Early Summer

  • Potsize - 1L

    This is a species that is critically endangered in its native Armenia, being under pressure from expanding arable lands. It is naturally similar in many ways to its more often encountered subspecies peringii. One of the main differences is that the leaves are barely toothed rather than the deeply cut form of the subspecies. The leaves are long and narrow and have a slightly hairy texture. In flower they are again similar but with more of an emphasis on pink rather than pinky purple. For a warm sunny site if you want it to flower well.

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Acanthus dioscoridis var. perringii. A short really spiky acanthus for growing in a spot that is warm and dry. Full sun will bring the best flowering when the highly unusual short spikes of hooded flowers can best be appreciated. Differs from Acanthus dioscoridis in the divided nature of the leaves. Flowers pale to deeper pink covered by pink veined hoods. 40cm. A good alternative to the larger species where space is limited.

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Acanthus mollis . This is the classic Bear's Breeches that is so used in Classical decoration. Handsome deeply lobed leaves and stiff spikes densely packed with four rows of purple shrouded white flowers. This species is more open than its variety 'Latifolius' and paler in colour. Well drained soil in full sun; Height between 90 & 150cm
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    A new form of Acanthus mollis with beautiful, bold broad shining golden foliage, particularly in Spring and Autumn, but also goldy in Summer if grown in the shade. Typical white slipper shaped flowers with strong purple hoods grow on 90cm tall stems, persisting for a long time from June to September. Perhaps not quite as hardy as the type but still good to -10 degrees especially if protected with a mulch, a course that is essential for the first Winter.

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  • Potsize - 1L

    (Acanthus caroli-alexandri) . Handsome plants with large shining ornamental foliage. This species has deeply divided glossy dark green leaves. Spires of hooded foxglove-like flowers in a two-toned purple and white. Height 4-5 feet. The foliage of Acanthus spinosus represents a midpoint between the less divided of Acanthus mollis and the extreme of spikiness, Acanthus spinosus Spinossissimus Group.

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Acanthus spinosus 'Lady Moore'. Handsome plants with large shining ornamental foliage. This species has deeply divided glossy dark green leaves, which in 'Lady Moore' are splashed and spotted cream in Spring when the plant is growing vigorously. Spires of hooded foxglove-like flowers. Height 4-5 feet. the cream variegation does not show up in potted plants.

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  • Potsize - 1L

    The spiniest, prickliest form of Acanthus spinosus. The leaves are so finely cut that they are reduced to a veinal framework with every part of the leaf a handsome silver spike. It thrives in hot dry conditions although it flowers less precociously than the type. Still the foliage is amazing with its combination of dark green ground almost completely silvered over. It's ferocious mind - our neighbour grows it in his plant jail alongside his golden stinging nettle ! 75cm

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Bugle. A good dark leaved variety with scalloped edged foliage. Lovely ground cover for a shady spot where the leaves will carpet. Flowers in short spikes above the foliage in Spring. Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • RHS AGM

    RHS AGM

    Potsize - 1L

    Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' is just like all the other bugles except it has been at the steroids. Everything about it is twice as big as all the rest with big rounded leaves that are coloured with a good bronze overlay to the green base colour. Despite its large size it doesn't usually make such good ground cover as its smaller brethren. It tends more towards wandering about, popping up here and there and fading where it once was. Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Bugle. Lovely ground cover for a shady spot where the green leaves will make a dense carpet above which will stand dense, short spikes of pink flowers in the spring. Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    If you want something a bit brighter than the native bugle then this is the plant for you. Not only are the flowers a good clean white but the foliage is a nice fresh green as well. Has the same ground-covering ability as all of its kin. Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    A very neat, refined version of Ladies' Mantle with small neat foliage shaped like a rounded seven point star. The leaf edges are picked out in silvery hairs. The sprays of pale green flowers have distinctive calyces, lending the flowers a spherical texture. Smaller and less rambunctious than its cousin Alchemilla mollis but with similar charming flowers that make such a lovely foil to other flowers, both in the garden or in a vase. Easier to grow than the similar Alchemilla alpina, under whose name this is often sold, which really demands alpine conditions with perfect drainage.

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    Alchemilla in the Garden

  • RHS AGM

    RHS AGM

    Potsize - 1L

    A smaller form of the otherwise similar Alchemilla mollis with beautiful scalloped, serrated edged foliage which often takes on a blueish-grey hue. Typical chartreuse sprays of flowers are produced in Summer on purply stems and act as a lovely foil to other blooms. Grows about 6 inches high and 8 inches wide and, apart from needing sun for at least part of the day, is very undemanding.

