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NCG 233
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Achillea millefolium
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Common Yarrow, Milfoil
A plant of many names! It has variously been called, Devil's Nettle, Hundred-leaved Grass, Lace Plant, Milfoil, Nose Pepper, Nosebleed, Sanguinarya and Soldier's Woundwort (to name just a few), some clearly referring to its medicinal properties, others to its appearance. Whilst many cultivars are available, this wild flower is white… |
NCG 638
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Achillea millefolium, Pink
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Pink yarrow
A cultivar of the familiar white or cream wild flower, with flat heads of tiny, deep-pink blooms with white eyes, held on wiry stems clothed in very fine, ferny, dark-green foliage. Attractive to bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. |
NCG 456
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Achillea ptarmica 'The Pearl' | |
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Sneezewort, Pearl yarrow, Bastard pellitory, Fair-maid-of-France
'The Pearl' produces sprays of small, white, double flowers on wiry stems about 24 inches/60cm high, with narrow, toothed leaves. A spreading plant which is not too difficult to control in lighter soils. The blooms tend to last longer if the plant is sited in part shade, but full sunlight… |
NCG 700
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Agastache foeniculum syn. anisata
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Anise hyssop, Licorice mint
Soft spikes of blue flowers adorn this pretty perennial wildflower throughout the summer, above strong stems with dark-green, nettle-like leaves. All parts of the plant have a strong scent of aniseed. Also known as Agastache foeniculum or Lophanthus anisatus. |
NCG 420
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Ajuga reptans
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Common bugle, Blue bugle, Carpetweed
Creeping bugle is a low-growing, evergreen plant that is useful to provide ground cover or to grow between paving stones. It produces spikes of rich blue/purple flowers in Spring, above dark, sometimes almost black, foliage. |
NCG 302
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Alcea rosea Ex. 'Jet Black'
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Hollyhock, Ex. 'Jet Black'
Deepest, deepest red-purple - as close to black as you can get! Although strictly speaking a perennial, this very popular cottage garden plant is best treated as a biennial, particularly since it can be susceptible to rust. These are very tall plants and some support is recommended. NOTE: Since… |
NCG 005
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Alcea rosea, mixed
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Hollyhock, single
I am offering here not only mixed-colour seeds but a selection of packets containing seed collected from individual plants that I thought particularly pretty, but they cannot be guaranteed to come true. (NOTE: Seeds from black hollyhock are listed separately.) Although strictly speaking a perennial, this very popular cottage… |
NCG 590
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Alcea rugosa | |
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Russian hollyhock, Yellow fig-leaved hollyhock
Hollyhocks, although strictly speaking perennials, are usually grown as biennials, chiefly because they are susceptible to rust. However, this pale-yellow-flowered variety, with fig-leaf shaped foliage, is said to be a true perennial, being less prone to rust. The flowers are distinctive in that, unlike other hollyhocks, they have a lobed… |
NCG 095
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Allium cristophii AGM
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Star of Persia
Beautiful giant orbs of lilac flowers are followed by exquisite spherical seed heads and are wonderful for dried flower arrangements. The dried stems are very weak; the solution is to very carefully push a slender woody stem (I use willow) or heavy wire down the stem, preferably while it is… |
NCG 007
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Allium fistulosum
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Welsh Onion, Bunching Onion
A non-bulbing 'bunching onion' that is useful when just a hint of onion is required. An attractive plant that can be grown in an ornamental bed. Bees and other beneficial insects love it! |
NCG 435
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Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' AGM
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Ornamental Onion 'Purple Sensation'
The perfect choice for hot and dry conditions, this beautiful allium looks wonderful planted in drifts. The umbels of rich, purple flowers are 3 inches across and borne on strong, upright stems. |
NCG 681
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Allium hollandicum Syn. aflatunense | |
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Persian onion
The seeds offered have been collected from particularly rich-magenta flowers. The 3 inch globes have prominent stamens and look wonderful grown en masse! |
NCG 343
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Allium schubertii AGM
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Persian onion, Schubert's onion, Tumbleweed onion
Looking for all the world like fireworks, giant orbs of lilac flowers are followed by exquisite seed heads that and are wonderful for dried flower arrangements. The dried stems are very weak; the solution is to very carefully push a slender woody stem (I use willow) or heavy wire down… |
NCG 088
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Ammi majus
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False Bishop's Weed, Herb William, Bullwort
Rather like cow parsley, but both flowers and foliage are much finer. This annual is a very useful filler plant for flower arrangers and is very attractive to bees. Plant en masse for best effect. A similar, but less well known plant (in my opinion far superior, and a perennial… |
NCG 167
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Anemone Syn. Eriocapitella hupehensis 'Hadspen Abundance' AGM
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Windflower 'Hadspen Abundance'
Japanese anemones are best grown in a position where there is space for them to spread. They can be invasive but this is weighed against their attractiveness and usefulness in the garden. 'Hadspen Abundance' is a medium-sized plant with dark green lobed foliage on strong, straight stems which support pink… |
NCG 513
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Anemone Syn. Eriocapitella hupehensis 'Prinz Heinrich' | |
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Windflower 'Prinz Heinrich'
Japanese anemones are best grown in a position where there is space for them to spread. They can be invasive but this is weighed against their attractiveness and usefulness in the garden. 'Prinz Heinrich' is a medium-sized plant with dark green lobed foliage on strong, straight stems which support very… |
NCG 067
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Anemone Syn. Eriocapitella x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' AGM
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Japanese Anemone 'Honorine Jobert'
Japanese anemones are best grown in a position where there is space for them to spread. They can be invasive but this is weighed against their attractiveness and usefulness in the garden. A tall plant with dark green lobed foliage on strong, straight stems which support clear white cupped flowers… |
NCG 082
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Anthemis tinctoria 'Sauce Hollandaise'
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Mayweed, Golden Marguerite, Dyer's Chamomile
With its masses of creamy-yellow daisy-like flowers on wiry stems with finely divided aromatic foliage, this drought-tolerant plant is a bright and cheerful choice for dry areas, although it will be happy in most soils. Cut back hard in the autumn to encourage strong new shoots in the spring. The… |
NCG 278
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Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing'
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Black-leaved Cow Parsley
The finely divided, ferny, deep-purple, almost black leaves of this unusual plant make a lovely contrast with other plants, particularly those that have predominantly light-green foliage. The flat heads of tiny flowers are white with small pink bracts. Please note that not all plants produced from the seeds offered will… |
NCG 188
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Antirrhinum majus Ex. tall, red
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Snapdragon, Ex. tall, deep-red
Although a perennial, antirrhinums are usually treated as annuals. These seeds were collected from particularly tall, velvety-red plants. Since other antirrhinums are grown in the garden I cannot guarantee that all will breed true. |
NCG 283
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Antirrhinum majus ssp. tortuosum
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Greater Snapdragon
The seeds of this unusual variety of antirrhinum were collected in the Rif Mountains, Morocco. The plant has a rather lax, sprawling habit and bright, purplish-red blooms, Although a perennial, antirrhinums are usually treated as annuals, but you can try cutting them back from late autumn to early spring. |
NCG 008
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Antirrhinum majus, mixed
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Snapdragon, mixed
Although usually perennial, antirrhinums are generally treated as annuals. This is a mixture in many colours and heights, from medium-sized to dwarf (usually distinguishable early in their lives by small leaves, and tending to a trailing habit, making them a useful in hanging baskets). A children's favourite! NOTE: Separate colours… |
NCG 236
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Apium graveolens secalinum
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Leaf celery, Wild celery, 'Par-Cel', Smallage
Looking almost identical to flat leaved parsley, all parts of this plant have a strong celery scent and flavour. Add a sprig or finely chopped leaves to stocks and sauces. The insignificant flowers are white, followed by masses of seed, which can be used to make celery salt (hover over… |
NCG 492
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Aquilegia oxysepala
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Oriental columbine, granny's bonnet
This unusual little wild columbine with brownish-red skirts and soft-yellow centres originates from Mount Konsai in Japan and is very hardy. Much recommended. (Externally sourced seeds.) |
NCG 146
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Aquilegia vulgaris Clementine 'Salmon Rose'
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Columbine, Granny's Bonnet 'Salmon Rose'
Beautiful spurless, double, salmon-pink blooms on wiry stems - a very special aquilegia! These seeds were taken from plants away from other aquilegias, but it is still possible that there has been some cross-pollination. However, in my experience this variety tends to breed true. |
NCG 570
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Aquilegia vulgaris Ex. 'William Guiness'
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Aquilegia 'Magpie', Columbine, Granny's Bonnet
Known both as A. 'Magpie' and A. 'William Guinness', this striking variety has deep red-purple (almost black) sepals and spurs and white-edged 'blades' - the modified petals at the centre of the flower. |
NCG 275
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Aquilegia vulgaris Ex. Alba
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Granny's Bonnet - White
