Growing
Grow Crimson Bottlebrush In Pots Or A Greenhouse In All But The Mildest Gardens
IN THIS GUIDE Overview How To Grow Callistemon ‘Splendens’ Ongoing Care References Callistemon ‘Splendens’ is a cultivar of Crimson Bottlebrush which has received an RHS Award of Garden Merit.1 If you are looking for an interesting shrub to grow in your garden, this could be an interesting option to consider if you have a sheltered spot that tends to receive plenty of sun. Overview Botanical Name Callistemon ‘Splendens’ Common Name(s) Crimson Bottlebrush Plant Type Shrub Native Area Australia Hardiness Rating H3 Foliage Evergreen Flowers Crimson flower spikes like bottle brushes When To Plant May or June (for the best results) When To Prune August or September Callistemon citrinus, also known as Melaleuca citrina, is a plant in the myrtle (Myrtaceae) plant family that is native to Eastern Australia.2 The plant’s showy and impressive red flower spikes make it a firm favourite in gardens far beyond its native environment. One interesting thing to note is that the leaves of this plant are sometimes used as a tea substitute, and a tea made with the leaves is said to have a pleasant and refreshing flavour.3 Splendens is the best cultivar of this plant to grow in the UK, as it is somewhat hardier and better suited to growing conditions in our climate. How To Grow Callistemon ‘Splendens’ Crimson bottlebrush is best planted in May or June but can be planted out at any time of year. It can be grown in containers, in a greenhouse or polytunnel or outdoors in the most sheltered and mildest of UK gardens. When deciding where to place this plant, it is very important to take into account the requirements mentioned below. This is a plant which requires warm and sheltered conditions. ‘Splendens’ is somewhat hardier than the species type, but will still need to be treated gently and it cannot cope with heavy or prolonged exposure to frost. Ongoing Care Aspect Even over the summer, this plant will require a mild and sheltered spot in full sun with the protection of a warm south or west-facing wall. The warmer, sunnier and more sheltered a position you can provide, the better this plant will perform and the more impressive the flowers will be. Soil Requirements In a very sheltered and mild garden, this shrub can be planted in the ground in clay, loam or sandy soil which is moist yet free-draining. It will thrive in either an acidic or neutral pH level, but it cannot be grown in highly alkaline conditions. Most typically, however, this is a shrub that will be grown in a large container, so that it might be taken undercover for the winter months. When growing this plant in a container, it will be essential to make sure that you choose a suitably moisture-retentive compost that will also allow excess water to drain away. This is not a plant which can tolerate waterlogged soil. Pruning C. citrinus ‘Spendens’ is in RHS Pruning Group 8. Like other evergreen shrubs, it is typically best pruned immediately after flowering but should not be over-pruned. Prune lightly after flowering by removing any material that is dead, damaged or diseased. After pruning, add mulch around the plant for moisture retention and slow-release fertility. Overwintering Crimson Bottlebrush ‘Splendens’ is H3 hardy in the UK. This means that it can cope with brief dips down to -5°C, but will survive outdoors year-round in only the mildest, most southern and protected gardens in the British Isles. Usually, if grown in colder regions of the UK, it will need to be moved into an unheated greenhouse or frost-free undercover structure over the winter months, though it can be kept outdoors over the summer. Propagation This shrub is best propagated by means of semi-hardwood cuttings, which should be taken towards the end of the summer or early autumn. The tip of the cutting should be soft, while the lower end should be firm and hard. Take healthy shoots in the morning for the best results. Cut just below a leaf and aim for cuttings around 10-15cm in length. Dip the ends in rooting hormone for best results, then immediately pot them up around the edges of pots filled with a free-draining medium. Water well and allow the excess to drain away, then cover the pots and place them in a warm and light position that is out of direct sunlight. ‘Splendens’ cuttings may take some time to root but should be ready to plant out by late spring the following year. Common Diseases & Problems Since these plants are typically grown under cover, at least during the winter, they can be prone to typical greenhouse problems like scale insects, mealybugs and red spider mites. Brown leaves can be a sign of a number of issues, with the most common causes being: Temperatures which are too low or fluctuate too extremely. Excessive water – overwatering or waterlogging. Root rot – a disease more likely if there has been a problem with waterlogging. Other fungal problems – which can affect the plant when it is not grown in ideal environmental conditions. References 1. Ornamental AGM Plants July 2021. (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf 2. Crimson Bottlebrush (Melaleuca citrina). (n.d.). iNaturalist United Kingdom. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://uk.inaturalist.org/taxa/77976-Melaleuca-citrina 3. Callistemon citrinus. (n.d.). PFAF. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Callistemon+citrinus
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55 Flawless Plants With White Flowers, Including Classic And Unusual Options
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Lily Of The Valley 2) Phlox paniculata ‘David’ 3) Shasta Daisy 4) Star Jasmine 5) Eastern Thorn 6) Crocus ‘Snow Bunting’ 7) Carnation ‘Milky Way’ 8) Star Magnolia 9) Silver Sage 10) Everlasting Pea ‘White Pearl’ 11) Apple ‘Discovery’ 12) Japanese Aralia 13) Callery Pear 14) White-Flowered Dittany 15) Daffodil ‘Thalia’ 16) False Bishop’s Weed 17) Koreanspice Viburnum 18) White Stonecrop 19) Tulip ‘White Dream’ 20) Gladiolus ‘Murmansk’ 21) Autumn Ox-Eye 22) Agapanthus ‘Galaxy White’ 23) Snow-In-Summer 24) Plum ‘Valor’ 25) White English Lavender 26) Hellebore ‘Winter Moonbeam’ 27) Woodland Tobacco Plant 28) Mock Orange ‘Snowbelle’ 29) Hupeh Crab 30) Prunus incisa f. yamadei 31) Dahlia ‘My Love’ 32) Lesser Periwinkle 33) Arum Lily ‘White Giant’ 34) Iceberg Rose 35) Peony ‘White Charm’ 36) Mexican Fleabane 37) Allium ‘Mount Everest’ 38) White Japanese Wisteria 39) White-Flowered Bugle ‘Alba’ 40) Raki Hebe 41) Bloody Cranesbill ‘Album’ 42) Bottlebrush Buckeye 43) Dwarf White Fan-Leaved Columbine 44) Escallonia ‘Iveyi’ 45) White Hebe 46) Salvia ‘Bumblesnow’ 47) Willow-Leaved Loosestrife 48) Hellebore ‘Verboom Beauty’ 49) New Zealand Holly 50) Scabiosa caucasica ‘White Perfection’ 51) Cloven Gum Box 52) Aubrieta deltoidea ‘Snowdrift’ 53) Yoshino Cherry 54) Golden Indian Bean Tree 55) Sweet Woodruff References White flowers can bring a burst of classic colour to any garden display, but with such a collection to choose from, the choice can prove overwhelming. We love the pure aesthetic and contrast against more vibrant colours that white flowers can bring to an outdoor space. In this guide, we share fifty-five of our favourite white-flowering plants, from gorgeous perennials that work in garden beds to large fruit trees that are great for more than just their beautiful white blossom. Whatever you are looking for, this list is a great place to start – with imagery and growing tips for each plant: 1) Lily Of The Valley BOTANICAL NAME(S): Convallaria majalis HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring FRUIT SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: clay or loam; any pH To kick off the list, I’ve chosen a classic cottage garden perennial that produces stunning bell-shaped, arching flowers during the summer months that come in the purest shade of white. Lily of the valley is fully hardy and easy to care for once planted out, making it a great choice for ground cover planting or for planting in a more natural garden scheme. 2) Phlox paniculata ‘David’ COMMON NAME(S): perennial phlox ‘David’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, clay, loam; any pH Phlox is a popular choice for gardeners as they are low-maintenance but still provide stunning blooms, and the perennial phlox ‘David’ is no exception. With clusters of white flowers that grow on upright stems up to 1.5m tall, these fragrant flowers will be a joy for you and the pollinators who visit your garden. 3) Shasta Daisy BOTANICAL NAME(S): Leucanthemum × superbum HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH A wildflower classic, the shasta daisy is loved for its frilly flower heads that feature thin white petals and large yellow centres. I’d recommend planting these lovely flowers in an informal border or bed, or, if you like, you can use them as cut flowers and place them in displays around your home inside. 4) Star Jasmine BOTANICAL NAME(S): Trachelospermum jasminoides HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT TYPE: climber / shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; any pH The first evergreen on this list, star jasmine does not just bear clusters of star-shaped white blooms in the summer, but its oval, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, with tinges of bronze and red appearing on them in the cooler months of the year. Star jasmine has a climbing habit and can grow up to 12m in height with an 8m spread, so try growing this plant at the back of borders along a trellis or wall. This shrub could also be a great choice for hedging. 5) Eastern Thorn BOTANICAL NAME(S): Crataegus orientalis HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: tree FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring FRUIT SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Crataegus orientalis, or Eastern Thorn, is a deciduous tree that produces small 5-petalled flower clusters that are beloved by bees and butterflies. 