3 or more. This is a thistle for coastal gardens with free-draining soil. A similar and more widespread species is Carduus crispus, the welted thistle, which is found in several areas of the UK, south of Edinburgh. 9) Musk Thistle (C. nutans) C. nutans The musk thistle is found throughout the UK but is most common in England and Wales. It is a common species of chalky soil and so could be a useful garden plant if you have this soil type where you live.12 It is common to see this plant on roadside verges or rough grassland, and it could be a good choice for a wilder, less tended part of your garden. Other ‘Thistles’ & Thistle-Like Plants 10) Carline Thistle (Carlina spp.) Carlina spp. The Carline thistle produces distinctive brown-and-golden flower heads that resemble a seeded thistle. This spiny biennial plant thrives on dry, chalk grassland in England and Wales. They create interest over a long period, the flower heads look like a thistle that has gone to seed, but they are actually in full flower. And the dead heads then persist, often through winter to the following spring. 11) Common Knapweed (Centaurea) Common Knapweed Common knapweed is frequently found on all sorts of grasslands around the UK. It has thistle-like purple flower heads and like the true thistles described above, attracts a wide range of wildlife including many native butterfly species including common blues, marbled whites and meadow browns.13 It can be a great flowering plant to naturalise in your lawn. 12) Blue Sow Thistle (Cicerbita alpina) Cicerbita alpina A rare native of Scotland, the blue sow thistle is a perennial hardy to UK zone 4. It thrives in partial or dappled shade and prefers moist soil, and the limited sites where it grows in Scotland are at the edge of its native range. It is a protected species in the UK – if you live in the Highlands then perhaps you could be involved in conservation efforts by cultivating this flowering thistle-like plant. Even in other areas, it can make a good garden plant. 13) Globe Thistles (Echinops) Echinops Echinops is a genus known commonly as ‘globe thistles’. They have spiny foliage and blue or white flower heads in a spherical shape. Echinops such as the blue globe thistle E. bannaticus can be excellent choices for garden plants. They will do best in a well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun, or light shade. Try E. bannaticus ‘Star Frost’, E. bannaticus ‘Taplow Blue’, E. ritro ‘Vietch’s Blue’ or E. ritro ‘Arctic Glow’. These are all great pollinator plants and also beautiful ornamental plants for a garden. 14) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Silybum marianum Milk thistles, also called blessed Mary’s thistles, blessed thistles or lady’s thistles, are robust perennials that form rosettes of large, spiny leaves veined with white, and purple flower heads. Native to the Mediterranean, they can grow in a UK garden in full sun, in poor to medium fertile, well-drained soil that has neutral or mildly alkaline pH. It also potentially has a number of edible uses, though in nitrogen-rich soil it can accumulate nitrates, so care should be taken.14 15) Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Cynara scolymus If you were intrigued by the edible possibilities of some of the thistles listed above then you will likely be very interested in growing globe artichokes in your garden. Cynara are thistle-like plants that find a place in many edible gardens. C. scolymus is the common edible globe artichoke. The edible portion of the plant is of course the flower bud before the flowers come into bloom. There are a number of edible cultivars that can be grown in the United Kingdom. Artichoke hearts are a delicacy common in Italy and other countries, and the leaves covering the choke are also edible. 16) Cardoon (C. cardunculus) C. cardunculus The ancestor of the globe artichoke, the cardoon or ‘wild artichoke’ is another option to consider. “Solely on ornamental merit, the Cardoon has great presence in the garden,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Even when not in flower, its large silver foliage is a great foil for many other perennials.” The stems of cultivated varieties are also used as food around the Mediterranean, and this is also a source for a rennet substitute used in cheese making. The leaf stalks look like large celery stems. They can be steamed or braised and have an artichoke like flavour with a little bitterness. 