Growing
Gardeners List 72 Special Ericaceous Plants That Love Acidic Soil
IN THIS GUIDE Do You Have Acidic Soil? Home Testing Acidic Soil Benefits Plants For Acidic Ericaceous Soil Trees Shrubs Edible Plants Flowers Grasses Ferns Acidic soil is sometimes seen as an impediment, but it can also be seen as an opportunity to grow plants that love acidic ericaceous soil. Rather than trying to amend your garden to fit the plants you like, it is almost always the best policy to choose plants that suit the conditions in your garden. That means that if you have acidic soil, you choose plants that love acidic, ericaceous soil – or at least plants that will tolerate those conditions. “There are true ericaceous plants that will only grow in acidic conditions, such as Erica, Rhododendron and Camellia, and plants that can grow in acidic conditions but can also grow in neutral or alkaline conditions,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Using the latter category of plants can really extend your options if your garden has acidic soil.” In this article, you will find a list of some plants that will work well if you have acidic soil in your garden. In any garden, the soil pH will either be acidic, neutral or alkaline. If the pH is much below 7, your soil is acidic and the plants listed below could all be an excellent choice. If your soil has a pH below 5, it is extremely acidic and some remediation might be required. Do You Have Acidic Soil? First things first, work out whether you actually do have acidic soil in your garden. The easiest way to check is with a pH test; these are fairly affordable to buy online. The pH may vary even from one part of your garden to another, so to get more reliable results you should take readings from more than one spot. Home Testing You can also do a simple home test to see if your soil is acidic – this will not tell you your soil pH level, but could give you more of a clue about conditions in your garden. Simply mix some soil with water to make a muddy mix, then add bicarbonate of soda. If the baking soda froths up, this dictates that the soil is acidic. If instead, the soil mix reacts when vinegar is added then it is alkaline. Another way to get some clues about the soil in your garden is to simply look around. The plants already growing in your garden and your neighbour’s gardens could help you work out which plants will thrive and what soil conditions are like. Acidic Soil Benefits If you do have acidic soil, especially soil that is mildly acidic, then this is wonderful. Extremely acidic soil can be a problem, because most plant nutrients will be washed away more easily. Phosphates will be less available to plants. And when acidity is even more extreme, bacteria cannot rot organic matter and there are far fewer nutrients available to plants. But mildly acidic soil is beneficial and in fact, a slightly acidic soil might be close to 6.5, which is said to be the very best pH for gardens. Plants For Acidic Ericaceous Soil But with acidic soil, which plants should you choose? Here are some lists that might help you to begin to find the right plants for your garden: Trees First of all, when planning a garden, one of the things that you should think about is trees. There are trees which will suit even the smallest of gardens. Here are some trees which like or at least can easily tolerate acidic soil conditions: Alder Acers Beech Cedar Dogwood Douglas Fir Magnolias Pin oak Rowan Willows Shrubs Once you have any trees in place, you should next move on to consider the shrub layer. Shrubs can be the backbone of a garden – providing height and structure in beds and borders, and filling in the gaps between the height of any tree canopy and herbaceous and ground cover planting. Shrubs are often wonderful for a low maintenance garden – especially if you choose the right ones for your soil type and conditions. To help you plan your shrubberies and borders, here are some of the shrubs that like acidic soil conditions: Azaleas Berberis Camellias Crinodendron hookerianum Fothergillas Gardenias Heathers Holly Hydrangea Lithodora diffusa Pieris japonica Rhododendrons Edible Plants The shrub layer in a garden can also be very productive. In an acidic soil garden, there are a number of fruiting shrubs and fruiting canes/brambles which can be good choices. Here are some to consider for a garden with acidic soil: Bilberries/Blaeberries Blueberries Cranberry Cowberry Gaultheria humifusa (Alpine Wintergreen) Blackberry Raspberry If you would like to grow vegetables in the ground in acidic soil, then it is also worth noting that unless the acidity is particularly extreme, potatoes are likely to be one of the best-performing crops for you. You may not do quite as well with Brassicas, these members of the cabbage family will do best in slightly alkaline conditions. Flowers To beautify your garden and bring in the wildlife, you will also, of course, wish to include plenty of flowering plants. Here are some excellent options for acidic soil conditions: Andromeda polifolia Begonia Caladium Irises Japanese anemones Kirengeshoma palmata Lewisia x cotyledon Lilyturf (Liriope muscari) Meconopsis cambrica Trillium erectum If you want to establish a wildflower meadow in acidic soil conditions, some wildflowers that are tolerant of acidic conditions include: Autumn Hawkbit Black Knapweed ‘Devils Bit’ Scabious Foxglove Heath Bedstraw Meadow Buttercup Musk Mallow Oxeye Daisy Ribwort Plantain Self Heal Sorrel Vipers Bugloss White Campion Wild Carrot Wood Avens Yarrow Grasses If you want to choose ornamental grasses for your garden then you should have no trouble finding grasses that work well in the soil where you live. Phormium (New Zealand Flax) is something that should thrive in your soil. Many other grasses (either for ornament, or as a lawn) will also cope with acidic soil conditions. If you want a grass mix for acidic soil (perhaps to be grown along with the flowers mentioned above) then here is a mix for acidic soil gardens: Agrostis capillaris Anthoxanthum odoratum Cynosurus cristatus Deschampsia flexuosa Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis Poa pratensis (Try 35% Festuca trachyphylla with lower proportions of all the other grasses.) Ferns If there is a shady spot to fill in your acidic soil garden, then you should also consider adding some ferns. Great ferns for acidic soil conditions include: Blechnum spicant Cryptogramma crispa Blechnum chilense Blechnum penna-marina Woodwardia virginica Acidic soil is also tolerated by: Athyrium filix-femina Dryopteris species Gymnocarpium dryopteris Osmunda regalis Phegopteris connectilis Polypodium vulgare The options listed above are by no means your only options, but this list may give you a place to start when planning a planting scheme for your garden. One final note of caution however – remember that soil pH is only one of the criteria you should look at when choosing plants for your garden. So not all of the above will be suitable for all gardens with acidic soil – you also need to look at other factors alongside pH to make the right choices.
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Here’s A Handful Of Plants That Lend Themselves To A Year-Round Display
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Paperbark Maple 2) Snowy Mespilus 3) Carex ‘Evergold’ 4) Siberian Dogwood 5) Crab Apples 6) Japanese Aralia 7) Blue Fescue 8) Hornbeam 9) Oak-Leaved Hydrangea 10) Lavender ‘Grosso’ 11) Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ 12) Heavenly Bamboo 13) Turkish Sage 14) Christmas Berry ‘Red Robin’ 15) Red Leaved Rose 16) Lamb’s Ear 17) Star Jasmine 18) Chinese Witch Hazel While many people associate a peak garden display with the summer months, there’s no reason you can’t extend the intrigue all year round. With property prices continuing to increase, living space at a premium and remote working growing in popularity, many people are looking to expand the dimensions of their home by migrating outside more often. A garden which is just as inviting in the colder months as the warmer ones helps maximise the space available to you – creating an area that’s hospitable even when the temperature drops. Selecting a mixture of different species which bloom during different seasons is key to ensuring that there is always a splash of vibrancy in your garden whatever the month, while colourful grasses and shrubs maintain a base layer of activity right through the year. To give you some inspiration for the selection, here’s a handful of plants that lend themselves well to a year-round display. “This article really does contain a treasure trove of some of my absolute favourite plants – and that’s against stiff competition,” says Peter Lickorish, a Master Horticulturist. 1) Paperbark Maple BOTANICAL NAME: Acer griseum PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING FRUITING MONTHS: AUTUMN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Trees are a great choice for adding texture to your garden, but the paperbark maple (or Acer griseum) brings far more than just a sense of structure. For one thing, its sizable leaves are an attraction in themselves, especially when they take on a red wine tint during autumn, while the winged fruit which cluster on the branches for much of summer are another advantage. But it’s the peeling bark of A. griseum which really sets heads turning and tongues wagging, so place one or two next to a garden pathway for best results. It can appear almost luminous against a dark evergreen backdrop like yew. 2) Snowy Mespilus BOTANICAL NAME: Amelanchier lamarckii PLANT TYPE: SHRUB / TREE HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING FRUITING MONTHS: SUMMER RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Also known as Juneberry, Amelanchier lamarckii is another tree that will add plenty of pizzazz to a back garden. Its plentiful black berries will attract birds by the bucketloads during the summer months, but it’s in spring where this humble tree really shines. That’s due to the brilliance of its dainty and delicate white flower blossoms, while the yellows, oranges and browns of its autumn leaves are another treat for the eyes later in the year. The combination of the blossom and golden new leaves is exquisite. 3) Carex ‘Evergold’ BOTANICAL NAME: Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ PLANT TYPE: GRASS HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE TYPE: EVERGREEN FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT While trees are essential for bringing height to your garden, grasses are just as important for establishing intrigue at floor level. Carex – otherwise known as Japanese sedge – is an excellent option for the job, since it comes with a variety of different forms and features. ‘Evergold’ is particularly eye-catching right round the year, since its long, thin leaves have green fringes and a bold yellow stripe right down the middle. Hardy enough to stay resilient whatever the weather. 4) Siberian Dogwood BOTANICAL NAME: Cornus alba ‘Sibirica VARIEGATA’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER FRUITING MONTHS: AUTUMN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata’ is primarily favoured for the striking scarlet colour of its stems, which maintain their brilliance even in the dead of winter when all around them has faded. However, that’s not to say they’re a one-season wonder. The variegated leaves are an intense green in the summer, turning a rusty red later in the year, while the small white blossoms (and the berries which later accompany them) are a true delight in late spring and early summer. 5) Crab Apples BOTANICAL NAME: Malus sylvestris PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING FRUITING MONTHS: AUTUMN Another tree on the smaller side, crab apples can be fitted into a corner of the garden to bring in a host of biodiversity benefits alongside their obvious aesthetic advantages. In springtime, the clusters of pink or white blossoms (depending on the species or variety) are truly breathtaking in their splendour, while the gentle fading of their leaves as the year wears on is an attractive transformation, too. Meanwhile, the tiny fruit which clings to the branches in late summer is easier on the eye than the tongue but can be made more palatable when turned into jams, jellies or liqueurs. 6) Japanese Aralia BOTANICAL NAME: Fatsia japonica PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE TYPE: EVERGREEN FLOWERING MONTHS: AUTUMN FRUITING MONTHS: AUTUMN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT As the name suggests, Fatsia japonica (or Japanese aralia) originally comes from the Far East – but despite its almost tropical appearance, it’s perfectly at home in the Great British climate, too. It can even survive a dusting of snow, provided you give it a helping hand by wiping its leaves clean after the fact. And you’ll want to do so as well, since it’s the fantastic, leather-like foliage of the plant which contains all of its appeal. It generally grows to around six feet in height (though it can climb higher), so keep that in mind when choosing a spot to plant it. 7) Blue Fescue BOTANICAL NAME: Festuca glauca PLANT TYPE: GRASS HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE TYPE: EVERGREEN FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN When most of us think of the term “evergreen”, we probably think of the dark green colour of a fir or pine tree. However, you shouldn’t restrict yourself to this single hue, especially if you’re looking to introduce year-round intrigue to your backyard. Festuca glauca, or blue fescue grass, is perfect for adding some variety to your garden’s palette through its spindly blue stems which thrive right through the year, whatever the elements throw at it. Ideal for adding interest to your ground cover. 8) Hornbeam BOTANICAL NAME: Carpinus betulus ‘Lucas’ PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING FRUITING MONTHS: AUTUMN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Carpinus betulus – aka Hornbeam – lends itself perfectly to creating some privacy in your garden as a screening hedge. During the summer months, it boasts an abundance of bright green leaves that will block out prying eyes and rays of sunshine with equal effectiveness. If you wish to maintain the foliage into the winter, it’s possible to do so – simply trim it back and the Hornbeam will devote its energies to the survival of its now coppery coating. However, an untrimmed Hornbeam might shed all of its leaves in winter, but the intricate nature of its branches makes for a pleasing sight in their own right – especially when backlit. 9) Oak-Leaved Hydrangea BOTANICAL NAME: Hydrangea quercifolia PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN Although Hydrangea quercifolia won’t retain its attractive qualities throughout the calendar year, it makes an impressive fist of it. Its beautifully white cone-shaped blossoms come out in midsummer and last for a surprisingly long stretch into autumn, while its distinctive leaves (reminiscent of those found on an oak tree) will take on a kaleidoscope of colours such as orange, red and purple before finally succumbing to gravity in winter. 