There is a large clump of the single white variety of this familiar and much loved cottage garden plant established behind the pond, and it often breeds true. Although there could be some cross-pollination with other colours in the garden, I am confident that the seeds offered will produce a… |
NCG 009
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Aquilegia vulgaris Ex. var. stellata 'Nora Barlow'
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Columbine, Granny's Bonnet, 'Nora Barlow'
This dainty aquilegia has double, spurless blooms in muted shades of pink, green. Not much more to say other than that it is my favourite aquilegia and is quite delightful! Since other aquilegia are grown in the garden there is the possibility of cross-pollination, but in my experience these seeds… |
NCG 276
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Aquilegia vulgaris, Ex. Pink, single
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Granny's bonnet, pink, single
It's not possible to guarantee that these seeds will come true, but they were gathered from such a pretty pink plant that I decided to save them separately from the other plants in the garden. If they fail to produce pink flowers, they will reward you with a lovely selection… |
NCG 298
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Aquilegia vulgaris, various
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Granny's bonnet, various
A mixture of single, double and ruffled plants or seeds in a variety of colours - dark-purple, blue, white and pink. I'm also offering packets containing seeds from specific plants, but there may be some cross-pollination. Note: Plants, when offered, may be bare-rooted, depending on season. |
NCG 010
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Argemone mexicana
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Mexican Poppy, Prickly Poppy
This unusual and attractive late-flowering plant with distinctive vareigated and prickly leaves is drought tolerant. The poppy-like, papery lemon-yellow blooms have red-orange centres and are a welcome sight at a time of year when other flowers are saying their goodbyes. Watch out! All parts of the plant are, true to… |
NCG 434
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Armeria pseudarmeria
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Sea thrift
The pretty little soft-red, globe-shaped flowerheads on stems 8-12in/20-30cm tall rising above low-growing rosettes of evergreen foliage are a magnet for pollinating insects. These tough plants are easy to grow and tolerate quite harsh conditions and poor, sandy soil. |
NCG 230
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Aster novae-angliae
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New England Aster 'Purple Dome', Michaelmas Daisy
This very pretty aster has a compact form, generally needing no support. From late summer it is studded with hundreds of rich, pinkish-purple flowers with yellow centres. It continues to flower even past the first frosts, providing welcome colour at the back end of the year. A very good cut… |
NCG 391
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Aster Novae-angliae 'Harringtons Pink' AGM
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New England aster 'Harrington's Pink'.
A wonderful cut flower, this aster has tall, strong, straight stems and is self-supporting on all but the most exposed sites. The flowers, which appear from late summer and well into autumn, are about 3.5cm across, a lovely warm-pink with a yellow centre and are very attractive to pollinating insects.… |
NCG 012
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Astrantia major subsp. involucrata 'Shaggy' AGM
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Masterwort 'Shaggy' (a.k.a. 'Margery Fish')
This astrantia form, with its white pincushion blooms, which are tinted green, is happy in shade and is said to repel slugs, so try planting near hostas. Makes a very good cut flower which lasts well and also can usually be successfully dried for winter arrangements. Although harvested from plants… |
NCG 378
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Astrantia maxima AGM
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Largest Masterwort
This lovely astrantia has a long flowering period. Rings of stiff, finely toothed, rich-pink bracts surround umbels of very small, pink flowers on straight, wiry stems above attractive, deeply-lobed, bright-green foliage. The plant has a spreading habit but is generally not difficult to control. Much recommended! |
NCG 069
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Astrantia mixed
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Masterwort, mixed
This astrantia mix should produce pincushion blooms which are pink or white with green tinges. It is happy in shade and is said to repel slugs, so try planting near hostas. Makes a very good cut flower which lasts well and also can usually be successfully dried for winter arrangements. |
NCG 207
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Bidens ferulifolia 'Golden Goddess'
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Bidens 'Golden Goddess'
A taller variety than the familiar hanging basket and container Bidens, this bright and cheery plant looks lovely planted en masse in the hot bed, alongside other orange and yellow-flowering plants such as Cosmos polidor and Tagetes tenuifolia. The foliage is very attractive too - finely divided leaves are a… |
NCG 593
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Borago officinalis, Blue
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Borage, Blue
Borage is edible - the flowers, which have a flavour reminiscent of cucumber, can be added to summer drinks or as a garnish on salads and other cold dishes. The leaves can also be added, wilted, to Mediterranean recipes such as pasta sauces and to ravioli stuffing. Borage is very… |
NCG 049
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Calendula officinalis
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Pot Marigold
One of the most recognisable and popular cottage garden plants, this Calendula mixture will light up the garden for many months with an abundance of yellow and orange blooms, some double. Makes a nice addition to small flower arrangements, so cut often to encourage repeat flowering and to keep the… |
NCG 551
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Calendula officinalis 'Sunset Buff'
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Pot marigold 'Sunset Buff'
A variation on one of the most recognisable and popular cottage garden plants, 'Sunset Buff' produces double (and perhaps the occasional single) flowers in soft, peachy tones with red backs. Makes a nice addition to small flower arrangements, so cut often to encourage repeat flowering and to keep the plants… |
NCG 404
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Campanula glomerata
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Clustered bellflower, Dane's blood
Clusters of deep-blue bell-shaped flowers on straight stems from early summer. A very pretty plant, but spreads by underground runners and can be rather invasive, so position carefully. Note: Bare-rooted plants, when on offer, may look a little untidy, particularly early in the year. Don't worry - they will establish… |
NCG 064
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Campanula lactiflora
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Milky Bellflower
A tall, stately campanula, pale blue/lilac or white. Makes a dynamic statement at the back of the border and is also lovely cut flower if you can bear to remove it from the garden! Masses of blooms on stems up to 2m high. Much in demand by visitors to the… |
NCG 098
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Campanula persicifolia Ex. 'Alba'
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White bellflower
A typical cottage garden plant, this campanula, with its papery, nodding white bells on tall, straight stems above low-growing foliage, is perfect for the middle of the border and is particularly effective if planted en masse. A good cut flower. Since these are open-pollinated plants, some variation may occur in… |
NCG 384
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Campanula persicifolia, Ex. blue
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Peach-leaved bellflower
A typical cottage garden plant, this campanula, with its papery, nodding pale-blue bells on tall, straight stems above low-growing foliage, is perfect for the middle of the border and is particularly effective if planted en masse. A good cut flower. Since these are open-pollinated plants, some variation may occur in… |
NCG 598
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Campanula punctata 'Kent Belle' | |
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Bellflower 'Kent Belle'
Nodding heads of deep-violet narrow, tubular flowers adorn this attractive campanula. Will probably not always come true from seed, but my experience with another campanula with similarly shaped flowers (Campanula takesimana) is that collected seeds are are likely to produce plants with blooms of a similar shape and habit, though… |
NCG 356
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Campanula takesimana | |
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Korean bellflower
This lovely campanula bears drooping, tubular bells an inch or more long, coloured soft pink fading to white at the tips, in mid-summer. The leaves, which form an attractive basal rosette, are rich-green, heart-shaped, slightly glossy and serrated. |
NCG 216
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Carex comans 'Bronze'
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New Zealand hair sedge
This very attractive grass, 12 inches high and 12-18 inches in diameter, forms a soft tussock of very narrow, chestnut-red leaves in spring. These fade somewhat as the season progresses and in summer many delicate flower/seed spikes are produced. The soft, rounded 'cushion' of this grass was a magnet for… |
NCG 013
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Centaurea macrocephala
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Giant Knapweed
Visitors to the garden often fall in love with this plant, which forms a large clump and has large spherical buds opening to clear yellow flowers surrounded by unusual, papery brown bracts. The mature seed heads are a natural 'barometer', opening and closing according to humidity. |
NCG 014
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Centaurea montana
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Perennial cornflower, Mountain bluet
This wildflower has been a popular garden plant for generations. Rich blue with a reddish-purple centre, it makes a good cut flower for smaller arrangements and posies. Dead-head regularly to promote fresh blooms. The plant has a lax habit, so either cut long stems back by half to discourage legginess… |
NCG 092
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Centranthus ruber
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Valerian
A classic cottage garden plant with delicate sprays of white, pink or red flowers held above grey green foliage. Perfectly happy in poor, stony, chalky soil, but is will tolerate other more-or-less neutral soil types. Although a perennial, perhaps better treated as a biennial as older plants tend to become… |
NCG 353
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Cephalaria gigantea
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Giant scabious, Yellow scabious
This stunning perennial scabious is perfect for the back of the border as it can grow as high as 2.5m. Blooming during the summer, the strongly textured flowers are a delicate pale yellow. |
NCG 438
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Cerastium tomentosum | |
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Snow-in-Summer, White rock flower
