Sarah Price's

00 10

JASON INGRAM most beautiful and clouds of bees and butterflies. times of theyear by attracting that animate thegarden atcertain how plants look. Ilove flowers en masse. Butit’s notjust about They lookgood singularlyor poise of theirrelatives innature. that possess theelegance and their fullpotential. Iprefer varieties that I’mstill triallingto discover Other plants are exciting prospects whose appearance marks theyear. familiar andbeloved companions Some plants inmy garden are SARAH PRICE’S SARAH useful plantsuseful WORDS SARAH PRICE

100 GREAT PLANTS 37 100 GREAT PLANTS

Annuals Newly unfurled, lime-yellow flowers droop C Well-drained soil; full sun. SI February to arching flower spike. I weave it through low, Poppies are at their best when Climbers before standing upright on thin, glaucous March. HR RHS H6, USDA 3a-8b. tussock grasses so that its sword-like leaves they are sown direct, and are 1 ERIGERON ANNUUS stems that have a quirky yet graceful line. I and elegant, upright form can be fully 18 CLEMATIS ‘BETTY CORNING’ Myriad simple, fine-rayed, white daisies plant this with the delicate pink umbels of 8 CYCLAMEN HEDERIFOLIUM appreciated. H 1m. S 1m. C Well-drained soil; emerging with surprise Sweetly scented and prolific, this clematis appear to float in mid air. Self-seeds Pimpinella major ‘Rosea’. Gently self seeds. Prospering in dry shade, often at the foot full sun, sheltered position. SI July to has the vigour typical of viticella species. vigorously, a desirable trait only for wilder H 40cm. S 10cm. C Moist but well-drained of an old tree, these autumn-flowering September. HR RHS H4, USDA 3a-8b. and spontaneity Will scramble along climbing roses, shrubs areas where there is plenty of competition. soil; sheltered, sunny position. SI May to cyclamen will in time form venerable and trees forming dense clouds of pretty, Height (H) 1.5m. Spread (S) 40cm. June. HR RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b. colonies. Marbled, ivy-shaped leaves in 12 LILIUM MARTAGON 15 NERINE BOWDENII pale-lilac bells. Plant in a sunny position for Conditions (C) Dry sun. Season of summer followed by rosy-pink flowers. AGM. Turk’s cap lilies look spectacular when A lily impersonator with lipstick-pink, frilly maximum flowers. AGM. H 3m. S 1m. interest (SI) July to November. Hardiness 5 ANEMONE NEMOROSA ‘ROBINSONIANA’ H 10cm. S 15cm. C Well-drained soil; part naturalised en mass in rough grass. The flowers that have a glittery sheen in the sun. C Moisture-retentive, well-drained soil; full rating (HR) RHS H4, USDA 3a-8b†. Although you can’t surpass our native shade, sheltered position. SI October to vertical stems are covered in masses of Strong, slender stems and a long-lasting sun to part shade. Cover base of plant with anemone for its simplicity, I love this for its November. HR RHS H5, USDA 6a-9b. dusky-mauve flowers, with scrolled-back flower make them perfect for cutting and pebbles to keep cool. SI July to September. 2 PAPAVER DUBIUM SUBSP. ethereal lilac colour that glows in the shade. petals and pronounced, orange anthers that are so uplifting among the seedheads of HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b. LECOQII ‘ALBIFLORUM’ Grow en masse to appreciate how their 9 FRITILLARIA MELEAGRIS dangle from their throats. Best in dappled autumn. Shallow planting suits them best. Luminous in sunshine, its clear-pink petals petals open and stems straighten in spring Iconic white-and-purple chequered bells shade. H 1.5m. S 50cm. C Moist but AGM. H 50cm. S 10cm. C Moist but well- 19 CLEMATIS X TRITERNATA float just above the fresh growth of early sunshine. AGM*. H 15cm. S 50cm. C Moist or dangle like lanterns on delicate stems. When well-drained soil; full sun to part shade, drained soil; full sun in a sheltered position. ‘RUBROMARGINATA’ summer. Poppies are at their best when well-drained soil; part shade. SI April to May. naturalised in damp grassland, the purple sheltered position. SI June to July. SI September to November. HR RHS H5, Hundreds of marzipan-scented flowers, sown direct, emerging with surprise and HR RHS H5, USDA 5a-8b. and sometimes white blooms create HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. USDA 7a-10b. which look as if they’ve been generously spontaneity. H 50cm. S 30cm. C Fertile, hypnotic pointillist-like patterns among dipped in ruby-red ink, are held in well-drained soil; full sun. Not great on wet 6 CAMASSIA LEICHTLINII SUBSP. the grass. H 30cm. S 8cm. C Moist but 13 NARCISSUS ‘WHITE LADY’ 16 TULIPA HUMILIS clouds from midsummer to early clay soil. SI May to June. HR USDA 6a-9b. SUKSDORFII 'ALBA' well-drained soil; full sun or part shade. Slender, white buds open wide into a simple Short species tulip that is perfect autumn. Tolerant of dry soils and A North American bulb with tall, intense SI April and May. HR RHS H5, USDA 3a-7b. flower with well-spaced petals and a shallow, peppering sun-baked gravel plantings shady positions. Flowers freely. H 4m. 3 PHACELIA TANACETIFOLIA blue spires. Looks exotic yet not out of pale-yellow trumpet. After flowering, the with intense magenta accents. Its sparse S 1.5m. C Fertile, well-drained soil; full A green manure I sow for its soft lavender- place flowering in long grass among 10 GALANTHUS NIVALIS fine leaves and stems fade away discretely. narrow leaves lie low and nearly flat, sun to part shade. SI July to September. blue flowers, that are decoratively shaped British natives, such as cow parsley. Best Simple and elegant, I always return to our Delicately scented. H 50cm. S 10cm. C Moist emphasising the goblet flowers. H 15cm. HR RHS H4, USDA 5a-8b. like a scorpion’s curved tail. Beloved by grown in generous drifts as if self sown. resilient native snowdrop. The colonies that but well-drained soil; full sun to part shade. S 10cm. C Well-drained soil; full sun, bees and insects, it’s unfussy and fast Will naturalise quickly given moisture and transform banks and ancient churchyards SI April. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. sheltered position. SI March to April. 20 ROSA MORTIMER SACKLER growing, with dense, weed-suppressing free-draining soil. H 1m. S 50cm. C Moist with their pure-white blooms are testament HR RHS H6, USDA 3a-9b. (=‘AUSORTS’) foliage. Robust winter annual. H 60cm. but well-drained soil; full sun or part shade. to its tenacity. Plant in the green as 14 NECTAROSCORDUM SICULUM Intensely scented with deep-pink S 50cm. C Fertile, well-drained, soil; full sun. SI May to June. HR RHS H4, USDA 3a-7b. generously as you can. Will naturalise. Alluring allium with pinky-green pendulous 17 TULIPA SYLVESTRIS buds and paler flowers held on SI March to May. HR RHS H4, USDA 7a-10b. AGM. H 10cm. S 10cm. C Moist but well- flowers that dangle decoratively around Dainty, wild tulip, ideal for naturalising red-flushed, near thornless branches 7 CROCUS TOMMASINIANUS drained soil; shade. SI January and February. a central upright stem. Looks beautiful through grass. Rich-yellow flowers open that makes picking them a pleasure. Bulbs Slender crocus that battles hard through HR RHS H5, USDA 3a-9b. among fresh-green foliage, bronze-toned wide like goblets in the sun. Each petal has A repeat flowerer that grows into a winter, opening wide in spells of sunshine. grasses and pink flowers. Bulks up quickly an endearing curl at its tip. Drought tolerant tall shrub or short climber with an 4 ALLIUM OBLIQUUM Self-seeds profusely and will spread to form 11 GLADIOLUS ‘RUBY’ in sunny, free-draining soil. H 1m. S 50cm. once established. H 35cm. S 10cm. C Well- attractive loose habit. AGM. H 4m. Robust yet dainty-looking allium that unbelievable carpets of purple across Incredibly lavish yet refined gladiolus, with C Moist but well-drained soil; full sun to part drained soil; full sun in a sheltered position. S 1m. C Moist but well-drained soil. elegantly emerges above early fresh foliage. borders and lawns. AGM. H 10cm. S 10cm. rich, velvet-red flowers that adorn a tall, shade. SI May and June. HR RHS H5. SI March to April. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. SI Summer. HR RHS H4, USDA 5a-10a.