17) Sea Hollies (Eryngium) Eryngium Finally, no discussion of growing thistles in the UK would be complete without some discussion of the group of thistle-like plants called Eryngium. These spiny perennials are dramatic and architectural in form and some look superficially like thistles. They can be great garden plants which can be used to great effect in many garden schemes. Eryngium, also called sea hollies, will thrive in a very free-draining soil, sometimes even soils that are lacking in nutrients. They do best in full sun. Avoid planting them in rich soils, or in the shade. Some Eryngium to grow in the UK include: E. giganteum E. bourgatii E. pandanifolium E. x tripartitum E. x oliverianum Like the other thistles and thistle-like plants mentioned above, Eryngiums not only look beautiful but can also help you to create a wildlife-friendly garden. This list is by no means an exhaustive one. But considering the above should help you find a place for thistles and thistle-like plants in your garden. Whether you want a native thistle, or something to add drama to your garden without getting out of control, you should be able to find the right plants to place in the right positions where you live. References 1. Thistle management and control. (n.d.). Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/thistle-management-and-control 2. Life on a spear thistle. (2020, August 7). Alan Watson Featherstone. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://alanwatsonfeatherstone.com/life-on-a-spear-thistle/ 3. Memmott, J. (n.d.). Quantifying nectar resources from the flower to the national scale. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.agriland.leeds.ac.uk/news/documents/4_JaneMemmottnectarresources.pdf 4. Thistles, foodplant of caterpillars of teh Painted Lady Butterfly in Britain. (n.d.). Butterfly Friendly Wildflowers From Ladyburn Native Plant Nursery. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.caterpillarfoodplants.com/thistles.html 5. Vanover, L. (2022, December 13). 3 Types of Seeds and Feeders Birds Love Best. Birds and Blooms. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/attracting-birds/feeding-birds/three-seed-types-birds-love-best/ 6. Scotch Thistle. (n.d.). National Records of Scotland. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/archivists-garden/index-by-plant-name/scotch-thistle#:~:text=The%20plant%20we%20know%20as,accepted%20as%20a%20national%20emblem. 7. Rylander, S. (2021, June 11). A Brief History of Cheesemaking with Thistle Rennet. The Cheese Professor. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.cheeseprofessor.com/blog/thistle-rennet-cheesemaking 8. Creeping thistle. (n.d.). The Wildlife Trusts. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/creeping-thistle 9. Cirsium arvense. (n.d.). PFAF Plant Database. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Cirsium+arvense 10. Hicks, D., Ouvrard, P., Baldock, K. C. R., Baude, M., Goddard, M. A., Kunin, W. E., Mitschunas, N., Memmott, J., Morse, H., Nikolitsi, M., Osgathorpe, L. M., Potts, S. G., Robertson, K., Scott, A. M., Sinclair, F., Westbury, D. B., & Stone, G. N. (2016). Food for Pollinators: Quantifying the Nectar and Pollen Resources of Urban Flower Meadows. PLOS ONE, 11(6), e0158117. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0158117 11. Woolly thistle. (n.d.). Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/woolly-thistle 12. Musk thistle. (n.d.). The Wildlife Trusts. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/musk-thistle 13. Common Knapweed or Black Knapweed. (n.d.). Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/species-explorer/plants/common-knapweed-or-black-knapweed 14. Milk Thistle (Blessed Thistle, Mary Thistle). (n.d.). Tortoise Table Plant Database. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/?plant=447&c=6#.ZCGG2OzML0o
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Salvia Is A Broad-Ranging Genus, But These Tips Can Help You Grow Them Successfully
IN THIS GUIDE Overview Why Grow Salvias? How To Grow Salvia Salvia Plant Care References Whether you are cultivating an edible landscape, or a purely ornamental one, Salvias can be good choices for many gardens. From well-known culinary sage, to pretty flowering salvias in a range of colours, this genus provides many options for UK gardeners. For these salvia guides, we’ve partnered with: Lyndi Garnett – Coordinator of the Victorian Salvia Study Group. Vicki Weston – Owner of Weston’s Salvias. “Salvias are versatile plants that are generally easy to grow in most soils,” says Lyndi. “They have long-flowering times and come in a variety of colours.” This is such a broad-ranging genus that there is no way to cover them all in just one guide. However, to help you get started with choosing Salvias, we’ve developed this exploration of some of the different types of Salvia you might like to grow, along with some care and growing tips to help you cultivate them successfully. Overview Botanical Name Salvia Common Name(s) Sage Plant Type Perennials / Annuals Native Area Americas, China, Europe Hardiness Rating H3-H7 Foliage Various Flowers Many colours When To Sow May, August, September Flowering Months June, July, August, September, October When To Prune March, April, September, October, November Salvia actually belongs to the Lamiaceae (Mint) family.1 Commonly referred to as ‘sage’, this is one of a number of genera referred to in this way. S. officinalis It includes the common culinary