This evergreen, mat-forming perennial has small, grey-green leaves and produces a veritable carpet of small white blooms in late spring through to early summer. A wonderful plant to grow at the front of borders or tumbling over walls. It requires very free-draining soil as it does not like its roots… |
NCG 094
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Cerinthe major var. purpurascens
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Cerinthe, Honeywort, Blue shrimp plant
Deep purple, almost indigo, clusters of bells dangle above attractive glaucous, grey-green foliage. This wildflower is much loved by bees and butterflies. It self-seeds happily (but not invasively) in the gravel patio area in my garden, where it looks charming. |
NCG 086
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Chaenomeles speciosa 'Geisha Girl' AGM
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Ornamental Quince
A very attractive and useful hardy, semi-evergreen shrub with masses of soft peach flowers in Spring. Easy to grow and well worth trying. Flowers are nectar-rich so attractive to bees. Also makes a good hedging plant. |
NCG 320
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Chamaemelum syn. Anthemis nobile syn. nobilis 'Flore Pleno'
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Double flowered Chamomile
Delightful in all respects, this highly scented double-flowered form of perennial chamomile has feathery leaves and inch-wide, creamy-white blooms. Best planted in containers or at the edge of borders, where, when brushed against, both leaves and flowers release their strong, sweet, apple-like fragrance. NOTE: Depending on season, plants are sometimes… |
NCG 235
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Chasmanthium Syn. uniola latifolium
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Northern Sea Oats, Spangle Grass
The photograph really does not do this delightful grass justice! Growing to a maximum of a metre or so (usually somewhat less), the erect stems resemble miniature bamboo in their growth habit. The seed heads are, however, quite different, being delicate, flat, diamond shapes - almost like spear heads -… |
NCG 016
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Clematis tangutica
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Golden Clematis
This beautiful perennial climber scrambles happily over trellis or support on a wall and provides a profusion of bright yellow lantern-like flowers throughout the summer, followed by attractive seed heads that resemble silvery tassels. Provision of shade at the roots is advisable, particularly in very sunny positions. If space is… |
NCG 509
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Clematis viticella 'Chatsworth' | |
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Italian leather flower, Purple clematis, Virgin's bower 'Chatsworth'
A wild form of clematis originating from southern Europe, with nodding, pale-mauve flowers with four, or occasionally five, petals (or, more accurately, tepals), each having a darker stripe down the middle. A good choice for scrampling over walls or large shrubs in a spot offering some shade. |
NCG 017
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Consolida ajacis
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Larkspur, Annual Delphinium, Doubtful knight's spur
More dainty than the related delphinium, larkspur produces pink or deep blue blooms freely throughout the summer months, on tall stems with finely cut, feathery foliage. Quite variable in height. A good cut flower, if you can bear to remove it from the garden, where it always looks so beautiful!… |
NCG 816
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Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Rose Bon Bon' | |
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A lovely variety of cosmos, with mid-pink, fully double flowers. For best effect plants should be as close to each other as 9 inches or so and planted en masse. Soil should be reasonably fertile, but if it is too rich, tall, lanky plants may result. As with most cosmos… |
NCG 322
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Cosmos bipinnatus 'Mixed'
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Cosmos 'Mixed'
A mixture of white, pinks and muted-red flowers - some striped - on stems a metre or more high, clothed in finely divided foliage. Although the recommendation is to plant 18in apart, for best effect plants can be as close to each other as 9 inches or so and planted… |
NCG 815
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Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity' | |
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Cosmos, ex. single white
Masses of pure white, singe blooms with yellow centres throughout the summer, on tall stems with finely divided, bright-green foliage. Drought tolerant. Some say it is unnecessary to thin direct sown plants. Soil that is too rich may result in tall, lanky plants. NOTE: Seeds, when offered, are collected from… |
NCG 811
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Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos' | |
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Cosmos 'Xanthos'
A beautiful dwarf cosmos studded with pale yellow blooms, fading to white in the centre. A lovely plant for the front of the border, where it will bloom all summer and into autumn. |
NCG 395
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Cosmos bipinnatus Ex. 'Double Click Cranberries'
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Cosmos 'Double Click Cranberries'
A wonderful addition to the cosmos family, this variety has deep-red, fully double flowers. For best effect plants should be as close to each other as 9 inches or so and planted en masse. Soil should be reasonably fertile, but if it is too rich, tall, lanky plants may result.… |
NCG 519
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Cosmos bipinnatus Ex. 'Fizzy Pink' | |
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Cosmos Ex. 'Fizzy Pink'
A wonderful addition to the cosmos family, this long-flowering variety has stunning pink, semi-double flowers. For best effect plant en masse as close to each other as 9 inches or so apart. Soil should be reasonably fertile, but if it is too rich, tall, lanky plants may result. As with… |
NCG 019
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Cosmos bipinnatus Ex. Semi-Double White
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Cosmos, semi-double white
Masses of pure white, semi-double blooms with yellow centres (with perhaps the odd single) throughout the summer, on tall stems with finely divided foliage. Drought tolerant. Some say it is unnecessary to thin direct sown plants. Soil that is too rich may result in tall, lanky plants. I cannot guarantee… |
NCG 178
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Cosmos sulphureus 'Bright Lights'
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Cosmos 'Bright Lights'
Flowers in shades from pale yellow through to deep orange, about 4cm across, borne on stems with attractive divided leaves. Pinch out young plants to encourage branching. May need some support. Jumbo plug plants, when available, will be ready to plant out but may need some protection from slugs, etc.… |
NCG 301
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Craspedia globosa 'Drumstick' | |
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Billy balls, Billy buttons
Originating in Australia, where it is perennial, this quirky hardy annual has a long flowering period, producing bright-yellow, ping pong-shaped flower clusters (glomerules), about an inch in diameter, on strong, straight, unbranched stems rising from basal rosettes of leaves. Excellent for use in both fresh and dried flower arrangements. |
NCG 297
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Dahlia Ex. 'Bishop of Auckland'
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Dahlia Ex. 'Bishop of Auckland'
The seeds or plants on offer are either from 'Bishop of Llandaff' or 'Bishop of Auckland'. Although they are not expected to breed true, all my own sowings have resulted in plants with black foliage and flowers that strongly resembe the parents. Although generally considered tender, dahlias will very often… |
NCG 234
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Datura stramonium
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Jimson Weed, Thorn Apple
Datura produces white, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and light green foliage, but the most striking part of the plant is its large spiky seed pods. They make a very interesting addition to dried flower arrangements. Although originating from warmer countries, this plant has become widely naturalised in the UK. HIGHLY POISONOUS!!!… |
NCG 599
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Delphinium requienii
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Requin's larkspur
A beautiful plant which is seldom seen in the UK, Requin's larkspur produces spikes of soft, brownish-blue flowers, reminiscent of orchids, above attractive, shiny leaves (which, unlike those of other delphiniums, are said to be of no interest to slugs and snails). Usually grown as a biennial, but will flower… |
NCG 172
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Dianthus gratianopolitanus
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Cheddar pink
With its low-growing mat of grey-green foliage studded and fragrant pink flowers with finely toothed petals, this is a perfect plant for an alpine bed or anywhere warm and tending to dryness. The foliage habit and colour can be a little variable, sometimes a little less or more grey-green and… |
NCG 452
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Didiscus caeruleus, Lacy Series
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Lace flower, mixed
A most attractive (to pollinating insects as well as humans!), long-flowering annual. The umbels of blooms in soft shades of pink, blue, mauve and white are sweetly scented and make an excellent cut flower. |
NCG 223
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Digitalis grandiflora ambigua/macrantha AGM
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Large yellow foxglove, Cream-coloured foxglove
This stunning plant is a perennial, but generally short-lived, so best treated as a biennial. Tall spikes of soft yellow, speckled flowers rise above a rosette of dark green leaves. It is lovely in a woodland setting, where the blooms light up shady corners, but will tolerate sun. |
NCG 180
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Digitalis lutea
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Small foxglove
A lovely plant for woodland areas. Small, tubular yellow blooms are borne on delicate spikes - a much more dainty plant in all respects than the common pink foxglove. Although it will tolerate both sun and dry soil, this plant is happiest in rich, moist soil and dappled shade. Digitalis… |
NCG 128
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Digitalis mertonensis
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Strawberry foxglove
This delightful cottage garden plant is a cross between the common digitalis purpurea and a yellow flowered variety, digitalis grandiflora. The result is warm pink, speckled flowers that are larger than the traditional foxglove. This is a short-lived perennial that should come true from seed if common foxgloves are not… |
NCG 455
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Digitalis obscura
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Willow-leaved foxglove, Dusky maid, Sunset foxglove
This rare and most striking, foxglove originates from the mountains of Spain and is also found in parts of Africa. Generally a little shorter than most other digitalis varieties, the flowers are exquisitely coloured in shades of russet, burnt-orange and red, complemented by evergreen, narrow-leaved foliage. In the right environment… |
NCG 362
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Digitalis parviflora Jacq.