10) Lavender ‘Grosso’ BOTANICAL NAME: Lavandula × intermedia ‘Grosso’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE TYPE: EVERGREEN FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER Lavender is famous for its biodiversity-encouraging qualities, and during the height of summer, these plants are invariably awash with bees and other pollinators. However, the ‘Grosso’ variety – or Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’, to give it its full name – has other attractive qualities too. Specifically, the plant carries an interesting hue to its foliage, with its silvery-grey offering a superb canvas for the purple blooms to play upon. The leaves last right through winter, too. 11) Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ BOTANICAL NAME: Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4 FOLIAGE TYPE: EVERGREEN FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN FRUITING MONTHS: WINTER The delicacy of the stems, foliage and flowers of Mahonia belie its durability. Capable of growing in almost any type of soil, receiving any kind of sun exposure and withstanding the worst that winter can throw at it, Mahonia is a popular evergreen choice throughout the country. But while the more ostentatious ‘Charity’ variety might steal most of the acclaim and attention, ‘Soft Caress’ is a more understated alternative that is truly beautiful in bloom and leaf. 12) Heavenly Bamboo BOTANICAL NAME: Nandina domestica PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE TYPE: EVERGREEN FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER FRUITING MONTHS: AUTUMN Nandina domestica does carry gorgeous starry white flowers in summertime, but it’s the changing colours of its foliage which are the real star of this show. The leaves emerge in a rich salmon pink in spring, before deepening into green in the height of summer. But wait, there’s more! As autumn sets in, the foliage takes on more fiery tints and hues, as pictured in the image above. The show doesn’t stop in the winter months, either, while the profound red of the berries adds interesting highlights to the spectacle. 13) Turkish Sage BOTANICAL NAME: Phlomis russeliana PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Phlomis russeliana, otherwise known as Jerusalem sage, are great when interspersed with daintier plants, since their robust stems and leaves will offer a pleasing contrast – as well as limiting the space for weeds and pests. They remain proud and upright right through winter, but it’s in spring and summer that they really come into their own. That’s due to the pale yellow flowers which slowly unfurl from their seedheads, then collapse back in on themselves in attractive globes. “Currently, I am really into Phlomis plants,” shares Garden Designer Manoj Maldé. “I have two different varieties growing in the garden and I also used Phlomis tuberosa Amazone’ in the garden at Chelsea and I would like to introduce that into my own garden.” 14) Christmas Berry ‘Red Robin’ BOTANICAL NAME: Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE TYPE: EVERGREEN FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT Photinia can take the form of either trees or shrubs, but ‘Red Robin’ is firmly in the latter camp, growing to a maximum height of around four metres over the course of its decades-long lifespan. Its glossy leaves begin life as a dark red in spring, at which point they are accompanied by sparse but stunning creamy white blossoms. However, as the year wears on, the leaves ripen to a rich dark green, a colour they will maintain right through the year. 15) Red Leaved Rose BOTANICAL NAME: Rosa glauca Pourr. PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER FRUITING MONTHS: SUMMER / AUTUMN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT By and large, roses are not renowned for the longevity of their flowering patterns – and by and large, Rosa glauca is no different to its brethren in that respect. “My favourite plant of all time would have to be Rosa glauca, which is a rose,” shares Neil Lucas, the owner of Knoll Gardens. “It is a shrubby type that is grown primarily for its foliage and also has lots of singular white and magenta flowers. I wouldn’t want a garden without it.” What sets this species apart, however, is the intrigue that it carries even when not in bloom. With a grey-blue top surface and an almost crimson undercarriage, the leaves are a sight to behold as they shimmer and shift in the breeze. Don’t forget the rosehips, either, which follow hot on the heels of the flowers but last for far longer. 16) Lamb’s Ear BOTANICAL NAME: Stachys byzantina PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER Also known as lamb’s ear, Stachys byzantina provide interest in terms of both their foliage and their flowers. The former manifests itself in a furry mat of leaves with erect stems emerging from them, while the latter take the form of brilliant spikes of pink, purple or white blooms in spring and summer. Plus, they’re not only easy on the eye, but incredibly soft to the touch, adding tactile to visual pleasure. 17) Star Jasmine BOTANICAL NAME: Trachelospermum jasminoides PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER HARDINESS RATING: H4 FOLIAGE TYPE: EVERGREEN FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER FRUITING MONTHS: AUTUMN RHS AWARD OF GARDEN MERIT More commonly known as Chinese star jasmine, this evergreen climber is almost unique among its peers in that it can be trained to span a whole trellis, fence or wall with relative ease, thus providing stimulation to a flat surface right through the year. That’s due to the fact that its green foliage will take on a redder hue in the autumn, while the fragility of its white flowers adds an irresistible beauty in spring and summer. 18) Chinese Witch Hazel BOTANICAL NAME: Hamamelis mollis PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 FOLIAGE TYPE: DECIDUOUS FLOWERING MONTHS: WINTER At its peak, witch hazel might just be among the most striking specimens in your garden. With thin yellow petals splitting out from a dark red stamen, the flower looks as enchanting as its smells. Best of all, it will begin to bloom in late winter and early spring, long before the rest of your garden has come to life. In autumn, its leaves turn a dusty red as well, further adding to its allure.
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8 Autumn-Flowering Perennials For Late Interest Recommended By Garden Designers
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Japanese Anemone 2) Aster 3) Sedum 4) Salvia 5) Nerine 6) Echinacea 7) Rudbeckia 8) Agastache Autumn can sometimes be thought of as the end of the summer colour in the garden and the arrival of autumnal foliage. But it needn’t be, as there are some wonderful perennial plants that continue blooming or begin to burst into flower at the end of the summer, providing some stunning late-season interest. “Autumn is my favourite time of year to be in the garden, because it is beautiful and also never too hot or wet,” shares Paul Hervey-Brookes, an award-winning Garden Designer. What’s more, being perennial and presuming the winter is not too harsh, these plants will keep coming back year on year, providing great value for money. Perennials are also relatively maintenance-free, often requiring only deadheading and cutting back at the end of the year. 1) Japanese Anemone Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: AUGUST – OCTOBER RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ From the Ranunculaceae family, these flowers are herbaceous perennials, most originating, not from Japan, but from China. Japanese anemones really come into their own in autumn. They begin to flower in late August and will continue until October or the arrival of the first frosts. They are happiest in either full sun or part shade and prefer a moist, well-drained soil. They are hardy, but may however struggle in wet winters. Flowering in either pinks or whites on tall stems rising above the foliage, they are great for the back of the border. After flowering, cut back the stems and remove any dead foliage in early spring. Beware though, Japanese anemones don’t like being moved once established and have a tendency to spread, almost to the point of being invasive. If there is space for only one, Anemone × hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ is a stunning plant. Growing to H1.5m x W1m, in almost any soil, it produces pure white single flowers for months on end. 2) Aster Aster × frikartii ‘Mönch’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – OCTOBER RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Aster × frikartii ‘Mönch’ Better known as the Michaelmas daisy, although recently classed botanically as Symphyotrichum, perennial asters are often described as a stalwart of late summer and early autumn colour. Available in blue, purple, pink and white, there is one for every garden. A favourite of pollinators, they will attract wildlife into the garden and flower for months on end from July until the first frosts. Ideal for a cottage garden scheme, asters grow well in any well-drained soil apart from clay. Preferring full sun, they can cope with a sheltered or exposed site. They can be cut back after flowering or the seed heads left on for winter interest and the birds to forage amongst during the colder months. For stunning purple-blue flowers with a yellow centre, blooming from July until October, try Aster × frikartii ‘Mönch’. With good resistance to mildew and growing to 1m in height and 0.5m wide, it is perfect for a mixed border or a container but may need staking earlier on in the year. 3) Sedum Sedum spectabile HARDINESS RATING: H7 TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: AUGUST – OCTOBER RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ Sedum, or as they are now known as ‘Hylotelephium’, are a group of hardy and sun-loving perennials. With star-shaped flowers set in clusters, they flower from summer into autumn. A drought-tolerant plant, they prefer full sun and grow best in a south-facing spot and well-drained soil. As a valuable source of nectar later in the year, they are loved by pollinators and require little maintenance, as their faded stems can be left for winter interest and cut back in early spring. Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ or as it was better known – Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – is a great variety producing vibrant pink flower heads which darken to red over time and brown over winter. With an eventual size of 0.6m tall and 0.4m wide, it looks great planted alongside ornamental grasses. 4) Salvia Salvia amistad HARDINESS RATING: H3 TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: MAY – SEPTEMBER RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Salvia ‘Amistad’ Salvias, or ‘sages’, are a wide group of plants including microphylla, nemrosa and sylvestris cultivars. “I think the best thing you could possibly do is to take a loam-based compost, add it to your container and place a Salvia microphylla into the pot,” shares Garden Designer Lachlan Rae. “Having said that, there are so many varieties to use that are all relatively hardy.” Whether as annual bedding or perennial plants, they are a must-have for any border or container. With so many to choose from, the perennial Salvia ‘Amistad’ has to be a firm favourite though. Producing the most stunning deep purple flowers and black calyces, it really stands out. Growing in an upright habit to H1.2m x W0.5m, it is well suited to the back of the borders and will flower, if deadheaded regularly, from May through to the end of September. A drought-tolerant plant, it requires a sunny and sheltered spot – a south-facing border is ideal. Even though hardy it may not survive the worst winters, but thankfully it takes easily from cuttings to provide backups. 5) Nerine Nerine bowdenii HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: AUGUST – OCTOBER RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Nerine bowdenii ‘Isabel’ Nerine bowdenii, or the ‘Bowden lily’ is a hardy, bulbous perennial and part of the Amaryllidaceae family. Originating from South Africa it is no surprise that it favours a well-drained soil and south-facing aspect. So much so that it will not flower if planted in shade. The flowers protrude above its bright green foliage and will brighten up the autumn months from September until November. Growing to around H.5m they are well placed for the front of the border or a container. Nerine bowdenii thrive in poor soil – if the soil is too rich it will encourage more foliage rather than blooms. They hate to be moved so only do so if necessary and don’t despair if they don’t flower afterwards, as they will more than likely bloom the following year. For a spectacular pink flower 8cm across, Nerine bowdenii ‘Isabel’ is worth considering. Growing to 0.5m tall and 0.1m wide, it will benefit from a mulch after flowering to help protect over winter. Over time the bulbs will make offsets and form a clump, even becoming crowded, but don’t worry as they will often flower better when allowed to bulk up. If blooms decrease and the clump gets really large, then they can be divided up and replanted in spring. 6) Echinacea Echinacea purpurea HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Echinacea purpurea Echinacea or ‘coneflowers’ as they are commonly known, originate from North America and must be one of the best plants for late summer and autumn colour. Being a rhizomatous perennial, they die back over winter and new growth appears in spring. Preferring full sun, they will tolerate some shade and are most at home in a south-facing spot. Displaying daisy-like flowers in a range of colours including, orange, red, pink and white, they are certain to add an injection of colour later in the year. Now very popular due to prairie style planting, they look equally good in a cottage garden and are loved by pollinators. “To provide a long season of nectar for pollinators, using late summer or early autumn flowering perennials is a must,” explains Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “There aren’t many native UK later flowering plants, so using plants like Echinacea and the others in this list, can really help to give a boost to the resources available to pollinators in the UK.” Echinacea purpurea or the purple coneflower is a striking example, producing huge 12cm diameter purple flowers in summer until right into the autumn. Reaching H1.5m x W0.5m they look great at the back of the border and do best in well-drained soil. 7) Rudbeckia Rudbeckia fulgida HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: AUGUST – OCTOBER RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ For a dazzling yellow late summer display of colour, Rudbeckia or black-eyed Susan as they are also known, can’t be beaten. From July, Rudbeckia produces bright yellow flowers with a brown central disk. A stunning plant, it is perfect for planting in drifts amongst other perennials or ornamental grasses. Originally from North America, they can be annual, biannual or perennial and are particularly easy to grow. Preferring a moist and fertile well-drained soil, they will thrive in a south-facing spot and are lovely as a cut flower due to their long stems and vase life. Most varieties here in the UK are perennials, apart from Rudbeckia hirta, which is not reliably hardy here in the UK and tends to be grown as an annual. Out of the herbaceous perennial varieties, Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is one of the best known and for good reason. It produces an abundance of large flowers on tall stems until the first frosts and is reliably hardy. Listed by the RHS as a plant for pollinators, it will bring bees and other pollinators into your garden when in flower. 8) Agastache Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER RECOMMENDED VARIETY: Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ Agastache or giant hyssop is a perennial plant that blooms on spires from July until October. Usually with purple or mauve flowers, other colours now include orange and pink. A tough plant, it is drought tolerant and can put up with poor soil. It requires full sun, ideally in a south or west-facing situation. It can add great height and structure to the garden, but is a short-lived plant and may need replacing every few years. Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ is a wonderful plant sending up spikes of violet-blue flowers for months on end. Growing to H1m x W0.5m it looks equally good in a border or container. The flowers are a favourite of bees and can be left once faded to add some interest over the winter months. Autumn doesn’t have to mean the demise of colour in the garden, so why not try some of these late-flowering perennials to extend the flowering season.