herb sage, as well as a range of other edible and ornamental types. Why Grow Salvias? “I cannot walk past salvias without buying one,” shares Kate Gould, award-winning garden designer. “I don’t know why. I make a beeline for them whenever I’m in a garden – they’re my kryptonite.” Here are some reasons that you might grow salvia. Edible Yields Salvias might provide an edible yield – and choosing those which do provide something of value to you can help you make the most of the space available to you. Whether or not they are useful to human gardeners – all salvias can be beneficial for wildlife with which you share your space. Wildlife Benefits Salvias have beautiful blooms that are beloved by a range of key pollinators like bees, lepidoptera and other beneficial insects. They often also bloom over a relatively long period. Of course, since they attract pollinators and boost biodiversity, bringing wildlife also brings value for you, as a gardener – greater biodiversity brings greater stability, making your garden more resilient. This makes it easier to garden in an organic, eco-friendly way – and of course ensuring there are plenty of pollinators around can ensure good yields of fruits etc. that you cultivate in your garden. Long Blooming Period There is of course a lot of variety, though most Salvia will bloom between June and October. Choosing several different varieties could mean that there is plenty of nectar around for insects to enjoy in your garden throughout the summer and, with certain varieties, well into the autumn too. S. nemorosa The blooming period of salvias also means they add visual appeal in a garden over a long period. “The flowering period can vary from a few weeks to all year round,” says Lyndi. Pest Resistance Salvias are relatively easy to grow, and are usually seldom bothered by problems with pests or diseases. This can make them good choices (especially hardy varieties) for a low-maintenance garden that won’t take much work. How To Grow Salvia All Salvia will tend to do well in full sun, and will thrive with a south-facing aspect, but there are also several types that can cope with dappled or partial shade. Soil Requirements In terms of soil type, there are Salvia suited to a range of conditions, though they will do best in free-draining conditions and most will struggle in areas with heavy clay. “If you live on a heavy, cold clay, you must incorporate lots of grit into your planting hole,” says Vicki. Many varieties can cope with drought, so can be part of xeriscaping plans, and will cope quite well in free-draining soils even when they are poor and relatively low in nutrients. Where To Grow Salvias can be useful plants not only in poor soils and dry areas – they can also be useful in coastal gardens, and other situations that can be tricky for many other plants. “Some salvias like the shade, others prefer the sun, so you can usually find a salvia for any position in the garden,” Lyndi says. In terms of aesthetics, Salvia can work well in many garden schemes, from the sunny fringes of a naturalistic woodland or forest garden, to a kitchen or herb garden, to gardens with an exotic, or tropical, feel. They can also look good in-amongst wildflowers and ornamental grasses in a sunny border. However, though some hardy varieties can remain in the garden over the winter months, it is important to recognise that tender types are best grown in containers. Growing tender Salvias in pots means that you will easily be able to move them under cover before the first frosts in your area. Salvia Plant Care How much and exactly what care they will need depends on which varieties you have chosen to grow. However, generally speaking, these are relatively low-maintenance and hassle-free plants. Watering Under-watering is usually less of a problem with Salvias than over-watering, especially where drainage is less than optional – so less is usually more. “Water until established and when we have one of our seemingly much more frequent overheating summer moments,” says Vicki. Feeding Salvias grown in the ground will typically not require any feeding at all, but Lyndi does recommend mulching: “You can regularly feed your salvias to keep them healthy. If they’re growing in the ground, mulch well to keep the root area cool.” However, if you grow them in containers, it could be a good idea to feed a potash-rich ‘tomato feed’ type organic liquid fertiliser in the summer months. Composting Annuals If you are growing annual varietals, at the end of the season you will lift them and put them on your compost heap prior to the first frost. References 1. Salvia. (n.d.). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30000096-2
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Grow Lunaria (AKA 'Honesty Plant') For A Low-Maintenance Option In Difficult Areas
