Growing
Here's An A-Z List Of 59 Leafy Green Vegetables To Grow
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Amaranth 2) Anise Hyssop 3) Beet Greens 4) Bellflower 5) Black Mustard 6) Bomdong 7) Borage 8) Cabbage 9) Carrot 10) Celtuce 11) Chard 12) Charlock 13) Chaya 14) Chicory 15) Choy Sum 16) Collard Greens 17) Dandelion 18) Endive 19) Escarole 20) Fennel 21) Gai Lan 22) Garden Cress 23) Garden Nasturtium 24) Garden Sorrel 25) Gynura 26) Iceberg Lettuce 27) Jersey Cabbage 28) Kale 29) Katuk 30) Komatsuna 31) Lagos Spinach 32) Lamb’s Quarters 33) Maca 34) Malabar Spinach 35) Mallow 36) Moringa 37) Musk Mallow 38) Mustard Greens 39) Napa Cabbage 40) Orange Daylily 41) Pak Choi 42) Palsingat 43) Pokeweed 44) Quinoa 45) Rapini 46) Red Cabbage 47) Red Leaf Lettuce 48) Rocket 49) Romaine Lettuce 50) Savoy Cabbage 51) Shiso 52) Smooth Sowthistle 53) Spinach 54) Sweet Violet 55) Tatsoi 56) Turnip 57) Welsh Onion 58) Wild Leeks 59) Wild sorrel References Leafy greens go great with so many dishes, whether it’s a tasty salad of mixed lettuce and rocket leaves, or some spinach stirred through a curry to add flavour and colour. While there are common leaves you’re probably used to, there are tons of others that you may not even have heard of. “In my garden, I grow early potatoes, onions, climbing French beans, lettuce, spring onions, asparagus, just to name a few,” shares Alan Titchmarsh, Garden Broadcaster. In this article we’ve rounded up an exciting array of leafy greens for you to try, so whether you’re looking for a specific one or just looking to learn what options are out there, read on. Here are 59 exciting leafy greens for you to try: who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favourite. 1) Amaranth BOTANICAL NAME: Amaranthus COMMON NAME(S): Amaranth / Amour Flower HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Although it can’t be eaten raw, this vegetable is similar to spinach when boiled and is great with butter. Once sacred to the Aztecs, it’s now well-loved for its rich taste.1 2) Anise Hyssop BOTANICAL NAME: Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze COMMON NAME(S): Anise Hyssop HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered As the name suggests, this plant has a liquorice flavour. You can eat the flowers and the leaves can be eaten cooked or raw. 3) Beet Greens BOTANICAL NAME: Beta vulgaris COMMON NAME(S): Common Beet HARDINESS RATING: H3 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Similar flavour profile to a lot of other leafy greens but a little sweeter, and with a distinctive red hue like the beetroot fruit. 4) Bellflower BOTANICAL NAME: Campanula COMMON NAME(S): Bellflower HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Although Bellflower is not technically a vegetable, it works well as a garnish and is a point of interest if foraged with your own hand. 5) Black Mustard BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica nigra COMMON NAME(S): Black mustard / grocer’s mustard HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered You’ve probably tried mustard and maybe use mustard seeds in your cooking, but you can eat the leaves of the plant too! “I grow mustard as a salad crop as it adds a nice peppery tang to salads,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Watch out if the crop runs to seed as it will become very hot to taste!” Black mustard leaves go great in salads. 6) Bomdong BOTANICAL NAME: Bomdong COMMON NAME(S): Spring Cabbage HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered An early spring cabbage, Bomdong is often used in Korean cooking as a component of kimchi. 7) Borage BOTANICAL NAME: Borago officinalis COMMON NAME(S): Borage / Tailwort HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered You can forage borage – isn’t that fun to say? – in spring and summer. The leaves have a delicate, cucumber-like taste and go well with salads. 8) Cabbage BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica oleracea COMMON NAME(S): Cabbage HARDINESS RATING: H5 (changes with variety) FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered There are many types of cabbage, and it’s perhaps the most famous brassica. You’ll likely already know how versatile they are and how tasty they can be when cooked well. 9) Carrot BOTANICAL NAME: Daucus carota COMMON NAME(S): Carrots / Wild Carrots HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Alkaline / neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered In the same family as coriander, parsley and other herbs, it’s obvious why carrot greens are on this list. 10) Celtuce BOTANICAL NAME: Lactuca sativa COMMON NAME(S): Common Lettuce / Celtuce HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered It’s usually the stems that are used in cooking, but the leaves of celtuce are good too.2 Just check that they’re fresh enough to use, as often the time taken to import can make them wilt. 11) Chard BOTANICAL NAME: Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla var. flavescens COMMON NAME(S): Chard / Swiss Chard HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered A classic leafy green, with a characteristic red stem and red-purple colouration in the leaves. 12) Charlock BOTANICAL NAME: Sinapis arvensis COMMON NAME(S): Charlock / Corn Mustard HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Charlock is also called field mustard or wild mustard, this but it isn’t eaten as commonly these days. It was used as a famine food during the Great Famine of Ireland. 13) Chaya BOTANICAL NAME: Cnidoscolus chayamansa COMMON NAME(S): Chaya / Tree Spinach HARDINESS RATING: H3/H4 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered It’s recommended to boil this leafy green before eating, as the raw leaves are not ready to eat.3 14) Chicory BOTANICAL NAME: Cichorium intybus COMMON NAME(S): Chicory HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Chicory is used for flavourings and you can even make a coffee-like drink from the ground plant. The leaves are edible too. 15) Choy Sum BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica parachinensis COMMON NAME(S): Bok Choy / Chinese Cabbage HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Also called Chinese flowering cabbage, the leaves of this plant are popular in Chinese cooking – especially in stir-fries. 16) Collard Greens BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica oleracea var. viridis COMMON NAME(S): Collard HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered A mainstay of southern US cuisine, collard greens are similar to cabbage and kale. The tough stem is best removed before cooking. 17) Dandelion BOTANICAL NAME: Taraxacum officinalis COMMON NAME(S): Dandelion HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Although dandelions are considered a weed, their leaves can be used in all sorts of things. They get more bitter as they age so prioritise young leaves for cooking.4 18) Endive BOTANICAL NAME: Cichorium endivia COMMON NAME(S): Endive HARDINESS RATING: H3 SUNLIGHT: Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Endive is great raw or cooked. Crispy raw endive works well in salads and the mellower flavour when cooked makes it a great garnish. 19) Escarole BOTANICAL NAME: Cichorium endivia ‘latifolium’ COMMON NAME(S): Escarole / Curly Endive HARDINESS RATING: H3 SUNLIGHT: Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered When eaten raw, escarole is similar to endive, and it also loses bitterness when cooked. More common in Italian cooking than British. 20) Fennel BOTANICAL NAME: Foeniculum vulgare COMMON NAME(S): Common Fennel / Fennel HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered The fennel bulb is most commonly used in cooking, in fact, you’ll often buy it with the leaves removed, but the leaves are also tasty. 21) Gai Lan BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica oleracea COMMON NAME(S): Kai Lan / Chinese Broccoli / Gai Lan HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Gai lan is also known as Chinese broccoli and behaves in quite a similar way. The stalks and florets are most commonly eaten but you can also eat the leaves. 22) Garden Cress BOTANICAL NAME: Lepidium sativum COMMON NAME(S): Garden Cress HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Clay or loam; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Cress leaves may be tiny but they’re distinctly edible and pack a characteristically peppery punch. 23) Garden Nasturtium BOTANICAL NAME: Tropaeolum majus COMMON NAME(S): Garden Nasturtium / Indian Cress HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered This plant’s name means ‘nose twister’ – a nod to the peppery punch they pack. Its flowers, leaves and seeds are all edible. 24) Garden Sorrel BOTANICAL NAME: Rumex scutatus COMMON NAME(S): Garden Sorrel / French Sorrel HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Spicy when raw and mellower when cooked, sorrel goes great as a garnish. 25) Gynura BOTANICAL NAME: Gynura aurantiaca COMMON NAME(S): Gynura / Purple Velvet Plant HARDINESS RATING: H1B FLOWERING SEASON(S): Winter SUNLIGHT: Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Loam; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Also known as longevity spinach, these leaves can be eaten raw, made into tea, and more. 26) Iceberg Lettuce BOTANICAL NAME: Lactuca sativa ‘Iceberg’ COMMON NAME(S): Iceberg Lettuce / Crisphead HARDINESS RATING: H2 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Does the iceberg lettuce need any introduction? These little leaves find their way into pretty much every salad in the country. 