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How to match over 100 stunning flowers, shrubs and trees 10 creole a garden of beaufy How to mix and match over 100 stunning ftowers, shrubs and trees to create a garden of beauty

DAVID SQUIRE

Published by Salamander Books Limited LONDON. NEW YORK A Salamander Book CREDITS

© 1986 Salamander Books ltd., AUTHOR 52 Bedford Row, David Squire brings to this series practical experience both as a gardener London WC1R 4lR, and holder of many horticultural awards (including the Wisley Diploma in United Kingdom Horticulture and the NK Gould Memorial Prize from the international", famous Royal Horticuh:ural Society al Wisley, Surrey] and as the author ISBN 0 86101 2186 of 14 books on gardening. He slililinds time 10 improve and enjoy the Distributed in the UK by colourful garden at his home in West Sussex. Hodder & Stoughton Services, P.O. Box 6, Mill Road, Dunton Green , Sevenoaks, Editor KenlTN132XX Jonathan Elphick

A~ rights reserved. No part of this Designer book may be reproduced. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted Barry Savage in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo­ Colour and monochrome reproductions Melbourne Graphics Ltd., London, England copying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of Filmset Salamander Books Ltd. Modern TexlTypesetting Ltd" England All correspondence concerning the conlent of this volume should be Printed in Belgium addressed to Salamander Books Ltd. by Proost International Book Production, Turnhout

, CONTt:NTS

INTRODUCTION How to Use this Book 6 The Scienoe of Colour Evaluation 8 Using Colour in the Garden 10 Harmonies and Contrasts in Blues and Purples 12 CHAPTER ONE: THE FLOWER BORDER 14 CHAPTER TWO: ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS 46 CHAPTER THREE: CONTAINER GARDENING 68 CHAPTER FOUR: WALL AND TRELLIS FILLERS 76 CHAPTER FIVE: TREES AND SHRUBS 82 fNDEX: Common and Latin Names 92 Picture Credits 96 Introduction

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HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

ardeners are like painters, but with a fresh canvas available G to them only once a year. Borders are planned , plant and seed catalogues aVIdly searched and gleaned for more vibrant and longer-lasting colours, and fellow gardeners consulted . But shaukl you or your fam ily have a liking for flowers of certain colours - perhaps those that contrast with established plants In your garden, blend hapPily against colour-washed walls, or create memories of a cherished display in a wedding bouquet-then you need further help at your elbow. You need a rell8.ble gulCle whICh clearly portrays the range of plants within a partICular part of the colour spectrum, and that IS the purpose of thiS lavishly illustrated all-colour book. The introductory pages explain the nature of light and colour and how diNerent colou rs are measured and defined, according to their hue, value and intensity There IS also useful information on Ihe inftuence of shiny or matt sui1aces, why some colours are dominant and the elfeets of bright sunlight and the shadows of evening Planning colour with the aid of a coIour-c/rcJe is fully covered, and the concept of comptementary and harmOniZing colours IS discussed in detail. The main section of this Creative Gardener's Guide consiSTS of five chapters, de ta iling blue and purple plants in a wide range of garden settings: filling annual and herbaceous borders, adorning rock and naturalized gardens, bringing colour to window-boxes hangmg baskets, troughs and other containers on pallas and terraces, clothing bare walls, cllmbmg trellises or serving as a harmonious framework to knit together the variOUS elements of your garden design, Each plant IS IllusTrated In full colour and clearly deSCribed, including ItS botanical and common names, height and spread (in metric and Imperial units) , cultivation and propagation. Within each chapter the plants are arranged alphabetically according to their botanical names. At the base of each page there are valuable tiPS on uSing combmations of plants to create colour-contrasts, subtle harmonies, focal points and InteresTIng shapes and patterns. Flowers suitable for home decoration are also mentioned. At the end of the book there are two comprehensive indexes. The first lists all common names, indicating if they are used in the British Isles or the United States. The second index is of botanical names, Including synonyms (alternaTIve names). The Inclusion 01 the latter helps you identify plants boTanists have recently re-cIaSSllied and given new names, whICh are freQuently sold under their old, better-known names. This book forms part of the successful series of Creative Gardeners Guides and is designed to help bring further colour and interest TO all gardens, whatever their size and wherever They are. Other books in this ali-COlour series detail the uses of Reds and Pmks, Golds and Yellows, and Whites and Silvers, while further gardening dimenSions are revealed in Ih~ Seemed Garden and Above Cercis siliquaslrum vanegated Garden. Each book forms a comprehensive and Th/s hardy deciduous tree IS conCise guide to a partICular range of colours or garden theme, but commonly known as the Judas when formed IntO a colour library can beneht garden planning In a Tree. Dunng early summer, /1 bears manner few other books have ever achieved, lovely nch rose-pmk flowers. • Above Camassia Quamash Key: ThIS dramatIC purple or blue 1 Cupressus glatJrs PyramKiahS 6 \.t!ronJca prosttara and oeturuas flowered bulbous fJ/ant from 2 Euonymus Iortunet £merakj Gold 7 1pomooa VII)!acea (I rut:Jro..caerulro) North Amenca bnngs colour to 3 Chamaecyoans obIusa Cnp(JS1I 8 Hydrnngea milCfOl)hyla a border dunng mid-summer 4 Agap,mthus 9 Tra~irl\llob!!has and geramums 5 Thymus 'E 8, Anderson' 10 ClemahS montana ruoens Introduction

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THE SCIENCE OF COLOUR RED-PURPLE EVALUATION

What are light and colour?

The vast range of colours we see in our gardens and homes, with their near infinite sUbtleties of quality, shades of light as well as Intensity, can beaccurately measured. But what exactly are lighl and colour? To state coldly and scientifically that they are fo rms of electromagnetic radiation clearly disregards the beauty of colour, but, technically speaking. that;s its nature. Electromagnetic rad iation comes from the sun. and its range is wide, from gamma rays to low-frequency radio waves. But only a very small part of this extensive spectrum is in the form of visible light. from wavelengths at around O'0004mm when the colour is deep violet, through blue, green, yellow, orange and red to deep red, when the waves are O'0007mm. The wavelengths of purple and blue light range from 0,000492 to 0'000455mm See Diagram I , below

DIAG 1

ULTR .... VIOlET

IN FR.... REO

Defining colour

Colours can be conceived as having three dimensions- these have been given Ihe names hue, value and intensity.

Hue This first dimension is the quality by which colours are basically distinguished one from another, such as yellow from red, green, blue or purple. For convenience, the colours SO defined are those that are easily recognized, such as red, yellow, green, blue and viole\. However, the Munsell System in North America defines the principal hues as red, yellow, green, blue and purple, with intermediate ones as yellow-red, green-yellow, blue-green, purple-blue and red-purple In reality these names do no more than define points in a continuous range of hues that form a transitional and continuous band of colour. They are best conceived as a ci rcle of pure colour, containing no white, grey or black If a strip of paper with ten equal divisions is marked and coloured wi th the live principal and five intermediate hues of the Munsell System and held in a circle the continuous range of hues and their rela ti onship one to another can be seen. See Diagram 2, lop right. DIAG 4 " or REO-YEllOW -

GREEN-YEllOW

Value ThiS second dimension defines the Quality by which a hght colour IS distinguished from a dark one This is most eaSily depICted on a scale using black and wh ite as the extremes. When defining the lightness or darkness within a colour, those with dark colou rs are ca lled shades, while those that are light are tints See DIagram 3, centre left. Intensity This third dimension is also known as saturaflon or punty, and in Nonh America as chroma It defines the strength or weakness of a colour-Its brightness or greyness For instance, purple can be highly saturated With colour, or the pigments slowly decreased to a BLUE-GREEN point when It becomes dark grey. Other colours will produce similar results. butlighl hues such as yellow will become light grey, whereas red will become grey See DIagram 4. bottom /eft Colour absorption

When sunhght falls upon coloured surfaces. a few of the colours present in the white light- which contains a mixture of all wavelengths of the Visible spectrum-may be absorbed by the colour and not reflected This is known as colour absorplion and it tends to make primary hues. such as red, blue and yellow, more dominant When white light falls on a white surface, most of the rays are reflected and the subject appears white. This, however, does not apply to all surfaces Blue surfaces absorb red , orange and yellow rays, and scaner blue, together With green, indigo and violet. Yellow surlaces absorb the blues, indigos and violets In white light, reflecting mainly yellow as well as some green, orange and red, while red , the most colour saturated of all hues, absorbs green and blue light but reflects red ThiS IntenSIfication of blues, reds and yellows tends to make them dommant Fully saturated hues reflect no more than two of the primary colours, whereas pink, whICh IS a desaturated red (a pastel shade) reflecls all three of the primary colours but a greater amount of red than of the other two colours. See Diagram 5, below.

DIAG !5 9 Introduction - , USING COLOUR IN THE GARDEN

Colour wheels Colour wheels are frequently used to aid colour planning In the garden. When the great English SCientist Sir Isaac Newton investigated light in the late 16005, he made a wheel formed of seven colours (red. orange, yellow, green, blue, Ind igo and violet), DUring the late 1800s the American scientist A.H. Munsell researched colour assessment based on eQual changes in the visual spectrum. He created a colour wheel formed of five principal coioursCred, yellow, green, blue and purple, with intermediate ones between them). Other wheels have been created USing four colours (red, yellow, green and blue). However, the easiest colour circle to use is formed of three basic hues (red, yellow and blue) with th ree secondary ones (orange, green and violet). The secondary colours are created by overlapping the basic hues. These colour circles indicate complementary colours (those diametrically oPPOSIte) and those that harmonize with each other (those in adjacent segments) Complementary hues are those With no common pigments, while harmonizing ones share the same pigments. Therefore, It can be seen that yellow and violet, blue and orange, red and green are complementary colours, while yellow harmonizes With green and orange, blue With green and violet. and red with orange and violet. ThiS colour-Clrcle IS formed by mixing coloured paints, by the process known as subtractIVe colour mixing. The other methoo of creating colour is by projecting three separate coloured lights (red , green and blue) onto a white surface ThiS process is known as addJlive colour mlxmg and creates colours With a different bias See Diagram 6, of a subtractive colour Circle, below.

YELLOW

DIAG6 ORANGE "' . Below Aubrieta The Vibrant colour of thIS wall plant creates a dramatJe effec1 atxwe a plan/Jng of orange flowers. Shiny and matt surfaces The surface texture of a leaf. flower or stem influences the reflected light and Its effect on the eye. A smooth surface reflects hght at the same angle at which the light hits it. This makes the light purer in colour than the same light reflected from a matt surface. There, the irregularities of the surlace scatter the reflected light and creale an impression of dullness. Another effect of different surface texture is that smooth surlaces appear darker and matt ones lighter. In Nature, however, few plant surfaces are as smooth as glass, and the scattering of reflected light occurs from most of them . See Diagram 7, below

OlAG7 The evening factor

The well-known delight of shepherds to have red sky at night, indicating a fine tomorrow, resul ts from a clear sky as the sun's rays penetrate atmospheric part iCleS and the air mOlecules themselves Even though the sky appears blue, the rays become redder, because blue hght is not created but scattered out of white light ThiS Above Clematis macropetala change to the violet end of the spectrum makes dark colours even This superb climber IS Ideal for darker. Blues and especially purples are made darker, while whites a large contalfJer, where ;/s mauve and yellows are not so dramatically affected. Conversely, bright flowers. harmonizing With the green sunshine glaring down at midday highlights light colours more than foliage. are seen to perfectJOn dark ones, such as blues and purples. " Introduction

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L-____~._~ __~ ______~~ HARMONIES AND CONTRASTS IN BLUE Ranging from delicate pure pale blues to deep pu rples, bright and beautiful is the key to the treasure-house of plants in this book. As a group It ISrhododendrons that create much of the spnng and summer blue shrub colour The range of these shrubs is wide, from the dwarf Rhododendron impedltum, 15-45cm (6In-l }2ft) high and with pale mauve to purple-blue flowers, through the 9Ocm-l 5m (3-5ft) high Blue Diamond', with lavender-blue flowers, to Rhododendron auguslmii, 1'8-3m (G-IOft) high and wi th mauve to dark blue flowers during late spring There are several groups of plants whose mere mention immediately conjures up Images of massed blue These include both shrubs and herbaceous perenmals The evergreen or deciduous ceanothus shrubs from North America (chiefly California) always bong a strong burst of blue for borders or walls, And like many other plants they are often best seen in combinations For example, CeanOlhus x Cascade', with arching branChes bearing small rich blue early summer flowers rises to 3m (10ft) on a wall and can be co-habited with the Mountain Clematis Clematis montana Use the form WilsoM with large while flowers II the rounded evergreen Mexican Orange Blossom shrub Choisya terna/a, wilh orange-scented fOliage and flowers, is set in front of them they form a superb trio of seent and colour Delphiniums and asters are among the best known blue herbaceous plants The tall, stalely delphiniums are not easily merged into a border and are so dislinctive that they are best treated as tall Islands 01 blue spires amid other herbaceous plants. The asters, however, have such a varied height range, from ASler a/pinus at I 5cm (6In) high, With purple-blue daisy-like flowers, to the 90cm (3ft) semi-double Michaelmas DaiSY Aster novi-belgli "Eventide , with violet-blue flowers in late summer Between them are several other asters, Including Aster amellusGoelhe' a145-6Ocm (1.\2- 2ft), wi th pale mauve-blue flowers. Blue Berries and Fruits Here ISa seleclJon of superb blue-berried plants

CalHearpa bodinleri giraldil Hetghl I 5-1 8m (5-6ft) A beaullful deciduous shrub Wllh hlac

Decalsnea largesii Height 21-3m (7-1010 A deciduous shrub wah large 60-9Ocm (2-3ft) long 1ea\leS formed of Ihineen 10 twenty-five leaflets; the mid-summer yellow-green lIowers are 10l1Owed by metallic-blue broad-bean-like fruits, 75-1Ocm (3·4In) long and I' Bem (loin) wide ~----- Viburnum davidii A/xJve Perovskia atriplicilolia HeIght. 75cm-lm (2)2-3Y.!ft) The VIOlet-blue flower SPIkes A dlSllnctJve evergreen Shrub With 5-7 Scm (2-3In) wide flallleads ot white of thIS hardy perennial dominate flowers In mid-summer. tollowed by turqUOIse-blue bernes; both male and the centre of/hIS predominantty female plants must be present tor the proouctlOn 01 berries biue herbaceous border " 6 COMuS coggygnaNolCun's Vanety Above: Aster thompsonii nanus Key ; 7 Robima pseudoacaaaFnsia This lovely 20cm (8in) high rock 1 f'Icea pungens Thomsen' 2 Pinus sy/vestns Aurea 8 Chamaecypan's lawsomana garden plant produces masses of slar·like lavender blue flowers 3 f'Icea pungensGlobosa' 'Columnans' set off by grey.green leaves 4 Hydrangea macrophy/Ia 9 Cedrus derxiara Golden Horizon 5 Salo( x chrysocoma 10 Jumperus chinensis 'Pyramidalis' " CHAPTER ONE

" .... TUt: 'I', - ~ " .- -, - fLOWt:R .,.- \.,. ~ , ." HORDt:R

lue-flowered plants are not renowned for their winter and spring B blooms, and it is usually the start of summer before their impact becomes apparent. Of course, as with every generalization, there are exceptions, like the rosy-purple Rhododendron praecox and other related species that show their colours in lale winter and early spring, But for the main burst of blue, mauve and purple/lowers, we have to wait for early summer, though there is then the reward of enjoying these colours right through to late autumn. Asters are especially famed for late summer and autumn flower colour. Indeed, Aster novae angliae and Aster novi OO/g,i are popularly known as Michaelmas Daisies because they flower on Michaelmas Day, the 29th of September. The flowers are usually still In bloom on Old Mlchaelmas Day, the 10th of October. Introduced into England during the early 1700s, these asters had particular Significance in the calendar 01 many agricultural workers during recent centuries, because their flo wering time coincided with the statute sessions, when wage rates were fixed, The number of blue, mauve or purple hardy herbaceous perennials IS large, rang ing from the popular, upright Purple Cone Flower, Echinacea purpurea, to the reliable dahlias of autumn, treasured as much for CuI flowers as for garden colour. Dahlias vary enormously in size and shape, and their classification is given in detail in thiS chapter, on pages 24-26. Such is the fascination of dahlias that each year we are blessed with new varieties, some to last generations and to become part o f a flower enthusiasts vocabu­ lary, while others soon pass into obSCUrity. Single theme blue borders have immediate impact, thanks to their originality and eye-catching qualities, but they can often be enhanced fu rther with patches of demure while or delicate pale lemon-yellow (but not of blinding bright yellow, which commands too much attention in full sunlight and suppresses the beauty of pastel blue tints), Colours, though, are a personal and often intimate choice, If blue, mauve or violet are your treasured colours, then the plants in thiS and the following tour chapters are bound to appeal 10 you,

l eft Delphinium Thunderstorm', with its startling blue spires, creates a dominant display In both herbaceous and mixed borders Its tall stems should be tied to strong stakes, " THE FLOWER BORDER =Q,

Above Agapanthus praecox This half-hardy evergreen creates dense 5-7 Scm (2-3in) wide heads of pale blue flowers dunng mid ro lalesummer

Agapanthus X 'Headbourne Hybrids' Afn'can Lily (UK) This popular hybrid is hardier than most other species Like Its relauves, it has long, strap-like mid-green ~aves, with stunningly attractive deep VIOlet-blue to pale blue flowers held in large heads like upturned umbrellas during mid 10 late summer, Height 60-75cm (2-2~ft) Spread: 45-6Ocm (t}~-2ft) Cultivation: Fertile, well-drained soil Aconitum wilsonii Above: Aconitum wilsonii and a sheltered position are needed A stalely and erect herbaceous The foliage dies down in autumn, Monkshood Wolfs Bane Helmet perennial, displaylnr;; amethyst-blue With fresh leaves appearing in Flower (UK) hooded flowers dunng late summer spring. Ensure thallhe soil is not Aconite Monkshood (USA) and into autumn It gels one of Its waterlogged during winter This erect hardy herbaceous plant common names, Wolf's Bane, from Propagation: The easiest way to lIS poisonous roots has deepty divKled dark green increase it is by lifting and dividing leaves and Scm (2In) high amethyst­ established clumps in late spring, blue hooded flowers during late and cut the pjants down 10 soil-level just as the new growth makes an summer and Into earty autumn dUring aulumn. appearance Several varielles are available, Propagation: It IS easily Increased including 'Kelmscott Variety' by lifting and dividing established Right Agapanthus x 'Headbourne (lavender-bjue)and 'Barker's Variety' clumps in spring or autumn, Seeds Hybrids' (deep blue). can be sown in boxes of loam-based A beautiful hardy herbaceous plant, Height: 1 2-18m (4-6ft) compost in spring and placed in a but it does not like water-saturated Spread: 45-6Ocm (1 ~- 21t) cold frame, but this method takes a soil dunnfj winter The flowers, Cultivation: DeeP. fertile, mOisture­ couple of years to produce flowenng­ borne In mverted umbrella-like arrangemenrs, appear on stout retentive soil in slight shade suits It SiZed plants that will create a stems dunng mid to late summer best Do not allow the soil to dry o ut. worthwhile, dominant display

Aconitum napellus IS another Monkshood, With Agapanlhus blends well wllh yellow-flowered and deep-blue flowers dUring mid-summer. It blends well Silver-foliaged plants For Silver foliage choose Stachys wilh a backcloth 01 the Venetian Sumach or Smoke lanata, while Achillea fillpendula Coronation Gold' with Tree, COlmus coggygrl8 'FolliS Purpureis' lIS tlaillower heads provkles an ample splash of yellow 2 1 Ageratum houstonianum (Ageratum mexicanum) A half-hardy annual with mid-green, hairy, heart-shaped leaves and 7 5-IOcm (3-4i n) wide clusters of DOW{!ery blUish-mauve Iklwers from early to tale summer Severalsuperb forms are grown, including Blue CaP' and Blue Danube Heighl: 13-3Ocm (5-12In) Spread: 20-3Ocm (6-121n) Cultivation: MOisture-retenbYe sod IS besl. and a poSItIOn In fu!! sun or parMI shade Do nolsel the plants In heavy shade Rem

Below Ageratum houstonianum 'Adriatic Blue' A well-known half-hardy annual for summer-bedding schemes It IS esoeCially eye-catching as a border edgrng and looks good alongSIde gravel paths

Ageratum houstonianum can be used In many bedding combinations. Try an edging of ageratum With a carpellng of orange or salmon anllrrhlnums and dOl ~ants 01 Abu/lIOn stratum (A rhompsonll) " THE FLOWER BORDER " "

Anchusa azurea Aster ameli us Alkanet Italian Bugloss (UK and Italian Starwort (UK) USA) Italian ASler (USA) A brig htly coloured hardy herba­ ThiS well-known herbaceous ceous perennial with lance-shaped perennial from Italy d isplays rough­ mld-green leaves, roug h and hairy suriaced grey-green !eaves and stems, and large bnght blue flowers 5-6'5cm (2-2~in) wide daisy-like similar to forget-me-nots displayed fiowers with golden-yellow centres In large heads dunng mid-summer during L3te summer and Into autumn. There are several superb varielles, Several superb forms are available. including Morning Glory' (bnght Including King George' (solt blue­ blue), 'Opal' (soft blue), 'Royal Blue' violet), 'Nocturne' (lavender-pink), (nch royal blue) and 'Loddon 'Sonia' (large and pink) and 'Violet Royalist (gentian-blue) Queen' (compact and dwarf). H eight: 9Ocm-l '5m C3-SIt ) H eight: 45-6Ocm (1 )2-2ft) Spread: 4S-6Ocm (l}2-2ft) Spread: 38-45cm (15-18in) Cultivation: Deep, fertile, well­ Cultivation: Well-dralned but drained soil in a sunny posItion is mOisture-retentive soH and a sunny best. Anchusas need SUPp:lrt from position SUit it besl It dislikes twiggy sticks, in autumn cut down excessive water dunng autumn and the stems to solHevel wimer In late autumn, cuI down Ihe Propagation: It is easily increased stems to soil-~ from root-cullings. These are best Propagation: Dividing established taken in winter, culling the roots into clumps In spring is the easiest 5cm (2in) fang pieces. AI the stem method of increasing this plant. end of each c utting make a flat cut at Alternallvely, take basal cuntngs right-angles to the stem, while al the root end form a slanting cut. This Below. Aster ameltus' King George' helps to sort oUllhe cultlngs ~ they A large-flov.ered aster. Ihls vanety become mi ~ed up. Insert them ffat has remained popular since it was end upwards in pots or boxes of first bred in 1914. It displays soft blue-VIOlet flowers with dramatically loam-based compost, and put them contrasting golden-yellow centres in a cold frame

Above. Anchusa azurea The beautiful blue flowers appear during mid·summer, creating a strong colour impact The plants need support from tWiggy slicks Iflserted 81 an early stage so that they can grow UP through them

Anchusa azurea looks spectacu~r when grown Asters are among the bnghtest /lowering plants in our against a backclolh of yellow foliage, such as that of gardens. and suit Ixlid plantings in a herbaceous or Ihe Golden Privet (Ligustrum ovallfdium :Aureum'). m ixed oorder. A few asters are small enough 10 be Lady's Mantle (Alchemila mollis) is small enough to be planted In a rock garden setting, such as Aster alplnus set around the front of the anchusa. which is o nly 15cm (6in) tal l. • •

Above Aster amellus 'Nocturne' Aster x frikartii Above Aster)( frikartii 'Monch' ThIS IS an espeoally good brm chat A su{)efb hybnd aster beanng has a compacJ and bushy habit wrrh This bnghtly-coloured hybnd aster Iavender-bJueflowers dunng /are summer and InIO autumn, It IS useful semH;ioubie lavendeN1Ink flowers between A ame/lus and A thofJ1S()(l/l for f)fOVJdlng colour earlier than Free-drammg IS essertlCll for rhIS reveals Scm (2inJ wide blue daiSY­ SCi Aster amelJus vanerles late summer and 8utumn-llowenng like flowers WIIh orange cenlres planlla f)(Oduce a good display dunng late summer and wellmto Unfortunately In areas Of high rain­ autumn The vanety Manch Cultivation: Fertile, well--dramed SOIl fal/ me flowers lend /0 become produces masses 01 clear lavender­ and a sunny posItIOn sufi thiS Hower sodden with water and to be weighed down This can be blue Howers With yellow rayed Dry sod in late summer spells doom, prevenred by covering the fIower­ centres but althe same time exces5jYe heads With 8 tent Of plastIC sheenng H eight: 75cm (2}..f\J wetness from III-<:l ramed soils IS also Spread: 38 45cm (IS-18m) delrlmental Despite Its height It does not need Slaking In autumn, cut the flowered stems down to sod-leveL ASler)l tn"kartil blends well With late flowenng plants some combinatIOns are gillen at the base of the page For a really stunning arrangement. use a mIXture 01 Anemone)l hybrldaSeptember Charm' With clear pmk I\ov.'ers, Aster )l tnkartll Monch' and the pmk Nenne bowdemi 'FenWlCk's Vanety" Set these m front 01 the Chinese shrub Hydrafl(}ea Villose, which bears loose heads 01 pale purple flowers In late summer and early autumn Even a Single combination Of Aster)( fnkartuM6nch and the white Anemone x hybOOaHononne Jobert lOoks lovely Propa~lion : Dividing eslabished clumps In spnng IS the eaSIeSt methCx:l of mcreasing thiS plant_ Alterna~vety. lake basal cunlngs m SPling and put them m a frame