6) Crocus ‘Snow Bunting’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): crocus ‘snow bunting’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: bulb / perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Ideal for container growing, C. ‘Snow Bunting’ is a small bulbous perennial that grows to only 10cm in height and spread. Its flowers are made up of pure white petals which are tinged with a creamy yellow at the centre. This plant would make a great choice for a gravel or rock garden, or for a potted display for those who may not have lots of room for growing larger plants. 7) Carnation ‘Milky Way’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Milky Way’ HARDINESS RATING: H2 PLANT TYPE: annual / perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; alkaline to neutral pH Among the white-flowering carnation varieties, ‘Milky Way’ is one of my favourites. Their layered, frilly creamy-white petals can grow on stems up to 1m tall and would look great in a garden border or container display. As a frost-tender plant, ‘Milky Way’ is usually grown as an annual in the UK. 8) Star Magnolia BOTANICAL NAME(S): Magnolia stellata HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SOIL PREFERENCE: clay, loam, sand; any pH Star magnolia is a medium-sized shrub that produces star-shaped flowers that are made up of thin, white tepals and creamy centres in the spring. A great choice if you’re looking for something low-maintenance, star magnolia can be used in many ways in your garden, but the back of a border or as part of a cottage scheme would look best. 9) Silver Sage BOTANICAL NAME(S): Salvia argentea HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; any pH Silver sage is a slight exception to this list, as although it does produce small white flowers on upright stems in the summer, it is usually grown for its silver foliage that can last year-round. So, if you’re looking for a plant with an ornamental value that goes beyond its white blooms, silver sage could be a good option to consider. 10) Everlasting Pea ‘White Pearl’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Lathyrus latifolius ‘White Pearl’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: shrub / climber FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Everlasting peas are beautiful flowers to grow, and ‘White Pearl’ is a great example. With racemes that open to reveal pure white flowers in the summer and autumn months, this shrub would make a truly delightful addition to any garden. This deciduous climber would look great growing against a wall or trellis at the back of a garden bed. 11) Apple ‘Discovery’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Malus domestica ‘Discovery’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: tree FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring FRUIT SEASON(S): autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: clay, sand, loam; neutral pH Growing up to 8m in height with a similar spread, this apple tree variety ‘Discovery’ bears beautiful white blossom that is tinged with pink throughout spring. In autumn, ‘Discovery’ produces edible fruit that can be used to suit your culinary needs. 12) Japanese Aralia BOTANICAL NAME(S): Fatsia japonica HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): autumn FRUIT SEASON(S): autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Fatsia japonica is one of my favourite autumn flowering shrubs, producing tiny white flowers in rounded clusters and star-shaped leaves that can grow up to 45cm in diameter. Japanese aralia is easy to grow and looks great in many different garden schemes as long as it is grown in a sheltered position. 13) Callery Pear BOTANICAL NAME(S): Pyrus calleryana HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: tree FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring FRUIT SEASON(S): autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: clay, loam, sand; any pH The Callery pear tree is another option on the list that not only produces white flower blossoms in the spring but also bears edible fruit in the autumn. These brown pears can be eaten raw or cooked into pies, jams or jellies.1 However, before deciding whether or not to grow this deciduous tree, it’s important to note that it can grow to heights above 12m and 8m in width, so make sure you have adequate space before planting! 14) White-Flowered Dittany BOTANICAL NAME(S): Dictamnus albus var. purpureus HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH This unique perennial produces beautiful white-petaled flowers in the summer that are often accented by deep pink veins. White-flowering dittany looks great when planted in flower beds or borders with other perennial flowers. 15) Daffodil ‘Thalia’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Narcissus ‘Thalia’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: bulb / perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Daffodils are known for their bright yellow blooms, but the cultivar ‘Thalia’ produces milky-white petals that still bear the classic trumpet shape that we all know and love. Grow these deciduous perennials in flower borders, traditional cottage gardens or in a potted lasagne planting scheme with other spring-flowering bulbs. “Narcissus ‘Thalia’ is a fantastic cultivar that I have both in the garden and grow every year in pots as well,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “I find them robust on a windy site and a pure white that really stands out.” 16) False Bishop’s Weed BOTANICAL NAME(S): Ammi majus HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: annual FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; any pH Ammi majus produces small white flowers that grow in clusters on upright stems that can reach up to 1m in height. Grown as an annual here in the UK, they are best grown in wildflower meadows or cottage garden planting schemes to provide a burst of fresh colour. 17) Koreanspice Viburnum BOTANICAL NAME(S): Viburnum carlesii HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring FRUIT SEASON(S): autumn / winter SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH A low-maintenance shrub, Koreanspice viburnum produces round clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers in spring that are tinged with a pale pink hue. If that isn’t enough to get you running to your local garden centre, oval black fruits adorn the branches in the cooler months of the year that are great for added ornamental value. 18) White Stonecrop BOTANICAL NAME(S): Sedum album HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT TYPE: perennial / succulent FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; alkaline to neutral pH White stonecrop is the only succulent on this list, so if you’re looking for a white flowering perennial with unusual fleshy, waxy yellow-green leaves, then this might just be the plant for you. During the summer months, this plant bears clusters of star-shaped flowers on stems that only grow up to 10cm tall, making this plant ideal for ground cover, or for growing in a rock or gravel garden. 19) Tulip ‘White Dream’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Tulipa ‘white dream’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: bulb / perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; any pH Tulips are a beloved English cottage garden favourite, and the variety ‘White Dream’ is a lovely example of why. With creamy-white flowers that are in that distinctive goblet shape, ‘White Dream’ is a perennial that would look great in a container display with other spring-flowering bulbs. You can also harvest the flowers and their stems and use them as part of a cut flower display. 20) Gladiolus ‘Murmansk’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Gladiolus ‘Murmansk’ HARDINESS RATING: H3 PLANT TYPE: perennial / bulb FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Gladiolus ‘Murmansk’ produces white, ruffled blooms that grow on tall, upright spikes that reach up to 1m in height with half the spread. Another bulbous perennial, this summer-flowering plant is a great choice for cottage gardens or potted displays. However, you’ll need to keep an eye on this plant over the winter months, as it might need protection if the weather turns too cold. 21) Autumn Ox-Eye BOTANICAL NAME(S): Leucanthemella serotina HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH A perennial that can grow up to 1.5m in height, autumn ox-eye produces milky-white daisies with yellow centres that can reach 7cm in diameter at the top of thick, upright stems. Autumn ox-eye would look brilliant in a wildflower plant scheme or in a flower bed or border. 22) Agapanthus ‘Galaxy White’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Agapanthus ‘Galaxy White’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; acidic to neutral pH Hardier than other agapanthus varieties, ‘Galaxy White’ produces clusters of white flowers that grow atop tall, thick stems up to 1.5m high. This plant is easy to grow and its flowers last from the start of summer through to autumn, making it great for pollinators who can enjoy its blooms right up until the first frosts. 23) Snow-In-Summer BOTANICAL NAME(S): Cerastium tomentosum HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Snow-in-summer is a lovely choice for flower beds and borders that are in need of a spreading shrub that will brighten up the display. Commonly used for ground cover, this deciduous perennial produces star-white flowers in a bright white shade that are in bloom throughout the spring and summer months. 24) Plum ‘Valor’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Prunus domestica ‘Valor’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: fruit / shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring FRUIT SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: clay, loam, sand; acidic to neutral pH With beautiful white flowers growing from woody stems in the spring, plum ‘Valor’ also produces delicious fruits in the summer that can be eaten in lots of different ways. This tree is smaller than other fruit-bearing ones on this list, so would make a great choice for gardeners who want to grow their own fruit but don’t have endless amounts of space. 