27) Jersey Cabbage BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica oleracea longata COMMON NAME(S): Jersey Cabbage HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered This variety of cabbage is native to the Channel Islands, hence the name. Eat raw or cooked as with any cabbage. 28) Kale BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica oleracea COMMON NAME(S): Kale HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered A favourite amongst many, kale has made quite a reputation for itself in recent years. It’s easy to see why though: it’s delicious. 29) Katuk BOTANICAL NAME: Sauropus androgynus COMMON NAME(S): Katuk HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Clay, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Popular in Asia cooked or raw, katuk is one to get to know due to the tastiness of its leaves.5 30) Komatsuna BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica rapa var. perviridis COMMON NAME(S): Komatsuna / Japanese Mustard Spinach HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Clay, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Japanese mustard spinach is a brassica variety that’s especially popular in Japan and Taiwan. It lends itself to a wide variety of dishes. 31) Lagos Spinach BOTANICAL NAME: Celosia argentea var. argentea COMMON NAME(S): Efo Shoko / Lagos Spinach HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Efo Shoko is a leafy green that’s especially popular in, you guessed it, Nigerian cuisine. 32) Lamb’s Quarters BOTANICAL NAME: Chenopodium album COMMON NAME(S): Lamb’s Quarters / Bacon Weed / Common Goosefoot HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Another plant that’s considered a weed in a lot of circles, lamb’s quarters, or white goosefoot, is edible if you rinse the powdery residue from the leaves.6 33) Maca BOTANICAL NAME: lepidium meyenii COMMON NAME(S): Maca / Peruvian Ginseng HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Clay, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Maca leaves hail from South America and are best cooked before being consumed. 34) Malabar Spinach BOTANICAL NAME: Basella alba COMMON NAME(S): Malabar Spinach / Ceylon Spinach HARDINESS RATING: H1C FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Clay, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered This variety can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed, fried and more. 35) Mallow BOTANICAL NAME: Malva sylvestris COMMON NAME(S): Mallow / Common Mallow HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered The seeds and leaves of mallow are edible, making this a firm favourite for foragers. 36) Moringa BOTANICAL NAME: Moringa oleifera COMMON NAME(S): Ben Nut / Ben Oil Plant / Moringa HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Clay, loam, sand; Acidic / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered You can eat moringa leaves raw as well as in a range of other ways. 37) Musk Mallow BOTANICAL NAME: Malva moschata COMMON NAME(S): Musk Mallow HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Closely related to mallow as the name suggests, this species’ leaves can also be eaten raw or cooked. 38) Mustard Greens BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica juncea COMMON NAME(S): Chinese Mustard / Mustard Greens HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Even though other uses of the plant are most common, boiling up a bunch of mustard greens is a tasty addition to any plate. 39) Napa Cabbage BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis COMMON NAME(S): Napa Cabbage / Celery Cabbage HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered This cabbage grows frequently in China and is commonplace in their cuisine, and can often be found in imported vegetable aisles. 40) Orange Daylily BOTANICAL NAME: Hemerocallis fulva COMMON NAME(S): Common Orange Daylily / Eve’s Thread HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered While the most common part to eat is the flower, if you cut the outer leaves off, you can eat the more pleasant lily leaves inside. 41) Pak Choi BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis COMMON NAME(S): Bok Choy / Pak Choi HARDINESS RATING: H3 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered This leaf is a good gateway ingredient when learning to cook Asian cuisine. It’s readily available, easy to cook and, most importantly, delicious. 42) Palsingat BOTANICAL NAME: Claytonia perfoliata COMMON NAME(S): Miner’s Lettuce / Palsingat / Cuban Spinach HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered This plant has lots of names: miner’s lettuce, spring beauty, winter purslane and others. It was eaten by miners to prevent scurvy and can be used in cooking, but is not as flavourful as some greens.7 43) Pokeweed BOTANICAL NAME: Phytolacca americana COMMON NAME(S): Pokeweed / American Nightshade HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk or loam; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Be careful when eating pokeweed, as its berries should not be consumed!8 44) Quinoa BOTANICAL NAME: Chenopodium quinoa COMMON NAME(S): Puinoa HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Quinoa is most famous as a grain, but the leaves are edible as well. 45) Rapini BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica ruvo COMMON NAME(S): Rapini / Italian Broccoli HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered This plant has bitter leaves which make it less popular than some other greens, but the leaves, buds and stems are all edible. 46) Red Cabbage BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra COMMON NAME(S): Red Cabbage HARDINESS RATING: H5 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered You’ve probably seen red cabbage pickled in jars. This leafy ‘green’ is versatile and tasty, despite the fact it isn’t actually green. 47) Red Leaf Lettuce BOTANICAL NAME: Lactuca sativa COMMON NAME(S): Red Leaf Lettuce HARDINESS RATING: H2 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Another popular lettuce with many cultivars, you’ll recognise this veggie from supermarket salad mixes. 48) Rocket BOTANICAL NAME: Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa COMMON NAME(S): Garden rocket HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Rocket’s peppery quality makes it a great addition to salads and dishes where you want to bring a bit of gentle heat and fire. 49) Romaine Lettuce BOTANICAL NAME: Lactuca sativa var. longifolia COMMON NAME(S): Romaine Lettuce / Cos HARDINESS RATING: H3 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Romaine lettuce, also called cos, is yet another popular lettuce variety that you’ll find in salads and other dishes. 50) Savoy Cabbage BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica oleracea var. sabauda COMMON NAME(S): Savoy Cabbage HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Savoy can be eaten raw or cooked, although it’s definitely most popular cooked. Boil or fry up with a bit of butter, and you’ll love it – I promise! 51) Shiso BOTANICAL NAME: Perilla frutescens var. crispa COMMON NAME(S):Beefsteak Plant / Shiso / Curly Perilla HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered Perilla frutescens is popular in Korean food. 52) Smooth Sowthistle BOTANICAL NAME: Sonchus oleraceus COMMON NAME(S): Common Sowthistle / Hare’s Coleswart HARDINESS RATING: H7 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered If you’re foraging, smooth sowthistle is a good thing to look out for as it’s a safe thing to eat.9 53) Spinach BOTANICAL NAME: Spinacia oleracea COMMON NAME(S): Spinach HARDINESS RATING: H4 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Sheltered A plant that needs no introduction, raw spinach leaves are great in salads, and cooked spinach goes with anything. 54) Sweet Violet BOTANICAL NAME: Viola odorata COMMON NAME(S): Sweet violet / English Violet HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Winter / Spring SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered You can eat the flowers and the leaves of the violet plant. Like nasturtiums, it’s always intriguing to see a flower on your plate! 55) Tatsoi BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa COMMON NAME(S): Tatsoi / Rosette Pak Choi HARDINESS RATING: H5 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Here’s another Asian variety of brassica, closely related to the popular pak choi. These dark green leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. 56) Turnip BOTANICAL NAME: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa COMMON NAME(S): Turnip HARDINESS RATING: H6 SUNLIGHT: Full Sun SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Alkaline / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Everyone’s tried a turnip, usually with a roast, but did you know you could also eat the leaves?10 Fry up with a bit of oil for the best taste. 57) Welsh Onion BOTANICAL NAME: Allium fistulosum COMMON NAME(S): Welsh Onion / Ciboul HARDINESS RATING: H3 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered The leaves of the Welsh onion are edible raw or cooked and, as you might expect, have a gentle oniony flavour. Great when you want something more subtle than actual onion. 