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These 20 Native British Flowers Are The Favourites Of Horticulturists Everywhere
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Primrose 2) Snake’s Head Fritillary 3) Lily of the Valley 4) Honeysuckle 5) Forget-Me-Nots 6) Dog Rose 7) Wild Cherry 8) Elder 9) Cheddar Pink 10) Cornflower 11) Stinking Hellebore 12) Foxgloves 13) Common Wayfaring Tree 14) Columbine 15) Ragged Robin 16) Wood Anemone 17) Viper’s Bugloss 18) Ox-Eye Daisy 19) European Buckthorn 20) Fieldrose Bloom Britannia References In today’s globalised world, we’re fortunate to have access to flowers and plants from all over the place. The string of pearls from Southwest Africa, for example; or maybe the creeping fig from Southeast China. String of Pearls – not native to these shores Years of cultural interplay and international shipping have given us easy access to these varieties, making it easy to bring the exotic and formerly unusual right into our homes. Sometimes, though, it’s good to bring things back to long-established traditions. To tap into the types of floral display that would’ve been familiar to our ancestors many years ago: native British flowers that are attractive to look at and perfectly suited to our climate and growing conditions. So, if you’re looking to pay homage to the flowers that have defined British beds for generations, this list is for you. Here, we spotlight twenty flowers that are native to our fine country, along with all the information you’ll need to get them growing in your gardens. 1) Primrose BOTANICAL NAME: PRIMULA VULGARIS PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; ACIDIC / NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE The common primrose is a familiar and beautiful sight in British springtime. Their simple white petals with a dab of yellow in the centre draw the eye and provide a subtle yet elegant backdrop for the spring palette. With a relatively early bloom, the primrose is a great way to extend the period of visual interest in your garden. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) deem primrose to be worthy of the Award of Garden Merit (AGM): an accolade that demonstrates particular suitability to being grown in British gardens. Given the theme of this piece we’ve prioritised flowers in receipt of the AGM, as it’s a fine testament to their prestigious position in our gardening history. Primrose enjoys full sun or partial shade, with any aspect except north-facing. They’re not fussy with soil composition, though will do best in acidic or neutral pH levels. Gardeners in the further reaches of the UK will do well with primrose thanks to the flower’s H7 hardiness rating: indicative of an ability to weather even the most extreme European conditions. 2) Snake’s Head Fritillary BOTANICAL NAME: Fritillaria meleagris PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING HARDINESS RATING: H5 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE The distinctive lantern lilt of this flower establishes it firmly as one of our aesthetic favourites, and that’s before you even consider the stunning dappled pink-purple colour palette. In fact, this would be one of the flowers we’d be first to recommend for people looking to bring a touch of the exotic to their garden: the lamp-like appearance evoking something approximating traditional oriental ambience. This flower is a fantastic demonstration of how a native British breed can function in a range of thematic displays. The moody colours and captivating shape will look great alongside a wide variety of other flowers, hailing from these shores or beyond. For best results with the snake’s head fritillary choose a spot in full sun or partial shade. Any aspect will do, and they’re not fussy in terms of soil composition or pH. These flowers are slightly less hardy than the primrose but will still hold their own against all but the most severe of wintry conditions. The snake’s head fritillary is another recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. 3) Lily of the Valley BOTANICAL NAME: Convallaria majalis PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: CLAY OR LOAM; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SHADE / PART SHADE So many British flowers have a medley of names, derived from various regional labels that still compete for prevalence. Lily of the valley is a fine example of this: you’ll see it referred to variously as May lily, our lady’s tears, mayflower, mugget, conval lily, and more. And while there’s a lot of variety, you can see a common theme running through the names of late spring and femininity. Look at the flower itself and it’s clear to see why. The dainty, almost bonnet-like shape of the flowers combined with their pure white colour brings to mind an image of a fairytale maiden: something distinctly evocative of our history. To bring this intriguing flower to your garden you’ll need to find a spot in full or partial shade. Any aspect except south-facing is suitable, and you’re not limited to any specific soil pH. Avoid chalk- or sand-based soils where possible, and ensure good drainage. This flower has also been awarded the AGM by the Royal Horticultural Society, meaning three for three in this list so far. 4) Honeysuckle BOTANICAL NAME: LONICERA PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H6 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE Notable for its enticing, sweet smell, the humble honeysuckle is a long-standing favourite in British gardens. Boasting many varieties, this plant has a lot to offer to anyone with a green thumb. The pinks, yellows, whites, and deep reds offered across the honeysuckle family make it a versatile and attractive choice; as does its ability to draw in bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to your garden. The buzz of natural activity surrounding the stunning colour palette guarantees you’ll have something beautiful to look at in any bed featuring this flower. Ideal conditions vary between varieties so make sure to check the specific growing instructions for your plant. In general though, honeysuckle is well-suited to British conditions and you shouldn’t have much trouble getting it established. 5) Forget-Me-Nots BOTANICAL NAME: MYOSOTIS PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL / ANNUAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H6 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: PART SHADE Rare is the flower whose bloom brings a touch of blue, and no list of British flowers would be complete without the striking colour of the forget-me-not. One of our favourite springtime scenes is a blanket of forget-me-nots spread out in a woodland clearing, and bringing this aesthetic to your garden – even with a much smaller spread – is something we highly recommend. And if you’re like us, you’ll get the added benefit of remembering the famous musical mention of this flower each time you tend to them. A great example of how traditional British flowers have crossed the cultural barrier to become immortalised. These flowers enjoy partial shade in any aspect, and like chalk-, clay-, or loam-based soil. Water well but ensure the soil has adequate drainage. In terms of hardiness, forget-me-nots can hold their own against all but the absolute worst of our weather: we’re talking freak winters in the northern reaches of Scotland where temperatures drop below -15°C. 6) Dog Rose BOTANICAL NAME: ROSA CANINA PLANT TYPE: SHRUB FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN For many years there was a bush outside the house a couple of doors along from me that erupted into a vibrant pink bloom every spring, and I had no idea what it was. Only after researching which flowers to bring into my garden did I discover that it was dog rose I’d been looking at, and safe to say I’ve not looked back since. As with lily of the valley, this is a plant that goes by many names. And to be honest, we can’t help feeling that ‘dog rose’ – the most common – does the flower something of an injustice. Just take a look at the proud pink bloom offset by a zesty yellow centre and tell us that some of the other names – briar rose, bird briar, cat whin, or even canker rose – don’t speak more to the distinctive palette? Whatever your thoughts on the name, this flower will make a fine addition to your British-themed floral displays. The colours are striking, the bloom is expansive. And who knows, maybe you’ll draw the eye of a budding gardener in your neighbourhood and inspire a future foray into writing about gardening. Grow your dog rose in full sun in any aspect, and ensure moist but well-drained soil. This plant isn’t fussy, so instead of worrying about growing conditions you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. 7) Wild Cherry BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus avium PLANT TYPE: TREE FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING HARDINESS RATING: H6 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN This deciduous tree (sometimes grown as a shrub) is native to the UK and can be grown in most areas, provided it has full exposure to the sun. Its spring flowers will gradually make way for fruiting in autumn, often providing an edible yield in addition to the beautiful white clusters of flowers. This is a large-sized tree that will require plenty of room to grow into. 8) Elder BOTANICAL NAME: SAMBUCUS NIGRA PLANT TYPE: SHRUB FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H6 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE Sambucus nigra is commonly known as Black Elder or Elderberry. It is usually grown as a shrub or small tree in the UK, with a maximum growing height of 5-6m. Umbels of white bushy flowers in summer usually turn into black berries in autumn, before the plant then loses its leaves in winter. When overgrown this plant can be hard pruned into a new shape without compromising its health. 9) Cheddar Pink BOTANICAL NAME: Dianthus gratianopolitanus PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL / ANNUAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H6 SOIL: ANY TYPE; ALKALINE PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN Commonly grown as an alpine plant, Cheddar Pinks are mat-forming perennials that are mostly evergreen in their native British conditions. It should be grown in full sun and alkaline soil to maximise the bright pink, fragrant blooms in summer. 10) Cornflower BOTANICAL NAME: Centaurea cyanus PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL / ANNUAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H6 SOIL: LOAM OR SAND; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN The beautiful bright blue flowers of Centaurea cyanus are ideal for wildlife gardens and will really stand out amongst the various colours of a wildflower meadow. Cornflowers prefer to grow in full sun with well-drained soil that is predominantly made up of loam or sand. Deadhead the flowers throughout spring to prolong the plant’s flowering period throughout the summertime. 11) Stinking Hellebore BOTANICAL NAME: Helleborus foetidus PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: WINTER HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; ALKALINE PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE Stinking Hellebore is slightly unusual in that its flowers have the unusual appearance of being a similar colour to its stems and foliage. It’s also unusual in that its flowering months take place across the winter period, offering visual interest during a time when not much else is in bloom. The plant is evergreen and should ideally be grown in alkaline soil and part shade. 12) Foxgloves BOTANICAL NAME: Digitalis purpurea PLANT TYPE: BIENNIAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE Perhaps one of the most instantly recognisable flowers, foxgloves are native to the United Kingdom and much of Europe. There are few gardens where foxgloves would look out of place and their flowers produce an incredible amount of pollen for bee species, making them a wildlife-friendly addition to any space. Despite their exotic appearance, they tolerate most conditions and are incredibly hardy, surviving temperatures of up to -20°C. Expect them to flower in summer before producing a prolific number of seeds. Deadhead them after flowering to prevent an excess of foxglove plants in future years. 13) Common Wayfaring Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Viburnum lantana PLANT TYPE: SHRUB FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE The Common Wayfaring Tree is not usually grown as a tree but as a shrub here in the UK. It has small white bushy flowers which emerge in spring and summer, before producing inedible dark red/black berries and losing its foliage over the colder months. Within 20 years it will likely have grown to its eventual height of between 3-4m. 14) Columbine BOTANICAL NAME: Aquilegia vulgaris PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H5 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE These bushy plants have nodding, often very colourful flowers which first make an appearance in spring. Aquilegia is often found at high altitudes, making it an ideal fit for alpine gardens. The plant is prone to downy mildew and any affected foliage should be cut away and disposed of carefully.1 If the infection persists the area should be rested for at least a year to allow any soil contamination to pass naturally. 