PERENNIALS
 

For the 2010 season over 200 varieties and types of perennials will be on sale.

There is no "one" season with perennials, they are available throughout the spring, summer and autumn. Their habits all vary and we only bring them on sale when sufficient growth has appeared. In an effort to grow only the best we plant all new varieties in the Trials Garden for evaluation.

After this winter we will be looking with interest at the hardiness of many varieties

  
Trial Garden displays

 

VARIETY LISTING 2010 

subject to availability

(Many others will likely be available but only in small numbers)
Agapanthus "Albidus" AGAPANTHUS WHITE A smaller (2-3 feet) counterpart to the big blue we grow. Highly effective in containers in a sunny spot and best sheltered in an un-heated green house or garage even, during severe winters. If planted out, mulch with dry material (straw, bracken etc) after the first frost

Agapanthus

"Black Buddhist"

Violet blue with almost black stems Black Buddhist

Aconitum

" Stainless Steel"

For the shady border in cool, moisture retentive soil. Spires of steel blue, hooded, Flowers in June –July. All parts poisonous if eaten

Aconitum "Eleanora" White flowered Monkshood. 4 feet high. For the shady border in cool, moisture retentive soil. Off white, hooded Flowers with a blue edge in June –July. All parts poisonous if eaten

Agastache

"Black Adder"

Spires of smoky purple buds opening to rich lilac Height 30 inches and flowers from mid summer well into Autumn. For full sun or some shade. Drought tolerant once established

Anemone "Honorine Jobert" Smaller growing than "Whirlwind" with single white flowers. Sun or Shade
Anemone "Pamina"

Semi-double rich pink flowers

Sun or Shade

Anemone x hybrida 'Pamina'

Anemone

"Queen Charlotte"

Pale pink.4 feet

Sun or Shade

Anemone "Whirlwind" Pure white semi-double flowers 3-4 feet

Anthemis

"Sauce Hollandaise"

Sun loving, clump forming perennial, finely divided leaves and cream daisies with golden centres For full sun in any well drained ground. Height 24 inches

Aquilegia

"Winky Mixed"

A 20 inch high Aquilegia in mixed bi-colours of red and white, blue and white, purple and white and rose, some of which are double. Early summer flowering. Suitable for sun or part shade
Artemisia "Powys Castle" Finely cut silver leaves. Indispensable in a blue or silver border. height-36 inches. Cut back all foliage in spring for best effect. For a sunny site in well drained soil

Astrantia

"Roma"

For partial or full shade in moisture retentive soil. Roma has soft pink flower heads for many weeks in summer. Like most Astrantias, can be cut back hard as the first flush fades to induce a second flush. Height 24-30 inches

Astrantia 

" Venice"

For partial or full shade in moisture retentive soil. Venice has some of the darkest red flower heads of any variety. Height 24-30 inches
Astrantia major Attractive and easily grown perennial with pincushion like flower heads. When the long lasting flower heads eventually start to turn brown, cut back hard and they usually flower again. For any soil in sun or a little shade. Flowering height 24 inches
Angelica "Gigas" A large, stately perennial with handsome foliage and strong stems topped off by nearly spherical flower heads of lilac purple. Flowering height 4 feet. For full sun or shade. Cut down flowering stems before they set seed. Strictly a biennial
Aster “Jenny” A dwarf and compact perennial with rosy red flowers very late in the summer and well into autumn , typical of Asters. Requires reasonable soil in full sun. Can be used for cutting. Height 12-15 inches

Aster

"Lady in Blue"

A dwarf Aster only 8-10 inches in height. Semi double lilac blue flower heads in late summer and into autumn
Aster "Monch" A lilac blue form flowering from mid summer and well into autumn , typical of Asters. Requires reasonable soil in full sun. Can be used for cutting. Height 3 feet
Astilbe "Younique Carmine" Perfect plant for the shady perennial border or specimen planting. Astilbe thrives in moist soil high in organic matter and a shady to partially shaded location. A very hardy and reliable performer.
Astilbe "Younique Salmon" Perfect plant for the shady perennial border or specimen planting. Astilbe thrives in moist soil high in organic matter and a shady to partially shaded location. Hardy and reliable performer.

