Acanthus mollis
bear's breeches / brank ursine
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: deep, fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: May to August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A fantastic, architectural plant that’s justifiably popular. It is semi-evergreen, and produces enormous, jagged, deep green glossy leaves up to 90cm long. In mid-summer, spectacular spikes of white flowers with purple hoods shoot up from the foliage and last for several weeks. It thrives best in dappled shade and although it will take full sun, the leaves may scorch. Plant it en masse under trees or as a specimen plant in a mixed border. And give it plenty of room to spread itself out. - Garden care: To minimise the risk of powdery mildew taking hold ensure that the plant is watered well during hot, dry spells.To rejuvenate and minimise congestion, lift and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.
Campanula lactiflora 'Pritchard's Variety'
milky bellflower
Masses of bell-like lilac flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Geranium sanguineum
bloody cranesbill
Magenta flowers. Good in acid soil
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
feather reed grass
Upright and architectural
£8.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Viburnum tinus
laurustinus
Perfect for a shady spot
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver'
dead nettle
Quickly forms a silvery carpet in shade
£8.99
2 litre pot
available to order from autumn 2013
Mediterranean
Mediterranean gardens can take on various guises from the rustic and rambling to the formal elegance of an Italian courtyard. However, they all have key features in common, including the use of exotic, sometimes tender, drought-tolerant plants in pots and...
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High-gloss, rich-green foliage, soft to the touch, and glorious spikes of soft, white and mauve flowers radiating serenity in the evening gloaming.
Val Bourne - Garden writer