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Parthenocissus henryana
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
Stephen Ryan
Canna ‘The Red Centre’
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
Stephen Ryan
Helwingia chinensis
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
Stephen Ryan
Euphorbia cyparissas ‘Fen’s Ruby’
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
Stephen Ryan
Sanguinaria canadensis
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
Stephen Ryan
Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis ‘Painters Palette’
This isn’t a plant for the timid gardener so I obviously love it! In the non variegated form it is a North American native and worth growing for its green leaves with a red-brown chevron about half way. It also produces spikes of tiny white flowers from deep pink buds at the end of the
Stephen Ryan
Roldana petisitis
Once included in Senecio this soft wooded shrub will quickly grow to 3 metres or so and with its huge round furry leaves make a tropical statement in any garden. In winter it produces large panicles of tiny yellow daisies to add to the fun. It will grow well in sun or shade and although
Stephen Ryan
Viburnum Henryi
This Genus has something for everyone and this Asian evergreen shrub is a bit of an unsung hero of the group. It has narrow evergreen leaves on an elegant open framed shrub to 3or 4 metres. Don’t then use it to screen your weird behaviour from the neighbours! The panicles of tiny flowers are produced
Stephen Ryan
Rubus lineatus
This blackberry relative from Asia must have one of the most beautiful leaves imaginable! The five leaflets are all pleated in a texturally stunning way and even this doesn’t prepare you for the silvery reverse. It is a suckering evergreen shrub to 2.5metres tall that likes a moist soil and some shade from the hottest
Stephen Ryan
Azara Microphylla
This hardy small upright evergreen Chilean tree is a must in the garden with its light upright habit, its tiny gross green leaves and its incredible perfume. I have several around my garden as they make great quick screening plants that don’t grow too wide and I get to appreciate the scent from all over
Stephen Ryan