Growing
20 Spring Flowering Bulbs With Examples From Winterbourne's April Display
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Ornamental Onion 2) Windflower 3) Bluebell 4) Crocus 5) Daffodil 6) Byzantine Gladiolus 7) Hyacinth 8) Iris 9) Grape Hyacinth 10) Snowdrops 11) Tulips 12) Snake’s Head Fritillary 13) Persian Buttercup 14) Camas Lily 15) Lily Of The Valley 16) Striped Squill 17) Dog’s Tooth Violet 18) Lily 19) Winter Aconite 20) Alpine Violet References Putting in the hard yards in autumn will help you reap a colourful and vibrant display come springtime with these bulbs. “Flower bulbs come in a range of colours, but the subtle pastels of spring bulbs are special,” says the team at BULBi, an online UK supplier of hundreds of different bulbs and tubers. “Whether you prefer a monochromatic look or a garden filled with a rainbow of colours, flower bulbs can help you achieve your vision.” In many ways, autumn is the busiest season of all for gardening enthusiasts. Fruits need to be pruned, perennials require stripping back and, for those who have trees in their garden, a carpet of crunchy fallen leaves must be swept up on a regular basis. But as well as tending to the needs of the current year, autumn is also the time to begin planning for the one to come. Bulbs are among the prime candidates for autumn planting, due to the fact that they don’t demand too much in the way of maintenance and offer a guarantee of bright colour come springtime, as the experts at BULBi share: “Another benefit of spring-flowering bulbs is their ease of growth. “They don’t require much care and are incredibly low maintenance. Simply plant them in the autumn, then sit back and enjoy the show in the spring.” Given that the bulbs are in prime condition and the soil is at its most workable following a productive summer, it’s the ideal season to roll up your sleeves and work out your display for the coming year. Thankfully, there are plenty of different bulbs to choose from, available in a wide range of flowering times, styles and colours. “We really enjoy the early spring bloomers such as Crocus, Galanthus and Eranthis hyemalis,” says the team at BULBi. “As soon as you see the first buds coming out of the ground, you know that spring is almost here. They are also ideal appetisers for bees and other insects, which is much needed at this time of year.” “I personally love growing alliums for spring flowers because they are so majestic,” says Jonathan Hart from Harts Nursery. “However, there’s nothing like having tulips in flower in the spring, as there so many different types and colours. “My personal favourite is a pink double Tulip called ‘Angelique’.” The list below represents our favourites among the multitudinous options on offer. 1) Ornamental Onion BOTANICAL NAME: ALLIUM WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – JULY BEST SITED: SUNNY AREA You might be more familiar with the allium family due to its tasty culinary members, including garlic, onion and shallot. However, there are plenty of ornamental alliums which make for impressive spring flowering plants. Though they do come in a variety of different colours and sizes, they’re most commonly distinguished by their tall, bobbing stems topped by spheres of purple flowers. Their height makes them an ideal option to plant in among sunny borders or surrounded by swaying grasses, though they’re versatile enough to make an attractive display wherever they’re positioned. 2) Windflower BOTANICAL NAME: ANEMONE WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: FEBRUARY – APRIL BEST SITED: SUNNY AREA With their cup-shaped blooms, daisy-like petals and bursts of bright colour, anemones are a sight for sore eyes come springtime. They flourish best in direct sunlight or dappled shade, making them an ideal choice for beneath deciduous trees or taller plants. They’re also very compact, meaning they lend themselves well to container planting, busy borders and their edges or other areas of the garden where space is at a premium. Plant them in early autumn for a charming display of colours come early spring that’ll cut right through the doom and gloom of winter to galvanise your garden back to life. 3) Bluebell BOTANICAL NAME: Hyacinthoides non-scripta WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – MAY BEST SITED: PARTIALLY SHADED These delicately beautiful flowers are commonly found throughout woodlands and meadows across the UK. The English variety is differentiated from its Spanish cousins by the drooping nature of the stem and the fact that all the blossoms drape aesthetically from a single side. They’re used to excelling in shaded spots, so find a darker part of your garden and brighten it up with a scattering of these bulbs between September and November. For best results, plant them in a random pattern to recreate the attractive chaos of their growth in the wild. “Try throwing them in the air and planting them where they land,” advises Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish. 4) Crocus BOTANICAL NAME: CROCUS WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER FLOWERING MONTHS: FEBRUARY – APRIL BEST SITED: SUNNY AREA Easily distinguished by their goblet-shaped blossoms, crocuses come in a range of bold colours, with purple, yellow and white being the most common. Depending on the variety you plump for, you might even enjoy splashes of another colour in the centre of their bloom, while the petals themselves are variegated on occasion. Unlike bluebells, crocuses do not grow well with restricted sunlight, so be sure to plant them in well-draining soil and with direct UV exposure. Follow those simple rules and you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant display early on in spring. 5) Daffodil BOTANICAL NAME: NARCISSUS WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: FEBRUARY – APRIL BEST SITED: SUNNY AREA In Greek mythology, Narcissus became so enamoured with his own image that he rejected all suitors and fell in love with his own reflection in a spring – with a daffodil sprouting in his place after his demise.1 One glance at the trumpet-like structure and dazzling yellow tones of the flower should clear up any confusion over the origins of that story, since daffodils are among the most flamboyant and fetching bulbs you can plant in autumn. Put them in the ground between September and October to reap a colourful reward come February to April, depending on the specific variety you settle upon. 6) Byzantine Gladiolus BOTANICAL NAME: Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – JUNE BEST SITED: SUNNY, SHELTERED AREA Most Gladioli are meant to be planted in Spring and won’t survive harsh winters here in the UK. However, Byzantine Gladioli can survive harsher climates and is therefore suitable for autumn planting. With their tall spears of clustered blossoms, gladioli are among the most sought after autumn-planted bulbs for the rear of borders or near fences and walls. However, their top-heavy structure means that they are wont to keel over under the weight of their own gorgeousness, so it might be an idea to provide support in the form of staking – especially if you plan to plant them in an area exposed to wind. They’re also a bit prissy about their own space and don’t like to compete with the roots of shrubs or trees for their nutrients, so keep these demands in mind when considering your layout. 7) Hyacinth WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – APRIL BEST SITED: ANY AREA Autumn-planted hyacinths come in two varieties: “prepared” and “unprepared”. The former are generally planted in containers or pots indoors at the start of September and kept in dark, cool rooms in order to generate a bright blossom in time for Christmas. “Unprepared” types are planted outdoors anytime during September and October, normally in borders or containers, in order to unlock an effervescent display come springtime. Whichever variety you prefer, you’ll be rewarded with incredibly pretty and dainty, often fragrant, flowerheads that perch atop chunky stems for an inimitable aesthetic. 8) Iris WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – JUNE BEST SITED: SUNNY, MOIST AREA Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, it’s fitting that irises are available in a wide spectrum of colours.2 Their paper-like leaves and beautifully marked flowers make them hot property in the horticultural world. The fact that their species are comfortable in a variety of soil types – from moist pond margins to free-draining rockeries – means they are as versatile as they are vivacious. Bulbous irises will do best in well-drained soil and enjoy full sun, flowering in spring for a short period only. However, their association with royalty (the French fleur-de-lis, despite having the misnomer of “flower of the lily”, is actually an iris) is a testament to the beauty of their blossoms during that brief window.3 9) Grape Hyacinth BOTANICAL NAME: MUSCARI WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – MAY BEST SITED: SUNNY OR PARTIALLY SHADED SPOT Muscari are an unusual and arresting flower to plant in autumn. Small in size but big in impact, their appearance is reminiscent of a bunch of blue or purple grapes dangling from a diminutive stem, making them a bold addition to any border or arrangement. They do equally well indoors, too, so you might wish to make a windowsill display of them if you enjoy their colour and style. Just be mindful that once established, they have a tendency to propagate all by themselves – so keep an eye on them if you don’t want them to take over your garden! 10) Snowdrops BOTANICAL NAME: GALANTHUS WHEN TO PLANT: OCTOBER – NOVEMBER FLOWERING MONTHS: JANUARY – MARCH BEST SITED: PART SHADED AREA Among the earliest flowering plants available, snowdrops are usually the harbingers of spring’s arrival. Indeed, in some varieties and locations, they’ve even been observed as early as late December. Whenever the drifts of these delicately beautiful flowers begin to surface, they’re sure to catch eyes and turn heads. They’re most commonly found in woodland areas in the wild, so you can encourage their growth by replicating those conditions as closely as possible in your garden by planting them in partial or dappled shade. “Many spring-flowering bulbs which prefer shade are happiest in relatively dry shade,” says Peter. “They exploit a niche when light is available and temperatures are climbing, before the canopy of trees fully forms. “Keep this in mind when selecting plants or positioning your bulbs. “Grouping bulbs in small, odd numbers like threes and fives is usually effective.” A smattering of galanthus is also an excellent way to add a touch of natural charm to a lawn too. 11) Tulips BOTANICAL NAME: TULIPA WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – MAY BEST SITED: SUNNY AREA “Our absolute favourite is and always has been the tulip,” shares a team member from BULBi, when asked about their favourite springtime flowering bulb. “When you think of a spring garden, the tulip really can’t be missing. After all, tulips are the foundation of the spring garden.” With their distinctive cup-shaped structure and bright floral blossoms, tulips are one of the most popular bulbs to plant in autumn for good reason. They require minimal upkeep, invariably perform well in all climes and produce fantastic aesthetic results come springtime. For areas that suffer especially cold winters, it might be beneficial to plant them slightly deeper than normal (at perhaps four to five times their own height) to insulate them from the worst of the surface frost. 12) Snake’s Head Fritillary BOTANICAL NAME: Fritillaria meleagris WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – MAY BEST SITED: DAPPLED SHADE There are some plants that simply make you gasp in amazement when they flower. Snake’s head fritillary is one such variety, which takes its common name from the arrow-shaped structure and tessellated pattern of its flowers just before they bloom. Indeed, it’s the unique markings of the flowerheads which make Fritillaries such an interesting and unusual specimen for your garden display. Plant them in clusters in September or October and add a few more each autumn to ensure they stay strong and resilient year after year. “These are one of a small selection of bulbs which can tolerate seasonally waterlogged conditions,” adds Peter. 13) Persian Buttercup BOTANICAL NAME: Ranunculus asiaticus WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – JUNE BEST SITED: SUNNY AREA Flowers of Persian buttercup come in a stunning variety of colours. 14) Camas Lily BOTANICAL NAME: CAMASSIA WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – JUNE BEST SITED: ANY AREA With flowers in cool blues and whites, these are among the taller spring-flowering bulbs, reaching heights of a metre. 15) Lily Of The Valley BOTANICAL NAME: Convallaria majalis WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – JUNE BEST SITED: PART SHADED; MOIST AREA These distinctive flowers prefer richer, moister soil than many bulbs and thrive in shade. 16) Striped Squill BOTANICAL NAME: Puschkinia scilloides WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – APRIL BEST SITED: ANY AREA These small, delicate bulbs add variety, and perhaps a frothy understorey, to any display of bulbs. 17) Dog’s Tooth Violet BOTANICAL NAME: Erythronium dens-canis WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – MAY BEST SITED: SHADED AREA “These plants, including their bulbs, do not like to dry out,” says Peter. “If you can keep them moist, they will reward you with unusual speckled foliage and jewel-like flowers.” 18) Lily BOTANICAL NAME: LILIUM WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – EARLY OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: VARIES, OFTEN SUMMER BEST SITED: SUNNY AREA They relish Autumn-planting, even though flowers tend to be from late spring and early summer onward. Their heights and colours vary widely, so choose carefully. 19) Winter Aconite BOTANICAL NAME: Eranthis hyemalis WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER FLOWERING MONTHS: FEBRUARY – MARCH BEST SITED: PART SHADED AREA These very low growing plants carpet the soil in late winter with cheerful yellow flowers. 20) Alpine Violet BOTANICAL NAME: CYCLAMEN WHEN TO PLANT: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER FLOWERING MONTHS: VARIES BEST SITED: FULLY SHADED, MOIST AREA “Species of hardy Cyclamen can be chosen to flower almost any month of the year, producing flowers of pinks and whites and a variety of interesting, sometimes marbled, leaves,” Peter explains. References 1. Narcissus | Definition & Myth. (1998, July 20). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Narcissus-Greek-mythology 2. Iris – Greek Goddess of the Rainbow, Messenger of the Gods. (n.d.). Theoi Greek Mythology. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Iris.html 3. Lestz, M. (2019, March 19). French History of the Fleur de Lys: The Iris of Kings. Perfectly Provence. Retrieved May 2, 2023, from https://perfectlyprovence.co/french-history-fleur-de-lys/
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Horticulturists Share 15 Summer Flowering Bulbs You Can Plant In Spring