Aster x frikarlii IS useful In herbaceous or m ixed borders. and can be grown with many other plants, such as Anemone x hybnda. Nenne bowdeflil 'Fenwlck'S VarlElty Acanthus moillS and Sedum mS)Clmum Atroptlrpureum " THE FLOWER BORDER

Left. Boraga officinalis ThIS anracwe hardy annual herb bnngs blue flowers /0 rhe garden over a tong penod The fresh yOUng /eaves and flowers can be used In summer salads and frurt cups FlOwers can also be dned for use If) potpourris in rile house

Baraga officinalis Borage {UK} TalfMon CooUankard (USA) This IS a hardy annual, weJl.-known as a culinary herb, WIth leaves used when young and fresh to flavour salads and frUit cups They have a flavour reminiscent of cucumber, and are large, oval, green and covered with hai rs. The/iva-petalled, blue, 18·25mm (~·1 in) wKje flowers appear in pendulous clusters from mid-summer onwards While and pUr~ forms are also available Height: 45-9Ocm (lh-3ft) Spread: 3Q-38cm (12-15In) Cultivation: Although thiS plant WI. grow In most soils, rt does better In well-dralned ground en a sunny position. II is well Sl 'ed to a sunny bank or tor a warm mixed border Propagation: During spnng. sow seeds In shallow drills where lhe plan!s are to lIower. When they are large enoug h to hand~. thin the seedlings to 25-3OCm (10'12In) apart lor strong. healthy growth Campanula lactiflora Mtfky Bellflower (UK) ThiS beauntul hardy herbaceous perenmal has stems smothered In small hght green leaves. The miniature belHike light lavender-blue flowers appear during mid-summer There IS a wide ra nge 01 vanetles, including 'PrIChard's Vanety' at 90cm (31t) wllh lavender-blue flowers. Leddon Anna at I-12m (3Jl-4ft) With llesh-pink flowers. and PouHe at 2Scm (lOin) With hghl lavender-blue flowers Cultivation: Fertiledeep/y-culwated and well--dramed soil 10 full sun or slight Shade SUits It But ensure that the soil does not dry out dunng summer The tall-growlng vanetl9S

Borago oltlclnalls, li ke many other seed-raised culmary arxl medICinal herbs, can be used in mixed borders or in odd corners, especial ly when a separate herb garden cannot be glV8n en~re~ to them Below Campanula lactillora 'Poutle' Campanula medium Above. Campanula medium A beautiful dwarf and hummock­ This reliable old fal'Ourlle hardy forming campanula with light Canterbury Bell (UK and USA) biennial should find a place in lavender-blue flowers during mid­ Most gardeners know thiS lo>,e~ any garden. IllS Ideal for (1111119 summer Other forms of this old hardy biennial, With an bare areas in mixed borders, or as a h'9h edging to paths campanula rise 10 9O:::m-l· Sm (3-5f1). upright star.ce and 25-4cm (1-1}SinJ long bell·shaped blue. pink, white or need SUPiXlrl In exiXlsed areas purple flowers from lale spring 10 Spread: 38-4Scm (IS-18In) Propagation: The easiest way to mK:J -summer The best known form Cultivation: Moderately rich, well· Increase it is by diviSion of large IS the so-called Cup-and-Saucer drained soil in a sunny position SUits clumps dunng spnng or aulumn variety, 'Calycanlhema 'Bells of this lovely plant Alternatively, take 4-Scm (1y'!-2in) Holland', 38cm (15in) high and With Propagation: From spring to early long cuttings in spnng, Insenlng a conk;al growth habit. has a mixture summer. sow seeds 6mm (l'in) them in iXlts of equal pans peat and of single flowers in shades of bJue. deep m a prepared seedbed. Alter sharp sand and placing these in a mauve, rose and white. Another germination and when large enough cold Ira me. When the planlsare well form. 38-SOcm (tS-20in) high, IS to handle, thin the seedhngs to grown, sel them Into lheir permanent Dwarf MUSK;aJ Bells' with mulli­ 23cm (9m) aparl Dunng autumn. poSitions In the garden. Alternatively. coloured bell-like flowers smolhering plant them into their flowering grow on the ptants In a nursery Ihe ptents in blue, while and pink. poSitions when the SalliS in a bed before flnat planting Height: 4S-9Ocm (1)~ - 3It) workable condition.

White or yellow-flowered plants loo!I superb With thiS Campanula medium IS Ideal grown as bold clumps In a blue herbaceous perenn~1 The tal l-growing forms mixed border. where it will bring colour while bJend weH With Lllium regale and the Madonna Lily, permanent plants are developing. perhaps ~endtng Lilium candidum. They can also jam shape-contrastlng With other ephemeral plants such as Love-in-a-mist but simllarly-coioured pjants to create blue textures N/ge//a damascena and Candytult. /bens umbellala " THE FLOWER BORDER

Above Cenlaurea moschala Ceratostigma Above Centaurea cyanus 'Dobies GianI' 'Tafl Double Mixed' An easily-grown hardy annual plumbaginoides ThiS hardy annual is vet}' reliable and bringing large fragrant flowers ill ThiS hardy sub-shrubby perennial seldom falls to create a domrnant display With its Sinking flowers rn paste/tints to the garden (rom early from Western China has wide summer to autumn shades of blue, maroon, red: rose lance-shaped mKl-groon leaves that and white from early summer to become tinged with red dUring autumn 1/ rises /0 about9Ocm (3ft) Centaurea moschata autumn, The terminal clusters of htgh If Ihe soil is kepI moiSI, slightly bjue flowers appear from late less Ihan thiS rn dry condillOns, (Centaurea Im perlais) summer onwards, and It IS a useful In England it is known as the Sweet Sullan (UK and USA) plant tor bringing late colour to rock Cornflower and in North America This beautiful p~nl, native to the gardens and mixed oorders, as Ihe Bluebottle Eastern Mediterranean, IS grown H eight: 25-3Ocm (10-12in) as a hardy annua l. From early Spread: 30-38cm (12-15tn) Below Ceratostigma summer to autumn II displays Cultivation: Light SOil and an open plumbaginoides sweetly-scented cornflower-like but slightly sheltered poSition suit A pretty, hardy sub-shrub, ideal for flowers In shades 01 purple, pink, this attractive plant late blue colour rn a rock garden. Its white or yellow. The flowers , up to Propagation: It is easily increased folrage IS a deltght rn autumn, when I/nged With and It looks superb 75cm (3in) wide, are borne above by lilting and dIViding clumps in red, positroned allhe base of a wall the ,narrow grey-green leaves that spring, just before shoots appear display toothed edges Another, more commonly grown relative IS the Cornflower or Bluebonle, a native of Europe, with bright blue Howers Height 45·6Ocm (1)\> -211) Spread: 2S-3Ocm (10-12In) Cultivation: Fertile well-drained garden SOil and full sun suit It Removing dead flower heads helps to prolong the lIVes of the plants In exposed areas they w~1 need support trom twiggy sticks. Propagation: During spring, sow seeds where they are to flower Set them In shallow drills, thinning the seedlings to 23cm (gin) apart when they are large enough to handle

Cenlaurea moschata IS a delight in an annuarborder Ceratostigma willmoltianum is a half-hardy deciduous where ItS flowers can be used alongside many other shrub With diamond-shaped stalkless leaves. It bears hardy annuals wi thout any fear of Itscoiourdomlnatlng terminal c lusters of small rich blue flowers durin!;! its neighbours It is gOOd for cut flowers, so plant It mid-summer, and IS ideal In a mixed border or even In a Within arm's length of scissors herbaceous mixture Left Chelone oblique An attractIVe herbaceOus perenntal with snapdragon./lke flowers dunng late summer This North Amencan plant can often be Invasive when established. slYfNJdlng rapidly

Chelone obliqua Tun~head (UK) Tun/ehead Snakehead (USA) This interesting, rather cunous­ lOoking hardy herbaceous perennial has 2'5cm (lin) long deep rose snapdragon-like flOwers dunng late summer These are borne on stiff, erect stems,from /OIntsalso beanng dark green lance-shaped !eaves with serrated edges ChelOne /yOml another Nonh Amencan native, IS a hardy herbaceous perenmal with terminal clusters of 25cm (lin) long pink flowers from mid summer to early autumn The plant eventually nses to about 75·9Ocm (21)-3ft) high Height: 6O-75cm (2-2lfzn) Spread: 3Q-38cm (12-15In) Cultivation: FertHe.llght. ....eN

Len Ceralosligma willmollianum ThiS hardy deciduous shrub IS QUile simlar to Ceratostigma plumbagl­ nodes (far left) However. C will­ monlanum has lance-shaped!ea';€$ The smal, rdl bIue!'k>wers are borne In terminal Clusters from mid­ summer to autumn_ and the /eaves tum red In autumn. It grows best In the shelter of a warm wall. In S/XIng. cut out old. dead or damaged shoots to soi/level You can trim the enllre plant to m8ke thiS job easier

Chelone obliQua IS best planted In a mixed or herbaceous border. alongside coIour-cotltrastrng and vtgOfOUS herbaceous plants such as the Shasla DaiSY Chrysanthemum maximum THE FLOWER BORDER

Above Dahlia 'Gypsy Dance' A bedding va~ry. deal for the front of a border or In bedding schemes dunng summer The small hrghly­ coloured flowers are aViJllabie In single and double forms.

Dahlias

These fast-growir.g garden favountes can be divided mto two main groups Ihose grown as half-hardy annuals for use In bedding schemes; and those that are best in mixed borders, mingled with herbaceous plants,

BEDDING DAHLIAS These ha~-ha rd y pe r enn~ls from MexICo are grown as half-hardy annuals, displaying S-7'Scm (2-3in) wide single, double or semi-double flowers from mid-summer \0 au tumn. There are many va rietfes in a wide colour range, In mixed or further blooms Water the plants Above Dahlia 'Kay Helen' self-colours dunng dry perioos, A ball type with very neal and Height: 3O-SOcm (12-20In) Propagation: DUring the late winter compact blooms that look equally Spread: 38-4Scm (15-24in) and early summer sow seeds 6mm good in the garden or cuI and displayed in a vase indoors, Dahlias Cultivation: Well-cuitivaled, fertile, (~In) deep In a loam-based seed thn'"ve in rich 5011 and need a sunny compost or manure-enrlChed soli compost at 16°C (61°F), When they poSition The globular flowers are and a sunny position SUit bedding are large enough to hand~, pnck off produced on stiff stems that With thiS dahlias. Soil 100 rich, however, will the seedlings into boxes or small variety carry the flowers above the create excessjve foliage at the jX)ts of loam-based compost and foliage To encourage rapid growth expense of flowers, There is no need slowly harden them off in a cold the soil must be carefully ennched to stake them, unlike the larger frame. Set the plants out in the before pfanting with the addition of oorder types The removal of dead garden as soon asall nskoffrOSI has bulky wei/-roiled compost or manure, worked In well With a fork lIowers assists in the development of po-

Ball-type dahliaS in England can be traced back to a nursery In Hammersmith, London In abou11 818, The nursery, owned by Mr T Lee, received tubers from France and included early forms of ball types, 1

Leh Dahlia 'Earl Marc' A dlsfme/Jlle serm-cactus, n<:J as QUIlled or tubular as the cae/us types The flowers have "arter petals.

BORDE A DAHLIAS These halt-hardy tu berous plants, though eaSIly damaged by frost, are unsurpassed tor bringing colour 10 a garden QUICkly. There are several claSSIfications and many vanetleS Indeed. each ~r hundreds at new varietIeS are Introduced by dahlia SPeCaabsls, while others are 00 longer marketed When the dahlia was first grown as an exhibitIOn tlOwef In the early 1800s It conSISted solely 01 ball types. To indICate Ih~r value, some new var;eues were sold lor as much as a gUinea. At first no claSSIfication was recognized forlha ball types, or tor vanous other types 01 dahlaa that were procluced However, catalogues were soon ISSUEId by traders in dahliaS and these contallled a rough claSSIfi­ catIOn In 19041he Bnhsh NatIOnal Dahlia SoCIety in conjunctIOn with the JOint Dahll3 Committee published a clasSlfI6d list called the ClaSSIfi­ catIOn and Description of Dahlias Anemone-flowered (6Dem·lm/ 2·3~fI): These have double flowers With lIat outer petals and shon, tubular Inner ones. Flowenng is from mid summer 10 the Irosls 01 aUlumn Ball-type (9Ocm/3ft): As implied, these have baJ..shaped flowers with tubular petals dISplaYing blunl ends There are SmaN Baillypes With blooms lQ..l5cm {4·61n} wide. and Miniature BaHlorms With flowers up to tDem (4In) Wide Cactus and Semi-cadus (9Dem. t·5m/3·5f1): These are divided Into live groupings-Miniature (blooms up to lOcm/4ln wide); Small (blooms 10-15cm/4·6in wide): Medium (blooms 15·2Ocm/6-8in wide); Large (blooms 20-25cm/8·101n WIde); and G.ant(bIooms 25cm/l OIn or more WIde} Cactus Iypes have pelaJs rOIled back Of QUilled lor more than half their length Semi­ cactus typeS have Similar petals, bul QUilled or rOiled back for less than half of their 101allength

Dwar! dahlias arelhought to have been developed from low-grOWlng forms found In 1750 on Ihe lower sJopesof the Sl6rra del AJusca mountains in Mexico. The plants were said to be about 38·45cm (15·18in) high " THE FLOWER BORDER

CoIlarette(7Scm-l ml2~'2--4ft).These have bjooms with a single outer ri ng of flat ray florets and a ring of small florets in the centre, forming a d isc Decorative: These have double flowers without central discs. They are formed of broad, Hat ray florets This grouping is subdivided Into' Miniature (9Ocm-12m/3-4ftJ these have flowers up to lOcm (4inJ wide Small (1 -1 2m/3}4-4ftJ: flowers 10- 15cm (4-6InJ wide Medium (1-1 '2mJ3-4ItJ: flowers 15-2Ocm (6-Sin) wide Large Cl -1'Sm/3 }2-Sf\J: flowers 20-2Scm (8-1OIn) wide Giant (12-15m/4-5ft): flowers 2Scm (l Oin) or more wide. Paeonv-tlowered (up to 9Ocm/3f1J flowers formed of two or more rings of flat ray flo rets, with a centra l disc. Pompon (9Ocm-12rn/3-4f1J f10wers closely resemble those of Bal/types, but are more globular and do not exceed 5cm (21n) wide. The fforets curfs inwards for their entire fength. Single-flowered ( 4 5 - 75cm/ l ~ - 2 ~ 1t): flowers upto IDem (4In) wide. with a single row of petals arranged round a central diSC Cultivation: Well·dralned SOIL with plenty of moisture-retentive compost

or well-decomposed manure added, is requ ired. Add a sprinkling of bonemeal before seiling the tubers IDem (4In) deep in the soil dUring mk:l to late spring. If you are pjanllng sprouted tubers, take care Ihat you do not plant Ihem 100 early. as frost will damage them. The plants will need staking. Nip out the growing tiPS of all shoots to encourage sk:leshoots to develop If you want la rge flowers, remove Sideshoots and buds from around the developing flowers. RemOVing dead Howers helps In the development of fur1 her blooms. In autumn genlly dig up the tubers about a week after the foliage has been blackened by frost Remove soil from the lubers and store them upsk:le down for a few

left: Dahlia 'Scaur Princess' A beawlfully-cdoured decorallve rype whICh brings dis/mellon to any garden

Dahlias are superb for fi lling large blank areas In m ixed borders, where theyereate spectacularcolourl ul d lsplaysdunng late summer and into early autumn until frosts damage them. They are soon blackened by frost "j

Left. Dahlia 'Vicky Jackson' A decoratIVe cactus, producmg masses of flowers from mid-summer onwards unlll the frosts of lale autumn

RlQht Dahlia 'Willo's Violer A beautiful pompon type. With deep VIOJeI flowers and a hefQhl of about 1m (3'r2ft] IllS excellent as an exhlbillon dah/IEI

weeks to dry them QUI. Then place them In boxes of peat In a dry, frost­ proof pQSItJOn until the ioIIOMng year Propagation: The eaSIeSt way for the home gardener to do this IS to diVIde th e tubers In spring Dahlias In floral art: As well as creating colour In the garden the flowers of dahlias are Ideal for decora~ng the home The an of presenung dahlias for room decorallOn IS not difficult, and part 01 the skillin using them relies on the choice of colours Blue flowers, whatever thelf tone, need to be carefully used as the colOur lends to fade in ar\l!lCI8.l light Purples and mauves, hOwever can be used subtly. especially where they echo the same tones In the room. However, when used with white-llowered dahlias. whICh both hghten and dramaTIze the arrangement, the effect can be QUite different. In contrast, other colours such as yellow and orange are much warmer and radiate a strong leellng 01 cheerfulness Those flowers rich In scarlel however. can create the effect of warmth In rooms laCIng east and north and not subtected to strong summer sunshine. Rooms laCing north or east generally benefit from warm colours, such as orange. scarlet, yellow and amber. whereas cool colours such as pale mauve. lac-pmk. purple shades and lavender are bener In south and west-laCing rooms II strong­ coloured blooms are used they can be given even greater Impact by ml~ l ng them wrth pastel-coloured tlowers

Collarette type dahlias Originated In the munICipal gardens 01 the Parc de Ia Tete d Or at Lyons. France. durrng the last years 01 the last century Specimens of these planls arrrved In Bntain in 1901 " THE FLOWER BORDER

Left: Echinacea purpurea Tils stalely herbaceous perennral is justifiably famous for ;/s richly coloured flowers, from mid·summer to autumn The cone-like orange centres to the flowers are a particu­ larly attrac/lve feature

Echinacea purpurea Purple Cone Flower (UK and USA) A well-known hardy herbaceous perenmal, formerly called Rudbec*ia purpurea Its upr~ht stems bear purp~-{:f1mso n daisy-like flowers, lOcm (4m) wide, at thelf tops from mid to late summer The lance­ shaped, dark green leaves are s'ig h~ y toothed and rough to the louch. Several superb varielles are

Echinacea purpurea IS a dominant Hower, with the erect ste ms often holding the flowers high above neighbouring plants, like islands of colour Surrounding plants should have subdued colours " available, II1cludlng Rober1 Bloom planting out in the garden, But the (carmine-purple), 'The King' division 01 established clumps in (cnmson-purple) and White Lustre spnng or autumn is a much easier (while petal led with deep orange and quicker method centres] Height: 9Ocm-12m (3-4ft) Echium plantagineum Spread: 60-75cm (2-2 ~ 1t) Cultivation: Well--dra ined fertile soil [Echlum IycopsjsJ and a su nny poSition are essential Viper's Bugloss (UK and USA) lor success, Set the plants in ThiS disti nctive hardy annual from position in spring, and in autu mn cut Europe has mid-green leaves and their stems down to SOil- level upturned blue or pale purple bell­ Propagation: Although it can be shaped flowers from mid-summer increased from seeds sown In onwards, Although it norma l ~ grows spring at 13°e (55°F), diVision of up to 90cm (3ft), several lower­ established clumps dunng spring or growing forms at 30cm (1ft) are autumn IS a much easier method available, Including 'Blue Bedder' Use only the young parts from and 'Monarch Dwarf Hybrids' with around the outside of the clump for blue, pink, lavender and white replanting In the border, flowers Several other species of echlum can begrown In the garden, Above: Echinops ritro including the bushy, hardy biennial This hardy herbaceous {J{>:enmal is Ech,um rubrum. From early to mKl­ hgh/ychenshed by flower arrarrgers, summer it displays 12mm ( Y,.ln) long The globular flower heads appear bright red tubular flowers with eye­ during mid-summer and lasl a long catching yellow stamens. Another /lme after culting specieS, Echlum vulgare, the Common Viper's Bugloss isa hardy Lelt: Echium planlagineum blenmal, but is invanably grown asan 'Monarch Dwarf Hybrids' annual It is re laTIvely short (6Ocm/ A hardy dwarf mixture, up to 30cm 2ft high) bushy and compact and (lit) high, these hybrids produce bears tubular, 12mm [ ~ in) long, flowers m many pastel ImIS. When purple-budded, violet flowers from grown m ~ sunny position, they mid to late summer Echium vulgare seldom fall 10 attraCI bees and Echium pianlagineum are both natives of the Bntish Isjes E vulgare Echinops ritro IS found In grassy places on IlQht SOils near the coast, while E Globe Thistle (UK) planlagineum grows in sandy areas Small Globe This/Ie (USA) near the sea, in the South- west This hardy herbaceous perennial Height 75-9Ocm (2~ - 3ft ) has deep green, thistle-like leaves Spread: 45cm (1 lSft] and round, 4-5cm (1 ~ -2in) wide, Cultivation: Lig ht, dry soil and a steel-blue flowers held on stiff stems sunny position are needed, although during mid-summer Bees fi nd the partial shade also suits it flowers especially attractive Propagation: DUring spring, sow Height: 9Ocm-t '2m (3-4ft) seeds 6mm (~ i n) deep in their Spread: 60-75cm (2-2 Y,. ftJ flowering positions, th inning the Cultivalion: Most SOils are suitable, seedlings to t5cm (6in) apart, bullhey should be well--drained and Seeds can also be sown in autumn, 111 fu ll su n, ThiS IS a plant that is but wa it until spnng before thinning selt-supportlng and therefore ideal th em, For earlier flowers, sow seeds for island beds. During autumn, cut In loam-based seed compost in late the plant down to soil,level wimer or early spring at 13°C Propagation: It can be ,;'Icreased (55°F). Prick out the seedlings Into from rool-cuttlngs taken in late boxes when they are large enough autumn, Inserted in sandy compost to handle, and harden them off and placed in a cold Irame before before planting them out

Echinops rilro is best planted In large clumps, where liS Echium plantagineum In one of ItS dwarf forms IS 01 dominant nower heads blend with a background greater use In a garden than ta ller types II is ideally grouping of Campanu/a /act/flora with small bell-shaped suited lor annual borders, and also tor bringing height light lavender-blue flowers and shape contrast to small ornamental grasses THE FLOWER BORDER

Eryngium bourgatii Sea Holly (UK) Eryngo (USA) This hardy herbaceous perennial has slil!, uprig ht and branching bluish stems beanng spiny, holly-like leaves and silver-blue, thistle-shaped flower heads during mid to lale summer. Height: 38-45cm (1S-18m) Spread: 30-38cm (12-15in) Cultivation: It grows best in fertile well-drained soil in a sunny locati on. Only in exposed areas will it need support from twiggy stICks. In autumn, cut down th e planllo soH-level. Propagation: It can be increased by taking root cuttings In autumn and inserting them in pols 01 equal parts peat and sharp sand. Place them In a cold frame during winter and set the plants out into their permanent sites in the garden when they are well-9rown.

RlQht: Eryngium bourgalii This hardy herbaceous perenmal displays strikingly attractive foflage and flower heads, much cherished by flower arrangers for home decoratiOn.