Caltha palustris

"Multiplex"

Marsh Marigold. Double form of this early spring flowering perennial . Requires moisture retentive soil in some sun and can even be planted in pond margins and at the edge of moving water. 10 inches high
Campanula trac. "Bernice" An easy to grow and dependable type of Campanula with loose spires of double blue/purple bell shaped double flowers. Flowering June to July. Also known as Nettle leaf Campanula on account of its rough foliage. Height 24 inches
Campanula "Sarasto" Fragrant bell shaped flowers of dark blue. Vigorous but slow to spread and very reliable. Flowers from late May till August. Sun or part shade 16 inches. Similar to Kent Belle but shorter and bushier
Campanula "Elizabeth" Pale pink bell shaped flowers spotted carmine on this hardy and reliable perennial. Height is 24 inches. Flowering June to August

Campanula

glomerata Superba

A reliable cottage garden favourite. Large heads of purple blue flowers on 18-24 inch stems in mid summer. Clump forming habit and best lifted and divided every 2-3 years. Any soil in full sun or part shade

Crocosmia

" Lucifer"

Sword like erect foliage followed by tall arching stems of fiery red flowers in mid to late Summer. Flowering height 40 inches. Slowly spreading habit. Very reliable. Best in full sun

Centaurea

"John Coutts"

Tough reliable perennial for full sun. Can withstand drought conditions and very sandy soils when established. Fluffy double pink flowers on 24 inch stems. Good for cutting and attractive to bees and butterflies

Chelone

"oblique"

An upright perennial bearing spikes of pink, hooded, flowers in late summer and early Autumn. Requires some shade in moist soil 30 inches high.

Coreopsis

"Zagreb"

A delicate front of the border type, unlike some of the other Coreopsis. Zagreb has bright golden flowers above feathery foliage. Instead of dead heading lots of seed pods, shear back when the first flush is over and they start to flower again. Well drained soil in full sun

height 15 inches Spread 18 inches

Cyanara cardunculus (Cardoon) A large and stately perennial. Violet blue thistle like flowers (followed by the familiar artichoke) on stems that can reach to 6 feet high. Very attractive, large, silver leaves that are cut and divided. The spread of the foliage can be over 3 feet. The flower heads can be cut and dried. For well drained soil in full sun
Delphinium "Pacific hybrids" (seed raised)

Tall growing, classic garden perennials. We grow Summer Skies (Sky Blue), King Arthur (Violet Blue),  Astolat (Lilac Pink shades), Galahad (pure white), Blue Bird (royal blue), Guinevere (lavender) and Black Knight (deep blue)

These taller types (5-6 feet) will require staking in exposed gardens. In such situations consider growing the dwarf Magic Fountains series (see below)

Delphinium "Magic fountains" strain (seed raised) Dwarfer in habit than ordinary Delphiniums, the Magic Fountains series of separate colours display multiple flower stems each spring. Height is around 30 to 36 inches. The centre "bee" can either be white or dark depending on the variety. We grow Dark Blue Dark bee, Light Blue white bee, Cherry blossom white bee, Sky blue white bee, Pure white white bee, Dark Blue white bee and Lavender white bee
Delphinium "Darwin's Blue Indulgence" (cuttings) Grown from cuttings, Blue Indulgence has triple layered flowers of sky blue on 48 inch high stems

Delphinium

" Coral Sunset" (cuttings)

A new selection in the hunt for the elusive “red” delphinium with rich coral coloured flowers. Height 48 inches
Delphinium "Wishful Thinking" (cuttings) Strong growing to 4 feet with large lavender flowers with a sky blue edge
Delphinium "Darwin's Pink Indulgence" (cuttings) Grown from cuttings, Pink Indulgence has triple layered flowers of dusky pink on 40 inch high stems

Dianthus

"Sooty"

Deep mahogany red flowers over a long period from early summer. Height 15-18 inches. Slowly making a sizable clump In the Trials Garden. Sun or light shade

Dicentra

"Candy Hearts"

Dainty flowers, typical of dicentra, rich rose in colour, over low mounds of glaucous, feathery foliage. A compact form only 10 inches high
Dicentra spec. "Alba" (Dutchman's breeches) The white flowered version of this reliable cottage garden favourite. Good in sun or shade. Flowers in early summer. Top growth dies down in late Summer Height 18 inches Spread 12-15 inches
Dicentra spectablis (Dutchman's breeches) A reliable cottage garden favourite. Good in sun or shade. Flowers in late spring to early summer. Top growth dies down in late summer. Attractive foliage .Trouble free, classic plant for the mixed border

Digitalis

"Camelot"

The first F1 hybrid Foxglove. Mixed colours include rose, white, lavender and cream all with speckled throats. For the shady border or sun if the ground keeps moist. Height is around 4 feet. A more reliably perennial Foxglove, especially if the spent flower spike is removed before it sets seed
Echinops "Platinum Blue" Steel blue spherical flower heads in late summer above finely divided silver blue foliage. A bold border plant, easy to grow Height 30 –36 inches. For full sun in well drained soil.