58) Wild Leeks BOTANICAL NAME: Allium porrum COMMON NAME(S): Leek / Wild Leek / St. David’s Lily HARDINESS RATING: H4 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; Any pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered You can eat the leaves of a wild leek as well as the bit we’d usually consider the leaf. Take care when harvesting as the plant has a long growth cycle that you can unintentionally disrupt. 59) Wild sorrel BOTANICAL NAME: Rumex acetosa COMMON NAME(S): Sorrel / Wild sorrel HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Acidic / Neutral pH EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered Sorrel has a flavour slightly reminiscent of citrus, making it a great way to bring a fresh zesty dimension to salads and dishes when used as a garnish. The 59 greens in this list are a great sampling of the leafy greens available, and we recommend investigating recipes for the ones that pique your interest. Who knows – maybe you’ll find your new favourite ingredient! References 1. Amaranth – May Grain of the Month. (n.d.). The Whole Grains Council. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/grain-month-calendar/amaranth-may-grain-month 2. Anderson, P. (2019, October 12). Cooking with celtuce: the supermodel of vegetables. The Guardian. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/oct/13/cooking-with-celtuce-the-supermodel-of-vegetables 3. Chaya – High Nutrition Perennial. (n.d.). US Aid. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00K93C.pdf 4. Brooks Vinton, S. (2018, August 28). How to Eat Dandelions. FoodPrint. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://foodprint.org/blog/how-to-eat-dandelions/ 5. Katuk. (2015). FGCU Food Forest: Plant Database. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.fgcu.edu/cas/communityimpact/foodforest/files/katuk-ada.pdf 6. Lamb’s Quarters and Orach. (2021, March 31). FoodPrint. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://foodprint.org/real-food/lambs-quarters/ 7. Miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata). (n.d.). RikenMon’s Nature Guide. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.nature-guide.info/display/details.aspx?lang=en&id=1249 8. Pokeweed. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-220/pokeweed 9. Bonetto, D. (2020, May 12). How to identify and use sow thistle, the perfect edible weed. Wild Plants: Foraging, Food, Art and Culture. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.diegobonetto.com/blog/how-to-identify-and-use-sowthistle-the-perfect-edible-weed 10. Ware, M. (2017, May 18). Everything you need to know about turnip greens. Medical News Today. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285961
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Harvesting Your Rosemary: Aim To Remove The Fresh New Stems Up To 10cm In Length
IN THIS GUIDE When To Harvest Rosemary 1) Choose Sprigs To Harvest 2) Cut The Sprigs 3) Use And Store Your Rosemary Rosemary is an evergreen shrub grown in gardens throughout the UK for ornamental and culinary purposes. “Rosemary’s pungent smell is instantly invigorating and it is also a culinary herb,” shares Sonya Patel Ellis, a Garden Writer. “It can be used for roasts, bakes and bread, and makes a lovely addition to cocktails. I use it as a stirrer in a gin and tonic along with thyme syrup and a slice of grapefruit or orange.” Harvesting rosemary is fairly simple if you follow this easy three-step process: Choose which sprigs you want to harvest. Cut the sprigs from the plant. Use and store the rosemary for use as and when you need to use it. This process is explained in more depth below. Difficulty Easy Equipment Required Gloves, secateurs or scissors When To Harvest All year round When To Harvest Rosemary Rosemary, being evergreen, can be harvested at any time of the year. However, the supple new growth produced during the summer months has the best flavour. 1) Choose Sprigs To Harvest Rosemary, like many other herbs, is best harvested little and often and early in the morning before the day warms up. When choosing which rosemary sprigs to harvest, it is best to aim to remove the fresh new stems up to 10cm in length, as some of the older and woodier growth can be less flavoursome. If collecting rosemary for its oils, it is best to harvest the plant in early summer just as the plant comes into flower, as this is when the oil concentrations are at their highest. A larger harvest can be taken, but it is advisable not to remove more than 20-30% of the plant at any one time, as this may put the plant under undue stress. 2) Cut The Sprigs When harvesting rosemary, it is best to cut the chosen sprigs or stems using a clean and sharp pair of secateurs or scissors, keeping the shrub in a pleasing shape. However, try to only remove the fresh green growth, as rosemary does not regenerate well if cut back into the old wood. 3) Use And Store Your Rosemary Rosemary can either be used when freshly cut or dried and stored for future use. If used soon after cutting, the rosemary sprigs can simply be added whole to a meat roasting dish or the leaves stripped for adding to gravies, stews and sauces. Rosemary doesn’t tend to freeze well, but if dried it can be stored for months on end. To dry rosemary, wash under clean water and allow the sprigs to dry out fully, either by hanging in a well–ventilated spot out of direct sunlight or in a low oven spread out on a baking tray. Once the hung rosemary is dry, but not too brittle, strip the leaves from the stems and store in a sealed container until required. “Inspired by botanicals in cocktails, I have started to freeze the tips of rosemary stems in ice cubes,” shares Horticultural Consultant Colin Skelly. “I use the rest of the stem for cooking in summer and I can then use the ice cubes in stews and soups in winter.”
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Harvesting Basil: 'Leave At Least Two Sets Of Leaves Behind Per Stem' Says Peter Lickorish
IN THIS GUIDE 1) Pick The Leaves When Mature 2) Prune To Keep Its Shape 3) Store The Basil 4) Use As You Please Basil is a delightful addition to pasta sauces, pizza toppings and Thai-inspired cuisine, so it’s helpful to have a plentiful supply to hand in the kitchen. Thankfully, it’s one of the easiest herbs to cultivate, meaning even novice gardeners shouldn’t run into any problems. Although it’s easy to sow and care for, it can still be tricky to know exactly how and when to harvest the plant, how to use it in your cooking, and the best ways to store it. For that reason, we’ve put together this guide, consisting of the following steps: Start picking leaves when the plant is mature enough. Prune it to keep it in shape. Store it for the future. Cook with it like a culinary wizard. To clarify the process as much as possible, we’ll investigate each of those stages in isolation in more detail below. Difficulty Easy Equipment Required Small pruning scissors When To Take Cuttings Throughout growing season 1) Pick The Leaves When Mature You can begin harvesting leaves from your basil plant when it’s ready – this will become apparent from the vibrancy of its foliage and its height (a minimum of 15cm in or 6 sets of leaves high). When harvesting, pick leaves from the tops of stems, rather than cutting away stems entirely. “Leave at least two sets of leaves behind per stem,” Peter Lickorish, a Self-Employed Horticulturist since 2018, suggests. “Try to keep harvesting to no more than three pairs of leaves at a time per stem.” This will allow for new growth to appear in the place of the harvested foliage. 2) Prune To Keep Its Shape As well as harvesting your plant when you require leaves, it’s also important to continually prune the stems so as to encourage as much growth as possible. “Cut stems cleanly to just above a leaf with sharp scissors or secateurs, either after harvesting, or when stems become tall with large spaces between leaves,” says Peter. “The top leaves tend to be upward facing or flat, whereas lower leaves can hang. “Sometimes, the change between the two is a good indicator of where to harvest down to. “Harvesting and pruning keeps the plant vigorous, but make sure you leave behind some leaves on the stem. “Holding your secateurs with the bevelled blade to the plant will give the cleanest cut.” If fed, watered and harvested regularly, your plant will continue to flourish throughout the summer months. You should also keep an eye out for any flower spikes since these will divert energy away from the production of leaves and cause it to go to seed. Nip the flowers in the bud before they develop. 3) Store The Basil As mentioned above, harvesting basil continually is the best way to keep the plant going all through the season. As a result, you’ll need to store your surplus leaves. You can do so by placing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or, if you do cut the entire stem, you can place this upright in a glass of water until needed. When freezing basil, place whole or chopped leaves into an ice cube tray and cover with water or add olive oil. 4) Use As You Please Ideally, you’ll cook with your basil leaves on the same day you harvest them for maximum freshness. If this is the case, pick them in the morning, when they are at their juiciest and tastiest. It’s said that tearing the leaves with your fingers (rather than chopping them with a knife) will help to release more of their delicious aroma. You should only wash them immediately prior to use and add them at the end of the cooking process – otherwise you’ll end up with soggy leaves in both scenarios.