15) Ragged Robin BOTANICAL NAME: Lychnis flos-cuculi PLANT TYPE: BIENNIAL / PERENNIAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH; DAMP SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE Ragged robin is ideal for any damp or waterlogged areas of your garden (including near ponds) that may otherwise be difficult to grow in. It is best grown separately from other wildflowers, especially those which are thuggish and may inhibit its growth.2 White-flowering varieties are also available to grow. 16) Wood Anemone BOTANICAL NAME: Anemone nemorosa PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING HARDINESS RATING: H5 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: PART SHADE This wildflower is commonly found in ancient woodland (hence the name) where it has a mat-forming habit and produces flowers with vibrant white petals and yellow stamens. Replicating woodland conditions is vital to helping this plant grow well – so place it somewhere with partial shade and moist soil. Correct care will yield stunning flowers between March and May. 17) Viper’s Bugloss BOTANICAL NAME: Echium vulgare PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL / ANNUAL FLOWER FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN Known for its upright spikes and glowing blue flowers which were thought to resemble a viper.3 In its native habitats of moorland and grassland in the UK, this incredibly hardy plant is a favourite of bees and other pollinators when it flowers in summer. Position it in full sun and a well-draining growing medium for ideal conditions. 18) Ox-Eye Daisy BOTANICAL NAME: Leucanthemum vulgare PLANT TYPE: HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE With more than a passing resemblance to the common daisy, this larger plant can grow to a height of up to 1m. As a British native it can withstand even the harshest of conditions, making it one to grow in even the most exposed areas of your garden. It is most easily propagated by sowing seed indoors in the autumn and planting out the following spring. 19) European Buckthorn BOTANICAL NAME: Rhamnus cathartica PLANT TYPE: SHRUB / TREE FLOWERING MONTHS: SPRING / SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H7 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE Buckthorn is native to Europe, much of Africa and Western Asia. It is a deciduous shrub (or sometimes a small tree) which is very easy to grow in most gardens. In spring it produces yellow flowers which turn to dark, inedible berries around autumn time.4 Though it is fine to grow here in its native habitat in the UK, European Buckthorn is considered an invasive species in the USA, where it has out-competed many native plant species since its introduction hundreds of years ago.5 20) Fieldrose BOTANICAL NAME: Rosa arvensis PLANT TYPE: SHRUB FLOWERING MONTHS: SUMMER HARDINESS RATING: H5 SOIL: ANY TYPE; NEUTRAL PH SUNLIGHT: FULL SUN / PART SHADE A thorny, rambling shrub, Rosa arvensis produces beautiful cream-coloured flowers with golden stamen. It is extremely tolerant of various growing conditions making it ideal for use as a hedgerow or perhaps a shady (often neglected) corner of the garden. It is usually grown from bare root which can be easily transported during the plant’s dormant season in the winter months. Bloom Britannia While we live in an age where plants and flowers from around the world are within our reach, often at a moment’s notice, there’s something especially satisfying about keeping traditional British plants at the heart of our garden displays. “Whilst we don’t have as many native plants as many parts of the world (hence our love of the exotic), many UK natives or their cultivated forms are garden classics,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “They are particularly suited, but by no means limited to, the cottage garden style.” Not as some lazy token of patriotism, nor as a slight on the botanical offerings of other countries; but rather as a reminder of our rich and beautiful floral heritage. Native flowers also offer a range of benefits to our native wildlife – including bees and other pollinators. So, whether you opt for an all-British display, a mainly-British display, or use the odd British flower here and there as an anchor in something more exotic, we hope you’ve found inspiration in this article. And should the twenty flowers above not tickle your fancy, remember that there are plenty more native British flowers ripe and ready for being grown in your garden. In this selection we covered a range of shapes and colours, but by no means is our list exhaustive. References 1. Aquilegia Downy Mildew. (n.d.). Hardy Plant Society. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.hardy-plant.org.uk/resources/miscellaneous-articles/Aquilegia-Downy-Mildew 2. Ragged-Robin. (n.d.). The Wildflower Garden. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://plantlife.love-wildflowers.org.uk/wildflower_garden/grow_in_the_garden/ragged_robin 3. Viper’s-bugloss. (n.d.). The Wildlife Trusts. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/vipers-bugloss 4. Rhamnus cathartica. (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/14452/rhamnus-cathartica/details 5. Common or European Buckthorn. (n.d.). Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/commonbuckthorn
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Work With The Clay (Not Against It) - Here Are 20 Plants That Love Clay Soils
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Fuchsia 2) Laurustinus 3) Lady’s Mantle 4) Rose 5) Juneberry 6) Climbing Hydrangea 7) Hardy Geranium 8) Greater Masterwort 9) Dogwood 10) Hosta 11) New England Aster 12) Willow Leaved Pear 13) Birch 14) Swamp Cypress 15) Barberry 16) Checkerberry 17) Creeping Juniper 18) Yellow Deadnettle 19) Japanese Rose 20) Chinese Silver Grass Gardening on clay soil can have its challenges and limitations, so why not embrace it and grow plants that will thrive in clay conditions, rather than battle against it? If your garden is on clay soil, you probably already know that it can be rather hard work to work with. Clay soil tends to feel slightly sticky to the touch and can become bone hard in the hottest months and waterlogged during the rainy season, but it can also be very fertile. Clay soils should always be improved by adding organic matter such as composted bark, well-rotted manure or garden compost either lightly worked into the soil or left as a mulch for the worms to incorporate into the layer beneath. As well as continually improving the soil, it’s also best to grow plants that positively love clay soils. We’ve put together a selection of plants that will embrace clay soil and thrive, rather than limp along sulkily. 1) Fuchsia RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Swingtime’, ‘Pink Marshmallow’, ‘Lady Boothby’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: VARIES PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Fuchsias are popular here in the UK for good reason. Hardy fuchsias are reliably hardy and can survive temperatures of down to -10°C. They can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs that grow well in clay soils and come in a wide range of colours from cool white and pink to vibrant red and purple. The flowers are stunning in their pendant form and can be either single or double. Usually smallish shrubs, they are perfect for most gardens, though some can grow very large. Fuchsias like to be planted in moist and fertile soil and prefer full sun or part shade. They require a sheltered spot, so it’s best to avoid a windy and exposed site. Bees love their flowers and fuchsias are included in the RHS plants for pollinators selection. Fuchsia ‘Lady Boothby’ is a vigorous variety producing vibrant red and purple flowers from June until September. It is perfect for the back of a border, growing up to H4m x W1.5m. “Once an established framework of woody stems has developed, it’s best to prune these hardy Fuschias back to that framework in early to mid-spring as they flower on new growth,” shares Master Horticulturist Roy Nicol. “This pruning method prevents the shrubs from becoming tangled and leggy and keeps the growth fresh and producing lots of flowers.” 2) Laurustinus BOTANICAL NAME: Viburnum tinus PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H4 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Viburnum tinus or ‘laurustinus’ as it is sometimes known, is a large evergreen shrub which produces wonderful clusters of pink buds which turn to white flowers in late winter. It can be grown as a hedge, but is often used as a specimen shrub in a border. V. tinus will grow in any moist, but well-drained soil. An adaptable and hardy shrub, it will grow in either full sun or shade, but prefers a sheltered spot away from cold winds. Potentially growing up to H4m x W4m over time it can be kept to size through annual pruning in spring after flowering. For a smaller variety, V. tinus ‘Eve Price’ is still a sizeable shrub and will eventually reach H2.5m x H2.5m. “Viburnum tinus is particularly prone to Viburnum beetle larvae eating the foliage and causing a foul smell,” adds Roy. “Biological control nematodes are available for this beetle, applied by watering onto the affected plant. Alternatively, an organic pesticide spray can be used between late April and early May to eradicate this pest.” 3) Lady’s Mantle BOTANICAL NAME: Alchemilla mollis PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: WELL-DRAINED; KEEP MOIST More commonly known as Lady’s mantle, Alchemilla mollis is a herbaceous and clump-forming perennial. With light green leaves, it produces frothy yellow flowers extending above the foliage during the summer. Growing to roughly H.5m x W.5m it will tolerate any soil, including clay. It’s a hardy and tough plant and will happily self-seed if you let it. Perfect as ground cover or at the front of a border it will even happily grow in shade, as well as full sun. Perfect in a cottage garden scheme or for softening hard landscaped edges. Being perennial, it will die back over winter, but if cut back after flowering it will produce fresh new growth and even flower again later in the summer. “This mid-summer removal of flowered stems and leggy leaves really improves the appearance of the plant, which becomes quite tatty looking after flowering in early summer,” shares Roy. “The fresh growth coming later often stays looking good until the first frosts.” 4) Rose BOTANICAL NAME: ROSA RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Aloha’, ‘Champagne Moment’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: CLIMBER, RAMBLER OR SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: OFTEN H6 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Roses are often the summer show stopper of a British garden and thrive in clay soils due to the excellent range of nutrients available in healthy soils of this type, but may struggle if the roots become waterlogged due to poor drainage. Drainage in heavy clay soils can be improved as mentioned earlier, by adding organic matter to the soil. From small patio varieties to larger shrubs and climbers there is a rose for every garden. Roses tend to love as much sun as they can get, but thankfully there are some varieties that don’t mind receiving a little less. English shrub rose ‘Harlow Carr’ is one such rose and will happily cope with partial shade. It produces the most perfect pink scented flowers on a bushy habit, ideal for a border or container it grows to 0.9m in height and 0.9m wide. A repeat flowering rose, it will bloom from early summer right through until the autumn if deadheaded. 5) Juneberry BOTANICAL NAME: Amelanchier lamarckii PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Better known as the snowy mespilus or juneberry, Amelanchier lamarckii are deciduous shrubs or small trees. They are a great choice for any garden as they produce beautiful delicate white flowers in spring, good autumnal foliage and berries. A. lamarckii will grow in clay, loam or sandy soil, in either full sun or part shade. Growing to an eventual size of H12m x W8m, they need to have room to flourish. It is possible however to prune the trees to keep them to a smaller size of 3-4m, with perhaps a single stem for effect. Easily available here in the UK; they can be bought as single stem or multi-stem trees and as a bush. It is a wonderful tree or shrub to attract wildlife into your garden as birds love to eat the berries it produces. Having proven to perform reliably well, it has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM). 6) Climbing Hydrangea BOTANICAL NAME: Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Mirranda’ PLANT TYPE: CLIMBING SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: WELL-DRAINED; KEEP MOIST If you are looking for a climber that is happy in clay soil then the climbing hydrangea or H. anomala subsp. petiolaris is definitely worthy of consideration. A self-clinging climber, it produces large white flower heads up to 20cm across between May and June. Tolerating clay soil, it can grow to an excess of H12m x W8m. It is an extremely versatile climber which will grow in either full sun or part-shade and can even cope with a shady north-facing wall. Having proven to perform reliably well it has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (AGM). 7) Hardy Geranium RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Mavis Simpson’, ‘Orion’, ‘Rozanne’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H6-H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Hardy geraniums or cranesbill geraniums are generally very easy to grow, tolerating all but the heaviest clay soils and being waterlogged. Requiring minimal maintenance, they can bloom for months on end during the summer months and brighten up any border. As a perennial, they will die back after the first frost with new growth appearing in spring. Generally hardy geraniums will grow in full sun to part shade and do best in a moist, but well-drained soil. If there was one to grow it must be G. ‘Rozanne’. Growing to H0.6m x W0.6m it is perfect for a border or container and produces masses of violet-blue flowers from June until the autumn if deadheaded. 8) Greater Masterwort BOTANICAL NAME: Astrantia major PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Astrantia or Hattie’s pincushion as they are sometimes known, are a group of summer flowering herbaceous perennials. They produce stunning star-shaped flowers in cream, pink, red and purple. Tolerating full sun, but preferring part shade, they will grow in clay or loamy soils as long as they are not allowed to dry out. Growing to a maximum of H1m x W0.5m they are well suited to a border or a pot and will bloom from June through to August. 