IN THIS GUIDE Overview Lunaria Types Why Grow Lunaria? How To Grow Lunaria Ongoing Plant Care References Lunaria is a flowering plant that in the language of flowers represents honesty, sincerity and prosperity. Honesty is a useful and interesting plant that can find a place in many gardens. There are actually two different plants called honesty: one is annual (or biennial) honesty – Lunaria annua, and the other is perennial honesty – Lunaria rediviva. In this guide, we will discuss both of these plants. By the end of this guide, you should have a much better idea about which, if either, of these useful and attractive plants might be a good choice for your garden. Overview Botanical Name Lunaria Common Name(s) Honesty Plant Plant Type Annual / Perennial Flower Native Area Europe, North America Foliage Triangular-ovate leaves Flowers Purple 4-petalled flowers, followed by silvery seed cases When To Sow March, April, May, June, September, October Flowering Months May, June Lunaria is a genus of flowering plants that are actually in the Brassicaceae family – this is the family that also includes the edible brassicas that we might find in a vegetable garden, such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, turnips, mustard etc.1 This genus actually includes four species, two of which are interesting for UK gardeners. The other two, that we will not be covering in this guide, are L. elongata and the rare Balkan species L. telekiana. Lunaria means ‘like the moon’ – a name which refers to the decorative seed pods of these plants. The disc-shaped, silvery pods also explain many other common names for the plants, and its association with silver coins, or money. These plants are native to central and southern Europe and North America, but they are widely grown as ornamental plants in gardens, and have become naturalised in many temperate climate zones outside their native range.2 Lunaria Types Annual Honesty Botanical Name: Lunaria annua Annual or biennial honesty is an attractive garden plant that grows up to around 90cm tall with a spread of around 30cm. It has coarse, pointed-oval shaped, hairy leaves with marked serrations along the edges. In the spring and summer, the plants bear racemes of white or violet flowers which are followed by showy green-light brown translucent disc-shaped silicles (not botanically speaking seedpods though they are often referred to as such). Once ripe and dry, seeds fall from these silicles leaving a silvery membrane that can sometimes persist on the plants throughout the winter. The name ‘honesty’ emerged in the sixteenth century and it is believed to relate to the translucence of the silicle membranes.3 In the US it is commonly called ‘Silver Dollars’. In French, ‘monnaie du pape’ meaning ‘Pope’s Money’. In Denmark and Dutch-speaking countries as ‘Coins of Judas’. Perennial Honesty Botanical Name: Lunaria rediviva Perennial honesty is another popular garden plant. It grows up to 1m in height and has large, pointed oval-shaped leaves with marked serrations, similar to the above. It has clusters of fragrant, pale pink flowers that are borne in the spring. Rather than having circular silicles, this plant has longer pods that taper to points at both ends. But these pods, like those of the above, have a bright whitish-silver appearance that can have great ornamental appeal. Like other perennial plants, L. rediviva is a great option for those who want to create long-lasting gardens that won’t require a lot of work, since it will come back and flower over a number of years. Why Grow Lunaria? Wildlife Benefits L. annua and L. rediviva are both very useful wildlife-friendly plants and are considered to be excellent choices for wildflower meadow-type planting schemes and wildlife gardens. This not only has ecological benefits, but can also aid those trying to grow their own. Since increasing biodiversity helps keep the ecosystem in balance and aids in organic pest control. These are great plants for attracting lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and other pollinators. It is caterpillar food for the caterpillars of the orange tip butterfly, for example. Ornamental Reasons The plants are both also great ornamental choices. They add interest not only during the flowering period but also beyond, as the attractive silicles form. What is more, the dried seed pods are also very attractive in floral arrangements, and are often used in cut flower displays. They could also therefore be good choices to add to a cut flower garden. Edible Yield L. annua can also be interesting for those cultivating an edible garden. The seeds have a strong and pungent flavour and are used as a mustard substitute. The root of the plant is sometimes also cultivated and eaten. Low Maintenance L. rediviva is a tough perennial, and a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. Like other perennial plants, it can be a good choice for low-maintenance wildflower meadows or perennial beds or borders, and can be suitable for areas of a garden where other forms of ground cover may be difficult to establish. Trap Crops Another thing