Below righT Eupatorium purlXJreum 'Atropurpureum' This exciting hardy and reliable herbaceous perenmal with purplish folrage and rosy-lilac flowers is admirable for mixed or herbaceous tx>rders, as well as wild gardens

EupatOrium purpureum Joe Pye Weed (UK) Joe-pye Weed Sweet Joe-pye Weed· Green-stemmed Joe-pye Weed (U5A) This handsome upright hardy herbaceous perennlat from North America has purplish stems bearing sterxler and POinted mid--g reen leaves. Fluffy, branching, lQ-13cm (4-5In) wide heads of rose-purple Howers are borne trom mid to late summer. The lorm Atropurpureum bears rosy-lilac lIowers and purplish leaves

There are several other superb Sea Hollies, inCluding Eupatorium purpureum IS a dominant plant, often EryngllJm alpmum, With trilled collars around the bases standing above its neighbours. In a mixed border. Its of its steel-~ue lIower heads, and E. x ollveflanum height and colour create a pleaSing combination With wh~h is graced with deep blue heads the blue Hydrangea macrophylla Height 1-2-1 8m (4-6f!J Left Festuca glauca Spread: 75-9Ocm (2y'! -3ftJ This densely-lUffed perenmal grass Cultivation: Any goo::l re latively IS Ideal for the front of a border To mOlsture-retenllve and fertile soil create an impressive clump, use threeortlve plants, each 20cm (8in) suits it, in full sun or lighl shade. apart. During autumn cut down the stems to soil-level. 11 benefits from a mulch with well-rorted manure or Festuca glauca garden compost every spring Before applYing It. however, hoe the surface Sheep 's Fescue Blue Fescue (UK to remove all weeds. and USA) Propagation: It IS easily Increased This hard y perennial grass forms a by lifting and diViding established striking clump of bristle-like blue­ clumps in aulumn or spring grey leaves. It is ideal lor planting al the edge of a border, where it can be used to soft harsh edges, and blends well with gravel paths Dunng summer il is adorned with oval, purple spikelets of flowers . Height 20-25cm (a-lOin) Spread: 15-2 Ocm (6-8in) Cultivation: Well-drained Hght soil and a sunny position are best Propagation: Seeds can be sown In a sheltered border, planting the seedlings oul into a nursery bed when th ey are large enough to haOOIe It is generally eaSIer, however, to lift and divide large clumps In spring or autumn. Filipendula purpurea (Spiraea palmata) A handsome thoug h dominating hardy herbaceous perennial With large lobed leaves held on crimson stems aOO surmounted by large flat heads of small carmine-rose flowers during mid-summer Height: 75cm-t2m (2 .'7;-4ft) Spread: 75-9Ocm (2y'!-31t) and more Cultivation: An ideal plant for rich, fertile, mOisture-retentive soil In pa r t~f shade, perhaps In a wild garden or at the Side of an Informal gard en pond Propagation: II is easlty increased by lifting and dividing large clumps in autumn or spring

Left Filipenduta purpurea An ImpreSSIVe herbaceous perennial for a ferTile, mOIst. cool posillon in slight shade Its carmine-rose flower heads form a dominant display dunng mid-summer

Fesluca glauca IS superb tor a colour contrast wllh Filipendula rubra IS another attractive fi lipenduia With yellow-flowered plants. such as Golden Garhc Allium large pinkish flower heads up to 28cm (tlin) across moly, which is also known as Yellow Onion Posilton It IS widely grown in the form 'Venusta' wilh deep pink the grass in front of the al lium flowers. It loves moist SOil and slight shade THE FLOWER BORDER

Gladiolus byzantinus Above Gladiolus byzanlinus Tills small-flowered gladIOlus flowers Sword Lily (UK) much earlier rhan Irs large-flowered This hardy and relaablegladiolus has relatives Well-dramed sOil and a 2S-38cm (1 0-15in) long flowe r SPikes position In lull sun assure success loosely packed with up to twenty plum-coloured 65in) wide blooms Hosta recti/olia dUring mid-summer The narrow, Tall Boy' sword-like and upnght ribbed leaves with pointed tops rise \0 60cm (211J Plantain Lily (UK) Height: 60Cm (2ft) Plantam Lily· Day Lily (USA) Spread: 13·18cm (5-7inJ These hardy perenntalswlth beautiful Cultivation: RICh. fertde. wen~rained leaves, variegated In some varieties, but mOlsture-relenllve sod and full were once known as Funkias. This sun suit I! best. The corms can be left Species displays broad. lance­ in the soil lrom year 10 year al1d In shaped mid lodark green leaves and light sOils II is best to planl them tall, uDfightlkJwer Siems beanng Scm 15cm (6In) deep-1Ocm (4In) In (2in) long vio let-mauve flowers in heavy SOil-so thal1hey are sell slender spikes during mid-summer supporting and do nOI become Several olher hostas, including H blown over. in heavy soil, ptace a cnS{:).Jia, have purple Howers DUring handful of sharp sand under each mid to late summer this plant reveals corm when planting it. Remove li lac-purpje flowers aoove Its dark dead flower stems alter flowenng g reen. whlte·edged leaves, the and cut down the yellowed foliage to feature for which It IS mainly g rown soil-level in autu mn- bu t not too Height: l-l'3m (3~ - 4~ft) earty or it will not have transferred lIS Spread: 75-9Ocm (2~-3ft) food content to the corms, which Cultivation: Well-

Hostas are among the most attracllve of oorder flowers tor naturalized or woodland settings, or even large rock gardens. The variegated types, such as Hosla fortunel AlbopfCta are especl3l1y attracllve Left Hosla reelilolia lall Boy' ThiS beautiful VIOJeI·mauve-flowered pJant IS Ideal for a wild garden. where the SOil does not become dry dunng summer Even when not In flower the Iolrage forms a dominant dlspia'l especially In early summer

R,ghl Hoste 'Halcyon' ThiS 8rtractrvely·fbwered hosta creates a dominant dlSf)lay In a shght/y·ralsed border. where the leaves can sprrMd safely WIthout bemg trodden upon or spJashed WIth 5011 dunng heavy ralnfafl Here IllS planted agamstthe grass Hak"onechlOa macra AltJo..aurea·. WIth narrow bronze-Onteel, variegated green and buff leaves ThiS grass has a cascading fjfOWlh habit and lOOkS good pos!lioned at a corner lberis umbellata Candy/ull (UK) Globe CandytUII (USA) ThiS weII·known hlghly·fragrant hardy annual from Southern Europe has mld-green. pomled. narrow leaves The5cm(2In)widecluslered heads 01 purple. wtHle and rose-red fiowers appear Irom early summer 10 autumn Irom SUCCessive SOWH)QS II is an annuallhat is well k"nown to ch'ldren and often Ihe first plant they sow )t soon germinates and forms'Sn edgmg for the side of a path AUernatr.-ely. set It In bold dnfts towards The fronl of a border Height: t5·38cm{6-15m) Spread: 23cm (9.n) Cultivation: INetl-dramed, even poor soil In full sun SUits II. Remove dead flower heads toexlerd the flowering season Propagallon: From late spring to early summer, sow seeds in shallow dnlls where the planls are 10 flowe r The seeds tak"e ten to founeen days to germinate When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 2o-23cm (8·g,n) apar!

Right lberls umbellata ThIS aaSl/y-grown and hiQh/y fragrant hardy annual flowers over a long {JefJOd from SUCCes51V8 SOWingS It IS superb for {JIanling In {XJOf SOIls

lberis umbellata IS a very amenable plan! and associa tes With many others. such as Canterbury Bells (Cam{Januls medium). Clark"1a (ClarkJa elegans) and Vrrglnaan StOCk {MaJcolml8 manllma) THE FLOWER BORDER

Incarvillea mairei (lncarvlliea grandlflora bre<.npe$ I. br6'llpes) Trumpet Flower (UK) This herbaceous perennial has attracbve. deep green, pj nnate leaves and bears rich pjnkish-purple flowers with lOng tubular yellow throats dunng early to mld·summer Height 30cm (1ft) Spread: 2O-25cm (8-10m) Cutti'lstion: Fertile welJ..dramed light sod In lull sun assures success Dunng spnng Dlant the fleshy roots 75cm (3m) deep. and in cold areas prOtect the young and newly­ emerging ShOOtS and leaves with a doc!leor layer of straw In particularty !':Ok! places they may require protection throughout wi nter Otten Ihe new shoots are $low to emerge from the soil,n spring, so take care not to damage them with early spnng cultIVaTIons Propagation: Although Ihe crowns can be btted and dIVIded in SPring they are sometimes tough and d,Hcult to spht Instead. oow seeds In a prepared seedbed In Sprlng lransplan~ng them Ihe foilOWlng spnng to th~r permanent po~tlons

Righi InC8 ryiliea mairei This IS a beautiful herbaceous perennial for the front of a border. or even for a rock garden where extra height IS desired The ye/Iowthroated pnkJsh-f)Urpie flowers appear dunng early to mid-summer:

RlQhl Iris douglasians This beau/!ful Californian inS needs limy (alkalme) sOlI and forms a large dump of colour in early summer The plants are often short­ Irved, but can be easily raised from seeds. The flOwers are superb for home decoration. Iris douglasiana This beardless hardy ins lrom Calilorma has slender, coarse. deep green leaves thaI are normally evergreen and spread 00110 a Widlh oI6Ocm (2ft). The 7 Scm (3m) wide Howers are borne In fours or fives on branched stems Theyareln shades

Incarvillea delavayi IS another well-knOwn sPecieS, Iris douglasiana is ideal tor setllng aroul1d riSing to 60cm (2ft) and d isplaYing 5-7 5cm rhooodel1drons, where 1\ helps to produce ground (2-3In) kmg rose-pink tklwers dUring early summer cover and to create c~our when some 01 the ThiS specle5 IS taller than Incarvil/ea malrei rhodcx:lel1drons have linlshed flowenng " 01 bj ue-purple and lavender, with disti nctive veining on the talis' (the three outer petals), and appearfrom ea rly to mid-summer Height: 30-4Scm (l-l!;ft) Spread: 6Q-7Scm ( 2-2 ~ ft ) Cultivation: This iris tolerates a little lime in the soil, and needs full sun or partial shade. However, Italsogrows well in neutral or slightly acid soil. Propagation: It tends to be short­ lived, but fortunately It IS easily increased from seed sown during autumn In ooxes of loam-based compost kepI at woe (SO°F). Alternatively lift and dIVIde the rhizomes In autumn, but take ca re thaI they do not dry out before becoming established. Iris sibirica Sibenan Iris (UK and USA) This versatile ins IS suitable for a herbaceous oorder as well as the margins of an Informal pond The slender, sword-like, mid"9reen leaves die down In winter The flowers are about 65cm (2~ i n) wide and are borne dunng mid-summer. In the anginal species, they are in vanous shades of blue, with w hite veining on the fal ls' (the three oute r petals). Because the original specieS hybridizes freely, usually only hybrids are availabje Good ones are 'Heavenly Blue' (rich azure bl ue), 'Cambridge' (pale blue), 'Ottawa' (clear light blue), 'Tropic Nighf (velvety violet) and 'Perry's Blue' (deep blue). Height: 7Scm-lm (2~-3}2ft) Spread: 45-6Ocm (1}2-2ft) Cultivation: It grows best in moist soil. but will also perform well In a herbaceous oorder, where it does not usually grow so high. Pla nt the rhizomes 25cm (lin) deep In the soil dunng au tu mn or spring. Propagation: It is easily Increased by lifting and dividing congested clumps In tate autumn or spring. Aeplantthe dlvided rh lzomes2'Scm (lin) deep Large clumps tend to become hollow and bare al their Above: Iris sibirica 'Heavenly BIlle' Tfus IS a hardy ms for a border or centres. and are therefore besllifted the mOist margm of a pond 1/5 neh blue flowers are borne two or three and divided atleasl every four or live to a stem above rhe grassy swo«j./ike leaves yea rs 10 keep them healthy

Iris si birica, planted In a mOist area mixes well With yellow-fl owered plants such as the fragrant Himalayan COWSliP, Pnmu/a SJkkrmenSls, and P heelodoxa. It also looks good In a border against an old wa ll THE FLOWER BORDER

I w Liatris spicala Blazing Star · Gayfearher Spike Gay/eather (UK) Blazing Star Button Snakeroot Gay-feather (USA) This hardy, tuberous-rooted. herbaceous perennial has small. strap-like, narrow, mKl-green leaves 11 bears dense, 15-3Ocm (6-1210) long, palntbrush·like spikes 01 pinkish-purple flowers dunng late summer and early autumn on stiff. leafy stems A similar planl, Llalns OJllllepis, has bright carmine flower heads. The form 'Kobold' is even more attractive , with frothy bnght carmine flower spikes, often up to 30cm (1ft) long It grows well even o n IXlOr soil, When planted in a small grouping. it creates a superb splash at mid-summer colour ThiS attractive variety has the advantage of growing to only 60cm (2ft) high, whereas the onglnal Species, Limns callilePls, rises 10 90cm (311J and requires m uch more room, being better >X)sltloned In a flower border than In a rock ga rden. Another species, Llalris graminita/ia, IS not so widely grown. During late summer and Into earty autumn It prcx:luces purple flower spikes, surrounded by rather sparse leaves attractively covered with white spots. This species has the advantage of growing well In poc>r and dry Sal ls Height 6G-9()::m (2 -311] Spread: 38-45cm OS-18i nJ Cultivation: Ordinary garden 5011- not too heavy-and a position In lull sun suit the BlaZing Star. Propagation: During spri ng lift and diVKJe established clumps. To ensure the clumps are readily identilied, mark them in autumn Alte rnativel y walt untillale spnng befo re dividing them, when the young shoots Will be apparent

Left Liatris callilepis 'Kobold' The tr(){hy flowers of (hIS tuberous­ rooted herbaceous perennial are a dellghl dunng mid-summer to early autumn The flower5 are useful for flome decoration

LialriS spicala IS ideal lor the front 01 a mixed or herbaceous border. Sultable companions Include Red Hot Pokers (KniphofiaJ . 8ergema Sllberhcht' and the Oregon Grape Maflonia aqulfolium Above Liriope muscari ThIS hardy perenmal drspiays deep qreen, archmg grass-like leaves throughoullile year Tile lilac-mauve flowers appear from fate summer IhrouglllO lale autumn They bear some resemblance to those of Grape Hyacmths As an added bonus, Ihe leaves remam attractive throughout the year

Unum narbonense Above: Unum narbonense Liriope muscari Allhough lall, Ihis Flax is sUi/able!Of" Flax (UK and USA) a rock garden. Theflowers, borneal Turf Lily (UK and USA) This well-known hardy perennial the ends of long stems, appear ThiS hardy, compacl and clump.­ has narrow, lance-shaped, grey­ lilrouglloul summer forming evergreen perennial has green leaves and graceful, arching darK green grass-liKe leaves and stems that usually d ie back in winter summer. Lmum austnacum is upright stems, whICh bear 7'S-I3cm In colder climates but may persjsl another soft-blue flowered plan!. but (3-5in) long s~Kes of bell-shaped, throughout winter in m ilder regions IS a hardy perennial and has 2 Scm lilac-mauve flowers from late The 25-3cm (1-1 )4inJ Wide neh blue (1m) wrde heads In mid-summer summer through to autumn. The flowers, borne at the lops of the Height: 3O-6Ocm (l-2ftJ speCies Lino{E spcata is qUite stems, appear throughout the Spread: 30-38cm (12-1Sln) Similar, bul With more ereet aro summer months. Lmum perenne IS Cultivation: Ordmary well-drained narrower leaves From late summer another hardy and perenniai llax, garden soil and a sunny poSition SUit and mto autumn it disptays S-7 Scm rising 10 30-4Scm (1 -1 ~ttJ It has Flax best. It will tolerate both slightly (2-31n ) long spiKes of bnght mauve, narrow lance-shaped 9 reyish.green acrd and limy soil. bell-shaped flowers It is shghUy !eaves and 2 Scm (lin) wide sky-blue Propagation: During eany summer shorter than Lmope muscari. nSlng flowers during mid to late summer row seeds 6mm ()4inJ deep in a to a height of 38cm (ISIn) like Linum narbonense IllS also prepared seed bed. When the Height: 30-38cm (12-1Sln) shorHived, but can be easily ra ised seedlings are large enough 10 Spread: 38-4Scm (IS-18in) from seed Unum uSIIaflSslmum, handle, thm them 10 20-23cm Cultivation: W~ I-d rained light and the Common Flax or Linseed IS a (8-9in) apart In autumn, transfer fertile SOi l in full sun or slighl shade pale-blue flowered hardy annual It them to their flowering positions. suits it well. Remove the flower nses to about 60cm (2ft), with slender The plants are qUite Short-lived, so II heads when they fade stems bearing 12mm (~lnJ wide IS basI to buy fresh plants every three Propagation: During spring, 11ft and saucer shaped !IOWNS during mid- or four years and replace old ones d iVIde congested clumps.

Unum narbonense With Its cottage-garden appeal, IS Uriope muscari IS Ideal for the edge of a border or al home by the srde of an old-lOOKing fl ight of steps, alongside a path It harmonizes well With the Autumn against a wealhered wall or as a perteet fOil for Crocus (ColchICum aulumnale), Nenne bowdenu or grey-leaved plants Sedum x 'Autumn Joy THE FlOWER BORDER

4= Q

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell Hybrids' Lupm Lupine (UK) Lupine (USA)

These hardy herbaceous peren n~ l s are familiar to most gardeners. Their slender, upright spires of blue or red mkl·summer flowers are borne above mid-green leaves formed of a circle 01 ten to seventeen leaflets Many superb biue forms are available, such as BlueJacket , 'Freedom', Jane Eyre' and Josephine'. Heigh!: 9Ocm-"5m (3~5ft) Spread: 60-9Ocm (2-311) Cultivation: WeIkIralned moderately­ tertlle salls are best, In fu ll sun or lig ht shade. Set the plants In posillon in autumn or spnng. and cut them down to soil-level in autumn. Propagation: Increase mimed torms from 7'S-1 Ocm C3-4inJ long basal cuttings in spring, inserted in polS 01 sandy soil and placed In a cold frame. When the cuttings are rooted. pot them up into small pots of ~m-based compost Plant them Into permanent poSitions In autumn or spring. when the soli is workable

Right: Lupinus polyphyllus ·Russell Hybrids· These hardy herbaceous perenmals are popular and reliable plants lor any garden. providrng a mass of colour. They grow equally well in slightly acid or neutral soils. and in full sun or Ilghl shade

Left Nemophila menziesii This hardy annual has a rather spreading growth habit and bears sky-blue buttercup-like flowers from early summer onwards. IllS ideal for edgrng an annual border or even a mixed border

Nemophila menziesii (Nemophila insignisJ Baby Blue Eyes (UK and USA) This bright-eyed hardy annual from California has light green deeply-cut feathery fo~ge and 3cm (1 ),1i n) wide. sky·blue flowers With white centres from early to late summer

Lupinus polyphyllus ·Russell Hybrds· ml~es With a Nemophila menziesii has flowers thai are not colour wide range of herbaceous plants Highlight the flowers dominant. so II can be mixed with plants such as by planting It against a dark green hedge, or use Its the Poached Egg Plant (Limnanthesdouglasir). wit h own fohage as a backcloth for lower-growing plants lIs ye llow-centred white flowers " - Nicandra physaloides Shoo-fly Plant Apple of Peru (UK and USA) This hardy annual from Peru is vigorous and strong growmg, Its spreading shoots bearing oval, mkj.~W:len ~aves with finely-toothed wavy edges. The pa le-blue, bell shaped, 4cm (1 ~inJ wide flowers have white throats, and appear from mid to late summer. These are followed by non--edible apple-shaped green frUits that can be dried for home decoration. It IS said 10 gam the name physaloK1es from the resemblance of the frU its to those of PhysaliS alkekengl. commonty called Chinese Lantern or Bladder Cherry Height: 75-9Ocm [2~-3 ft ) Spread: 38-45cm (15-18in) Cultivation: Rich. moist soH and a sunny posl~on are the keys to success When preparing the flowering poSition, fork In plenty of wel l-rotted compost. Propagation: DUring late winter or early spnng, sow seeds 3mm ["in) deep in trays of loam-based seed compost kept at ' OoC (50°F) When the seedlings are large enough to handle.prfck them oil into seedboxes and put them in a cold frame to harden them off. Set the plants in the garden dunng late spring. Alternatively, sow seeds in late spring where the plants are to flower. 6mm ( ~in) deep Subse­ Quently, thin the seedlings to 25-3Ocm [10-12inJ apart

Height: 18-23cm (7-9mJ greenhouse. To grow such plants, Spread: 15-2Ocm (6-8In) sow seeds thinly in 13cm (5in) Cultivatio n: Although this annual wide pots of loam-based compost g rows In ordinary garden soil, It In a cold frame dUring lale spring does even better in fertile, mOlsture­ or early summer When they are retenllve soil in lull sun or sl ight large enough 10 handle. thin the shade Sandy soils enriched with seedlings to three In each pol plenty 01compost are also sUitable Make sure the greenhouse IS not Propagation: DUring spring and kept tOO hot early summer, sow seeds 6mm (}iin) deep in thelf flowering Rlgnt Nicandra physalOides positions. When the seedlings are ThiS la" . Vigorous. branching hardy large enough to handle, thin them to annual needs space in whICh to 15cm (6in) apart. As well as being develop property The pale-blue, sU itable lor sowing In the garden, bell-shaped flowers are borne over many weeks, from mid to lale thiS annual can also be grown summer tor flowering In pots In a cold

Nicandra physalOid es gams one of Its common names. Shoo-fly Plant. from Its ability to repel tiles. It makes a lovely chOice lor the back 01 a border. with Its attractive bell-shaped flowers THE FLOWER BORDER

Poiemonium foiiosissimum Jacob's Ladder (UK) Jacob's Ladder Greek Valerian (USA) A hardy herbaceous perennial from North America, Jacob's Ladder has stiff, upnght siems bearing leaves formed of narrow, dark green leaflets, From early to late summer, It bears t 2mm ()fin) wde mauve-blue flowers in clustered heads, The handsome flowers are highlighted by orange-yellow stamens An early form is 'Sapphire', with light blue saucer-shaped flowers Height: 7S -9Ocm (2)f-3ft) Spread: 4S-6Ocm (I !6-2ft) Cultivation: RiCh, deep, loamy soil in full sun assures success, These plants soon exhaust the SOil , which Will need annual mulching or feeding with fertilizer Propagalion: The easiest way to Increase thiS plant IS by lifting and d ividing estabHshed clumps in autumn or spring

Below Polemonium foliosissimum This herbaceous perenmal is ideal for any border and flowers over a long penod of time It needs rich SOil, because the roots qUICkly exhaust the supply of nutnents

Physoslegia virginiana Above' Physostegia virginiana 'Rose Bouquet' (Dracoc8phalurn virginianum) A natlYe of North AmenC8, this Obedient Plant (UK) popular hardy herbaceous perennial Obedience' False Dragonhead bears spires of mauve-pink, tubular Lions-head (USA) flowers which resemble small snapdragons, This distinctive hardy herbaceous perennial bears long spires 01 mid-summer tubular pink-mauve ordinary fe rti le garden soil th at does flowers aoove large, glossy, dark not dry out during summer DUring green, coarsely-toothed leaves. The autumn, cut it down to soil-level plant gets lis common name from Propagation: Il lS easily increased lis flowers, whICh have hinged stalks by trtling and diVIding plants in and can be moved from side to side, autumn or spring. Alternatively, remaining as posdloned Several during spring, take S-7'Scm (2-3in) forms are available, including 'Rose long cuttings, In sert them In pots of BouQue( (pink-mauve). Summer sandy compost and place these In a Spire' (deep lilac-purple) and Vivid' COld frame, When the cuttings are (deep pmk) rooled, pot them up and plant them Height: 45cm-lm (1)\.-3)2ft) out into their flowering poSitions In Spread: 45·60cm (1)2-211) autumn In cold areas with wet Cultivation: ThiS plant needs soH, planl them dunng spnng

PhysoslegiCl virginiana IS a reliable plant lor a mixed or Polemoniums come mostly from North America, but herbaceous border, The deep lilac-purple variety PolemOlllum caervieum onglnated In Europe and Summer Spire' needs non-conflictlng colours set ASia as well It gained its first name from King Poternon around It at a lower level 01 Pomus an anCfenl country In North-east ASia Minor Above Salyia J. superba Above Salyia viridis IS a beautdul hardy annual wilfl pfJe pfik or purple ThiS hardyeye-calchmg herbaceous flOwers whICh fealure especially s/nkmg coloured bracts allhe laps o( lhe perenmal forms a dommant splash stems It IS raised as a half-hardy or a hardy annual, and il delights m a sunny of cOlour in any border and I'te/l-dramed position m Ihe garden