9) Dogwood BOTANICAL NAME: CORNUS RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Flaviramea’, ‘Elegantissima’, ‘MIDWINTER FIRE’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6-H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Better known as dogwoods, cornus are a group of deciduous shrubs. Often grown for winter interest, some have wonderful stem colour to brighten up a border on a winter’s day and others are grown for their pollinator-friendly flowers. The dogwoods grown for winter interest include C. alba, C. sericea and C. sanguinea and are very tolerant of heavy clay soils and will often do well where other plants have failed. C. alba ‘Sibirica’ is a great variety that produces stunning red stems that turn almost crimson during the winter and cream flowers in early summer. Growing to H2.5m x W2.5m it prefers a sunny or part shaded spot and moist, but well-drained soil. Originating from Siberia, it is naturally hardy and is a great shrub to add some winter colour to the borders. “In order for Dogwoods to produce these colourful stems, established plants should be hard pruned in late winter or early spring followed by a feed and mulch,” Roy explains. 10) Hosta BOTANICAL NAME: HOSTA RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Halcyon’, ‘Patriot’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: WELL-DRAINED; KEEP MOIST Originating from Japan and China, hostas are easy to grow and are mainly favoured for their beautiful foliage. There are many to choose from, varying in leaf colour, size and shape and most flower on tall stems rising above the foliage. In general, hostas are happiest in the shade and are perfect in a container or a border. Some varieties are more tolerant of sun than others so it worth checking before you buy. Once planted, hostas tend to look after themselves, only requiring deadheading and their dead foliage removed in winter. As a perennial, new foliage will emerge in the spring. They are however, a favourite of slugs and snails! Wool pellets or copper rings around the base of the plants are advised for protection, particularly as new foliage emerges. “It’s an ongoing battle to prevent slugs and snails from eating hosta leaves, which is a pity as they are mainly grown for their foliage,” Roy says. “Additional methods of protection are choosing a resistant cultivar, watering slug nematodes into the soil, placing sheep’s wool around the base of the plant and lastly spraying a garlic solution at regular intervals – a method recommended by Hosta growers! “Hostas are considered hardy here in the UK and prefer fertile and moisture-retentive soil.” 11) New England Aster BOTANICAL NAME: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Helen Picton’, ‘James Ritchie’ PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: WELL-DRAINED; KEEP MOIST Asters flower late in the season, generally from September to November, and provide colour in ranges of pink, blue and purple to garden borders that are otherwise starting to run out of steam. 12) Willow Leaved Pear BOTANICAL NAME: Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Often known as a Weeping Pear, this is a great specimen tree which can be pruned to an umbrella shape. It is covered in white blossoms in spring. 13) Birch BOTANICAL NAME: BETULA RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Jermyns’, ‘Red Panda’ (Pictured), ‘Snow Queen’ PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY There are a number of Birch trees with attractive bark which stand out in the winter, ranging from the sparkling white of B. utilis var. jacquemontii to the pinkish-red of B. albosinensis. The only caution is the general lack of drought resistance of these trees due to their shallow root systems. 14) Swamp Cypress BOTANICAL NAME: Taxodium distichum PLANT TYPE: TREE HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: POORLY-DRAINED This tree has bright green, soft, needle-like foliage and produces a bright orange display before losing its leaves in the autumn. It tolerates waterlogged soils and is often planted at the edge of ponds. 15) Barberry BOTANICAL NAME: BERBERIS RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Stapehill’, ‘Georgeii’ (Pictured) PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY Many cultivars of Berberis have brightly coloured foliage, but do require well-drained soil. Watch out for the spiked leaves! 16) Checkerberry BOTANICAL NAME: Gaultheria procumbens PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: WELL-DRAINED; KEEP MOIST This is a low-growing evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and red berries in the autumn which will tolerate shady positions. 17) Creeping Juniper BOTANICAL NAME: Juniperus horizontalis RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Wiltonii’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: VERY WELL DRAINED A low-growing, spawling Juniper which forms a ground cover with blue-green needles. It is good for dry soils or banks. 18) Yellow Deadnettle BOTANICAL NAME: Lamium galeobdolon PLANT TYPE: PERENNIAL HARDINESS RATING: H7 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: WELL-DRAINED; KEEP MOIST A perennial with buttery-yellow flowers that spread easily (often too easily and can become a nuisance), forming ground cover in shady areas. 19) Japanese Rose BOTANICAL NAME: Kerria japonica RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Golden Guinea’, ‘Flore Pleno’ PLANT TYPE: SHRUB HARDINESS RATING: H5 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY The Japanese rose is a deciduous shrub with attractive double yellow flowers which can brighten up the shady corners of a garden. 20) Chinese Silver Grass BOTANICAL NAME: Miscanthus sinensis PLANT TYPE: GRASS HARDINESS RATING: H6 PREFERRED DRAINAGE: ANY The large range of cultivars of this grass produce a variety of coloured golden, pink and purple plumes which stand over winter when other perennials have faded away. If you garden on clay, improving the soil can go a long way, hopefully allowing you to grow a wider range of plants. However, there are some plants, as above, that love fertile clay soil, so why not embrace what you have got and work with it, rather than against it?
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15 Knockout Trees With Foliage That Turns Red In Autumn
IN THIS GUIDE Why Do Leaves Turn Red In Autumn? 1) Japanese Maple 2) Japanese Rowan 3) Forest Pansy 4) Snowy Mespilus 5) Stag’s Horn Sumach 6) Katsura Tree 7) Sweet Gum 8) Flowering Dogwood 9) Sorrel Tree 10) Red Oak 11) Tupelo 12) European Spindle 13) Cherry ‘Royal Burgundy’ 14) Golden Full Moon Maple 15) Tall Stewartia Added Considerations Take It As ‘Red’ References In the US it’s not unusual for people to make a seasonal pilgrimage to see the ‘fall colours’ – so renowned are their beauty. The sudden shift of millions of trees from their summer green to autumn red foliage draws onlookers from around the country, including people who for the rest of the year would scarcely bat an eyelid at the beauty of the natural world. Truly a sight to behold In the UK it’s not such a tourist attraction, mainly because there aren’t really any parts of the country where large numbers of trees are in sparse supply. But there’s no denying that the autumnal medley of red is a sight worth seeing. That’s why we’ve pulled together some fantastic trees whose foliage turns red in the UK autumn. Whether you use this list to plan a woodland walk so you can catch the turning colours as autumn sets in, or you use it to advise which trees to plant in your garden, we hope that these trees give you the chance to experience something beautiful. Why Do Leaves Turn Red In Autumn? Before we launch into the list, here’s a little intro to why some leaves turn red when others don’t. The first thing to note is that chlorophyll, the chemical famously involved in photosynthesis, absorbs red and blue light, meaning that the green part of the spectrum is reflected back. This is why most plants usually look green.1 In the autumn, certain plants use the excess sugar leftover from homeostasis to create anthocyanins.2 This chemical produces a pigment that reflects the red part of the spectrum, creating vivid displays of colour that vary depending on the levels of anthocyanin and chlorophyll: a deep red leaf will have much more of the former, where an orange leaf will have more of a combination of the two.3 With the science out of the way, let’s take a look at some autumn trees that turn red in the UK. 1) Japanese Maple BOTANICAL NAME: Acer palmatum HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 4M x 8M While the name is distinctly un-British, the Japanese Maple grows a treat in our climate. Whether in the ground or in a container this tree will burst into a busy and beautifully coloured bloom as the summer begins to dwindle. We particularly like the flexibility the Japanese maple affords gardeners. If you’re lucky enough to have a large outdoor space you can plant this in the ground and enjoy the gradual growth into a full-sized tree, whereas if you’re working with a smaller space, you can have a smaller plant thriving in a container. The tree is easy to take care of, too: just give a little mulch in spring, fertilise occasionally, and you’ll probably get away with minimal pruning or training as well. 2) Japanese Rowan BOTANICAL NAME: Sorbus commixta HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 6M x 12M Another plant whose name hails from the famous Asian island nation, the Japanese Rowan sports red berries in autumn followed by a rich and distinctly autumnal bloom. As with the Japanese Maple this plant can be grown as a tree or a shrub depending on the space you have available, affording a good amount of flexibility to a range of gardeners. Japanese rowan is most often bought as a single stem tree which will give rise to a much larger one as the years go by. In the ground the maximum size is about 8×12 metres, achieved over a period of twenty years or more. In a container, you should expect smaller growth, with the exact eventual dimensions determined by the size of the pot. For healthiest growth choose a spot with full sun or partial shade, in any aspect. Soil acidity should be acidic or neutral, and try to avoid chalky soil if possible. 3) Forest Pansy BOTANICAL NAME: Cercis canadensis HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 4M x 8M Before you double-check that you’re reading an article about trees that turn red, let us clarify: this plant, Cercis canadensis, is different from the Viola family of flowers, many of which are commonly known as pansies. So, instead of the delightfully colourful flowers you’ll find in many a British garden, the forest pansy is a small tree that is renowned for its striking foliage. In spring and summer you can expect rich purple leaves, giving way to a wonderful yellow as they begin to fall. This plant is interesting for fading out of redness in the autumn, rather than into it. Grown near plants that follow the opposite pattern, the shifting palettes of colour can create a striking effect. For best results grow in full sun or partial shade, in a south- or west-facing aspect. You can expect an eventual size of about 8x10m, achieved over a period of about twenty years. 4) Snowy Mespilus BOTANICAL NAME: Amelanchier lamarckii HARDINESS RATING: H7 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 6M x 12M This tree goes by a few names: you may also see it called Snowy mespilus, juneberry, or Amelanchier lamarckii. Whatever you call it; this is a great choice for gardens that need that little lift of autumnal colour. The snowy-white floral bloom in spring gives way to red fruit in summer and deep orange-red leaves in the autumn. This is one of our faves thanks to the sheer variety of colours on offer throughout the year. The berries of this tree are edible, too, if you’re feeling adventurous. They’re part of a subset of berry that don’t enjoy enough fame and familiarity to make their way onto the supermarket shelves, but which are a tasty treat nonetheless. Again a testament to what an appealing tree this is to have growing in your garden! In terms of conditions, the juneberry tree likes full sun or partial shade, isn’t fussy in terms of aspect, and prefers acidic or neutral soil. Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive moisture. 5) Stag’s Horn Sumach BOTANICAL NAME: Rhus typhina HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 6M x 8M Here’s another plant with several names: also keep an eye out for rhus, velvet sumac, and vinegar tree. The stag’s horn sumach is renowned for its red autumnal display; to the degree that it’s one of the main reasons gardeners choose to grow it. “Rhus typhina is a spreading tree, sprouting from its roots and gradually moving to favourable locations,” explains Colin Skelly, a Horticulturist Consultant with an array of gardening experience. “The good news is that stems arising where they aren’t wanted can easily be cut back at the base and thickets thinned to provide a multi-stemmed tree. “Planted in a prairie-style planting, Rhus typhina can add height and volume to the planting, creating a late highlight of red foliage colour in the planting as the late perennial flowers fade.” We also like this one for the intriguing floral clusters they display in spring and summer: the configuration and colour is unusual and striking, bringing something distinctive to your garden before the autumn bloom sets in. Part of choosing the right tree for your garden is going for something that performs more than one function. With the amelanchier you get the novelty of an edible berry each for a few weeks each year. With the plants further up this list you get the quintessential autumn bloom. And with stag’s horn sumach, you get two distinct seasons of visual interest, making this a plant with a lot to offer to the discerning gardener. This tree thrives in full sun, but take care to avoid a north-facing aspect. Any soil acidity should be OK, and it will do well exposed or in shelter. 