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Here Are 24 Types Of Heuchera With Multiple RHS AGM Award Winners To Try
IN THIS GUIDE 1) H. villosa 2) H. micrantha 3) H. americana 4) H. brevistaminea 5) H. villosa ‘Palace Purple’ 6) H. micrantha ‘Palace Purple’ 7) H. ‘Bella Notte’ 8) H. ‘Autumn Leaves’ 9) H. ‘Lipstick’ 10) H. ‘Raspberry Regal’ 11) H. ‘Caramel’ 12) H. ‘Electric Lime’ 13) H. ‘Circus’ 14) H. ‘Paris’ 15) H. ‘Sweet Tart’ 16) H. Frilly ‘Alchefril’ Other Options To Consider References These plants arrived in Great Britain in 1882.1 For many decades they were appreciated only by – shall we say – plant connoisseurs, but in the past two decades Heuchera has really taken off, receiving the RHS’s Award of Garden Merit for 25 varieties.2 And about time, for this lovely genus has a lot going for it, as one may readily infer from my selection of the twenty-four types underneath: 1) H. villosa One of the parent species of many popular cultivars. It is one of those species that makes its home on woody, rocky slopes around the Appalachians in North America. Its common name ‘Hairy Alum Root’ refers to its salient characteristic: hairy stalks and hairy leaves. In fact, ‘villosa’ is Latin for ‘hairy’ or ‘furry’. The pink-white florets it bears arrive very late in summer. 2) H. micrantha Is another parent species of various varieties, and it too is native to wooden rocky slopes along North America’s Western Seaboard. It too has hairy leaves, less so than H. villosa, and has small leaves (hence ‘micrantha’). It has a couple of points of interest; first, the red-purple tone of the foliage, and second, the very tall nearly one-metre high peduncles which bear pink-white florets. 3) H. americana H. americana ‘Green Spice’ The species that could be called ‘Basic’, for it has no very unusual characteristics. Though immature leaves have a purple tinge, they soon become a bright ‘leafy’ green. The long panicles bear florets of an indeterminate whitish colour. This nondescript species is another woody rocky slope denizen except that it prefers the Central United States. 4) H. brevistaminea The last species we outline for a couple of good reasons. It is rare, and is threatened and endangered outside a very small location in Southern California. This is a pity because it is a tough species that can thrive in inhospitable regions yet has lustrous bright green foliage and produces panicles of candy pink flowers. 5) H. villosa ‘Palace Purple’ One of the most popular and widely-available Heuchera varieties, and was shortlisted for the RHS plant of the centenary for the decade 1983 to 1992.3 Its deeply-lobed leaves are a rich burgundy (the plant is named after the dark burgundy brickwork at Kew Palace in the 1980’s) above which panicles of pinkish florets stand erect in summer. Stalks and peduncles too are of a reddish purple. The plant forms mounds of 20-30cm high and wide. 6) H. micrantha ‘Palace Purple’ Yes, the H. micrantha species also has a ‘Palace Purple’ cultivar and oddly enough it too is an award winner, being the Perennial Plant Association’s Plant of the Year 1991.4 It too forms mounds of 20-30cm and 40 wide. The leaves, however, can differ in colour from olive green to shades of near true purple. It bears off-white panicles from early summer. 7) H. ‘Bella Notte’ Quite similar to the two ‘Palace Purple’ varieties in habit and height; moreover, even its gently scalloped leaves are a dark maroon-purple. However, it outdoes them in the floral department. This variety not only has a long blooming season from late spring clear through to early autumn, the hue of its flowers, from bright pink to cherry red, is markedly more attractive. 8) H. ‘Autumn Leaves’ Not suitably named; it would be more apropos to call it ‘Seasonal Leaves’ – for in spring the attractively-scalloped leaves begin the show with a reddish salmon colour, turn a light grey-brown in summer, and then again change colour to deep shades of red, from vermilion and flame to ruby red. Summer’s creamy-white flowers are truly a sideshow on this largeish shrub that is often 50 x 50 centimetres. This plant has PBR (Plant Breeder’s Rights) protection, meaning it cannot be propagated without the PBR owner’s permission. 9) H. ‘Lipstick’ Suitably named and is also a brilliant red, except that this is a Heuchera variety that has the rare distinction of being named after its flowers! Of a classic Lipstick Red hue, the florets are a little bigger than usual and the plant blooms profusely, and re-blooms. The foliage makes for a wonderfully complementary backdrop in summer as the leaves are bright green with silvery dappling and marbling. It is much broader than high, at 36cm wide by 20 tall. It is a recipient of the RHS’s Award of Garden Merit. 10) H. ‘Raspberry Regal’ Doubling up on Heuchera varieties with the rare distinction where the flowers take centre stage, this one also bears bigger-than-average flowers on even longer peduncles that are often just shy of one metre! Though the scalloped backdrop has some silver marbling on a brilliant green canvas, it’s all about the late-spring early-summer masses of deep, rich red blooms with this aptly-named variety. 11) H. ‘Caramel’ Staying with the foodstuffs theme but reverting to foliage as the main attraction, this increasingly popular clump-forming variety has very rounded, shallowly-lobed leaves. Starting off in tones of pale pink to pale orange in spring, the leaves gradually take on colour, warming up to a rich, golden caramel hue. Tiny light pink florets make an appearance in summer. This plant also holds PBR protection. 12) H. ‘Electric Lime’ Staying with both food and foliage, this ‘feature-packed’ variety is quite big, to begin with. It grows to about 50cm high by about 80 wide. The leaves have a lovely palmately-lobed shape – they start off ‘electric’ yellow with red veins, and mature to a lime green hue decorated with thick and deep veining in contrasting deep red. It bears pedicles of especially dense florets in pure white. Adding to its ‘features’, this variety is especially tough. 13) H. ‘Circus’ Displays especially regular shallow-scalloped leaves as if they are produced from a cookie-cutter. Though it has similar lime-green foliage with prominent blackish-red veins, it has its own twist: in the summer, bright pink florets rise above the leaves and last until the end of summer, and come autumn, the leaves change colour, also to purple-pink. So if you’re lucky, at end-summer, start-of-autumn, you may catch colour-matching florets and foliage! This plant also holds PBR protection. 14) H. ‘Paris’ On the small side at about 25cm high and wide, and is a clump-forming variety. Its foliage offers a colour reversal from ‘Circus’ as the veins are prominently and broadly etched in green on a silver ground. It bears relatively large rose pink florets on bronze-toned peduncles over a particularly long blooming season. This disease-resistant variety is a recipient of the RHS’s Award of Garden Merit and also has PBR protection. 15) H. ‘Sweet Tart’ Only 10-12cm tall and with a mounding habit, this variety’s scalloped leaves change colour from a ‘popping’ greenish-yellow through lime-green, to which the cerise to cherry-red florets on tall panicles make a lovely and lively contrast. This variety is a choice pick from the (trademarked) ‘Little Cuties’ range of very compact dwarf cultivars with PBR protection, which are particularly robust. 16) H. Frilly ‘Alchefril’ The latest variety and caused a sensation when introduced in 2021 at the Chelsea Flower Show.5 The colour ranges from caramel and light orange in summer or in the shade, to a deeper orange and even scarlet in the winter or in sun, as in the parent ‘Tangerine Wave’. This sport’s charm is in its ‘frilly’ irregularly scalloped leaves; they are unusual in being tightly frilled. It bears cream-coloured florets. Other Options To Consider There are so many heuchera varieties to choose from that we can’t end this post without giving them a little shoutout. Here are some other beautiful cultivars to consider: 17) H. ‘Blackberry Jam’ 18) H. ‘Can-Can’ 19) H. ‘Plum Pudding’ 20) H. ‘Green Spice’ 21) H. ‘Fire Alarm’ 22) H. ‘Black Beauty’ 23) H. ‘Silver Scrolls’ 24) H. ‘Black Taffeta’ References 1. Batts, G. (n.d.). Heucheras – their cultivation and use. Hardy Plants. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.hardy-plant.org.uk/docs/publications/journal/37b/heuc.pdf 2. AGM Plants. (2021b, July). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf 3. Heuchera villosa. (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/256801/i-heuchera-villosa-i-palace-purple/details 4. Perennial Plant of the Year. (n.d.). Perennial Plant Association. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://perennialplant.org/page/PastPPOY 5. A breakthrough in heucheras – yes really! (n.d.). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/plants-blogs/plants/november-2020/heuchera-frilly-alchefril
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11 Colourful Gazania Flower Varieties With Both Clumping And Mounding Types