Salvia x superba stICks IS necessary for tali-grOWlng BouQuet (rose-carmll""18 bracts). torms In exPOS9cl areas Cui down Height: 38-4Scm (tS-18In) (SaMa Vlrgala nemorsaJ old stems 10sod-levelln late autumn Spread: 23-3Qcm (9-12In) Long-branched $age (UK) Propagation: It IS easily increased Cultivation: Ordinary well drained A dominant planting of this superb by lifting and dividing cOllgested soil in full sun SUits II. To encourage hardy herbaceous perenmal will plants dunng autumn or spnng well-branched plants, PInch out the Immediately attract anenllon, Its growll19 tiPS when the plants are erect stems bear abundant. nch Salvia viridis only a few IncheS high VIOlet-purple flower sPIres at their Propagation: Dunng Iale spong Of tops all summer through. so sellt at (SalVIa hormlnum) early summer, SOW seeds 6mm the edge 01a border Dwarl forms ThiS hardy annual from Southern ( }.l in) deep where the plants are to rise 10 less than hailihe height 01 the Europe bears 12mm (Jl..in) long ~ower When the seedhngs are large type plant. and Include 'lubeca pale pmk or purple flowers lrom mid enough to handle, thm them out to (VIOlet-blue 75cm/2Io:2ft high) and 10 lale summer It IS better known. 23cm (9In) apart You can false 'East Fneslarl(f (VIOlet-purple however, for Its 4cm (1 1-2ln) long earlier-fIowenng plants by SOWIng 45cm/t)2ft high). bnghtly coloured termillal bracts seeds Ihlnly In trays ot lOam-based Height: 45-9Ocm (1 )2-3ft) (modified leaves), whICh can be compost at 18°C (64°FJdunng late Spread: 45-6Ocm (1.I~ - 2ft) dned with Ihe stems for home wtnter or early spnng. When the Cultiyation: Rich, well-drained but decoralJOn. There are several fine seedlings are large enough to mosture-relenllW SOIl In lull sun forms, With a range of coloured handle, prick lhem oN Into pots of assures success Dry SOIls are nol bracts, such asB/ue Bouquet (rdl loam-based compost and place SUitable Staking Wlth IWIggy pea- purple-blue bracts) and Rose them In a cold trame to harden ott

SalYia x superba demal1ds space 10 beat liS best. Plant Salyia viridis. beller known as Salva hormlnum, IS besl it althe Irani of the border, With taillight blue used to create dominant cOlour at the tOPs of ItS delphmlums at the back and a sandWICh of yellow stems. It IS more often grown for Its coloured bracts achdlea between them than lor its flowers .. THE FLOWER BORDER

Above Trachymene caerulea Above Tradescanlia virginlana 'Isis' RlQht Tulip 'Lilac Time" The dellcare heads of srnaN lavender­ ThIS well-known Spderworr has ThiS beaunfullullp from OivlSlOfl 7 blue flowers appear from mId­ striking purple-blue flowers dunng IS dlStlndive. WIth I/S mal.N'e, Illy­ summer /0 autumn. This IS a useful most of summer We/I.cfamed but like flowers Rowers in thiS dlVlSK)n plant for bnngmg delICate blue mOisture-retentive sOIl ensures are usually /S-2Ocm {6-8m} WIde shades to flOVv'ef arrangements success with thiS reliable plam and appear m mld-spn'ng

Trachymene caerulea Tradescantia virginiana Tulips (Didlscus caeruleus) Sf)lderworr Tnmty Rower {UK} The range of form and colour 01 Blue Lace Rower Queen Annes Common Sptdef'NOrf W.dows these well-known hardy bulbs IS as Lace (UK) Tears (USA) wide as their possible uses In the Blue Lace Flower (USA) ThiS hardy herbaceous perennial. garden. They can be used In This IS one altha mOSt delICate and With smooth. glossy strap-bke, dull­ bedding schemes dunng SPrIng, In pretty 01 all ha~-hardy annualS. II green leaves and long lasting. mixed borders or rock gardens, and formsa bushy ~anl with light green, 2· 5-4cm (1-1¥.rln) wide. three-petalled In tubs ortroughS lor bnghtenlng up deeply-divKled foliage The smal" flowe rs. is a dehght throughout a patiO in SPring There IS a wide dainty, ~vender- blue !lowers are summer and Into autumn. II IS the range 01 Specl8S, and in additIOn displayed In heads 2 5-5cm (1-2inJ hybnds from T Vlrglnlana or T x botanISts have ClaSSIfied ltlose that WIde and appear from mid-summer andersonJana that are mainly grown have been created by bulb eJ(pens \0 autumn They are SUitable for Some botanical authorities suggest Into fifteen dMSlons, encompassing cutllng for home decoraTIOn, but the these hybrids are derwed from the the wide ra nge oillower Sizes, leaves and Siems are stICky to touch former species. while other botanists shapes and heights. These are Height: 45cm (l~ft) name the tatter as a parenT DiviSion l-Single Early (15-38cml Spread: 2S-3Ocm (10-12,n) Whatever their ongln, the resulling 6-15In) The Single flowers appear in Cultivation: Ordinary well-culhvated plants are superb and Include spnng when grown OtJ!-OI-dOOfS, or garden SOIl and a sunny, sheltered 'Carmine Glow' (carffilne),lsis' during winter indoors, Each flower poSition SU it It (purple-~ue). -Ins Pritchard (white, is 75-13cm (3-5in) wide and Propagation: Dunng lale winter and stained azure blue) and Purewell sometimes opens flat when In direct earty SPring. SOW seeds 3mm (}8ln) GlSnt (carmine-purple) and lull sun_ Many purple vanetleS deep In trays 01 loam-based seed Height 45-6Ocm (1.\

Trachymene caerulea from Austra!18 soon attracts Tradescantia virginiana and T. x andersooiana are attenhon when grown In a dom_nant dnft among hardy ideal to, a milled or herbaceous border Many planlS annuals Of In a ml_ed border. II can also be grown In combine well With them, Including border geraniums ., pots In an unhealed greenhouse lor summer colour and Campanu/a lactlflora Pritchard's Blue' Division 10-Parrot (45-6Ocm/ 1)2-2/tJ: These bear flowers up to 20cm (&n) wide m mid-spong, easdy recogmzable by their fealher-hke, heaVlIy-fnnged petals The colour range Includes brilhant white, pink, orange and yellow, as well as some lovely P\Jrples. Division ll - Double Late (45- 6Qcm/I.lT2ft): These havevery large and shoYly double flowers, Similar to paeomes and up to 20cm (8In) wide. They rema in in flower for a long panod dunng mid-spring There are some stunning VIOlet vanelies, as well as white. orange pink, red and yellow ones There are also multJ-coIoured forms WIth stripes and edgings. Division 12 - Kaufmanniana varieties (10-25cm/4-10In) These have been developed from Tuhpa kaufmanf1l8fl8, and have fine-p:lIflied flowers that open nearly flat, gIVIng the appearance of water·11l1eS They appear In spnng on sturdy stems and are klea l for Iro nts of borders, Each fiower IS IOcm (41n) wide and rounded flowers up to Bcm (Sin) rock gardens and containers. Most ralher like a double paeony The wide In late spnng There are some have two-coiouroo 1I0wers COlou r range IS wide. including excellent purple vanelles. alSO yeIow DiviSion 13 - Fosteriana varieties gOOd purple varietIeS, as well as red, white pmk and red ones (45cm/l j!zln) These are denved \IiOIet pink and yellow ones Division 7 - Lily-llowered {4 5- from Tullpa foslenana and dISplay Division 3-Mendel (38-5Ocm/ 6Ocm/t)l-2ftJ Thesearecharacler large blunt-ended Howers In reds 15·20in): These flower later th an the IZed by the narrow walstsot their and yellows In mid-spring pr9VIQus types With rounded flowers, also by the POin ted petals Division 14- Greigii varieties 10-t3cm (4-5In) wide blooms on that curl outwards as much as 20cm (25cm/l0In): These are maInly somewhat slender stems Colours (8m) dunng mld·sprmg They look denved Irom Tu//pa grfNglI, and Include white and red. as well as espeaallyanracllWwhen massed In produce brlfllant roo. yellON and yellow They look like a cross bedding schemes Colours Include near-while lOng-lasting flowers between Single early types and while, orange, red, yellow and during mid spring DarwlOs multl-colours Cultivation: When growing tu lips In Division 4- Triumph (up 10 5Ocm/ Division a- Collage (up to 9Ocm/ the garden, select well-drained SOil. 20in): In mld-spnng, these bear 3ft) Th iS ok:! grouping has oval or preferably laCing soutll and In a angular-looking 10-13cm (4-5In) rounded flowers to-l3cm (4-5In) sIlettered poSJ1IOO, Plant the bulbs wide tIowerson strong stems There wide In mld-spnng The petals t Scm (6In) deep dunng earty WInter, are lovely lilac-Mowered var!9\1es, as sometimes have a hint of fnnglng Spacing them to-t5cm (4-61n) well as red and pink ones and are looser than those of other apart, Remove dead Nowersand dlQ Division 5-Darwin Hybrids varieties. As welf as li lac, flower up the bulbs when the leaves turn (60-7Scm/2-2''2h): TheSe ~ some colours include green, while plOk. yellow However, If the bed IS needed 01 the largest and most brilliant red and yellOw earl!er, drg up the bulbs as soon as Rowers. upto 18cm (7In) wide. they Division 9 - Aembrandt (7Scm/ flowering IS over and heel them IntO appear dUring mid-spring There 2)<.,ft) These tulips all have broken a trench unlilthefoliage has yeIowed are multl-coloured forms, as well as colours The rounded 13cm (Sin) and dE'd down pur~e, red, orange and yellow wide flowe rs dls~ay vivid s~ashes Propagation: The easiest way IS 10 vanetles of colour on the petals dunng remove the bulb Offsets clustered at Division 6- Darwln (60-75cm/ mid-spring Base colours Include the bases 01 the bulbs Plant these In 2212ftl These are extenSIVely used VIOlet. as well as brown. white a nursery bed and leave them to In bedding schemes, prodUCing orange red. yellow and pmk develop Into fIowenng·Slzed bulbs

For a blue and gold display try the dark blue Darwin tulip (DiVISion 6) 'La Tullpe NOire With the orange For a mixture of creamy-white and blue, try planting a Sibenan WaliMower Chf!lranthus x aillOnl! bed wilh the mauve--~ue Parrot tulip (DiviSIOn 10) Goklen Bedder For extra shades 01blue, add a lew Blue Parrot dark purple Darwin tulip (DIVISIOn 6) Forget·me-nots (Myosolts) Queen 01 Night and the Wa!lflower Ivory White' '3 THE FLOWER BORDER

RighI Veronica proslrala ThIS beaul!ful ground-rovenng IlefQmca produces masses 01 small deep blue flowers from early to mid-summer There are several superb forms, If/cJuding a very low-groWlng rype

Veronica prostrata (VeronICa rupestrls V leucnum prostrata) A hardy mat-!ormmg alpme verOOlCa ItlIS IS a distant torm 01 the Hunganan. Of Saw-Iea\I8d, Speedwel trom Southern Europe and NOfthem Asia. It IS useful as a ground cover plant, dlsplaymg toothed mld-green leaves and 5-7 Scm (2-3In) long SPIKeS of deep blue flowers from earty to mid-summer. Several re l ~bIe torms are available, including 'Spade Blue' (clear pale blue), flowers from early to late summer 'Rosea (deep pmk), :Alba' (while) To create a dominant clump, set the and a dwarf form Pygmaea' (Scml Individual plants about 4Scm (t J,h) 21n high. With deep ~ue IIowers). apan \ot>ronlCa VlrgmlCa IS another Height: l Q-2Ocm (4-6In) goOO border speaes. With pale SPf'ead: 38-45cm (15-18In) blue SPires of flowers Cultivation: Any wel-dramoo garden H eight: 3O-45cm (1 -1 );.ft) soli and a sunny po$IbOn 50/111. Spread; 30-38cm (12-15In) Propagation: During mid-summer, Cultlvatlon: WeIl-draH1OO but take Scm (2In) long cuttings and moisture-retentive fnable soli In full Insert them In pots of equal pans sun or Slight shade assures success peat and sharp sand Place the pots In late autumn, cut the siems down In a cold frame and when the to soil-level cuttmgs are rooted, pot them up Propagation: Dunng spnng, lilt and SIngly into klam-based compost divide COngesTed clumps-you can Dunng the follOwing spring plant usoalty do thIS f'Nery three or 10Uf them out fnto the garden years. This ensures healthy plants

Veronica spicata Top fight Veronica spicata Spked Speedl'l!(!/l (UK) ThIS IS a reJl8b1e haroy herbaceous perennial for the fronl of a border. An upnght slim-flowered hardy where II can dISplay I/S spires of herbaceous perennlal,lhls veroolCa small blue flowers /0 advantage IS well-SUited to the front of a oorder dunng mid-summer There are It dlspjays long, toothed, lance­ several excellent varieties from shaped, midiJreen leaves, The whICh 10 choose narrow, 7 5-tScm (3-6in) lOng sPires of small blue flowers are borne Right Catananche caerulea throughOt.Jt mid-summer Several ThIS beautiful short-lIVed perennliJl superb forms are wonh growing, bnngs a wealth of colour loa border Including Blue Fox (ultramanne IllS also excellent as a cut-flOwer. blue) and Barcarofle' (rose-pmk). and can be dned for WInter decora­ ~ long/folia IS another tIOn In the home The flowers appear purpie-blue-llowered oorder plant. dunng summer For detaJis see It nses up to 12m (4ft) and bears under Further plants to consid"r on lhe OPf)OSlte page t5cm (6In) lOng terminal Spires of

Veronica prostrata blends well In a rock garden With yellow-flowered plants such as Unum fl8vum , With 2 Scm (lin) wKle mKl~summer flowers, and the ever reliable Hypencum oIymPICum, With .. golden-yellow flowers , 4.

Further plants to consider

AJuga replans Bugle (UK) Carpet Bugleweed (USA) Height 1G-2Scm (4-' Oin) Spread 30-SOcm (12-20,n) A well-known, soil-smothering, hardy herbaceous perennial, with whorls or blue flowers borne on uprlghl stems dunng mid-summer The form Alropurpurea is dlSnnctrve, with purpte leaves

Campanula persicifolia ielham Be.... ty' PeaclHeaved Campanula (UK)' Peach-bells Willow BeIIfIower{USA} Hetght 6G-9Ocm {2-3ftJ Spread 3O-38cm (12-tSln) A delightful perennial,wlth an evergreen basal rosette The lich blue 2 Scm (lin) WIde. saucer-shaped fIowersappeardunng mid-summer Pride 01 EJo:mouth' disptays nch lavender-blue Iklwers

Calananche caerutea Cu()ld's Dart (UK and USA) HelQht 4S-7Scm (1}2-2}2 f1 J Spread 4S-6Ocm (IMo-2ft) A shan-lived herbaceous perennl(ll with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and lavender-blue flowers dunng summer The form Major' bears nchef' blue flowers

DeJphinium elalum Height. 9Ocm-l Sm (3-Sft) Spread 4S-6Ocm (1Mo,2ft) The actual speclBS is seldom grown, but It IS the well-known Belladonna and fla/urn (also known as 'iarge-tlowered') types that are widely grown. The range of blue-llowered forms is wide, including Blue T,r (indigo-blue), Blue Jade' (sky-blue), 'Page Boy' (brilliant mid-blue), 'Blue Bees' (bright pale blue), '80Ma' (gentian-blue), Wendy' (gentian-blue flecked purple),Cre5$rda' (pale blue with a white eye) and Mullion' (cobalt-blue with a dark eye),

Geranium x magnificum (Geranium lbencum Geranium p1atypetalum) HeIght 4S-6Ocm (1J1J-2ft) Spread 4S-SOcm (l8-20m) An eye-catching hybnd geranrum. Wlth VIOlet-blue 25cm (lin) WIde Howers durrng mid 10 late summer

Geranium pralense 'Johnson's Blue' Height 3Scm (1510) Spread 38-45cm (IS-1Sin) A well-Known light-blue mid-summer flowering hardy herbaceous perennial The fklwers are borne amongst mrd-g reen five or seven-lobed leaves

L.lmonium lalifolium Sea Lavender Staoce (UK) Helghl 60cm (2ft) Spread 4S-6Ocm (IJ2-2ft) A dlSllOChve hardyperenmal formertydassrfied asSfat/Ce. From mid to late summer, IldlSpiays lavender-blue IIowers In large loose heads Two gooo forms are VIOletta (VIOlet) and Blue CIotXI (lavender-blue)

Ve ronica splcata IS a Brrtlsh native plant that gams Its second name from the spike-like arrangement of lIS flowers. The related V beccabunga acquired ItS unusual name from the old word beck, 'a rill or ditch , and bung, 'a purse', ., CHAPTER TWO ROCK AND NATURALIZt:D GARDt:NS

here is a wealth of blue, mauve and violet-coloured plants lor Tthe rock garden or naturalized site. Many are of a bulbous nature, and produce corms, rhizomes or true bulbs. These include Autumn Crocus, Colchicum autumna/e, which, together with Colchicum speclosum, brings splashes of colour in autumn, Crocus tomasimanus and Glory of the Snow, Ghionodoxa {ueiliae, flower in late winter and early spring. Then there is a wide range of irises Varieties such as Japanese Iris. In's kaempfen', the crested Iris gracilipes and the diminutive Ins relicu/ata are a JOy on their own. Grape Hyacinth Muscan" armeniacum, Scilla lubergeniana and Scilla sibirica are further cand idates, while the Spanish Bluebell, Endymion hispanicus, a dominant and widely-grown bulbous plant that at one time seemed to change its name every time a botanist sneezed, is wonderful for creating blanket colour in moist, fertile and slightly shaded areas. Garden pools and their edges can support a wide range of blue-flowered plants. Those for planting in water include Pickerel Plant, Pontederia cordata, Floating Water Hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, wi th spikes of lavender-blue flowers, and Water Forget­ me-not, Myosotis palustris, wi th pale blue yellow-eyed flowers from spring to mid-summer. The Water Forget-me-not IS suitable for water up to 7·5cm (3inJ deep, while the Floating Wa ter Hyacinth survives deeper water but displays its flowers above the surface. Pnmulas, Iris kaempferi, Iris sibirica and meconopsis prefer the moist conditions around a pool, but not a swamp. Ltthodora drffusa, better known as Lithospermum diffusum , is one of the best blue-flowered perennials for a rock garden. with its charming funnel-shaped flowers. 'Grace Ward', with intense blue flowers, is one of the most familiar forms. Edralanrhus pumilia is another plant with funnel-shaped flowers that makes a good choice for a rock garden.

Left: Grape Hyacinths (Muscari armeniacumj, with their tightfy­ clusrered azure-blue flower heads, create a strong colour contrast with a mixed assot1ment of yellow. pink and red polyanthus. ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

Anemone blanda Blue Windflower (UK) Windflower (USA) This wek:ome and reliable spring­ flowering plant has rather lern-like deeply-cu! dark green leaves and 2S-4cm [1 - 1 ~ in) wide daisy-like flowers in pale blue, Dink, lavender or white. Height: 13-15cm (5·6in) Spread: lD-l3cm (4-5in) Cultiyation: Well-dramed fertile soli, neutral or slighty acid, in light dappled shade. suits it best The corms are best planted in autumn, Scm (2In) deep and 13-1 5cm (5-6inJ apart. Propagation: Lilt and dll/Kle congested clumps in late summer Alternatively, sow seeds when ripe in pots or boxes of loam-based compost, placing them in a cold frame Prick of! the seedlings into boxes when they are large enough to handle

Right: Anemone blanda 'Blue Pearl' Anemones are a/ways welcome In spring, with thelf neat, daisy-like flowers with bright centres There is a range of colours, includmg this slnkmg blue variety They can be naturalized beneath trees or set m neat clumps in a rock garden

Aubrieta delloidea tnmming them after flowenng Propagation: The plants can be This IS one 01 the besH.nown rock easily Increased by lifting and garden plants, well suited for covering divfdmg them dunng early autumn, Jarge areas and for trailing overwalls It is also useful as an edging to paths Far nght Aubrieta deltoidea and for combmlng with herbaceous 'Sallawtey Amethyst' pjants. There are many forms, This handsome, spreading and originated from selected seedlings [railing evergreen perennial IS Ideal oithls hardy, spreading and low­ for cascading over walls, as an edging to paths and even for growing evergreen perennial These growing With herbaceous plants include 'Barker's Double' (rose­ There are many lorms to choose purpJe), 'Dr. Mules' (violet-purple), from, with colours ranging from Henslow Purple' (bright purple), pink through 10 blue and violet-blue, 'Triumphanf (blue) and Tauncola (deep purple-blue). Height: 75-1Ocm (3-4In) RlQht: Anemone coronaris Spread: 45·6Ocm (1~-2ft) ThiS IS the well·known flonsts Cultivation: Welklrained, slightly anemone. popular in both borders and in rock gardens, as well as being limy garden soil and a sunny p:)Sltion extenSively grown for cut-flowers, SUIt It best. Keep the plants neat by

Anemone blanda 15 stnkmg when naturalized among Aubrielia delloides harmonizes Wit h many others, the dappled IIghlllltermg through Sllver·barked Including the hardy pink or white perenn~1 Arabis trees. Also, try a mixture of anemones, polyanthus, caucaSI(;8, the yellow-flowered bulb Tuilpa tarda, and Grape Hyacinths and Drumstick Pnmulas the hardy perennial yellow Alyssum saxal/Ie, Above Campanula cochleariilolla This hardy dwarf perennial with lIS noddlflfl thimbJe-hke flowers IS a delighlln 8 rock garden. It IS one of the most amenable and rewarding of all campanulas

Campanula cochleariifolia (Campanula puS/lla) Falfles Thimbles (UK) A dainty, undemanding easily-grown hardy dwart perennial, this IS Ideal lor a rock garden. It displays mid-green, shallow-toothed leaves and 12mm ()loIn) long, nQddmg, bell-shaped, sky-blue fIowersdunng mid to late summer A white torm IS also avaIlable Height: 10-1Scm (4-6In) Spread: 3O-3Scm (12-15In) Cultivation: ~1~ralJ'\ed SOIl and lull sun SUllll Sellne plants In poSItIOn In autumn or SPring Propagation: It is eaSIly Increased by lilting and dlvdlng large clumps in autumn or spring . Alternatively, take soft cuMings Scm (2in) long In spring, inserl them In pots of eQual pariS peat and sharp sand and place these In a cold frame. When the cultlngsare rooted, pot them UP IntO small pots untillhey are large enough to be planted In the garden When gTVE!n lhoroughlydralned SOIl , 11 soon spreads to lorm large mats of Howers and lollage

Campanula cochleariitolia IS ideal lor tra iling and cascading over rocks It also delights In growing between natural stone paving slabs, and IS superb lor planting 81 the sides 01 paths in large rock gardens .. ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

AtxNe: Chiooodoxa luciliae giganlea The dominant coJour of these delicate flowers will bnghlen any garden in Jare winte~ IllS not a fussy piant, and grows wei/In any well-drained soil in full sun All chionodoxas are superb for bnnging colour dunng lale winter:

Chionodoxa luciliae Colchicum autumnale Aoove: Colchicum speciosum ThiS unusual corm-beanng plant Glory of the Snow (UK and USA) Autumn Crocus (UK) flowers m autumn after its foliage This bright hardy bulb trom Asia Autumn Crocus Fall Crocus' has dl8d down. It thnves in sun or Minor produces bnllaant sky·blue, Meadow Saffron Mrsterla Wonder partial shade and IS superb for 2·5cm (lin) wide flowers during lale Bulb (USA) bringing colour to the garden winter and early spring. Each flower This hardycorm-beanng plant bears has a white centre. The form large mid to dark green leaves up to It IS easier to lift congested clumps Chionodoxa luciliae Qlgantea, ohen 2Scm (lOin) k>ng In spnng and early when the leaves have d ied down called C. gigantea, is larger, and has summer, which later die back. In and remove Ihe offsets. Plant them pale vio~t-blue 4cm (l~in) wide autu mn, it produces IScm (6In) out in a nursery bed lor a couple of flowers with small while centres high. goblet-shaped, rosy-lilac years until ready for their Imal Chionoooxas are deal /or rock fiowers, often with a chequered positions. and replant the parent gardens. tor naturalizing In short, partern. There are also some lovely corms, too. line grass. and lor placing at the front purplish forms. as welt as white 01 borders. varieties and Roseum-plenum', with Colchicum speciosum Height: 18·2Ocm (7·8in) double rose-PInk flowers Spread: 7'S-IDem (3·4in) Height: 2S-30em (1O-12in) Autumn Crocus (UK) Cultivation: Ordmary well-drained S pread: 20·25cm (8-10in) ThiS distinctive hardy corm-bearing garden soil and full sun assure Cultivation: It delights In weH-dramed plant from ASia Minor displays success. Plant the bulbs 6'Scm soil in full sun or light shade. Plant 30cm (1ft) long, lOem (4In) wide (2~ln) deep. the corms during autumn, 7 Scm leaves in spring and early summer Propagation: Lift and divide large (3in) deep in small groups. In autumn. when the leaves have clumps as soon as the leaves have Propagation: II can be raised from died back. ItS 15cm (6in) high stems died down. Replant the bulbs seed, bullhe productIOn alflowering­ bear fk)wers in a wide range of Immediately ~zed corms lakes uPIO seven years colours, from white 10 prnklsh-Illac