6) Katsura Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Cercidiphyllum japonicum HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 8M x 12M 7) Sweet Gum BOTANICAL NAME: Liquidambar styraciflua HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 8M x 12M 8) Flowering Dogwood BOTANICAL NAME: Cornus kousa HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 4M x 8M 9) Sorrel Tree BOTANICAL NAME: Oxydendrum arboreum HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 6M x 10M 10) Red Oak BOTANICAL NAME: Quercus rubra HARDINESS RATING: H7 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 12M x 8M 11) Tupelo BOTANICAL NAME: Nyssa sylvatica HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 6M x 12M 12) European Spindle BOTANICAL NAME: Euonymus europaeus HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 4M x 4M 13) Cherry ‘Royal Burgundy’ BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 6M x 12M 14) Golden Full Moon Maple BOTANICAL NAME: Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 6M x 8M 15) Tall Stewartia BOTANICAL NAME: Stewartia monadelpha HARDINESS RATING: H5 TYPICAL SIZE (W X H): 6M x 12M Added Considerations When looking for a beautiful burst of red in autumn, there’s more to consider than just choosing plants and trees that turn red. You also need to remember that – Sunlight is important! Just as plants need sunlight to grow, the gentle rays encourage the reddening of the leaves in the autumn months. A plant in full sun or partial shade will have a much more impressive red display than one lurking in full shade. The soil needs to be within the correct pH range. As with sunlight, ensuring a plant has its needs satisfied when it comes to soil acidity will pave the way for the brightest red displays. You shouldn’t over-fertilise. Ease off on fertilising and watering your trees as autumn sets in, because over-feeding them will interrupt the colourful display. Take It As ‘Red’ While the fall colours in New England and other famed landscapes of America may be a sight to behold, red foliage is far from exclusive to these regions. In the UK we’re blessed to be in much closer proximity to our areas of outstanding national beauty, and even if you don’t want to make a holiday out of it, there are plenty of options to bring the illustrious red autumn bloom right into the comfort of your own back garden. In this article we’ve spotlighted fifteen trees with red leaves in autumn, but there are many more to choose from. So whether you’re a gardener with space for many trees in your ample backyard, or a gardener deciding which tree to plant in the one container you can fit on your small balcony, you’ve got plenty of options. With young trees available to buy online and from many garden centres, you don’t need to wait years and years for the fruits of your labour to pay off, either. We hope you enjoyed this article, and that you are soon enjoying the rich medley of red in your very own garden. References 1. Why are plants green? (2021, October 27). John Innes Centre. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.jic.ac.uk/blog/why-are-plants-green/ 2. Klein, J. (2016, October 25). Why Does Fall Foliage Turn So Red and Fiery? The New York Times. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/26/science/leaves-fall-foliage-colors-red.html 3. Why Leaves Turn Red. (n.d.). Harvard Forest. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/leaves/2002_11_leaf_article.pdf
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These 15 Shrubs That Flower In Summer Are Colin Skelly's Top Picks
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Hydrangea 2) Lavender 3) Buddleja 4) Rose 5) Ceanothus 6) Cistus 7) Deutzia 8) Daphne 9) Olearia 10) Fuchsia 11) Hibiscus 12) Salvia 13) Spirea 14) Escallonia 15) Potentilla With some careful planning, shrubs can inject a dazzling display of colour, not only throughout the summer, but during the rest of the year as well! With the bonus of being relatively low maintenance, shrubs can provide vibrant hues or calming pastel shades to adorn your garden, along with providing important height and structure. Whether for a contemporary design or a cottage garden there are shrubs to suit. Shrubs come in a plethora of choices, evergreen or deciduous, for ornamental or screening purposes and even scented. The choice is endless, but here are some of the best to inspire you on how to provide stunning colour during the summer months here in the United Kingdom. 1) Hydrangea HARDINESS: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: PART SHADE; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Early Blue’, ‘Vanilla Fraise’, ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangeas, originally from Asia and the Americas, are one of the best all-round shrubs and are widely available in vibrant pinks, cool blues and elegant whites. They grow well in full sun or part shade and need to be kept moist and in a sheltered spot. Hydrangea macrophylla, with classic mophead flowers, are available in pink and blue and will flower from June through to August. Amazingly the colour of their flowers is soil dependent, with acidic soil producing lilac flowers and alkaline soil pink blooms. H. macrophylla ‘Early Blue’ grows to H1.5m x W1.5m and is a wonderful variety showcasing large pale blue flowers that darken as the summer goes on. H. paniculata are a great variety producing pyramid-shaped flowers. H. paniculata ‘Vanilla Fraise’ H. paniculata ‘Vanilla Fraise’ must be a favourite though with its creamy white flowers, which as the summer drifts on, turn a wonderful pink. Definitely one for the back of the border as it can reach H2.5m x W1.5m over time. For a classic white nothing compares with H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’. A potentially large shrub, H2.5 x W2.5m, it can be kept compact through regular pruning. Large white balls of flowers, so big that the stems may need staking, usually appear in July and last for months. A stunning shrub and true favourite. Don’t let hydrangeas dry out though as they are often one of the first to wilt, especially if kept in a pot. “Hydrangeas are hugely popular garden shrubs, and rightly so,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “For the price of an annual prune, they will provide blooms from mid to late summer and look good as they fade into autumn. “Keep well mulched to optimise soil moisture. My favourite is H. arborescens and its cultivars, but all of the species are the parents of many worthy garden cultivars.” 2) Lavender HARDINESS: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – JULY RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Hidcote’, ‘Munstead’ For a south-facing border or sunny terrace, lavender is a great choice. From the Mediterranean, lavender plants love the sun and heat and are equally at home in a border or a pot. French and Spanish varieties tend to be slightly taller, but are less hardy than the English varieties, needing protection during the cooler months. For this reason, we’d go for an English lavender of which there are many. Lavandula angustifolia or English Lavender will bloom from July to September and attract all manner of pollinators to the garden. Lavender ‘Hidcote’ The classic ‘Hidcote’ (H.5m x W1m) and ‘Munstead’ (H.5m x W1m) varieties both produce wonderfully scented purple flower spikes for weeks on end. Both compact and easily available, ‘Hidcote’ produces a smaller and deeper purple flower compared to the larger & paler ‘Munstead’ flower. Lavender requires free draining soil to thrive and will sulk if left in wet heavy soil over winter. Planting out in spring and adding horticultural grit to the soil mix will give them the best start. 3) Buddleja HARDINESS: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; EXPOSED OR SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – OCTOBER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Santana’, ‘Buzz Blue’, ‘Black Knight’ Buddlejas (buddleias) are more commonly known as the butterfly bush due to their insane capability of attracting butterflies. With purple, pink, blue and white conical flowers buddlejas deserve a place in every garden. With careful deadheading they can bloom throughout summer and even though they thrive in almost every spot, they prefer a sunny and dry position. B. davidii ‘Santana’ produces vibrant red-purple panicles up to 50cm long. It can reach H4m x W4m if left to its own devices, but a spring prune will keep it more compact if desired. B. davidii ‘Black Knight’ Buddleia ‘Buzz’ have been bred to stay small and are perfect for a small border or patio pot growing to H1m x W1m. ‘Jazz Blue’ shows off stunning blue flowers all summer long, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. For a real show stopper, nothing beats B. davidii ‘Black Knight’. A large shrub growing up to H3m x W3m, it is covered with intense deep purple flowers through the summer months. 4) Rose HARDINESS: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – JULY RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Gloire du Midi’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Gloire de Guilan’ With roses being one of the broadest groups of plants there’s a rose for every situation. From small varieties such as polyantha and patio to the larger hybrid tea and damask, the choice is endless. Roses thrive in full sun, although some are suited to shade and must be kept well-watered and fed. ‘Gloire du Midi’ is perfect for a patio pot growing only to H.5m x W.5m. Preferring full sun, it produces masses of slightly scented scarlet red flowers for months on end, as it is a repeat flowerer. ‘Gloire du Midi’ Rose Rosa ‘Freedom’, a hybrid tea, displays glorious deep yellow blooms throughout the summer. A vigorous bush type habit, yet only growing to H.8m x W.6m. it will bring life to any border. For an old damask variety, nothing beats ‘Gloire de Guilan’. A large shrub growing to H1.5 x W1m it produces a one-off abundance of double pale pink flowers with good scent. With good disease resistance it is perfect for a sunny or part shaded border. 5) Ceanothus HARDINESS: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: VARIES RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Concha’, ‘Trewithen Blue’, ‘Blue Cushion’ The sun loving Californian lilac or ceanothus can be evergreen or deciduous and their flowers provide a burst of blue in early summer. They require moist, but well-drained soil and will thrive in a sheltered and sunny spot. Ceanothus ‘Concha’ AGM is an evergreen eventually growing to H3m x W3m. With indigo blue flowers it injects some wonderful early summer colour into any garden. Having received the Royal Horticultural Society AGM award, it is proven to perform reliably well in the garden. C. ‘Concha’ If you have the space then C. arboreus ‘Trewithen Blue’ must truly be considered. A vast shrub or small tree, it can grow over time to a gigantic H6m x W8m and is hardy down to -10C. C. ‘Blue Cushion’ is better suited for a smaller position reaching H1m x W2m. Bearing bright blue fluffy flowers in early summer, it is loved by pollinators. 6) Cistus HARDINESS: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – JULY RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Gold Prize’ Another sun-loving shrub worthy of including is the cistus or rock rose. Again, from the Mediterranean, it is happiest in a hot dry border and will add lots of colour during the summer months. Available with pink, white or red flowers they are fairly hardy, but may need protection during the coldest weather. Cistus creticus grows to a manageable H1m x W1m and produces vibrant pinky-purple flowers with a yellow centre. Cistus creticus For a larger shrub, C. ladanifer or the gum cistus can reach H2m x W1.5m and displays cool white flowers with a dark red basal stain from June to August. It is hardy down to -10C so should fair well here in the UK except in the harshest of winters. For a variegated option, you could try C. × hybridus ‘Gold Prize’ with its green and gold leaves. Reaching H1.5m x W1.5m it will brighten up a sunny spot with its white flowers with yellow centres. 7) Deutzia HARDINESS: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: APRIL – JULY RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Raspberry Sundae’, ‘Nikko’, ‘Strawberry Fields’ Deutzias mainly originated from Asia and are relatively uncommon here in the UK, but are definitely worth considering. They are deciduous shrubs that will adorn your garden with beautiful white or pink star-shaped flowers, which are sometimes scented. Preferring a south or west-facing aspect they require full sun or part shade and shelter away from winds. Deutzia ‘Raspberry Sundae’ is a small compact variety that will grow to only H1m x W1m. D gracilis ‘Nikko’ In early summer stunning pink and white scented flowers appear that can last for weeks. Being deciduous it loses its leaves in winter, but only after turning a lovely auburn colour. D. gracilis ‘Nikko’ is another smaller variety reaching H1m x W1m and produces the most stunning white flowers. Being relatively hardy this variety will withstand temperatures of down to -15C. For a stunning new variety, it is worth considering D. x hybrida ‘Strawberry Fields’. It is one for a larger spot reaching H2m x W2m over time and will dazzle with its pink flowers during June and July. 8) Daphne HARDINESS: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: VARIES RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘ETERNAL FRAGRANCE’, ‘CAROL MACKIE’ The shrubs mentioned above flower during the summer months, but if you are after a shrub that will flower on and on from spring through to autumn then Daphne × transatlantica ‘Eternal Fragrance’ is hard to beat. Suitable for large pots or containers, ‘Eternal Fragrance’ will live up to its name and produce deliciously scented small white flowers. The scent is so good it would be a shame not to put it somewhere you’ll walk past often so you can enjoy it. D. ‘Eternal Fragrance’ This daphne is rather compact and slow-growing reaching H1m x W1m over time. Ideally suited to full sun, it can cope with part shade, but needs to be in a sheltered spot. A word of warning though, daphnes don’t take well to being transplanted, so it’s worth trying to put it in its final position first time round. 9) Olearia HARDINESS: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; EXPOSED OR SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – AUGUST RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Macrodonta’ 10) Fuchsia HARDINESS: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – SEPTEMBER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Whiteknights Pearl’ 11) Hibiscus HARDINESS: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – SEPTEMBER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘BLUE BIRD’ 12) Salvia HARDINESS: H5 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JULY – AUGUST RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Hot Lips’ 13) Spirea HARDINESS: H6 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; EXPOSED OR SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – AUGUST RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘NANA’ 14) Escallonia HARDINESS: H4 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN; EXPOSED OR SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – OCTOBER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘LANGLEYENSIS’ 15) Potentilla HARDINESS: H7 PREFERRED ASPECT: FULL SUN OR PART SHADE; EXPOSED OR SHELTERED TYPICAL FLOWERING MONTHS: JUNE – SEPTEMBER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Medicine Wheel Mountain’, ‘King Cup’ Shrubs can sometimes be thought of as rather municipal or boring, but this doesn’t have to be the case as there are some truly beautiful shrubs that will brighten up any garden over the summer months.