Echinacea

"Art's Pride"

The original orange Echinacea with deep orange petals that recurve back from the dark brown centre. 30 inches high. For full sun in well drained ground

Echinacea

"Big Sky summer sky"

The first bi-colour Echinacea with salmon orange to the ends of the petals deepening to rose around the cone which is burnt orange. Height 36 inches. For full sun in well drained ground

Echinacea

"Big Sky Sundown"

A good, strong orange with deeper orange cone. Height is 30 –36 inches and like all Echinaceas, needs well drained soil in a sunny spot

Echinacea

"Elton Knight"

Deep magenta pink flowers, quite large, with an orange cone. Strong stems, 24 inches high. For full sun in well drained soil

Echinacea

"Green Jewel"

Shorter growing at 20 inches with lime green petals and green cones. The flowers are large and fragrant. For full sun in well drained soil

Echinacea

"Virgin"

A pure white form with a central green cone. Scented blooms are almost double flowered with the double row of petals. A good garden performer only growing to 20 inches or so
Eremerus "Cleopatra" Eremurus Cleopatra has tall, stately stems with countless buff orange flowers which begin to open from the bottom upwards. Foliage dies down as the flower stem emerges so best planted amongst other perennials. Smaller than others at around 4 feet (the flower spike). For well drained soil in full sun

Eremerus

" Ruiter Hybrids"

A mix of cream, yellow or range in these Foxtail lilies. Rosettes of foliage appear in late spring followed by the flower spike which can be 48 inches high. The foliage dies down as the flowers open so best planted amongst other perennials

Erysimum

"Jenny Brooks"

Outstanding new, bi-colour, perennial wallflower. Peach shades deepening to soft purple in spring and non-stop through till late autumn. Plants get bushier and bigger over time, spilling out over the edge of containers or in the border. Cut back in early spring. Sun or light shade. Height and spread 24 inches
Erysimum variegatum Slender cream yellow and green foliage sets this wall flower apart. Flowers are mauve and produced from spring onwards. Trim back with shears in late summer to maintain a tidy appearance. For sun or light shade in ordinary soil

Eryngium

"Blue Jackpot"

Sun loving perennial with small central blue flowers surrounded by a very large frilly blue bract. The stems are also blue for a short distance under the flower as well. Requires well drained soil. Can be used drying. Height 24 inches
Eryngium "Bourgatii" Finely cut, silver veined leaves make this an excellent foliage item together with the bracted silver blue flower heads typical of the Sea Hollies. A clump forming perennial that revels in well drained soil, even poor sandy ones, and a sunny spot, . Flowering height 18 inches

Erysimum

"Apricot Twist"

An evergreen, perennial Wallflower flowering from late winter in a sunny spot through to early summer. Fragrant blooms of orange fading to yellows and buff colours as they age. For any good garden soil in full sun or a little shade
Eupatorium "Chocolate" “Chocolate” Purple coloured foliage to 3-4 feet high and, in late summer, contrasting smalls prays of white flowers. For moist but well drained soil in sun or part shade, full shade will dull the foliage colour. Late to start into growth in spring so beware when preparing the border Spread 4 feet
Euphorbia polychroma A neat, bushy, perennial covered in lime yellow flowers for many weeks in spring. Height and spread is around 20 inches. For any garden soil in sun or half shade.
Filipendula rubra "venusta" At 5-6 feet this is a “back of the border" perennial though still light and airy with large panicles of fluffy pink flowers above attractive divided foliage. For semi shade in moist ground and can even be used in waterside plantings where it will tolerate more sun

Geranium

"Pink Penny"

A hybrid cultivar producing a mound of foliage with large single pink flowers with darker veining. Very floriferous with and long flowering season compared to many hardy geraniums. Height 14 inches. For sun or some shade
Geranium cin. "Ballerina" A cinereum type, typically growing only a few inches high and suitable for the front of the border or rock garden. Pale pink flowers heavily veined with Maroon. Height 5 inches. For full sun
Geranium hima. plenum Wider than high (24x 12 inches) this double flowered form has rich lilac blue flowers during summer over the finely cut foliage. Will grow in any soil and can tolerate some shade. Al hardy geraniums are drought tolerant once properly established (which means water them well for the first year !)
Geranium sang. striatum Low growing, only 6-8 inches, with very divided foliage and beautiful pale pink flowers veined deeper pink. Thrives in full sun and is drought tolerant once established. One of the easiest species to grow with a long flowering period.