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Chocolate Soldier, Small-flowered foxglove
A most unusual foxglove, and like most digitalis, usually treated as a biennial, although it can survive as a short-lived perennial. This variety produces flower spikes of densely-packed, chocolate-coloured, tubular flowers about 2cm in length, above basal rosettes of attractive, slightly glossy, dark-green foliage. It will happily self-seed in a… |
NCG 447
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Digitalis purpurea
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Foxglove
This, the original, wild form of the traditional cottage garden biennial plant, will be familiar to all, with its tall spires of blooms in a variety of pink shades above rosettes of large, mid-green leaves. The flowers are much loved by pollinating insects, especially bumble bees. |
NCG 346
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Digitalis purpurea 'Apricot'
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Apricot foxglove
The traditional cottage garden foxglove comes in many colours and this, with its warm, pale pink spikes, is one of my favourites! Note: Externally sourced seeds. |
NCG 248
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Digitalis purpurea Ex. f. albiflora
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White Foxglove
An attractive white form of the familiar cottage garden foxglove. Seed is collected only from pure white plants but may not all come true - sowing more than you need and discarding young plants with red tinges at the base of leaves should help you obtain white plants. When plants… |
NCG 523
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Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii 'Silver Cub'
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Foxglove 'Silver Cub'
The beautiful white flower spikes of this variety are enhanced by the foliage, which is covered in fine white hairs, giving a silvery appearance and silky to the touch. Can be grown as an annual, flowering in its first year if sown in January or February. |
NCG 021
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Echinacea purpurea
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Purple coneflower
Much-loved by butterflies and other pollinating insects, this dynamic plant produces clumps of dark-green, somewhat hairy leaves from which large, daisies with rather lax, purple petals and brown, conical central discs grow, on tall, straight stems. Echinacea prefers full sun, but will tolerate part-shade. Echinacea is said to have immune-system… |
NCG 442
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Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'
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White coneflower
Much-loved by butterflies and other pollinating insects, the white version of this dynamic plant produces clumps of dark-green, rather hairy leaves from which large, daisies with rather lax, white petals and brown, conical central discs grow, on tall, straight stems. Echinacea prefers full sun, but will tolerate part-shade. Echinacea is… |
NCG 229
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Echinops exaltatus
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Giant globe thistle
The largest echinops, growing to at least 2m tall - and usually more, looks magnificent at the back of the bed or as a specimen plant. It is advisable to remove seed heads before they disintegrate, as the thick, long roots can make unwanted, self-seeded, plants difficult to remove. But… |
NCG 603
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Echinops ritro
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Blue hedgehog, Globe thistle
A very dependable hardy perennial that is much loved by butterflies and other pollinating insects, Echinops ritro is a lovely addition to the garden for late-summer colour. The spiky, globular flower heads look silvery at first, turning to a dynamic blue-violet as they open. If cut early, they can be… |
NCG 563
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Erigeron karvinskianus | |
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Mexican fleabane
A very pretty plant for front of border, Erigeron produces masses of dainty, daisy-like pink and white flowers about 2cm in diameter in late spring and throughout the summer, above dark-green foliage. |
NCG 471
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Eryngium agavifolium
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Agave-leaved sea holly
This most unusual and exotic looking plant looks as though it should need a heated conservatory to survive, but it is in fact quite hardy. A straight stem topped with clusters of spiky, greenish-white flower heads grows from a pineapple-like rosette of fleshy, toothed leaves. The picture really does not… |
NCG 022
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Eryngium planum
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Sea Holly
The steely blue flowers of this attractive plant, which appear on wiry stems with spiny leaves from July, are much loved by bees, hoverflies and butterflies. |
NCG 075
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Eschscholzia californica
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California Poppy, Golden Cup, Cup of Gold
This drought-tolerant plant, with its finely divided grey-green foliage and very bright, shiny orange petals, looks wonderful near the edge of the border. Cut quite hard back after the first flush of flowers and it will quickly regenerate to provide further colour on well into autumn without becoming too straggly.… |
NCG 475
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Eschscholzia californica Ex. 'White Linen'
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Californian Poppy 'White Linen'
This drought-tolerant plant, with its finely divided grey-green foliage and shiny creamy petals, looks wonderful near the edge of the border. Cut quite hard back after the first flush of flowers and it will quickly regenerate and flower well into autumn without becoming too straggly. They will happily grow in… |
NCG 058
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Foeniculum vulgare
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Common fennel (herb)
An attractive culinary herb, fennel is a large plant with feathery leaves (these seeds will probably produce a mixture of green and bronze-leaved varieties) that looks well in ornamental beds. The flat umbels of small flowers are followed by aromatic seeds with a liquorice/aniseed flavour, Both leaves and seeds are… |
NCG 232
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Galatella syn. Aster sedifolius AGM
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Sedum-leaved galatella
This dainty little aster does best in part shade, but will tolerate a sunny position. The pale lavender flowers appear in abundance on wiry stems with small, narrow leaves. The plant is rather lax in habit, so if nearby plants fail to support it, staking is recommended. Unlike many asters,… |
NCG 737
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Galium odoratum | |
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Sweet woodruff, Sweet-scented bedstraw
A useful low-growing ground cover plant for shady areas. Tiny white flowers above bright-green divided foliage. Forms a dense mat of fine roots, so also useful for stabilising light soils on slopes.Can be invasive, so site carefully. |
NCG 050
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Gazania rigens
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Gazania, Treasure Flower
A bright, cheerful and long-flowering addition to planters and borders. Preferring full sun, gazanias are drought tolerant. NOTE: Externally sourced seeds. |
NCG 256
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Geranium clarkei 'Kashmir White'
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Large, delicate white flowers with delicate pink veining appear in spring and sporadically into summer, on slender stems above intricately divided leaves. Although not as vigorous as most hardy geraniums, taking longer to make a sizeable clump than others, its sheer beauty well and truly makes up for this shortcoming.… |
NCG 258
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Geranium oxonianum f. thurstonianum
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Thurston's crane's bill
A very unusual geranium, with extremely narrow, star-shaped, deep pink flowers about an inch across and lobed, mid-green foliage.There may be some variation in plants produced from seed (when available), as there are other geraniums in the garden, but in my experience they tend to breed true. |
NCG 507
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Geranium phaeum, various
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Dusky cranesbill
Although a British native, Geranium phaeum is perhaps more commonly seen as a cultivated garden plant, particularly in colours singled out as particularly attractive. These appear in Spring and range from deepest-purple to near-white. The lobed or divided foliage varies in colour too, from mid to dark green, often with… |
NCG 454
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Geranium pratense 'Plenum Violaceum' AGM
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Meadow cranesbill 'Plenum Violaceum'
This stately, blue/purple double geranium with deeply cut leaves flowers profusely during the summer months. A real beauty and much-commented upon when visitors see it in full bloom in the garden. |
NCG 382
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Geranium pratense Blue, white-veined
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Cranesbill, Blue, white-veined
I have been unable to positively identify this delightful blue geranium, which is unusual in that it has pronounced white veins rather than the more usual blue. It bears a passing resemblance to (and may be the result of a cross with) 'Mrs Kendall Clark', but the veining is simpler… |
NCG 228
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Geranium pratense Ex. 'Mrs Kendall Clark' AGM
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Meadow cranesbill 'Mrs Kendall Clark'
This is an exquisite geranium! The strong, upright stems bear sky blue blooms run through with delicate white veins (most blue geraniums have dark veins). Happy in full sun or part shade and has a long flowering period. A must! Please note that since there are other geraniums in the… |
NCG 068
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Geranium pratense f. albiflorum
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Meadow cranesbill
This delightful geranium, which has a long flowering period, appeared from nowhere! A tall variety with strong, upright stems bearing pure white blooms about 1.25in/3cm across with green veining. Happy in full sun or part shade. Since there are other geraniums growing in the garden, it is possible (although in… |
NCG 411
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Geranium pratense, blue
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Meadow cranesbill, tall, blue
This lovely tall, deep-blue geranium is happy in full sun or part shade. It has strong, upright stems and is self-supporting in all but the most exposed sites. Please note that since there are other geraniums in the garden there may have been some cross-pollination, so I cannot guarantee that… |
NCG 221
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Geranium pyrenaicum 'Bill Wallis'