IN THIS GUIDE 1) G. linearis 2) G. rigens 3) G. ‘Chansonette’ 4) G. ‘Tiger Stripes’ 5) G. ‘Aztec’ 6) G. ‘New Day Rose Stripe’ 7) G. ‘Cookei’ 8) G. ‘Tiger Eye’ 9) G. ‘Big Kiss Yellow Flame’ 10) G. ‘Big Kiss White Flame’ 11) G. ‘Talent Series’ Gazanias are broadly divided into two types – clumping or mounding, and trailing, decumbent or mat-forming. Clumping varieties form mounds and have lobed leaves of a rich, medium green hue whereas decumbent varieties put out trailing stems and spread along the ground, and exhibit lance-shaped foliage of a delightfully appealing bluish-greyish chalky green. Gazanias are very consistent in their sizes – most varieties of both kinds (i.e. clumping and trailing) attain a height and spread of between 20-30cm. Some of my favourite varieties are presented underneath: 1) G. linearis One of the more abundant species that has spread from its native Southern Africa and become naturalised to diverse regions such as Australia and Canada. It is of a decumbent type and has the foliage typical of such varieties. It produces striking golden-yellow flowers that are subtly gradated and display a slightly darker zone at the centre. 2) G. rigens A species that is parent to several varieties. This clumping type attains heights of only 20-30cm. It has a particularly long blooming season, producing flowers from before summer until autumn. The flowers are a brilliant sunny yellow with each petal displaying a ‘beauty spot’ at the proximal end. 3) G. ‘Chansonette’ A spreading variety that has dark, deep green foliage. It is noted for producing blooms from mid-spring. The flowers are 10cm across and are in tones of yellow through red with a central dark zone. ‘Chansonette’ stands out because of the quality and hues of its pink, yellow, orange and scarlet flowers. 4) G. ‘Tiger Stripes’ A very popular variety on both sides of the Atlantic. It is of the clumping type and has foliage of a rich and deep green colour. The large flowers are of a bright yellow colour with a thick rust-orange stripe on each petal. This variety blooms profusely throughout the summer. 5) G. ‘Aztec’ Has a trailing and spreading habit with that ‘laid back’ foliage distinctive of this type. The 7cm flowers are gorgeous, displaying a marvellous colour combination. The central disk is yellow and the petals are a creamy pink, with a gradated maroon stripe. A brilliant choice for groundcover and recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. 6) G. ‘New Day Rose Stripe’ Of the clumping type and grows to 20-25cm. It blooms from late spring to early autumn, producing large flowers. They are brilliantly coloured, featuring a deep yellow disk and sharply gradated rose stripes on off-white petals. A great pick for walkway borders. 7) G. ‘Cookei’ Of the decumbent type and its 7cm flowers do not have a particularly long blooming season. Yet this variety has possibly the most riveting blooms. They have a red and yellow capitulum, with the rays displaying a pronounced olive-green central zone and having a rusty, fiery orange colour. Probably the top choice among Gazanias for a specimen plant. This variety has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit. 8) G. ‘Tiger Eye’ A cultivar of G. rigens, this is a clumping type with unusual and attractive cream-rimmed leaves. The petals are of a tawny orange colour, gently gradated or flushed, each with a prominent black ‘eye’ at its base. This one’s another great pick for walkway borders. 9) G. ‘Big Kiss Yellow Flame’ Reaches 20-30cm but that is not the reason for the ‘big’ in its name. It does not have a very long blooming season as it lasts from mid-spring to mid-summer. What’s really striking about it is the size of the flowers (or flowerheads) which are fully 12cm across. The capitulum is yellow ringed with brown, and the rays are golden yellow with a gradated maroon-red stripe. 10) G. ‘Big Kiss White Flame’ Similar to the variety named above except that it features an even more spectacular flower, this so because of the colours. The rays have the lightest kind of creamy off-white base on which run brilliant stripes of gradated rose red. It is a great choice for mixed beds. 11) G. ‘Talent Series’ Are of the spreading type that rise to only about 25cm and have that ‘cool’, muted bluish-grey foliage. It blooms through summer and bears flowers in a panoply of colours, including pink and rose. For all these attributes this is the Gazania variety that is the best bet for rock gardens. This is yet another recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
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12 Streptocarpus Varieties: 'Once You Have One, You Want Another, And Then Another'
IN THIS GUIDE 1) ‘Harlequin Blue’ 2) ‘White Butterfly’ 3) ‘Tina’ 4) ‘Charlotte’ 5) ‘Crystal Ice’ 6) ‘Sioned’ 7) ‘Burgundy Ice’ 8) ‘Stella’ 9) ‘Watermelon Wine’ 10) ‘Anne’ 11) ‘Zoe’ 12) ‘Polka-Dot Purple’ References Apart from Cape Primrose’s many merits related above, this happy little wildflower possesses a remarkable talent for collecting RHS Awards of Garden Merit – it has garnered 35 of them.1 All but three of my top twelve choices are AGM winners. “The great thing about Streptocarpus is their collectability,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Once you have one, you want another, and then another! A bit like auriculas, you keep finding one after another that you admire and think ‘just one more’.” The exceptions are ’Watermelon Wine’ selected for being one of the only true reds and a self at that, ‘Anne’ for its double form but even more for the intense violet, and ‘Zoe’ for its unusually lovely colouration and patterning. 1) ‘Harlequin Blue’ Has to lead our rundown because it was the Chelsea Plant of the Year for 2010.2 One might say that its flowers are precisely bi-coloured to perfection. The entirety of the upper two petals is a soft purplish-blue while the entirety of the lower three is a pale creamy yellow. A dark violet streak running from the throat out to the edge divides the two sets of petals and the two colours! This variety blooms from spring through autumn. 2) ‘White Butterfly’ Possesses two rare attributes. Though its flowers in size are at the lower limit at 2.5cm this variety is possibly the only one to produce pure white ‘self’ flowers. And, second, it is floriferous, and it is one of those wonders that blooms all 12 months of the year! 3) ‘Tina’ Is not particularly distinguished in the unremarkable pink tone of its flowers with darker splotches on the lower petals but it is distinguished in the size of its flowers which, at up to 6cm, are massive for Cape Primrose. The leaves are of quite a dark shade and are oblong. It flowers from spring through autumn. 4) ‘Charlotte’ Has bright green foliage from which arise exquisitely hued blooms. They are a pale pastel lilac with the lower petals displaying blotches of an equally pale, pastel complementary yellow with a similarly coloured throat. It blooms from spring through autumn. 5) ‘Crystal Ice’ Has snowy white flowers with delicate, veined accents of purple to violet on the lower petals. The leaves are a rich, dark shade, and it is remarkable for being one of those relatively few year-round flowering wonders. 6) ‘Sioned’ Has medium-green strap-like leaves and bears particularly delightful flowers. They are off-white with the lower petals accented with a variegated and veined blotch of magenta-pink that starts in the throat and bleeds away near the outer edges. It blooms from spring through autumn. 7) ‘Burgundy Ice’ Produces flowers that are as unusual as they are eye-pulling. Their ground colour is a rich maroon of a burgundy-blackcurrant tone with subtly darker veining and gradation. These saturated tones are accented with a white throat, central white speckles, and fine white edging. It blooms from spring through autumn. 8) ‘Stella’ Has strap-shaped leaves of a very rich shade. The flowers are of an even richer tone of purple with subtle streaking, veining and gradation in a slightly darker violet so as to produce a shifting colour effect. The rich, deep hues and the gradation produce the effect of the petals appearing to be glossy. This variety blooms from spring through autumn. 9) ‘Watermelon Wine’ Has foliage of a very pleasing bright mid-green shade. The spectacular flowers are of a single colour, a solid lipstick red with slightly darker shadings on the lower petals which only enhances the intensity of the hue. It blooms from spring through autumn. 10) ‘Anne’ Has spanking bright green leaves that are particularly wrinkled and textured. It is one of the few varieties to produce double flowers with the inner petals being ruffled or half-closed. The flowers are ‘selfs’ in a tone of intense violet all through. It does not bloom as long as most other varieties, producing flowers from mid-spring to early autumn. 11) ‘Zoe’ Has attractive foliage of nearly an emerald green tone. It produces flowers with extraordinary colourations. Each flower is in a gradated shade of purple from pale lilac to deep, rich purple with veining in darker shades over lighter shades all over. Streaks of deep purple run out from the throat on the three lower petals which are further embellished with creamy yellow in the throat and the medial sides, just as the upper petals are similarly accented with white. It blooms from spring through autumn. 12) ‘Polka-Dot Purple’ Has leaves of a particularly light, bright green. It produces trumpet-shaped flowers that are quite startling. They are of a deep, rich purple hue with white streaks radiating from the centre, broad white edging, and very many white speckles or ‘polka dots’. The overall effect is one of purple and white marbling of a kind. This fantastic variety blooms year-round. References 1. Ornamental AGM Plants. (2021c, July). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf 2. Buy RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2010 Streptocarpus “Harlequin Blue (PBR).” (n.d.). RHS Plants. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.rhsplants.co.uk/plants/_/streptocarpus-harlequin-blue-pbr/classid.2000035807/
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20 Phlox Varieties With Dainty Flowers: Each Of These Is An RHS AGM Award-Winner