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Dahlias 2) Gladioli 3) Lilies 4) Crocosmia 5) Polianthes 6) Freesias 7) Agapanthus 8) Calla Lilies 9) Begonias 10) Autumn Crocus 11) Eucomis 12) Nerine 13) Jersey Lily 14) Wild Garlic 15) Japanese Anemones References Bulbs are often planted in the autumn to flower in spring, but there are many bulbs that can be planted in spring that will flower and give a stunning display, only a few months later in summer. “I love the spring because you have so much to do and get ready for the summer, like planting bulbs,” shares Kate Gould. “I then, in turn, love the summer because I get to look at everything!” Mostly originating from warmer climates, bulbs tend to need full sun to flower well and can provide some much-needed colour in the garden, when a lot of plants have passed their best. Bulbs are easy to grow and care for and when discussed often encompass corms, tubers and rhizomes, which are generally planted in a similar way and will be covered in this guide as well. We list 15 of our favourite bulbs to plant in spring below. “Many of these plants are on the difficult precipice between hardiness and tenderness,” shares Peter Lickorish, a Master Horticulturist. “Whilst free-draining soil may be sufficient for them to overwinter outdoors, the combination of cold and wet will be too much for many. “Also, remember that in containers, raised above the warmth of the soil, the roots and bulbs can be more susceptible to frost damage, especially in smaller pots.” 1) Dahlias HARDINESS RATING: H3 PLANT OUTDOORS: MID-MAY (AFTER LAST FROST) FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER Dahlias are possibly one of the most stunning plants available to grow here in the UK and are often a firm favourite of gardeners. They can flower, with regular deadheading from mid-summer onwards, often until the first frosts in November. Available in a huge array of colours and sizes, they are equally happy when grown in a pot or container or directly in the ground. They are also very popular to grow as cut flowers, as they often grow on long stems and have a long vase life. Dahlias originate from Mexico, where they are the country’s national flower.1 Hence, it is no surprise that they prefer as much sun as they can get, a south or west-facing and sheltered aspect is ideal. From classic whites to vibrant pinks, oranges and reds and every colour in between, dahlias are obtainable in a multitude of shapes and sizes. From simple single varieties, ball and pom pom, to cactus and dinnerplate, which can be as large as their name suggests, there is one to suit every garden, balcony or terrace. However, beware, as once you’ve grown one dahlia there is a huge temptation to grow more! 2) Gladioli HARDINESS RATING: H3 PLANT OUTDOORS: MARCH – MAY FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER When thinking of summer flowering bulbs, gladioli are often top of the list and for good reason. Also known as sword lilies due to their slender, pointed foliage, they provide great structure and style in all manner of colours during the summer months. Grown from corms and planted in spring, they are easy to care for and grow well either directly in the ground or in pots and containers. Gladioli require full sun to bloom well, but can cope with some shade. Originating from South Africa they are part of the Iridaceae family and are now grown all over the world. Gladioli do best in a moist, but well-drained soil and can be left in the ground to overwinter in the south of the UK, but may need to be lifted and stored in colder parts of the country. 3) Lilies HARDINESS RATING: VARIES PLANT OUTDOORS: SEPTEMBER – APRIL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER Grown for their large trumpet-shaped flowers and incredible scent, lilies look equally stunning when grown in the ground or in containers. From pink and white to orange and red, lilies are available to buy in a wide range of colours. “My favourite bulbs have to be lilies because there are so many different types to suit any garden or vase,” explains Jonathan Hart, Horticulturist from Harts Nursery. “Double lilies, giant-tree lilies, smaller pot lilies, highly-perfumed oriental lilies, brightly-coloured Asiatic lilies and shade-loving Martagon lilies are all amazing, just to name a few. “They really are a fantastic addition to the garden for beautiful flowers in the summer.” Oriental and Asiatic are two of the most commonly grown types here in the UK, often sold as bulbs that can be planted in the autumn or spring. Both varieties prefer full sun, although oriental lilies grow best in ericaceous soil, whereas Asiatic varieties thrive in alkaline or more neutral soil. Often grown in pots, they can then be moved to their pride of place when in flower and moved once finished, ready to store in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame over winter. 4) Crocosmia HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT OUTDOORS: APRIL – MAY FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – SEPTEMBER Crocosmia, or montbretia as they are also known, can provide some much-needed colour in the garden late in the summer, when many plants have gone over. Available in red, orange and yellow, their graceful flowers contrast spectacularly against their bright green foliage. Grown from corms, crocosmias originate from South Africa and grow best in a fertile and moist soil in full sun. Crocosmia will tolerate most soils, but do not like to be allowed to dry completely out which can stunt their growth and limit their flowering potential. Waterlogging will also cause rotting for these plants. Crocosmia can spread over time, but clumps can be kept to a manageable size by division, or simply by growing in containers. 5) Polianthes HARDINESS RATING: H2 PLANT OUTDOORS: MID-MAY (AFTER LAST FROST) FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – AUGUST Polianthes are sometimes known as tuberose and produce elegant white or pink scented flowers during mid to late summer. Polianthes look great either planted in pots or in drifts in the borders. Originally from Mexico, they require full sun and a minimum temperature of 15°C and are most suited to being grown in a conservatory or greenhouse or on a sheltered terrace. Perhaps the most widely grown variety here in the UK is Polianthes tuberosa ‘The Pearl’, with its highly scented double white flowers it really is worth trying. Classed as H2 hardy, Polianthes tubers can survive cold temperatures, but will not survive being frozen, thus are best lifted and stored over winter. 6) Freesias HARDINESS RATING: H2 PLANT OUTDOORS: APRIL – MAY FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – SEPTEMBER Freesias are very popular here in the UK for their use as a cut flower. Available in colours including purple, orange, yellow and white they look stunning in a vase and are accompanied with a sweet scent. Grow from corms and originally from South Africa, freesias are not hardy and can be planted either in autumn for growing indoors or spring for growing outdoors. If planting outside, only plant the corms after the last chance of frost has passed, which is usually late May or June. Freesias like warm conditions, but must be grown in free-draining compost or else they tend to rot, especially when left in waterlogged or wet soils. In warmer parts of the UK, the corms can be potentially left in the ground to overwinter if protected by a good layer of mulch, but elsewhere will need to be lifted and stored over the coldest months. 7) Agapanthus HARDINESS RATING: VARIES PLANT OUTDOORS: MARCH – APRIL FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – SEPTEMBER Agapanthus or the African Lily as they are also known, are astonishingly beautiful perennials, which can be either deciduous or evergreen. Grown for their stunning white, blue or purple flowers which tower above their green foliage on tall straight stems. Perfect for containers, they can also be grown directly in the ground, but they do require full sun and free-draining soil. Being drought-tolerant, agapanthus are well suited to gravel and coastal gardens as they can tolerate the salty air, but need to be watered well whilst getting established in their first year. Deciduous agapanthus are usually the most hardy and can be left in the garden to over winter, however most even green varieties will need to be moved to a greenhouse to ride out the winter. Available as potted plants or bare roots, they are best planted in spring as the soils warms up. Agapanthus can cope with a little shade, but if placed in too much shade their flowering can be dramatically reduced. Agapanthus tend to grow best if their root system is restricted, which is why they can do so well in a container or pot and be moved to a prominent position when looking their best. 8) Calla Lilies HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT OUTDOORS: MID-MAY (AFTER LAST FROST) FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – JULY The Calla lily, or arum lily, is strangely not an actual lily, but is part of the Zantedeschia genus instead. Originally from South Africa, they produce exotic looking flowers and come in a wide range of colours and can be grown indoors or outdoors. Available as rhizomes, these tender plants must be overwintered out of the cold. Some of the white-flowering Zantedeschia, such as Zantedeschia aethiopica, are more hardy. Preferring a sunny site, calla lilies will cope with partial shade and need to be shaded from the strongest midday sun, which can scorch them. They also thrive when their roots are generously moist. In spring, most calla lilies need to be started off indoors until all risk of frost has past, after which and when the soil has warmed up, they can be grown in the ground or in containers outdoors. Calla lilies are hungry plants and require a rich fertile soil, a high nitrogen feed in spring and then a high potassium feed, such as a tomato feed, once flowering begins. 9) Begonias HARDINESS RATING: VARIES (OFTEN H1B) PLANT OUTDOORS: MID-MAY (AFTER LAST FROST) FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – OCTOBER Begonias can have a bit of a reputation as being a bit old fashioned, but either way they can provide continuous colour throughout the summer, thrive in partial shade and are thus still a popular bedding plant. Begonias are available as either tuberous or fibrous varieties and being tender are often grown as annuals here in the UK. Tuberous begonias are available from early spring and require starting off in pots indoors until after all risk of frost has past, after which they can be hardened off before planting outside. Tuberous begonias are hungry plants and require fertile soil and once planted out, a weekly high potassium feed throughout the summer. Tuberous varieties are often treated as annuals, however in October once their foliage has begun to die back, they can be cut down to 5cm, and their tubers lifted to store over winter until the following spring. These can then be divided, to restrict growth and produce more stunning plants. 10) Autumn Crocus HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT OUTDOORS: MAY – AUGUST FLOWERING MONTHS: AUGUST – OCTOBER Autumn Crocus, or Colchicum autumnale, is an autumn-flowering plant that, while resembling a true crocus, is actually a member of the Colchicaceae plant family. It should be planted between May and August and will typically flower 6-8 weeks after planting. An area that receives full sun or part shade is ideal, though this plant is incredibly hardy. 11) Eucomis HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT OUTDOORS: MID-MAY (AFTER LAST FROST) FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER While they might look a little too exotic for the UK, eucomis or ‘Pineapple Lilies’ are actually hardy enough to be planted after the last frost, before flowering throughout summer. They should flower for years once established and are great for bringing some height to a garden, usually growing around half a metre in height. Plant them in full sun, keep them well watered and ensure they aren’t crowded out by other plants. “If mulched well, they can usually be left in the ground over winter,” shares Peter. 12) Nerine HARDINESS RATING: VARIES PLANT OUTDOORS: APRIL – MAY FLOWERING MONTHS: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER Nerine is a very late flowering bulb which has been highly hybridised with a high number of species and hybrids available.2 They prefer a hot, dry area of the garden that ideally receives full sun. For plants to bear the maximum number of flowers it’s also recommended to keep the growing medium well-watered during active growth so it doesn’t dry out, but avoid over-watering. Many types are frost tender and will need winter protection if they are to survive, while plants which last 3 years or more will likely benefit from division or repotting. 13) Jersey Lily HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT OUTDOORS: MARCH – APRIL FLOWERING MONTHS: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER This next choice is actually a member of the same family as Nerines, though its flowers look a little fuller. It can be cared for in much the same way as other nerine plants, but Amaryllis belladonna is a little hardier than other types and can survive temperatures below freezing. Their hardiness down to -10°C means that you shouldn’t need to overwinter them indoors in Britain, unless you live in a particularly cold region. “If you’re undecided between an Amaryllis (Jersey lily) and a Nerine, why not combine the best of both with a x Amarine tubergenii?” asks Peter. “This is one of my favourite bulbs, with vivid pink flowers in late summer and early autumn. “It likes its bulb tips to slightly protrude from the soil.” 14) Wild Garlic HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT OUTDOORS: OCTOBER – MARCH FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER Wild Garlic can actually be planted any time from late-autumn to early spring. It has a distinctive smell and prefers the shady and damp conditions found in its native woodland environment. It would be best placed in a dark garden corner or underneath the shaded canopy of a nearby tree. It is commonly foraged in the UK, with vivid fields of wild garlic at places like Ilam Park in Derbyshire.3 Varieties such as ‘Golden Fleece’ are incredibly beautiful with distinctive yellow-green foliage. 15) Japanese Anemones HARDINESS RATING: VARIES PLANT OUTDOORS: APRIL – MAY FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – AUGUST This last one is technically a herbaceous perennial though it is a relative of anemone bulbs that typically flower in early spring. It has attractive foliage that grows quite tall and produces beautiful white or pink flowers in the summer months. Japanese Anemones prefer areas of the garden that are fairly moist and which receive part sun – under the canopy of a tree might be an ideal location. As mentioned there are both early-flowering anemone bulbs and late-flowering perennial varieties, so be careful to choose late-flowering types if you’re looking to plant in early spring. Japanese Anemones are generally propagated by cuttings rather than seed, so you might need to buy yours from a garden centre or ask for a cutting from a friend. References 1. History. (2019, May 26). National Dahlia Society. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.dahlia-nds.co.uk/about-dahlias/history/ 2. Nerine. (n.d.). Pacific Bulb Society. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/nerine 3. Forage for wild garlic. (n.d.). National Trust. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/countryside-woodland/places-to-forage-for-wild-garlic
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"A Wonderful Sense Of Achievement" - The Flowers Gardeners Love To Grow From Seed