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Mountain Cranesbill 'Bill Wallis'
With its abundance of small, rich purple flowers from early spring and right through until autumn, small, lobed leaves and reddish stems, this is a delightful geranium and, given what I'm about to tell you, surprisingly rare. I am going to be brutally honest with you; if you choose to… |
NCG 274
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Geranium sanguineum 'Elke'
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Bloody cranesbill 'Elke'
For such a small plant (generally considered to be an alpine variety), this exquisite geranium packs a punch! Masses of rich pink, round-lobed petals deeply veined in carmine and having a white edge adorn the plant during May and June, with flowering continuing more sparcely right into autumn, when the… |
NCG 255
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Geranium sanguineum Album AGM
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Bloody cranesbill 'Album'
About a foot high, this is very attractive front-of-border choice, with a succession of pure white flowers and inch or more across above divided mid-green foliage. Blooms profusely in late spring/early summer, but continues to flower more sporadically for months more. It is very happy in dry and exposed areas,… |
NCG 469
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Geranium sanguineum, magenta
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Bloody cranesbill
A very pretty low-growing hardy geranium. Bright magenta-pink flowers with a white eye and darker veining appear above finely divided foliage which has a tendency to trail. Although the plant is happy in full sun, it is useful for adding a touch of colour to areas in part-shade. |
NCG 245
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Geranium versicolor
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Pencilled geranium
This delightful geranium is semi-evergreen, but will form a fresh rosette of lobed leaves in Spring, followed by small, white flowers, intricately veined in deep magenta-pink. It will continue to flower, though less abundantly, throughout the summer and into autumn. Happy in full sun or part shade. Since there are… |
NCG 405
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Geranium x oxonianum 'Julie Brennan'
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Cranesbill 'Julie Brennan'
An extremely pretty form of geranium oxonianum - I am almost certain the variety is as named. The large flowers are mid-pink, slightly toothed at the margins and with very striking deep-purple veining. The leaves are a rich, bright green, often with small, chocolate-coloured spots at their base. An unfussy… |
NCG 491
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Geum coccineum 'Borisii' | |
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Boris Avens, Boris geum
Dwarf variety, producing a neat mound of hairy, rounded leaves, above which rise stems topped with bright orange-red flowers from late spring and throughout the summer. Lovely at the front of borders and also makes a good container plant. |
NCG 480
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Gypsophila elegans Mixed
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Annual Baby's Breath
A favourite with flower arrangers, but loved by pollinating insects too, with masses of tiny flowers in shades of pink and white on delicate, ferny foliage. Grow en masse for best effect. NOTE: Externally sourced seeds. |
NCG 063
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Helenium autumnale Ex. Rubinzwerg
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Helen's Flower, Sneezewort
Although this helenium has daisy-like, mahogany red flowers with a brown cone, these seeds will be variable - but whatever comes up should be attractive in the hot bed and you may even discover a gem! |
NCG 467
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Helenium puberulum 'Autumn Lollipop' | |
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Sneezewort 'Autumn Lollipop'
This most unusual plant has spherical, bronze yellow heads with ruffles of yellow petals beneath, like little petticoats, on strong, straight stems with rich green foliage. It makes a unique cut flower. |
NCG 218
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Helenium x cultorum Ex. Rauchtopas
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Sneezewort
This stately helenium flowers profusely, with masses of daisy-like, yellow florets with orange-red reverses, surrounding a prominent brown cone. Although, like all heleniums, the seed is unlikely to come true, it should produce some attractive plants, so worth giving a try. Although listed as requiring full sun, mine is in… |
NCG 684
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Helianthus annuus Ex. 'Valentine' | |
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Branching sunflower Ex. 'Valentine'
This branching sunflower grows about 2m/6ft tall, with masses of blooms about 4-5 inches across. There may be some variation in colour from these open-sourced seeds, but they were collected from plants with soft, lemon-yellow blooms with almost black centres, as illustrated. |
NCG 025
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Helianthus annuus, Giant
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Sunflower, Giant
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NCG 813
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Helianthus debilis 'Vanilla Ice' | |
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Sunflower 'Vanilla Ice'
A freely branching sunflower growing to about 2m/6ft tall, with masses of blooms about 3 inches across. There may be some variation in colour from these open-sourced seeds, but they were collected from plants with soft, lemon-yellow, slightly spidery-petalled blooms with almost black centres, as illustrated. |
NCG 093
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Helianthus x laetiflorus 'Lemon Queen' AGM
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Perennial Sunflower 'Lemon Queen'
Light yellow, daisy-like flowers, set against rich, dark-green foliage on tall, straight stems, appear in abundance on this beautiful hardy perennial plant for many months. A wonderful addition at the back of the bed and great for flower arrangements.The full scientific name given is a bit of a guess -… |
NCG 309
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Helleborus foetidus
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Stinking Hellebore
The flowers of this interesting, shade-loving plant are very soft, pale green, sometimes with a red margin and are leathery in texture. It is a haven for hibernating ladybirds, which can be found nestling in and around the flowers all winter. |
NCG 273
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Helleborus x hybridus
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Lenten rose
There are many hellebores growing in the garden, in a variety of colours, from dark red (sometimes double) to pink, white and cream, some with intricate specking or streaking. Although seeds listed (when available) are saved and offered separately from different coloured plants, it cannot be guaranteed that they will… |
NCG 410
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Hemerocallis 'Bonanza'
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Daylily 'Bonanza'
As its common name suggests, the large, trumpet-shaped blooms of this sunny plant last only a day, but during the flowering season they appear in abundance. I believe that this variety, which is deep-yellow with rich purple-brown blotches at the centre, is as named, but it was (one of the… |
NCG 449
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Hemerocallis 'Ruffled Apricot'
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Daylily 'Ruffled Apricot'
The large, trumpet-shaped blooms of this sunny plant last only a day, but during the flowering season they appear in abundance. This variety is stunning, with deep-apricot, ruffled petals with a soft lighter streak running down the centre of each. All daylilies come from hybrid stock and will not come… |
NCG 076
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Hemerocallis 'Sammy Russell'
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Daylily 'Sammy Russell'
As its common name suggests, the large, trumpet-shaped blooms of this stunning plant last only a day, but during the flowering season they appear in abundance. I believe that this variety, which is deepest red with a yellow throat, is as named, but it was (one of the few decent… |
NCG 448
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Hesperis matronalis
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Sweet rocket, Dame's violet
This sweet-scented, short-lived perennial attracts bees and other pollinating insects and is therefore perfect for naturalising in a wildlife-friendly garden. The loose heads of small flowers range in colour from almost white, through pale lilac to mauve. A perfect plant for the informal cottage garden. Also a good cut flower. |
NCG 231
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Hylotelephium Syn. Sedum spectabile (Brilliant Group) 'Autumn Joy'
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Ice Plant, Brilliant stonecrop, Butterfly stonecrop, Rabbit's cabbage, Showy stonecrop 'Autumn Joy'
This drought-tolerat plant produces dense heads of deep-pink flowers in late-summer/early autumn, above sturdy stems clothed in grey-green, fleshy leaves. The weight of the flower heads tends to cause the stems to bend and sprawl, so some support is recommended earlier in the season to prevent this. Attractive to pollinating… |
NCG 412
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Hylotelephium Syn. Sedum telephium subsp. ruprechtii 'Hab Grey'
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Ruprecht's orpine, Ice Plant 'Hab Grey'
This unusual and most attractive sedum ariety forms clumps of grey-green, fleshy leaves and the flowers are a mixture of cream and pink. It is much loved by bees and other beneficial insects. NOTE: Depending on season, plants, when available, may be trimmed back and/or barerooted for shipping. |
NCG 155
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Inula Hookeri
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Hooker's inula, Hooker's fleabane
This beautiful plant deserves to be better known. The soft, downy stems bear masses of 2 inch diameter bright-yellow daisy-like flowers from late summer to autumn, which go on to develop equally attractive, cream-coloured, fluffy seed heads. The flowers are much loved by butterflies and bees, and the seeds by… |
NCG 277
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Knautia macedonica, Ex. red
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Pincushion flower, Macedonian scabious (Red)
Masses of very delicate, deep-red, 'pincushion' flowers (very like scabious), about an inch across, on tall, thin, branching stems. This plant has a very long flowering season and is much loved by hoverflies and bees. Generally not as tall and robust as her pink sister, and seed is in shorter… |
NCG 078
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Lathyrus belinensis 'Goldmine'
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The Belin Pea
This delightful sweet pea was discovered only in 1998, in Turkey. The flowers are no more than an inch across, yellow and orange with distinctive deep red veins. The leaves are attractive - small and reddish-green. The plant grows to only 3ft or so, making it a useful feature in… |
NCG 033