Chionodoxa luciliae IS superb for planting under the Colchicum autumnale. the Autumn Crocus or Meadow golden-yellow flowers 01 the Chinese Witch Hazel Saffron, has nothing to do with crocuses or with (Hamamelis mol/is). It also blends perfoctly with saffron, which comes from Crocus satlvus. Howe>.er, Narcissus c~Jamlf1eus 'February Gold' Its dried corms are a valuable ingredient 01 medICines AlQhl Colchicum aulumnale Another corm-bearing p/an( II produces 1ea\o€S In Spring and early summer that die baCk afterwards (n autumn, It bears crocus-llke flowers thaI provide welcome colour and reddish-purple II has been crossed with other specJeS to create many superb hybnds Height: 3O-38cm (12-15In) Spread: 2S-3Ocm (10-12In) Cultivation: We!1-dralned SOil in full sun or light shade SUits II. DUring autumn, plant the corms 7·S-1Ocm (3-4In) deep In small clumps Propagation: It can be raised trom seed, but the proclucbon of I\owenng­ SiZed corms takes up 10 seven vears It IS eaSIer to hft congested clumps when the leaves have died down and remove the offsets planllllg them out In a nursery bed for a coupk3 01years un 111 ready for their final positions Replant the large, parent corms. too

Colchicum speciosom IS useful for planllng under shrubs and trees. where lIS spnng and earty summer leaves cannot swamp nearby plants It IS superb for planting under SpecIeS roses " ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

Convolvulus sabalius (ConYDlvulus mauntamcus) This hal'ldsome North AmeriCan 1railing and mat-tormlng perennial IS I)()t fully hardy, so 11 is Ideal for warm, sunny rock gardens or even In hanging baskets. The 2 5-4cm (1-1hln) kmg. almost round, mid· green ~ves are surmounted by 2 Scm (lin) WIde. purple-blue, trumpet-shaped lowers WIth smail whole throats borne ~ngy from mid 10 !ale summer Height: 5-7 SCm (2-3m) Spread: 45-6Ocm (Hi!-2ft) Cultivation: light, well-{1ralned, sandy soH In a warm area and a shel1ered IXlSltIOn suit 11best. It 1$ onty really successful in warmer areas Propagation: During mid-summer. take Scm (2in) klng cunlngs, Insertn19 them In pots 01 equal parts peal and sharp sand. placing these In a cold frame. When the cunmgs are rooted. pot them up SIngly In10 small pots of loam-based compost and oYer-wmter them Ina frost-prool greenhouse. Wall untllla1e spnng before planting them ou11n10 the garden or In conlamers

Below: Convolvulus sabatlus This dehghtful member of the bindweed family IS often bener known as Convolvulus rnauntamcus IllS not fully hardy but well wonh groWing for Its beautiful blue flowers from mid-summer onwards

Above Crocus lomasinianus ThiS IS one ofthe earliestcf'tXuses to flower In late Winter It needs protecllon from cold WindS but. once established, II WlH ff1five in most gardens

Crocus tomasinianus

An anract!Ve late-Winter ~owenng bulb, thiS crocus diSplays narrow dark green iea'.'es With pronounced white mldnbs. The lowers range In colour from pale tawnder to reddISh-purple and are borne dunng late winter and Into earty spflng Good vanetles Include Barr's Purple and Whltewell Purple, both purple

Convolvulus sabatius can be used In a rOCK garden to Crocus lomaslnlanus mixes well With many other cover large, bare areas or to trail owr rocKs where late-winter flowenng plants, such as Cyclamen coum It helps to fuse the vaflOUS elements of the rocK aM the Winter Aconrte (Eran/hls hyemal,s) or With garden together earty-flowenng shrubs liKe Mahoma jafXJnIC8 Crocus vernus (Crocus neapolitanus) Dutch Crocus (UK and USA) The species IS the parent 01 the many vanetlElS 01 Dutch Crocus Wlth large goblet-shaped lowers In a range of colours Il"ICludll"IQ hlac, purple and white. often With striking WIning Flowenng IS dunng early spnng , There are many vaneties to choose Irom and blue or purple ones include 'Oueen 01 the Blues' (Iavender-b!ue),Stnped Beauty (dark purple-blue stnpes on a Silver-White background and Wlth a viOlet-purple base 10 the petalS) andPurpureus Grandlftorus (purple-blue) Height: 75-t3cm (3-51n) Spread: 4-Scm (I ~-2In) Cultivation: We!I-drall19d soil and a sheltered and sunny posIlionsult 11. 11 can be grown In rock gardens or naturalIZed In the shon. fine grass of an alpine meadow Propagation: lilt and divide the corms when the fohage has died down after ftower ing Remove the small corm lets and repiantthem.

Below Crocus vernus 'Striped Beauty' ThIS Dutch crocus has de/lcale V9Jmng on Its large_ goblet-shaped flowers The bulbs Increase naturally unllliarge dnfts are formed If gwen free-draming soil and a pas/ton where it gets plenty of sun.

Height 7 S-IOcm (3·4In) Spread: S-S-Scm (2-2!-2,n) CulUvalion: OrdHlary well-drained soil and a sunny. sheltered place free Irom COld winds are SUItable, II IS often recommended for na turahzmg In shan grass. but It does not always do well In such a position and IS best planted In the bare soil 01 rock gardens or under deciduous !tass andshrubs SetthecormsS5-7'5cm (2l'z-3In) deep. Propagation: It will seed and naturallZeilSel1 (june readily. espaoally In bare SOI l Alternatrvely, remove cormle!s from around the corms When re~anted, these take two or three years to produce good plantS

Crocus vernus IS a parleet match for NarcJSSus C}CIamlf"leus February Golef With bnght yelleM' spnng flowers. and Crocus aureus Dutch GOld whICh has deep yellow blooms ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS

LeI!: Cyclamen hederifolium Cultivation: We ll-drained deep SOil This IS one 01 the hardiest and most and a sunny position SUit it best. free-flowering of all cyclamens for Propagation: During late winter, S(yN creating colour in the garden. The seeds in SMail pots of klam-based flowers appear from lale summer seed compost and place them in a to early winter. growing best under cold frame. Prk;k out the seedlings frees where the ptant gams shelter into bigger pots when they are large and shade. enough to handle. Alterna tively. in late summer, take Scm (2In) long Edraianlhus pumilio cunings and insert them In pots of equal parts peat and sharp sand, Grassy Bells (USA) ~acing them in a cold frame. When ThiS hardy herbaceous perennial they are rooted, pot up the cuttings. from YugosJall'la is an excellent rock Plan t them In the garden In spring garden ~anl. It procluces clumps of narrow grey-green teaves, and Below: Edraianthus pumilio clusters of upturned lavender-blue This is an excellent chOIce for a fun nel-shaped nowers during early well--drained scree bed in a rock summer. It is ideal fo r planting garden, or for a trough or slone In troughs and stone sinks. Sink. The lavender-blue, funnel­ Height: 5-7-5cm (2-31n) shaped flowers appear In early summer. Spread: 15-2Scm (6-IOIn) Cyclamen hederifolium (Cydamen neapolilanum) Baby Cyclamen (USA) An easlly-grown, long-lived, free­ ftowering and extremely hardy corm-bearing plant, th iS cyclamen has deep green leaves, red beneath and with silvery markings above. The variable, mauve to pink., 2·5cm (tin) lOng ftowers appear from lale summerlo early winter. There isalso a white form. Height: IDem (4m) Spread: 10-15cm (4-6in) Cultivation: Humus-rich, well­ drained soil in lig ht, dappled shade suits II best. Plant the corms In late summer, where they can be lelt undisturbed lor many years. It IS a long-lived plant and even old corms produce flowers, Propagation: The corms do not produce offsets, so they must be increased by sowing seeds in late summer, thinly and in pots of loam-based compost. Place the pots in a cold frame or against a wall. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them off into individual ~ts of a loam-based com~sl. Do th is as soon as their second leaves appear. When they are strong and weU-grown, plant them into their finat positions

Cyclamen hede~lfotium is ideal for naturalizing in bare Edraianthus pumilio is ideal for a scree bed, where Its soil beneath trees, planting on banks, or in a rock foliage blends with small stone chippings. Even garden. II left undisturbed, the plants eventually create when grown in a stone sink, it can be given a large drifts 01 colour similar background J f • Endymion hispanicus on surrounding soli. Alternatively, lift and divide clumps annuallv. (~campanulata ScIa t1sp:Inca) replanting them Immediately as the S(J8ntsh 8/uebel (UK) bulbs do not h

Endymion hispanlcus can be planted With a wide range Erythronlums are a delight In a moist, naturalized of plants, such as DOiyanthus, or underneath Magnolia area, Other spec~ useful for creating cotour contrast x soufangrana with Its white chalice-shaped flowers are the Amencan Trout Lily (E revoIutum), With pink In spong ttalso IOcJj(s good with other bulbous flowers flowers, and E tuo/umnense, With bnghtyellow IIowers ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS , [ . Gentiana acaulis (Gentaana kochli3na G alpma G CIUSli) Trumpet Gennan (UK) Stemless Gemlan (USA) This isa beautiful hardy perenmal lor a rock garden, c reating early summer colour The brilhant biue. 5-7 Scm (2-3m) long trumpet­ shaped ftowers are near stemless and borne amid mats of cj.ossy. mld-green leaves Height: 75cm (3In) Spread: 38-45cm (15-18In) Cultivation: Heavy. gntty, mOlslUf"&­ retent.ve but weli-dralned loam and a sunny position SUit It Set the plants in position during spnng Propagation: It is easi ly Increased by diVISIOn 01t he plants in late spnng or early summer. Alternatively, take Scm (2in) long Cutllngs from basal shoots In mid 10 late spring Inse,., them In pots of ooual parts peat and sharp sand and place these Ina cold frame Pot up the cunlflgs. when rooted. InlO smaU pells of loam-based compost and replace In the cold frame Plant Oulrnto the garden dUfIJ'lg spring of the following year

RlQ ht Genllana acaulis A be8ulifui but often variable plant for a rock garden, thiS gentian d!sf)Jays Its brilliant blue trumpets In early summer II often spreads to form a large clump only a few Inches h!f}h

Gentiana septemfida Propagation: Good lorms are best raISed from Scm (2in) long cultJngs Crested Gen/lan (USA) 18k-en In spring and Inserted in pots ThiS hardy, reliable and undemand­ of equal parts peat and sharp sand Ing gentian Irom Iran and ASI8 Minor placed In a cold frame When Ihe has lal1Ce-shapecj, mid-green leaws cunlngs are rooted, pot them up ar.d a prolU Sion 01 terminal, deep Into small pots and replace in the blue ftowers from mid to lale cold frame until spong of the folloWing summer Each ftower is about 4cm year 11 can also be increased by (1)2ln) long ar.d resembles an sowing seeds In autumn ar.d uDlumed trumpet placing them In a cold frame Height 20-3Ocm (B-12in) Spread: 25-3Ocm (10-12In) RlQht Gentiana septemlida Cultivation: Any good, nch, Th!s !S one of the eaSIest gentians to rTlOISfUte-retenllYe garden soil SUIIS grow WIth an abundance 01 deep It Grow It In Mher lull sun or light blue upturned trumpel-like Rowers shade Fortunately, It IS one 01 the from mid to /ale summer IllS Ideal for nestling In rock garden easteSt genMns to grow a

Gentlana aeaulls blends with several other rock garden Gentiana septem/ida IS superb on Its own In a plants, including saxifragas, Violas cornuta, the rock-garden pocket but also com bines well With alpme Pasque Flower [Pu/saWs vulgans). Aster a/pIOus SpecIeS 01 gypsophlla, such as Gypsoptllia cerastlOides Thymus drucer and Geranium dalmallCum and G repens both WIth white or pmk flowers - -==~G~'·~e~n;;II.:a ~na~s~., -n~o-o~~rn~a~ta~~Right~~~~~~~~=- Gentians sino-ornala ~~~~r.i~~ =-:J ThIS beaulifuland wel'-knoWf) This IS an outstanding autumn­ Chmese and Tibetan gentian IS 8 true Dowenng gentian with Scm (2In) delllJhlln autumn, and when seen In long. bollianl blue. trumpet-Shaped a large dnh IS highly memorable. It lowers These are SI(lped WIth a needS a SOil ncIlln leafmou/d The narrow mld.green leaves provide a deeper blue. as well as greemsh­ perfect foil for the dominantly. yellow The leaves are narrow, COloured. brill,in/ blue. trumpet­ mldlIreen and rather grass-~ke. shaped flowers prodiJClng a pJeasant backcblh for the flowers. ThiS beautiful gentian Below: tphelon uniJlorum wasdlSC<>Vered by theworid-famous 'Vi otaceum' plant hunter George Forrest (1873· ThIS beau/JIu/lorm of (he Spring 1932) In 1910-11 In South-west Starflower bears /aMy SIx-petalled China On the same exped,!JO(l flowers dunng spnng It IS natwe to Forrest collected seeds of the beau­ Peru and Argentina It IS Ideal for hful shrub f>lens formosa forresty. creatlflg low hummocks of coJour whICh was named in hiS hOnour akmgside paths, and lOoks eSf)eClal/y Height: 15cm (6m) arrractlWJ a/the SIdes of crazy­ Spread: 30-34cm (12-18,n) f)8Vlng and gravel paths Cultivation: Fenlle deep. peaty aCid sod and a shaded positIOn SUIt it best Take care that the sod does not dry out dunng hot summers Set the plants out In the garden dunng spnng when the SOIl IS warm Propagation: The eases! way to Increase thiS plant IS by lilting and dividing large clumps In spnng Ipheion uniflorum (Brocliaea unllora Milia ullllora Tnte/eaa unllora) Spring SlarflOwer (UK and USA) ThiS beautiful and reliab~ bulbous plant forms a hummock of grass-like leaves and Scm (2in) wide, SI~­ petalled, star--st1aped, seemed Bowers dunng spnng They range tram white to deep lavender blue In COlour There are several good vanetJeS, Including Gaeruleum (pa~ bfueJ,lMsIey Blue (VIOlet-blue) and VlOIaceum' (v;oIeO Height: 15-2Ocm (6-8tn) Spread: 75-1Ocm (3-4In), but ~ants grow together to form a large clump Cultivation: Ordinary weli-

Genliana sino-omata IS often dllflCult to combine Iphelon uniliorum makes a welcOme early splash of W1th other plants, and IS therefore beSt soon on Its CQk)ur In rock gardens or as an edging 10 paths. In own, ~anted as a large, bold splash of colour agatnst borders n can be combtrled With deciduous azaleas a wall or 10118ge plants and Rhododendron lu/eum ROCK AND_. NATURALIZED GARDENS , Iris cristata sheltered and sllghlly shaded Iris kaempferi poslTlon. To ensure that the SOIl IS Dwarf Crested Ins Crested Ins nch In humus, top-dress II with Japanese Ins (USA) Crested Owarllns (USA) 'M3I-decomJX)Sed com~ In spnng, ThiS beardless IflS belongs to a This IS a beautiful Nanh AmeriCan Plant the rhizomes in the soil dUfing group that delights In moist soli It dwarf crested ins for a rock garden. late spnng, Just below the surface displays deeply fibbed, deciduous, Dunng late spnng , It bears 5-6-Scm Propagation: It Iseasity Increased by deep green leaves, and 10·2Ocm (2-2~ln) wide, lilac-purpe nowers, hltlng and dividing the rhizomes in (4·8In) wide Howers in earty summer whOse w hite crests are ti pped with late spnng Other crested Inses Many vanetleS and strains 01 thiS IfIS orange are best lifted, dMded and replanted have been developed, wllh colours Height 15cm (6in) Immediately after the IIowers have mcludlng btue, reddish-purple, pmk Spread: lS-2Ocm (&-8in) faded , but thIS beautdul speoes IS and while Some are completely Cultivatk>n: Slightly moist. fertile SOlI the exceptIOn to the rule one colour, while others have a ennched with lealmould IS needed, mIXture and a few r&."ea.1 a nenrng of either shghlly acid or neutral, A Below' Iris gr&cilipes whlte or coloured vems. sheltered posIlion In light shade IS ThIS small cresJed Ins diSplays pretty Height 60-9Ocm (2-3ft) desirable flowers In S{)fIng. It IS !deal for Spread: 4S--6Ocm (1}2~2ft) Propagation: After !lowering, 11ft and IJ/anflng in mOIst. acid SOIl, In a Cultivation: Moist soil at Ihe edge of sheltered, slightly shaded position divide the plants, replanting the an informal pool IS best, bu t Ihe rOOlS rhizomes Immediately_

BeJow Iris crlstata ThIS dwarf crested Ins from the Sou/hern States of North AmeriCa needs Slightly acid or neutral SOd In light Shade II IS well SUited to planting In a peal bed

Iris gracilipes ThiS crested iriS belongs 10 Ihe groopollflse5 whICh haveorchld·hke l!owers with cock's-comb cresls instead of beards This species ~ hardy, with slender, dark green leaves. and 25-5cm (1 -2in) wide, \a\lElnder-pnk 1\ovJefs, whICh appear dunng mid and lale spnng Height 20-25cm (8·lOm) Spread: 2O-25cm (8·tOm) Cultivation: Fertile, moish.Jre-retentrve hme-free SOIl IS essenMl, In a

IriS gracilis is a dwarf ins that is ideal for a Sheltered Iris kaempferl forms a bold display at the side of a pockel In a rock garden. Altern atively, plant it p:)OI, Ideal as a backcloth for the pool itself and among small acid·loving shrubs that otler shade and for bnnglng heighl to the poot surrounds. The large, protectIOn for the delICate flowers bright flowers are best grown on their own - '\7 • should 1'lO\ be set in the water RK:h soil and an annual mulch of well-roned comlX)SI are aids to success Plan! the rhiZomes Just below the surface dUring the sprmQ or autumn Propagation; IllseaSiIy Increased by hftu'lQ and diVIding the rhizomes Immediately flowenng is over Allhls lime the plants can be eaSily lilted. even from very boggy SOil They must be replanted Immediately

Below Iris kaempleri ThIS handsome beardless inS for mOist soi/af the edges 01 a nond has been bred In Japan /0 produce a wKie range Of flower forms and coJours dunng early summer

Above: tris rellculata 'Jeanine' ThiS IS a reliable bulbous ms for a rock garden or front 01 a border. fIOwenng In lale WInter and early S/XIng "is suI/able for Chalky soil. Iris reliculata

ThiS well-known, small, bulbous Iris IS deal tor a rock garden orthefront Of a border. It is now available In a range of colours, but the true speaes is blue and VIOlet, With Of Without orange blazes on the falls (the lower, drOOPIng petalS). Flowers appear during late winter and early summer. Good forms to look lor Include 'Canlab' (~ht I:)ue), 'Clalrette' (sky-I:)ue), Royal Blue' (deep blue) and 'Jeanine' (VIOlet I:)us) Cultivation: Light, well-dralned chalky soil In lull sun or IlQht shade surts II. Plant fresh bulbs In autumn, CCNering them With a 5-7 Scm (2-31n) layer of rol ThiS attractJVe bulbcan also begrown IndOOrs, but the plants should not be taken Inside until the flower buds show cok>ur. They are better grown in a cold greenhouse or conservatory Propagation: It lSeasily Increased by lifting and dIVIding large Clumps In late summerorearty autumn. large bulbS can be replanted, While smaller ones should be planted In a nursery bed and grown on lor a tew years until large enough to set out in ther tinal, flowering posItions.

Iris reticulata blends With many early spnng·lowenng plants, such as the Sl'IOYIdrop (Galanthus n.vahs), the yellow-Dowered shrub MahOma }apomca and the CofSlCan Hellebore (Hel/eborus /Mdus COfSICUS ). " ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS I ""

Above Llthodorit diffusa 'Grace R;ght Muscari armeniacum Ward' This stunmngly attractive blue This is a beauMul prostrate plan/lor bulbous plant for spnng colour deal 8 rock garden, cascading over for naturalizing under deciduous rocks to form 8 large mat of colour Shrubs or as a path edging IS a ThIS form produces intense blue native of Turkey and the Caucasus Rowers from mid-summer /0 early autumn Below Ponlederia cordata This e~tchlng North Amencan Lithodora diffusa water plant bnngs height and colour lall3ln summer EventuaHy tt forms a (llthospermum dlffusum) large dump W!lfJ pur,je-tiue IJOv.ers This superb hardy, spreading, mat­ terming perenn~IIOf a rock garden, IS ollen better known by Its prevIOus botamcal name, even though this has been superseded. ThecreePlng stems are covered With small, oval, dark green 1ea\l9S, and the Iive--Iobed, 12mm ()

1I1hodora diifusa can be used With other prostrate plants. such asHelianlhemum nurnmu/anum Beech Park Scarret and the blue-purple Campanu/a {)Oftensch/aglana '" Muscari armeniacum Grape Hyacinth (UK and USA) In spnng, this well-known hardy bulb has the heads of its stems ifghtly clustered wllh bell-hke, azure­ ~ue to deep pu r ple-~ue flowers, whICh have wMlsh nms to thejr mouths The narrow dark green leaves tend to spread and separate as the flowers appear Several forms are aval~bIe, such as Cantab' (pale sky ~ue),Heavenly Blue (bright ~ue) and Blue SPike (double and mld·~ue) It IS ideal for planting In Large dnfts under shrubs or In line grass. When planted In a rock garden. It needs careful watching as it can soon spread and dominate choICe pjants Height: 18·23cm (7·9m) Spread : lD-l3cm (4·5m) Cultivation; Any wel-dralned garden soli In full sun SUitS it During late summer Ofearty autumn, plant r'tf!1W bulbs 7 Scm (3m) deep Propagation; It otten spreacls QUite easily by self-sown seedlings Alternatrvely. large clumps can be hlted and dMded when the leaves are yellOWing Replanllhem Immediately Pontederia cordata PICkerel Weed (UK and USA) ThiS IS a hardy and vigorous herbaceous perennial tor the edge of a garden pool, In water up to 23cm (9In) deep The glossy, deep green heart-shaped leavesare borne on stili, long. upnght stems, W1th 5-tOcm (2-4In) long heads of purple-~ue flowers during late summer arid InlO early autumn. Height: 45·7Scm (1)i;,-2J021t) Spread: 30-45cm (1-1 )tit) Cultivation: RICh , fibrous loam and a sunny poSjtlon are needed, w,1t1 the rh,zomes covered by several inches of water Planting IS best done dUring Late spring or early summer Propagation: It IS best Increased by lifting and dlVldll"lQ the rhizomes In Late spnng Take care that they do not dry out Also, make sure that the roots are submerged deeply unlJl the plants are established

M uscarl armenlacum IS a superb companton tor Po ntederia cordata IS Ideal torthe side of a formal pool. Primroses and polyanthus Anemone blanda can be where ItS foliage spills out over the edges, soltenlng added to thiS trio, al1d they can all be set like a and blending the structured elements with the pool multl

Primula vialii

A distinctive outdoor primula, th iS species has a rosette of large pale green narrow ~nce-shaped leaves and 7·5-13cm (3-5in) Iong,!Xlker-like, dense s~kes of slightly scented, lavender-blue flowers dUring mid-summer. Height 20-3Ocm (8-12in) Spread: 23-3Ocm (9-12in) CUltivation: MOisture-retentive fertile soil and lig ht shade suit it. The soil must not dry out during summer, but at the same time should never be waterlogged Propagation: Established plants can be diVIded and replanted directly after the flowers havefaded, However, it is often better to sow seeds in summer in loam-based compost and place them in a cold frame. Shade the boxes and subsequent seedlings from strong sunlight. When they are large enough to handle, prick oN the seedlings Into boxes and replace them In the cold frame Plant them out into the garden in spring.