25) White English Lavender BOTANICAL NAME(S): Lavandula angustifolia ‘Nana Alba’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH An unusual English lavender cultivar, ‘Nana Alba’ has small, star-shaped white flowers that appear in the summer that grow from short grey stems that reach up to 50cm tall. I’d recommend placing these fragrant flowers in a garden border or in pots next to paths so you can enjoy their aromatic qualities throughout the blooming season. 26) Hellebore ‘Winter Moonbeam’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Helleborus × ericsmithii ‘Winter Moonbeam’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): winter / spring SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, clay, loam; alkaline to neutral pH ‘Winter Moonbeam’ is a white flowering hellebore that flowers over the cooler months of the year, producing ruffled white blooms that grow from small stalks. A relatively hardy plant, ‘winter moonbeam’ would look great in a rock garden or a potted patio display. 27) Woodland Tobacco Plant BOTANICAL NAME(S): Nicotiana sylvestris HARDINESS RATING: H2 PLANT TYPE: biennial / perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, clay, loam; any pH The woodland tobacco plant is a frost-tender plant and is either grown as a biennial or an annual here in the UK. It produces unique, white flowers that are salver-shaped and droop down towards the ground from the tall, upright stem that they grow from. This plant would work well in a flower bed or border with other annuals. 28) Mock Orange ‘Snowbelle’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Philadelphus ‘Snowbelle’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH With beautiful, pure white blooms, mock orange ‘Snowbelle’ is a fragrant shrub that puts on its best display during the summer months. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant and would look great in a traditional cottage garden scheme or in flower borders or beds. 29) Hupeh Crab BOTANICAL NAME(S): Malus hupehensis HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: trees FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring FRUIT SEASON(S): autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH The Hupeh crab is a species of crab apple from China that is now commonly grown in UK gardens. Growing up to 8m tall, this deciduous tree produces lovely white blossoms in spring and edible apples in autumn that are actually the size of cherries rather than the apples we are used to seeing in our local supermarkets. 30) Prunus incisa f. yamadei HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: tree FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring FRUIT SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Another tree that grows to 8m, Prunus incisa f. yamadei is a type of cherry tree that produces white blossom in spring and is very easy to grow. Although I wouldn’t recommend eating the berries from this tree, they are great for birds and other wildlife who frequent your garden. 31) Dahlia ‘My Love’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Dahlia ‘my love’ HARDINESS RATING: H3 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: clay, sand, loam; any pH Dahlias are popular perennials that come in a huge spectrum of colours and ‘my love’ is one of my favourite white varieties. These flowers have lots of layered petals that are curled under, which creates spiky-looking blooms throughout the summer and autumn months. The centres of these flowers are also usually tinged with a creamy-green colour. 32) Lesser Periwinkle BOTANICAL NAME(S): Vinca minor f. alba HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial / shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH This short, spreading shrub bears milky-white flowers from spring to autumn and is truly a gardener’s delight. The Periwinkle variety is easy to care for, keeps its foliage throughout the year and goes well in lots of different garden planting schemes. Although it makes a great ground cover plant, I particularly like the look of these Periwinkles when paired with other beautiful, traditional flowers in a cottage garden. 33) Arum Lily ‘White Giant’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Zantedeschia ‘White Giant’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: clay or loam; any pH Arum lily ‘White Giant’ has funnel-shaped spathes and orange calyxes at their centres that grow on stems up to 2.5m tall in the summer and autumn months. With dark green leaves that are covered in tiny creamy-white spots, the foliage will also add some interest year-round wherever you choose to grow it. 34) Iceberg Rose BOTANICAL NAME(S): Rosa ‘Iceberg’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH A relatively small shrub, the iceberg rose produces white, ruffled, double-layered flowers that can grow up to 8cm in diameter during summer and autumn. This stunning plant was actually shortlisted for the RHS’s ‘Plant of the Centenary’ award in 2013, highlighting just how highly regarded these beautiful blooms are.2 Grow this shrub in your flower beds or use its cut flowers for stunning displays around your home. 35) Peony ‘White Charm’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Paeonia ‘White Charm’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SOIL PREFERENCE: clay, loam, sand; any pH A lovely white-flowering peony variety, ‘White Charm’ is exactly what its name suggests – a charming, ruffled flower with lots of frilly white petals. Flowering during the spring and summer months, this plant is easy to grow and will make a lovely addition to a mixed perennial bed. 36) Mexican Fleabane BOTANICAL NAME(S): Erigeron karvinskianus HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Another daisy-like cultivar, the Mexican Fleabag bears lots of frilly white petals around a yellow centre and is beloved by pollinators, making it a great choice for a wildlife garden. 37) Allium ‘Mount Everest’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Allium stipitatum ‘Mount Everest’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: bulb / perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Allium ‘Mount Everest’ is a fascinating plant, as its tiny star-shaped flowers grow in clusters of around 50 on the top of tall stems to create a ball-like effect. Growing up to 1.5m tall, this bulbous perennial would make a great feature in a gravel or rock garden, or it could be used as a centrepiece in a small flower bed. 38) White Japanese Wisteria BOTANICAL NAME(S): Wisteria floribunda ‘Alba’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: shrub / climber FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Wisteria is my favourite plant of all time, so it’s no surprise that this stunning white variety ‘Alba’ is one of my top picks from this long list. The lovely white blooms grow along drooping branches in abundance and can look glorious if draped over a wall or grown against a trellis at the back of a border. 39) White-Flowered Bugle ‘Alba’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Ajuga reptans f. albiflora ‘Alba’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH With white flowers growing on upright stems in the spring and summer, ‘Alba’ is a lovely variety of Bugle that would look great if grown in a colourful garden bed with other perennials. 40) Raki Hebe BOTANICAL NAME(S): Hebe rakaiensis HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; alkaline to neutral pH Although hebes are more commonly grown for their foliage, this variety produces lovely white spikes of flowers in early summer that, for me, add a touch of class to this short shrub. Perfect for container growing or for a garden border, Raki Hebe bears tiny green leaves that have a glossy finish all throughout the year. 41) Bloody Cranesbill ‘Album’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Geranium sanguineum ‘Album’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH ‘Album’ has star-shaped white blooms in the summer that emerge from dark green leaves that are shaped like snowflakes. A fully hardy plant, this deciduous perennial is easy to grow in the UK and makes a great ground cover. 42) Bottlebrush Buckeye BOTANICAL NAME(S): Aesculus parviflora HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer FRUIT SEASON(S): autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH This large shrub is another favourite of mine, as its tall stems bear white flowers with long stamens that are pink at the end – a truly unique sight. As it can spread up to 8m wide, this shrub is ideal for hedging or garden screening, and it is also relatively low-maintenance, which is great if you don’t have the time to regularly prune your hedges. 43) Dwarf White Fan-Leaved Columbine BOTANICAL NAME(S): Aquilegia flabellata ‘Nana Alba’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH This columbine is a dwarf variety that produces creamy-white blooms that are only 3cm wide in spring and summer. These perennials can be ideal for ground cover in a gravel or rock garden and are easy to care for once planted. 44) Escallonia ‘Iveyi’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Escallonia ‘Iveyi’ HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH With star-shaped flowers that have curled petals, this escallonia variety is a lovely shrub to grow at the back of a border or as a garden hedge. ‘Iveyi’ also has glossy green leaves that have slightly spiked edges, providing interest all year round. 45) White Hebe BOTANICAL NAME(S): Hebe albicans HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; alkaline to neutral pH Another hebe variety, Hebe albicans produces white blooms in summer that are sometimes tinged with a pale lilac hue. Its waxy, green evergreen leaves also sometimes appear silver throughout the year, so it’s definitely a good choice if you’re wanting something ornamental. 