2 3 4 11 12 9

8 10 14 19 2 & 8 JASON INGRAM, 3 CLARE GAINEY / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; 4 ANNAÏCK GUITTENY; 10 IMAGEBROKER / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO. / ALAMY STOCK 10 IMAGEBROKER 4 ANNAÏCK GUITTENY; PHOTO; / ALAMY STOCK 3 CLARE GAINEY INGRAM, 2 & 8 JASON 9 & 14 JASON INGRAM; 11 CLIVE NICHOLS / GAP PHOTOS; 11 CLIVE NICHOLS / GAP PHOTOS; INGRAM; JASON 9 & 14 PHOTO. / ALAMY STOCK LTD IMAGES 19 GARDEN WORLD PHOTO; / ALAMY STOCK 12 TIM GAINEY

*Holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. †Hardiness ratings given where available. . 38 39 100 GREAT PLANTS

Ferns with diminutive subjects, such as wood down in early spring. H 1.2m. S 40cm. anemones. AGM. H 1.2m. S 1m. C Moist soil, C Well-drained soil; sun or light shade if soil 21 ASPLENIUM SCOLOPENDRIUM good for very wet sites; full sun to full shade. not too dry. SI June; flowerheads stay Hart’s tongue is an indispensable fern that SI Green spring to summer; autumn colour. through winter. grows in moist and dry niches. The gentle HR RHS H6, USDA 3a-9b. ripple of its glossy, evergreen leaves stand 28 CHONDROPETALUM TECTORUM out against the lacy patterns of companion 25 POLYPODIUM VULGARE One of the hardiest restios with narrow, ferns. H 30cm. S 50cm. C Humus-rich, Resilient, evergreen fern, that will form rush-like foliage and tightly bunched, moist but well-drained soil; can survive dry stable communities in the most inhospitable dark-brown filaments. I use it as a dark, shade when established. SI Evergreen. of locations. It will shrivel in periods of evergreen backdrop to make its colourful HR RHS H4, USDA 5a-9b. drought, only to reward you with a carpet of South African counterparts – dieramas and green, like a finely designed tapestry, in late gladioli – glow. Good for coastal gardens. 22 BLECHNUM SPICANT summer. H 35cm. S 1m. C Moist but well- H 50cm. S 1m. C Fertile, well-drained soil (will A hardy native fern that forms generous drained soil; full sun to part shade in not tolerate waterlogging); full sun. colonies in shady woods. Its fertile fronds sheltered position. Tolerant of moderately SI Evergreen. HR RHS H3, USDA 9a-11. with near-black stems and glossy divided moist conditions. SI Evergreen. HR RHS H7, leaves emerge compact out of evergreen USDA 3a-6b. 29 HORDEUM JUBATUM rosettes. AGM. H 50cm. S 50cm. C Moist soil; Loved for its long, purplish-pink, silvery in light shade, will tolerate dry shade. Grasses and restios awns that have a spectacular halo when SI Evergreen. HR RHS H4, USDA 6a-8b. backlit by sunshine. At its best when grown 26 BRIZA MAXIMA in an open, gravel scree, where its plumes 23 ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS A clump-forming annual grass, with low, appear to float above dianthus, thymes and Known as the sensitive fern on account of leafy tufts and beautiful flowerheads other grounded sun lovers. Produces flowers its frost tenderness. Red-tinged new growth composed of a mass of spikelets. These over a long period. Best grown as an annual. in spring unfurls into upright fronds. dainty, trembling ‘lockets’ are flushed purple H 1m. S 50cm. C Well-drained soil; full sun. Creates a lush understorey in a damp before turning golden. Useful for creating a SI June to July. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. spot, gradually creeping by rhizomes. meadow-like feel. Self seeds. H 45cm. Requires waterside and moist soil S 50cm. C Well-drained soil; full sun. 30 MELICA ALTISSIMA ‘ALBA’ conditions. AGM. H 50cm. S 2.5m. C Moist SI May to August. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. White, bead-like flowers hang in soil; part to full shade. SI Spring to autumn. airy sprays on low, gently arching, HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. 27 CALAMAGROSTIS EMODENSIS fresh foliage. Lovely planted en masse Initially, I was unimpressed with this or among ferns so you can see the 24 OSMUNDA REGALIS grass as I hadn’t provided it with the spikelets tremble in the breeze. Cut A deciduous fern that forms stately, long- space it needed. Now it’s in gravel so that its down after first flush of flowers to lived clumps in damp, part shade. Develops arching stems and pale-pink flowers can be stimulate a second. H 50cm. S 60cm. raised crowns that look prehistoric as appreciated. The fluffy seedheads are so C Fertile, well-drained soil; full sun or part their spring fronds unfurl. I partner it persistent it almost seems a pity to cut them shade. SI May to June. HR RHS H6.