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Snapdragons 2) Hollyhocks 3) Scabious 4) French Marigold 5) Gerbera 6) Primrose 7) Pansy 8) Sunflower 9) Garden Nasturtium 10) Sweet William 11) Pot Marigold 12) Cosmos 13) Zinnia 14) Pelargonium (Geranium) In this article we identify fourteen ‘fab’ flowers which are a walk in the park to grow from seeds. No need for some special type of soil, specific watering needs, fertiliser requirements, particular sun-shade mix, staking and support canes, or recurring pruning duties. All of the following flowers germinate reliably from seed and are low-care to no-care ornamental plants. “Growing from seed is a surprisingly simple process and is achievable by anyone regardless of their experience, whether if they have a garden, an allotment or even a greenhouse,” says Horticulturist and Garden Writer Joe Harrison. “All you need is somewhere light and warm (such as a kitchen windowsill), a tub, container, pot or tray, compost and a little patience.” Here is a general guideline (though certainly not a hard-and-fast rule): For any given flowering plant, all other things being equal, newer or more unusual cultivars are least easy to grow and require the most care, whereas seed packets with the word ‘mix’ are the easiest and simplest to grow and will germinate the most consistently. Most of our selections, both annuals and perennials, are notorious self-seeders so where the annuals are concerned consider not deadheading on a continual basis and allow some number of the blooms to wither and go to seed; then, the following season you will be rewarded with a fresh batch of plants without sowing a single seed! “Growing from seed is so easy and so rewarding if you are able to give it the time, and you can find so many new and interesting plants, especially annuals,” shares Garden Writer Clare Foster. If you have good quality seeds, halfway decent soil, and regular rainfall, all you need do is to sprinkle-sow seeds of the following flowering plants – and forget about them. “I think seeing a seed put out a tiny leaf and then transform into something ridiculously beautiful is just one of the most amazing things ever,” shares Gardener Karen Liebreich. “My secret tip would be to notice how amazing nature is and to cherish and nurture it. It desperately needs our help.” At least some will germinate and put up lovely blooms. “It is worth noting that sometimes seeds will fail to germinate and if your seeds do germinate, sometimes the seedlings will die for seemingly no apparent reason,” shares Joe. “This is perfectly normal, albeit very disappointing, and can and does happen to even the most experienced gardener, so don’t get too disheartened when this occurs.” What has been stated is neither an exaggeration nor a recommendation – it is a simple statement of fact to get across the reality that some flowers are really, really easy to grow from seed. However, if you take just a little time and trouble over sowing and growing (have a look at our gardening guides), you’ll increase your chances of getting delightful flowering plants to nearly 100%. “I might not grow them every year, but there are several favourites that I like to grow from seed for the simple reason that they are foolproof, yet still give that wonderful sense of achievement,” shares Sunil Patel, owner of 13 Broom Acres garden. “Aquilegia, delphiniums, calendula, Swiss chard and basil can be a success story without even thinking. “I can fall back on these as a pick-me-up when other, more difficult seeds have either failed or succumbed to rot, pests or bad weather.” We have tried to sequence our own Fab Fourteen in ascending order of ease of growing; that is, this list progresses from easy to easier to easiest. We also suggest a couple of seed varieties for each flower. 1) Snapdragons BOTANICAL NAME: Antirrhinum HARDINESS RATING: H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Antiquity’, ‘Chuckles’, ‘Day & Night’ This plant bears irregularly shaped flowers each of which resembles a mythical beast’s head. Squeezing and releasing the sides of the flowers causes the ‘jaws’ to open and close – a little childhood delight that the inner child may never get tired of! The colours are traditionally in pale, pastel shades in yellows and pinks, and also in bright lilacs and purples. Snapdragons come in both annual and perennial types and have a very long flowering season from June even up to October. Though some tall varieties are upright and have stoutish stems, others are limp and floppy; these require staking and are not recommended for the purposes of this article. 2) Hollyhocks BOTANICAL NAME: Alcea rosea HARDINESS RATING: H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Las Vegas Mix’, ‘Chater’s Mix’, ‘Black Knight’ Hollyhock flowers are open and bowl-shaped with broad petals. They occur mainly in the pink through purple spectrum, with yellow and crimson being less common colours. The plants are very tall and stately yet they are naturals for cottage gardens. Their upright and narrow profile makes them a top choice for small gardens too. Annuals, biennials, short-lived perennials – Hollyhocks are said to be all those things and, in fact, their lifetime depends on the particular variety and the climatic zone it is grown in. But what is for sure is that they are excellent self-seeders so you don’t have to worry about them ‘coming back.’ They bloom for 2-3 months in summer and autumn. Hollyhocks can succumb to rust but rust-resistant varieties like Alcea ficifolia are available. 3) Scabious BOTANICAL NAME: Scabiosa HARDINESS RATING: H4 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Tall Double Mix’, ‘Blue Note’ Scabiosa, also known as Scabious, have densely-packed dome-shaped flowerheads in double form with cutely wavy and bent petals but their distinctive feature is the central ‘pincushion’ disk. Mostly found in the pink through purple colour range, blue and maroon-black cultivars are probably the most riveting. Copious numbers of blooms are produced from July through September, and these nectar-rich flowers are just magnets for bees and butterflies. Compounds made from the flowers have long been used to treat skin conditions and also other diseases. They are as perfect for cottage gardens and beds, usually as companion plants, as they are for vases. Scabious are perennials as such but in the United Kingdom they are effectively annuals. 4) French Marigold BOTANICAL NAME: Tagetes patula HARDINESS RATING: H2 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Fantasia Mix’, ‘Durango Mix’ French Marigolds were cultivated in France from plants originating in Central and South America, hence their name. These are the shorter and bushier types of marigold with a smaller flower, and are also among the healthiest and most resistant types. Flowers occur in both single and double form, and their colours range from rich yellows through scarlet and rose red with an amazing variety of golden and orange hues. Several varieties are bicoloured in yellow and orange. French Marigolds are unbeatable choices for mass plantings and mixed beds. They are annuals with a very long flowering season – while some will get started in late spring and others go well into autumn, almost all will bloom all summer long. 5) Gerbera BOTANICAL NAME: Gerbera HARDINESS RATING: H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Hardy Sweet Mix’, ‘Cut Flower Mix’, ‘Fleurie’ Gerberas occur in both single and double form and are daisy types of flowers with numerous narrow rays. The single forms exude a charming innocence with the disk shape prominently displayed while the double forms are convex and lush. Available in yellows and pinks through crimson, single forms are best appreciated in white and pale, pastel shades; double forms look best in deep, vivid hues. Depending on your location in the United Kingdom and the variety, this plant can be an annual or perennial. Blooming virtually year-round in subtropical zones, in the UK many varieties will put on their respective colour shows from mid-spring clear into autumn. If you want to introduce a child to the pleasures of gardening, Gerbera is one of the top few choices. They make terrific pot plants and are quite possibly the most engaging and longest-lasting of cut flowers. 6) Primrose BOTANICAL NAME: Primula HARDINESS RATING: Varies RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Springtide Mix’, ‘Provence Mix’, ‘Danova Series’ Many Primula Primrose varieties are simple, cheery flowers displaying lovely petals that are wide, slightly creased, and with that ‘patented’ distal notch. The flowers occur in virtually every colour in both the cool and warm spectrums, so you get it all: pastel-shade cool blues and lavenders, and saturated and vibrant oranges and reds. Most of them have that other patented Primrose styling: a bright yellow centre. They are perennials, and may be deciduous or evergreen. Well known harbingers of spring, some varieties start blooming in December while others start late and continue into June but all will give you something uncommon: bright blooms that beat the swallows to spring. Finally, Primrose is surely the defining plant of an English country garden – or even townhome garden! 7) Pansy BOTANICAL NAME: Viola HARDINESS RATING: Varies RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Aalsmeer Giants’, ‘Universal Super Mix’ Among the easy-grow flowers, Pansies are a special joy because they are among the very few cold weather plants that can be grown effortlessly from seed, and also grow automatically as they are very reliable self-seeders. The flower’s face is vertically oriented and even has an ‘up’ and ‘down’ side! Many of them display a ‘face,’ which is an especial joy for children. As for the colours, these bicoloured and multicoloured flowers throw up hues and tones that are among the most diverse and fantastic among all Flowerdom as they cover the entire colour spectrum. Pansies are effectively annuals and they are among the first flowers to bring cheer to the garden as they emerge in earliest spring and bloom very soon thereafter. New self-seeded plants bring up unpredictable and incredible colour combinations. Ideal for borders and edging. 8) Sunflower BOTANICAL NAME: Helianthus annuus HARDINESS RATING: H4 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Stella’, ‘Cut Flower Mix’ Well known the world over for their large flowers that ‘follow the sun’ and the spanking bright-yellow petals that surround a black-brown central disk – the seedhead – Sunflowers are among the healthiest and most robust of flowering plants. Many varieties can tolerate different climatic conditions. Giant varieties are exceptionally tall reaching even 6m; at the other extreme, even dwarf varieties suitable for pots are available! For the most part varieties afford a choice of some shade of yellow for the petals and a choice of browns for the disk, but some cultivars’ flowers open to unusual and attractive dark rust and maroon shades. Sunflowers are often planted along the boundary of one’s property and can also be grown in pots. They bloom through the summer and the first half of autumn, and they come in both perennial and annual types. 9) Garden Nasturtium BOTANICAL NAME: Tropaeolum majus HARDINESS RATING: H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Jewel Mix’, ‘Tom Thumb Mix’ Garden Nasturtiums of the Tropaeolum genus come in bushy, climbing, and trailing habits. As easy-grow, no-care plants we recommend Garden Nasturtiums of bushy or mounding habits. They produce very attractive funnel-shaped flowers in vivid yellows, oranges, and reds. The broad petals are wonderfully veined and creased which is a special feature of these flowers. These plants have quite a long flowering season, typically throughout summer and into autumn. Though Garden Nasturtiums are deciduous perennials in fact, they are half-hardy annuals in actuality in most regions of the United Kingdom. “I once grew Nasturtium in a vegetable bed for the edible flowers,” shares Colin Skelly, an RHS verified Master Horticulturist. “It looked and tasted great but seeded around rather too freely from the large seeds which scattered all through the vegetable beds (Nasturtium will trail and run). “I still grow it, but only in areas I don’t mind it seeding around.” These plants will bring much charm and spanking colour to borders and parapet pots for which they are ideal. And if you want to eat these delightful flowers or the leaves, guess what? You can! 10) Sweet William BOTANICAL NAME: Dianthus HARDINESS RATING: Varies RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Double-Flowered Dwarf’, ‘Pinocchio’ Sweet William plants have bushy, often mounding, or upright and erect habits. They are annuals and hardy biennials but the latter usually flower in their second year. The flower is small and has an open, cheery look about it and its merry charm is given an assist by those amusing zig-zag, ‘frayed’ outer edges. They are outrageously floriferous and produce gobs and gobs of flowers, both selfs and bicoloureds. They occur in hues from pinkish-white through ruby red with every imaginable shade of pink from the demurest pastel to deep magenta. Sweet William varieties’ flowering seasons vary a lot but mid-spring to mid-summer is typical. These plants are naturals for cottage gardens and hanging baskets, and are also very good for rockeries. 11) Pot Marigold BOTANICAL NAME: Calendula officinalis HARDINESS RATING: H5 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Orange King’, ‘Kinglet Mix’ Calendulas, also known as Pot Marigolds, are annuals that produce somewhat domed, double flowers with numerous narrow rays. The flowers are not only edible, they are a well-defined ingredient in several Eurasian cuisines because of their pleasantly piquant taste. However, you’ll probably plant these easy-grow annuals, not to eat them, but, to bask in the glow these sunny disks generate in all hues of yellows and oranges, from primrose yellow to vivid vermilion. Many varieties have an unusually long flowering season, producing blooms for months and months with some varieties getting underway in mid-spring and ending in mid-autumn. They are also very floriferous plants and make a superb choice for mass plantings and also as companion plants. 12) Cosmos BOTANICAL NAME: Cosmea HARDINESS RATING: H3 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Brightness Mix’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Choca Mocha’ Cosmos are among the most satisfying of easy-grow low-care plants for multiple reasons. To begin with, the bloom lasts for a long time on the plant and even the cut flower lasts forever in a vase. Next, they tolerate heat and dry soils better than the vast majority of other plants, even as they produce sizeable and very attractive flowers. And, oh, they have a long flowering season running for months at a stretch, from spring into autumn. Cosmos have wide open disk-shaped daisy-like flowers with wideish petals that have multiple notches at the distal end – simple and sweet. Traditionally single form, some semi-double varieties are also available. Flowers occur in all colours and all shades of the warm spectrum plus white, and are excellent for mass plantings in beds. This plant is an annual and is a reliable re-seeder. 13) Zinnia BOTANICAL NAME: Zinnia HARDINESS RATING: H2 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Bright Spark Mix’, ‘Lilliput Mixed’ Zinnia, our Silver Medallist and runner-up, produces semi-rounded double flowers with densely-packed rays. Colours are almost always in brilliant, saturated tones in the warm spectrum. This amazing flowering plant has a rare virtue in which it probably leads the pack. You can keep cutting flowers and put them in vases in the home, where they are very long-lasting – and the more you cut, the more new buds the plant will produce. Heat and dry weather do not deter these plants. Another merit is that they flower prolifically yet have a long flowering season – all of them bloom all summer long with many getting started in spring, winding up in autumn, or both! Remember to let a goodly number of flowers wither and go to seed: Zinnia is a tender annual but a terrific self-seeder so your dying flowers will give you a fresh set of plants the following year. Some cultivars also make great accent plants in containers. 14) Pelargonium (Geranium) BOTANICAL NAME: Geranium HARDINESS RATING: H7 RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘F1 Magic Beauty Mixed’, ‘Super Hybrid Mix’ Occupying Gold Medal position, Pelargoniums are not the country’s favourite perennial without good reason. They possess all the virtues of the plants listed above – including being tasty culinary ingredients – and they don’t even need good soil. On top of that they even stifle weeds and repel pests! Though there are many types of Pelargoniums with numerous plant habits and even floral forms, the easy-grow mix varieties that we propose have bushy, clumping habits. Pelargonium flowers may be saucer-shaped or bowl-shaped and occur in single, semi-double and double forms. Their petals are wide, overlapping and notched; flowers are borne in sprays and clusters. The hybrid and ‘mix’ seeds of these long-lived perennials give rise to flowers in an array of yellows, pinks, oranges, purples, and reds. These plants bloom profusely and do so for months on end – while they bloom all summer long, in favourable conditions they will start in mid-spring and end in mid-autumn.