46) Salvia ‘Bumblesnow’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Salvia ‘Bumblesnow’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; all soil types Balkan Clary ‘Bumblesnow’ is a white-flowering member of the salvia family, producing white-lipped blooms from tall bushy stems during the summer and autumn months. This deciduous perennial is great for growing in wildlife-friendly gardens. 47) Willow-Leaved Loosestrife BOTANICAL NAME(S): Lysimachia ephemerum HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: clay or loam; any pH Lysimachia ephemerum produce lots of small star-shaped flowers that clump together on the tops of upright stems. I actually prefer these plants in the late summer when they start to die back, as their stems start to droop, creating an arching effect as seen in the image above. Either way, loosestrife looks great in a traditional cottage garden scheme or flower bed. 48) Hellebore ‘Verboom Beauty’ BOTANICAL NAME(S): Helleborus ‘Verboom Beauty’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial / houseplant FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): winter / spring SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, clay, loam; alkaline to neutral pH ‘Verboom Beauty’ is a white-flowering variety of hellebore that flowers early in the winter and blooms all the way through to late spring. Hellebores are great for underplanting beneath shrubs, but I think this lovely variety would look great in its own container display. 49) New Zealand Holly BOTANICAL NAME(S): Olearia macrodonta HARDINESS RATING: H4 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH New Zealand holly is a half-hardy, evergreen shrub that bears fragrant flowers with white petals and yellow centres – another daisy lookalike. Its dark green foliage is spiky around the edges and is sometimes tinged in silver or white. This is a brilliant choice for hedging or natural screening, as it can grow up to 4m in height and spread. 50) Scabiosa caucasica ‘White Perfection’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; alkaline to neutral pH With clusters of white star-shaped flowers that bloom from June-October, Scabiosa caucasica ‘White Perfection’ is a lovely choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. You can also use the cut flowers for home displays. 51) Cloven Gum Box BOTANICAL NAME(S): Escallonia bifida HARDINESS RATING: H3 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Escallonia bifida, also known as cloven gum box, is a popular choice for UK gardens, as it is easy to grow and it produces long-lasting clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in the summer and autumn months. This evergreen shrub is a great choice for hedging, growing at the back of a border or for use in natural garden screening. 52) Aubrieta deltoidea ‘Snowdrift’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SOIL PREFERENCE: chalk, loam, sand; alkaline to neutral pH ‘Snowdrift’ is an uncommon Aubrieta deltoidea cultivar that bears beautiful, white, 4-petalled flowers in the spring and summer that are covered in thin pink veins. Growing to only 10cm tall, ‘Snowdrift’ works well as a ground cover plant in garden beds or borders, or for underplanting other plants such as roses. 53) Yoshino Cherry BOTANICAL NAME(S): Prunus × yedoensis HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: tree FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Another tree, Yoshino cherries produce that beautiful white blossom that features a few times already on this list. This popular deciduous plant works well in many garden displays and is great for a wild-life friendly garden, as bees love its fragrant flowers. This tree can grow over 12m tall, so bear that in mind before planting it in your garden. 54) Golden Indian Bean Tree BOTANICAL NAME(S): Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: tree FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer FRUIT SEASON(S): autumn / winter SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH The golden Indian bean tree is a summer-flowering deciduous plant that produces beautiful white ruffled flowers with brown centres that are followed by dark brown bean pods in the autumn and winter months. Although these ‘fruits’ aren’t edible, they provide some lovely interest for your garden after your white blooms have faded. 55) Sweet Woodruff BOTANICAL NAME(S): Galium odoratum HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial / herb FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SOIL PREFERENCE: all soil types; any pH Last but not least, sweet woodruff is a perennial herb that bears star-shaped flowers with 4 white petals from tall stems in the spring. These dainty blooms look great in wildlife or cottage gardens and are also a good ground cover plant for flower beds and borders. References 1. Pyrus calleryana Callery Pear. (n.d.). Plants for a Future. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pyrus+calleryana 2. Chelsea Flower Show 2013: Plant of the Centenary shortlist. (2013, April 25). The Telegraph. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningpicturegalleries/10020371/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2013-Plant-of-the-Centenary-shortlist.html?frame=2547268
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Fern Nursery Owners Recommend These 20 Plants To Grow Alongside Ferns
IN THIS GUIDE Our Experts’ Top Picks 1) Hostas 2) Hellebore 3) Coral Bells 4) Forget-Me-Nots 5) Spotted Dead Nettle 6) Bluebells 7) Barrenwort 8) Bleeding Heart 9) Caladiums 10) Canna 11) Sedge 12) Wintergreen 13) Asarabacca 14) Ajugas 15) Strawberry Begonia 16) Geraniums 17) Astilbes 18) Japanese Mahonia 19) Corydalis 20) Joe Pye Weed References Ferns are vascular plants that are estimated to have around 15,000 species within their genus.1 These are moisture-loving plants that grow well in shaded areas and, if planted in the right spot, will make a relatively low-maintenance addition to your garden. “Many woodland plants look great with ferns, growing as they do in similar conditions,” Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly says. “These tend to be spring-flowering bulbs and perennials, which form a floral highlight that is replaced by the calming green of fern fronds.” I have ferns that return to my garden borders every year without fail – they need zero upkeep and spread prolifically (something to bear in mind, though they are easy to identify and remove). I never introduced them (they were already present when we moved in) but they will typically grow in the shaded area underneath shrubs and trees making them a great ‘space filler’ – and a complementary plant for areas that other plants might find difficult to grow. If you already have ferns growing in your garden, you may wonder which other plants would work well in the same conditions to create a beautiful display. Our Experts’ Top Picks We asked some experts from dedicated fern nurseries to share their favourite companion plants to grow with ferns. Neil Timm, Owner of The Fern Nursery, an award-winning fern supplier based in the heart of Lincolnshire, recommends a range of different shade-loving plants. “Ferns partner very well with naturalised spring bulbs under trees since they do not have overlapping seasons and, therefore, do not compete,” he says. “Spring bulbs start just after New Year and last until May, while most ferns start in May and last until Christmas. This sadly includes many of the so-called ‘evergreen’ ferns, which tend to be over by New Year. “By using spring bulbs, you can get twelve months of interest in the space under trees. “Also, any small creeping herbs, such as Creeping Jenny and Ajuga reptans, provide a cool root run for the ferns and their low stature does not detract from the fern’s shape.” We also asked Mark Taylor, the Owner of Alchemy Ferns, to share his favourite companions. “Ferns grow well with most plants but go particularly well when grown with hostas, grasses and under Japanese Acers,” Mark explains. “They also work great in mixed plantings with shrubs and perennials, working together to provide a contrast of textures and forms. “Alternatively, they can be grown alongside other shade-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, epimediums, or in a woodland planting scheme.” “Generally, shade-loving plant species will happily co-exist with ferns, but it does depend on the fern species,” says Kylie, Horticulturist at Verdigris Ferns, a specialist nursery based in Australia. “Personally, we have planted a lot of rainforest species with our ferns, but this is a personal preference and does reflect our climate and location. “In a European garden, these choices might be slightly different.” Hopefully, each of our growers has given you some ideas, but if you’re looking for more, there’s no need to worry. We share twenty of our favourite plants that can be grown with ferns to compliment their green foliage and that will thrive in the same conditions – as well as providing additional interest to your garden beds. 1) Hostas BOTANICAL NAME: hosta COMMON NAME(S): plantain lily HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Hostas love the shade, so are an obvious choice to grow with ferns right off the bat. Although they sometimes produce trumpet-shaped flowers in the summer months, these plants are mainly recognised for their stunning foliage which comes in a range of colours and hues. These versatile plants will make a great addition to your display of ferns, which can act as a serene backdrop to the additional subtle burst of (often variegated) colour that hostas provide. 2) Hellebore BOTANICAL NAME: hellebore COMMON NAME(S): christmas rose / lenten rose HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): winter SUNLIGHT: varies by type EXPOSURE: sheltered Also favouring the same growing conditions, hellebores are another great companion plant for ferns. They produce stunning star-shaped flowers in various colours over the winter months, with sepals instead of the usual petals, and can act as a great accent plant amongst the foliage of ferns. 