30 21 22 THE FLUFFY SEEDHEADS OF CALAMAGROSTIS EMODENSIS ARE SO PERSISTENT IT ALMOST SEEMS A PITY TO CUT THEM DOWN IN EARLY SPRING

28 29

27 MAAYKE DE RIDDER MAAYKE 21 FLOWERPHOTOS / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; 22, 29 & 30 JASON INGRAM; 28 MBP-PLANTS / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO. / ALAMY STOCK MBP-PLANTS 28 INGRAM; 29 & 30 JASON 22, PHOTO; / ALAMY STOCK 21 FLOWERPHOTOS

40 HR RHSH7, USDA 5a-8b. drained soil; sun.SI June to November. ARUNDINACEA ‘TRANSPARENT’ 32 MOLINIA CAERULEA SUBSP. USDA 4a-9b. shade. SI June to November. HR RHSH7, drained, neutral to acidsoils; fullsunto part hairline drawn on each drawn hairline petal. Dahliasare where reveals close inspection thepale-pink pom-pom flowers. Impeccable inavase, Perfectly formed, deep-burgundy, slender. Borderline hardy. Even theleaves are more refined and bloomslilac-pink thatdroop downwards. star-shaped, dahliaswith all of Most sultry 33 DAHLIA AUSTRALIS perennials Half-hardy captures thelight. upwards spreading outwards inanarc that stems green foliage support thatreach of flower. cloud of shimmering Large mounds Its airy, see-through inflorescences create a veil. asagauzy through plantings herbaceous a singularaccent, en masse, or woven when outwards height. gain asthey as Beautiful Upright flower fan stems gradually moorgrass. Indispensable mid-height 42 34 DAHLIA ‘DOWNHAM ROYAL’ SI July to October. C CAERULEA ‘HEIDEBRAUT’ Moist butnotwaterlogged soil; fullsun. 31 MOLINIA CAERULEA SUBSP. 46 H 1.2m. S 50cm. C H HR RHS H2, USDA 7a-10b. 1.8m. S Moist butwell-

H 1.5m. S 60cm. C 75cm. Well-

35 DAHLIA ‘EDINBURGH’ to November. HRRHSH2, USDA 7a-10b. drained soil; sheltered spotinfullsun. SI July 37 to August. HRRHSH2, USDA 9a-11. Don’t grow outside iffrosts are likely. SI July but well-drained soil; fullsunorpart shade. Downy foliage, calyces andflowers look, and sunlight. for Good containers. creating afuzzyoutline thatglows in garden. Each bloom iscovered infinehairs flowers thatilluminate alate-summer Evergreen tender sage, hot-pink with age.woody with and evergreen pointed leaves. Becomes more pronounced stems thedark against tawny-bronze flowers thatare the all apricot or spires tall of Dramatic 36 DIGITALIS CANARIENSIS HR RHSH2, USDA 7a-10b. shelter from wind. SI July to October. (the more sun, thebigger theblooms), H grow prolific with flowers for cutting. open out, to adding hypnotic effect. Easyto white. Petals have asthey curl abeautiful royal-purple thatfade to pattern petals of aspirograph-like A bi-coloured with beauty essential. greedy feeders, which soil meansgood is 38 SALVIA LEUCANTHA ‘PURPLE VELVET’ October. HRRHSH3, USDA 4a-8b. S 60cm. C 1.25m. S SALVIA CURVIFLORA

H Well-drained soil; sun. SI July to 40cm.C Well-drained soil; fullsun 1m.S30cm. C H 1.5m. S 37 31 Moist butwell- 1.5m. C