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    Alchemilla in the Garden

  • RHS AGM

    RHS AGM

    Potsize - 1L

    Alchemilla mollis. Scalloped hairy leaves form a dense clump and are a delight when bejewelled with dew or raindrops. The flower heads are like a dense limey green gypsophila. A fantastic tough and rewarding plant that will grow happily in all but soggy sites, thriving in dry shade. It assorts remarkably well with so many other plants as well. The colour of the flowers of Alchemilla is derived from two rows of sepals, the flowers lack petals. Medieval alchemists believed the water droplets that collected in the centre of alchemilla leaves possessed magical and medicinal properties. The plant has a long tradition of being used to cure  women's ailments and the plant was consequently named in dedication to the Virgin Mary. The leaves were seen as resembling a mantle (cloak). Alchemilla derives from the Arabic word 'alkimiya' = alchemy
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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    Alchemilla in the Garden

  • Potsize - 1L

    This is a compact form growing just 35-40cm high with the deepest lavender-blue flowers of any Amsonia. It arose in a seedling batch of Amsonia tabernaemontana on a nursery in Connecticut and is thought to possibly be a hybrid with Amsonnia hubrechtii. It pays its way all year with neat shiny green leaves on a compact easy care plant, topped with flowers in June to July which emerge from long dark buds. It takes on lovely yellow Autumn colours in Autumn. Perfect as an edging plant. It does start off slowly but builds up stature year on year, rarely needing dividing. Good for butterflies and Deer resistant.
  • Bee Friendly

    Bee Friendly

    Potsize - 1L

    Angelica sylvestris 'Purpurea' . Starting remarkably early in  the year this plant pushes up fascinating glossy purple foliage, soon becoming an imposing architectural feature topped with a dense spherical head of pink flowers. In appearance not dissimilar to a more sturdy cow parsley, but with less air and more presence. Will seed about mildly. Likes a good moist spot.
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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    Umbellifers

  • Potsize - 1L

    Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing'. Near black foliage in a dense ferny mound rising to dainty umbels of tiny white flowers. A striking form of Queen Anne's Lace with great poise and grace. 100cm. Any soil. Great to add a little fluff to the middle of a perennial planting or as a specimen plant with plenty of space so you can appreciate the beautiful form.
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • RHS AGM

    RHS AGM

    Potsize - 9cm

    Aquilegia 'Yellow Star' (Star Series). An old cottage garden favourite and an excellent cut flower. Abundant display in late spring of long spurred two-toned lemon yellow flowers over fine blue-green foliage. Do not overcrowd the crown or allow other plants to flop over the foliage. 60cm. Full sun. HARMFUL IF EATEN
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any Aquilegia

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  • Potsize - 9cm

    Aquilegia 'Denver Gold'  is a new version of an old cottage garden favourite granted a 'Plant Select' award for its robustness and an excellent cut flower. Abundant display in late spring of long spurred golden yellow flowers over fine blue-green foliage. Selected for its ability to rebloom after initial display providing it is dead headed with the possibility of blooms from May to September. Do not overcrowd the crown or allow other plants to flop over the foliage. 80cm. Full sun
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any Aquilegia

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  • Potsize - 9cm

    Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Black Barlow' (Barlow Series). One of the spur-less Barlow series based around the plant originally found in the garden of Nora Barlow. This form has flowers that are a deep dusky maroon. Would look good in a mixed cottagey border, hanging above paler mounds of flowers. Best in light shade.    HARMFUL IF EATEN
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any Aquilegia

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  • Potsize - 9cm

    A beautiful form of Aquilegia clematiflora with exquisitely shaped, completely spurless flowers reminiscent of its name-sake. The flowers are shaded green in bud and retain green tips when open pure white. The leaves are fresh apple-green and erupt as early as February making a lovely foil for Spring flowers. 60cm
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any Aquilegia

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  • Potsize - 9cm

    A fitting name for this richly claret coloured, very double. Spurless Aquilegia. A tall elegant variety with strong stems. 60-90cm
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any Aquilegia

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  • Potsize - 9cm

    One of the spur-less Barlow series based around the plant originally found in the garden of Nora Barlow. This form has flowers that are a fully double, white with green tips. Would look good in a mixed cottagey border, hanging above paler mounds of flowers. 80cm. May-July. Best in light shade. HARMFUL IF EATEN
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any Aquilegia

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Astrantia 'Buckland'. Beautiful perennial with attractive collared flowers which dry excellently. This is a particularly floriferous and strong growing variety with classic colouring. Each flower is relatively flat with bracts that are white, tinged green at the tip, and age pink. The central boss is generous, pink with a dark pink stain at the centre. 75cm Happy in sun or part shade with some drainage
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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    Astrantia in the Garden

