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Show Diary 2007

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Abutilon vitifolium Hardy form of abutilon with beautiful saucer-shaped, mauve (occasionally white) flowers, most profuse in May/June but occurring throughout the summer. Needs a sunny, sheltered position (ideal for a south or west facing wall) & well drained soil. Hardy shrub, ht. and spread 15' (4.5 metres)

Acanthus mollis The handsome, semi-evergreen foliage of this plant - immortalised in classical architecture - makes a stately addition to the flower border. A warm, sunny spot with well-drained soil will ensure many tall spires of mauve & white flowers in summer; these will be less evident in shade. HP Ht.4' (1.2m) Spread 18" (45cm).

Achillea millefolium 'Cassis' Stunningly rich new shade for maximum border impact and excellent for cutting. HP. Ht.& spread 24" 60cm).

Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' Flat heads of rich, scarlet flowers, centred yellow, above ferny foliage in summer. HP for sun/well drained soil. Ht. 30" (75cm) Spread 18" (45 cm)

Achillea millefolium 'Walter Funcke' Flat heads of scarlet flowers with yellow centres in summer. Ferny foliage. HP for sun & well-drained soil. Ht & spread 2' (60cm)

Aconitum volubile Climbing variety of Monkshood with hooded, purple-blue flowers in late summer. Hardy perennial for sun/part shade in well-drained soil. Ht.6-8' (2-2.5m). Poisonous.

Adenophora confusa Rarely seen member of the campanula family with lovely lilac bellflowers in summer. HP for moist soil in sun/part shade. Ht.2' (60cm) Spread 1' (30cm).

Adenophora takedae howozana Elegant, tall spires of lavender-blue, narrow bellflowers make this the loveliest of border perennials. Rare, yet undemanding. HP for sun/part shade & moist, well-drained soil. Ht.3-4' (1-1.3m) Spread 1' (30cm) or more.

Agapanthus columba Stunning border or tub plant. Tall stems topped with umbels of deep blue flowers above handsome, strap-like foliage. Summer flowering HP (but keep plants in pots frost-free) for sun & humus-rich, well-drained soil. Ht.3’ (1m).

Agapanthus Polar Ice Wonderful white flowered variety of this desirable border/tub plant. Summer flowering HP (but keep plants in pots frost-free) for sun & humus-rich, well-drained soil. Ht.32" (80cm).

Alcea rosea nigra Black flowered hollyhock – really dramatic dark blooms on towering stems. HP for sun & well-drained soil. Ht. 5-6' (1.5-2m) Spread to 2' (60cm).

Allium 'Hair' Recent introduction - we were the first to offer it in the UK. The Dutch grower named it for the green, tendril-like extrusions on the flowerhead.

Allium atropurpureum Similar to A. Purple Sensation but the colour is a shade darker and flowering a little later. Plant them together for an extended border show! Not seen offered elsewhere in the UK.

Allium caeruleum Clump forming, summer flowering bulb with slim stems carrying spherical umbels of star-shaped blue flowers. Ht. 10-30" (25-75cm). Hardy in a sunny site with well-drained soil.

Allium carinatum pulchellum album Clump-forming, summer flowering bulb bearing umbels of pendant, pearl-like flowers. Hardy for sun & well-drained soil. Ht.1-2'(30-60cm) Spread 3-4" (8-10cm).

Allium cernuum Graceful variety, each flowering stem producing up to 30 droplets of deep rose-pink bells. Hardy, summer flowering bulb for well-drained soil in sun. Ht.12-24" (30-60cm) Spread 3-5" (8-12cm).

Allium cristophii AGM Stunning spherical heads of metallic mauve flowers, which remain attractive into winter, long after their summer colour has faded. Hardy bulb, but needs sun and free-draining soil. 12-16" (30-40cm)

Allium flavum AGM A rarely available, charming and distinctive member of the allium family carrying loose umbels of small, golden yellow bells with protruding anthers in summer. A pretty, hardy bulb for sun and well-drained soil. Ht.12" (30cm).

Allium Globemaster AGM Spectacular new introduction, bearing giant aster-violet flowers on strong stems in summer. Hardy bulb for well-drained soil in sun. Ht. 4' (120cm).