Knautia

"Melton Pastels"

Long wiry stems to 24 inches topped with small Scabious like pin cushion type flowers in pinks or reds. Keep dead heading for a continuous display. Thrives in full sun and well drained soil
Kniphofia grandiflora Tall, stately flowers spikes, orange and yellow, typical of the red hot pokers, rise above strap like foliage. Flowers in mid to late summer at about 30 inches. For full sun and well drained ground. Hardy but prefers well drained ground in winter
Geranium wall. "Crystal Lake" A hybrid cultivar with pale blue flowers and purple veining. Height is 20 inches. For full sun or a little shade. Very winter hardy

Heliopsis

"Prairie Sunset"

Simple, single sunflower like flowers of gold yellow with a red eye from June till September. Foliage is dark green and the stems purple. Height is around 4 feet. For full sun and well drained soil
Hemerocallis "Spacecoast Gator Eye" Silly name but attractive creamy white blooms with ruffled purple edges, middle and green throat. For full sun or part shade in ordinary well drained soil Height 24 inches Flowers June onwards
Heuchera "Tiramisu" For sun or semi shade, front of the border or in containers. This Heuchera has brick red and yellow foliage. Sprays of creamy bell flowers in summer but it is the foliage that this one is all about

Heuchera

"Venus"

Large silver sheened leaves with darker veining. For sun or shade. Can also be used to good effect in containers

Heuchera

"Palace Purple"

Easy to grow perennial suitable for full sun through to full shade. Mounds of evergreen purple foliage and sprays of creamy white flowers in summer. Leaves and flowers are good for flower arrangements. Height and spread 18 inches

Helleborous

"Double Queen"

A superb double flowered form in mixed colours. Flowering starts in mid winter and continues through to early spring when the fresh foliage emerges. Best in light to moderate shade and good under deciduous trees. Height and spread 15-20 inches
Helenium "Waltraut" Flowering from the end June to early September, this is great perennial for late summer colour in the border. This variety has golden brown flowers with a prominent central disc. Requires full sun in any well drained soil. Height 30 inches
Hemerocallis "Arctic Snow" Repeat flowering Hemerocallis With creamy white flowers deepening to primrose yellow in the centre Height 18 –24 inches. For full sun in well drained sol

Hosta

"Wide Brim"

Large, puckered leaves of glaucous blue heavily margined in paler lime green. Flowers are Lavender. As with all hostas, watch out for slugs

Hosta

"Patriot"

 
Incarvillea delavayi A reliable favourite. Has deeply divided leaves and in early summer pinkish red flowers on strong stems followed by attractive seed pods Height15 inches. Best grown in full sun
Incarvillea delavayi "Snow Top" A very attractive white version of this popular cottage garden favourite. Each flower has a yellow centre and are borne on top of strong stems in early summer. Shorter than the species type at around 15 inches. For good soil in full sun

Iris ensata

"Gusto"

"Japanese Water" Iris suitable for damp ground or waterside plantings. Gusto has semi double flowers, violet blue with a white eye. Height 30 inches, flowering in June and July

Iris sibirica

"Butter and Sugar"

Creamy standards with butter yellow falls on this early summer flowering Iris. Best in full sun though can tolerate some light shade in moisture retentive soil. Flowers May-June. Height 24 inches

Iris

"Desert Echo"

A bearded Iris , golden yellow with coppery markings. For well drained ground in full sun. Do not plant too deep, leave some of the rhizome showing above soil Height 30 inches
Iris "Elizabeth of England" A Lilac blue, bearded Iris that will grow in many conditions as long as not waterlogged over winter. Best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Do not plant too deep and can be divided when numerous crowns have developed. Height 30 inches

Iris

"Night Owl"

Deep purple bearded Iris that will grow in many conditions as long as not waterlogged over winter. Best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Do not plant too deep and can be divided when numerous crowns have developed. Height 30 inches

Leucanthemum

"Silver Princess"

Simple, bright white daisy flowers with a yellow centre. This Shasta Daisy is smaller than most flowering at about 18 inches. Main flush of flower is mid summer but can be extended with regular dead heading

Ligularia

"Little Rocket"

All the attributes of its 6 foot high big brother but about half the size, allowing it to be grown in smaller gardens. Foliage still gets to 24 inches and flower spikes 4 feet, so it’s all relative. Must have moisture retentive soil in sun or part shade
Melittis "Royal Velvet Distinction" A member of the mint family. This variety displays its orchid like white and crimson flowers in April and May. For sun or light shade in ordinary gardens soil. Height 12 –15 inches

Monarda

"Snow White"

Pure white Monarda growing to 30 inches and flowering from mid summer onwards. Plants need good soil, well drained in a sunny or part shady spot. Water well in dry weather to help combat mildew

Monarda

"Petite Delight"

