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NCG 001
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Acanthus spinosus
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Bear's Britches
This stately, dramatic plant is happiest in full sun, but will also tolerate deep shade. Very useful cut flower, both fresh and dried. The flower spikes, with white blooms with purple bracts, appear above deeply divided dark green foliage. |
NCG 129
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Aconitum Carmichaelii Var. arendsii
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Autumn-flowering monkshood, Chinese aconite
Full description to come, but please note: All parts of the plant are extremely toxic - it is highly advisable to wear gloves when handling and to wash hands if accidentally touched. |
NCG 224
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Adenophora latifolia 'Amethyst' | |
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Ladybells
Sometimes confused with campanula, to which it is related, this plant is more delicate. It has nodding bells in a lovely soft shade of violet-blue, borne on straight stems with dark-green toothed foliage. NOTE: The plants have a rather scrambling root system and are difficult to split tidily.… |
NCG 499
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Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' | |
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Tree aeonium, Tree houseleek, Irish rose
Description coming soon. |
NCG 700
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Agastache foeniculum
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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 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 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 610
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Alstroemeria Ligtu Hybrids | |
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Peruvian lily
Flowers in a range of colours, from white through warm yellows, oranges and reds to shades of pink, on strong, straight stems with glossy foliage. Prefers soil that is not too limey. |
NCG 148
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Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata
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Porcelain berry
This vine-like plant is attractive in all respects, but particularly for its stunningly coloured berries, which range from soft blue-green through turquoise to purple. It grows vigorously in the right conditions. Positioning on a sheltered south-facing wall in poorish soil and restricting root growth gives the best environment for reliable… |
NCG 326
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Anemone pavonina | |
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Peacock anemone
This spectacular, spring-flowering anemone is a Mediterranean species with dark-green leaves and bright, cup-shaped blooms in pink, purple or red, usually with a white eye. It is happiest in a sunny position in free-draining soil, either towards the front of a border, in containers or naturalised in grass. |
NCG 609
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Aquilegia viridiflora 'Chocolate Soldier'
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Columbine 'Chocolate Soldier'
Unusual chocolate-brown petals with contrasting yellow-green stamens make this little aquilegia a stunning addition to the garden. Works well at front of border of in rockeries. Highly recommended! |
NCG 793
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Aquilegia vulgaris 'Miss M I Huish'
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Granny's bonnet, Columbine 'Miss M I Huish'
A beautiful, deep-violet, spurless, double variety of the classic cottage garden plant. |
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 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 885
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Berkheya purpurea | |
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Purple berkheya
Description coming soon. |
NCG 242
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Brimeura amethystina AGM
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Amethyst hyacinth, Spanish hyacinth
The delicate, pale blue, nodding bells of this pretty bulbous plant are fragrant and much loved by butterflies. Although the common name refers to it as a hyacinth, it is in fact only distantly related. NOTE: Not to be confused with the Spanish bluebell, which is a thug and… |
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 669
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Campanula portenschlagiana Syn. muralis | |
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Dalmatian bellflower, Wall bellflower
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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 567
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Catananche caerulea bicolor | |
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White Cupid's Dart
This pretty plant produces a basal rosette of narrow, grey-green leaves, above which wiry stems rise in summer, topped with white flowers with violet-blue eyes. The papery seedheads are very attractive and are useful for dried flower arrangements. |
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 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 853
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Cichorium intybus
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Common chicory
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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 286
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Cleome hassleriana | |
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Spider flower, Skunk flower
A striking plant, with spiky, pink or mauve flowers from June to early Autumn on tall stems with palmate leaves. The whole plant has a musky odour that has been variously described as skunky or not unlike that of marijuana, though others think it more akin to citronella! |
NCG 166
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Cobaea Scandens AGM
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Cup and Saucer Vine