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Plant A Bulb Lasagne (Layer Them In Stages) For Incredible Mixed Displays
IN THIS GUIDE The Purpose Of A Bulb Lasagne Choosing A Container Choosing Your Growing Medium When To Plant A Bulb Lasagne How To Plant Your Bulbs Aftercare Where To Place A Bulb Lasagne Choosing Plants For A Bulb Lasagne Largest / Latest Flowering Medium Sized / Mid-Flowering Small / Earliest-Flowering Planting a bulb lasagne will help you cook up the recipe for successional blooms in your garden. A ‘bulb lasagne’ is the name sometimes given to layering bulbs, either in a container or in a planter or small raised bed. Largest, latest flowering bulbs go in the deepest layer of your lasagne, with more, earlier flowers above them, up to the earliest flowering bulbs near the top. With two tiers of bulbs, this is sometimes called ‘double-decker’ planting. However, you can sometimes stretch this and have three layers (and occasionally even four). This is a simple gardening job that you can enjoy with children. It is very easy whether you are a complete gardening novice, or someone far more experienced looking to try out some new combinations or varieties of bulbs. The Purpose Of A Bulb Lasagne A mixed container of bulbs with Hyacinths, Narcissus ‘Thalia’ and Tulips Just as layering plants above the ground is a great idea to make the most of your space, so too is layering bulbs below the soil (or potting mix). Layering bulbs in the same container can help you make sure that you make the most of your space and have flowers for visual appeal (and for bees and other pollinators) over as long a period as possible. By layering spring (or summer) bulbs, corms and tubers in pots, you can ensure that the flowers bloom successionally. You can choose your bulbs carefully so that each flower is coming into bloom just as the latter begins to fade. “Growing early tulips and daffodils that are then replaced by frothy summer displays of Gypsophilia and grasses in pots is a great container garden idea,” shares Gardener Elliott Beveridge. Spring bulbs are particularly useful in a garden, because they can often provide early blooms when there are few other flowers around for pollinators. They can also fill in gaps in an ornamental planting scheme before summer flowering plants take over the display. “Never go for a single layer!” advise the experts at BULBi, a UK nursery and supplier of hundreds of bulb varieties. “At the bottom, plant the taller types like tulips, in the middle, plant bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths and, at the top layer, plant smaller varieties like crocus or muscari. “This way, you can enjoy a blooming pot all spring long!” Choosing A Container The size of container required will depend on which bulbs you would like to grow, and also, of course, how much space is available. Typically, however, the larger a container you can manage, the more effective and dramatic the display will be. Spring flowers often look best when grown in clumps or drifts with as many of them as possible. “Bulbs can rot faster in a pot,” the experts at BULBi remind us. “Make sure there is a hole in the bottom so excess water can drain away and fill the pot with hydro grains first, or, if you don’t have that in the house, shards or grit are fine too.” In terms of depth, you need to make sure that you have the space to accommodate the planting depth of the bulbs on your lowest tier, plus at least 10cm below that for their root systems. Typically, a pot or container at least 50cm deep and 30cm wide will be best. Though with some bulbs, you will not need such a sizeable container. Remember, when thinking about containers, that you do not necessarily have to buy containers for the purpose. If you use your imagination, you will soon see that there are a range of reclaimed materials and items that you could reuse in your garden. Choosing Your Growing Medium Bulbs do not require anything particularly fancy when it comes to the growing medium. A general multipurpose compost is usually fine. You can also consider making your own potting mix with ½ homemade compost and ½ garden soil, which should be fine for most spring bulbs. Just make sure that your mix is relatively free-draining, or your bulbs may rot. You can also consider adding other homemade materials like leaf mould to the mix. “It’s advisable to add potting grit, up to one part to four compost, to ensure the mix is free-draining,” shares Master Horticulturist Roy Nicol. “Avoid using a layer of grit at the bottom of the pot which creates a wet sump and prevents the lower layer of compost from draining.” When To Plant A Bulb Lasagne You should sow spring-flowering bulbs in autumn. In September or October, choose your bulbs and get a pot or container ready. One thing to note is that you do not need to leave your container bare with just bulbs under the soil during the winter months – you can consider adding winter bedding plants (like pansies, for example) to the top of the containers until the first bulbs begin to emerge in late winter or early spring. How To Plant Your Bulbs 1) Prepare Your Container Prepare your pot, container or planting hole. Place a single crock at the base of a container to cover the drainage hole and prevent compost washing out. Add a peat-free multipurpose compost mixed with potting grit to your container (make sure there are at least 10cm of potting mix below the first layer of bulbs for their roots to grow into). 2) Place Your First Layer Place your first layer of bulbs, each around bulb width apart and facing upwards. Try to identify the top and root end of each bulb. Typically the top of a bulb is pointed and the bottom (the basal plate) is flat with evidence of old roots. With some bulb types this can be challenging, however, so if you are not sure, place them on their sides and they should still grow upwards towards the light. 3) Cover And Layer Bulbs Cover these first bulbs with a thin layer of compost then place your second tier of bulbs. Try not to place the bulbs in this layer immediately above the ones below. Use a different layout pattern for each tier if possible. For example: You might plant a ring of allium bulbs. Then place daffodil bulbs in the centre of this ring for the second layer. Then add crocus around the edges of the pot. The crocus will flower first, then the daffodils, then the alliums just as these begin to fade, giving a longer-lasting display. “Even if bulbs are planted directly on top of each other, the emerging shoots from lower bulbs will find a route past bulbs above, so positioning is not critically important,” adds Roy. 4) Repeat Your Layering Repeat this stage if you are adding a third and perhaps fourth layer. Note that, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to add your layers so that each bulb is planted at around 3 times its own height in depth. However, to ensure adequate spacing, lower-level bulbs may be planted deeper than this. So start your first tier at the right depth below the finished soil surface for the bulbs you have chosen. Make sure, also, that you layer the bulbs in the order in which they are to flower. Bury the top layer of bulbs with around 10cm of soil. Add overwintering bedding plants to the pot to make use of it over winter while bulbs are still not throwing up shoots. Aftercare As you can see from the above, it is very easy to create a bulb lasagne, you just have to bear a few simple things in mind. Make sure you keep your container moist but not soggy throughout the flowering period. Take care not to overwater, especially over winter, or rot could set in, and keep your eyes peeled for pests. “If a particularly wet period is encountered over the winter, it’s worthwhile either covering the pots or moving them under cover to prevent the bulbs from sitting in wet compost for an extended period,” shares Roy. “In early spring, they can be moved into position ready for their display.” A well-planned and not overly crowded scheme may continue to flower well in your container for two or three years, after which you will likely have to extricate your bulbs, thin them, and re-pot them in new containers. “It’s worth remembering that while many bulbs such as Daffodils & other Narcissus are perennial, most Tulips split into smaller bulbs after flowering and the display in subsequent years is not as good,” warns Roy. “I have found this is especially the case with the showy Tulips with large double or frilly flowers. “In my experience, some of the Tulips which are reliably perennial year after year are ‘Ballerina’, ‘Triumphator’ and ‘Spring Green’. “It’s also worth considering species Tulips such as Tulipa clusiana, Tulipa sylvestris and Tulipa sprengeri. If you are adding bedding plants to a container of layered bulbs, be sure to replace the top layer of compost each time you change out the bedding specimens. Where To Place A Bulb Lasagne A bulb garden is usually made in a large plant pot – the larger the pot, the greater the impact can be. But it is worthwhile considering that you could also layer bulbs in a planter or raised bed in a small garden. When choosing where to position your pot or create your bulb lasagne, it is important to think about which bulbs you will be growing (or the space available). Be sure to consider sunlight, shade and other environmental factors such as whether the soil is likely to drain well over the winter or stay consistently wet. Many spring bulbs prefer a sunny spot, but there are also bulbs suitable for more shady conditions. Choosing Plants For A Bulb Lasagne When choosing bulbs for layered planting, the first thing to think about is where they are to grow and the environmental conditions to be found there. Once you have considered the basics, you need to decide which bulbs you would like to grow. There are a number of factors which might enter into your decision. For instance, flower shape, colour and size. But one of the most important things to consider is when each of the bulbs you are considering will flower. Remember, the goal is to find different bulbs, and to plant them in layers in the same space so that they will bloom over as long a period as possible. Largest / Latest Flowering Largest, latest flowering bulbs for a bulb lasagne include: Alliums Lilies Tulips Medium Sized / Mid-Flowering Medium-sized bulbs to be planted above those might include: Daffodils & Other Narcissus Earlier Tulips Hyacinths Small / Earliest-Flowering Small, early bulbs to plant closer to the top of the soil or potting mix include: Anemones Crocus Glory of The Snow (Chionodoxa) Grape Hyacinths Miniature Irises Snowdrops Though spring-flowering bulbs are most commonly used for a bulb lasagne, you can also consider planting summer flowering bulbs, corms like gladioli or dahlia tubers, for example. A basket of bulbs ready for planting As you can see from the above, layering the bulbs correctly is the main trick to success in creating a bulb lasagne. As long as you get this right, you should be pleased with your displays. Play around with different spring-flowering bulbs to work out the perfect combinations, and have some fun thinking about new combinations of bulbs to try.