H 90cm. Moist Moist

40 BUPLEURUM FALCATUM SI July to October. HRRHSH7, USDA 4a-8b. moderately fertile soil; fullsunto part shade. H 41 CALLIRHOE BUSHII C become established. slower-growing, longer-lived perennials volume to schemes new planting while soil.drained Adds andimmediate sparkle sow inwell- that loves self sun andwill leaves look. to add theairy A hardy, biennial on fine,umbels branching stems. Narrow small,Long-flowering clouds lime-yellow of and diaphanous, to Ihad include it. garden but it’s soexceptionally tall, elegant stems.willowy I’ve yet itinmy to trial rose-pink flowers spaced on narrow, widely hollyhock-like,Almost too with pretty 39 ALTHAEA CANNABINA Perennials Easily grown from cuttings. eye-popping magenta of itsmallow-like eye-popping magenta of the neighbours, them with peppering over scrambles Lightly more grounded summer to autumn. HRUSDA 8a-10b. sun. Winter protection from frost. SILate C best appreciate flowers.best purple itssprays of it nearpathways or inlarge containers to silver-green leaves meanithasgrace. Igrow its arching of spacing and thewide form feel, like velvet. A shrubby plantbut its Well-drained, richsoil; sheltered spotin Dry soil; sun. SI June to July. HRRHSH4. 2m. S 1m. CMoist butwell-drained, 39 35

H 50cm.S20cm.

H 1m. S 80cm.

31 JASON INGRAM; 35 JONATHAN NEED / GAP PHOTOS; 37 REX MAY / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; 39 RACHEL WARNE; 46 MARCUS HARPUR / GAP PHOTOS.

44 BLICKWINKEL / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; 45, 47 & 48 JASON INGRAM; 50 MARTIN HUGHES-JONES / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO. 43 CEPHALARIA DIPSACOIDES SI July to October. HRRHSH6, USDA 4a-9b. but well-drained soil; fullsunto part shade. as thyme, itslonger- or thefuchsia pinkof groundcovers, purple with partnered such calycesdark make astatement when blood-red flowers of by Pinpricks offset sochopself-seed after flowering. stately presence appreciated. canbe May borders where its settings or naturalistic serrated, silver-greenof leaves. indeep Best thimbles towerRich-purple above mounds perennials.natural-looking easy to weave and grasses through light air. A wonderfully diaphanous plantthatis stems, thatmake them to appear inmid float Scabious-like, pale-yellow flowers on wiry garden areas. andwilder linkformal plant to visually finely cut, foliage. filigree A useful transition Soft, above age white beautifully umbels S blooms. Native prairies. to dry 42 CENOLOPHIUM DENUDATUM to August. HRRHSH5, USDA 5a-8b. 45 DIANTHUS CRUENTUS September. HRUSDA 3a-8b. too fullsunto dry; part shade. SI August to S 44 CIRSIUM CANUM 3a-9b. shade. SI June to August. HR RHSH7, USDA C 90cm. C 30cm.CMoist butwell-drained soil, not Moist butwell-drained soil; fullsunto part Well-drained soil; sun. SIJune AGM. H 1m. S 50cm. C H 44 48 2m.S1m. H 45cm.

H 2m. Moist Moist 47 47 full sun. SI July to August. HRRHSH4. C ‘PHYSIC PURPLE’ sculptural seedhead that will suddenly suddenly thatwill seedhead sculptural Worth growing for thespectacular stand out. itswonderful accentsthe dark seedheads of autumn grasses, such asAndropogon, make immediately recognisable. Luminous around cone central adark make this Drooping, arranged artfully pale-pinkpetals waterloggedget inwinter. summers but ensure don’twell indry they arching stems –even theseedheads. Water bracts, tubular bell-liketheir papery flowers, isexquisiteEverything aboutdieramas – easy to grow from seed. Given anopen, are both free-draining spot . stemmed relation carthusianorum Dianthus ‘BLACKBIRD’ 46 DIERAMA PULCHERRIMUM August. HRRHSH6, USDA 5a-9b. C 48 early winter). HRRHSH5, USDA3a-10b. full sun. SI July to September (seedheads into stems –even the seedheads archingtubular bell-like flowers, exquisite –their bracts, papery Everything about dieramas is Moist butwell-drained, fertile, loamy soil; Well-drained soil; fullsun. SI June to ERYNGIUM PANDANIFOLIUM ECHINACEA PALLIDA

H 1m. S 50 45 30cm. C

H 60cm. S

H Well-drained soil; 1m. S

50cm.

15cm.

year, but itsuccessfully overwinters in recommended you grow from every seed dry position in full sun. infull position dry Grows clumps andrequires inwide avery Narrow, pale-green leaves to add itselegance. flowering from through to spring winter. Large, frothy, thatkeep lime-green bracts into atowering skeleton. winter earthy-pink flowers of heads thatage support stems stage;incredible dark-purple atevery to match asetting’s scale. grand It looks Eupatorium IreachThe for Ineed when ‘RIESENSCHIRM’ 49 HR RHSH4, USDA 8a-10b. winter rot. SIOctober to December. soil; fullsuninafree-draining spotto prevent H Native to soils poor sodon’t fertilise clumps, soideal for spaces. smaller my garden. Forms compact, knee-high spurge flowers from to in spring winter Easily grown from seed, thislime-yellow 51 EUPHORBIA OBLONGATA SI March to July. HRRHSH4, USDA 6a-8b. S architectural clump of spiny,architectural clump of narrow foliage. sanguisorba, but above are high held an maroon flowers a similarto look thoseof you. andsurprise appear tight, The 50 EUPHORBIA CERATOCARPA HR RHSH7, USDA 4a-8b. full sunto part shade. SI July to November. H 2.5m. C 2.5m. S 2.5m. S EUPATORIUM MACULATUM 1.5m. C Well-drained, lightsoil; fullsun. 90cm. C 100 GREAT PLANTS Moist butwell-drained soil; Moist butwell-drained AGM. H 1m. AGM. .