3) Coral Bells BOTANICAL NAME: Heuchera sanguinea COMMON NAME(S): coral bells HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Not only do Coral Bells bear tiny tubular flowers from long, often brightly coloured stems in summer, but these plants also produce stunning leaves that come in a dazzling array of shades from deep purple to yellow and everything in between. These semi-evergreen perennials work well with ferns as they both adore the shade and will survive even in poor weather. Both prized for their year-round foliage, these two plants will bring interest to your garden beds with minimal care all throughout the year. 4) Forget-Me-Nots BOTANICAL NAME: Myosotis sylvatica COMMON NAME(S): garden forget-me-not HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Perfect for spring displays, Forget-Me-Nots can bring joy to any garden with their small blue flowers that protrude from tall green stems. Like ferns, they prefer a part-shaded spot and can be used as a ground cover plant to add a splash of colour at the base of taller foliage plants. Forget-me-nots self-seed regularly, so are suited to wildflower gardens or more natural planting schemes where ferns can also thrive.2 5) Spotted Dead Nettle BOTANICAL NAME: Lamium maculatum COMMON NAME(S): spotted dead nettle HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Spotted dead nettles are fully hardy perennial plants that are often found at the base of trees in woodland areas, due to their love for shade.3 They produce small pink or purple flowers on tall stems and heart-shaped fuzzy leaves that are more recognisable as the nettles that so many of us try to avoid. Despite their reputation, this plant looks great in natural garden displays and grows well with other shade-loving plants like ferns. 6) Bluebells BOTANICAL NAME: Hyacinthoides non-scripta COMMON NAME(S): bluebell / bluebottle / bell bottle HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: exposure / sheltered A staple for the British garden, bluebells produce blue bell-shaped flowers that make it easy to see why they got their name.4 Another shade-favouring perennial, bluebells are a natural companion plant for ferns, as their distinctive flowers provide colourful interest against their green foliage. These two plants would work brilliantly in a traditional English cottage garden scheme. 7) Barrenwort BOTANICAL NAME: Epimedium × perralchicum COMMON NAME(S): barrenwort HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: sheltered Barrenwort is an unusual herbaceous perennial that produces strange star-like sprays of flowers in spring. Although it can cope in full sun, it prefers a shaded spot in a sheltered location and is not too fussy about its growing medium – a great option for pairing with ferns. 8) Bleeding Heart BOTANICAL NAME: Lamprocapnos spectabilis COMMON NAME(S): bleeding heart HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Lamprocapnos spectabilis, better known as the bleeding heart plant, is a deciduous, shade-loving, hardy plant that sometimes produces foliage that is not too dissimilar to that of ferns themselves. However, the most special thing about these plants is the flowers, which are delicate and loveheart-shaped, often with a pink and white tinge. This stunning bushy perennial would provide some colourful contrast to the ferns in your garden as long as the growing medium is not acidic – something to consider when planting bleeding hearts in your existing displays. 9) Caladiums BOTANICAL NAME: caladium COMMON NAME(S): angel wings HARDINESS RATING: H1B PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Caladiums are beautiful foliage plants that produce large heart-shaped leaves that are often variegated in shades of green, pink, red and white. They bring an exotic flare when paired with ferns and look great as part of a jungle scheme, or if you just fancy adding a touch of the wilderness. Bear in mind that these plants are frost-tender so cannot survive winters outside here in the UK as ferns can – growing them in pots which can be moved indoors after the summer is generally your best option. 10) Canna BOTANICAL NAME: canna COMMON NAME(S): canna HARDINESS RATING: H3 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: sheltered With a hardiness rating of H3, canna is another plant that you will have to be mindful of over the winter months, which is something to keep in mind when choosing what plants to grow with ferns. ‘Stuttgart’ is a particularly well-suited variety for ferns – its large variegated cream and green leaves make this plant a wonderful statement for any shaded spot in your garden. Whilst its foliage is at the forefront of its display, peach-coloured flowers also protrude from tall stems in the summer and autumn months. 11) Sedge BOTANICAL NAME: carex COMMON NAME(S): sedge HARDINESS RATING: H5/H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: sheltered This evergreen perennial has a grassy appearance and is highly prized for its ornamental value in the garden. Sedges can be planted next to ferns, as they prefer a sheltered site in partial shade, also making them ideal for planting with other options on this list. Preferring clay soil, be mindful that this plant will not grow in dry growing conditions and, like ferns, needs moisture to survive. 12) Wintergreen BOTANICAL NAME: Gaultheria cuneata COMMON NAME(S): cuneate wintergreen HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Gaultheria cuneata is a dwarf shrub that bears small waxy leaves and white cup-shaped flowers during spring and summer. These small leaves would serve as a contrast to the large rigid leaves of a fern, whilst the flowers provide accents when the two are planted together. Favouring a shaded spot, this plant is a great choice if you want a companion plant that will provide interest all year-round in your garden. 13) Asarabacca BOTANICAL NAME: Asarum europaeum COMMON NAME(S): asarabacca / wild ginger / foalfoot HARDINESS RATING: H6 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: sheltered With glossy dark green leaves that are shaped like kidneys, asarabaccas make a wonderful addition to any shaded planting scheme. The rounded foliage is a great counterpart and contrast to the rigid leaves from the fronds of ferns, providing multilayered interest that would look great in a garden border or any foliage display. 14) Ajugas BOTANICAL NAME: ajuga COMMON NAME(S): bugle / bugleherb / ground pine HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: sheltered Ajugas, typically used for ground cover, provide stunning foliage and pretty flowers that can look great as companion plants for larger trees and shrubs. With green, purple or marbled-leaved varieties to choose from, you’re bound to find at least one of these easy-to-grow cultivars to suit your fern displays. Make sure that, as with most plants on this list, you grow ajuga in moist but free-draining soil, as these evergreen perennials do not tolerate dry conditions. 15) Strawberry Begonia BOTANICAL NAME: Saxifraga stolonifera COMMON NAME(S): creeping saxifrage / strawberry begonia HARDINESS RATING: H2 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: semi-evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: sheltered The strawberry begonia plant loves shade and has stunning foliage that would look great amongst the leaves of ferns. As one of the most frost-tender plants on this list, it’s important to think about how you will care for this begonia plant during the colder months. It might be worth planting this perennial in a container with fern, so both can be moved into a sheltered winter spot. 16) Geraniums BOTANICAL NAME: geranium HARDINESS RATING: H6/H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial / annual FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Geraniums are popular garden plants that are easy to grow in beds, borders and containers. If you want to try something different, I’d recommend planting geraniums and ferns in a large container for a beautiful potted display that would look great in front of a house or garden fence. 17) Astilbes BOTANICAL NAME: astilbe COMMON NAME(S): false goat’s beard HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Astilbes are a favourite of mine and, although I’m biased, it’s easy to see why. Capable of growing in most conditions and returning year after year, this low-maintenance perennial will produce beautiful fluffy flowers in a range of hues on tall spikes throughout the summer. Not only will their flowers compliment ferns as companion plants, but their own frilly foliage will also look great in a leafy display. 18) Japanese Mahonia BOTANICAL NAME: Mahonia japonica COMMON NAME(S): Japanese mahonia HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: shrub FOLIAGE TYPE: evergreen FLOWERING SEASON(S): autumn / winter / spring FRUIT SEASON(S): winter / spring SUNLIGHT: part shade / full shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered A shrub that can grow up to 1.5m in height with almost double the spread, Japanese Mahonia makes a great companion to foliage displays that last all year round. This plant loves shade and is unfussy about the growing medium, making it ideal for planting with ferns. Although its evergreen foliage steals the show, this shrub also produces stunning yellow flowers from autumn to spring and even bears rounded blue fruits in the colder months. If you’re looking for a companion plant that has a bit of everything, Japanese mahonia is surely your best bet. 19) Corydalis BOTANICAL NAME: corydalis COMMON NAME(S): corydalis HARDINESS RATING: H5 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): spring / summer SUNLIGHT: part shade EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Corydalis plants produce dainty yellow or blue tube-shaped flowers that often grow in clusters in spring and summer. As they are relatively short in height, reaching no higher than 0.5m, these shade-favouring perennials could make a great ground cover plant when combined with the arching green foliage of ferns. In fact, their own leaves resemble that of ferns, with one variety, the fern-leaved corydalis (C. cheilanthifolia), getting its name from its foliage that is often mistaken for a true fern. 20) Joe Pye Weed BOTANICAL NAME: Eutrochium maculatum COMMON NAME(S): Joe pye weed HARDINESS RATING: H7 PLANT TYPE: perennial FOLIAGE TYPE: deciduous FLOWERING SEASON(S): summer / autumn SUNLIGHT: part shade / full sun EXPOSURE: exposed / sheltered Perhaps a more uncommon choice, Joe Pye weed should not be overlooked: this deciduous perennial produces clusters of beautiful pink flowers throughout summer and autumn that are bound to compliment the leafy green foliage of ferns. As a fully hardy and unfussy plant, Eutrochium maculatum can be grown in shade with your ferns and would be another great choice for a more natural garden scheme. These plants are also a great choice for a wildlife garden, as their foliage provides great shelter for animals and birds over the colder months. References 1. Yatskievych, G., Gifford, E. M., Wagner, W. H., Walker, W. F., & Mickel, J. T. (2023, January 17). Fern | Description, Features, Evolution, & Taxonomy. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/plant/fern 2. Perrone, J. (2017, December 1). Plant of the week: forget-me-not. The Guardian. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/apr/29/plant-of-week-forget-me-not-gatecrasher 3. Spotted dead-nettle. (2022, April 11). The Morton Arboretum. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/spotted-dead-nettle/ 4. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). (n.d.-b). Woodland Trust. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/bluebell/