This climber, which must usually be treated as an annual in the UK when situated outside, but can be successfully grown as a perennial indoors if warmth and some humidity are provided, is the perfect choice for a sunny, sheltered wall, trellis or pergola. Once the young plants have acclimatised,… |
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 418
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Corydalis temulifolia syn. quantmeyerana 'Chocolate Stars' | |
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Corydalis 'Chocolate Stars'
A hard to find Corydalis with unique chocolate brown spring foliage which fades to green by summer. The leaf edge is nicely serrated and very pale lavender flowers are borne in early summer. If grown in shade with ample soil moisture, it will not go summer dormant. Grows 12-16in high… |
NCG 625
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Cynara cardunculus
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Cardoon
The cardoon, also called the artichoke thistle, is a member of the sunflower family. It is native to the western and central Mediterranean region. A robust plant, growing up to 2.4m/8 feet tall, it produces large, purplish-pink, thistle-like flower heads above divided, grey-green foliage. The immature flowers, called globe artichokes,… |
NCG 696
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Datura metel 'Blackcurrant Swirl'
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Angel's trumpet 'Blackcurrant Swirl'
Although strictly speaking a perennial shrub, this dynamic plant is usually grown as an annual, but container-grown plants can be overwintered in a conservatory or heated greenhouse. 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 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 446
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Dierama species mixed | |
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Angel's Fishing Rod
Description coming later. |
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 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… |
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NCG 739
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Eryngium bourgatii | |
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Mediterranean sea holly
Description coming soon. |
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. |
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NCG 407
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Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold' | |
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Winter creeper 'Emerald 'n' Gold'
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NCG 311
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Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'
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Purple Wood Spurge
This low-growing spurge produces rich purple foliage in spring, followed by greenish-yellow flowers on slender, wiry stems. NOTE: Later in the year, plants may be shipped trimmed back and/or supplied bare-rooted. |
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NCG 592
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Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpureum'
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Bronze-leaved fennel
The bronze-leaved variety of this attractive culinary herb. Fennel is a large plant with feathery leaves 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 traditionally used in fish recipes. The seeds also… |
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,… |
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NCG 783
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Geranium phaeum 'Mourning Widow' | |
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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 such as this one. Flowering in spring, the blooms are a rich, dark, reddish-purple. The dark-green lobed foliage has splodges of maroon. It is a very… |
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 675
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Geranium pratense 'Striatum' ('Splish Splash')
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Meadow cranesbill 'Striatum' ('Splish Splash')
As the name suggests, the petals of this geranium have splishes and splashes of blue and white. Please note that although the seeds offered have been collected only from such plants, other G. pratense are grown in the garden, so there is the possibility of some cross-fertilisation. |
NCG 576
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Geranium pratense 'Summer Skies'
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Description coming soon. |
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 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 463
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Geranium renardii 'Phillipe Vapelle'
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Renard geranium 'Tschelda'
A delightful geranium, chiefly due to its rounded, velvety, deeply textured leaves. The standard variety has pinkish-white flowers with purple-red veining, but these are a soft mauve, also with strong veining, and I believe them to be a variety named 'Tschelda'. Loved by pollinating insects and much recommended to humans! |
NCG 416
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Gladiolus murielae | |
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Abyssinian gladiolus, Sword lily, Peacock lily
So much daintier than most other gladiolus, and with a deliciously spicy scent too! The flowers are funnel-shaped, white with a purple blotch at their centre, rising above light-green, sword-shaped leaves. Highly recommended. Synonyms are Acidanthera bicolor, Gladiolus callianthus and (less commonly), Ixia quartiniana and Sphaerospora gigantea. |
NCG 530
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Gladiolus x hortulanus, mixed | |
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Gladioli, mixed
The seeds offered are from a variety of gladiolus, but all were special... some multi-coloured, as ilustrated, and some plain, sometimes with a white streak, in delicious colours ranging from clear lilac through to deepest maroon - almost black. The flowers will have cross-pollinated, so seed will not come true… |
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 054
