Calluna vulgaris 'Wickwar Flame'
Scots heather
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil or ericaceous compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to November
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Upright spikes of mauve-pink flowers, highly attractive to bees, appear from July to November. The leaves turn first gold, then red in winter. This colourful Scots heather is a relative of the native ling that once colonized a quarter of Britain. It looks fantastic planted alongside other heathers with contrasting foliage or flowers. - Garden care: Incorporate lots of composted pine needles or leaf-mould into the planting hole. In March or April cut back the flowered shoots to within 2.5cm (1in) of the old growth.
Calluna vulgaris 'Dark Star'
Scots heather
Semi-double, crimson flowers
£5.99
1 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Bergenia cordifolia 'Purpurea'
elephant's ears
A robust plant for edging or groundcover
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Cyclamen hederifolium
sowbread (syn. Cyclamen neapolitanum )
Easy to grow & autumn flowering
£5.99
9cm pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Chimonanthus praecox
wintersweet
Deliciously scented winter flowers
£12.99
3 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Erica carnea 'Rosalie'
winter heath
Masses of bright pink flowers
£5.99
1 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
April pruning of trees, shrubs and
climbers
Many shrubs, trees and climbers are showing signs of growth and so it is an ideal time to check them over for winter damage. If you feel they need a little care and attention, here are a few notes to...
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Copper and gold heather foliage topped by mauve-pink flowers, looks resplendent in winter sun, but lime-free soil only
Val Bourne - Garden Writer