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How Experts Say You Should Care For Anthurium ‘Laceleaf’ To Keep It Looking Good
IN THIS GUIDE Overview Anthurium Plant Care Common Varieties Cut Flower Care Tips References Anthurium andraeanum is a popular houseplant with an exotic look – which is also known by the names ‘Flamingo Flower’ or ‘Laceleaf’. Though Anthuriums come from tropical American rainforests, they can be grown as a houseplant here in the UK, but they do need to be cared for correctly if you wish to keep them alive and looking their best. Overview Botanical Name Anthurium andreanum Common Name(s) Laceleaf, flamingo flower Plant Type Perennial houseplant Native Area Tropical Central and Southern America Hardiness Rating H1A Foliage Evergreen Flowers Bright red spathes, yellow spadix When To Plant Anytime throughout the year Anthuriums is a genus with more than a thousand species and is the largest genus of the Arum plant family (Araceae).1 Its native range is in the tropical forests of the Americas, with Kew listing the plant as hailing primarily from the Central regions of Colombia and Ecuador.2 The species in this genus often grow as epiphytes, growing on other plants. These plants are prized for their colourful spathes. Often mistaken for flowers, these are actually colourful leaves, and the small flowers of this plant cluster on the spadix which sticks up from the middle of each spathe. The spathes and the flowering spadix are often red and yellow, though they can come in various colours. Anthurium Plant Care Anthuriums are tropical plants which do require some care, but if you provide the right conditions, and take into account the needs of this plant, it should not be too challenging to grow it as a houseplant in your home. Light Anthuriums will not typically be able to cope with outdoor conditions in the UK and are best grown in a light, bright room inside your home. However, keep them out of direct sunlight during the summer months before moving them closer to a window or into as bright a position as possible in winter. Soil & Feeding Plant Anthuriums into a peat-free, loam-based potting mix. The plants should be positioned with their crowns just above the surface of the medium and should be covered with moss or a moisture-retentive organic mulch to prevent the upper roots from drying out. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a high-potassium organic liquid plant feed. Temperature & Humidity Anthuriums should be kept at temperatures between around 21-25°C at all times, and never below 16°C. Avoid placing them where the temperatures will fluctuate too wildly, such as in drafts or too close to a stove or radiator. Remember, these are rainforest plants and need high humidity. Placing them in a bright bathroom or kitchen can be ideal, as Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly shares: “Bathrooms can be ideal for houseplants that derive from rainforest environments. “The higher relative humidity and frosted glass often make a close match to the high humidity and diffused light under the rainforest canopy.” In a drier and less humid environment, you should mist regularly to keep up the humidity, but avoid misting the flowers. Grouping houseplants together can also help in creating a more humid environment. Wipe the leaves off with a damp cloth from time to time, to keep them shiny and free from dust and debris. Watering Over the spring and summer months, Anthuriums should be watered when the top few centimetres of the medium feel dry. Always allow excess water to drain away afterwards and make sure waterlogging does not occur. Common Problems The most common issues with Anthuriums relate to growing conditions or incorrect care. Other than environmental or care issues, these houseplants can be troubled by common houseplant pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects. Pruning These plants do not usually require pruning, though you can trim off any damaged leaves as required. Overwintering Of course, Anthuriums will need to be kept in a heated room inside your home over the winter months. Pay particular attention to humidity as the air can dry out more when heating systems are on. Reduce but maintain watering over the winter months when the medium is dry. Repotting & Transplanting Anthuriums should usually be repotted every 3 years or so. Look out for roots emerging from the base of the pot, or for the formation of aerial roots, as these are signs that repotting is required. The best time for this job is in the spring. Just choose a slightly larger pot and fill it will a suitable growing medium as described above. Propagation Anthuriums can be propagated by the division of mature plants. This is often a job that is undertaken at the same time as repotting. Simply gently pull the plant apart and repot each of the sections into their own separate containers. You can also take either stem or aerial root cuttings and place these in small pots of compost to root. Dipping the ends of hormone rooting powder can increase the proportion of cuttings that root successfully, though is not always strictly essential. Common Varieties As well as the species type, there are many named cultivars of Anthurium andraeanum to consider, including: A. andraeanum ‘Pink Champion’ A. andraeanum ‘Black Love’ A. andraeanum ‘Red Champion’ A. andraeanum ‘White Champion’ Cut Flower Care Tips If you wish, you can take Anthurium flowers from your plant and display them as cut flowers elsewhere in your home. Simply place the cut flowering stems into a vase or other suitable receptacle filled with water. A cut flower feed will not hurt but is not essential. Place them ideally in a bright space with indirect light and somewhere where temperatures don’t fluctuate too much. After a week, refresh the water and cut 1cm off the stems. With this step, the flowers should last for 2-3 weeks in their vase or container. References 1. Anthuriums. (n.d.). iNaturalist. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/49181-Anthurium 2. Anthurium andraeanum. (n.d.). Kew Royal Botanic Garden. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:84549-1
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Start Dividing Your Salvias In Early Spring For More Plants, Experts Advise
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Prepare Pots / Planting Holes 2) Prepare The Plant 3) Lift The Plant 4) Divide At The Roots 5) Re-Plant The Divisions Salvias come in many shapes, sizes and habits and no matter which kind you have, you will surely want to propagate these plants for their ornamental value in the garden. Luckily, many salvia plants have clump-forming habits and will basically self-propagate; all you need to do is to divide the plant at the appropriate time. You can divide salvia by following these steps: Prepare pots or re-planting holes for your new Salvia divisions. Prepare to pull up the existing plant by loosening the soil. Lift the plant from the ground with a shovel or spade. Divide the plant at the roots by separating it into clumps. Re-plant the new divisions into prepared pots or holes. “I remove many of my salvias every year after I’ve rooted cuttings for the following year,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “If I want extra insurance for my cuttings, I divide clumping salvias and plant into pots. “I do this in autumn and put the potted divisions into a cold greenhouse. They seem to put on root growth at that point and emerge strongly in spring.” In the April-May timeframe when you see fresh green growth emerging, take the following steps. Difficulty Medium Equipment Required Gardening gloves, knife, shovel, gardening fork When To Divide April-May 1) Prepare Pots / Planting Holes First, prepare the new re-planting holes or containers. For each plant that you intend to divide, estimate how many divisions you will obtain and then add one to that number to know how many pots or holes to prepare. Examining the plant and its size will give you a fairly good idea as to the number of clumps or divisions. Salvias are happy in moderately fertile or even somewhat poor soil, so a mixed loam compost will do, but it must drain very well. Feel free to amend the soil with organic compost. Dig the appropriate number of holes, estimating their depths in view of the apparent size of the clumps, or prepare the appropriate number of pots. Pots should have drainage holes. 