It’s It’s 47 43 100 GREAT PLANTS

free-draining situations. H 50cm. S 60cm. I grow Ligusticum lucidum 59 ORIGANUM LAEVIGATUM H 1.2m. S 1m. C Poorly drained or moist soil; 66 SALVIA GLUTINOSA white petals that give it a deceptively delicate C Well-drained soil; full sun. SI May to ‘HERRENHAUSEN’ full sun or part shade. SI July to September. A sultry salvia that’s invaluable for shady look. In my garden I’ve planted it on a September. HR RHS H5. in gravel where the, lacy Dark calices and a rich, dusky purple pink HR RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b. schemes. The gentle, sage-like, yellow partially shaded dry bank where the detail of mounds of evergreen leaves flower give this marjoram the edge. Lovely flowers light up dark corners but it will also its pronounced profile can be seen among 52 GLAUCIUM CORNICULATUM cut and mixed into informal posies. The 63 PEUCEDANUM VERTICILLARE grow in the sun, making it a useful ‘linking’ fine-textured grasses. H 75cm. S 23cm. I love the theatricality of the colour contrast can be appreciated vertical branches stand well after flowering, You need to surround this magnificent plant in varied light conditions. H 1m. C Well-drained soil; full or part shade. between its pale, glaucous leaves and scarlet creating a wiry, dark silhouette through the giant with space to appreciate its S 50cm. C Well-drained, or moist but well- SI May and June. HR USDA 3a-9b. flowers. Good for a gravel garden where winter. AGM. H 50cm. S 50cm. C Well- towering status. Layers of boldly cut drained soil; full sun or part shade. SI July you can admire its crinkled, evergreen among less defined forms. H 90cm. S 60cm. drained soil;full sun, suitable for exposed site. leaves are held on stout, pink-purple and August. HR RHS H6, USDA 7a-9a. 70 SYMPHYTUM X UPLANDICUM leaves. H 60cm. S 40cm. C Well-drained C Well-drained soil (drought tolerant); full SI June to September. HR RHS H6. stems, so look good when thrown into ‘MOORLAND HEATHER’ soil; sun. SI May to November. HR RHS H4, sun. SI August to October. HR USDA 3a-8b. visual relief by low, hazy grasses. The 67 SANGUISORBA OFFICINALIS Rough textured leaves make the deep- USDA 6a-10b. 60 PAEONIA MASCULA flower spikes are a mass of yellow-green ‘RED THUNDER’ purple, tubular flowers of this comfrey all 56 LIGUSTICUM LUCIDUM Lipstick-pink flowers are slightly more open umbels. Monocarpic. H 2.4m. C Well- Taller and more ostentatious than its parent, the more charming. More refined and less 53 KIRENGESHOMA PALMATA I grow this in gravel where the lacy mounds than cup shaped and have dense clusters of drained soil; full sun to part shade. our native meadow burnet Sanguisorba vigorous than the common comfrey but still Elegant woodlander from Asia, with soft- of evergreen leaves can be appreciated. The yellow stamens. Flowers prolifically in sun. SI June to July. HR RHS H6. officinalis, but with the same tight bobble, beloved by bees. Can repeat if cut back after yellow, broadly bell-shaped flowers. Grows ammi-like, white umbels have a strong Easy once established, but doesn’t like to be wine-red flowers and finely cut foliage. flowering. H 2m. C Damp soil; part or full into a small, graceful shrub with reddish seedhead that stands well, casting defined disturbed. AGM. H 80cm. S 1m. C Deep, 64 POLYGONUM SCOPARIUM Beautiful growing among meadow shade. SI April to June HR USDA 4a-9b. purple stems and vertically spaced, pale- shadows into early winter. Usually fertile, moist to well-drained, humus-rich The broom-like foliage of this perennial is cranesbill or the veils of Molinia grasses. green palmate leaves that overlap. Needs monocarpic. H 1m. C Well-drained soil; part soil; full sun to part shade, sheltered position. spangled with long-lasting, small, white H 1.2m. S 60cm. C Moist but well-drained 71 SYMPHYOTRICHUM TURBINELLUM deep, leafy soil. H 1m. S 1m. C Moist but well- or full sun. SI June to July. HR USDA 4a-8b. SI May. HR RHS H6, USDA 7a-10b. flowers over a long period. Tolerates dry and soil; full sun or part shade. SI June to An arching poise and widely spaced, single drained soil; part to full shade. SI August to windy conditions A wiry plant that has a September. HR RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b. lavender-blue flowers distinguish this aster September. HR RHS H7, USDA 5a-8b. 57 LINARIA PURPUREA 61 PENSTEMON BARBATUS ‘COCCINEUS’ sophisticated beauty that improves with age. from traditionally stocky Michaelmas daisy Slender toadflax spires that look ethereal Narrow, tubular flowers that are a very H 60cm. C Well-drained soil; full sun to part 68 SCABIOSA COLUMBARIA cultivars. Native to dry prairies, this is a 54 LASER TRILOBUM when allowed to self sow and grow up bright shade of coral. Stunning with shade. SI July to October. Evergreen. SUBSP. OCHROLEUCA drought-tolerant species, as beautiful in Newly introduced umbellifer; carefully through plantings. Creates an hypnotic Echinacea in prairie-style plantings where Pale, butter-yellow pincushion flowers are gravel plantings as it is among grasses from defined like a line drawing. Stems terminate effect en masse, especially when partnered the tall, branching and floriferous stems 65 SALVIA CANDELABRUM held on thin, wiry stems. Flowers profusely its American homeland. H 1.2m. S 1m. in elongated, spoke-like stalks with rounded with the acid green of parsnip flowers. H 1m. create a tangerine haze. Needs very sharp A statuesque salvia that is worth through the summer, bringing a fresh note C Well-drained soil; full sun. SI September to clusters of white flowers at their tips. Makes S 50cm. C Well-drained, sandy soil; full drainage. H 1.5m. S 30cm. C Well-drained hunting out for a spacious sunny spot. It of colour among the muted purples I plant October. HR RHS H7, USDA 5a-8b. a statement in dappled light. H 1.2m. C Moist sun. SI June to October. HR RHS H6. soil; full sun. SI June to August. HR RHS H5, takes its name from the long, thin stems it with. Suitable for smaller spaces and large soil; part shade. SI May to June. USDA 3a-8b. that branch up and out like a candelabra containers. Deadhead to promote more 72 THALICTRUM ‘ELIN’ 58 LYCHNIS CORONARIA ‘BLOOD RED’ and are adorned with blue-violet and flowers. H 45cm. S 45cm. C Well-drained A towering meadow rue with glaucous, 55 LIATRIS ASPERA For me, this plant has it all: intense colour, 62 PERSICARIA AMPLEXICAULIS ‘ROSEA’ white hooded blooms to create a hazy, soil; sun. SI June to September. HR RHS H5, pinnate leaves and dark-purple stems; Nodules of tightly clustered, needle-thin summer-long blooms (especially if Fine, pale-pink spires bloom until the first blue fuzz at eye level. It forms a generous USDA 3a-9b. exquisite details against its airborne froth of flowers are widely spaced on a tall spire, deadheaded), downy-grey leaves and an frost. The rhythmical repetition of the spikes, hummock of evergreen leaves that look tiny lilac flowers. Beautiful at all stages of creating a clear silhouette. The red-violet open, branching mid-height structure that their long season and their muted shade like culinary sage. AGM. H 1.3m. S 60cm. 69 SILENE FIMBRIATA growth. AGM. H 1.8m. S 90cm. C Well- flowers continue for weeks in mid to late makes it versatile and easy to place. H 70cm. makes this invaluable for knitting together C Sun, free-draining. SI July. HR RHS H3, Easily mistaken for a bladder campion with drained soil; part to full shade. SI June to summer. Striking as an exotic vertical accent C Well-drained soil; full sun. SI May to July. planting schemes. Adaptable and easy. USDA 8a-10b. its large inflated calyx, this silene has fringed, August. HR RHS H7, USDA 3a-7b.