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' AGM Selected, dark-flowered form of this species, with deep purple flowerheads. Hardy bulb requiring sun and well-drained soil. Ht. 30"(75cm).

Allium Mount Everest Sought-after variety with large, dense, spherical heads of white flowers on strong stems. Hardy bulb for a sunny, well-drained site. Ht.18"(45cm).

Allium nigrum Rarely available, this allium produces flat heads of white flowers with dark centres in June. Hardy bulb for a sunny position in well-drained soil. Ht. 18" (45cm).

Allium Purple Giant This is a new cross between A. Giganteum and A. Cristophii.

Allium Renaissance This is a new cross between A. Giganteum and A. Purple Sensation.

Allium schubertii Distinctive and unique in its appearance, the unequal length of the flower stalks of this variety give the impression of an exploding firework. Hardy bulb for a sunny, sheltered site with well-drained soil. Ht. 18" (45cm).

Allium Silver Spring A new import from Israel

Allium sphaerocephalon Tall stems of maroon/green drumstick flowerheads in mid-summer, a little later than most varieties of Allium. Stunning in groups amongst lower growing plants. Hardy bulb for sun/light shade in well-drained soil. Ht. 24" (60cm).

Allium stipitatum Huge purple globes on tall stems - almost like a giant Purple Sensation. Rare and stunning variety. Hardy bulb for sun and well-drained soil. Ht.36-48" (90-120cm).

Allium tuberosum 'Chinese Chives' - Open heads of starry, white flowers over a long season from summer to autumn, Hardy bulb for sun & well-drained soil. Ht. 30" (45cm)

Alstroemeria ‘Ligtu Hybrids’ (Peruvian lily) Exotic looking flowers in shades of pink, yellow & orange, with contrast spotting and streaking. Summer flowering border plant, also excellent for cutting. HP for sun & well-drained soil. Ht.18-24” (45-60cm) Spread 2-3’ (60cm-1m).

Amaryllis belladonna AGM Stunning autumn flowering bulb with highly fragrant, trumpet flowers of pale pink atop purple stems, before strappy leaves appear. Hardy, but provide warmest spot possible & keep dry in summer. Ht.20-32” (50-80cm) Spread 12-18” (30-45cm).

Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist' Flowers of true gentian blue smother the tall stems of this sought after plant from early summer. Perennial on well drained soil in sun. Ht. 3’ (90cm). Spread 2’ (60cm)

Anemone blanda ‘Radar’ AGM An old variety now seldom available. Scarcity is reflected in its price. The striking blooms are magenta with a white eye. Spring flowering. 5”.

Anemone blanda ‘Violet Star’ We have not seen this variety offered elsewhere in the UK. A lovely introduction with deep violet flowers with white centres. Spring flowering. 5”.

Anemone blanda blue Spreading. Early spring flowering perennial with deeply lobed grey-green leaves and yellow centred blue daisy flowers, which are long lasting. Happy in full light/semi-shade. Hardy. Ht 4” (10cm).

Anemone blanda White Splendour The lovely white daisy flowers show up particularly well in a semi-shaded spot. Hardy, spring flowering tuber, easily grown in moist, even quite heavy, soil. Ht. 2-4” (5-10cm).

Anemone nemorosa Robinsoniana AGM This delightful woodlander sports the loveliest pale blue flowers in spring. 5”.

Anemone nemorosa Vestal AGM A perfect woodland treasure - pure white, anemone-centred double flowers up to 1” across in spring. HP for humus-rich soil in semi-shade. Ht.4” (10cm).

Anemone nemorosa virescens AGM Excellent and uncommon plant producing whorls of double green bracts which last for many weeks in spring. HP good for dappled shade. Ht.4” (10cm).

Anemone ranunculoides AGM Pretty, deep yellow flowers above green/bronze foliage. Hardy, spring-flowering perennial, naturalising well in dampish semi-shade. Ht.4” (10cm).

Angelica gigas Stunningly decorative form of this stately perennial, with deep wine-red stems and flower umbels. Makes a strong impact on the late summer border. Hardy, for a sunny site. Ht. 3-4’ (1-1.2m). Spread 2’ (60cm).