Righi Primula vialii ThiS beautiful Chinese primula bears ooker-/lke spikes of sJif;htly-scented lavender-blue flowers m mid­ summer When planted in a large dnll, perhaps at the side of an mformal garden pool, It is a stunmng sight in f/owe~

Puschkinia scilloides Above Primula denliculala Primula denliculata (Puschkinia libanolica P. sicula . ThIS IS the well-known DrumstICk Drumstick Primula Drumstick Pn'mula, with globular heads of Adamsla scilloides) Primrose (UK) flowers dun'ng spnng and Into early Striped Sauill (UK) This popular hardy pnmula summer. It is an excellenl and ThiS exceptionally attractive small reliable plant for beginners to producesadramatlcgardendlsplay. hardy bulb suits many Sites in the gardening and seldom fails to attract The pa!e-green lance-shaped leaves attention. garden. from naturalizing in low. fine form a compact rosette at its base, grass to planting in rock gardens or while during spring and In to early alongside narrow borders al the summer the siems bear S-7'Scm enrk:hed with leafmoukJ, and a bases of walls The mld-green, (2·3In) wide globular flower heads in lighny shaded site are ideal. strap-like leaves are surmounted by colours ranging from deep purple Propagation; Sow seeds In mid­ arching Siems, bearing up to SIX, to deep lilac and carmine. A white summer In pots of loam-based Si lvery-blue, ~ I- shaped , 12mm form 'Alba' is also availabje. while compost and place them in a cold (~i n) long flowers during spring', 'Ruby' IS rose-purpje. frame, When they are large enough Height: t3-2Ocm (5-8in) Height: 23-3Ocm (9-12In) to handJe, prick out the seedlll1gs Spread: 7 5-1Ocm (3-4 1n) Spread: 20-25cm (8-lOin) into boxes of compost and plant Cultivation: Any light garden soil Cutlivation: Moisture-relentlve loam, them out Into the garden In autumn and a position in sun or partial shade

Primula denticulata IS an amenable plant that mingles Primula vialii needs careful positioning in a garden, as happily With many other spring-flowering types, such Its distlncllve flowers are best not forced to compete as Anemone blanda. the Grape Hyacinth (Muscan' With other low-growing plants. It is best g iven a bed or armeniacum). Daffooils and Primroses corner to itself, " Above Ramonda myconi A distinctIVe a/pine plant that prefers not to have moisture covering its leaves, Ramonda is therefore often happier planted at a slight angle on a slope or between rocks. where It will freely produce liS blue flowers

Ramonda myconi (Ramonda pyrenalca) A hardy, dainty-flowered. rosette­ forming rock-garden plant with evergreen, deep green, crrnkled and rusty-haired leaves. The 2'5-4cm (1-1 )o2i n) wide, lavender-blue flowers with golden stamens are borne in late spring. several to a stem. Height: tG-l5cm (4-6in) Spread: 20-25cm (8-10In) Cultivation: Wel l-drarned leafmould­ ennched garden soil and a cool assure success. Plant the bulbs in poSItion on the north SIde of a slope autumn, 5cm (2in) deep. and leave suit It best. Do not allow the soil to them where they are lor many years. dry out. It IS also good for plantmg in Propagation: Alter flowenng and rock crevices or between peat blocks. when the foliage has died down. lift Propagation: DUring autu mn or and divide congested clumps. early spring, sow seeds in a tray 01 a Removeanddry the 00100, reDianting loam-based compost and place II in them in autumn. a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the Right Puschkinia scilloides seedlings into small pots and This attractIVe bulbous plant replace th em In the frame Pfant proouces silvery-blue flowers in them out Into the garden when they spring on arching stems. It tolerates are well established. Alternatively, sun or partial shade, and. once take leaf-cuttlngs In mid-summer. planted, can be left undisturbed lor They take about SIX weeks to many years produce roots. Pot up immediately

Puschkinia scilloides displays such soft-coloured Ramonda myconi. with its wrtnkled rusty-coloured flowers that they can be blended With many other rock leaves and blue fiowers, IS so distinctive that il is best garden plants. The Vivid mauve flowers of Vk)/a given plenty of space to reveal itself. A background 01 /abradonca are h~hlighted by puschklnia's lIowers. washed shingle helps to show tl all even better ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS r= -

Above: Rhododendron 'Blue Tif This dwarf dome-shaped evergreen shrub has funnel-shaped lavender­ blue flowers thaI darken WIth age. It IS ideal for a rock garden, creallng helghl and dramatIC colour In lale spring and early summer Above Scilla sibirica Right Scilla tubergeniana 'Spring Beauty' Although Its c%Uf/ng IS notso Rhododendron These vIvid-blue fJowers appear m stnkmg as Scilla sibinca, It does form spring, dell9hllng in moist but a soil-covering mass of COlour and 'Blue Tif well-dram¢ soil in a wild garden or is ideal tor plantmg in rock gardens or under deciduous shrubs, where It A hardy and reliable smalHeaved boggy area around a POnd They can grow beneath shrubs bnngs early colour evergreen dwari rhododendron tor a rock garden, peat bank or heather garden. It forms a den se, fOunded several stems, each bearing two to shrub with smailiunnel-s haped five brill iant blue, nodding, bell­ lavender-blue flowers at the "PS of shaped ftowers The blue is so the branches during late spring and dominant that If often appears to In to early summer As the flowers overwhelm other plants It is the age, they become dark blue tormSpring Beauty' (often known Height: 90cm (3h) as Atrocaerulea'), With deep blue Spread: 9Ocm-12m (3-4ft) fiowers, that ismost freQuent1yseen. Cultivation: Moisture-reten tive acid Height 13-15cm (5-6m) soil in lighlshade under trees IS best Spread: 7 5-1Ocm (3-4m) To keep the soil mOist, mulch the Cultivation: Well-dralned but moist surface with well-decomlX)sed soil in fu ll sun or slight shade suits 11. compost In spring Set the bulbs 5-75cm (2-3In) deep Propagation: Alter flowering, take m late summer. c uttings 01 young shoots With heels Propagation: Esta blished clumps and insert them In pots 01 peaty can be lifted and diVKled in autumn, compost. Place them In a cold otherwise they are best lett alone frame and grow on until ready for planting out in th e garden. Rig ht Rhododendron "Slue Star' This dommanrly coloured dwarf Scilla sibirica rhododendron creates a bold display Several other vanetles are Sibenan Squill (UK and USA) noted for thel( flowers, too. including This popular, hardy, spnng-lIowering Blue Diamond' with Clusters of bulbous plant has wide, dark. green, rich lavender-purple flowers in strap-shaped leaves, which appear spnng. It IS slowgrowing and only 1m (3v.It) high in spring These are followed by

Many other blue-flowered rhododendrons can be Scilla sibirica IS superb for planttng under Oaphne used m small gardens, such as 'Slue Diamond mezereum Alba' or among the lilac-fiowered (lavender-blue), Blue Chip (bnlliant blue) Praecox carpet provided by a mass planting of the diminutive (rose-purple) and 'Samt Merryn' (intense blue) Violet Cress (/onopsrdum acaule), Above Sisyrlnchium bennudianum ThIS IS a beaU/ltul {)Ian/lOT a rod; garden. where 1/ readily Increases Ilse1f by seIf·sown seedlings which grow in the gaps between paving Stones, as welles other inhOspItable places in (he garden

Scilla lubergeniana Sisyrinchium bermudianum This anractJVe hardy bulbQus plant trom North-west Iran displays lIS B/ue-eyed Grass (UK and USA) pale blue or white llowers in earty A hardy member of the lOS family. spring AI first, the flowers are With Sbll and erect narrowgr8Yilreen bell·like. bUllater they fianen amKl leaves and brarx:hed stems At their wide s!rap-like glossy bright green tiPS, the stems bear 12mm min) leaves In addition to thiS wide. star-shaped, satin-blue, yellow­ SpecIeS and Sctlla SJblrica. the centred !lowers from early summer 23<3Ocm (9-12m) high Cuban Lily until late autumn. It IS best grown in a (SC/lla pertMana) IS well worth rock garden. growing In the border. DUring Height: 2D-2Scm (8-lOm) early summer. thIS SCIlla bears Spread: 15-23cm (6-9in) crowded heads of attractive, star· Cultivation: Well-dralned, humus­ shaped blue flowers ennched garden SOIl and a sunny Height: 75-1Ocm (3·4in) poSItIOn ensure success. In autumn, Spread: 75-1Ocm (3·4In) cut all dead IeaYeS and flowered Cultivation: MOist but YJeIl-dralned stems soli in full sun or light shade SUIIS It Propagation: It tends to readily best Plant The bulbs 75cm (3In) Increase IIse/I by seed. and these deep In late summer seeds can be gathered and potted Propagation: Congested clumps up for plantmg out at a later stage can be lifted and dMded in autumn. when bener developed Bong them Alternatively, II can be raised from on in a cok:l lrame and set them seed but lhls takesuptoflveyearsto oul In the garden when they are produce tIowering-Slzed plants growing strongly.

Scilla tubergiana has sUbtly cOloured 3owers, and can Sisyrinchlum bntchypus is another delrghtful specres, be mIXed With other small bulbs. like the 'Nintar Aconite With 18mm (loin) Wide, star-shaped yellOw !lowers. (Eramhls hyemaJis) and Snowdrop (Galamhus nrvallS), borne from early summer onwards on relatJvely withOut bemg dominated by or overwhelming them low plants. only 1Scm (6In) high ROCK AND NATURALIZED GARDENS I • Tecophilaea cyanocrocus Chilean Crocus (UK and USA) This beautiful, crocus-like, South American bulbous plant is not fully hardy in temperate regions, but is well wort h growing lor its gorgeous 4cm (I)2ln) long flowers, with deep blue to pUrple petals and while throats. whiCh appear In spnng Height lo-13cm (4-5m) Spread: 13-I5cm (S-6mJ Cultivation: In ItS natIVe Chlle. II grows on stony. well-dr3lned slopes In the garden, therefore. rt needs well-dramed sandy soil, and a warm andsunnyposmon 'tgrcmsoutdoors only In mild areas, free from severe frost In weI climates it needs protectoo wah cloches during WInter, Plant the corms in mid-autumn. Above Tecophila&a eyanocrocus Below· Veronica leuerlum 'Trehane' Propagation: It is not easily Increased A IOwgrowlng rock garden plant ThIS beaullful rock garden plant has and usually the plants produce few lhallhrives in a wefl-drained, gok:Jen-yeliow leaves, and bears cormiets, When grown in a cool sheltered and warm poSJlion, spres o( pale blue flOwers dunng greenhouse, the plants can be Excesswe mOisture in Winter will most of summer. fts foIl89El blends harm 1/ The nchIy-coIoured crocus­ well With rocks, harmontzmg With removed from the pots In autumn like flOwers appear in $piing the colour of the stone and the carmlets paned up Veronica teucrium This hardy alpme veronICa forms a clump of up right stems bearing mid todark green, loothed lance-s haped leaves, with 5-7'5cm (2-3in) lOng SPl k.es 01sky blue flowers during mOSl 01summer Several cultivated vanetleS are available, which are loWer grOWIng than the onglnal specIeS these mclude Trehane (gOlden-yellow leaves and pale blue !Iowers),Shlr\ey Blue' (deep blue !lowers) and 'Rosea' (rose-pmk. !lowers and only 15cm (6In) high), Height 23-38cm (9-15In) Spread: 45-6Ocm (1~-2ft) Cultivation: Ordinary well-dralned garden SOil and a sunny poSltk>n are essenMI lor conlinued success Propagation: Dunng spnng, lift and dIVIde large clumps, Alternatwely, tak.e cunlngs from mid to late summer and Inserllhem m pots of equal pans peat and sharp sand When they are rooted, pot up the curungs and overwinter them In a COld Irame before planting them out )n the garden

Tecophilaea cyanocrocus IS a warmth-loving bulb that Veronica teucrium IS deal for planting at the Iront of does wel l in Sltuallons Similar to those needed by the borders as well as rock gardens, especially mIXed With lender South Afncan nennes and the beaullful Algerian yellow and wh ile flOwers. In a rock garden It blends well Iris (Ins ungUlculans), also k.nown as Ins sty/osa With the lemon-yellow Hypencum oIym{JICum 'Crtnnum " Further plants to consider

Meconopsis betooicifolia (Macono~s balleyi) Himalayan Blue Poppy (UK)' Blue PoPW (USA) HelghI 9Ocm·l-Sm [3-SII) Spread 45cm (1~1I) A distinctive hardy herbaceous perennial for a moist, shaded area, prOOUClng 6 5-7 Scm (2~-3In) wide. sky ~ue flowers durrng mid-summer

Meconopsis grandis Hetght: 45-6Ocm (I Mo-2ft) Spread 45cm (ln ft) A hardy herbaceous perennial/or a mOISt and lightly-shaded area beanng 10013cm (4-SlnlWlde, nch ~ue to purplellowersdunng early summer

Meconopsis quintuplinervia Harebell Poppy (UK and USA) Height 23-3Ocm (9-121n) Spread 3Q-38cm (i 2-1Sin) A spreading d wari perennial, with mld-{lreen leaves and Scm (2in) Above; Viola cornu!a wide, nodding, lavender-blue or purple "owers during early summer This beautiful hardy vIOla IS Id&JI for weII-<1ramed but mOtst and fertile Mertensla vlrglnlca SOIls m sun or Shflht shade. ft is Virginian CowsliP (UK) perfecl for bringing colour to paTh Bluebells Virginia Bluebell Virglnl8 CoWSliP Roanoke-bells (USA) edges or In rock gardens. There is also a white-flowered form Hetght 3O-6Ocm (I-2ft) Spread 4Scm (!Mt) A hardy herbaceous perennial Wl\h ~ue-grey. lance-shaped leaves and pendulous clusters 0/ purple-blue flOwers In early summer Viola comuta Omphalodes verna Homed Violet (UK and USA) Blue-eyed Mary (UK) CreePing Forge/·me-not (USA) A reliable, lusty and robust violet H61ght. 13-15cm (S-6in) Spread 3O-38cm (12-1S,nJ from the Pyrenees, the Horned A spreading herbaceous perenmal for a rock garden or woodland Violet bears lavender or violet­ From eariy spnng to early summer,lI bears white-throated, bng ht ~ue coloured !lowers thai provide early flowers, 12mm (~in) wide or mid-summer colour. The 2 Scm (lin) wide, spurred IIOwers are Primula jutiae borne above the mld-green. oval Height 7 5-1Ocm (3-4in) Spread 25-3Oc:m (10-102in) leaves, whICh have rounded teeth, A dellQhtlul mat-forming pnmula With yeUow-eyed. 18mm (}lin) WIde SeYeral forms are available, Including reddISh-purple IIowers In spnng and early summer Minor' (lavender· blue), Jersey Gem' (blue-OUr'PeJ and :Alba' (wtute) Primula marginata Height: 10030cm (4-12in) Hetght 10-13cm (4-5In) Spread 20-25cm (8-1OIn) Spread: 30-38cm (12-1SIn) A beauliful alpme primula with grey-green, Sllver-edged leaves and CultIvation: Fertile, well-

Viola cornuta IS robust enough to be set al the front 01 a border With a backing of white "owers Alternatively, DOSItlQn It in a rock garden, where It can trail over the rocks and merge With other plants " CHAPTER THREE - .-

-" CONTAINt:R GARDt:NING

nce the spnng-flowering bulbs burst Into bloom it is possible to O believe that spring has really begun and tha t Nature is not going to play any perverse tricks Although a slight frost is s\11I possible In late spring, bulbs appear to withstand a few degrees of below-freezing temperatures without coming to any harm Bulbs for spnng diSplays are often sok:! in ready-to-plant mixtures that Includedominant blues as well as colour contrasts in yellow and white SelectIOns for window-boxes and troughs Include blue Grape Hyacinths, yellow Crocus chrysamhus, red dwarf Species tulips and pink hyaCinths. For urns and tubs, where extra height is acceptable, you might choose blue hyaCinths, yellow NarciSSUS cyclamineus 'February Gold', the Darwin Hybrid tulip 'Apeldoorn' (about 60cm (2ft) high with rich red flowers), blue Grape HyaCinths and blue crocuses In large tubs a relatively flat spnng display looks best, so try polyanthus with the bright blue Grape HyaCinth. Set the polyanthus m a clfcle towards the outside of the tub, with the centre reserved for a random mixture of Grape HyaCinths and polyanthus. This combinatIOn looks stunning poSItioned against a whlte~loured wall in full sun. For extra height plant blue Forget-ma.nots Interspersed with white narciSSI. You could also buy a large herb or strawberry-growlng POt. which has cup-like holes around the outside, and plant a living picture of crocuses at the sides with a hyacinth and several crocuses althe top. In window-boxes and troughs a montage of small whi te species tulips, blue Grape Hyacinths and a small-leaved variegated IVY is appealing Another attractive combination is blue stocks, white Marguerites and the silver-leaved Senecio ocalor Containers can look superb filled With single plants of one hue. rather than a mixture of colours and flowers Examples Include a white urn planted With Grape HyaCinths, agapanthus in a wooden barrel, and violas In large-topped weathered contamers When planting only one species It is essentralto give thought to the style of the container, as both will be competing for attention and they must be In harmony

Left · Petunias are Ideal In contamers, smot/Jeflrt} the surface With flower heads. Remove dead flower heads regularly to ensure a continuing display throughout summer " CONTAINER GARDENING •

CulUvation: Welf.dramed, fertile SOIl and a sheltered sunny posltlOn SUit 11 Spnng is the besl llme to set the plants out In the open SOil YOU Should cover the crowns with Scm (2in) 01 soil. In containers, use a Iree-dralning, loam-based composl Alter flowering, cut the stems down to SOIl-level and cover the base 01the plant with straw, bracken or peaty compost Plants In containers are best placed In a cold, frost-Iree greenhouse dunng Winter boTh to prOTecT The crowns from Irost and 10 preventthecompostfrom becoming 100 wet. PrQP8gation: The eaSjest method IS to lilt and divide congested clumps In mid to rate spring Take care not to damage the roots Convolvulus tricolor (Convolvulus minor) This beau~ful hardy bushy annual Irom Southern Europe has dark green wide lance-shaped leaves and I'ICh blue trumpet-shaped 4cm (1~ln) wide flowers With yellOw or while throats lrom mid to late summer Several superb vanetles are ava'iable, including 'Blue Flash' at23cm (9in) high with brrlliant blue flowers With star-like white and yellow centres, and 'Royal EnSlgn With a trailing habit and deep blue flowers displaying yellow and white centres The shortervanelleS Include RainboYl Flash' at 1Scm (6In) hrgh_ ThIS IS a new dwart hybnd In a WIde range 01 colours Including blue, purple, pmk and rose Height; 3O-38cm (12-t5In) Spread: 2-25cm (8-tOln) Cultivation; Ordinary well-dralneci Above Agapanlhu5 campanulalus anse from liS base DUring lale fertile garden soil and a sunny This is a beaU/lful plant for the summar, II reveals pale ~ue flowers ~Ilon W its them. Select a ~tered garden as well as in large containers, In crowded, rounded heads, bOrne position, and the taller-growlng where II Quickly forms a strongly­ 81 the tops of long, stiff stems atx;lYe types may require suppon Irom coloured focal pOm! the foliage Severa! varietIeS e)(tend IwrggystK:ks Trese delightful plants the colour range from white 10 are deal lor window-boxes and Agapanthus amethyst. ISIS has large heads of troughs, or at the Iroms 01 borders campanulatus lavender-blue Howers. Although not And of course they can also be lully hardy, illS Ideal for a large tub grown In annual borders Afncan Lily (UK) Ofl a warm and sheltered patIO. Propagation: When grown"iQ lor ThIS fleshv-rOOled nearly hardy preferably lacing south or west. window-boxes or the fronts 01 herbaceous plant trom Natal has H eight: 6O-75cm (2-2}

Agapanthus campanulalus needs a large container all Convolvulus tricolor brtngs a distinctive bnghtness to itself-do not try mixing it with bulbous plants. to borders, happrly blending with many annuals These are best planted In separate containers and stood such as French and African Marigokjs (Tageles around the agapanthus erecta and T (Ja/ula) "

15°C (59°F) When they are large enough to handle, pr;ck out the seedlings into boxes of loam-based compost and harden them 011 In a cok:l frame Plant them out when atl nsk Of frost has passed A/!ernauvety oow seeds In late SPring where the plants are to flower, 12mm (hln) deep When large enough to handle, thin lhe seedlings 10 23cm (9In) apan For larger plants, oow seeds under cloches during late summer

Right Convolvulus tricolor 'Rainbow Flash ' ThIS dwarf hybrid produces bright new flowers each morning, and IS Ideal for WindOw-boxes. tubs and /roughs Other lIarielJes are a good choice for annual and mixed borders

Felicia bergeriana Kingfisher DaiSY (UK and USA) ThiS stunntngly anracnve half-hardy annual has a mat-lormlflQ habit and grey, hairy, lance-shaped Jeaves The 18mm (~In) wlCle, steel-blue flowers with gold centres appear from mid to late summer It is ideal for growtng in containers, such as tubs, troughs and window-boxes, as wei as for POStltOf1.Ing as an edg.ng to paths or tn a rock garden Height: t5cm (6in) Spread: 15-2Ocm (6-8In) Cultivation: Well-drained garden SOil and a sheltered ~lIon In full sun SU its It. When grown In containers use a well-dralned loam-based compost. Propagation: From early to mlCl­ spnng sow seeds thinly In POlS 01 loam-based seed compost att5°C (59°F). Pnck out the seedlings Into boxes of loam-based compost and harden them 011 In a cold frame. Set the plants out In the garden or In cOf'1 tainers dUfll19 late spring, after all fISk of frost has passed

Righi Felicia bergeriana Thl$l$ an eye-catchlTlfJ half-hardy annual Kieal for gfOWlng m con­ lamers. as a path edging or m a rock gan:Jen It is a South Afncan f)lant Ihal reqUires a sheltered and warm positIOn

Felicia bergeriana IS neal and dwar1, makmg II surtable for IOOUSIOn In a poloourn 01 bright annuals In containers. These plants look besl when viewed from above, 00 do nol plant them In high Window-boxes " CONTAINER GARDENING C Hyacinthus oriental is Common Hyacmrh Garden Hyacintn (UK) Hyacinth Dutch Hyacinth Common Hyacinth (USA) These beautifully-scented bulbs are 9Qua'~ at home whether in spnng bedding schemes or In raised bedS. tubs. troughs and window-boxes The True SpeclBS IS no longer generalty grown and therefore II IS the larger-Ilowered Dutch Hyacinths that are commonly seen, These have elegant, scented, 10-15cm (4-6m) high spires of wax-like flowers In a wide range of colours, Including blue Height: 15-23cm (6-9inJ Spread; 10-15cm (4-6mJ Cultivation: Light. weJl-drained but rn04sture-retentIVe soi1 SUits ii, and when grown In a garden the bulbs can be selin position, 13-1Scm (5-6m) deep in autumn ThiS IS usuallydone after summer-fk:r.Nenng plants have been removed Irom the border or contall'le( The bulbs afe leflln IX)Smon until after they flower then Imad and fe-planted In an out-of-the-way poSihon where they can be lett ur'ldlsturbed to Hower dunng the follOW ing and SUccessive years When grown In containers, use a loam-based compost, setting the bulbs t3·15cm (5-6InJ deep and the same distance apart.· Ptant the bulbs dunng autumn. When grown In small-area containers WlndOW­ txlxes and troughs-lake care to ensure that the compost does not become totally saturated With water Above Hyacinthus orienlalis and then freeze for long perIOds The fragrance and cokJurs of these dUring winter. large rubs usually Dowers can be bener appreciated need less care and attenoon. After when they are grown m contamers flowenng, the bulbs can be lifted and or raised beds Such beds are easily planted among shrubs mSlntamed by gardeners who are m Propagation: Although hyacinths wheelchairs or have mfirmilles Ihal prevent them from bending. SuI can be raised from seeds, they take lake care not to make the beds too up to $I_ years 10 produce flowenng- WIde or the wrong hetght 51Zed bulbs by IhiS melh

Hyacinlhus orienta'is can be mixed With many other bulbs, such as Grape HyaCinths, species tulIPS and yellow crocuses Another combination IS blue crocuses, Grape HyaCinths. specieS tuhps and Narcissus C)<:/ammeusFebruary Gold' - • -

Lobelia erinus Blue Cascade' (cambridge blue) Above Lobelia erinus and Sapphire (brilliant blue), Some Edging LobeJ/8 (USA) These are mdispensabJe haff-hardy vaneues, such as Colour Cascade annuals lor both contamefS and If Ie This well-known rehable border Mixed reveal flowers in shades 01 garden When groWIng them m edging and contall)9r plant IS a blue, mauve, red and rose cOn/8Iners, take care that the hall-hardy perennlallnvanably grown Height: 10-23cm {4-9m} composl does not dry out dunng as a hall-hardy annual. 1\ has light Spread: 10-1Scm (4-6in) summfJf, especially when in shallow ums that hOld relaltve/y small green leaves. With masses of 6mm Cultivation: Fenlle, mOIst garden amounts of compost {4In} wide pale blue or while flowers SOIl In a sheltered and sunny from earty summer to the frosts 01 posrtJOn tn light Shade SUIIS It In aUlumn. There are oolh traihng and containers use well-dralned Ioam­ pnck them out Into ooxes of compact border edging vaneties, In based compost loam-based compost and harden a range 01 colours The border­ Propagation: Dunng late wmter and them off In a cold frame Move the edging compact types Include early SPring, sow seeds thinly and pjants to the garden when all nsk Cambrdge Blue (pale blue), Crystal shallowfy In pots of loam-based 01 frost is over. To create an Instant Palace-(darkblue)and MrsClibran compost at 15°C (59°F), As soon display 01 colour, plantlobellas (bolhant blue) Tralllllg types Include as the seedlings can be handled In pots In a greenhouse

Lobelia erinu$ IS a good bed-Ienow for gerariums In lobelia erinus blends With a wealth 01 other plants A both containers and borders. Try pink pelargonlums happy combination lor containers IS the pink-flowered With dark bfue Iobelta, or light or dark bfue Iobelta fibrous-rooted 8egoflla semperflorens 'Pink A..elanche with French Marigolds (Tagetes pa/ula) that dISPlay and Lobeil8 ennusCambndge Blue slrong rich colours • , ------~------~

Above Myosotis alpestris 'Ultramarine' The deep blue flowers of this Forger-me-nor form a dense, low carpet it IS ideal for bnngmg colour to a rock garden or 'or planling In combmalion WIth S()fIng-ffovvenng yellow or orange bulbs.