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Plants With Purple Foliage - 'Less Is More' Says Horticultural Consultant Colin Skelly
IN THIS GUIDE Top Trees With Purple Leaves 1) Acer palmatum 2) Acer platanoides 3) Betula pendula 4) Cercis canadensis 5) Fagus sylvatica 6) Prunus cerasifera 7) Prunus serrulata 8) Sambucus nigra Top Shrubs With Purple Foliage 9) Berberis thunbergii 10) Cotinus coggygria 11) Corylopsis sinensis 12) Corylus maxima 13) Hebe 14) Loropetalum chinense 15) Pittosporum tenuifolium 16) Rincinus communis 17) Salvia officinalis 18) Weigela florida Perennials With Purple Leaves 19) Actaea 20) Ajuga reptans 21) Anthriscus sylvestris 22) Canna 23) Dahlia 24) Euphorbia dulcis 25) Heuchera 26) Ophiopogon planiscapus 27) Rheum palmatum 28) Sedum telephium Purple-Leaved Edibles For The Vegetable Garden 29) Amaranthus cruentus 30) Atriplex hortensis var. rubra 31) Chenopodium quinoa 32) Cichorium intybus 33) Lactuca sativa 34) Ocimum basilicum 35) Perilla frutescens var. crispa Choosing plants with purple leaves can help break up the green and add interest to your garden. Purple leaves can add drama to a planting scheme, they can break up the verdant hues and help you play around with perspective and draw the eye. “I find that less is more with purple foliage, especially with trees and shrubs,” says Horticultural Consultant Colin Skelly. “Used amongst predominantly green foliage, purple can really make an impact and draw the eye. Overuse it and the reverse is true.” They can help you in creating the perfect colour scheme for your space, and in creating diverse and interesting planting schemes – even helping you beautify food-producing spaces. Read on for suggestions of trees, shrubs, perennials and even edible plants with purple foliage. Top Trees With Purple Leaves First of all, consider trees with purple leaves, as these larger plants can often have the most impact. There are a huge range of trees with purple leaves that can work very well in a garden. No matter how large or small your garden may be, you should have no difficulty finding one or more purple foliage trees to suit. Some great trees with purple leaves to consider are: 1) Acer palmatum COMMON NAME(S): JAPANESE MAPLE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Atropurpureum’, ‘Burgundy Lace’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 2) Acer platanoides COMMON NAME(S): NORWAY MAPLE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Crimson King’, ‘Crimson Sentry’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 3) Betula pendula COMMON NAME(S): BIRCH TREE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Purpurea’, ‘Dark Prince’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 4) Cercis canadensis COMMON NAME(S): REDBUD RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Merlot’, ‘Ruby Falls’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 5) Fagus sylvatica COMMON NAME(S): COPPER BEECH RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Atropurpurea’, ‘Purpurea’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 6) Prunus cerasifera COMMON NAME(S): ORNAMENTAL PLUM RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Princess’, ‘Thundercloud’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 7) Prunus serrulata COMMON NAME(S): FLOWERING CHERRY RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Royal Burgundy’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 8) Sambucus nigra COMMON NAME(S): ELDER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Black Lace’, ‘Purpurea’, ‘Black Beauty’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 A number of the choices above not only have ornamental appeal, but also produce fruits that can have edible uses. Crab apples, for example, and elderberries, are useful crops that can be used in making preserves, wines, and more. Get the trees right first, and the rest of the planting scheme should follow. Layered planting below your trees with beneficial guild plants can help you make the most of your space, and achieve lush and impressive results. Top Shrubs With Purple Foliage To complement any trees with purple leaves you have planted, you should next consider adding some purple leaved shrubs. Shrubs might be placed below or around your trees, at the back of garden borders, or even included in mixed hedgerows. Consider including some evergreen shrubs with purple leaves as well as some which lose their leaves in winter. The more variety you add to your garden, the better it will be for wildlife, and the more interest there will be throughout the year. Some interesting shrubs with purple leaves to consider are: 9) Berberis thunbergii COMMON NAME(S): BARBERRY RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Royal Burgundy’, ‘Bagatelle’, ‘Royal Cloak’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 10) Cotinus coggygria COMMON NAME(S): PURPLE SMOKE BUSH RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Royal Purple’, ‘Velvet Cloak’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 11) Corylopsis sinensis COMMON NAME(S): WINTER HAZEL, WITCH HAZEL RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Spring Purple’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 12) Corylus maxima COMMON NAME(S): PURPLE-LEAVED FILBERT RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Purpurea’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 13) Hebe COMMON NAME(S): HEBE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Burning Heart’, ‘Heartbreaker’, ‘Caledonian’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 14) Loropetalum chinense COMMON NAME(S): CHINESE FRINGE FLOWER / STRAP FLOWER RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Fire Dancer’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 15) Pittosporum tenuifolium COMMON NAME(S): TAWHIWHI RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Tom Thumb’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 16) Rincinus communis COMMON NAME(S): CASTOR OIL PLANT HARDINESS RATING: H2 17) Salvia officinalis COMMON NAME(S): PURPLE SAGE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Purpurascens’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 18) Weigela florida COMMON NAME(S): WEIGELA FLORIDA RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Foliis Purpureis’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 Remember, deep, dramatic purple leaves can really stand out amongst lighter green hues. Purple leaved shrubs can make a marvellous backdrop for lighter green, yellowish or silvery foliage. Sometimes, those with cooler hues can help make the garden boundaries recede into the background, and might even make your garden seem larger. Perennials With Purple Leaves Using purple foliage plants in your garden, of course, does not have to end with the trees and shrubs. Some further perennials with purple leaves should also be considered. Some interesting options, for example, are: 19) Actaea COMMON NAME(S): BANEBERRY / BUGBANE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Brunette’, ‘Queen Of Sheba’, ‘Pink Spike’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 20) Ajuga reptans COMMON NAME(S): BUGLE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Atropurpurea’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 21) Anthriscus sylvestris COMMON NAME(S): COW PARSLEY RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Ravenswing’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 “I absolutely cannot live without the common cow parsley,” shares Gardener Tamsin Westhorpe. “It reminds me of my childhood because I had a pony that I would go riding on as a young girl around the country lanes. I always thought that I would get lost, so I would pull bits of cow parsley out of the hedge and make a trail along the road. “I love the look of it, I would never pull it up in my garden and I have this lovely memory of it always getting me home.” 22) Canna COMMON NAME(S): CANNA INDICA RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Russian Red’ HARDINESS RATING: H3 23) Dahlia COMMON NAME(S): DAHLIAS RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Magenta Star’, ‘David Howard’, ‘Tally Ho’ HARDINESS RATING: H3 24) Euphorbia dulcis COMMON NAME(S): CHAMELEON RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Chameleon’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 25) Heuchera COMMON NAME(S): CORAL BELLS RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Sugar Berry’, ‘Purple Petticoats’, ‘Fireworks’. HARDINESS RATING: H6 26) Ophiopogon planiscapus COMMON NAME(S): BLACK MONDO GRASS RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Nigrescens’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 27) Rheum palmatum COMMON NAME(S): RHUBARB / Atrosanguineum RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Atrosanguineum’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 28) Sedum telephium RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Xenox’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 Of course, this is by no means a complete list. You could not only plant these and a range of other purple cultivars of perennial flowers, but should also consider many different grasses and sedges to introduce russet, red, bronze and purplish tones into your garden. Of all the options on this list, Heuchera is perhaps one of the most impressive and the most versatile – though any of the plants listed above should be considered if you can meet the right conditions for their growth in your garden. Purple-Leaved Edibles For The Vegetable Garden The largely ornamental plants mentioned above can all really bring interest and drama to your garden. But a garden should ideally be productive and provide yields as well as visual appeal. Fortunately, growing food and giving some space over for vegetable cultivation does not need to mean that you sacrifice aesthetics. A vegetable garden can also be a beautiful space – filled not just with companion plant flowers, but also with visually arresting vegetable varieties and herbs. There are actually a wide range of edible plants with purple leaves to grow in a vegetable garden. For example: 29) Amaranthus cruentus COMMON NAME(S): PURPLE AMARANTH RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Velvet Curtains’ HARDINESS RATING: H2 30) Atriplex hortensis var. rubra COMMON NAME(S): RED ORACH / RED MOUNTAIN SPINACH HARDINESS RATING: H2 31) Chenopodium quinoa COMMON NAME(S): QUINOA BACKGROUND: Leaves often turn purple as they age HARDINESS RATING: H4 32) Cichorium intybus COMMON NAME(S): CHICORY / RADICCHIO RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Palla Rossa’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 33) Lactuca sativa COMMON NAME(S): LETTUCE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Ruby’, ‘Red fire’, ‘Merlot’, ‘Red Leprechaun’ HARDINESS RATING: H2 34) Ocimum basilicum COMMON NAME(S): PURPLE BASIL RECOMMENDED VARIETIES: ‘Dark Opal’, ‘Crimson King’ HARDINESS RATING: H1C 35) Perilla frutescens var. crispa COMMON NAME(S): CHINESE BASIL HARDINESS RATING: H3 There are also many, many Brassica cultivars which have purple leaves. Many varieties of cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, mustards, tatsoi, pak choi, and kohlrabi can bring vibrant purple hues to your garden. Some of these have a particularly vibrant and arresting purple hue. Redbore kale Remember, too, that these edibles do not have to be relegated to your vegetable plot, you can integrate these with other plants in your garden. Perennial brassicas with purplish leaves, in particular, can be very useful ornamentally as well as for culinary use. Plants with purple leaves can be found on the above list which will suit many different gardens, with many different climates, microclimates and soil types. But of course, when choosing any plants for your garden, you need to think about the conditions where you live. You need to choose the right plants for the right locations.
