Cordyline australis 'Red Star'
cabbage tree
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: July to August
- Hardiness: half hardy (will need winter protection in colder areas)
This popular, palm-like tree has arching, sword-like, deep red leaves, retained throughout the year. Mature trees produce dramatic white flower spikes that smell exquisite. It's an ideal focal point for a sunny, protected border, patio or for the exotic garden. In frost-prone areas it's best grown inside a warm greenhouse or conservatory. In time, container-grown specimens will need to be replanted in the garden. - Garden care: In spring when new growth appears and all danger of hard frosts has passed, cut back frost-damaged branches to just above the newly formed shoots.
Bergenia 'Overture'
elephant's ears
Magenta-red flowers and huge, evergreen leaves
£8.99
2 litre pot
within 2 weeks
Campanula portenschlagiana
dalmatian bellflower
Vigorous and low-growing
£4.99
8cm pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'
bugle
Excellent groundcover for shade
£6.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple'
coral bells
Striking, shiny, burgundy leaves
£7.99
2 litre pot
within 2-3 weeks
Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis
showy yellow-groove bamboo
Canes have tones of red in late summer
£39.99
5 litre pot 80-100cm
within 2-3 days excludes weekends
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'
kohehu
Small, rounded shrub with purple leaves.
£14.99
2 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...
Read full articleCordyline
Cordylines are tufted evergreen shrubs that originate from Southeast Asia and the Pacific rim, where they mature to form awkwardly shaped stubby trees with tufts of spiky leaves that resemble huge pineapple tops at the end of each branch. In...
Read full article