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Lathyrus chloranthus
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Yellow Sweet Pea
An unusual species sweet pea, the small, unscented flowers are green-yellow. I often grow them up loose wigwams made from buddelia sticks inserted into large tubs, underplanted with lobelia, small antirrhinums and perhaps a lantana in the middle. They are also happy scrambling up trellis. |
NCG 387
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Lathyrus cirrhosus | |
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Cirrhose vetch
A collector's item! This very unusual small but robust, scrambling perennial sweet pea is native to the Pyrenees and forms a dense mound of attractive, grey-green foliage bearing tendrils and many small, pale-pink, unscented blooms from June well into summer. A deceptively robust plant that will do well in relatively… |
NCG 031
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Lathyrus latifolius 'Albus'
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White everlasting sweet pea
Although unscented, the everlasting sweet pea is most attractive grown against a sunny wall, trellis or fence - or permitted to grow through a large shrub or small tree - and provides masses of flower stems. Very suitable for cutting. These seeds are gathered from Lathyrus latifolius 'Alba' and are… |
NCG 030
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Lathyrus odoratus
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Mixed Sweet Pea
This mixture of sweet peas in pink, red, blue, mauve and maybe occasionally pale yellow (lathyrus chloranthus). Something of a Jamboree bag, but will no doubt produce some attractive plants and all will complement each other! |
NCG 268
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Lathyrus odoratus 'Cupani' | |
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Sweet Pea 'Cupani'
Seeds of this delightful heirloom sweet pea was sent in 1699 by Father Cupani, a Franciscan monk from Sicily, to Dr Robert Uvedale, who resided in Enfield, Middlesex. All our modern sweet peas are descended from these seeds. The flowers, which have dark blue standards and purple wings, are produced… |
NCG 214
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Lathyrus odoratus 'Wiltshire Ripple'
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Sweet Pea 'Wiltshire Ripple'
This delightful heirloom variety of sweet pea is deliciously scented and its distinctive marking make it a must for my garden! Highly recommended. NOTE: Externally sourced seeds. |
NCG 443
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Lathyrus sativus var. albus
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Indian vetch, Chickling pea, Grass pea 'Alba'
A variant of the blue chickling pea. the centres of the small, white flowers are sometimes flushed with sky-blue and pink (see inset). A small plant by sweet pea standards, it looks lovely tumbling out of hanging baskets. I usually cut the plants back to within a few inches of… |
NCG 032
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Lathyrus sativus var. azureus
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King Tutankhamun's pea, Indian vetch, Chickling pea, Grass pea
My favourite sweet pea, despite the fact that is has no scent. Rumoured to originate here in the UK from seeds found by Harold Carter, the Egyptologist, in Tutankhamun's tomb, the small flowers are a delicate clear sky-blue, with pink centres. A small plant by sweet pea standards, it looks… |
NCG 168
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Leucanthemella serotina | |
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Autumn Ox Eye, High Daisy, Giant Daisy
Masses of white daisy flowers about 2 inches across top this tall plant, which is more delicate than the related Leucanthemum superbum. The stems are taller and less lax, seldom needing support. Much recommended, both for the back of the border and as a cut flower. N.B.… |
NCG 070
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Leycesteria formosa
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Pheasant Berry, Himalayan honeysuckle, Flowering nutmeg
The stems of this most unusual-looking plant resemble bamboo and are a feature in the winter garden. However, they should be cut back hard in spring to encourage new, bushy growth. The flowers are small, appearing as nodding bunches surrounded by dark-maroon bracts, followed by reddish-brown berries which are edible… |
NCG 164
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Linaria purpurea
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Perennial Toadflax
This delightful plant with its tall spikes of tiny purple or pink flowers resembling miniature snapdragons, which appear from a basal clump of fine, grey-green leaves, is attractive not only to right-minded humans, but to wildlife... it is much loved by butterflies and bees. It flowers from June right through… |
NCG 787
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Linaria purpurea 'Canon J Went'
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Perennial Toadflax 'Canon Went'
Although this pretty plant has both purple and pink varieties, and seeds are available on this website as a mix collected from both colours of plant, I am offering here seed collected only from pink plants. I cannot guarantee that all will come true, but it is likely that more… |
NCG 777
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Linaria reticulata 'Flamenco' | |
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Annual toadflax 'Flamenco'
This versatile little annual, which is native to North Africa, but easy to grow in our climate, should be better known! The blooms, which are a striking fuchsia-red with bright yellow lips - looking rather like miniature snapdragons - keep coming for many months in summer. Seldom exceeding 12 in/30… |
NCG 344
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Linum grandiflorum var. rubrum
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Scarlet flax
Like the more familiar blue and white variety, Linum usitatissimum, Scarlet flax produces a profusion of small flowers with a satiny finish, but - as is obvious from the name - they are a rich red. A very worthwhile annual to grow. |
NCG 367
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Linum narbonense 'Heavenly Blue' AGM
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Perennial flax 'Heavenly Blue'
This charming, usually short-lived, perennial produces masses of clear blue flowers an inch in diameter and dark-green foliage on wiry stems. The flowers last only a day, but new buds burst daily too, so during summer the plant is always full of colour. It will self-seed but is not a… |
NCG 483
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Linum perenne 'Blue Sapphire'
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Perennial flax 'Blue Sapphire'
This compact form of perennial flax is a cottage garden favourite, with ferny foliage and masses of sky-blue flowers from late spring and right through the summer. It works well as an edging plant, in containers and for naturalising in wildlife gardens. Although short-lived, it will gently self-seed. Established plants… |
NCG 034
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Linum usitatissimum
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Common Flax, Linseed
The delicate flowers of this dainty plant are sky-blue or white, on fine, grey-blue foliage - a delight to see en masse! Ours appeared from nowhere in my hot bed (flax is grown in the fields nearby, so the seeds were, no doubt, brought in by birds). Despite the fact… |
NCG 601
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Lobelia siphilitica
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Great blue lobelia, Blue cardinal flower
This stately plant, which originates from Northern America, has tall spires of rich-blue or violet, tubular flowers above rosettes of dark green leaves. It much loved by pollinating insects but on the other hand is said to be a herbivore deterrent, which, if it works, will be useful to gardeners… |
NCG 035
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Lunaria annua
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Honesty, Money Plant, Moonwort
An old cottage garden favourite, the seedheads of which are often to be seen in dried floral arrangements. Carefully rub the seed pod (silicles) casings off the dried stems to reveal moon-shine like membranes that give this plant its Latin name. A trouble-free plant that will establish itself happily and… |
NCG 652
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Lunaria annua var. albiflora syn. alba
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White-flowered honesty
A white-flowered variation on the old cottage garden favourite, the seedheads of which are often to be seen in dried floral arrangements. Carefully rub the seed pod (silicles) casings off the dried stems to reveal moon-shine like membranes that give this plant its Latin name. A trouble-free plant that will… |
NCG 371
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Lupinus polyphyllus, mixed
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Lupin - mixed
A popular cottage garden plant, the lupin produces tall spikes of bi-coloured flowers in a variety of shades in late spring/early summer. |
NCG 485
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Monarda fistulosa
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Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm, Horsemint, Oswego Tea
A beautiful perennial well known as a medicinal herb. The masses of pale-mauve blooms are very attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects, The foliage is scented. |
NCG 583
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Nasturtium microphyllum
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One-rowed Watercress
Description coming soon. |
NCG 528
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Nasturtium peregrinum | |
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Canary creeper
This pretty annual climber will happily scramble over fences and trellis, though you may wish to provide some string to help it on its way. The pretty, fringed, yellow flowers appear in profusion during the summer and the lobed, pale-green foliage is also very attractive. Good for hiding eyesores! |
NCG 189
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Nemophila discoides 'Total Eclipse' | |
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Black nemophila
A profusion of blooms no more than an inch across, coloured deep purple - almost black - with white edges. A lovely statement at the front of the border or tumbling from hanging baskets and planters. |
NCG 323
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Nicandra physalodes
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Shoo-fly plant, Apple of Peru, Peruvian bluebell
Looking very similar to Chinese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi), but with green/black lanterns rather than the familiar bright orange, and striking black stems, this plant is an annual and although it does seed itself around it is easier to control than Physalis (which multiplies by underground runners and has a tendency… |
NCG 099
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Nicotiana langsdorffii AGM
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Langsdorff's tobacco
This unusual tobacco plant first appeared in the garden in the summer of 2011. Height is variable, but can reach 1metre or more, with many branching stems bearing masses of narrow, tubular flowers which are greenish-yellow, with small, usually red-tinged, lips. |
