This small genus is usually represented in horticulture by the American species C. virginicus and the Chinese one that is the topic of this blog. However both are worth growing and for sale at the moment in 15cm. pots for $28.50. Both are large deciduous shrubs or small trees that can reach 4 to 5 metres and …
There can’t be a cheerier plant in my garden than this hardy scandent shrub nor one that pays its way more. If grown without support it will arch over and make a mound of spotty golden variegated foliage with yellow petalled flowers with dark stamens and a red calyx. However as the flowers hang down …
The whole Genus is stunning and worth collecting from the commonest old fashioned Solomon’s Seal to the rarest. Most are fairly hardy and require little more than a bit of shade and some winter, spring moisture to get things going. The form I am waxing lyrical about today is a fine example with its arching …
It has been some time since I have had a crop of this highly desirable plant to sell so here it is again. It is not for the faint hearted as even if given ideal conditions (which I will give in due course) it can still die promptly. In fact the best that can usually …
This has to be about the best self seeding biennial or perhaps triennial I have ever introduced into my garden! It has only two seed leaves the first season then Italian parsley like leaves after that and then when it decides to flower it grows to about 60cms tall and looks like a cross between …
This bulb has for a long time been excluded from the Onions into the much harder to spell Genus of Nectaroscordum but thank heaven it is back again! However no matter what it is called it is a fine addition to any garden. It grows during the late winter through the early spring and then …
This stunning evergreen shrub is a native of the cool forests of Tasmania and it usually surprises those that don’t know it as it looks more at home amongst Rhododendrons and azaleas than with Bottle brushes and Eucalyptus. This plant will slowly grow to 2 to 3 metres and has rich deep green serrated leaves …
What flower in the world is more breath taking than that of the tree peony. The size is amazing the texture exotic and the plant is loaded with history. If you want to grow them well a sunny spot without tree root competition is best (if you could grow good vegies you should be able …
Of all the species daffodils this one has to be the most endearing. It has a long trumpet and completely reflexed petals that remind me of donkeys ears. It is a woodlander from Europe that is very rare in the wild and is equally as rare here as a garden plant due to the fact …
This group of hardy perennials is well known for the mauve flowered species T. violacea commonly called society garlic even though its oniony flavour is perhaps marginally useful in cooking. The plant however is a good thing in the garden. Perhaps even less useful in the kitchen because of its tiny stature but none the …