Anomatheca laxa (syn. Lapeirousia cruenta) Uncommon but easily grown corm of the iris family. Striking, soft red flowers with some darker spotting, followed by attractive red seeds. Hardy in sun/part shade & well-drained, but not dry, soil. Ht.6-12” (15-30cm).

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ Dark-leaved form of cow parsley. Creamy flowerheads in early summer but mostly grown for its foliage. HP for sun/part shade in moist soil. Ht.& spread 2-3’ (60-90cm).

Aquilegia 'Blue Star' A winning combination of blue & white in its flowers make this a particularly pretty variety. HP for sun/part shade. Ht.18” (45cm).

Aquilegia ‘Dorothy’ The loveliest of pale blue flowers above delicate, ferny foliage. Hardy perennial for sun/part shade. Ht. 18” (45cm) Spread 12” (30cm).

Aquilegia ‘Double Pleat’ Exquisite, neatly pleated blooms of purplish-blue & white (occasionally pink & white), like double-tiered skirts, appear in late spring/early summer. 24”-30” (60-75cm). Hardy perennial for a sunny/part shady position.

Aquilegia ‘Magpie’ The near-black and white blooms of this sought-after variety make a stunning addition to the border. Flowering in late spring/early summer in sun or part shade. Ht 3’ (1m). Spread 20” (50cm). Hardy perennial.

Aquilegia ‘Mrs. Scott Elliott’ hybrids The flowers of this variety are of various colours, including many bicolours, and are noted for their long spurs. Ht. 3’ (1m).

Aquilegia Anemoneflora The large, creamy-white many-petalled flowers resemble, as the name suggests, the delicate windflower. Cool and classy, it flowers in early summer in sun or part shade. Ht 3’ (1m). Spread 20” (50cm). Hardy perennial.

Aquilegia canadensis The Canadian columbine has the typical, ferny foliage, but of a darker green than others of the species. The flowers, with yellow sepals and red spurs, are carried over a long period in late spring/early summer. Hardy perennial for sun/part shade. Ht.24” (60cm). Spread 12” (30cm).

Aquilegia chrysantha Vigorous species with beautiful, long-spurred flowers of soft yellow in early summer. Hardy, clump-forming perennial for sun/part shade. Ht 4’ (1.2m) Spread 2’ (60cm).

Aquilegia Dragonfly hybrids A beautiful long-spurred form of this traditional cottage garden favourite. Graceful & clump forming, the delicate yellow or yellow & red flowers are produced May to June. Sun/part shade. Ht 3’(1m) Spread 20”(50cm) Hardy perennial.

Aquilegia grata A rare and beautiful species from Yugoslavia with deepest inky-violet flowers. Spring flowering hardy perennial. Ht. 12-18” (30-75cm).

Aquilegia Nora Barlow Spurless form of columbine with fully double flowers in soft, creamy green tipped rose pink in early summer. Sun/partial shade. Ht 3’ (1m) Spread 20” (50cm). Hardy perennial.

Aquilegia skinneri Rarely offered variety from New Mexico, bearing many bright yellow and red, spurred flowers over a longer period than many columbines. HP for a sunny site. Ht.30” (75cm) Spread 18” (45cm).

Aquilegia viridiflora Unusual, dwarf species with unique flowers of green/dark chocolate, with contrasting golden yellow anthers. Finely cut, silvery-green foliage. Flowers May to June in sun/part shade. Ht 12” (30cm) Spread 9” (23cm). Hardy perennial.

Aquilegia vulgaris vervaeneana Beautifully variegated green & gold foliage is the hallmark of this variety. The flower colours vary in the white/pink/blue range and appear in late spring/early summer. 24”-30” (60-75cm). Hardy perennial for a sunny/part shady spot.

Aquilegia yabeana Rarely seen form of columbine with purple-blue, spurred flowers in May/June - a lovely contrast to yellow flowered/leaved plants in the border. Any soil in sun or partial shade. Ht 24” (60cm) Spread 12” (30cm). Hardy perennial.