2) Prepare The Plant Whether the plant is in a container or in open ground, water it first, and thoroughly soak the soil if the plant is in open ground. If the plant is in a pot, run a flattish small hand-shovel at the edge of the soil all round the pot while you push from the drainage hole so as to extract it from the container with the soil ball. If doing so proves difficult, do not stress the plant. Instead, simply break the container by gently cracking it with a heavyish stone. If the plant is in open ground, loosen the soil around it by jabbing into it with a hand-pick or garden mattock. Start at a distance that is the spread of the plant plus about 10%. As you loosen the soil, draw it away to keep exposing the roots. Once you see the roots, using a spade or a hand-shovel dig downward, keeping a little distance from the roots to avoid needlessly severing them. Dig down to a sufficient depth so that the outer roots are fully exposed. 3) Lift The Plant Depending on the size of the plant, use a shovel or a spade to cut into the soil all around the plant, angling inwards. Make sure not to cut into the roots and keep away from the centre of the crown. Prise up the ground with the shovel or spade and at the same time grasp the plant from the bases of the stem, and slowly pull it up as you gently jiggle it but do not force it – it should come up without undue pulling. You may have to soak the soil again and dig deeper around the plant. 4) Divide At The Roots Divide the plant into clumps, as will be evident to the eye at this stage. As you take this step, try to ensure that each clump gets its own part of the root system. Gently pull apart the clumps holding them around the stem’s base and the crown, separating the root system with your fingers as much as you can. Next, cut through the remaining roots, making clean vertical cuts with the knife which should be sharp. Alternatively, drive two gardening forks back-to-back into the remaining roots and squeeze the handles inwards so that the tines pull the roots apart. 5) Re-Plant The Divisions The divisions should be re-planted without an unnecessary lapse of time. If the soil attached to the roots is like caked mud, you may as well wash out the roots. Do so by dipping the root system into a tub of clean cold water, gently swishing them about, and washing the roots by hand. Re-plant the new clumps into the prepared containers or holes. Try to spread apart the roots to some extent as you backfill the hole. Ensure that the soil level is at the same level as it was originally, or even a touch lower. Water the new plant well as you firm up the soil around it.
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“Don’t Crowd Common Sages" - Expert Salvia Growers Share Common Growing Problems
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Poor Flowering 2) Short Flowering Period 3) Root Rot 4) Winter Damage Salvias are usually relatively easy plants to grow, are mainly untroubled by pests and diseases on the whole – and any problems you encounter are most likely to be related to environmental conditions, improper positioning or care. Salvias typically need a spot in full sun with free-draining soil, but specific care will often depend on whether you are growing an annual, perennial or shrubby variety. “Salvias are very forgiving and easy to grow plants and, as long as you follow the correct care advice, there should be very few problems,” says Vicki Weston, from Weston’s Salvias. However, some of the common problems you might encounter include: Poor flowering. A short flowering period over the summer. Root rot or other fungal issues. Frost or winter damage to tender cultivars. Below we explain these problems in more detail and outline how you can solve them to keep your salvia plants happy and healthy. 1) Poor Flowering Poor flowering can be caused by a number of issues, but the most common cause is that it has been placed in the wrong spot and is not getting enough sun. Moving your salvia to a sunnier and more suitable spot should solve this issue. “Make sure you know the growth type of your salvia and when it flowers,” says Lyndi Garnett, coordinator of the Victorian Salvia Study Group. “Large and tall salvias flower in autumn and winter, so don’t cut down in winter.” 2) Short Flowering Period You may have heard that salvias have a long blooming period over the summer. However, if you fail to deadhead the flowers when they have faded by around mid-summer, then the plants will go to seed rather than continue to produce blooms. Deadheading is a good idea with most salvias to prolong the flowering period for as long as possible… 3) Root Rot Another common issue with sage is wilting leaves, yellowing and stunted growth caused by overly wet or waterlogged conditions. One of the most important things when growing salvia is to ensure free-draining conditions. Take care not to overwater and make sure excess water can drain away freely, whether you are growing your salvia in containers or in the ground. “If you have moist soil, consider growing a species that has a preference for moister soil, such as Salvia uliginosa,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Mulching is still a good idea in winter and leaving foliage intact but its natural proclivities increase the odds in your favour.” Waterlogging or excessive watering can cause damage to the salvia roots and can cause root rot, allowing fungal issues to take hold. “Don’t crowd common sage varieties,” says Lyndi. “They need sun and air, and they can remain for some years – they’re not just an annual.” If a salvia plant seems to be suffering, improving drainage may allow it to recover. 4) Winter Damage Keeping salvia, especially more tender types, safe through the winter months is often the biggest challenge when growing these plants. Frost can cause damage to tender types which are not offered some protection from the winter cold. Some plants that have been hit by winter cold can grow new growth in spring. However, if there are no signs of regrowth by June, then the plant has likely died. Many salvias will struggle more with winter wet and may die if kept in waterlogged conditions, so make sure that plants have some protection from winter deluges. To overwinter tender types successfully, those in milder areas may mulch around the plants with a 10cm layer of well-rotted manure or other organic material. In harsher areas, it is best to lift these tender types and place them in pots under cover or indoors over winter. If growing salvias with borderline hardiness, don’t cut them back in the autumn. “Careful when pruning your salvias,” says Lyndi. “Don’t prune all stems down and leave one with green growth so the plant doesn’t go into shock.” It is best to wait until late spring because this offers some protection to the roots in cold weather conditions and is also great for providing some shelter for wildlife. See more detailed advice in our guide to overwintering salvias.
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Unless You Want The Seeds, Make Sure To Deadhead Your Salvias Warns Vicki Weston
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Prepare Your Tools 2) Wait For Blooms To Fade 3) Deadhead Spent Flowering Stems 4) Feed In Mid-Summer Salvias can be a wonderful choice for a UK garden. These wildlife-friendly plants can, when cared for correctly, bloom for a long period over the summer months and sometimes even beyond. Deadheading is one of the jobs to undertake if you are growing these plants in your garden. “You should tip prune your salvias regularly to keep them bushy,” says Lyndi Garnett, one of the founding members of The Victorian Salvia Study Group. As Lyndi says, deadheading is important for salvias because it will encourage the plants to put their energy into producing new flowers and blooming over a longer period, rather than going to seed. Of course, if you want to collect seeds from your salvias then you should not deadhead too zealously – and should allow them to enter their seed-producing phase. However, if you would rather enjoy their flowers over a longer period, then keep reading. 1) Prepare Your Tools Whenever you are deadheading or pruning, it is very important to make sure that your tools are sharp and clean. Blunt tools can cause damage to plants and, if you do not practice good hygiene in the garden, they can inadvertently spread disease. Make sure you have some sharp, clean secateurs ready for this job. 2) Wait For Blooms To Fade Salvias tend to start to bloom in May or June and can bloom right through the summer if you deadhead them. If you don’t, then the flowers will bloom only until around midsummer before they go to seed, although you can deadhead at different times of the year too: “Generally, salvias can be deadheaded at any time of the year, but they must be pruned at least once, ideally twice a year,” says Lyndi. In the middle of summer, you should check over your salvias and look for any flowering stalks that are turning brown. The brown colouration will begin at the base of the flowering area and work its way upwards. Once around 70-80% of the blooms on a flowering spike have faded and turned brown, it is time to consider deadheading by removing that particular flowering stem. 3) Deadhead Spent Flowering Stems Cut off any spent flowering stems where the stem meets the highest set of leaves on the plant. Cut through the stem at this point with your clean and sharp secateurs. New flowering stems should usually grow off the sides of the existing stems. You may wish to repeat this process over the summer to ensure as long a blooming period as possible. “Don’t cut them back in autumn!” warns Vicki Weston, owner of Weston’s Salvias. “Although the plants will look a bit bare in the deepest parts of winter, wait until you can see green shoots at the very base of the plant, then you can tidy back and deadhead to a neat shape. “You’ll have to be patient with some but they will all shoot.” 4) Feed In Mid-Summer “Remember to feed and mulch your plants after any kind of pruning,” says Lyndi. Feed your salvia with an organic, potassium-rich liquid plant feed in the middle of the summer, especially when growing in containers. This will help increase the chance of further blooms and keep your plants as healthy as possible.
