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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.Links
Acanthus Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Acanthus Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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.Links
Acanthus Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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.Links
Acanthus Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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.Links
Acanthus Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 ! 75cmLinks
Acanthus Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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.Links
Alchemilla in the Garden
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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.Links
Alchemilla in the Garden
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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 overLinks
Alchemilla in the Garden
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Potsize - 1L
Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' is a large perennial prized for its abundance of flowers of a bright gentian blue which only seem to intensify in Summer's evening light. The flowers are quite long lasting and loved by bees. The tallest of the Anchusas. Full sun, drought tolerant . The roots of all the Anchusas yield a resinoid colouring compound called alkanet-red or more properly anchusin Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or over -
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 overLinks
Umbellifers
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 EATENDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any AquilegiaLinks
Aquilegia Compared
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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 sunDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any AquilegiaLinks
Aquilegia Compared
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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 EATENDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any AquilegiaLinks
Aquilegia Compared
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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. 60cmDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any AquilegiaLinks
Aquilegia Compared
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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. 60-90cmDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any AquilegiaLinks
Aquilegia Compared
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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 EATENDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or more of this variety, 50p for 10 of any AquilegiaLinks
Aquilegia Compared
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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 overLinks
Astrantia Compared
Astrantia in the Garden
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 drainageLinks
Astrantia Compared
Astrantia in the Garden
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 drainageLinks
Astrantia Compared
Astrantia in the Garden
Botanical Style Photographs
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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.Links
Astrantia Compared
Astrantia in the Garden
Botanical Style Photographs
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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.Links
Astrantia Compared
Astrantia in the Garden
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 drainageLinks
Astrantia Compared
Astrantia in the Garden
Botanical Style Photographs
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Potsize - 1L
Bergenia 'Bressingham White'. Praised for its robust stature and the freedom with which it produces both flower and leaf. Slowly spreading to form a good clump of large leaves with fine trusses of pure white flowers from March until May. Raised by Blooms and happy in both sun and part shade.Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or overLinks
Bergenia Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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Potsize - 1L
Bergenia 'Eric Smith'. A handsome variety originally bred by Eric Smith at Hadspen House in Somerset and given to Beth Chatto who then named it in his honour. It has large, wavy edged crinkled leaves which take on plum and crimson tones in Winter. Sprays of bright mid-pink flowers top the foliage in Spring. Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or overLinks
Bergenia Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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Potsize - 1L
This is a compact form of Bergenia but one that punches above its weight when it comes to flowering. Flowers are bright rosy-pink, carried on bright red stems and produced abundantly in March and April. Foliage is green for the growing season and turns deep beetroot in the Winter. 15-30cm tall. Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or overLinks
Bergenia Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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Potsize - 1L
Bergenia ciliata. The leaves of this choice species are large- up to 30cm across, well rounded and covered in tiny hairs. It makes a large clump, but considerably less dense than most bergenias. The flowers are pink, held erect and slightly fragrant. Slightly more tender than the more robust species and deserving of a spot with some shelter, especially for the flowers. Foliage will die back somewhat in winter. Leaves colour red in Autumn. Native of Afghanistan and Tibet. Prefers cool moist shade.Links
Bergenia Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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Potsize - 1L
Siberian Bugloss. A brilliant perennial which grows well in dry shady places, but will excel in most reasonable positions. Large heart-shaped felty green leaves make a stout clump topped in Spring with a cloud of tiny forget-me-not flowers. Hardy and reliable and one of those plants that ought to find a place in every garden. 30-45cmDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or overLinks
Brunnera Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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Potsize - 1L
Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart'. A new introduction (2012) by Spilsbergen-Willemsen from the Netherlands. Superficially like a more silvered version of the popular Jack Frost, but generally considered to be a tougher more sun resistant variety on account of the thicker character of the leaves, which can also grow larger in size. Coarsely hairy, heart-shaped leaves are heavily silvered and picked out by dark green margins and veins, making fascinating patterns not unlike an intricate cathedral window. A picture from Spring to Autumn especially when given shade and adequate moisture to prevent scorching in high Summer. The Spring display is further enhanced by an airy cloud of icy-blue forget-me-nots on stems decorated with smaller but similarly marked leaves. 50cm plusLinks
Brunnera Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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Potsize - 1L
Very similar to the ever popular Brunnera 'Jack Frost' except that it is a little whiter and has an elongated pointed tip to the leaf. Leaves are a lovely silver with the veins picked out in green forming a dense mound in any situation that is out of direct sun. Clouds of blue forget-me-not flowers in Spring.Links
Brunnera Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 chalkDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or overLinks
Campanula Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Campanula Compared
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs
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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 SpringDiscount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or overLinks
Lily-of-the-Valley - Botanical Style Photographs
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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. 30cmLinks
Corydalis Compared
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Potsize - 1L
Corydalis 'Spinners'. Distinguished by having flowers that age purple form a blue start earlier in the year. The flowering stems are pretty well upright and carry a distinctive red flush. The foliage mounds up into a ferny bush of fresh appley-green leaves which have a dusky cast in the winter from tiny brown spots. Early Spring. 30*30cm. For moisture retentive soil in shade or half shade. Possibly more evergreen than some.Links
Corydalis Compared
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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.Links
Corydalis Compared
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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.Links
Corydalis Compared
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Potsize - 1L
The beautiful Bleeding Heart or Lady-in-the-Bath. Fresh green ferny foliage above which arch stems dripping pink & white flowers like dewdrops. A picture of poise and grace. 3ft in a nice moist soil. The fleshy roots are delving and brittle so its best not disturbed and best sited in a sheltered situation in sun or partial shade with plenty of humus. In hot situations where water might go short at the roots, the plant will take a period of Summer dormancy but will re-emerge the following Spring. Mulching helps to extend the flowering season. Great cut flower and surprisingly scented. Deer and Rabbit resistant, possibly on account of its yellow sap. You know a plant has been loved for years when it has numerous names. For this one try Bleeding Hearts or Ladies-in-the-Bath, Ladies-in-a-boat or Dutchman's Breeches or even Lady's Locket and Lyre Flower. The ladies-in-the-bath/boat reference is only apparent if you take an open flower, turn it upside down and pull the outer petals apart, then it becomes obvious. Discount of 25p per plant for quantities of 3 or overLinks
Botanical Style Photographs