Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark'
Californian lilac
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May to June
- Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas)
In late spring and early summer, this bushy evergreen shrub is smothered in clusters of of dark blue flowers among small, dark green, glossy leaves. It looks great in the middle of a south or west-facing mixed border, or as a specimen at the edge of a terrace or path. It requires protection from cold, drying winds. - Garden care: Each year, after the plant has flowered, take out dead, diseased or damaged shoots and trim back the flowered shoots to the required shape. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in spring.
× Alcalthaea suffrutescens 'Parkrondell'
hollyhock (Syn Alcea × Althaea Parkrondell)
Tall spires of semi-double pink flowers
Verbascum 'Clementine'
mullein
Tall, colourful and stately, a wonderful accent plant
Clematis montana var. rubens 'Tetrarose'
clematis (group 1)
Fragrant, deep pink blooms
Camellia hiemalis 'Sparkling Burgundy'
camellia
Showy, ruby-red flowers in winter
Chaenomeles speciosa 'Moerloosei'
flowering quince
Wonderful white flowers blushing pink
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A compact wider-than-tall mound of tight, dark-green leaves studded with bright-blue thimbles in early summer - perfect for smaller gardens
Val Bourne - Garden Writer