Arisaema candidissimum AGM Lovely, pink striped white spathes surround green spadices of tiny, fragrant flowers. One of the best & easiest of this genus. Hardy, tuberous perennial for light shade & humus-rich, well-drained soil. Ht.12” (30cm).

Arisaema griffithii Handsome, cobra-like spathes, purple with lighter veining & netting. Unusual but easy & hardy in a woodland-type setting with humus-rich, well-drained soil. Ht.12” (30cm).

Artemisia Limelight Recent introduction sporting strikingly variegated foliage. A really useful border foil to flowering plants - especially yellows. Hardy perennial for sun. Ht.2’ (60cm) Spreading habit.

Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ Finely-cut, aromatic, silver-grey foliage makes a fine foil for more colourful border subjects. Vigorous, evergreen, hardy sub-shrub for a sunny, well-drained site. Ht. 3’ (90cm) Spread 4’ (1.2m).

Arum italicum Cuckoo pint. Tuberous perennial with attractive, glossy, arrow-shaped leaves. Pale creamy-green spathes appear in late spring, followed by orange-red berries in autumn. Likes moist soil in sun/part shade. Hardy. Ht.6-10” (15-25cm) Spread 8-12” (20-30cm).

Aruncus aethusifolius Unusual dwarf form of A. Sylvester (Goat’s Beard), growing to only 12” (30cm) but with the same fern-like foliage and panicles of white flowers as its larger relative. Summer flowering hardy perennial suitable for any well-drained soil in full light.

Asarina erubescens Evergreen climber with heart-shaped, downy leaves and foxglove-like, rose pink flowers from summer-autumn. Ht. 10’ (3m) or more. Rapid growing but needs frost-free conditions, so treat as an annual outdoors or grow under cover.

Asarum maximum Seldom offered plant with handsome, marbled leaves and striking flowers of maroon-black with white centres. Excellent for ground cover in shade. HP for humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Ht.6” (15cm) Spread 12” (30cm) or more.

Aster incisus Bushy species with more luxuriant foliage than most. Small lilac daisy-like flowers appear from August-Sept. HP for sun & any reasonable soil. Ht.3’ (90cm). Spreading habit.

Aster laevis arcturus Rarely offered variety with striking, dark stems and airy heads of dark blue flowers in late summer/autumn. HP for moist soil. Ht.3.5’ (120cm).

Aster laterifolius ‘Horizontalis’ AGM Excellent border plant – the spring foliage is purple-tinted & in autumn the plant smothers itself in tiny daisy flowers of white, tinged pink, with darker pink centres. Stems extend horizontally (usefully masking neighbouring plants which have ‘gone over’). HP for sun & any reasonable soil. Ht.24” (60cm) Spread 18” (45cm).

Aster radula Most desirable species bearing many sprays of violet rayed, yellow centred flowers in summer. Mildew resistant and sturdy, requiring no support. HP for sun. Ht. to 24” (60cm).

Astrantia ‘Moyra Reid’ An unusual form of masterwort with very large green and grey flowers over a long period and also excellent for cutting. Hardy perennial for sun/part shade. Ht. 24” (60cm) Spread 18” (45cm).

Astrantia major ‘Lars’ Good variety with deep, wine-red flowers above dark foliage & stems. HP for sun/dappled shade & moisture-retentive soil. Ht. 24” (60cm) Spread 18” (45cm).

Astrantia major involucrata The bracts of this variety are much longer than in ‘major’, making flower heads up to 2” across. Our form is creamy-white and green, with no hint of pink. Hardy perennial for sun/part shade, prefers heavy soil. Ht. & spread 24” (60cm).

Astrantia major Pincushion flowers of cream petals tipped with green rise above attractive, palmate foliage. A ‘must’ for the cottage garden being easy, reliable and flowering over a longperiod in summer-autumn. Hardy perennial for sun/part shade. Ht. 24” (60cm) Spread 18” (45cm).

Astrantia major rosea Lovely pink flowered form. HP for sun/part-shade & moist soil. Ht. to 30” (75cm) Spread 18” (45cm).

Astrantia rubra Our strain produces wine-coloured pincushion flowers all summer and into autumn. A much coveted plant when in flower. Hardy perennial for sun/part shade. Ht 24” (60cm) Spread 18” (45cm).