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Salvia Propagation: 'Taking Semi-Hardwood Cuttings Is A Great Way To Ensure Continuity'
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Semi-Hardwood Cuttings 2) Softwood Cuttings Salvia plants are herbaceous annuals or perennials with many species and innumerable cultivars. They boast both ornamental and culinary value, so you will surely want to make use of these wonderful plants. “Many Salvia species are borderline hardy in the UK, so planting out in May and then taking semi-hardwood cuttings in summer is a great way to ensure continuity,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Once the cuttings have taken, I am happy to remove and compost the previous year’s plants once they have died back from frost damage. “With hardier Salvia, I will often use the same tactics every 2-3 years to keep them vigorous and compact.” Luckily, they are fairly easy to propagate. In this post we focus on propagation via cuttings, of which there are two methods: Propagating via semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Propagating via softwood cuttings in late spring. These methods are explained in more depth below. Difficulty Easy Equipment Required Secateurs, gardening gloves, perforated polythene bag When To Propagate May or July-August 1) Semi-Hardwood Cuttings In late July or early August, prepare a small clay pot with a mix of approximately half perlite or grit (or both), and half cuttings compost and water it well. Inspect your Salvia plant and choose a stem near the bottom that is from the current year’s growth but which has no buds, then: Cut off this stem then trim it down so that it is 10-12cm long when measured from its tip. Make the cut just below a leaf. Carefully twist and pluck off the lower leaves, leaving behind the top 4 leaves. Though salvia cuttings will almost always root without any special treatment, you can dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Make a hole using a dibbler or pencil in the soil and insert the cutting from a quarter to a third of its length in the soil. Gently firm up the soil around the cutting and give it a good watering. To lock in humidity, cover the cutting with the polythene bag which should be large enough not to touch the cutting. You can insert 3 canes into the soil at the edge of the pot to support the polythene bag. Put the pot indoors or outdoors in such a place where it gets ample indirect sunlight but no direct sun. If you have a heated propagator, keep the cutting in it and turn on bottom-heating, as this will significantly increase the odds of the cutting taking root. Water the cutting daily so as to dampen the soil all through. Remove the plastic bag every other day for 20 minutes or so. Keep an eye on the cutting and if it starts to bend, support it with a stiff twig or pencil. In my experience the cutting will take 2-4 weeks to root. After the cutting develops roots and shows fresh green growth, I would recommend you allow it to grow in the same pot but remove the plastic bag, gradually reduce the frequency of watering, and slowly increase exposure to direct sunlight. After a few weeks pot on the cutting to a bigger pot. You may transplant it to a spot in your garden if that variety is sufficiently hardy for your region, otherwise pot it on so that it can be overwintered indoors. 2) Softwood Cuttings Anytime during May, prepare a small clay pot with a mix of approximately half perlite or grit (or both), and half organic compost. Water this soil so that it is damp through, then: On the donor plant, choose a young green stem or shoot; this may be anywhere on the plant. It should be at least 10cm long and have fresh, young leaves but no buds. Using your secateurs, cut off an 8-10cm length of this stem, cutting it just below a node. To prep and plant the cutting, follow the same directions as outlined from step 3 in method 1 (Semi-Hardwood Cuttings). After setting up the cutting in the pot, you will need to keep it cosy because of the temperatures during May in most regions of the UK. As such, if you have a heated propagator, then it would be best to place the pot in it. If not, cover the pot with a polythene bag and place the pot indoors in a warmish place where it can get ample indirect sunlight but not direct sun. Keep watering the cutting and be patient. If the existing leaves have not shrivelled and fallen off and if the stem has not browned and withered, it means good things are happening underground!
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Remember Large Leaf Salvias Are Typically Frost Tender - Overwintering Is Important
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Bring Potted Plants Indoors 2) Protect From Wind & Rain 3) Lay Mulch 4) Use A Horticultural Fleece How do you care for salvia plants in winter? Well, salvia species and their derivative cultivars range all the way from super-hardy varieties rated to H7 all the way down to H2 varieties that may not survive temperatures even close to 0°C. “The only thing that lets the salvias down is that they are not reliably hardy across most of the UK,” shares Lachlan Rae, a Garden Designer. “Still, I wouldn’t be without them. I think they are fantastic and there are so many brilliant late-flowering varieties.” So the question for UK gardeners really is, should you care for your Salvia plant in winter? If your variety has a hardiness rating of H5 or above, you and your salvia plant are all set for winter, then you’ll need to do nothing except protect the plant from northern exposure. But if your salvia variety is rated H4 or lower, you will need to take progressively more winter care of the plant the less hardy it is, and even more so if you live in the country’s colder regions. “Remember, all large leaf Salvias are frost tender,” warns salvia expert Lyndi Garnett, Coordinator of the Victorian Salvia Study Group. “In cold areas, keep these varieties in a glasshouse away from cold and frost.” Depending on your needs, you can protect your salvia plants during winter by taking these measures: Bring container-grown salvias indoors. Protect outdoor varieties from the wind and rain. Retain the plant’s foliage through winter and lay some mulch. Use a horticultural fleece if required. My four key measures are explained in more depth below. 1) Bring Potted Plants Indoors Before the anticipated first frost of the season, bring your potted salvia indoors or, better yet, put it in a greenhouse if you have one. The indoor temperature should remain above the minimum necessary for the variety in question, so before you put a plant in a cold shed, check on its hardiness rating to see if it will survive the anticipated temperature lows in the shed. The vast majority of salvia varieties should receive several hours of direct sunlight per day, so site the container accordingly. “As well as protecting Salvias over the winter, I take cuttings semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to ensure that I have backups should the winter weather do its worst,” shares Horticultural Consultant Colin Skelly. “You can also divide clumping Salvias to keep under cover to ensure some small pots of ‘insurance’ plants.” 2) Protect From Wind & Rain Evergreen salvias that are in the open ground and which are hardy enough to survive the winter should be protected from north winds, so screen them appropriately. They should not stay in the cold, wet ground for a prolonged period or even for a few days in winter. Therefore, if you have a thunderstorm, sleet, or snow, be sure to check on the ground. If the soil is waterlogged, you will need to drain away the wet if you want to save your plant. It would be wise pre-emptively to cover the ground with a sheet of plastic or tarp if you anticipate wet weather in the winter. 3) Lay Mulch Deciduous salvias that are in open ground and which are hardy enough to survive the winter should be allowed to retain their withered foliage as, to some extent, this will shield the plant from frost and cold. Foliage can be pruned after the last frost of spring. Before the first frost of autumn or winter, apply a 6-8cm layer of mulch made of pine needles and bark, or organic compost. Mulch will protect the plant from frost and wetness. 4) Use A Horticultural Fleece Before you anticipate severe cold weather, protect open-ground salvias with a horticultural fleece. The horticultural fleece should cover the main stem and the crown rather than the entire plant. If you cover much of the foliage (as in the image shown above) remember to remove the fleece for several hours during the height of the day and then replace it in the late afternoon.
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