Myosolis alpeslris (Myosotls ru plCola/Myosolls sylvallCa alpestns) Forge/-rne-not (UK) Forge/-rne-not Scorf)lOO Grass (USA) ThiS well-known hardy perennial, best treated as a hardy bf8nmal, IS Ideal for planting In a container, a rock garden or a bed with SPrlng­ IIowenng bulbs where II forms a dense blanket of fragrant azure-blue flowers from late spnng to mid­ summer. Several exclling forms are available, including 'Ultramarine' Right: M}"MOtJI.1peIb1I (deep blue) and Blue Ball' (riCh ThiS half-hardy annual is Just as Inchgo-blue). good In contamers as In a border. Height: 1D-2Ocm (4-BIn) perha{)lS. an edging. Even on its Spread: 15-23cm (6-9m) own tr Cffi8tes a dense splash 01 • Cul tivation: Moderately fertile well­ COlour early In the year: drained bu t mOisture-retentive SOil In light shade IS best Propagation: DUring mid-summer, sew seeds 6mm ()::in) deep In a well-prepared seedbed When they are large enough to handle, plant out the seedlings 15cm (61n) apart In nurse ry rows. If Originally sown thinly they can Just be thinned to 1Scm (61n ) apart, Keep the rows weeded and In autumn plant out Into their fIowenng POSItIOns

Myosotis alpestris can form an ideal low edging to beds, with a centre pjanting 01 the hlgher-growing {3Ocm/lftJ Myosolls SyfYa/1Ca 'Blue Bird' and yellow or hght orange tuhps " - •

Further plants to consider

Campan .... la lsophylla IlslJsn Belli/ower Slar of Italy (UK) Italian Bellflower Failing Stars Star of Bethlehem (USA) Height 1Scm (6in) Spread 45-6Ocm (1~-2ft) A tfailing dwart perennial, often used Indoors as a house plant but hardy outside In hanging baskets In m~der. sunny gardens The heart-shaped mldijreen leaves are borne amid a mass of tangled trailing stems. With 2 Scm (lin) wide star-shaped blue flowers appearing In late summer and Into autumn

Crocus chrysanthus He.ghl" 7 Scm (3In) Spread 6 Scm (2)2ln) ThIS dellQhlful spring-flowenng bulb bnngs colour to containers as well as 10 rock gardens. The SpecIeS type IS golden-yeHow, but there are several blue or mauve forms. such as 'Blue Pearl' (pale blue on the outside, white Within), 'Lady Kil ler' (purple-blue, edged while) and Princess Beatri)(' (cloor blue With a yellow base),

Crocus lIomus (Crocus neapohtanus) DulCh Crocus (USA) HEtlQht 10013cm (4-Sln) Spreaj 7 Scm (3In) ThIS spnng-flowenng bulb IS the parent of the large Dutch crocuses wldety seen In gardens and containers Blue, mauve and purple forms IncludeOueen of the BlueS (lavender-blue), Negro Boy (deep reddish-purple) and Purpureus GrancflflOrus (purphsh-blue)

Exacum aHine Persl8n Violet (UK) German Violet/Persian Violet (USA) Height 23,3Ocm (9-12inJ Spread' 20-2Scm (8-1011"0) Allhough usually grown as a ~anl for the home, in mikler areas It can be used In containers on warm paliOS and terraces, From mid to late summer II displays fragrant. saucer-shaped 12-18mm O~-l:ln) wide purple flowers WIth yellow stamens

Fuchsia magellanica 'PumHa' HelQht 15-2Ocm (6-8In) Spread 2S-3Ocm (10-12In) ThiS dwarf but spreading form 01 the hardy fuchSIa IS dainty and small enough for tubs, where It reveals red and purple IIowers from mid 10 late summer and often InlO autumn

Petunia It hybrlda Common Garden Petuma (USA) Height 2S-38cm (1O-ISm) Spread 30-38cm (12-1Sln) A half-hardy perennial besl grown asa half-hardy annual, and used in contalflers as well as for bedding schemes In the garden The large trumpet-shaped flowers from mid to late summer and often into autumn are available In a wide colour range. Iflcludmg mauve and blue Among these are RestSto Blue (mid-blue), Polaris' (deep blue With a white star), Blue Frost (deep VIOlet-blue wllh a pure white edge) and Blue 8eddef (blue) There are also many vanelles WIth milled colours, Including blue, VIOlet and mauve

Myosotls alpeslris also looks splendid when planted in a spring-flowering bedding display With creamy-yellow tulips and an occasional edging tuft 01 the Iemon-gOld Alyssum sa)(atlleCilrinum , " CHAPTER FOUR ; a:: s WALL AND TRt:LLIS fILLt:KS

f sparkling linset highlights Christmas trees, then the garden Iequivalent for a trellis or pergola must be clematis, an extensive and vaned group of climbers with flowers in many colours, including blue, mauve and purple It is usually the large-flowered forms that are grown and one althe best is Clematis x jackmanl/, with violet-purple flowers from mid-summer 10 autumn. This is especially anracllve when grown with Rosa 'Mermaid , which has a rambling growth habit and large. smgle. sulphur-yellow flowers with deep amber stamens. Alterna tively, this clematis looks splendid trained on a SQulMacing wall with a deep pink hydrangea al its base to create extra colour and provide a cool area of soil beneath for the rools of the clematis. Clema/ls macropetaJa is one of the best of all clemalls, with pendulous, double, light and dark blue flowers. II looks superb on a trellis, or scrambling out 01 a large and ornale container where It can merge with soft yellow llowers at the sides. Avoid strongly-coloured yellow plants as neighbours, since they may take on a dominant role Instead 01 a supporting one When grown on a trellis, Clematis macropersls harmonizes with Common White Jasmine, Jssmlnum officinale_which produces a tangled mass of heavily-scented pnmrose-shaped white flowers from mid to lale summer and often Into autumn Laythyrus odorarus, the annual Sweet Pea chen shed by flower arrangers, is a delight from mid to late summer, with Its fragrant, hlghly-coloured flowers. It can be grown against a wall or up a tripod of canes and potes in a mixed border, where it provides a colourtul focal point at eye level over a long period of time, Varieties worth considering include 'Larkspur' (pale blue), 'Noel Sutton' (deep rich mid-blue), Blue Danube' (deep mid-blue), -Evensong' (soft blue). Blue Mantle (deep VlOlet-blue).The Doctor (mauve), Eclipse (deep mauve). Milestone (bnght velvety purple) and Royalisf (a beautiful rich purple)_ Heights and spreads given for the plants in thiS chapter should on ly be taken as gUides. If more space is available in one direction, the plant Will adapt its growth accordingly

Left_The evergreen Ceanothus impressus grows besl against a warm wall, where It creates a dominant display of deep blue flowers In spnng n WALL AND TRELLIS FILLERS

Above: Abuilion vlliiolium This nearly-hardy shrub is a deJlQhl when set against a warm wall, where It will produce pale /0 deep mauve flowers in early and mid­ summer It likes the shade and protOCIJOn afkxrJed by nearby plants.

Abulilon vilifolium Flowenng Maple ParlOr Maple /ndlBn Maple (USA) Ceanolhus impressus Above Ceanolhus impressus This beautIful dOClduous shrub ThIS beautiful evergreen Califorman needs the protectIOn of a warm wall, Callfomsan Ulac (UK) Ulac WIth small deep blue ffowers m and grows beslln milderclimales. 1t Santa Barbara Ceanolhus (USA) spnng IS not fulty hardy and reqUires develops downy, grey. three or ThiS Impressive 6Y8rgreen shrub lhe pro/ecoon of a south or west­ faCing waN. Ceanothus plants are five-lobed , palm-like leaves, and wrth a bushy ha~t IS best grown natIVe 10 Norrh Amenca, and come SCm (2In) wide, pa~ to deep mauve against a warm wall. In the open It IS mostly from califOrnia flowers that open flat during not fully hardy. During spnng, it early and mid-summer. The form reveals clusters 01 deep blue flowers 'VeronICa Tennan t Pfoduces large amid small deep green leaves With Ceanolhus rigidus Howe" deeply impressed vems Height: 2-4-Sm (8-15ft) Helght 24-3m (8-1Oft) GalifomlBn U/ac (UK) Monlerey Ceanothus (USA) Spread; I-S-21m (5-7ft) Spread: 1 8-2 4m (6-8ft) Cultivation: Well-dralned ordinary Cultivation: Ught, fertile SOIl and a ThiS beauhful half-Ilardy evergreen garden soil surlS It, choose a south or west-laCing wall surt II best wall shrub has dlSlmctNe wedge­ position in slight shade and against It tolerates limein the sad. No regular shaped dark green leaves and a warm south or west-lacing wall prunmg IS needed, other than 18-25mm Cit-tin) long clusters 01 No regular pruning is needed. initially shaPIng it when young. purple-blue flowers during spring It Propagation: It IS besl raised Irom Propagation: Dunng late summer has a stili, upnght, compact growth seeds sown In mid-spnng In Ioam­ take half-npe cutungs 6 5-7 Scm Ilabit, Ideal for narrow or restncted based compost a116°C (Gt°F). (2 ~ -3In ) Iong,lnsenll"lg them In pots areas When they are large enough to 01 equal pans peat and sharp sand Height: 18-3m (6-1Oft) handle, pock out the seed lingS Into Place them In a propagatIOn frame Spread: 12-1 5m (4-5ft) POlS of loam-based compost and at 16°C (61°F) When the cuttings Cultivation: Light, fertile soil and a place them in a COld frame Once are rooted , pot them up InlO smaJi warm wall faCing south or west the young plants are established, pots of loam-based compost, setting ensuresuocess. No regular pruning plant them oul into a nursery bed for them out in lhe garden wilen they is needed, other than shaping a couple 01 years are well grown_ durir.g formative years.

Abolilon vilifofium IS superb with yeUow-fiowered Ceanolhus Impressus IS superb when positlOlled shrubs and trees, such as the glonous bnght yellow under a high WindOW or al the SIde 01 a lower one dalsy-like flowers of Senecio -Sunshine' and the Because of lIS neat. tJghl growth small late-winter and sweetty-scented yellow broom GemSl8 Cinerea spnng-fiowenng bulbs can be set at liS base " Propagation: DUring late summer, take half-npe cuttings 6·5-7·5cm (2M--3 in) long. insenlng them in pots - of eq ual parts peat and sharp sand Place them in a propagation frame at 16°C (61°F). When the c uttings are rotted, pot them up into small potS at loam-based compost, ; :...: plan ti ng them oulln the garden = when they are well grown. Left Ceanolhus rlgidus This half·hardy evergreen shrub IS ideal for a narrow. resm'cted area against a wall. IllS a native of North Amenca. and was first introduced mto England In 1847. Ceanolhus Ihrysiflorus repens CAliforman Lilac (UK) Creeping Bluebiossom (USA) Th is hardy, vigorous, mound­ formmg evergreen shrub is ideal tor planting against a wall, where II creates a dense screen at small shiny green leaves and IlQht ~ue flowers in 75cm {3inJ long clusters d Uring early summer This versatile shrub isalso sUitable for a large rock garden. Height: 1 2-15m (4-5ftJ Spread: 15-1 8m (5-6ftJ Cultivation: Light, ferti le soil and a south or wesHacing position are best. No regular pruning IS needed. other than an mitlal pruning dunng its formati ve years. Propagation: Duri ng late summer. take half-ripe cuttings 65-75cm (2}2-3In) long, mserting them in pots 01 eq ual parts peat and sharp sand Place them in a propagation frame at 16°C (61°F) When they are rooted, pot upthecuttlngs intosmall IXl!S of loam-based compost. and plant them in the garden when they are wel l grown. Ensure the young plants are well established.

Left. Ceanothus Ihrysiflorus repens This hardy evergreen shrub IS Ideal for covenng walls. especldlly under Windows. It IS lower growlnr; than Ceanothus thryslflorus, whICh often reaches 3m (lOft) or more.

Ceanolhus rigidus is an excel lent panner for low Ceanolhus Ihrysillorus repens creates a display of growing ye llow-flowered shrtJbs thai Will continue the flowers at an earlier stage in ItS life than most display into summer Potentillas with their long ceanothus spedes-often when only two years ok:l­ flowering period are KJeal for this purpose so it is useful in new gardens or re-planned ones. WALL AND TRELLIS FILLERS [ -

Clemaiis-Large­ flowered Types These are some of the most spectacular and well-known of all climbers, producing a stunning display of large flowers during summer They are derived from severallarms, such as Ronda, Jackman!i, lanugmosa, patens, lexensis and vl/ice/la. They are superb for training over pergolas, trell ises or along wires tensioned against a wall. Most are Single forms, but a few have double flowers. They Include a wide range of colours, among which blue, mauve and purple can be fou nd In the follOWing types: AHce Fisk' (mauve). 'Barbara Oibley' (pansy­ viole!, with a carmine Slripe),BeIIe of Waking' (pale mauve, and double), Gipsy Queen {rich velvety violet-purple), Jackmanii Superba' {nch violet-purple), Marcel Moser' (mauve. With a deep carmine bar). Mrs Cholmondely' [pale blue}, Percy Picton (In tense mauve, With a pink eye), President also called The PresKlent -(deep purpje blue), Vy-iyan Pennell' (deep violet-blue) and 'Wil l ~m Kennel (lavender-blue) H eight: 1 2-3m (4-1011] Spread: 75cm-18m (2~ - 6f1) Cultivation: Slightly alkaline lemle well-dralned soil and an open and Above Clematis 'Alice Fisk' sunny IXlsinon suit it, but the roots This eye-catching clema/fs, which must be shaded from strong sunlight produces an abundance of large and you m ust not allow the SOil to blooms, is a delight in a flower border when given rustle pole for become dry during summer a SUPfXJrt It does well in combinallon LOloll-9rowing plants, as well as with otherpiants, WhiCh glvslls roots shrubs, can be IXlSltioned to keep welcome shade the roots shaded and cool Propagation: They root readily from lo-13cm (4-5in) long slem cu\1 lngs Left Clematis 'Percy Picton' taken In mid-summer and inserted ThiS IS a relatively weak-growmg in !Xlts 01 equal parts peat and sharp type, but IS ideal when planted in a area, is especially attracllve sand, kepi at 16°C (6tOF) When the small II when planted against a well­ cuttings are rooled, pot them up weathered wall singly into 7 5cm (3in) !XltS of loam-based com!Xlst and place them In a cold frame during winter Rig ht Cobaea scandens Transfer the cumngs to larger pots In This vgorous climber IS grown as a spring or summer and pjant them out half-hardy annual, and needs a mlo the garden m autumn, Alter­ sheltered and sunny pOSillon The nalively, new plants can be obtained large bell-shaped purpie flowers have dlslinc/lve green calyces (their by layering low shoots In spring; " oute~ protective parts) they Will root wllhin a year or so ..

Clematis are eXCiting when planted in aSSQCk1t ion Clematis are eaSi ly trained up supports, as they With roses, perhaps e;ther side of an entrance, Blue hang by Ihelf leaves Each leaf is formed of several clemans are eye-catching with yellow creamy-white leaflets held on long stal ks, and it IS these that secure or pink roses, and low growing plants at the base the shoots In posmon to keep thelf roots cool It - Cobea scandens Further plants to consider Cathedral Bells Cup and Saucer \I'!'ne (UK) MexiCan Ivy Monastery Be/Js Cup Ctematis alpine and Saucer Vine (USA) (Alragene alPlna) Hetght I 5-1 8m) (5-611) Spread 9Ocm-12m (3-411) ThiS spectaCular Me)(K'".an hall-hardy An arlractlVe. but weak-grOWlng decidUOUS c~mber_ With 25-3cm perennial climber IS best grown asa (I-I\2ln) wide, cup-shaped VIOlet-blue_late spnng and earty summer half-hardy annual Fast-growmg, It IS flowers that hang With their faces downwards The form Frances ideal for trelliswork aM pergolas, Rlvls' IS Iree-flowenng, wllh larger Howers dls~ay i ng mid to dark green leaves formed of three pairs of leaflets_ and Clematis macropelala 65-7 Scm (Z}!. -3In) long. bell­ HetghI24-36m(8-1211) Spread lZ-15m(4-5ft) shaped, purple flowers wllh green, A hardy bushy deciduous climber, related and qUite Similar 10 C saucer-~kecaJyces(outer protectIVe a/pna 11 produces 5-7 SCm (Z-3In) wide. pendulouS,ltghl and dark parts) from early to late summer In blue !lowers In earty to mid-summer The form Maidwell Hall' has a greenhouse rI soon reaches 6m deep blue llowers (ZOO). buIll does not grow so tall outdoors Clematis viticella Height: 3-45m (10-1511) Hetght Z4-35m(8-1Zft) Spread 15-I'Bm{5-61t) Spread: 1 8m (611) A slender though bushy deciduous climber, With bell-shaped Cultivation: Ordinary well-dratned 5-6 Scm (Z-Z"'ln) wide blue, VIOlet or reddish-purple flowers during garden soil aM a sunny, sheltered mldtolatesummerandlntoeartyaulumn. The form Abundance has OOSlllon are needed. H the $Oil 1$100 soft purple llowers and Royal Velours has deep vetvaty-purple ones noh, e)(C8SSIVe growth 1$ produced althee)(penseoff1owers Nlpoutthe PaSSiflora caerutea tips of young plants to encourage Common PaSSIon Rower Blue PaSSIOn Flower (UK) Blue PassIOn the development of stdeshoots Flower (USA) Wiresupports or wOClde n trell iswork Height 6-75m (20-25 ft ) Spread: 45-6m (15-20ft) are needed for support A vtgorous evergreen climber, not tully hardy In cold, e)(posed areas Propagation: During late winter and Ounng summer, 11 has 7 Scm (3In) wide white-petalled flowers With earty spnng, sow seeds Singly blue-purple centres tZmm (Moin) deep in 7 Scm (3in) pots conlalntng loam-based Solanum crlspum compost and kept at 16°C (61°F). Chilean Potato Tree (UK) When young ~a n l s are established Hetghl4 5-6m (15-ZOft) Spread 35~4 5m (l2-15It) move them 10 a cold frame 10 A hardy semi-evergreen bushy and scrambling climber, prodUCing harden ott Planl lhem out inlO the star-shaped purple-blue flowers With yellow anthers from mtd~ garden afler all risk of frosl has summer Into autumn The form Glasnevin' (syn Autumnale) IS passed hardier than the ongtnal type specteS

Solanum jasminoides Jasmine Nightshade (UK) Porata VlfJe (USA) Hetght 3-45m (10-15ft) SPfead 1 8-Z 4m (6-8h) A raptd-growlng. twining, evergreen climber, whICh has star-shaped pale blue !lowers, With golden anlhers In their centres, from mid· summer 10 autumn,

Wisteria floribunda 'Macrobotrys' Japanese W,srena (UK and USA) Hetght 75-9m (Z5·3Oft) Spread 6-7 5m (20-2511) A spectacular hardy deciduouschmber. displaYIng fragranllllac-blue and purple flOwers In drOOPIng clusters up to 90cm (3ft) long In early 10 mid-summer Arguably, IllS the last word In climbers. and IS certain to ca tch the eye

Annual cUmbers have the advantage of qUICkly clothing trefllSWOrk or pergolas and 01 proouclng vanety each year-Important In smaRgardens where change IS needed to create continUing Interest " CHAPTER FIVE - "I TImt:S AND SHRUBS

ew shrubs or trees have received such acclaim as lilac. Synnga Fvulgaris , an East European native, commonly known as lilac and formerly as the Pipe Tree, has received th e attentions 01 botanists and nurserymen for hundreds of years. A native of North Persia, It was introduced into Great Britam and North America via Vienna , around 1600. There are superb varietIeS to choose Irom, Including double and single forms, some with French names, and some such as 'Maud Notcutf suggesting the plant breeding endeavours of an important English nursery, Notcutt and Sons. Among these varieties are many blue and mauve forms, including 'Slue Hyacinth' (frag rant, mauve and opening to lavender-blue), 'Massena' (fragrant. with deep purple flowers), 'Firmamenf (fragrant, single and lilac-blue) and 'Kathenne Havemeyer' (fragrant, double lavender-blue, fading to soft lilac-pink). Other shrubs that are strong contenders for summer and autumn colour include Hebe 'Midsummer Beauty', with long tassle-like heads of lavender-purple flowers throughout summer, and Hebe 'Autumn Glory', a low growing shrub with violet-blue flowers from mid-summer to autumn. Blue-flowered shrubs are particularly In evtdence in autumn, and include Caryoptens x clandonense, hydrangeas, hibiscus, Cera­ tosttgma willmonianum and vincas. For autumn berries, try Callicarpa bodmien' giraldii (violet-blue berries), Clerodendron tnchotomum (beautiful China blue bernes with cnmson calyces) and Viburnum davidii (bright turquOise beffles on female plants). Blue-foliaged conifers are usefu l for introducing yea r-through colour, and in add ition to those deSCribed In th is chapter there are Chamaecypans lawsoniana 'Pembury Blue' (Slivery-blue), Juniperus honzonra/ls 'Blue Chip' (bright blue) and JUniperus squamata 'Blue Star (silvery-blue). The heights and spreads given for plants in thiS chapter are those to be expected after twenty years In good soil.

Left The nch purple-leaved Berberis x otlawensis 'Purpurea' creates a contrast to the latesprmg white-flowered Spiraea x cinerea 'Grefshelm ' m this anractive shrub border. TREES AND SHRUBS "

Ceanothus 'Gloire de Versailles'

(Ceanolhus l( delinianus 'Glolfe de VersaiIJes') This ha rdy deciduous rather open shrub IS one of the best known ceanolhus plan ts for a border The soft. fragrant, J,X)wder-blue flowers are borne In heads upto 20cm (8In) long from mid-summer un~1 early aUlumn IllS best planTed In a mixed border. where Its long stems can splay out over iower~rowmg pianls Height I 8·2 4m (6-8ft) Spread: IS-21m (5-7ft) Cultivation: Welf-dramed fertile soli in good light SUits II. Because the flowers are borne on the new wood, the bush must be pruned hard in SPring Cut back the prevIous seasons shoots almosl to their poinTS of ongm. Follow thiS With an application of fertilizer 10 encourage the rapid growth of new shoots Propagation: Dunng summer take 7 5-IOcm (34inJ long ha~-npe cunrngs of the current season-s growth. Inserting them In POlS of eQual parts peat and sharp sand Place !hem In a propagallOn frame al a temperature of 16°C (61°F) When they are rooted. pot up the CUttingS into 7 5cm (3in) pots of loam-based compos! and overwinter them In a cold frame Plant them out In the garden in spnng Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree (UK) Judas Tree Love Tree ( USA) A hardy. rounded. wide-spreading. deciduous tfee from the OnenT and Abies concolor 'Glauca Above Abies concolar 'Glauca Southern Europe, the Judas Tree IS Compacta' Compacts' said to be the tree from whICh Judas ThIs IS one of the best s/ow-growmg Iscariot hanged himself after the This beautiful dwarf and compact dwarf conifers for a rock garden or betrayal of Jesus Christ Whether or conifer (often sold asAbis concoJor container lIS greyish-blue foliage is not thiS is true, there is no doubt Ihal 'Compacta ) has an Irregular shape .-ery attractIVe and looks all/S best the tree IS eye-catching and dlstlnc­ and greyJsh·blue foliage II is so when the tree is planted on I/S own lIVe II bears clusters of rICh rose­ SIow-growmg thai even after twenty­ or In a ccJour-.contrastmg grout> purple flowers on bare branches in live years ~ often reaches no more eartysummer. ANer lhefiowers have lhan 75cm (2)?It) high. WIth a 1m a warm. dry oosrnon It IS essential faded ndeYelopsrounded. glauoous­ (3hft) spread II is ideal lor a rock to aVOId chalky soils. green leaves W1th hean-shaped garden. or even In a large container Propagation: IllS raised by grafting. bases Subsequently. It produces Cultivation: Deep, we!k:lrained, a technIQue beslleft to nursery attraC\Ne Hal. green. pea-like p(X!s shghdy acid soil SUtts ilbes! It prefers experts tinted red when fully npe

Abies concolor Violacea Prostrata IS another blue Ceanothus 'Gioirede Versailles' orrgmated In France. In co nifer deal for a small garden IllS semi or 1830 a breeding prog ramme was initiated to raise totally prostrate. with strongly-coloured Silver-blue new hybrids, and this shrub was one of the results Most iOlrage Another proslrate blue form IS Abjes procera ceanothus shrubs With French-sounding names .. 'Glauca Prostrata ong,nated al Ihal lime r :

Above Ceanolhu5 'Gloire de Versailles' This stni<:mgly Impressive deciduous shrub produces large heads of f)OW(iery-blue flowers on open stems from mid to /are summer IllS best grown In a mf)(ed borrier

Height: 4 5·6m (15-2011) Spread: 35-4Sm (to-15ft) Cultivation: Any good garden soil and a sunny position away trom late spnng frosts SUIt it No regular prumng IS needed Propagation: Dunng spnng. sow seeds In POlS 01 loam-based compost keplal130C (55°F). When they are large enough 10 handle, POt up the seedlings SIngly in loam-based compost and plunge the pots up to their oms In a sheltered corner Once establiShed, the plants can be sel out miD the garden.

