Bergenia cordifolia 'Purpurea'
elephant's ears
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: any soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: March to April
- Hardiness: fully hardy
The red-flushed, rippled foliage of this large elephant’s ears can grow up to 30cm long and will turn attractive shades of rich purple throughout the winter, especially when grown in poorer soils. In late winter and early spring, tall red stems carry clusters of cerise pink flowers.
This variety has handsome purple-tinged leaves and bears spikes of deep pink flowers on red stems in spring. A favourite of garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and plantswoman Beth Chatto, this robust plant is great for edging well-trodden paths or planted in groups as ground cover, or providing a foil for delicate plants. - Garden care: After flowering remove faded flowerheads. Cut off damaged foliage in spring. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring.
Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'
lesser periwinkle
Delicious dark damson-purple flowers
£5.99
9cm pot
within 2-3 weeks
Pulmonaria 'Sissinghurst White'
lungwort
Pure white flowers green leaves with white spots
£7.49
9cm pot
within 4 weeks
Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna
sweet box
Lovely fragrant flowers
£12.99
2 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
Pachysandra terminalis
Japanese spurge
Evergreen ground cover with white flowers. For sun or shade
£8.99
1.5 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
Jungle
The trick to achieving the tropical effect is good preparation and dense planting, vivid foliage, fiery flowers and striking contrasts. The jungle garden is a place for theatrical planning and planting. If you don't have room or the inclination...
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