NCG 038
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Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll'
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Love-in-a-Mist
Everything about this cottage garden favourite is spectacular, from the buds, through flowers to seed pods. The finely cut, bright-green foliage is bedecked with rich cornflower-blue flowers throughout the summer, which develop into seedpods, often tinged red and like spurred balloons. These are a lovely addition to dried flower arrangements. |
NCG 484
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Nigella damascena 'Mulberry Rose'
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Love-in-a-Mist 'Mulberry Rose'
Like her more common blue/white sister, this cottage garden annual, in shades soft pinks and occasional white, is a must! Everything about it is pretty, from the buds, through flowers to seed pods. The finely cut, bright-green foliage is bedecked with flowers throughout the summer, which develop into seedpods, often… |
NCG 470
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Oenothera biennis
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Evening primrose
Although generally thought of as a biennial, this favourite herbal and garden flower often survives as a perennial. In its second year of growth it produces masses of bright yellow blooms, which are delicately scented, on tall, branching stems. |
NCG 222
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Onopordum acanthium
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Scotch Thistle, Scottish Thistle, Cotton thistle
I don't generally welcome thistles in the garden, but this is an exception! This huge, ornamental thistle, which can reach 3 metres tall and a metre across, has spiny, silver-green leaves on a thick, branching stem, from which beautiful spherical buds develop, opening to gigantic pinkish-purple thistle flowers which are… |
NCG 002
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Panicum elegans 'Frosted Explosion'
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Switch grass 'Frosted Explosion'
As the seed heads emerge, they resemble fibre optics! Lovely plant for floral arrangements. Remove seedheads if you don't want the grass to self seed, but unlike some grasses is not difficult to control - roots are shallow so young, unwanted plants can be removed easily. |
NCG 036
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Papaver cambricum
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Welsh Poppy
This beautiful wild flower has clear yellow flowers - often with crinkled petals - and bright green foliage that lights up dark areas. Ours found their place under the apple trees. Recently renamed from Meconopsis cambrica. |
NCG 502
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Papaver miyabeanum | |
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Japanese poppy
Although strictly speaking a perennial, this very pretty alpine poppy is best treated as an annual or biennial. Just a few inches tall, with soft greenish-yellow blooms and basal rosettes of attractive, deeply divided foliage, followed by lovely seed heads, this is a pretty plant for containers or a rock… |
NCG 522
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Papaver orientale 'Coral Reef' | |
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Oriental poppy 'Coral Reef'
These lovely poppies, which have pink petals and a black centre, will, unlike many others, come true from seed. All the oriental poppies are gorgeous, with their huge, papery blooms, and are much loved by pollinating insects. |
NCG 354
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Papaver pilosum ssp. spicatum Syn. P. heldreichii | |
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Spiked poppy
A rare poppy originating from south-western Turkey, this is unlike other poppies, in that it flowers along the length of its stem, not just at the tip. Stiff stems rise from rosettes of divided, grey-green foliage, bearing single, soft-orange blooms from late spring and through the summer. It is often… |
NCG 096
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Papaver rhoeas - various
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Poppy Mixture
This is a mixture of Field, Ladybird (black-eyed), white-eyed and possibly other similar poppies. Most will be red, but there may be the occasional deep pink or pastel variety. They look lovely planted in drifts towards the front of the border. |
NCG 039
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Papaver rupifragum 'Tangerine Parfait'
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Moroccan Poppy, Spanish Poppy
Soft, divided, grey-green leaves contrast beautifully with the double, soft-orange blooms on thin, wiry stems, which are produced continuously throught the summer months and well into autumn. The delicate seed heads can be used in dried flower arrangements. A short-lived perennial, but self-seeds. |
NCG 776
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Papaver sominferum, true red
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Opium poppy, true red
The picture really doesn't do justice to the colour of this opium poppy, which is a true, rich red with a black centre. The seeds were gathered from a plant that appeared well after the other types in the garden had been and gone, so hopefully cross-pollination will have been… |
NCG 473
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Papaver somniferum, Ex. white, single
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Opium Poppy, white, single
This variant of the opium poppy has pure white blooms, usually single, with perhaps an occasional double or semi-double. These seeds are harvested from white plants, but other colours grow nearby. Although these are removed as soon as identified to help prevent cross-pollination, it cannot be guaranteed that all these… |
NCG 040
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Papaver somniferum, red, single
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Opium Poppy, red, single
Harvested from deep-coral-pink plants with a darker eye and occasional fringes, but although common varieties growing near these were removed as soon as identified, it cannot be guaranteed that all these seeds will breed true - however, a very reasonable proportion should do so. |
NCG 330
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Papaver somniferum, single, mauve
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Opium Poppy, single, mauve
The flowers of the familiar opium poppy are often pale purple-pink, but are quite variable, with colours varying from almost white to dark purple-pink and sometimes shades of salmon-pink. The darkness of the blotch at the centre of the flowers can also be variable. The seeds of are widely used… |
NCG 181
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Passiflora caerulea
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Blue passion flower, Common passion flower
Attractive in all respects, this vigorous climber has not only exquisitely intricate flowers but distinctive lobed foliage and bright orange, egg-shaped fruits, which are edible when fully ripe but rather bland in taste, from late summer onwards. It is often deciduous in milder areas. |
NCG 244
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Phlox paniculata 'White Admiral' AGM
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Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox 'White Admiral'
This lovely plant has tall, erect stems clothed in light- to mid-green foliage at the top of which appear large, loose globes of pure white, scented flowers. It blooms for months and makes a wonderful addition to flower arrangements. As the flowers mature the perfume is reminiscent of caramel. Grow… |
NCG 398
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Phlox paniculata Mixed
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Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox - Mixed
Perennial phlox does not usually come true from seed, so although these seeds come from the white and pink varieties illustrated, they could produce plants of almost any hue within the range from white to dark-pink. All very pretty, though, and they make a great cut flower! |
NCG 308
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Pulmonaria officinalis
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Blue Lungwort
All the pulmonarias are lovely shade plants, and no less this, the common type. Blue flowers, turning mauve and then pink, adorn rather hairy stems up to 12 inches tall growing from a rosette of green foliage specked with white. NOTE: Plants, when offered, may, depending on season, be trimmed right… |
NCG 307
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Pulmonaria officinalis 'Sissinghurst White'
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White lungwort
All the pulmonarias are lovely shade plants, and no less this, the white form of the common type. A joy to see the white flowers adorn rather hairy stems up to 12 inches tall growing from a rosette of green foliage specked with white. A trouble free plant. Cut back… |
NCG 306
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Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'
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Coral Lungwort
This unusual pulmonaria is low-growing and mat-forming, making it a good choice for ground cover in moist, shady areas - lighting them up just when a little colour is so welcome! The leaves are mid-green and unspotted, above which masses of coral-red flowers appear on short, hairy stems in early… |
NCG 226
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Ranunculus lingua 'Grandiflorus' | |
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Large-flowered Greater Spearwort
This is a lovely aquatic plant which, in its natural habitat, favours shallow streams or river banks. It can be grown as a marginal plant in ponds, but is generally not suited to small ponds as it can be rather invasive. Clear yellow buttercup-like flowers appear in mid-summer above tall,… |
NCG 079
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Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'
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Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, Gloriosa Daisy
This perennial Rudbeckia is a trouble-free plant that makes a stunning statement when planted en masse in the hot bed! The deep yellow flowers with black eyes stand on tall, wiry stems and are a very useful cut flower. Prefers full sun but will tolerte part shade. |
NCG 066
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Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' AGM
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Black-eyed Susan, Cutleaf Coneflower, Gloriosa Daisy
This magnificent, very tall - 2 metres or more - rudbeckia is a good choice for the back of the border. The large, bright yellow blooms have striking lime green cones and are borne on straight stems clothed in dark green foliage. A beautiful cut flower. Although my plants produce… |
NCG 425
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Rudbeckia occidentalis 'Green Wizard' | |
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Cone flower 'Green Wizard'
A wonderful cut flower, fresh or dried, this unusual hardy rudbeckia has its origins in Western USA. From late-spring and well into summer it produces elongated, russet-brown cones above a circle of green bracts on tall, strong stems bearing dark green leaves. Much recommended! |