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Grow These 8 Container Plants In Shaded Areas For Extra Colour And Character
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Hostas 2) Ferns 3) Begonia 4) Coleus 5) Golden Creeping Jenny 6) Impatiens 7) Carex 8) Boxwood No Need To Throw Shade Got a shady spot in your garden that’s a little lacking in colour and character? It’s tempting to leave this space alone and focus your growing efforts on bright, sunlit areas. But with the right guidance, it’s possible to get a vivid and exciting bloom established in areas that the sunlight doesn’t always visit. “I have pots of ferns, trailing ivy and epimediums tucked by a hedge in permanent shade,” shares Sunil Patel from 13 Broom Acres. “It’s dry under there and I often forget to water those pots as they’re separate from the others, but they still grow.” In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best plants that will thrive in containers in the shadiest parts of your garden. After reading this guide you’ll realise that a shady section of your garden is nothing to shy away from. Rather, it’s the source of endless opportunity to plant and enjoy a different set of plants from what you might otherwise see. Once you get into the swing of these shade-loving customers you’ll realise just how rewarding they can be. 1) Hostas HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED SUNLIGHT: PART SHADE SOIL REQUIREMENTS: CLAY OR LOAM; MOIST BUT WELL DRAINED This is a broad and inclusive family of plants, with differing varieties sporting all sorts of colours, shapes, and moods. Hostas have particular suitability to shaded conditions, making this a perfect plant to get acquainted with if you’ve got a shady garden! There are plenty of varieties to choose from, but here are three to whet your whistle: H. ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ Cutely and aptly named, the delicate bluey purple flowers of this diminutive hosta variety give a nice and unobtrusive splash of colour. Expect a maximum size of 0.5 x 0.5m. H. ‘June’ Clocking in at a similar size to blue mouse ears, this variety boasts variegated leaves, with green and white-yellow intermingling to create a striking aesthetic. H. ‘Francee’ Slightly bigger at 1m²; the ‘Francee’ variety also sports variegated leaves. This time, however, the green is on the inside and skirted by white, rather than the other way round. Great for creating contrast! 2) Ferns HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED SUNLIGHT: ANY SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY Head to any woodland and you’ll probably see a carpet of fern lining the ground beneath the soaring tree canopies. If this isn’t a testament to the plant’s ability to thrive in shady conditions, we don’t know what is! And not only are ferns well-suited to shade, but they’re a pleasure to look at as well. They have a rugged image and a dazzling spectrum of green that will brighten up even the dreariest corner of your garden. Again, we’ve selected a few varieties to help get you started: Dryopteris affinis (Scaly Male Fern) This deciduous fern does well in damp conditions, giving you options if your shady spot is also a little moist. In terms of looks this aligns very closely with your ‘average’ fern. Adiantum venustum (Evergreen Maidenhair) This evergreen fern also handles damp well, and the year-round foliage will hold strong appeal to some gardeners. Smaller, rounder leaves also create a distinctive aesthetic. Top Tip: If you’re working with a dry spot rather than a damp one, varieties like asplenium, polypodium, and dryopteris should do you well. See more varieties in this guide. 3) Begonia HARDINESS RATING: H2 PREFERRED SUNLIGHT: PART SHADE SOIL REQUIREMENTS: SAND OR LOAM; MOIST BUT WELL DRAINED Here’s another plant particularly well-suited to shade. Just take a look at the selection of begonia varieties available and you’ll quickly see that it’s a medley of shapes and colours to enliven any garden space. We recommend the B. ‘Illumination’ series as a good jump-off point for this flower: the bold orange bloom will draw the eye and set off the greens, whites, and yellows likely to surround it in a display of shade-loving plants. If orange isn’t your thing you’ll have no trouble finding yellows, reds, pinks, purples, whites, and more. With a little time and energy invested, creating a stunning display from begonias is well within your reach. 4) Coleus HARDINESS RATING: H1C PREFERRED SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY; MOIST BUT WELL DRAINED Here’s another plant just bursting with colour, and not just via its flowers. Scroll through a list of coleus and you’ll see vibrant red leaves with green zig zags, yellow leaves with mottled red flecks, purple leaves that fade to pink and white towards the centre, and many other exciting combinations. Used well, coleus can provide an exciting and invigorating backdrop for other flowers in your display of shade-loving plants. It’s easy to forget about colour when working in an area of your garden with specific conditions. But try not to fall into this trap: explore different combinations; explore unexpected colours. Mix them up and see what happens, and you may find this becomes one of the most exciting areas of your garden! To get you started with coleus, here are the varieties that correspond to the colour combinations we mentioned previously: C. ‘Glory of Luxembourg’ Red leaves with green zig zags. C. ‘Pineapplette’ Yellow leaves with mottled red flecks. C. ‘Wizard Rose’ Green foliage that fades to cream and red towards the centre. 5) Golden Creeping Jenny HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED SUNLIGHT: PART SHADE SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, also known as golden creeping Jenny, is a beautiful plant that forms a mat of vibrant yellow flowers at ground level. Just like ferns, this is a plant you’d expect to see winding its way around high tree trunks in thick woodland, and it’s a surefire way to bring this ambience into your garden. And what’s more, the yellow colour stays year-round, keeping this plant visually interesting and engaging in all seasons. We’ve included this because it’s an excellent reminder that not all shady container displays need to rely on plants that clock in at similar heights. A ground-level burst of yellow-topped by graduated heights of colourful plants like begonia and coleus will create stunning displays that bring your sun-free spots to life. 6) Impatiens HARDINESS RATING: H1C PREFERRED SUNLIGHT: PART SHADE SOIL REQUIREMENTS: LOAM; MOIST BUT WELL DRAINED There’s no better time to introduce impatiens than while we’re on the subject of colour. These delicate and dainty flowers bring an enchanting feel to any garden lucky enough to be graced by their company, and we definitely recommend considering them for your shady container displays. If you’re looking for something attractive and colourful that will thrive in the shade, you can’t go wrong here. There are plenty of varieties ranging in height, colour, and feel – meaning that some combination will work perfectly for your garden. Impatiens walleriana is a great starting point. 7) Carex HARDINESS RATING: VARIES PREFERRED SUNLIGHT: PART SHADE SOIL REQUIREMENTS: CLAY OR LOAM; POORLY DRAINED This plant could pass as a grass to the untrained observer, and while it technically isn’t a grass, it looks great when used with other ornamental grasses as prairie-style backdrops for shady container displays. Choosing a variety of plants for your displays is an important part of getting a really distinctive visual effect. We’ve mentioned height and colour before, and while introducing carex it’s a good time to think about how combining subtle and flamboyant plants can lead to a well-balanced and harmonious display. Different carex varieties offer green, variegated green and white, and even bronzish brown leaves, giving you lots of options when choosing the right one to accompany the other plants in your shade container. “Carex is fast becoming one of my most used plants for shade,” shares Colin Skelly, a Master Horticulturist. “It can tie other elements of planting together, as grasses can. There are variegated cultivars to catch the eye as well as species with more subtle charm.” 8) Boxwood HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED SUNLIGHT: ANY SOIL REQUIREMENTS: ANY These evergreen shrubs offer something a little different to the gardener looking for container plants to grow in shade. Where previously we’ve looked at plants that combine well into displays, a boxwood shrub probably works best as a standalone plant in its own containers. If you’re a fan of shrubs and topiary, this will be a good one for you. The bold green leaves look fantastic in mottled sunlight, and shady conditions will help this plant to grow its best – strong sun can scorch and discolour the leaves, eventually causing lasting damage if not rectified. No Need To Throw Shade Hopefully this article has shown you that working with a shady garden doesn’t force you to grow dull and uninteresting plants and flowers. As you’ve seen in our little showcase, there are tons of options available to you when designing a container display for a shady spot: you’ve got the boisterous medleys of colour from begonia and impatiens. Back these up with ferns and carex and you’ve got a rugged blanket centred around luscious greens. Mix with other plants and you open up a world of possibilities. “If you have a patio in a more shaded area, lots of plants with different textures will make it feel really luxurious,” adds TV Presenter Flo Headlam. “It’s all about dressing it like you would an inside room, so if it’s bright and airy, you want colour, scent and movement, and if it’s cool, foliage, texture and different-sized plants will work best.” Remember, too, that this list is not exhaustive. There are literally thousands of plants that will grow well in shade, so the deeper you dig into this area, the more options will be revealed to you. We hope you enjoy designing and planting your shade container display, and also watching it burst steadily into bloom over the coming months.
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Choosing 15 Clematis Varieties For Shade With The International Clematis Society
IN THIS GUIDE Spring Flowering 1) C. montana var grandiflora 2) C. montana var. rubens ‘Tetrarose’ 3) C. alpina ‘Pamela Jackman’ 4) C. alpina ‘Helsingborg’ 5) C. macropetala ‘Wesselton’ Early Summer Flowering 6) ‘Marie Boisselot’ 7) ‘Niobe’ 8) ‘The President’ 9) ‘General Sikorski’ 10) ‘Nelly Moser’ Summer and Autumn Flowering 11) ‘Jackmanii’ 12) ‘Gipsy Queen’ 13) ‘Perle d’Azur’ 14) ‘Comtesse de Bouchard’ 15) ‘Hagley Hybrid’ Clematis plants can be wonderful for bringing some light and brightness to a shady spot. It is a versatile genus of flowering plants, which offers options for almost any setting. “Clematis flowers are incredible, they give a real display and last a long time,” says Fiona Woolfenden, Secretary of the International Clematis Society. “Clematis are reliable if planted in the right conditions and come up every year and by picking certain varieties, you could have a clematis in flower every month of the year!” The shade-tolerating clematis climbers listed below will be great options for many shady spots, such as up against north-facing or east-facing walls or trellis fencing. “I like to grow Clematis up and through trees and hedges,” explains Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “This takes advantage of the support offered by trees and hedges and provides a more naturalistic feel than growing up a trellis or pergola.” Spring Flowering Spring flowering clematis are prized for their beautiful, often delicate blooms which appear early in the season. Many which flower in spring are tolerant of a more shaded spot. Some options to consider are: 1) C. montana var grandiflora HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT This is one of my own personal favourites. We have an extremely large and abundant plant of this type growing along a hedgerow at one side of the garden. It flowers prolifically, not just on the sunny south side of the hedge adjacent to the road, but also on the north side of the hedge facing the garden. The pristine white flowers emerge in late spring and early summer. It is a very vigorous climber which can quickly grow to brighten up a shady spot. 2) C. montana var. rubens ‘Tetrarose’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Another of the Montana group of clematis, ‘Tetrarose’ has beautiful flowers with mauvish-pink petals and light yellow stamens. With similar characteristics to the above, other than the flower colour, this can be another wonderful early season clematis to consider for a partially shaded spot. 3) C. alpina ‘Pamela Jackman’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT “Spring-flowering clematis comes mainly from a group known as atragenes, which grow in alpine areas, but not above the snow line,” explains Ken Black, from the plant nursery Ken Black Clematis. C. alpina begins the list of 3 plants from this group that can cope with some shade. The deep purple flowers, around 7cm wide, emerge from mid to late spring, and fluffy seed heads follow. This is a clematis which is even hardier than the two options mentioned above. It will survive across all of the UK, even in extreme winters. 4) C. alpina ‘Helsingborg’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT This is another in the Atragene Group, and also has nodding bell-shaped flowers. “They are used to cold, windy conditions on the edge of forests or on screed slopes where the soil is well-drained,” says Ken, when discussing the properties of Atragene clematis. “Because of their hardiness, varieties bred from this group are ideal for UK gardens, as long as their native conditions can be somewhat replicated.” This particular cultivar has beautiful deep pinkish-purple flowers around 5cm long. Like the above, these appear in mid to late spring. 5) C. macropetala ‘Wesselton’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT A third selection from the Atragene Group clematis, ‘Wesselton’ is another early-season option that really stands out from the crowd. This also has nodding, bell-shaped flowers but the flowers on this clematis are unique. The outer petals are a beautiful violet shade, and a number of staminodes within the flower, blueish with white undertones at the base, give it a double appearance. What is more, these stunning flowers can be up to 10cm across. Ken Black notes that varieties from the Atragene group do not need much pruning but they can be cut back to your desired shape or height if required. Early Summer Flowering Late spring or early summer flowering clematis are also valuable flowering climbers for a somewhat shady spot. Ideally, place the roots in shade and allow the plant to climb up so its head is in the sun. Flowering can be disappointing in a very shady spot, but these cultivars tolerate and even look best in partial shade: 6) ‘Marie Boisselot’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN We have to admit a partiality for clematis with pure white flowers, which stand out really well against deep greens in a more shaded location. When it comes to summer flowering clematis for shade, our top pick is ‘Marie Boisselot’. The large, flat single flowers are a lovely pure white, with light yellow stamens. These blooms can be up to around 20cm in width. With a first and often second flowering, this clematis can be in flower from early summer right through to late summer or even early autumn. 7) ‘Niobe’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT This is another early large-flowered clematis to consider for a shady spot. The large, star-shaped flowers of this cultivar are an unusual deep pinkish-red, with a hue that deepens as they age, and contrasts with their greenish-yellow stamens. They can be around 15cm across. 8) ‘The President’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / EARLY AUTUMN AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT This cultivar also has large (up to 18cm in width) and dramatic flowers. In this case, the flowers have eight overlapping sepals with a violet almost shading to silver, and pink and red stamens. This cultivar like the above will flower in early summer, and often again in late summer or early autumn. 9) ‘General Sikorski’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER Another beautiful large-flowered clematis that can cope with shade, this cultivar also has large flowers up to 20cm or so across. This option stands out for its brilliant deep purple petals which have a tinge of red at the base. These deep petals contrast dramatically with vibrant and prominent yellow anthers. It is H4 hardy. 10) ‘Nelly Moser’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Perhaps one of the best-known clematis for a shady spot, ‘Nelly Moser’ is famed for its stunning 20cm wide flowers, which have eight distinctive petals, with pale pinkish mauve around the sides and darker pink stripes down the centre of each one. In fact, since the flower colour fades in strong sun, it can be best to grow this clematis in a more shaded position. Summer and Autumn Flowering Summer and autumn flowering clematis are fantastic for adding late-season colour in your garden. Here are just a few of the varieties from this varied group of climbers that will perform well in light or partial shade: 11) ‘Jackmanii’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Jackman’s clematis has been enchanting gardeners since it was developed, as one of the earliest clematis hybrids, in the 19th Century. This is a vigorous, medium-sized climber that will lose its leaves in the winter months, but look great all through summer. The flowers are around 10cm across, in a beautiful shade of violet-purple and a velvety appearance. When it comes to late-season clematis, this is one of our favourites that can cope with a moderately shady spot. 12) ‘Gipsy Queen’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT If you love purple flowers, then this cultivar is another great later season clematis to consider. The flowers are 12-14cm across, with velvety purple petals and reddish-brown stamens. This clematis flowers from midsummer to early autumn. 13) ‘Perle d’Azur’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT This cultivar also has purplish flowers, around 10-12cm across, though these are of a lighter, more blueish-violet hue, with purple petal bases blushing a hint of pink on bars down the heart of each one, and yellowish stamens. It is known to bloom prolifically. 14) ‘Comtesse de Bouchard’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT This late large-flowered clematis has charming rosy pink, somewhat striped flowers, with creamish-yellow stamens. It flowers from early to late summer and is another cultivar whose colour can fade in a sunnier spot and so which can look best in a little shade. 15) ‘Hagley Hybrid’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN The pretty pink flowers and pinkish-red anthers of this cultivar are also born in abundance on this late-season clematis. They open between midsummer and early autumn to bring an enchanting touch of delicate beauty to a shady spot. These are not the only plants to consider, but they are amongst the best choices for a shady spot. Remember, clematis will rarely flower well in seriously deep shade. But for a somewhat shaded location, the above options are all good ones to consider.