56 58 59 64 67 55

60 63 68 69 55 ROBERT MABIC / GAP PHOTOS; 64 DIANNA JAZWINSKI / GAP PHOTOS; 67 RACHEL WARNE; 68 & 69 JASON INGRAM. JASON 68 & 69 WARNE; RACHEL 67 / GAP PHOTOS; 64 DIANNA JAZWINSKI MABIC / GAP PHOTOS; 55 ROBERT 56 MAAYKE DE RIDDER; 58 JASON INGRAM; 59 THE GARDEN COLLECTION / FP / BILDAGENTUR BECK; BECK; / FP BILDAGENTUR THE GARDEN COLLECTION 59 INGRAM; DE RIDDER; 58 JASON 56 MAAYKE PHOTO. / ALAMY STOCK 63 REX MAY PHOTO; 60 NIALL MCDIARMID / ALAMY STOCK

44 45 100 GREAT PLANTS

73 TRICYRTIS FORMOSANA 76 CORYLUS AVELLANA leaves have fallen and the pink and orange ‘DARK BEAUTY’ A small, native tree that quickly regenerates winged fruit continue to decorate its It’s hard to resist the smouldering beauty of whether coppiced, laid into a hedge or branches. Grow in well-drained soil in full toad lilies’ orchid-like flowers. They’re all the thinned. Its branches covered in long, yellow sun to part shade. AGM. H 4m. S 2.5m. more desirable because they bloom so late – catkins are a special way of bringing spring C Moist but well-drained soil; full sun to part and in the shade. This form has smoky-pink inside. In autumn its bright, lime-yellow shade. SI Autumn. HR RHS H6, USDA 5a-8b. flowers speckled with maroon detailing that leaves illuminates surroundings. H 8m. S 8m. can only be appreciated up close. H 70cm. C Moist but well-drained soil, grows well in 80 MORUS NIGRA S 30cm. C Moist but well-drained, humus- chalky soil; sun or part shade. SI December A sprawling tree, which when mature, is rich soil; part or full shade. SI August to to February. HR RHS H6. perfect for children to climb. The delicious October. HR USDA 4a-9b. taste of black mulberries and my hands 77 CYDONIA OBLONGA stained red from picking them is an 74 VERBENA OFFICINALIS VAR. The strong perfume of the quince’s fruit enduringly happy memory. H 12m. S 8m. GRANDIFLORA ‘BAMPTON’ is intensified when cooked; it will fill the C Humus-rich, fertile soil; full sun, sheltered Shimmering low clouds of tiny, whole of your home with fragrance. from cold, dry winds. SI Flowers May to June; mauve flowers are held on dark-purple ‘Bereczcki’ or ‘Leskovac’ are top hardy seeds ripen August to September. stems for many weeks in summer. choices. Prefers damp but not waterlogged HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. When grown from seed, it takes a couple ground. H 4m. S 4m. C Moist but well- of years for the plants to reach knee drained soil in a sheltered position; full sun. 81 MUEHLENBECKIA ASTONII height and branch out into its mature SI Flowers in spring, fruits in September. A New Zealand native with a delicate tangle form. Suited to a sunny, open spot HR RHS H4, USDA 4a-6b. of wiry red branches and tiny, heart-shaped where it can self-seed in gravel and leaves that create an attractive cloud; a frothy you can appreciate looking through its 78 DAPHNE BHOLUA hedge supported by many slender legs. delicate, see-through form. H 80cm. S 1m. ‘JACQUELINE POSTILL’ Suited to London and coastal gardens. C Well-drained soil; full sun. SI Midsummer Evergreen leaves frame clusters of deep-pink H 3m. S 3m. C Fertile, moist but well-drained to autumn. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b. buds and pale-pink flowers in late winter, soil, sheltered from cold, dry winds; full sun. when its delicious perfume hangs in the air. SI Summer. HR RHS H3, USDA 7a-10b. Shrubs and trees Needs shelter and is not reliable in exposed conditions. Hates being moved. AGM. 82 NOTHOFAGUS ANTARCTICA 75 CORNUS MAS H 1.8m. S 1.5m. C Moist but well-drained, Uncommon but hardy tree. Its small, Clusters of bright-yellow, miniature fertile soil; full sun to part shade. SI February glossy leaves, with a crinkled texture, blooms look dramatic against winter to March. HR RHS H4, USDA 7a-9b. change from green to glowing yellow tones skies. Beautiful as a mature, spreading tree in autumn. It’s prone to lateral sprawling, with mottle bark or as a young thicket 79 EUONYMUS EUROPAEUS which creates interesting, almost balletic fringing woodland. H 4m. S 4m. C Moist ‘RED CASCADE' contortions. H 12m. S 8m+. C Fertile, lime- but well-drained soil; full to part shade. Native spindle turns a fiery red in autumn free, moist but well-drained soil; full or part SI February. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. but its real charm comes later, when the sun. SI Autumn. HR RHS H6,USDA 7a-10b.