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  • Potsize - 1L

    A recently selected large flowered dark red masterwort. Tight clusters of maroon flowers are surrounded by beautiful ray florets. An interesting & beautiful plant happy in sun or part shade with some drainage

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Astrantia 'Roma'. Lovely mid pink cultivar of good constitution. The bracts form a shallow starry cup that is a shade lighter than the tight central pincushion of true flowers. 60cm. An interesting & beautiful plant Happy in sun or part shade with some drainage

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    Astrantia in the Garden

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  • Potsize - 1L

    We've seen it written that Astrantia 'Ruby Wedding' makes it inferior to some of the clonally propagated ones out there, but we've not found that the case at all. The ones we have are every bit as rich in colour as Ruby Wedding and Hadspen Blood. They don't have the dark staining leaves of the Gill Richardson Group, but for flower alone they are a lovely deep red with flowers of a very decent size. Ruby Wedding has its origins at the RHS Wisley where it was selected as a superior seedling in a sowing of Astrantia major subsp. major. Its bracts are of a good size and are strongly red to purple in hue. It is the parent of the seed strain known as Claret which may or may not live up to its parents reputation. It i svery similar to Hadspen Blood which has a similar bloodline but was selected by Nori Pope of Hadspen Gardens.

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    Astrantia in the Garden

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  • Potsize - 1L

    A pure white, green-tipped, large flowered Astrantia from the 'Star' breeding program. We have examined this closely this year and it looks for all the world exactly like 'Shaggy', the excellent old variety selected by Margery Fish. It is a fine plant but we are as yet unsure why it merits its own name and PBR status.

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    Astrantia in the Garden

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Beautiful perennial with attractive collared flowers which dry excellently. This is a particularly floriferous and strong growing variety with classic colouring. Each flower is relatively flat with bracts that are white, tinged green at the tip, and age slightly pink. The central boss is generous, pink with a dark pink stain at the centre. 75cm Happy in sun or part shade with some drainage

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    Astrantia in the Garden

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  • Bee Friendly

    Bee Friendly

    Potsize - 1L

    Campanula persicifolia 'Grandiflora'. Like a large version of a harebell Dense clumps of foliage and a succession  of sky blue bells. Height 80cm Excellent cut flower. Good on chalk
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Bee Friendly

    Bee Friendly

    Potsize - 1L

    Campanula persicifolia 'Alba'. The large bells of this variety are a pure glistening white. A real elegant flower that associates well with greens and blues, lifting any scheme it is planted in. Height 80cm Excellent cut flower. Good on chalk. Can be grown in shade.
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Queen Anne Thistle. This is a native thistle from Europe, being found right across into Russia. It's no shrinking violet, but unlike some of the other members of the Cirsium genus it tends to stay put in one place and not become 'weedy'. It grows a generous basal rosette of largely non-spring leaves and throws up tall branching flower spikes up to 2m plus topped with generous thistle-knobs at the top. If you have the space its a great statement plant and great too for the wildlife, providing nectar for insects, seeds for the finches and a food plant for Painted Ladies. For a moist soil.
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Melancholy Thistle. Broader leaves, a more spreading habit and larger flowers than its cousin Cirsium rivulare. Later in the year to flower as well. The reason for the name heterophyllum comes from the variability of the leaf form, which becomes more divided on the flowering stalks than the basal rosettes. In shade this plant will grow well but flower poorly. Give it plenty of moisture and sun to see it at its best. The plant was considered a possible cure for sadness. Nicholas Culpepper in 1669 said that it "makes a man as merry as a cricket"
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Cirsium rivulare 'Atropurpureum'. Attractive thistle with stout erect flowering stems generously topped with rich red-purple thistle knobs. Easy and rewarding plant with strong architectural character. Grows best with moisture. 1m. June and then sporadically afterwards. A Magnet for bees and butterflies
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Cirsium rivulare 'Trevor's Blue Wonder'. A new variety that compliments its similar cousin C.rivulare 'Atropurpureum'. Whilst being superficially similar it has flowers that are bluer in hue and are carried on stems that are purple stained over white pubescence. A little stiffer and more vigorous in growth. Like all Thistles, the flowers are a magnet for butterflies. 1m, May-June and then sporadically through the season. Would like a moist site.
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • RHS AGM

    RHS AGM

    Potsize - 9cm

    Convallaria majalis. Lily-of-the-Valley. One of those perennials that really needs no introduction. It is native to Britain and is particularly common on Lime rich soils, growing thick tangled mats of root in woodland situations. Each node produces two broad leaves in the middle of which nestle the stiff little spikes hung on One side with little fragrant white bells, Each with a narrowed frilly opening like an old-fashioned maids bonnet. Lily-of-the-Valley is easily grown and adaptable and particularly suited to leaving alone in difficult dry situations where It will happily carpet and provide fragrant little posies Each Spring
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Potsize - 1L