Dwarf habit, only getting to 15 –18 inches high with rosy pink flowers. Good mildew resistance. For moisture retentive soil in full sun or part shade. Dry conditions will encourage mildew

Monarda

"Pink Lace"

Dwarf habit, only getting to 15 –18 inches high with purple pink flowers. Good mildew resistance. For moisture retentive soil in full sun or part shade. Dry conditions will encourage mildew
Monarda Schneewittchen    
Muckdenia rossi Karasuba    

Nepeta

"Six Hills Giant"

CATMINT. Forming mounds of soft, grey green foliage with loose spires of lavender blue flowers from early summer onwards. Much loved by bees and butterflies .For well drained soil in full sun Height and spread 30 x 24 inches.
Papaver oriental "Burning Heart" Bright candy pink flowers with a deeper centre on this oriental poppy . Flowering time is early summer after which the foliage dies down and can be removed. Plant near other perennials which can take over the display, Flowering height 30 –40 inches

Papaver nudicale

"Party Fun"

An improved, larger flowered mixture in pure and pastel colours. Flower power is impressive throughout the summer months but remove the seed pods as they develop. For any soil in full sun.

Papaver nudicale

"Flamenco"

A mix of pinks and Salmons- all with a paler, picotee edge. For any good garden soil in full sun. Remove seedpods as they form to prolong flowering. Height 20 -24 inches
Papaver oriental Fancy Feathers    
Papaver oriental Little Dancing Girl    

Papaver oriental Bolero

   
Papaver oriental "Turkenlouis" Bright, pillar box red poppy with heavily frilled edges to the petals. Stout stems compared to other varieties. Has performed well for years, here in our trials garden. Flowering height 24 inches
Peony  Renato    
Peony Flame    
Peony Honey Gold    
Peony Kansas    
Peony Paula Fay    
Peony Shirley Temple    
Phlox pan. Jade    
Phlox pan. Peppermint Twist    

Phlox pan.

"Piña Colada"

A dwarf, front of the border phlox only growing to around 15 inches high. Has pure white flowers and stocky habit. Good mildew resistance
Phlox pan. Sherbet Blend    
Phlox pan. Strawberry Daiquiri    
Phlox pan. Laura    
Phlox pan. Blue Boy    
Phlox pan. Bright Eyes    
Phlox pan. Graf Zeppelin    

Phlox pan.

"Starfire"

Deep cerise pink flowers on 24 –30 inch stems. Has some fragrance For good garden soil that does not dry out in summer Full sun or part shade
Phlox pan. White Admiral    

Potentilla

"Emilie"

A double flowered form, mahogany red with small yellow blotches. Height and spread 18 inches. Flowering from June till August. For any well drained garden soil in full sun
Potentilla Light My Fire    
Primula Viallii    

Primula

"Millers Crimson"

Bright crimson red flowers arranged in whorls up the stem on this candelabra type primrose. Good in moist soil in sun or some shade and can be planted to good effect at the waterside. Flowers in early summer Height 18 inches

Rudbeckia

deamii

A robust and reliable perennial producing large single yellow daisy flowers with a prominent central cone, from mid summer well into autumn. For full sun in any garden soil. Height 20-30 inches
Rudbeckia Goldsturm  
Rudbeckia Herbstsonne    

Salvia

"Sensation Deep Rose"

Spire of deep rose flowers on attractive tidy plants from midsummer then for many weeks after. Can be cut back after the first flush to promote secondary flowering. Height 12-15 inches spread 12 inches. For full sun in ordinary garden soil

Salvia

"Sensation White"

Pure white spires of flowers on attractive tidy plants from midsummer then for many weeks after. Can be cut back after the first flush to promote secondary flowering. Height 12-15 inches spread 12 inches. For full sun in ordinary garden soil
Salvia "East Friesland" Deep purple blue salvia with numerous flower spike from early summer onwards. Cut down when the first flush has faded to encourage secondary flowering. Any soil, sun or part shade
Scabiosa Perfecta    
Sidalcea Elsie Hugh    
Sidalcea Rosanna    
Schizostylis cocc. Professor or Barnard    
Tanacetum Robinsons Pink    
Thalictrum Splendide    
Thalictrum Hewitt's Double    
Tricyrtis formosana    
Trollius Orange Crest    
Verbascum Jackie    
Veronica Ulsters Dwarf Blue At only 12 inches high this is for the front of the border compared to many Veronicas. The usual spires of soft blue from mid summer through to autumn on slowly spreading plants. For full sun in ordinary garden soil
Veronica Shirley Blue    
Veronica Blauriesin    
Veronica Schneeriesin    
Veronica Red Fox    
Veronicastrum Apollo    
Veronicastrum Alba