RlQhl Cercis slliQuaslrum ThlS/$ (he VI!"eIl-knCMn Judas Tree. whICh produces a wealth of COlour along I/S bare branches m early summer In colder areas 1/ may reaUire the protection of a south or west·faCing wall.

Cercis siliquastrum IS Ideal for blendll"lg with late spnng and early summer bulbs Often, Ihe tree becomes bare o! Jaw branches, and bnghl bulbs can create vital colour and Interest around large and mature trees TREES AND SHRUBS

Corylus maxima " Purpurea' produces its main burst of foliage colou r at eye heig ht, and is useful for bringing local points to a shrub or mixed border Its hfgh stance allows illo be underplanted with spring-flowering bulbs- but not too close to its base. • C5 - Righi Colinus coggygria 'Notcun's Variety' This superb hardy shrub with an Im/X)smg stature bears beautiful deep pur{)le /eaves. II produces I/S besl colour when planted In poor SOIl. Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' Purple-leaved Filbert (UK) This IS a nch-purple-leaved torm 01 The Filbert. a nallVB of Western AsIa and Southern Europe IllS a deciduous shrub whICh has large heart-shaped leaves. The whole shrub has an open, spreading growth habit often becoming bare alliSbase. The parent torm, Cory/us maXima, was Introduced mto the Brlltsh Isles In 1759 and soon became very popular tor providing nuts II also soon spread to North America and In 1833severaldistlnct varieties were known to be in culli­ vallOO At one time it was WIdely grown In Europe. espeoa[)y lla/yand Spam, Early in the 1BOOs a plantatlon near Recus. Sp8m. yKllded nuts thaI were shipped VI8. Barcelona They became known as Barcelona nuts Height: 2 4-3Sm (a-12ft) Spread; 28-3m (8-10ft) Cultivation: Any good well-.dra ined garden soil and a sunny position, preferably sheltered from cold north and east WindS. IS SUitable. During Its early years. cut It back in late Winter and early spnng to encourage the deveIopmenl of shoots from around Its base Prune back by hall the growth made the previous year As the shrub develoPS. do not cut II back SO severely Throughout this penod, cut out congested shoots Cotinus coggygria the besl colour when In poor from the centre of the shrub. corn;lllions No regular pruning IS Propagation: Purple-leaved forms 'Notcutfs Variety' needed, other than Initially shaPing seldom come true from seeds and ThiS hardy deciduous shrub has the plant when young are therefore best increased by eye-catching deep purple leaves Propagation: During late summer, layering low growing shoots in that never lose Ih~r freshness and take 10-13cm (4-5rn) long heel autumn are ul~mately semHranslucenl. It cuttlngs, inserting them In pots of also bears feathery purple flowers equal pans peal and sharp sand Lett: Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' dunng mid-summer Place the pots In a cold frame and ThIS IS a useful shrub for bnnglnf} Height: 3 5-4 5m (12-15ft) dunng spnng set out the young c%ur

Collnus coggygria 'Nolcuns Vanety' Will produce a large specimen shrub on a lawn or as a backcloth tor colour-conlras~ng plants For small gardens, C c 'Royal Purple' is bener, grOWing to 3m (10ft) In helQht and the same width. " TREES AND SHRUBS I : ------,_

Hydrangea Lacecaps The Honensra forms Cultivation: SllQhtly acid, light well­ macrophylla have large globose heads, while th e drained but mOisture-retentive soil IS Lacecaps d isplay flat flower heads best. Ackl soil is essential to ensure Common Hydrangea (UK) formed almost enllrety of stenle thaI blue varieties remain blue Pink FrenchHydrangea Hor/ensJa[USA] flowers with a flat disc-like corymb vartetJes also produce blue colours ThiS well-known deciduous and In the centre there IS an area of lIny when gIVen an acid soil and an rounded shrub from Japan and ferule flowers and thiS has a aluminium suiphate dr9SSlrlg China has oval. slightly JX)Inted marginal ring of ray florets whICh are Propagation: From late spong to coarsely·1001hed light green leaves stenle The form Blue Wave IS a mid-summer. take cuthngs 7 Scm The f!ower·heads appear from mid good e~mple of thIS type (3In) long Remove the lower leaves 10 late summer There are two Height: 1 S-18m (5-611) and cut the bases just below lea! forms HortenSJa types and the Spread; 15·1 8m (5-6f1) jOints. !nsen them in pots ot eQual

Hydrangea macrophylJa IS Ideal lor tormlng a backcloth toa larg e lawn. where II prOVides colour over a long penod In such a position, a HortenSia type IS best. The Lacecaps perform betler In a .. naturalized garden sewng ::: • pans peat and sharp sand and place them In a cold frame. When the CUttings are rooled. pot them up in to an acid compost and plunge the 001$ 10 their rims in a nursery bed until !hey are ready to plant out Into the garden.

lett Hydrangea macrophylla HortenSIa hydrangeas are reliable garden favountes. creating a dominant display of mOfrllke heads from mid /0 late summer

R.ghl Hydrangea macrophylla 'BlueWS'I8' ThIS VIgorous Lacer;aO hydrangea provK1es flowers in shades of blue and pink throughout/he summer months Itgrowswellmsllghtshade

Lavandula stoechas French Lavender (UK) French Lavender SpanISh Lavender (USA) ThIS hardy evergreen shrublS nalM! to the Meclo1erranean region 11 has narrow, grey-g reen leaves and distinctive. deep pur~, tubular flowers borne on 2 5·5cm (I-2m) long four-angled spikes dUring early to md-summer. It IS charactenzed by tufted purple bracts (moct.iled leaves) borne altha laps altha flower sPikes Height: 30-45cm (I-Illft) Spread: 45-6Ocm (Ill-2ft) Cultivation: ltght, well-drained soils and an open and sunny positIOn suit It It IS not as hardy as the EnglIsh La~nder and dunng severe WInters can be sellOUsIy damaged In 8xlX)$8d areas Propagation: Dunng late summer take 7 Scm (3in) long cumngs and insert them in pots of equal parts peal and sharp sand. Place them In a cold frame. Pol them up when they are rooted and plant them out Into the garden In spnng

RlQht Lavanduta sloecnas ThiS pretty lavender has dlSllnctwe deep purple flowers topf)ed by purple bracts (mOOlfled /eaves) Ihal perslsllOng after the actual nowers have faded

Lavandufa sloechas brings height and colour toa rock garden_ E~n after the flowers ha~ laded the grey-green leaves prOVIde an anracllve feature. Cover the sod With stone chlPPII')gs to add extra Interest and SlOP SOIl splashing on Ihe leaves " TREES AND SHRUBS I =:

Above Picea pungens 'Pendula' With carefultralmng and prumng this often unpredICtable comfer can be oersuaded to develop a suoerb weepmg shaoe and to create an excmng focal pomt in any garden

Left Plcea pungens 'Koster' ThIS IS one of the best blue spruces. WIth a neat pyramidal habit It lOoks especially allrac/lve tn spnng when the young and fresh growths appear on the branches

Picea pungens 'Thomsen' This eye-catchmg blue spruce has an UPright, cone-like growth habit Picea pungens 'Koster' Picea pungens and branches packed with ~Ivery­ blue fohage DUring spring, it KOSIer's Blue Spruce (UK) 'Pendula' develOps a fresh growth 01 very pale ThIS dlSnnctlV6 lorm ollhe Colorado ThiS diStmc\JVe blue comfer -often Silver-blue that contrasts WIth the Spruce has Intensely blue tohage known as Plcea pungensGlauca ok:ler and darker foliage It forms a and a neat growth habit, forming an PenduJa - somehmes has an errabC smalto mediulTl-SlZOO tree, reaching upnght and pyramidal shape up to shape but can be recognized by only 2·1m (7ft) high and 1m (3}211) 2'lm (71t) high and 1m (3}1ltt) wide rlS down-swept branches and wide al1er ten years after ten years Dunng spring, IllS glaucous-blue leaves, Dunng spnng. Height 9m (30ft) lunher enhanced by pale blue tuftS the young grOWlhs are tufted and Spread: 3m (tOft) 01 new 9 rowlh pa~ blue II often produces twO Cultivation: MOist deep SOil-acid Height: 9m (30ft) leading shoots one needs to be or neutral-is best. and a poSItion In Spread: 3m (10ft) tramed upright, while the other trails slight shade or full sun. Cultivation: DeeP. most soil-acid downwards Propagation: It is a gral1ed form and or neutral-Is needed A pasHlon in Height: 3-5 4m (lo-18ft) therefore plants tend to be expenSive full sun or shght shade SUits rt best Spread: 3-5 4m (to-18ft) RaiSing new plants IS best left to Propagation: It IS grafted onto Cultivation: MOISt, deep SOil-acid nurserymen. stocks 01 Plcea pungens to proouce or neutral -IS best, and a posiUon in a distinctive upnght form. The slight shade or lull sun RlQht Picea pungens "Thomsen· cost to nurserymen 01 thIS bm& Pl'Q9&gation: It needs to be gral1ed ThIS IS a beautlfu/ blue spruce Wltha consuming technIQue accounts for ontO a stock of Pcea pungens, so cone-shaped out/me The fo//age IS Ihe hlQh pnce they Will ask for young the plants are often expensive to thICk and the needles 10"9 It grows steadily tnto It strong, upnght shape plants 01 this lOvely vanety buy, as With P pungensKoster'

Picea pungens Pendula· must be given space and an Plcaa pungens ·Koster' brings height to a small open Situa tion where other plants do not compete planting 01 heathers or the edge of a small rock garden. for attention. For colour contrast, set It in a sea of Eventually it forms a large plant, but up to the age of Heather (Galluna vulgans). selecting forms With 15·20 years rt IS QUite sUltable lor a small area gold-tinted lotiage - Further plants to consider

Hebe 'Autumn Glory' Height 60-9Ocm (2-3ft) Spread 75cm-lm (2'~,37ft) A well-known ewrgreen hybnd shrub. WIth purple stems displaYing dark green leaves. From mid-summer to autumn, 11 bears VIOlet-purple flowers In s!)kes 4cm (I )'211'1) long

Hebe x andersonnii 'Variegate' Height 90cm (3ft) Spread 6Q-9Ocm (2 -3f1J A beautiful doubje-value somewhat tender evergreen shrub with mld-green and cream leaves The soft mauve flowers borne In dense spikes 7 5-13cm (3-5In) long appear from mid-summer to autumn It IS Ideal for setlJng In a mllted border where II creates al1enhon throughout the year

Hibiscus syriacus 'B lue Bird' Shrubby Mallow (UK) Althaea Rose of Sharon (USA) Helghl 18-2 4m [6-811) Spread 12-18m (4·6ft) A hardy deciduous shrub, with riCh green leaves and mld·blue. 7 Scm (3In) wide flowers from mid to late summer and often Into autumn The form Coelesle has deep blue Howers. and Mauve Queen' has mauve flowers that reo.oeal maroon centres

Paulownia lomenlosa Pnncess Tree Karri Tree (USA) Height 6-75m (20-25ft) Spread 35-4 5m 02-15ft) A hardy deciduous tree. WITh mld-green heart-shaped !eaves and lavender-blue flowers In early summer

Teucrlum fruticans Shrubby Germander (UK) Height 12-1 5m (4-5ft) Spread 9Ocm-1-2m (3-4ft) A somewhat tender evergreen shrub. only really sUitable for warm areas The greytsh-green Jeaves are fragrant, with twQ-lipped, lavender-blue flowers appearing from mid to late summer

Vinca major Greater Penwinkle (UK) Greater Penwlnkle Blue Burtons Band Plant (USA) Helght.15-3Ocm(6-12InJ Spread 9Ocm-12m(3-4ft) A well-known trailing and mat-forming evergreen sub-shrub, W1Ih glossy mld-green Jeaves. DUring SPring and early summer. and often repeatedly Into autumn. it produces 25-3cm (1-1 ~.In) WIde, purple-blue flowers

Vinca minor Lesser Penwlnkle (UK) Lesser Penwlnkle Common Penwmk/e MynJe Running MynJe (USA) Height 5-1Ocm (2-4ln) Spread 9Ocm-l 2m (3-4ft) A spreading mat-forming evergreen sub-shrub, With 18-25mm (;;-lln) wide, blue flowers dunng spnng and mid-summer, and olten Into autumn

Picea pungens Thomsen IS superb when posilloned several metres in front 01 yellow-fOliaged conrlers or Inan openSituallOn WIIhClear sky behind Takecare not 10 cramp It W1\h OTher con~ers selloo close as thiS Wilt spoil Its shape " INDf:X COMMON NAMES Names In IUIIIC type are moss us!!d In Nonh Amenca

A C DelP"llnium 12. 41 GoIOcn Garlic 31 Dragonhead. False 40 Golden Privet 18 Achlllea 41 Cablorroan Uac, 78, 79 Dog s-tooth VIOlet 55 GrapeHyacmlh 047 , 61 , 82, 89 Aconite 18 Campanula, PeactHeaved 45 DrumsbCk Pnmula 82 Grape. Oregon 36 AconJte. Wltlmr 52 Candytu11 21 , 33 Orums!JCk Pnmrose 82 GlaSSY BeIs 54 Atncan Uy 16, 70 Candyrufl GIoOe 33 Dwarf Ins. Cresled 58 Greatel PerlWlnk\e 91 Agapanlhus 7, 89 Cantert:lury Bel 21 , 33 Owart Crested Ins 58 Greek Wi.ffi8n 40 Algenan Ins 66 Carpel Bug/ewood 4S HaJrbeIl PoPIJV 67 Cathedra' Bells 81 HeIletxxe Corsican 59 """"An~rmonums" 17 CeaOOlflus Monterey 78 Helme! Flower 16 App4e 04 P9nJ 39 Cea~hus. Santa Barbara 78 E Hibiscus 83 Aster 18 Ch4ean Crocus 66 HImalayan Blue Popoy 67 Autumn Crocus 16, 31, 47, 50 Chilean Potato Tree 81 Egg Plant Poached 38 Himalayan CowslIp 35 Clarkia 33 Horned Videl 67 Commoo Flax 37 HonenSiiJ 88 Common Garden Petunia 75 F Hol PoI<:ers, Red 36 B CorSICan Hellebore 59 Hyacinth 72 Common Hyacinth 72 Hyacinth, Common 72 Common Hydrangea 88 FalrJl,!s Thmlbles 79 Baby C).cIamen S4 Fal Crocus 50 Hyacinth. DutCh 72 Band Plant 91 Common PaSSIOO Flower 8\ Fdng Stars 75 HyacInth. Garden 72 Bane Wolfs 18 Cotnmon While Jasmllll:l n False Dr8gonhead 40 Hyacinth. Grape 61 , 62 BeI1Iower l\allan 75 Cone Flower PurPle 15 Hyaonlh Water .7 filbert. Pur~ed 87 8e/1fIower. WIIow .5 CooI-tankard 20 ",", 37 Hydrangea 7, 77, 83 8ef.IIowered 55 Com""", ,, ScUll Flax. Common 37 Hydrangea Common 88 ~, H1malayan 35 B81s, Gt

" K Mynle 91 Purple Cone Flower 15 Sweet Pea 77 Myrtle, Running 91 Purple-leaved F,lbert 87 Sweet Sultan 22 KamTree 91 Myst€rl

A Campanula ousdia '19 Vyvyan PenneR 85 """Violet QUOOf'I" 18 Caryopl&flS • clandonen~s W,lIIam Kennel 85 Aboes concolof Compacta 84 Aster x fnkartll 19 83 Clemalls alpina 81 Aboes concolor 'Gtauca M6nch 19 Catananche C3eru!ea 44, '15 Clemavs _ iackmanii 71 Compacta' 84 Aster ~ang l ~e IS Ceanolhus _ Cascade 12 ClemaUS macroootala 11 , 77, Ables concoIor 'V1OIac:ea Aster r'KM-belgu 15 Ceanolhus • delinlanusGbre Prostrata 84 Evenllde 12 de \lersaoles' 8'1 ClemaltS ffiOI1lana rubens 7 Abubion stnalum 11 Atragena aloma 81 Ceal10lhus Gbre de Clemans" VItIC8Ila 81 Al:JuI*)n !hom psor'III 11 Aubnela deI100dea 48 Clerodeodton lrichotomum Abublon 'o'nrfolium 78 BaIIawIey Amethyst 48 Ceaoothus Impr&s5US 71, 78 13, 83 Acanthus moIIis 19 Barker's Double 48 CeaI'lOltlUS""""' ngodus'' 78 Cobaea scandens 80, 81 Ac~ fiHpenduta Or Mules' 48 CeaOOltius Ihrystllorus reoons ColchICum autumnale 37 , '17 , Coronaoon Gold 16 Henslow Purple' 48 Aconotum na~lus 16 Tauncola' 48 Cedrus" deodara GOOen ColchICum.. SpeclOSUS 47, 50 Aconitum w il son~ 16 HorizOI1 13 Conldvvlvus maunlamcU$ 52 Barker"s Vanety' 16 Cootaureacyanus 'Tall Doubje ConllOlvulus minor 70 Kelmscon Vanety 16 B M,.ed 22 ConYOlvulus sabaliuS 52 AdaffiSla SCIIIoides 62 Cer1taurea Imperl1lils 22 Convolvulus Incoior 70 Agapanlhus campanulatus 70 6egorua semperflofens Cootaurea moschala 22 RainbOw Flash' 71 Agaoanthus ~ HeadbOurne PInk AvaiaflCt1e 73 DobIes Gillnt' 22 Cof)tus ITI8Xlma Purpurea 86 Hybnjs 16 8efbens x Otlawen51S CeralO6bgma oIUmbaglfllOdes 87 Ageni!um houstonJanurn 17 Purpurea 83 22 Cot,rl\JS ooggygna FoolS Adnatlc ~ue' 17 6efgenQuaslrum 85 vanet{ 13, 87 ~uga replans 45 ChamaecyOfoka Marcel Moser' 85 Sinped Beauty 53 Aster ameRus 18 T~ham Beauty '15 Mrs Cholmondelv' 85 Cupressus glabra KII'\g George' 18 Campanuta portenscnlaQlat'la Percy PTcIOl1' 85 Pyramidahs' 8 Nocturne' 18. 19 eo PrOSldenl 85 Cyclamef1 coom 52

,. Cyclamen hedenfollum 54 Echlflops ritro 29 Geraruum prat€T15e Johnsons Ins kaempfen 47, 58 Cyclamen neapolltanum 54 Echium rubrum 29 Blue' 45 Ins reticulata 47, 59 Echlum vulgare 29 GladiOlus byzant,nus 32 'Cantab' 59 Edraianthus pumilio 47, 54 'Cta'rette' 59 D ElChhorma cra~pes 47 Jearune' 59 Endym06n hlspanlCus 47, 55 H RoYaf Blue' 59 Dahlia 25 EranthlS hyemalis 52 Iris sibrica 35 Anemone-flowered 25 Eryngium alplnum 30 Hebe x andersonii 'Yanegata' 'Cambridge' 35 Ball·type 24, 25 Eryngium bourgaw 30 19 Heaven~ Blue' 35 Border 24, 25 Erynglum x oIwerianum 30 Hebe Autumn Glory" 83, 91 Ottawa' 35 Cactus 25 Erythronlum dens-canlS 55 Hebe Midsummer Beauty' 83 Perry S Blue' 35 Cdlarene 26. 27 Lilac Wonder' 55 Hehanthemum nummutarium Tropic NighT 35 Decorallve 26 Purple King' 55 Beech Park Scarier 60 Ins sty10sa 66 Dwarf 25 Erythronium revoiutum 55 Helieborus IMdus corSICus 59 Ins UngUICUlariS 66 ' Ea~ Marc 25 ErythrOnlum tuolumnense HibiSCUS SYMCUS 'Bjue Bird' 91 'Gypsy Dance' 25 55 Hosta crispula 32 Kay Helen' 24 Euonymus fortune, 'Emerald Hosta fortune< Albopicta' 32 ~ Paeony-flowered 26 'N Gold 7 Hosta Hatycon 33 Pompon 26 Eupatorium purpureum 30 Hosla roctifol

" unope muscan 37 FenwICk s Vanety 19 R T LJ nope SPlWta 37 Nteandra physalOtdes 39 Ultlooora dltfusa 47, 60 Nlgeila dilmasceM 21 Ramonda m)'COni 63 1ageles erecta 70 'Grace Ward' 47, 60 Ramonda oyrenatea 63 1agetes patula 70, 73 'Heavenly Blue' 60 Rhododendron Blue Teoophllaea cyanocrocus 66 lupmus poIyph~us 0 Dlamond' 12 Teucrium /rutlcans 91 'Russell Hybrids' 38 Rhodooendron Blue Star' 64 Thymus E B Anderson 7 lobelia erinus 73 Omphai<.:>OOs vema 67 Rhodooendron 'Blue nl' 64 Tmeleia unltlora 57 'Blue Cascade' 73 Rhododendron Impe(jltum 12 Tulip Apeldoorn' 69 Cambridge Blue' 73 Rhododendron pracoo ~ 15 Tulipa tarda 48 Colour Cascade M I~ ed' 73 p Robinia pseudoacaclil 'Fr;s;a Crystal Palace 73 13 Mrs Chbran' 73 PasSiflora caerulea 81 Rosa 'Mermaid' 77 V Sapphire' 73 Paulowma tomentosa 91 Petunia x hybrlda 75 veronica beccabunga 45 Blue Bedder' 75 veronICa Iongltalia 44 Blue Frost' 75 5 verontCa prostrata 7, 44 M 'PolarIS' 75 'Rosw' 44 'Resjsto Blue' 75 Sa iL'< alba Trost 's 13 Spade Blue' 44 Mahonla aqUifollum 36 Pt1ysallS alkekengl 39 Salixx chrysocoma 13 verOnica rupestris Mahonica jwdenii 37 Puschkirua sicula 62 Maud Notcutl' 83 CRfDITS Photographers The majOrity of the photographs in thIS book have been taken (Top), 73 74175 76/77. 78(Toplefl) 79 (Top), 79 (Bottom ) 80 Oy En:: CrIChton C Salamander Books Ltd (rop), 80 (Bottom), 82/83, 86. 88, Back Cover MK:hael Wa rren 87 Copyright Il1the following photographs belongs to the wop/lers Pat Bnndley 51 Artists ErK: CrlChtol1 18.21 (Top rig ht), 35. 38/39. 41 (Top left), 55 Copyright of the artwork iUustratl()!'lS 011 lhe pages f~low l ng the (Bottom), 59 (Top), 60/61 (Top), 71 (Bottom), 72 (Bottom), artists names IS the property 01 Salamander Books ltd 74,78 (Top fight), 85 (Top left), 89 (Top) NickI KembaU: 617, 12/13 Peter McHoy' 27, 43 Steve linds (linden ArtISts) 8, 8/9, 9 10 11 HarrySmlth PhotographicColiectlOn 32 (Top ten). 59 (Bottom) Cl,ve Spang (linden ArtIsts): Front and BaCk Covers Oallld $Qwe From Cover, 6, 7, 10/ 11 11, 12, 13, 14/15, 16 (Top oghtl, 22(Top right), 23 (Bottom), 33 (Top), 44/ 45, 46/ 47 Editorial ASSistance 48 (Bottom), 49 (Bottom), 60/61 (Bottom), 64/65 68/ 69 72 Proofreading Oy Joanna Chapman mdexlng by David SqutJe

. ~, - " -- Detailed advice on growing over 100 of the best blue and purple flowers, shrubs and trees to create a ISBN 0-86101-218-6 beautiful colour scheme in your garden 96 pages 34,000 words 2 illustrations of planting schemes, 7 diagrams and over 100 photographs, 9 all in full colour