    A cross between Corydalis fleuosa and Corydalis omeniana from Ian Young's garden in Aberdeen. Vigorous clumps of limey, chartreusy-green juicy fern-like foliage over which come the strongly scented sky-blue flowers. Like Corydalis elata, but smaller and colouring only very slightly in the stems. Wintergreen and very hardy if grown in a moisture retentive soil which is not over wet and doesn't dry out in the Summer. Divide every three years to maintain vigour and encourage the best flowering. Flowers from Spring until June. 30cm

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  • Corydalis flexuosa 'Pere David'   

    Potsize - 1L

    Forms mounds of delicate ferny foliage which are topped off with charming spikes of sky blue  flowers in early Spring. 30*30cm. For moisture retentive soil in shade or half shade. This variety is very similar to Corydalis flexuosa 'China Blue' but has a faster spreading habit. The stems can take on a red tint and the flowers become darker as the season progresses and moisture levels drop.

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Corydalis flexuosa 'Purple Leaf' ('Blue Dragon') Compact mounds of purple tinged ferny foliage, topped off with charming spikes of scented blue  flowers in early Spring. 30*30cm. For moisture retentive soil in shade or half shade. This charming variety is tidier and neater than Corydalis 'Pere David' with foliage that is darker and flowers that are paler and pink tinged to begin with.

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Disporopsis pernyi - Evergreen Solomon's Seal. A relative of the solomon's seal, this spreading perennial has dark green leaves and hanging flared bells that are said to have a lemon scent, but I get more of a nutmeg vibe. A graceful plant for shade. This plant is a long time in bud before the flowers open which is really rather pretty. 60cm
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over

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  • Bee Friendly

    Bee Friendly

    Potsize - 1L

    Hungarian Globe Thistle. An intensely blue selection of this species, said to be far superior to forms of Echinops ritro. Large too, flowering at 120cm tall. Flowers from July to October. The species originates from Central to Eastern Europe through to Asia  
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over
  • Bee Friendly

    Bee Friendly

    Potsize - 1L

    A very vigorous variety which can grow to 5 to 6 feet 1.8m) in height, making it larger than the other regularly seen Echinops. Excellent if you have the space to let it grow to its full potential and very effective with larger grasses. Flowers are a silvery metallic blue and magnet for bees. Stiff silvery stems with silver-backed thistle-like leaves which terminate in globes the size of a spiky golf ball. Great architectural quality and very undemanding and rewarding. Flowers can be dried upside down for everlasting decorations if cut early. Requires only sun and decent drainage in any soil to do well.
    Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over
  • Potsize - 1L

    Possibly E.dolichostemon x E.leptorrhizum. A lovely introduction from Elizabeth Strangman with flowers in a gentle soft pink, very much like its parent E.leptorrhizum. However, each flower is neater and smaller and held in an elegant arching spray. The leaves can colour a rich ruby red in winter.

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    Epimedium Compared

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Very well named as the flowers are of just that mix of pale yellow with a tinge of green that characterises that most noxious of elements. However, there the similarity ends as the rest of this plant is lovely. The flowers come in a dense, arching spike with each berberis like flower hanging most gracefully. Towards the end of flowering the outer petals will sometimes stain pink. The effect is quite showy and refined. E.flavum x E.ogisui

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Jean O'Neill has flowers in one of those colours that is quite unique. The flowers are generous in proportions and production, with each being topped by off white sepals, under which curve petals which shade from dunked rich tea biscuit brown to flesh coloured at their curved tips. Young leaves are suffused with a rich tan and they colour a lovely pinky-red in Autumn, still with the darker red speckles. Raised at Spinners by Peter Chapell from Epimedium davidii seed. Possibly a cross with Epimedium acuminatum

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  • Potsize - 1L

    Startling fat goblet shaped flowers of brightest yellow with yellow horns. The sepals are reduced to a little fleck of rusty red which is picked up by the dark red of the new leaves. The flowers are 1 1/4 inches but the 'tube' is flared to make the goblet shaped centre which lends the flower more weight. Originally collected by the French missionary, Pere Armand David. From mountain woods in the Sichuan province. Subgenus Epimedium, Section i, B Series - Davidianae

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  • Potsize - 1L

    In many ways similar to Epimedium wushanense, but a little smaller (despite being in a different series). The flowers have petals that curve downwards in a shade of pale translucent yellow, stronger towards the centre and on the very tip. They are carried in compound pyramidal inflorescences of up to 30 flowers. The leaves are fresh apple green, paler at first, eventually developing an overlay of red blotching. They are long and narrow with a quite spiky margin. Subgenus Epimedium, Section i, B Series - Davidianae

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