NCG 043
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Rudbeckia x hirta 'Caramel Mixed'
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Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, Gloriosa Daisy 'Caramel Mixed'
This rudbeckia mixture will produce double blooms in soft but warm shades of amber, copper and burnt rose, with a distinctive cone at the centre. The blooms stand on tall, wiry stems and make good cut flowers. A stunning addition to the hot bed! Prefers full sun but will tolerate… |
NCG 284
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Salvia forskaohlei | |
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Indigo woodland sage
An unusual, hardy salvia with large, textured leaves and deep purple and white flowers on strong stems. Very attractive. |
NCG 048
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Salvia verticillata
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Whorled clary sage
Whorls of small, lilac flowers spaced along stems arising from dense clumps of grey-green, slightly hairy, basal foliage. A tough plant that tolerates sand, chalk and dryness. |
NCG 496
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Silene latifolia
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White campion, Cuckoo flower, Thunder-flower, White robin
Description coming soon. |
NCG 431
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Silene syn. Lychnis chalcedonica
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Maltese Cross, Scarlet Lightning, Catchfly
A lovely addition at the back of the hot bed, this tall, robust, long-lived perennial is a traditional cottage garden plant that has been grown and enjoyed for many generations. Rich red clusters of flowers on tall stems. There is a tendency for the plants to lose their lower leaves… |
NCG 390
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Symphyotrichum Syn. Aster novae-angliae 'Violetta'
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New England Aster 'Violetta'
This tall, striking aster is exquisite... the picture does not really do it justice. It produces masses of deep-purple, single flowers about 3.5cm in diameter from late summer and well into autumn. It is loved by pollinating insects. Also a good cut flower. Much recommended! I cannot guarantee that seed,… |
NCG 421
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Symphytum x hidcotense 'Hidcote Blue' | |
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Comfrey 'Hidcote Blue'
Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue' produces branching stems bearing mid-green, rather coarse, foliage. Clusters of red buds appear in late spring, maturing to pale blue and then white. The foliage is mid-green and rather coarse. Best planted where it will always be required, as it is difficult to completely remove once established.… |
NCG 052
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Tagetes tenuifolia 'Starfire Mixed'
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Mexican Marigold 'Starfire Mixed'
The masses of yellow, orange and vermillion flowers produced throughout the summer are not only very pretty but an extremely useful 'companion' plant. Since growing them at the base of my greenhouse tomatoes aphid are a thing of the past! Tagetes are suitable for planters and baskets or the front… |
NCG 217
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Tanacetum parthenium
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Feverfew
Hundreds of tiny little chrysanthemum-like flowers, white with a yellow centre, adorn this popular cottage garden plant. The stems are strong and erect, with mid-green, lobed leaves. |
NCG 065
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Teucrium hircanicum 'Purple Tails'
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Caucasian Germander 'Purple Tails'
Deep pink flower spikes with purple bracts from early summer to autumn, on erect stems rise above crinkled rich green basal foliage. Cut back after first flush to encourage new blooms. Although it prefers moist, free-draining soil, this plant is drought tolerant. |
NCG 045
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Tigridia pavonia
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Tiger Flower
This exotic bulb in shades of red, yellow, white and cream is happiest in full sun in moist, well drained soil (add grit to the planting hole if soil is heavy). Tigridia can endure the cold, but for complete safety, in all but the mildest areas it is advisable to… |
NCG 292
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Tithonia rotundifolia 'Fiesta Del Sol' | |
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Mexican Sunflower 'Fiesta Del Sol'
A smaller, more compact variety than her sister, 'Torch', this is a lovely addition towards the front of the hot bed! A profusion of rich orange flowers from late summer to autumn, on branching plants growing to about 30in/80cm tall. A good cut flower, although the hollow neck of the… |
NCG 046
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Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch'
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Mexican Sunflower 'Torch'
A dynamic plant for the hot bed! A profusion of rich orange to vermillion flowers from late summer to autumn, on large, branching plants up to 6ft/2m. A good cut flower, although the hollow neck of the cut blooms can be a little prone to sudden collapse, particularly if deprived… |
NCG 441
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Trachelium caeruleum 'Pallas' AGM
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Blue throatwort
Although a perennial, this stunning plant is usually grown as an annual, as it will not withstand frost. It forms a bushy mound of small leaves from which rise flower stems topped with large umbels composed of many tiny mauve flowers. A wonderful cut flower - much recommended! |
NCG 437
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Valeriana officinalis
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Common valerian
This sweetly vanilla-scented cottage garden plant has masses of small, white to pale-pink flowers on strong, straight stems clothed in attractive, finely divided, bronze foliage. Much loved by bees and other pollinating insects. Highly recommended. |
NCG 089
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Verbascum thapsus
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Great Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Torches
This wildflower forms rosettes of grey-green, woolly leaves from which very tall spikes of clear yellow flowers grow in summer. Not only has this wildflower been used as a herbal remedy for thousands of years but dye can be extracted from it and the dried flower spikes can be made… |
NCG 085
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Verbena bonariensis
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Purpletop verbena, Purpletop vervain
A tall, sculptural plant that ticks all the boxes! The clusters of small, purple flowers, which are borne on the end of strong, branching stems, are a magnet for butterflies, bees and hoverflies. Grow en masse for best effect. Although a perennial, this plant tends to be short-lived, but it… |
NCG 413
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Veronica gentianoides
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Gentian speedwell
In summer, spikes of small, pale-blue flowers with striking purple veining appear above rosettes of attractive, glossy foliage. Best grown near the front of the border, where its intricate markings can be best appreciated! |
NCG 084
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Veronica longifolia (blue)
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Garden Speedwell, Blue
A very attractive and useful plant; long lasting, purple flower spikes of tiny flowers appear from late spring until mid summer and make a good filler in flower arrangements.Very attractive to bees. |
NCG 295
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Veronica longifolia (pink)
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Garden Speedwell, Pink
A much rarer form than the well known blue veronica, this variety is in pretty shades of pink. The spikes of tiny flowers appear from late spring until mid summer and make a good filler in flower arrangements. Cut plant back to 1 foot after flowering to encourage a new… |
NCG 062
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Viola 'Blackjack'
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Viola 'Blackjack'
This is probably a cross between Bowles' Black and a standard viola. Still, it is rich in colour and produces masses of small, midnight-blue flowers with yellow eyes. Very useful for front of border or in containers and hanging baskets. Cut back after first flush of flowering to encourage new… |
NCG 516
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Viola 'Bowles Black' | |
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Viola 'Bowles Black'
A very pretty viola that is usually hard to come by, with flowers which are deepest midnight-blue to almost black, with deep yellow eyes. Although strictly speaking a hardy perennial, best treated as a half-hardy annual. The seeds gathered from these plants were fertilised when almost all other violas in… |
NCG 047
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Viola cornuta
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Horned Violet
A lovely front of border plant in shades of mid-blue, pale-blue and occasionally white. Very easy to grow and flowers for months. Plants can become leggy but this is easily remedied; cut them back to within 3-4 inches of the ground and they will soon regenerate to produce compact plants… |
NCG 419
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Viola sororia 'Freckles' | |
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Woolly Blue Violet, Sister Violet
This stunning viola has white, or very pale-blue, flowers which are covered in tiny purple speckles. Comes true from seed. The plants on offer are very small, but don't worry - they will soon bulk out if given the right conditions. |
NCG 137
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Xerochrysum Syn. Helichrysum bracteatum 'Monstrosum' | |
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Everlasting Daisy, Straw flower
The papery flowers of this quirky plant, which grows on tall, straight stems about 3 feet high, are perfect for drying. Butterflies love them! Very easy to grow, and a good introduction to gardening for children. |
NCG 527
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Zinnia elegans 'Polar Bear'
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Common zinnia, Elegant zinnia, Youth and old age 'Polar Bear'
A fast-growing half-hardy annual that will provide an abundance of flowers throughout the summer months and into autumn. The large, white blooms are much loved by pollinating insects and great for flower arrangements. |
NCG 385
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Zinnia elegans Mixed
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Common zinnia, Elegant zinnia, Youth and old age
A fast-growing half-hardy annual that will provide a wealth of colour throughout the summer months and into autumn. Large blooms in shades including pink, cerise, scarlet and orange. Much loved by pollinating insects and great for flower arranegments. |
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