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Hibiscus trionum
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Flower-of-an-Hour, Venice Mallow, Bladder hibiscus, Bladder ketmia
This delightful plant, which is usually treated as an annual in the UK, produces creamy flowers with dark burgundy centres on stems clothed with dark green, lobed leaves. Each flower only lasts a day but in the right conditions it will bloom profusely, followed by very attractive seed pods, throughout… |
NCG 577
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Hieracium maculatum Syn spilophaeum 'Leopard' | |
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Spotted hawkweed
An unusual and decorative addition to the front of the border, this variegated form of hawkweed (usually considered a weed!) produces a low rosette of intricately blotched, dark red-brown and blue-green leaves, above which nod small, yellow daisy-like flowers on tall, wiry stems. It is for the foliage that this… |
NCG 026
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Hyoscyamus niger
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Black Henbane, Stinking Nightshade
Black henbane produces soft, downy leaves and strange, but beautiful, pale creamy-yellow flowers intricately veined in purple. The seed pods are also rather attractive; they have a little round lid which falls off when the pods are ripe, releasing the seeds. All parts of the plant are toxic. The whole plant… |
NCG 635
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Ipomoea purpurea Ex. 'Grandpa Otts'
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Morning glory 'Grandpa Otts'
An abundance of the familiar Morning Glory flowers, but in an intense deep-violet colour that will hit you between the eyes! Although it is possible that not all seeds will come true, I would expect most to do so. Attracts butterflies and other pollinating insects. |
NCG 029
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Iris foetidissima | |
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Stinking Iris
An unusual woodland iris with dingy yellow/brown flowers with a purplish tinge, arising from stiff, sword shaped foliage. The flowers are followed by large green seedpods that open to reveal neat rows of bright red seeds. Don't be put off by the name - any smell is only apparent when… |
NCG 718
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Iris germanica, blue | |
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Bearded iris, blue
I'm not sure of the name of this delightful bearded iris. The blooms, which appear in spring, have dark blue falls and lemon-yellow standards, on strong stems. Much recommended! NOTE: Depending on season, plants, when available, may be trimmed back and/or barerooted for shipping. |
NCG 719
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Iris germanica, pale blue | |
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Bearded iris, pale blue
A dependable, robust bearded iris with a profusion of pale-blue blooms in spring, contrasting well with the grey-green, sword-shaped foliage. Makes a good cut flower. NOTE: Depending on season, plants, when available, may be trimmed back and/or barerooted for shipping. |
NCG 415
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Iris sanguinea AGM
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Blood-red iris
This delicate iris is perhaps my favourite. The Audrey Hepburn of the iris family... not cheap and gaudy but delicate, composed and very, very classy - a natural beauty! I'm not quite sure how it got its common name; the petals do have a reddish base, but are for the… |
NCG 243
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Iris setosa var arctica
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Dwarf Arctic iris
This sweet little iris, standing only a few inches tall, has pale blue flowers with striking veins, and are yellow at the centre, fading to silver. The blooms appear above green, spear-shaped leaves. |
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 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 474
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Lathyrus odoratus 'Senator'
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Sweet Pea 'Senator' (Heirloom)
A delightfully sweet-scented heirloom variety of sweet pea, usually described as a chocolate maroon flake, and an Eckford introduction from 1891. NOTE: Since other sweet peas are grown in the garden I cannot guarantee that all will breed true, but in my experience most should do so. |
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NCG 383
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Lathyrus odoratus mixed | |
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NCG 468
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Lathyrus Syn. Orobus vernus
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Spring bitter vetch, Spring pea, Spring vetchling
A lovely mound of reddish-purple pea blooms in spring, maturing to purple-blue. A lovely addition to the woodland garden! |
NCG 397
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Lavandula angustifolia
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English Lavender
Although lavender seed will not come true, but will produce plants with some variation in colour and form, unless you plan to make a formal feature in your garden this can be a plus... a mass planting of lavender grown from seed, with colours ranging from light mauve to deep… |
NCG 450
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Lavandula stoechas
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French lavender
The true French lavender. Heads of tiny fragrant purple flowers topped by rosy-purple tracts in late spring and summer. Very aromatic. NOTE: Plants offered winter 2018/19 are best overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse. |
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 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 252
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Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' AGM
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Big blue lilyturf