80 75 76

IT’S HARD TO RESIST THE SMOULDERING BEAUTY OF TOAD 79 82 LILIES’ ORCHID-LIKE FLOWERS – ALL THE MORE DESIRABLE BECAUSE THEY BLOOM SO LATE

75 SHAPENCOLOUR / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; 76 JASON INGRAM; 79 AMOMENTINTIME / ALAMY 79 INGRAM; JASON 76 PHOTO; / ALAMY STOCK SHAPENCOLOUR 75 PHOTOS. 82 RICHARD BLOOMGAP RICE / GAP PHOTOS; 80 HOWARD PHOTO; STOCK INGRAM JASON 73

46 100 GREAT PLANTS

83 QUERCUS ROBUR Bird’s foot trefoil gently self-seeds 89 DIANTHUS DELTOIDES ‘LUNEBURG cranesbill, a close relation of the mauve- 96 PAPAVER CAMBRICUM 99 RHINANTHUS MINOR Oaks are rapid growers and it’s surprising HEATH MAIDEN PINK’ flowering hedgerow cranesbill, has white The self-seeding Welsh poppy is always Yellow rattle is one of our most important how even a ten-year-old tree can command around my garden brightening Sweet, rosy-pink flowers flutter above a flowers that will add exquisite detail to a welcome in my garden. Its intense bursts meadow wildflowers; it looks unassuming presence. What makes them so beautiful – grass and gravel with clusters of compact cushion of winter green foliage. shady, overlooked nook. Will repeat flower of yellow and vermilion come and go yet it is a magical ingredient aiding flowering their crevices, deeply fissured bark, spreading Enjoys sunny, dry, well-drained positions in September if cut back after first flowering. through the summer months, appearing in diversity. It is an hemiparasite; drawing water branches, soft leaves, acorns, open canopy – yellow, pea-like flowers making it a treasure for green roofs and rock H 30cm. S 50cm. C Moist but well-drained, unexpected places. It will grow in both sun and minerals from adjacent grass, reducing also contribute to their high biodiversity gardens. H 20cm. S 25cm. C Dry, well- soil; full sun or part shade. SI June to July. and shade adding sparkle wherever it its vigour, creating more opportunity for rating; they support more life forms than drained soil; full sun. SI June to September. HR RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b. nestles. Sow successionally to start the wildflowers to get a foothold. H 35cm. S 1m. any other native tree. H 20-30m. S 8m+. Wildflowers HR USDA 3a-8b. flowering cycle. H 50cm. S 50cm. C Moist C Moist but well-drained soil; full sun. SI May C Moist but well-drained soil; full sun or part 93 LIGUSTICUM SCOTICUM but well-drained soil, in a sheltered position; to August. HR RHS H5, USDA 5a-9b. shade. SI Deciduous (flowers April to May). 86 AGROSTEMMA GITHAGO 90 ECHIUM VULGARE Forms a neat clump of glossy, carefully part shade. SI June to July. HR RHS H6. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b. Our native corncockle is making a comeback Clumps of brilliant-blue spires bloom sculpted, multi-loped leaves. Strong, purple 100 SUCCISA PRATENSIS in wildflower seed mixes. Sow among low, continuously through the summer creating stems support fresh, white umbels. Can 97 PULSATILLA VULGARIS If happy will form dense colonies; its tight, 84 ROSA X ODORATA ‘BENGAL CRIMSON’ light grasses so that you can appreciate the an architectural statement among informal tolerate coastal exposure. H 60cm. S 60cm. A rare, native pasqueflower that makes a spherical flowers held on leafless, wiry An absolute favourite. Worth hunting down unfurling of its buds and the long, thin plantings. Its small, trumpet-shaped flowers C Moist soil; full sun to full shade. SI June to beautiful low detail in gravel. Bell-shaped, stems create a shimmering blue haze and waiting for the twiggy form to grow sepals arranged like a star around the flower. are pollinated by long-tongued insects, such August. HR RHS H4, USDA 4a-8b. violet flowers bend upwards, revealing a among grasses in areas of damp ground. into a mature bush. The single flowers, are H 70cm. S 5m. C Well-drained, loam, sand; full as bees and butterflies. It’s a grassland yellow stamen-filled centre. Stems, buds Flowers late making it an important source the most luxurious shade of pinky-red. sun. SI April to August. HR RHS H5. biennial, with roots that extend deep into 94 LOTUS CORNICULATUS and blooms are covered in long, silky of pollen and nectar at a time when these Understated buds gently open into relaxed the ground so suited to drought-prone land. Bird’s foot trefoil gently self-seeds around hairs that catch sunlight. After flowering are in scarce supply. H 1m. S 50cm. C Moist single flowers, each one with a slight twist. 