Akebia quinata
chocolate vine
- Position: sun or partial shade
- Soil: moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: March to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A very pretty climber, this has beautiful maroon-chocolate flowers which have an exotic spicy fragrance with a hint of vanilla, and appear in spring. They stand out against the bright green, three-lobed leaves, which have a purple tinge in winter. This unusual semi-evergreen climber is excellent for training against walls or up a pergola, and in a warm summer, large sausage-shaped fruit can form. - Garden care: Prune back after flowering where necessary.
Geranium phaeum
dusky cranesbill
Small, deep maroon flowers. Good for groundcover
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Humulus lupulus 'Aureus'
golden hop
Stunning, yellow-green leaves and lovely autumn colour
£14.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Choisya ternata Sundance ('Lich') (PBR)
Mexican orange blossom
Cheerful, bright yellow evergreen foliage
£11.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Clematis 'Purple Spider'
clematis (group 1)
Often has a second flush of flowers
£17.99
2lt pot (60cm cane)
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
May pruning of trees, shrubs and climbers
Most shrubs, trees and climbers are in full growth at this time of the year, but don’t be in a hurry to put away your secateurs because there are still pruning jobs that can be carried out this month....
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This twining climber needs a fertile, garden hotspot on a pergola or arch - but once happy it produces clusters of chocolate-scented, wine-red flowers in spring - view from below!
Val Bourne - Garden Writer