to consider is that, as members of the Brassicaceae family, these plants may be beneficial in an organic garden as trap crops – distracting pests that prey on edible brassicas and thereby providing a distraction to help in keeping culinary crops safe. Unless seeds are collected, both of these plants will often self-seed readily. How To Grow Lunaria The plants can cope with an exposed location, but if you want to retain the attractive silvery membranes on the plants for as long as possible then they are best grown in a more sheltered spot. One thing to note if you plan to incorporate this plant into a kitchen garden is that it should not be grown in the same bed as brassicas, and annual brassicas should be rotated in a crop rotation scheme. Honesty works well in a spring woodland border and can be great when grown alongside tulips or other spring flowering bulbs. “I love to establish swathes of white and pale colour flowered Lunaria under the dappled shade of a tree, as there is something mesmerising in the way the broken sunlight through a fresh spring canopy catches these flowers,” shares Master Horticulturist Dan Ori. They also work well alongside Alliums, geraniums and forget-me-nots, for example. It can also look good amongst naturalistic meadow planting schemes with grasses and native wildflowers. Ongoing Plant Care Lunaria are great low-maintenance plants and really do require very little care. Give them a little water if the weather it particularly dry. But generally, you can leave them to get on with things and focus on more fussy plants. The one thing to make sure of is that the Lunaria do not have ‘wet feet’ – waterlogging is one problem that they cannot abide. Like common edible brassicas, this plant can be affected by club root. Other than that, they will not usually encounter many problems – in fact, they can be so low maintenance that in some areas, they can even start to be considered as a weed! However, as it is generally untroubled by pests, you will find that both types of Lunaria can be very useful and attractive additions to your garden. If you do not already grow Lunaria in your garden, it is certainly a good option to consider. Honesty is something to cultivate in all areas of life – including in your garden! References 1. Todd, J. (n.d.). Lunaria annua. Oxford University Plants. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/Profiles/kl/Lunaria 2. Lunaria annua. (n.d.). Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278072 3. The Brassica family and their useful plants; (2022, July 3). Wonderful Weed Weekly. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://wonderfulweedweekly.co.uk/the-brassica-family-and-their-useful-plants-part-3/
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These Sunflower Care Guidelines Will Help Keep Your Plant Stems Strong
IN THIS GUIDE Overview Why Grow Sunflowers? How To Grow Sunflowers Sunflower Plant Care Common Problems References Sunflowers are great for novices and experienced gardeners alike, and can find a place in many gardens. Kids will love learning to grow them with you, and as an easy plant to grow, they can be your gateway to growing your own – no matter how green-fingered you may be. You might think you know these familiar flowers well, but they can be surprising. Overview Botanical Name Helianthus annuus Common Name(s) Sunflower Plant Type Annual Flower Native Area Americas Hardiness Rating H4 Foliage Broad, oval to heart-shaped, rough hairy leaves Flowers Huge flowers up to 30cm across with bright yellow petals When To Sow April, May Flowering Months June, July, August The common sunflower, Helianthus annuus, is a tall and fast-growing annual. In summer, of course, the plant bears huge flowers up to 30cm across, with bright yellow petals and large brownish centres. Heliotropism One fascinating thing about sunflowers is that they offer an example of a natural phenomenon known as ‘Heliotropism’. While the flower heads are young, the flowers generally tend to turn to follow the sun across the sky as it travels from east to west. Researchers have come to the conclusion that sunflowers show this specific type of heliotropism because their stems elongate at different rates on each side at different times of the day.1 This ‘solar tracking’ can be a fascinating natural phenomenon to witness when growing sunflowers in your own garden. It is thought that facing the sun during the day in the early stages of growth brings benefits for these plants. Not only does it maximise photosynthesis, it also increases warming of the flower on each plant, thereby attracting more insects for pollination. Researchers at the University of Virginia found that east-facing mature sunflower blooms drew five times the number of pollinating insects when compared to west-facing ones.2 Why Grow Sunflowers? Sunflowers are great plants to grow for a great many reasons. Easy To Grow For one thing, they are a fantastic choice because they are very