87 CONOPODIUM MAJUS H 1m. S 50cm. C Well-drained soil; full sun. my garden brightening grass and gravel with fluffy seedheads stand proud above soil; full sun or part shade. SI July to Grow in view of a window so you can see A dainty herb with finely divided leaves SI June to August. HR RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b. clusters of yellow, pea-like flowers. When filigree foliage, sometimes persisting October. HR RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b. the blooms from June to December. H 2.5m. and white umbellifer flowers that repeatedly planted alongside Prunella vulgaris, its for months. AGM. H 50cm. S 50cm. S 1.5m. C Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; bloom. In my garden it enjoys a sloping 91 GALIUM VERUM procumbent growth makes it a drought- C Well-drained soil; full sun. SI April to full sun or part shade. SI June to August bank where the soil does not remain Once used as a sweet-smelling filling for tolerant alternative to lawn. An invaluable May. HR RHS H5, USDA 4a-8b. Reader offer (repeat flowerer). HR RHS H5, USDA 5b-10b. waterlogged. H 25cm. C Well-draining soil; mattresses. I love the frothiness, of its food and nectar plant for the declining Readers can enjoy a 15 per cent discount on full sun to part shade. SI April to June. honey-scented, primrose-yellow flowers common blue butterfly. H 20cm. S 50cm. 98 RESEDA LUTEOLA plants, bulbs and seeds and at Crocus 85 ROSA ‘STANWELL PERPETUAL’ HR RHS H6. and the way it creates bright patches in C Well-drained soil; full sun. SI May to Slender, pale-yellow spires that are best (crocus.co.uk), which offers many of the plants Timelessly romantic and deeply scented with meadows. Will not thrive in very acid soils September. HR RHS H7, USDA 3a-8b. grown en masse to create hypnotic, swaying chosen by Sarah. For details see page 111. ruffled flowers of pale pink, this rose was a 88 CRAMBE MARITIMA or hot climates. H 50cm. S 50cm. C Moist populations. A Mediterranean herb that is favourite of the Victorians. It has an arching, Sea kale’s puckered, glaucous-blue leaves, but well-drained soil; sun or part shade. 95 ONONIS SPINOSA equally spectacular for cutting in generous About the author non-suckering habit and repeat flowers. It once dominated shingle shorelines, making SI July to August. HR RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b. En masse it creates an alluring pink haze; bunches. Another invaluable food source in Sarah Price is one of the UK’s most prominent has inherited the pinnate leaves, small thorns it ideal for gravelly areas. Its wild, windswept up close, the branches of this sub-shrub July and August for pollinators. Behaves as a garden designers who won worldwide and resilience of its parent, Rosa spinosissima. companions – red valerian and sea campion 92 GERANIUM PYRENAICUM are covered with pretty, pink, butterfly- biennial, self-sowing in an open patches of recognition for her designs for the 2012 H 1m. S 1.5m. C Moist but well-drained, – provide inspiration of what to plant it with F. ALBIFLORUM shaped flowers. Fast growing, and can well-drained, gritty ground in the sun. London Olympic Park. She is returning to fertile, humus-rich soil, in sheltered position; in our gardens. H 60cm. S 50cm. C Well- Wild geraniums have a delicate, sprawling grow in nutritionally poor soil. H 60cm. Deadhead regularly to keep under control. Chelsea this year, after a five-year absence full sun. SI June to November (repeat drained to dry soil; full sun or part shade. habit that makes their small flowers appear C Dry or moist soil; full sun. SI May to H 1.35m. S 30cm. C Moist, rich soil; part sun. with a garden for M&G. Find out more at flowerer). HR RHS H7, USDA 4a-8b. SI May to July. HR RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b. to hang airily in unprepossessing spots. This August. HR RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b. SI June to August. HR RHS H4, USDA 5a-9b. sarahpricelandscapes.com

95 84 86 94 96 97

90 91 98 100 94 NICOLA STOCKEN / GAP PHOTOS; 96 S&O / GAP PHOTOS; 97 JOANNA KOSSAK / GAP PHOTOS; / GAP PHOTOS; KOSSAK JOANNA 97 / GAP PHOTOS; 96 S&O / GAP PHOTOS; 94 NICOLA STOCKEN INGRAM. 100 JASON PHOTO; 98 PHILIP SMITH / ALAMY STOCK 84 HOWARD RICE / GAP PHOTOS - CAMBRIDGE BOTANIC GARDENS; 86 GILLIAN PLUMMER / GAP PHOTOS; 90 JULIE PIGULA / / GAP PHOTOS; GARDENS; 86 GILLIAN PLUMMER BOTANIC - CAMBRIDGE RICE / GAP PHOTOS 84 HOWARD PHOTO. / ALAMY STOCK LTD IMAGES 95 GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; / GARDEN WORLD HAUSER 91 STEFFEN PHOTO; ALAMY STOCK

48 49