IN THIS GUIDE 1) P. ‘Kelly’s Eye’ 2) P. douglasii ‘Red Admiral’ 3) P. subulata ‘McDaniel’s Cushion’ 4) P. subulata ‘Red Wings’ 5) P. divaricata subsp. laphamii ‘Chattahoochee’ 6) P. paniculata ‘Mother of Pearl’ 7) P. paniculata ‘Monica Lynden-Bell’ 8) P. paniculata ‘Velvet Flame’ 9) P. maculata ‘Natascha’ 10) P. × arendsii ‘Luc’s Lilac’ 11) P. paniculata ‘White Admiral’ 12) P. paniculata ‘Franz Schubert’ 13) P. paniculata Peacock Cherry Red 14) P. paniculata ‘Le Mahdi’ 15) P. maculata ‘Alpha’ 16) P. maculata ‘Omega’ 17) P. glaberrima ‘Bill Baker’ 18) P. paniculata ‘Visions’ 19) P. paniculata ‘David’s Lavender’ 20) P. paniculata ‘The King’ The dainty flowers of this fully hardy perennial are usually in pinks and purples but some varieties produce white and red blooms too. Phlox cultivars descend from the hybridisation of several different species. As a result, they range from a dinky 10cm in height up to 1.25m. This plant’s diversity extends to its habits: they come in mat-forming, clump-forming, bushy, and upright types with dozens of varieties of each habit. Phlox plants also have varieties that are perfect for rockeries, containers, borders, beds, mass plantings – and everything else. What’s more, many varieties are butterfly magnets, just as many are scented and fragrant, and some are both. Boasting so many attractions, it is to be expected that about 90 phlox varieties are recipients of the RHS’s Award of Garden Merit. Little wonder, then, that all of my top picks in this list are AGM winners. Here are my favourite 20 of these beautiful deciduous perennials: 1) P. ‘Kelly’s Eye’ COMMON NAME(S): Phlox ‘Kelly’s Eye’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Pink and purple FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SIZE: Up to 10cm in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Growing to about 12cm with a similar spread, ‘Kelly’s Eye’ has pointy deep green leaves which are marvellously set off by the small blush-pink flowers with prominent scarlet eyes. This mat-forming evergreen is an early-flowering type, producing blooms from May. 2) P. douglasii ‘Red Admiral’ COMMON NAME(S): Phlox ‘Red Admiral’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERS: Red FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SIZE: 0.1-0.5m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread At the upper end of the mat-forming types, ‘Red Admiral’ rises to about 15cm. It has deep green pointed foliage that is evergreen. The 1.5cm flowers are lustrous magenta crimson and are produced in profusion from May into mid-summer. 3) P. subulata ‘McDaniel’s Cushion’ COMMON NAME(S): Moss phlox ‘McDaniel’s cushion’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERS: Pink FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SIZE: Up to 10cm in height, 0.1-0.5m spread One of the most popular mat-forming varieties, ‘McDaniel’s Cushion’ is only 10cm tall but its flowers are comparatively big at 3cm across and are of a striking, candy pink tone. Its evergreen foliage is of a brilliant deep green hue. 4) P. subulata ‘Red Wings’ COMMON NAME(S): Moss phlox ‘red wings’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERS: Red FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SIZE: Up to 10cm in height, 0.1-0.5m spread One of the runaway winners in the mat-forming popularity sweepstakes, ‘Red Wings’ features evergreen foliage of a rich, deep tone and grows to about 12cm. Blooming from May, its flowers are of a bright purplish-pink tone with a vivid carmine eye. 5) P. divaricata subsp. laphamii ‘Chattahoochee’ COMMON NAME(S): Sweet William ‘chattahoochee’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Purple and blue FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: Up to 10cm in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Rising to about 15cm, ‘Chattahoochee’ has lanceolate foliage and displays purplish stems which are ornamental in their own right. This summer-blooming, mat-forming variety bears gently-scented flowers in clusters; they are of a soothing lilac shade centred with purple eyes. “Phlox ‘Chattahoochee’ is a cultivar of a subspecies of P. divaricata, a woodland plant,” says Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “It will grow in partial or full shade and I love growing it under trees, where its flowers will follow on from late spring bulbs from May to June.” 6) P. paniculata ‘Mother of Pearl’ COMMON NAME(S): Perennial phlox ‘Mother of Pearl’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Pink and white FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Rising to about 75cm and exhibiting deep, dark green lanceolate leaves, ‘Mother of Pearl’ features fragrant flowers of a most unusual pink-tinged chalky white shade. This clump-forming, deciduous perennial produces these flowers in panicles from mid-summer into autumn. 7) P. paniculata ‘Monica Lynden-Bell’ COMMON NAME(S): Perennial phlox ‘Monica Lynden-Bell’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Pink FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread A clump-forming, deciduous perennial that reaches up to 80cm, ‘Monica Lynden-Bell’ displays foliage of an appealing hue of rich green. The scented flowers that appear from mid-summer are of even more appealing hues that vary from pink-suffused white to soft baby pink. 8) P. paniculata ‘Velvet Flame’ COMMON NAME(S): Perennial phlox ‘velvet flame’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Purple and white FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Featuring brilliant green ovate foliage and about 60cm tall, ‘Velvet Flame’ lives up to its name; its flowers, besides being fragrant, exhibit a velvety sheen. Appearing from mid-summer to autumn, they are rich magenta-purple with a large white eye. This is a clump-forming variety. 9) P. maculata ‘Natascha’ COMMON NAME(S): Meadow phlox ‘Natascha’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Pink and white FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Growing to about 90cm with pretty bright green linear leaves, ‘Natascha’ has a relatively short flowering season between June and July. However, it makes up for it by producing copious clump-forming clusters of fragrant bi-coloured blooms with delightful light pink and white radial stripes. 10) P. × arendsii ‘Luc’s Lilac’ COMMON NAME(S): Phlox ‘Luc’s Lilac’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Pink and purple FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread Though of a clump-forming habit, heights of 1m are common for ‘Luc’s Lilac.’ This deciduous perennial retires earlier than usual in autumn but the ovate leaves are of a very striking intense green, while the scented flowers are of a rich mauve-purple tone. 11) P. paniculata ‘White Admiral’ COMMON NAME(S): Perennial phlox ‘White Admiral’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: White FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 0.5-1cm in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Though technically of a bushy habit, one may mistake the 90cm tall ‘White Admiral’ for an upright variety. It has rich, dark green lanceolate leaves and its dense panicles of very fragrant snow-white flowers, which bloom for about two months, are simply magical. 12) P. paniculata ‘Franz Schubert’ COMMON NAME(S): Perennial phlox ‘Franz Schubert’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Purple FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread Of a bushy habit but liable to be mistaken for an upright type, ‘Franz Schubert’ frequently crosses the 1m mark in height. It puts on a lovely show in summer, as it bears gradated flowers that are light purple near the centre and soften to pale pink around the edges. 13) P. paniculata Peacock Cherry Red COMMON NAME(S): Perennial phlox HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Pink FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread A bushy, deciduous perennial growing to about 60cm, ‘Peacock Cherry Red’ has lanceolate leaves of a brilliant green shade. Even more brilliant are the clusters of dusky pink-red flowers that it produces from mid-summer, with the bonus of a sweet scent. 14) P. paniculata ‘Le Mahdi’ COMMON NAME(S): Perennial phlox ‘Le Mahdi’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Purple FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Rising to about 1m and not boasting a long flowering season, the bushy type ‘Le Mahdi’ flaunts other charms. It has dark, smoky green foliage which is more than matched by lustrous flowers of a saturated magenta-purple tone, which also exude a fragrance as sensuous as their colour. 15) P. maculata ‘Alpha’ COMMON NAME(S): Meadow phlox ‘Alpha’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERS: Pink FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Growing to about 90cm, ‘Alpha’ tends to get started early in the season, and also winds up on the early side in autumn. It has light, bright green foliage over which it bears panicles of fragrant little flowers of a light and bright magenta-pink hue. This variety is a bushy type. 16) P. maculata ‘Omega’ COMMON NAME(S): Meadow phlox ‘omega’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERS: Red and white FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Growing to about 90cm and one of the short-flowering varieties, ‘Omega’ has unremarkable foliage but has truly remarkable flowers which it bears in panicles. The 2.5cm blooms are wonderfully fragrant and are pure white with a salmon-pink eye. ‘Omega’ is an upright type of phlox. 17) P. glaberrima ‘Bill Baker’ COMMON NAME(S): Smooth phlox ‘Bill Baker’ HARDINESS RATING: H6 FLOWERS: Pink FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 0.1-0.5m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Rising to only 40-50cm, ‘Bill Baker’ is an upright, deciduous perennial that has pretty foliage with linear-lanceolate leaves of a soothing mid-green shade. It produces delightful little flowers that are of a soft baby pink tone with white centres and which have a silky sheen. 18) P. paniculata ‘Visions’ COMMON NAME(S): Perennial phlox ‘visions’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Pink FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread Growing up to 1.2m tall and displaying lance-shaped leaves of a fresh, bright green shade, the upright ‘Visions’ starts early in spring and finishes up by autumn. In mid-summer, it produces clusters of salver-shaped, fragrant flowers of a purplish-pink hue with magenta centres. 19) P. paniculata ‘David’s Lavender’ COMMON NAME(S): Phlox ‘David’s Lavender’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Purple FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread Technically of an upright habit, ‘David’s Lavender’ forms mounds and may be mistaken for a bushy type. Its elliptic leaves are of a rich deep green and the clusters of scented flowers it bears in summer range in colouration from pink through lavender to mauve. 20) P. paniculata ‘The King’ COMMON NAME(S): Phlox ‘The King’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Pink and purple FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread A very tall, upright variety that often reaches a stately 1.2m – ‘The King’ is aptly named because its dense, rounded clusters of fragrant purplish flowers are often of a rich royal violet tone. The rich deep green shade of the foliage provides a fine backdrop for the intensely-coloured blooms.