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TV Garden Rescue Presenter Recommends These Tall Plants For Natural Garden Screening
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Arrowwood Viburnum 2) Fish Pole Bamboo 3) Common Box 4) Clematis 5) Dogwood 6) Cider Gum 7) Forsythia 8) Holly 9) Horsetail Grass 10) Common Ivy 11) Jasmine 12) Bull Bay 13) Malepartus 14) Garden Privet References Create privacy and add intrigue to your garden display with these excellent screening plant options. Whatever the motivation, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best plants to create screening in your garden. First and foremost, you need to decide how high you wish your screen to be, as well as whether it needs to provide year-round coverage or only during the warmer months. You should also take into account the soil type available to you, as well as how quickly you need the screen to be in place and how much of an appetite or ability you will have to maintain it going forwards. Once you’ve given plenty of thought to the practical considerations, it’s time to turn to aesthetics – What sort of visual impact do you want the screen to have? Should it be discreet and understated, only serving as an impediment to vision, or would you prefer it to be a feature in its own right? “Think about the canopy and whether it’s a tree that is going to take up a lot of space and screen,” shares Flo Headlam, TV Presenter on the BBC’s Garden Rescue. “The downside is that it might block out too much light, so make sure to think about that. “Upright trees like Juniper or Cypress are almost like an exclamation and if you were to place them strategically, these will do the trick of screening.” Award-winning Gardener Designer Manoj Maldé also has a particular plant he recommends for screening. “A plant that I have always recommended to clients is Prunus lusitanica. It gives instant greenery at a higher level to stop inquisitive eyes. “The benefit of this plant is that it is evergreen so you have the greenery in winter too. I am always keen on creating greener spaces. “Tall multi-stem trees also provide screening and beautiful branch structures to view in winter.” Having taken all that into account, you’re ready to choose the plants to make up your screen. There is an extensive array of options to make your selection from, which is why we’ve narrowed the shortlist to 14 of the best tall plants for screening below: 1) Arrowwood Viburnum BOTANICAL NAME: Viburnum dentatum PLANT TYPE: SHRUB MAX HEIGHT: 3-4M HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: ANY Viburnum – otherwise known as arrowwood – is a dense shrub which can be either deciduous or evergreen depending on the species. Most options grow to a decent height and offer excellent coverage when placed in a garden, though their bushiness may make them unsuitable for smaller spaces. Choose a variety like V. dentatum to benefit from beautiful white flowers that burst into life in late spring and lush green foliage that fades into browns, yellows and oranges later in the year. It’s also very popular with bees, butterflies and other pollinators, so it’s good for the environment, good for privacy and good for offering colourful appeal, all in one attractive package. “I’ve used a few different Viburnum for screening hedges and they have the added bonus of flowers and berries,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “You can either grow them to full height (varies between species) or cut them to the desired height. Prune in spring after flowering to make sure you have flowers the following spring.” 2) Fish Pole Bamboo BOTANICAL NAME: Phyllostachys aurea PLANT TYPE: BAMBOO MAX HEIGHT: 3-4M HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: SHELTERED; LOAM-SOIL RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Bamboo screens are becoming increasingly popular in backyard landscaping due to the modern yet natural qualities they bring to a space. Their clean and uncluttered appearance adds a minimalistic touch to your display, while their propensity to shift and sway slightly in a breeze brings movement and intrigue. We also recommend looking to choose a clumping variety such as Chusquea montana or Fargesia murieliae, since some types of bamboo are invasive and will run riot in your garden if left to their own devices. Bamboo plants also lend themselves well to being grown in containers and couldn’t be simpler to cut down to size, making them a portable and highly versatile screening option. 3) Common Box BOTANICAL NAME: Buxus sempervirens PLANT TYPE: SHRUB / TREE MAX HEIGHT: 5-6M HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: ANY The first out-and-out hedging option on this list, boxwood is perhaps the most well-known and most widely-used hedge variety in the UK. That’s due to its resilience and malleability; this hardy evergreen can withstand frequent shearing and is even adaptable to a spot of topiary, allowing you to turn a box into whatever shape your heart desires. It’s another ideal option if you want to use pots or planters to begin with, too, meaning it has a host of advantages to offer a homeowner on the hunt for a solid screening option. 4) Clematis PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER MAX HEIGHT: TYPICALLY 2-4M HARDINESS RATING: VARIES PREFERRED CONDITIONS: SLIGHTLY ALKALINE SOIL Clematis is an avid climber which will quickly scale and cover the surface of a trellis, pergola or veranda, offering privacy from the outside world and shelter from the elements. There are a huge range of different varieties to choose from, bearing largely purple or pink floral blossoms, so you can tailor your selection to the colour scheme of the structure they’re intended to cover and the surrounding décor in the garden. They do best when their roots and the soil which nurtures them is kept in shade, but the uppermost parts of the plant are supported and exposed to full sun. 5) Dogwood BOTANICAL NAME: Cornus PLANT TYPE: SHRUB / TREE MAX HEIGHT: VARIES HARDINESS RATING: TYPICALLY H5-H7 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: ANY This broad-leaved shrub is easily identifiable by the grey bark of its branches which is brilliantly offset by the bright red of newer shoots in winter. This is certainly when they’re at their most spectacular, though if it’s coverage you’re after, you’ll notice better results in spring and summer, when the full-bodied foliage will block out all behind it. Fully mature trees can grow up to 10m in height, but you can pare back your plant to the appropriate height with a little bit of elbow grease. Just be aware that it’s among the hardest of woods available.1 6) Cider Gum BOTANICAL NAME: Eucalyptus gunnii PLANT TYPE: TREE MAX HEIGHT: 10M+ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: FULL SUN; SHELTERED; SLIGHTLY ACIDIC SOIL RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Eucalyptus trees and shrubs are hugely popular among green-fingered enthusiasts for the lushness of their leaves and the brightness of their seasonal blossoms. Having said that, there are very few species that are truly hardy plants, and Eucalyptus gunnii is undoubtedly the most favoured in the UK among them. Capable of growing to 10m within a couple of decades, it’ll need to be cut back regularly, but the fascinating phenomenon of its peeling bark and the foliage and flowers it boasts more than make up for the effort involved. 7) Forsythia PLANT TYPE: SHRUB MAX HEIGHT: 1.5-3M HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: ANY These sprawling shrubs are notable for their early blooming patterns – they’ll be among the first to shoot forth their unmistakable yellow flowers in spring, long before the rest of your garden has woken up from its seasonal slumber. The blossoms themselves are another major selling point, though it should be remembered that they work best as an informal screen, since they’re apt to grow in all directions at once and can be easily bent out of shape by the whims of the wind. Capable of reaching around 3m in height, they can easily be trimmed back by lopping off the best flowerheads for display in indoor vases. 8) Holly BOTANICAL NAME: ILEX PLANT TYPE: SHRUB / TREE MAX HEIGHT: 6M HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: ANY; EXPOSED RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT For many people, the only encounters they’ll have had with a holly plant come once a year during Christmas. However, holly is an excellent option for use as a screening hedge, given that its an evergreen plant available in a wide selection of varieties. Choose from Inkberry, Dwarf Yaupon Holly and Meserve Holly, to name but three, to tailor its appearance and utility to your specific needs. As well as the glossy and spiky attraction of its leaves, your hedge will also benefit from the brilliant flashes of orange and red berries when in bloom, as well. Just be careful not to prick yourself on its leaves when keeping it in check! 9) Horsetail Grass BOTANICAL NAME: Equisetum arvense PLANT TYPE: AQUATIC MAX HEIGHT: 1.5M HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: ANY COMMONLY CONSIDERED AN INVASIVE WEED Horsetail grass could perhaps be considered a somewhat controversial entrant on this list given its propensity to spread like wildfire. Although it’s often named invasive, it’s actually native to Europe and as such is better described as an aggressive spreader. For that reason, it’s imperative that you take adequate precautions when using it as a garden screener, such as confining it to pots or maintaining a soil barrier to limit its chances of propagation. When handled correctly, however, it provides an intriguing flowerless screen similar to bamboo that can reach almost 2m in height, which is why it’s a popular choice as an ornamental grass in Britain and beyond.2 10) Common Ivy BOTANICAL NAME: Hedera helix PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER MAX HEIGHT: 10M+ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: ANY Many people labour under the mistaken belief that ivy is a parasite that strangles the trees or shrubs upon which it climbs. However, nothing could be further from the truth; ivy not only doesn’t hurt trees at all, but actually helps to shelter multiple species of wildlife in the UK.3 It’s ideal for arranging on a pergola, trellis or other outdoor structure, since its woody stems will cling to the support without much in the way of help up to heights of 30m. Plus, the lush green foliage which it boasts lasts all year round offers great screening properties for wildlife within. Don’t allow it to become overgrown as it does spread like wildfire when left unchecked. 11) Jasmine BOTANICAL NAME: Jasminum officinale PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER MAX HEIGHT: 7-8M HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: SHELTERED Jasmine lends itself to screening purposes in two ways. Summer-flowering jasmine is an astonishingly fast climber, so train it up a trellis and let it work its magic to offer privacy and protection from the exterior. Winter jasmine, on the other hand, is a dense shrub that’s tough as old boots, but far easier on the eye, especially during the colder months when many of your other plants have gone into hibernation. Indeed, both varieties are visually pleasing with their floral displays, which also come with the added bonus of an exquisite accompanying fragrance. 12) Bull Bay BOTANICAL NAME: Magnolia grandiflora PLANT TYPE: SHRUB / TREE MAX HEIGHT: 12M+ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: SHELTERED Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen shrub or tree which grows in strict upright formations, making it an ideal option for planting in rows as a collective screen. The foliage can be easily trained to begin from virtually any height on the trunk, which means you can position it next to a fence and have its canopy serve as an additional screening agent, while still simultaneously saving plenty of room in its lower reaches for underplanting. Its broad leathery leaves will give excellent coverage, while its summer-flowering white blossoms are as enormous as they are enchanting. 13) Malepartus BOTANICAL NAME: Miscanthus sinensis PLANT TYPE: GRASS MAX HEIGHT: 2M HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: FULL SUN Miscanthus sinensis are a species of fast-growing grasses that will thrive in pretty much all conditions and can provide excellent coverage in next to no time. Once they’ve taken hold in spring, they’ll shoot up to a maximum of 2m in a matter of weeks, gifting you a soft and undulating screen for your garden. Of course, due to their nature as grasses, the partition they provide isn’t as robust or comprehensive as many of the other options on this list, but their gentle swaying in the breeze, alongside the changing colours of their fluffy panicles of flowers, means they carry plenty of aesthetic allure to compensate. 14) Garden Privet BOTANICAL NAME: Ligustrum ovalifolium PLANT TYPE: SHRUB / TREE MAX HEIGHT: 4-6M HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED CONDITIONS: FULL SUN Privet is perhaps the main contender to boxwood’s claim on the British hedging throne and is commonly used as a screening plant in suburban gardens up and down the length of the country. It’s distinguishable from its boxy counterpart by the smaller, lighter and more delicate shape of its leaves, the creamy whiteness of its flowers and the jet black of its berries. References 1. Dogwood. (2020, December 29). The Wood Database. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.wood-database.com/dogwood/ 2. Field Horsetail, Equisetum arvense. (n.d.). Plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.friendsofthewildflowergarden.org/pages/plants/fieldhorsetail.html 3. In favour of ivy – why it’s brilliant for wildlife. (2020, September 30). Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/favour-ivy-why-its-brilliant-wildlife
