As the national collection holder of the Genus Osmanthus I thought it about time to feature at least one and the one I’ve chosen is the above as I have a half good picture of it. It is a hardy evergreen shrub to about 2metres with handsome gold variegated holly like leaves that would be …
The hardiest of its Genus the coral tree adds quite a touch of the exotic to any garden with its thick spine covered branches and brilliant red pea flowers during the warmer months. The trifoliate leaves are also telling in the garden, and it will grow well in full sun in any well drained site. …
This Chinese shrub will grow to about 2metres or so with narrow semi-evergreen leaves and a light airy framework. the leaves are bright green and willow like and those that do shed in autumn turn soft pinky-orange. It has small chocolate coloured flowers in spring that for this Genus are quite showy and then the …
This has to be one of the most indestructible plants I grow so could be something everyone should plant except it would then be as common as muck which it is in Europe and America! It can be grown as a lax shrubby ground cover , trailed over a large bank or espaliered along a …
You rarely see the Chinese fringe tree (or its American counterpart) planted in gardens and it is due to the fact that their are quite difficult to propagate so are rarely offered or asked for! This is a true shame as it is a hardy and stunning late spring flowering small tree ideal for a …
The Chinese silver vein creeper has to be one of the most useful climbers I grow for all of the following reasons. It will grow well in sun or shade and is about the only autumn colouring plant I know that will turn stunning shades in either. The leaves in shade will however have the …
This Australian bred Canna hybrid is possibly the best red one in existence with its huge rounded bright red flowers with a very fine gold edge to the petals. It has bright green paddle like leaves and grows only to about 1 to 1.5 metres tall. It was bred by Mrs. Reis in Queensland now …
this plant isn’t going to set the world on fire but I think it is an interesting and worthy addition to the garden for the following reasons. Most importantly I imported it!!!! But seriously it is an interesting evergreen shrub to 2 to 3metres with handsome evergreen leaves on a shrub with a tiered branch …
This tough as they come dwarf herbaceous perennial was something I originally imported from Beth Chatto’s nursery in England although I seem not to have been the only one. As the accompanying picture attests its spring foliage is ruby coloured turning slowly grey-green and its heads of bright green flowers are a stunning complement to …
The Canadian Blood Root is a stunning if ephemeral woodlander from “you guessed it” as well as the USA. The single poppy flowers last only a few days but what a joy they are. The green scalloped leaves are charming and will keep you entertained for months afterward and as it doesn’t take up all …