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15 Astonishing Columbine Flowers Including Alpine And Woodland Species
IN THIS GUIDE 1) A. alpina 2) A. atrata 3) A. ‘Crimson Star’ 4) A. flabellata var. pumila 5) A. formosa 6) A. ‘Dove’ 7) A. vulgaris var. stellata ‘Black Barlow’ 8) A. vulgaris var. stellata ‘Ruby Port’ 9) A. ‘Blue Star’ 10) A. viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ 11) A. ‘Roundway Chocolate’ 12) A. chrysantha ‘Texas Yellow’ 13) A. vulgaris ‘William Guinness’ 14) A. ‘Origami Red And White’ 15) A. coerulea References Aquilegias, also known as columbines or Granny’s bonnet, have decorated meadows, plains, hilltops and riversides in cooler climates for many a year. “A classic cottage garden plant, Aquilegia is a versatile garden plant,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly. “Most will favour a bright spot with some shade but the alpine species will favour full sun with sharper drainage, whilst the woodland species will prefer more shade. “Choose your favourite flower but make sure it will thrive where you want to put it too!” Now, thanks to their ease of cultivation and colourful blossoms, these deciduous perennials reside in thousands of gardens around the country. Self-seeding and irresistible to bumblebees, they’re a hassle-free addition to any display. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular varieties of Aquilegia grown in the UK, all of which flower in the spring and summer months: 1) A. alpina COMMON NAME(S): Alpine Columbine / Breath of God HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Blue/Purple and white SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade The classic columbine wildflower, Aquilegia alpina has pendent, droopy, spurred flowers with eye-pulling yet soothing shades ranging from deep blue to deep purple. Their coloured sepals are almost as mesmerising as the spurred ones within, making for a truly striking specimen. As the name suggests, they favour alpine climates and are found in abundance on hillsides and mountaintops. They grow up to 80cm in height and burst forth with their floral display each spring. 2) A. atrata COMMON NAME(S): Dark Columbine HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Purple and black SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade A pendent maroon-black flower with velvety petals and pronounced spurs, this is one of the smokiest and sultriest of Aquilegias. It grows up to 60cm in height but will comfortably outshine taller plants in its vicinity. It’s immediately recognisable for the sharp contrast between its dark petals and bright yellow stamen, with the former earning it the colloquial nickname of ‘dark columbine’. A show-stopper of a border plant. 3) A. ‘Crimson Star’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Red and white SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Lush red petals, two-toned corolla, and a brush of golden stamens make this upward-facing star-shaped cultivar possibly the most sensuous variety. Its bright blossoms will light up your outdoor display from late spring through early summer. Though its lifespan is on the shorter side, it’s a prolific self-seeder so you needn’t worry about its resurgence the following season. 4) A. flabellata var. pumila COMMON NAME(S): Dwarf fan-shaped columbine HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Blue and cream SUNLIGHT: Part Shade This upward-facing star-shaped flower is delicate and dainty, with a striking purple hue that is so rich and appealing as to hold the eye on its own. The creamy tips of its corolla, offset by the vibrant yellow stamen, take the breath away. A dwarf variety of columbine, this species grows to a mere 15cm in height, making it ideal for more compact spaces. However, despite its diminutive dimensions, it will still more than hold its own in aesthetic terms compared to much taller alternatives. 5) A. formosa COMMON NAME(S): Crimson columbine HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Red and yellow SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Known variously as the crimson columbine, the Western columbine or the red columbine, Aquilegia formosa is native to the western regions of North America.1 Pendent, with spurs projecting upward and yellow stamens downward, the vermilion and buttercup colour combination radiates a warm glow. It’s easy to cultivate and makes for an excellent cut flower. 6) A. ‘Dove’ COMMON NAME(S): Columbine ‘Dove’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: White SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Upward-facing, long-spurred, and pure, snowy white, this cultivar exudes simple elegance and is an understated showstopper. The brilliance of its petals is complemented beautifully by the purple of its sepal (replicated in the heart of the corolla), the lush green of the leaves and the yellow of the stamen. The plant is capable of reaching around 45cm in height, with its petals reaching almost a fifth of that length. While the flower-heads are undoubtedly the star of the show, the fernlike foliage beneath is attractive in its own right. This cultivar is from the Songbird Series. 7) A. vulgaris var. stellata ‘Black Barlow’ COMMON NAME(S): Columbine ‘Black Barlow’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Purple SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade How many black flowers can you think of? They are quite rare in the horticultural world. Just about the most dramatic cultivar, the upward-facing, stiff black petals of ‘Black Barlow’ catch – and hold – the eye. Aside from the musky appeal of its pompon-like flowers, this variety is also prized for its height. Capable of reaching 90cm, it towers above other specimens with ominous authority, bringing energy and excitement to any setting. 8) A. vulgaris var. stellata ‘Ruby Port’ COMMON NAME(S): Columbine ‘Ruby Port’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Red SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Somewhat unusual in being fully double yet pendent, the rich ruby port shade of its petals makes a stunning contrast with light green foliage and bright yellow stamen. It’s a mid-sized cultivar capable of exceeding 70cm in height, with the stems themselves the same deep red of the flowerheads. It’s most certainly the blossoms which take centre stage with this variety thanks to their unique, almost pinecone-like structure. 9) A. ‘Blue Star’ COMMON NAME(S): Columbine ‘Blue Star’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Blue, purple and white SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Despite its name, the blooms of this cultivar resemble more purple than blue. Combined with bold green leaves, a pure white corolla and protruding yellow stamen, this is one of the loveliest and most sweetly charming of columbines. They’re popular for the size of their blooms (sometimes reaching 10cm in diameter) and their flowering period, since they burst into life at the beginning of spring when much of the rest of the garden has yet to waken from its winter slumber. 10) A. viridiflora ‘Chocolate Soldier’ COMMON NAME(S): Columbine ‘Chocolate Soldier’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Brown, purple and green SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Everything about this specimen is smaller and shyer than many of its counterparts. The downward-facing cup-shaped blossoms come in a humble hue of purplish-brown, with green sepals adding variety and yellow stamen bringing modest panache. It’s also a dwarf species, meaning it’ll only ever reach around 35cm in height. That makes it ideal for filling vacant space in a sunny border or adding intrigue to a busy rockery. 11) A. ‘Roundway Chocolate’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Brown and orange SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Sticking with the chocolate theme, this cultivar is somewhat similar to ‘Ruby Port’ in the rusty red and double-flowering nature of its blossoms. It certainly doesn’t resemble chocolate, whatever those who named the plant might have supposed. It’s also on the smaller side for Aquilegias, reaching just 30cm. The fieriness of its red flowerhead works well with similarly hot colours in a sunny border. Alternatively, you could arrange them alongside plants which have dark flowers or foliage to provide a pleasing contrast. 12) A. chrysantha ‘Texas Yellow’ COMMON NAME(S): Columbine ‘Yellow Queen’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Yellow SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Unlike many of the cultivars mentioned on this list, ‘Texas Yellow’ doesn’t trifle with two-tones and multi-colours. Instead, it does what it says on the tin, with bright lemony blooms bobbing atop bold green stems. Capable of reaching a very respectable 80cm in height, it’s excellent for positioning at the rear of borders in cottage-garden displays. It will flourish in full sun but can handle partial shade tolerably well, too. 13) A. vulgaris ‘William Guinness’ COMMON NAME(S): Columbine ‘William Guiness’ HARDINESS RATING: H7 FLOWERS: Purple and white SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade More drama is now in the shape of ‘William Guinness’, which catches the eye with its two-toned corolla. The inner part of the petals is a deep dark purple (bordering on black), which is replicated in the sepals. The outer area is pure white. Flowering in late spring and early summer, this variety can reach 75cm in height and will do well in full sun or partial shade. 14) A. ‘Origami Red And White’ COMMON NAME(S): Columbine ‘Origami Red and White’ HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Red and white SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Each spring, this cultivar will explode into life with a profusion of crimson, pink and white blossoms. The sepals are of such length and such a profound shade of red that they overshadow the greenery beneath, while the contrast of the white petals and yellow stamen completes the picture. ‘Origami Red and White’ reaches around 60cm in height and is perfect for underplanting rose bushes and shrubs. This stunning specimen won’t look out of place in cottage gardens and ornamental displays. 15) A. coerulea COMMON NAME(S): Rocky Mountain columbine HARDINESS RATING: H5 FLOWERS: Blue and white SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Part Shade Informally known as the Rocky Mountain columbine, there are no prizes for guessing where this dainty specimen comes from. It’s an upright plant that grows to a mere 35cm in height, but what it lacks in stature, it makes up for in elegance. The green, many-lobed leaflets have hairy undersides, providing a dense and furry backdrop to the pale-to-deep-blue sepals and brilliant white petals (complete with slender pointed spurs) atop them. This variety is great for borders and beds. References 1. Aquilegia formosa. (n.d.). US Forest Service. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/beauty/columbines/aquilegia_formosa.shtml