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Horticulturists Suggest These 15 Hardy Climbers & Shrubs For Winter Interest
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Ivy 2) Honeysuckles 3) Evergreen Clematis 4) Silk Tassel Brush 5) Climbing Hydrangeas 6) Emerald Gaiety 7) Firethorn 8) Wall Cotoneaster 9) California Lilac 10) Star Jasmine 11) Passion Flower 12) Holly-Leaved Sweet Spire 13) Wintersweet 14) Oregon Grape Hybrid 15) Camellia sasanqua If you’re looking for climbing plants or wall shrubs for winter interest, look no further – we have a list of 15 great options for you to choose from. Climbers and shrubs which can be trained against walls (usually those which retain their leaves or provide winter interest) can be very valuable plants to include in your garden. Not only will they look good, but they can also be great for the wildlife with which you share your space. “A combination of evergreen climbing plants can provide beauty, as well as habitat and nectar and pollen for garden life, for most months of the year,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “They are also relatively low-maintenance, usually needing only an annual prune.” Evergreen shrubs and climbers are typically those which are best for adding interest to the winter garden. These can provide year-round privacy when trained on a fence and provide shelter for a range of garden creatures. They also make a great visual backdrop – especially when trained against a garden boundary or a wall of your home, for the bare branches of deciduous shrubs and trees. We have chosen the plants on this list for their broad applicability in garden design here in the UK, and for their visual appeal during winter months. If you are looking for evergreen climbing plants and wall shrubs for winter interest, then of course you have other options, but considering these fifteen options could be a good place to start: 1) Ivy BOTANICAL NAME: Hedera helix HARDINESS RATING: H5 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -10°C PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY Ivy (Hedera helix) is a native workhorse of the winter garden. It will reliably remain evergreen all year round, providing shelter for a range of wildlife, and visual interest even over the coldest months. It will also have blackberries in the winter months, providing an excellent food source for native birds. It is H5 hardy, and can be grown almost anywhere, from full sun sites, to deep shade. This self-clinging climber may be too vigorous for some settings, but it can be perfect for growing up a tall wall or fence in any orientation. Look out for variegated varieties for even more winter interest. 2) Honeysuckles BOTANICAL NAME: Lonicera HARDINESS RATING: H6 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -15°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE There are a wide range of honeysuckles that can be grown in UK gardens, from the native but deciduous common honeysuckle, to honeyberry (edible honeysuckles), to evergreen options like Japanese honeysuckle, for example. Japanese honeysuckle is H6 hardy, which is great for winter interest. Another honeysuckle for winter interest is the deciduous Lonicera fragrantissima, which is deciduous, but which flowers in late winter or early spring. 3) Evergreen Clematis BOTANICAL NAME: Clematis cirrhosa HARDINESS RATING: H4 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -5°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED Another climber which is both evergreen and winter flowering is Clematis cirrhosa. Try varieties like ‘Winter Beauty’ or ‘Early Sensation’, for example. They have delicate bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers set against their ferny foliage. This is a good choice for a full sun, sheltered site in milder areas. It requires moist yet free-draining soil. This evergreen clematis is H4 hardy in the UK. 4) Silk Tassel Brush BOTANICAL NAME: Garrya elliptica HARDINESS RATING: H4 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -5°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE Also known as silk-tassel bush, this shrub is also great for training against a wall or fence. It should thrive in full sun or a partially shaded site, and not only has evergreen foliage but also bears beautiful silver catkins through the winter months. It is H4 hardy in the UK and will grow to 3.5m, or even taller in mild areas with well-drained soil. 5) Climbing Hydrangeas BOTANICAL NAME: Hydrangea petiolaris HARDINESS RATING: H5 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -10°C PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY Climbing hydrangeas can also be great wall shrubs for winter interest. Hydrangea petiolaris, H. seemannii and the related H. virburnoides are all self-clinging climbers which offer year-round interest in your garden. These are H5 hardy and can work well in many different situations with almost any aspect and soil type, as long as the soil does not become waterlogged in winter. 6) Emerald Gaiety BOTANICAL NAME: Euonymus fortunei HARDINESS RATING: H5/H6 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -10 TO -20°C PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Euonymus fortunei is another great self-clinging climber to consider for your garden, to add evergreen interest over the winter months. Spindles or winter creepers are H5 or H6 hardy, and can work well when grown as free-standing shrubs or when trained as climbers against a wall. Euonymus can work well in full sun or partial shade, facing south, east or west. Variegated cultivars such as ‘Silver Queen’ can be great for enlivening a shady spot. 7) Firethorn BOTANICAL NAME: Pyracantha HARDINESS RATING: H5/H6 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -10 TO -20°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Pyracantha is another shrub excellent for training against a wall or fence. Beautiful red or orangey berries appear in autumn and will often grace the plant all through the winter months. These are also H5 or H6 hardy. They do well in full sun or part shade, and can work well on sheltered or exposed sites, with any aspect. They prefer moist but well-drained or well-drained soil. 8) Wall Cotoneaster BOTANICAL NAME: Cotoneaster horizontalis HARDINESS RATING: H7 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: COLDER THAN -20°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN Another excellent choice for winter berries is Cotoneaster, also known as wall spray, which is another vigorous shrub that can be grown up and over walls or fences. It has pink-tinged, delicate white flowers which are followed by red berries. And the glossy leaves remain reliably in place throughout the whole of the year. 9) California Lilac BOTANICAL NAME: Ceanothus HARDINESS RATING: H4 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -5°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT This evergreen shrub is H4 hardy, and can work extremely well as a wall shrub when trained against a sunny and sheltered south-facing wall or fence. Ceanothus flowers, depending on the variety, are born in spring, summer or even early autumn. But even in winter, this shrub will usually keep its little crinkled leaves throughout the winter months. 10) Star Jasmine BOTANICAL NAME: Trachelospermum jasminoides HARDINESS RATING: H4 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -5°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Also hardy through most of the UK, star jasmine is another evergreen climbing shrub to consider. ‘Variegatum’ is a cultivar that not only has fragrant white flowers born in summer, but also attractive white-edged leaves, which blush red in winter. It can work well in full sun or partial shade and will do well against a sheltered south or west-facing wall, in well-drained soil. 11) Passion Flower BOTANICAL NAME: Passiflora caerulea HARDINESS RATING: H4 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -5°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Blue passionflower is another H4 hardy climber, which could be another great option to consider. This is another evergreen, which will often retain its leaves through winter in milder areas in the UK, though it may lose them over the coldest months in colder regions. This fast-growing climber can work well in full sun or partial shade in sheltered spots and is another interesting option for a south or west-facing wall or fence. 12) Holly-Leaved Sweet Spire BOTANICAL NAME: Itea ilicifolia HARDINESS RATING: H5 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -10°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Holly-leaved sweet spire is another attractive evergreen wall shrub for winter interest. It flowers in the summer/early autumn small greenish-white flowers in long dangling racemes. H5 hardy, this plant also remains evergreen and keeps its holly-like oval leaves over the winter too. It likes a sheltered, full sun or partial shade site, in moist but well-drained soil. 13) Wintersweet BOTANICAL NAME: Chimonanthus praecox HARDINESS RATING: H5 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -10°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN Wintersweet, H5 hardy, is another wonderful wall shrub to consider for your winter garden. It is well known for its wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers which it bears over the winter months when grown against a sunny west or south-facing wall in a sheltered position with well-drained soil. 14) Oregon Grape Hybrid BOTANICAL NAME: Mahonia x media HARDINESS RATING: H5 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -10°C PREFERRED ASPECT: ANY Best known as a sprawling shrub of neglected shady garden corners, Mahonia x media, or Oregon grape, can also be trained as a wall shrub to enliven a wall or fence over the winter months. The spiky, glossy leaves look good all year round, bright yellow flowers look great early in the season and are a delight for early pollinators, and the berries that then form are edible too – great for baking, jams or jellies. 15) Camellia sasanqua HARDINESS RATING: H4 MINIMUM REQUIRED TEMPERATURE: -5°C PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; SHELTERED Finally, last but not least, you could consider growing a winter Camellia. With its upright habit, this camellia is great for growing up against a wall or fence. It bears its fragrant white flowers in autumn and winter. It is H4 hardy, and will thrive against a north, west or south-facing structure.