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From Cedar To Yew - Dan Ori Shares His Favourite Coniferous Tree Types
IN THIS GUIDE Why Grow Coniferous Trees? 1) Cedar 2) Cypress 3) Douglas Fir 4) Fir 5) Hemlock 6) Juniper 7) Larch 8) Monkey Puzzle Tree 9) Pine 10) Spruce 11) Yew References Conifers can be very useful, long-lasting design elements in a garden. They can sometimes be useful features as trees to provide year-round cover. They can be used in hedgerows on their own, or combined with deciduous options in mixed hedgerows. Coniferous trees can also come in dwarf of ground growing varieties, which can be useful in mixed beds or borders, or in pots. Why Grow Coniferous Trees? These trees are useful because they usually keep their needles or thin leaves all year round, and not only improve the appearance of a winter garden but also provide shelter for a range of wildlife. Choosing the right coniferous tree is important – some grow extremely quickly while others are much more slow-growing. Some are neat and compact, while others can tend to take over and will outgrow a smaller garden. Conifers can be good choices due to their density and the privacy they can afford. But it is important to think about the shade they will cast, and their impact on other plants grown nearby. They can be excellent low maintenance garden plants, which often won’t require a lot of your care or effort. Coniferous trees are, quite simply, those which bear cones.1 There are some fantastic (and some not quite so appealing) options to choose. Some fast-growing conifers like the notorious Leyland cypress are not the best choice for most gardens, and are often best avoided. While many conifers work extremely well, even in container gardens and where space is tight, coniferous trees should always be chosen and positioned very carefully. Where conifers are incorporated correctly, they can be very appealing and grace your garden for many years to come. So to help you make the right choice or choices for your garden, here are some conifers which are commonly grown here in Britain: 1) Cedar Cedrus atlantica Cedar, Cedrus, are commonly grown in larger gardens and estates in the UK. Species within this genus are: C. atlantica (Atlas Cedar) C. brevifolia (Cyprus cedar) C. deodara (Himalayan cedar) C. libani (Cedar of Lebanon) These are majestic trees are typically grown as stand-alone specimen trees in larger gardens. But cedars can also be trained as bonsai, and can be grown in pots and shaped to give different effects.2 Those above are ‘true cedars’, but other coniferous trees commonly grown in British gardens are also called cedars. For example: Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) T. occidentalis (Northern white cedar / eastern arborvitae) Juniperus virginiana (Red Cedar / Eastern Red Cedar) Calocedrus decurrens (Incense Cedar) 2) Cypress Leyland cypress Cypress is the common name for a range of coniferous trees or shrubs in the family Cupressaceae. Some cypress commonly grown on these shores include: Cupressus sempervirens (Mediterranean Cypress / Italian cypress) C. macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress) C. x leylandii (Leyland cypress – a hybrid of the two above) C. arizonica var. glabra (Smooth Arizona cypress) Callitropsis nootkatensis (Nootka Cypress) Cypress (especially Leyland cypress) are particularly common as hedging plants. But it is important to realise that while cypress can be very useful and hardy trees in certain settings, they grow very quickly, and very tall, and so are often not at all the best choice for smaller gardens.3 That said, smaller shaped, topiary and bonsai cypresses can be grown in pots or containers even in the smallest garden. Chamaecyparis are also common evergreen trees or hedging plants in UK gardens. These are known as ‘false cypresses’. Common options for our climate include: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson cypress) C. obtusa (Japanese cypress) C. pisifera (Sawara cypress) C. thyoides (Atlantic white cypress) Many different cultivars of these coniferous trees are prized for their variety and are commonly used in horticulture. 3) Douglas Fir The Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is another common coniferous tree. In spite of its common name it is not actually a fir at all – it is a conifer species in the Pinaceae or pine family. Of course it is a common tree used for Christmas trees and in forestry plantations, but it also has ornamental appeal in large gardens and parks. 4) Fir Nordmann fir True firs (Abies) is a large genus of coniferous trees which offer many options. Common firs grown here include: A. alba (European silver fir) A. balsamea (Hudson fir) A. concolor (White fir) A. fraseri (Fraser fir) A. koreana (Korean fir) A. nordmanniana (Caucasian fir) A. pinsapo (Spanish fir) A. procera (Noble fir) This is another varied collection of coniferous trees which can make impressive full-sized trees, or be cultivated in pots, shaped, and kept much smaller. 5) Hemlock Tsuga canadensis in a pot Hemlock (Tsuga) is another genus of coniferous trees that can offer options for a garden in the UK. Some common choices include: T. canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) T. heterophylla (Western Hemlock) T. mertensiana (Mountain hemlock) Numerous cultivars are great in gardens – they can be slow-growing and attractive conifers for pots, beds or borders. 6) Juniper Common juniper in a container Junipers (Juniperus) are a wide range of coniferous trees and shrubs widely distributed across the Northern hemisphere. UK gardens can choose from many, including: J. communis (Common juniper – a UK native) J. chinensis (Chinese juniper) J. scopulorum (Rocky mountain juniper) J. procumbens (Decumbent juniper – mat forming) J. squamata (Flaky juniper – prostrate shrub) The diverse growing habits of junipers make them extremely useful in many different settings and positions in a garden. 7) Larch Larches (Larix) are a little different to most other conifers because they are not evergreen, but deciduous. They lose their needles in the winter. Some larches to consider for gardens include: L. decidua (European larch) L. gmelinii (Dahurian larch) L. kaempferi (Japanese larch) Pseudolarix amabilis (Golden Larch) Larches in many different sizes, shapes, colours and forms are available for British gardens. 8) Monkey Puzzle Tree Araucaria araucana This enormous evergreen tree is another common option for large gardens. It can grow truly monstrous in size, however, and so may not be a great choice where space is more limited. Though a common sight in gardens, this tree is actually endangered by logging, overgrazing and forest fires in its native South American range.4 It is known by the Latin name Araucaria araucana.5 One interesting thing to note about this tree, commonly grown as an ornamental, is that it also can produce edible seeds (similar to very large pine nuts) which could mean that it has potential as a future food crop – in parts of the UK, for example, where other nut crops do not grow well. Bear in mind though, that you will have to plant a male and a female; these trees do not yield seeds until they are 30 or 40 years old.6 “This is one of my favourite trees to look at and one of my least favourite to work with,” shares Master Horticulturist Dan Ori. “One issue I have encountered is that raising a nursery tree into a straight single-leader tree can be challenging, so I advise buying as big a tree as your budget allows and let the grower do the hard work. “Other issues are they get big, they can drop limbs if the roots are disturbed or compacted and the leaves are stiff and spiky.” 9) Pine Pinus mugo Pines are another very important category of coniferous tree. Pines of note include: Pinus sylvestris (Scot’s pine – native to parts of Scotland) P. armandi (Chinese white pine) P. cembra (Arolla pine) P. coulteri (Coulter’s pine) P. densiflora (Japanese red pine) P. halepensis (the Aleppo pine) P. heldreichii (Bosnian pine) P. jeffreyi (Jeffrey’s pine) P. montezumae (Montezuma pine) P. mugo (the Mountain pine) P. nigra (European black pine) P. parviflora (Japanese white pine) P. patula (Mexican yellow pine) P. pinaster (Maritime pine) P. peuce (Macedonian pine) P. pumila (Siberian pine) P. radiata (Monterrey pine) P. strobus (Eastern white pine) P. thunbergii (Japanese black pine) P. wallachiana (Bhutan pine) … and more. Pines offer a lot of varied options if you are looking for coniferous trees for your garden. 10) Spruce Picea pungens There are also a lot of spruce (Picea) trees to consider when choosing coniferous trees. Some of the common options to consider include: P. abies (Norway spruce) P. asperata (Dragon spruce) P. breweriana (Brewer’s spruce) P. glauca (White spruce) P. mariana (Black spruce) P. omorika (Serbian spruce) P. orientalis (Caucasian spruce) P. pungens (Blue spruce) P. sitchensis (Sitka spruce) Though there are also many other options to consider if you are looking for more usual conifers to place in your garden. 11) Yew The European yew, Taxus baccata, is another coniferous tree to consider. This is a native evergreen tree, which like so many other conifers on this list, can also be an option for hedging. There are several named cultivars to choose from. These types of coniferous trees commonly grown in Britain should give you a good place to take inspiration when choosing conifers for your garden! References 1. What is a Conifer Tree? (2021, July 1). American Conifer Society. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://conifersociety.org/conifers/articles/what-is-a-conifer-tree/ 2. Care guide for the Cedar Bonsai tree (Cedrus). (n.d.). Bonsai Empire. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/cedar 3. Leyland cypress trees often planted incorrectly. (2021, September 22). CAES Newswire. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/4006/leland-cypress.html 4. Price, V. (2018, June 25). Six well-known trees surprisingly close to extinction. Global Trees. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://globaltrees.org/news-blog/six-well-known-trees-surprisingly-close-to-extinction/ 5. Mabbett, T. (2019, July 3). Tree of the month: A puzzle of a pine tree. Forestry Journal. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/17746316.tree-month-puzzle-pine-tree/ 6. Monkey Puzzle Tree. (2013, February 10). Geograph. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3326641
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