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16 Auricula Varieties Chosen By Gardeners, With Many Incredible Award-Winners
IN THIS GUIDE 1) P. auricula 2) P. × pubescens 3) P. ‘Eden Goldfinch’ 4) P. auricula ‘Lucy Locket’ 5) P. auricula ‘Piers Telford’ 6) P. auricula hort. ‘Joyce’ 7) P. auricula ‘Piglet’ 8) P. auricula ‘Golden Hind’ 9) P. auricula ‘Red Gauntlet’ 10) P. auricula ‘Remus’ 11) P. auricula ‘Benny Green’ 12) P. auricula ‘Maggie’ 13) P. ‘Pinstripe’ 14) P. auricula ‘Blush Baby’ 15) P. auricula hort. ‘Monet’ 16) P. auricula ‘Nantenan’ Varieties Explained References The vernacular word ‘Auricula’ is an umbrella term that encompasses (plants in) Genus Primula, the hybrids developed by crossing Primula auricula and Primula hirsuta – and the innumerable cultivars developed from them. These plants belong to Family Primulaceae, or the Primrose Family.1 Genus Primula has approximately 521 confirmed or accepted species.2 ‘Charles Rennie’ Auricula hybrids and cultivars number in the few thousands.3 Species, hybrids or cultivars – these plants are herbaceous, evergreen perennials. “I love an Auricula display but have always been a bit wary of starting with one and ending up with a greenhouse full!” shares Colin Skelly, Master Horticulturist. “That said, I have been tempted over the years at flower shows and have five different types and make a mini-display by my front door when they’re in flower. “Even with a small number, Auriculas make a cheerful display indoors or out in late spring or early summer.” 1) P. auricula One of the ‘fundamental’ species and is one of only nine Auriculas to have received the RHS’s Award of Garden Merit. It bears brilliant yellow 2cm flowers with the typical farinose disk, and with a distinct fragrance. It has a clump-forming habit and can reach half-a-metre in height. 2) P. × pubescens Similarly a ‘fundamental’ hybrid and has also been accorded the Award of Garden Merit. It bears 2cm wide fragrant flowers with white, creamy, or yellow farina and is usually pink or purple in colour, but also white or red. This plant too has a clump-forming habit and is about 10 centimetres. 3) P. ‘Eden Goldfinch’ Type: Border / Garden Can hardly be matched for its bright cheeriness; the colours of sunshine are displayed by this variety: a yellow eye is surrounded by a cream-yellow disk progressing to flame-orange feathering into a ground of rich, bright sunshine yellow. 4) P. auricula ‘Lucy Locket’ Type: Border / Garden Features a flower as sedate and restrained as its name would seem to suggest. Yellow eyes and a hard white centre may be ‘normal’ but the soft pale ochre ground is a sharp change from the usual brilliant tones. 5) P. auricula ‘Piers Telford’ Type: Alpine A popular variety with colours that are deep and rich and can add some lovely contrast. The central disk is a bright yellow adjoining which the petals start from blackish maroon, fade to red, and finish in pale orange. 6) P. auricula hort. ‘Joyce’ Type: Border / Garden This variety also has contrast and displays intense colouration. The creamy-coloured disk is adjoined by violet petals that start nearly black, fading to violet, and further fading to a border of medium purple. 7) P. auricula ‘Piglet’ Type: Double Puts out flowers replete with ruffles and frills that go perfectly with its baby pink colour, ranging from purplish-pink near the centre to pale pink near the border. The layman could be forgiven for confusing it with a carnation! 8) P. auricula ‘Golden Hind’ Type: Double Could be called a two-in-one Double as the ruffled petals are bright yellow with crimson to rose daubs at the base of the petals feathering into the yellow, similar to Edged Shows. Unlike most doubles it has a sweet scent. 9) P. auricula ‘Red Gauntlet’ Type: Self Show ‘Basic’ and stunning: the usual yellow eye is surrounded by a pure white farina which makes for a brilliant contrast with the ground of the deepest, richest, hard red. 10) P. auricula ‘Remus’ Type: Self Show Has the usual yellow eye and a pure white farina with a ground colour of the deepest, richest, royal purple. It is simple yet stellar. 11) P. auricula ‘Benny Green’ Type: Edged Show Virtually a four-colour variety starting off with a bright yellow eye and a creamy white disk. What ‘makes’ this variety is the extraordinary opposite-colour contrast between the green edge and the rich red-purple ground colour with appealing ‘ink bleeds’ into the edge. 12) P. auricula ‘Maggie’ Type: Edged Show An exceptional variety because of the absence of green and its ‘classic’ colour scheme. The eye is a deep yellow. The white disk is nearly matched by the off-white or grey-white edge in-between which a burgundy-black ground shows heavy and uneven feathering into the edge. 13) P. ‘Pinstripe’ Type: Striped Show Does not have a very descriptive name. It has a yellow eye; the pure white disk is surrounded by a very deep purplish-burgundy hue that is streaked and striped with white, which shade predominates at the rim. 14) P. auricula ‘Blush Baby’ Type: Striped Show This one is for you if you like the white-and-red colour combination. While it has yellow eyes, the optical ‘hit’ lies in the pure white disk with bright rose-red petals that are brushed with white striping. 15) P. auricula hort. ‘Monet’ Type: Fancy Show Aptly named because it does remind one of the Impressionist palette and style. A creamy centre is surrounded by petals that subtly gradate and have gentle shadings between pale yellow and pale pink, with some ‘brushstrokes’ of pale lime green. 16) P. auricula ‘Nantenan’ Type: Fancy Show Has a prominent yellow eye and white disk outside which the ground colour of bluish-green is interspersed with radial strokes and streaks of yellow that match the eye, and fade and gradate into the ground colour in a gently complementary colour scheme. Varieties Explained As highly-cultivated plants that bear show flowers, Auricula varieties are divided and sub-divided into types and sub-types with highly-specific inclusions and exclusions of characteristics primarily related to pattern and secondarily to colouration. The vast majority of cultivar plants are of clump-forming habits and are from 20-40cm tall. P. auricula ‘Gizabroon’ They have a short but spectacular flowering season for only about two months in spring with May being the happiest month. The strongest types and most trouble-free to grow are Border Auriculas or Garden Auriculas. These have a white or cream-gold central disk (without farina) with the petals being in a single, though not necessarily solid, colour. Alpine Types These are show flowers and are subject to rigorous specifications and restrictions. Specialists sub-divide them further into Light Centred, Gold Centred, and Laced. The corolla is sharply gradated from a darker hue near the centre to a lighter one at the rim. These types do not have any farina or meal on flower or foliage. Show Types The specifications and restrictions go double for Show Auriculas, which are subdivided into Self, Edged, Striped, and Fancy sub-types. Self Shows have a white or creamy farina with the petals in a solid, even-toned colour. Edged Shows display reduced ground colour in the form of a feathered ring between the disk and the edge, which is usually green and is more like a band than a mere ‘edge’. Striped Shows have distinct radial striping, be it streaks, stripes or bands, from disk to rim. Finally, Fancy Shows are a basket class without highly specific restrictions into which any show type that does not fall into the three rigorously-described sub-types may be placed. Double Types ‘Forest Scherbet’ Finally, Double Auriculas are those with two or more rows of folded and ruffled petals such that they obscure the central disk. References 1. The BRAHMS Project, University of Oxford, Department of Plant Sciences. (n.d.-b). Primula auricula. Oxford University Plants. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/Profiles/OP/Primulaa 2. Primula. (n.d.-b). Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30005261-2#children 3. Auricula cultivation. (n.d.). NAPS. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from https://www.southernauriculaprimula.org/auriculas
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