easy to grow. The seeds are large and easy to handle, and the plants germinate and grow quickly so you do not have to wait around too long to see impressive results. Visual Appeal Sunflowers look beautiful and very impressive, with their enormous heads; planting just a few can have a big impact on the visual appeal in a garden. Another thing to consider is that the structure of the sunflowers, which grow heads and shoulders above many other flowering plants, means they can add height and structure to a bed or border. Companion Benefits Sunflowers are great mixed in with other flowering plants in an ornamental border, but they can also work well as companion plants in a kitchen garden. Not only do these flowers attract plenty of pollinators to your garden while they are in bloom, they also attract predatory insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps that help keep pest numbers down. They can also serve as structure for climbing edibles like beans to grow up. Edible Yields It is also worth noting that they are an edible plant in their own right. They not only produce edible seeds towards the end of the season – the petals are edible too. One thing to note, however, is that sunflowers are known to be allelopathic – in other words, they can suppress the growth of certain other plants when grown close by.3 You should avoid planting sunflowers too close to potatoes, for example. How To Grow Sunflowers As mentioned above, sunflowers could be grown in an ornamental bed or border, or in a vegetable garden. They will do best, as their name suggests, in an area that receives full sun. Though they can also potentially cope with partial shade, they do best where they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. When choosing a location for growing sunflowers, it is important to understand that they have long tap roots (to anchor them well as they grow so tall). Soil Requirements They need to be planted in an area where the soil is deep enough to accommodate the root system – and they will do best where that soil is loose, moist and well-draining. Avoid areas with compacted soil, and areas with soils that are outside of the 6.0-7.5 pH range. The soil should be fertile and nutrient-rich, and it is a good idea to top-dress the area with plenty of organic matter before planting. Sowing In order to avoid pest issues, it is generally best to sow seeds indoors before transplanting seedlings later to their final growing positions. Seeds should be sown in small pots, modules or soil blocks indoors before the last frost, or, if you do prefer to sow directly, this should be done after you are certain that the last frost of the winter has passed. Ideally, you should wait until the soil has warmed to between 13-16°C. Choose a fertile and balanced, moist yet free-draining growing medium for sowing your seeds. Sow each seed by making a hole in the growing medium and placing a seed in each one, at a depth of around 2cm. Gently firm the soil back over the seed and water it in. Then leave it in a sunny spot for germination to take place. If you wish, you can improve your chances of success by sowing 2-3 seeds in each pot, and then removing the weaker seedlings once they emerge to leave one seedling per pot. One fun (and educational) game for kids is to have each child plant a sunflower, then have a ‘race’ to see whose grows the tallest the fastest. Each child should take care of their own seedling, watering it as required and trying different methods to affect their growth. Sunflower Plant Care Sunflowers do not require much care. They do not need much fertiliser and, in fact, will not thrive if you fertilise them too much. Coddled plants will tend to have weaker stems, that can break towards the end of the summer or in autumn. “The biggest problem with growing sunflowers that I come across is weak, elongated stems that snap when they are planted out,” shares Horticulturist and Consultant Colin Skelly. “Once the seedlings have true leaves, put them out into a cold frame or place them outside for a time during the day. This will allow the seedlings to grow ‘hard’ and produce stouter, stronger stems for planting out.” Watering When the seedlings are still small, especially if they are growing in a heated indoor space, you will have to regularly water to make sure that the growing medium around the root zone of your plants does not dry out. However, once the plants are more established, and certainly after you have hardened them off and transplanted them to their final growing positions, you should water far less frequently. Watering well on a less frequent basis rather than watering little and often is the best policy. It will encourage the plants to root deeply, which will make them stronger as the season progresses. Common Problems Slugs & Snails The biggest problems for sunflowers are often slugs and snails – they love sunflowers and can quickly destroy a young plant. Try to take natural measures to reduce