Category: Woodlanders
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Disporopsis pernyi
This charming woodlander from Asia has glossy rich green foliage on arching stems rather like a small Solomons Seal below which it produces drooping white and green bells in spring which are then followed by blue-black berries. a cool moist aspect is the go in much the same way as you would treat a Hosta.
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
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 filiformis ‘Painter’s Palette’
If you don’t like variegation don’t read on! This herbaceous perennial has to have some not the most over the top leaf colour of any cold hardy plant and I for one love it! It grows to about 60cms. or so and builds into a substantial clump in a fairly short time. The large leaves
Stephen Ryan
Atropa belladonna
Yes this is the feared deadly nightshade but you have to eat it!!!!! If we only knew how many poisonous plants we have in the garden and let it worry us we would probably stop gardening. If the kiddies are a worry then train them to eat things that come in punnets. This plant is
Stephen Ryan
Dysosma pleianthum
This handsome perennial comes from the cool forests of central and south eastern China and is a great addition to a shaded aspect in the garden or as a tub specimen. It is mainly about leaves which come up in spring and can still be telling in the autumn. They are huge plate like affairs
Stephen Ryan
Cyclamen cilicium
This charming little species is rarely grown in Australia and for no god reason as it is hardy, showy and self seeds well in a semi-shaded aspect in Southern Australia. Perhaps as it is autumnal in flower it is overlooked for the more common species of C. hederifolium which is better known and also worth
Stephen Ryan
Polygonatum falcatum ‘Variegatum’
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
Stephen Ryan
Smyrnium perfoliatum
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
Stephen Ryan
Anemone flaccida
The smaller anemones make great plants for semi-shaded aspects in moist soil and as such make good bed fellows with such choice things as Trilliums and Erythroniums. Certainly plant the European wood anemones of the nemorosa persuasion and don’t miss this little Japanese beauty. It flowers first every year for me so extends the season
Stephen Ryan