Ceratostigma willmottianum Forest Blue ('Lice') (PBR)
Chinese plumbago
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, light, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: August to October
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This spreading, deciduous shrub brings welcome colour to the garden in late summer and early autumn when many other flowers have gone over. Masses of disc-shaped, vivid cobalt-blue flowers appear from August to October, and in autumn, the leaves turn a rich russet-red. It's best in towards the front of a sheltered, sunny border in soil that does not get too dry. - Garden care: In early or mid-spring cut back the flowered shoots to within 2.5cm (1in) of the old growth. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Knautia macedonica
knautia
Crimson, pincushion-like flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Salvia × sylvestris 'Viola Klose'
salvia
Intense spires of dark violet flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Geranium 'Brookside'
cranesbill
Deep blue flowers and long flowering seasons
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Penstemon 'Raven'
beard tongue
Dramatic, deep purple, foxglove-like flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 weeks
Aster novae-angliae 'Violetta'
New England Aster
Beautiful deep purple flowers
£7.99
2 litre pot
available to order from summer 2013
Honey fungus
Symptoms There are different symptoms which point to honey fungus, some or all of them may be present at one time. Also, death can take years or be virtually instantaneous with plants being suddenly stopped in their tracks, half-opened leaves just...
Read full articleApril 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...
Read full article
Wiry stems are topped with three of four potent-blue flowers from June onwards and these persist into early winter framed by small flaming orange-red pointed leaves
Val Bourne - Garden Writer