slug and snail populations in your garden – such as attracting plenty of birds, amphibians and mammals that eat them. Choosing the right plants and creating different habitats (garden ponds and wild native hedgerows for example) should help. You can also place collars or barriers of material around young sunflower plants, and/or place slug traps nearby. Aphids Another thing you might notice about sunflowers is that ants may herd aphids onto them. One of the strange phenomena that occur in a garden is ants ‘farming’ aphids. But if ants herd aphids onto sunflowers, it is worthwhile remembering that this means they are keeping them away from your fruits and vegetables. This means sunflowers could also serve as useful companion plants in a kitchen garden because they can serve as a trap crop. References 1. Briggs, W. (2016, August). How do sunflowers follow the Sun – And to what end? Research Gate. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305890471_How_do_sunflowers_follow_the_Sun_-_And_to_what_end 2. Sunflowers move from east to west, and back, by the clock. (n.d.). National Science Foundation. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=139271 3. Leather, G. R. (1983). Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are Allelopathic to Weeds. Weed Science, 31(1), 37–42. https://doi.org/10.1017/s004317450006851x
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Grow Echium ‘Bugloss’ For Pollinators Says Professor Dave Goulson - Here's How
IN THIS GUIDE Overview How To Grow Echium Echium Plant Care Echium Varieties Common Problems References If you are looking for a plant that will make a real statement, then Echiums may be just what you are looking for. These striking plants come in an array of colours and vary in size and growing habit, meaning there is an echium for pretty much every garden style. From formal to the exotic, meadow to conservatory, these boastful, sun-loving plants provide beauty, structure and texture, and are sure to turn heads. A well-placed echium will offer a real taste of splendour to your garden and, thanks to their nectar-rich blooms, they are irresistible to butterflies and other essential pollinators, including the ever-dwindling honey bee. These bountiful beauties thrive in hot, dry conditions and, where many plants would struggle, echiums will remain completely unperturbed by sudden heatwaves in the summer months. With echiums’ tolerance of rising temperatures, you can at least rest in the knowledge that they are giving the bees some much-needed help. Overview Botanical Name Echium Common Name(s) Bugloss (Vipers Bugloss etc.) Plant Type Annual / Biennal Flower Native Area North Africa, Mainland Europe, Central Asia and the Macaronesian Islands Hardiness Rating Various Foliage Rough, hairy, oblanceolate leaves Flowers Blue/purple or pink/red flower spikes (depending on variety) When To Sow April, May Flowering Months June, July, August There are 68 species of echiums which includes biennials (which complete their life cycle in two years), perennials (which die down in winter) and shrubs (which provide year-round foliage). Echiums can be found in suitable climates worldwide with the tallest of the varieties, which can grow up to 5m in height, hailing from the Canary Islands.1 These varieties need to grow in similar conditions that the islands provide but they also self-seed prolifically and will quite happily colonise your garden if given the opportunity. How To Grow Echium From the varieties above you have probably gathered that they require moist, well-drained soil and a sheltered sunny site when it comes to planting. “Echium vulgare and E. amoenum are hardy in most UK conditions but E. pininana and E. ‘Pink Fountain’ are less so and will only survive outside in milder coastal conditions or if protected from frost by horticultural fleece,” shares Colin Skelly, a Horticultural Consultant. They will tolerate partial shade, but grow best in full sun. Growing From Seed Echiums can be grown from seed, and you should get sowing in late spring or early summer. Once the seedlings have germinated, you can transplant them into the garden. To help the plants establish, water them once planted. Watering Once established, echiums are robust and drought tolerant so will not require frequent watering, however, in hotter months they may require a little extra help. The aim of the game is to keep the soil around them moist, but not soggy. If you are growing your echiums in pots or containers, then they will rely on you to provide them with water. Be sure to choose containers with adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away freely. Echium Plant Care Echiums really do tend to take care of themselves. If you are growing a shrubby variety, you can cut off the flower spike after flowering and give the plant a little trim to encourage the plant to maintain its shape and avoid it becoming straggly. E. candican ‘Pride of Madeira’ Deadheading is not necessary, but