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20 Early Spring Flowering Plants Featuring Our April Visit To RHS Harlow Carr
IN THIS GUIDE Early Spring Flowering Shrubs 1) Sweet Box 2) Forsythia 3) Quince 4) Goat Willow 5) Alpine Heath 6) Hybrid Camellia Early Spring Flowering Bulbs 7) Snowdrop 8) Early Bulbous Iris 9) Early Crocuses 10) Hyacinth 11) Daffodil 12) Winter Aconite 13) Alpine Cyclamen 14) Wild Tulip 15) Starflower Early Spring Flowering Perennials 16) Hellebore 17) Primrose 18) Bleeding Hearts 19) Winter Pansies 20) Lily of the Valley References After a long dark winter, nothing brings more joy than the arrival of early spring flowers. From bulbs to perennials and shrubs, there are many plants that start to flower just as spring begins. Here in the UK, there is an early spring flowering plant for every garden. Before working through our list, check out some of Mollie Brown’s favourites from RHS Harlow Carr when she visited in early April 2024: Early Spring Flowering Shrubs It is often said that shrubs provide the backbone of our gardens, supplying the all-important height and structure. These shrubs will not only help provide this structure – but flower as the garden awakens in spring – bringing colour and scent with them: 1) Sweet Box BOTANICAL NAME: SARCOCOCCA HARDINESS RATING: H5 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; FULL OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: DECEMBER – MARCH Sarcococca, or ‘sweet box’ as it is often known, is a shrub that is thought to originate from China and is a part of the Buxaceae family. A shade-loving and evergreen plant, it is a great shrub for a tricky spot. Producing heavenly-scented white flowers from late winter through to early spring, Sarcococca confusa is a great variety. Growing to H2.5m x W1.5m it is perfect for the back of a border or a large container. The scent the flowers give off is incredible and it is best planted near a spot often walked past so they can be enjoyed, a shaded back door or porch is ideal. Requiring full or part shade and a sheltered site, they will grow in most moist and well-drained soils, but need protection from the harshest midday sun. Sarcococca confusa is a low-maintenance shrub requiring minimal pruning only to keep to size and shape, which can be carried out in early spring after flowering. 2) Forsythia BOTANICAL NAME: FORSYTHIA HARDINESS RATING: H5 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: FEBRUARY – APRIL Forsythia originally came from Asia and is now commonplace here in the UK and for good reason. An easy to grow shrub, it produces an abundance of yellow flowers in early spring, often in time for Easter, depending when it falls. A bright and vibrant shrub, it injects a great dose of colour and is often used in Easter floral displays. Forsythias are relatively unfussy and will tolerate most soils, as long as they are moist and well-drained. A hardy shrub, they can tolerate winter temperatures down to -15°C and will grow in either an exposed or sheltered site. Often large standalone shrubs, although recent introductions include some dwarf varieties, they can also be grown up a wall with training. For a large shrub, F. × intermedia ‘Lynwood Variety’ is a good choice growing to H2.5 x W2.5 over time. With an upright habit, its yellow ovate flowers begin to bloom in March as spring dawns. 3) Quince BOTANICAL NAME: CHAENOMELES HARDINESS RATING: H6 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – MAY Chaenomeles or ‘Japanese quince’ as it is commonly known, is a lovely shrub which flowers from March to May. Originating from Asia, they are available here with flower colours ranging from white and apricot to bright red. From the Rosaceae family, they are deciduous with their stems covered in thorns, which need care when handling. Producing small 5 petalled flowers in March and April, they are a valuable early source of nectar for pollinators. Being able to withstand temperatures down to -15°C they are reliably hardy and able to survive all but the harshest UK winter. Chaenomeles × superba ‘Pink Lady’ is a great example, with soft pink flowers on a small frame it will grow to only H1.5 x W1.5m and tolerate any soil. As with most chaenomeles, it is best grown in a sheltered spot in full sun or part shade. 4) Goat Willow BOTANICAL NAME: SALIX CAPREA HARDINESS RATING: H6 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – APRIL Goat Willow – also commonly known as ‘Pussy Willow’ or ‘Great Sallow’ – is commonly grown as a tree or shrub in the UK. It is well-known for its distinctive catkins and is a great option for low-maintenance gardens as it needs very little upkeep. “As well as being an attractive tree for spring for humans to enjoy, Salix caprea, Pussy Willow, is also a hugely important source of early nectar for bees when little else is yet in flower,” shares Colin Skelly, a Horticultural Consultant. 5) Alpine Heath BOTANICAL NAME: ERICA CARNEA HARDINESS RATING: H5 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: JANUARY – APRIL Winter flowering heather is great for bringing a splash of colour to the garden in winter and early-spring months when little else is in flower. Its distinctive pink blooms show on upright, needle-like foliage that is evergreen in our climate. It is tolerant of most conditions which makes it a great option for any garden. 6) Hybrid Camellia BOTANICAL NAME: Camellia × williamsii HARDINESS RATING: H5 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; FULL OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: JANUARY – MARCH C. x williamsii was the first Camellia hybrid, cultivated in 1923 by J.C. Williams in Cornwall.1 This crossing of C. saluenensis with C. japonica yields large pink flowers in late winter and early spring. They are incredibly tough and grow well in shade – making them ideal for a secluded corner of your garden. Early Spring Flowering Bulbs Bulbs can give a stunning succession of early colour and brighten up the garden whether in pots or the borders. From winter aconites and snowdrops early on, to daffodils and tulips flowering later in spring, they can provide colour for months on end. 7) Snowdrop BOTANICAL NAME: GALANTHUS HARDINESS RATING: H5 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: JANUARY – MARCH Galanthus or ‘snowdrops’ are such a welcome sight in any garden and indicate that spring is imminent. Often flowering in February and March they look stunning when planted in clumps or in drifts creating a white carpet. There is a huge range of snowdrops available with some varieties being sold for eye-watering prices. But don’t let this put you off. The common snowdrop, or Galanthus nivalis, grows to H15cm and is widely available and not expensive. Snowdrops are perennial and grow well in moist well-drained soil in part or dappled shade. Snowdrop bulbs are best planted ‘in the green’, essentially meaning that their foliage is still green and not turned yellow yet, in spring. The bulbs can be planted in autumn, but are less reliable to establish. They require little maintenance, and only need their foliage to be allowed to die back naturally to feed the bulb for the following year and larger clumps divided every few years. 8) Early Bulbous Iris BOTANICAL NAME: IRIS RETICULATA HARDINESS RATING: H7 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN FLOWERING MONTHS: FEBRUARY – MARCH For an early spring display of blue, purple and yellow, the dwarf Iris reticulata is hard to beat. Growing to only H15cm its colour certainly makes up for its short stature. A part of the Iridaceae family, Iris reticulata is a bulbous perennial that blooms in March. Perfectly suited to the front of a border or a terracotta pot, they are best grown in free-draining soil in full sun, or part shade. Widely available, they can be planted at twice their own depth in autumn to flower the following spring. Over time bulbs will multiply sometimes leading to overcrowding and poor blooms. This can be addressed by dividing the clumps in late summer and replanting. 9) Early Crocuses BOTANICAL NAME: CROCUS TOMMASINIANUS HARDINESS RATING: H6 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN FLOWERING MONTHS: FEBRUARY – APRIL Crocus is a plant that is probably most well-known for being an early bloomer in the British Isles. C. tommasinianus is the variety commonly grown for early spring flowers and its bulbs should be planted in autumn – usually between late September and early November. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for the best results. 10) Hyacinth BOTANICAL NAME: HYACINTHUS HARDINESS RATING: H4 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – MAY Available in a range of colours, hyacinth are one of the most popular types of bulbs to grow thanks to their attractive blooms and pleasant fragrance. In the autumn months, plant the bulbs at a depth of roughly 10cm and water well. Hyacinth prefer a sheltered spot (ideally in full sun) and soil that drains well. 11) Daffodil BOTANICAL NAME: NARCISSUS HARDINESS RATING: H6 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: FEBRUARY – MARCH Another plant that needs no introduction, daffodils are commonly listed among the most popular flowers grown in the United Kingdom.2 Their nodding, showy flowers tend to signal the onset of spring from February or March. They are fairly tolerant of most weather conditions and should be planted in September. Plant between a depth of 12-15cm in well-draining soil. 12) Winter Aconite BOTANICAL NAME: Eranthis hyemalis HARDINESS RATING: H6 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: JANUARY – FEBRUARY Winter aconite is a member of the buttercup family and is native to woodland habitats. Its bright yellow flowers usually unfurl in late winter, with blooms even earlier than crocuses. Once settled, the plant should come back each year and you will also find that it spreads easily. Its soil should be kept moist and the plant will need regular exposure to sunshine in order to flower. 13) Alpine Cyclamen BOTANICAL NAME: Cyclamen Alpinum HARDINESS RATING: H5 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: JANUARY – FEBRUARY Alpine Cyclamen is native to altitudinal areas of Central Europe, with pretty flowers that show in late winter and early springtime. The angular, propellor-like flowers are very distinctive and offer something a little different for any sheltered, partly shaded areas of the garden. 14) Wild Tulip BOTANICAL NAME: Tulipa sylvestris HARDINESS RATING: H6 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; FULL SUN FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – MAY Wild tulip bears bright yellow flowers which have a lemon, citrusy scent.3 It can commonly be found growing wild in its native environment of woodland or meadows, and should be placed in a sunny spot with plenty of shelter. 15) Starflower BOTANICAL NAME: Ipheion HARDINESS RATING: H5 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; FULL SUN FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – MAY Ipheion or ‘Starflowers’ are flowering bulbs that are native to South America. They have sweet-scented flowers that are commonly blue or white and usually begin flowering from March here in the UK. Use a loam-based compost and site in full sun for the best results. Early Spring Flowering Perennials 16) Hellebore BOTANICAL NAME: Helleborus HARDINESS RATING: H7 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: JANUARY – MARCH Hellebores are part of the ranunculaceae family with some of the most widely grown varieties including helleborus foetidus, helleborus niger and helleborus x hybridus. With flowers ranging in colour from white and cream to pink and purple, there is a colour to suit any garden scheme. Helleborus x hybridus or the Lenten rose is a semi-evergreen perennial and is arguably one of the easiest to grow. Flowering from February and March onwards, they are happiest in moist well-drained soil in part shade. With single or double flowers and growing to H.45 x W.45m, they do not like being transplanted and often happily self-seed, producing new plants which can be moved. For stunning pink and red speckled petals, H. × hybridus ‘Harvington Pink’ is a wonderful plant to brighten up the garden. 17) Primrose BOTANICAL NAME: PRIMULA HARDINESS RATING: H7 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: JANUARY – MAY Perhaps one of the most thought of spring flowers, especially in the wild, is the primrose or Primula vulgaris. A very hardy perennial, withstanding even the harshest winter. With the true wild form being a scented and pale yellow growing to H20cm, it flowers from late February until May and is found in hedgerows and woodlands throughout the UK. Thriving in most conditions, they are ideal for lining a path or filling a container to provide a cheering display. Despite their common name primrose, they are part of the Primulaceae family and are herbaceous or semi-evergreen. As an RHS plant for pollinators, P. vulgaris will provide a valuable source of nectar for bees. If left alone, P. vulgaris will self-seed and naturalise in the vicinity or can be divided up every 2-3 years in early autumn and replanted. 18) Bleeding Hearts BOTANICAL NAME: Lamprocapnos spectabilis HARDINESS RATING: H6 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – JUNE Lamprocapnos spectabilis or, as it was previously named, Dicentra spectablilis, is much more commonly known as ‘bleeding heart’. From the Papaveraceae family, Lamprocapnos are herbaceous perennials that are adorned with pink, red or white heart-shaped flowers dangling down from arching stems. With flowers appearing from March until June, they are a great early spring plant to add colour to the garden. Requiring a sheltered spot in partial shade, they grow well in most fertile soils, except acidic. A hardy perennial, originating from China, they will tolerate winter temperatures down to around -15°C and grow to typically H1m x W1m. L. spectabilis do not like being transplanted. For a vibrant red display of flowers L. spectabilis ‘Valentine’ is incredible. Growing to H.8m x W.8m its scarlet red flowers with white tips will brighten up any border or container. 19) Winter Pansies BOTANICAL NAME: Viola hiemalis HARDINESS RATING: H7 BEST SITED: EXPOSED OR SHELTERED; FULL SUN OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: DEPENDENT ON PLANTING Winter pansies are incredibly hardy and can flower even in the darkest winter months when there is little sun. Rated H7, they are incredibly hardy plants that can survive frosts, snow and pretty much anything a typical British winter could throw at them. Planting them in autumn (ideally September) should give them enough time to bed in before the harsh winter period, when they should flower all the way until spring. 20) Lily of the Valley BOTANICAL NAME: Convallaria majalis HARDINESS RATING: H7 BEST SITED: SHELTERED; FULL OR PART SHADE FLOWERING MONTHS: MARCH – APRIL Lily of the Valley is a woodland flowering, herbaceous perennial that is ideal as a groundcover plant. Its small white flowers with their bell-shaped appearance should appear in March or April for a springtime garden treat. They can be grown in almost any soil type and do well in dappled shade – perhaps under the canopy of a tree or in a shaded garden corner. The rooted crowns of the plant should be planted out when weather conditions are dry and moderate – spring or early autumn are both ideal months. References 1. History of the x williamsii Camellia. (2021, March 5). Caerhays Estate. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://visit.caerhays.co.uk/the-estate/the-gardens/history-of-the-x-williamsii-camellia/ 2. Popular Plants. (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular 3. Tulipa sylvestris (15) | wild tulip. (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18545/tulipa-sylvestris-(15)/details
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