as previously mentioned, it can help to extend the flowering period. Echium Varieties When it comes to echiums, part of the fun is choosing the right one for your garden. The varieties vary wildly, and all have something a little different to offer, and different species lend themselves to different planting styles. If you aren’t very familiar with this plant, then choosing the right echium for your garden can feel a bit overwhelming. We anticipated this and have put together a list of some of our favourite varieties to help you choose the perfect echium for you. E. vulgare E. vulgare, or viper’s bugloss, is a biennial wildflower with bristly foliage from which erect leafy stems emerge in early summer producing spikes of beautiful bell-shaped flowers in shades of violet, blue or purple. “Viper’s bugloss is a really fantastic native flower that bees love,” shares Dave Goulson, Bee Ecologist. Growing to a height of around 75cm and with a 50cm spread, this impressive variety is a magnet for essential pollinators making it a great candidate for a little wildlife or small meadow garden. It’s also very suitable for sunny mixed borders and provides early summer colour, blooming from June to August. E. vulgare thrives in full sun, in moderately fertile, well-drained soil; deadheading regularly will encourage extended flowering. After the flowering period, you can leave the stems uncut and this plant will self-sow freely around the garden. E. ‘Pink Fountain’ The breathtaking E. ‘Pink Fountain’ is arguably one of the most lusted-after varieties, growing to an impressive height of up to 2m and with a spread of around 1m. This variety is known for the wide tapered spike of flowers that it produces: up to 35cm wide, and in a dazzling pink. The plant basically acts as a lighthouse for bees, too, drawing in these important pollinators. ‘Pink Fountain’ is a hybrid, too, giving it the most striking characteristics of E. wildpretii and E. pininana, varieties which sport red and blue flowers respectively. In the first year you’ll enjoy a rosette of greyish-green leaves, replaced in the second year by the fountain of flowers that lend the variety its name. This species of echium works its magic best in moist, well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. E. amoenum ‘Red Feathers’ This fascinating, architectural echium is a compact, short-lived perennial which a dark green mound of evergreen leaves from which feathery plumes of russet-red flowers emerge in spring and all through summer. Growing to just 10cm in height and 8cm in spread, this variety of echium is perfect for filling gaps in borders and will also grow well in a pot or container, giving your patio or decking a taste of the exotic. E. amoenum ‘Red Feathers’ prefers moist, well-drained soil or compost and should be planted in a spot where it can enjoy full sun. Be sure to deadhead the blooms to encourage repeat flowering. E. pininana ‘Snow Tower’ Hailing from the Canary Islands, the E. pininana is easily the most recognisable variety and has been given the Royal Horticulture Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit. In the first year, this brilliant biennial forms a low rosette of hairy, silver spear-shaped leaves and then, during the second year, it hoists up its splendid spike, loaded with gorgeous, blue flowers. Growing to a height of around 1.8m and with a spread of 90cm, this superb specimen will thrive in a sunny sheltered spot in moist well-drained soil and is a perfect addition to the backs of garden borders. Common Problems Although echiums are generally disease-free, there are a few pesky pests to watch out for. Slugs & Snails Happily, it’s easy to see if you have a snail or slug problem thanks to the crime scene they leave behind with their long trails of silver slime. Slugs and snails can be combatted with pellets or, if you are unphased by these gross little opportunists, you can simply pick them off the plant and dispose of them. Caterpillars Although not a frequent problem, caterpillars can be quite partial to echiums. Like slugs and snails, they leave a tell-tale trail behind them, and in their case, it’s in the form of holes where they have chomped through the plant. There are lots of home remedies when it comes to tackling caterpillars, but one of the easiest ways to deal with them is to make the area around the plants they are attacking more attractive to birds. Simply spread some seeds around the base of the echium and the birds will visit and happily take the caterpillars off your hands! Elegant echiums are real statement pieces and can truly elevate your garden’s aesthetics, providing interest, beauty and whimsy. With so many varieties to choose from, you will have no trouble finding the perfect echium for you, whatever the size or style of your garden. References 1. Echium pininana. (n.d.). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:115832-1
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