Happiest in part shade and moist soil, Liriope offers interest all year round. It forms clumps of glossy, evergreen, strap-like leaves, which contrast well with spikes of deep purple flowers from late summer and into the autumn. These are followed by glossy black berries. Growing up to about 1 foot… |
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 394
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Lysimachia ciliata 'Firecracker'
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Fringed loosestrife 'Firecracker'
The picture does not really do this plant justice. Attractive, deep-purple rosettes of rounded leaves appear in early spring, followed by tall spikes of more pointed leaves which bear small, yellow, star-shaped flowers along their length. Although moist - even wet - soil is recommended, mine grow in a dry,… |
NCG 693
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Mentha spicata | |
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Spearmint, Garden mint
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NCG 694
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Mentha suaveolens | |
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Apple mint
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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 479
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Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' (Organic)
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Basil 'Dark Opal'
A dark-purple variety of basil, with smaller, more toothed leaves than the more commonly-grown Sweet Genovese. Great for adding contrasting colour to salads and tomato dishes. For companion planting enthusiasts, basil is said to encourage the growth of tomatoes, peppers and chillies! NOTE: These are externally sourced, organic seeds. |
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 253
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Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' Syn. 'Kokuryu' | |
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Lilyturf, Ornamental Black Grass, Black mondo grass
Although, true to its common name, this evergreen plant is both ornamental and black, it is not a grass! It forms clumps of glossy, purple-black leaves (some may occasionally be dark-green), with spikes of pale purplish-pink flowers in autumn, followed by glossy black berries. It grows only about 6 inches… |
NCG 766
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Origanum vulgare
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Wild marjoram
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NCG 264
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Oxalis triangularis | |
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False Shamrock
This unusual and delightful plant looks far exotic to be hardy - but it is! Plants will be available later this year. Can be affected by a specific rust - Puccinia oxalidis. |
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 208
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Phacelia Symphony
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Phacelia 'Symphony'
A hardy annual which flowers for many months, producing hundreds of pretty, blue or white star-shaped flowers on rather lax stems bearing attractive, lobed, mid-green foliage. Works well planted at the front of the border and allowed to spill over to soften the edge. Also good as underplanting in large… |
NCG 648
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Phlox divaricata 'Clouds of Perfume'
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Woodland phlox 'Clouds of Perfume'
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NCG 201
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Phytolacca acinosa Syn. esculenta
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Indian Pokeweed, Inkberry, Pidgeonberry
Although invariably referred to as American pokeweed (P. decandra Syn. americana), the variety seen in UK gardens is almost certainly Indian pokeweed (P. asinosa Syn. esculenta). Both look very similar, but P. acinosa has vertical, upright inflorescences, whilst P. americana has lax, dangling, flower stems, with single, spherical fruits on… |
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 622
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Pulsatilla vulgaris | |
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Pasque flower
Description coming soon. |
NCG 352
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Rhodochiton atrosanguineus AGM
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Purple Bell Vine
This delightful climber deserves a place in every garden! Throughout the summer and into autumn, near-black, tubular flowers with dark-pink bracts dangle amongst wiry, twining stems with toothed, heart-shaped, dark green leaves. For best effect, I plant three or four in a 9 inch pot. Despite its exotic appearance, the… |
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. |
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NCG 760
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Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue' | |
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Anise-scented sage, Hummingbird sage
Salvia guaranitica, the anise-scented sage or hummingbird sage, is a species of Salvia native to a wide area of South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. A tall plant with rich-green, aromatic foliage and spikes cobalt-blue flowers contrasting with near-black sepals in late summer to autumn. It is very… |
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 586
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Salvia x jamensis Syn. microphylla 'Nachtvlinder' | |
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Woody sage 'Nachtvlinder'
Description coming soon. A cross between S. Greggii and S. Microphylla? |
NCG 524
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Scabiosa syn. Lomelosia caucasica, mixed
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Scabious, mixed
This traditional cottage garden plant is a must! Easy to grow, and making a wonderful cut flower, the blooms are coloured from white and cream to various shades of blue, on tall stems. As a bonus, both seed heads and foliage are attractive. |
NCG 337
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Scilla litardierei 'Amethystina' AGM
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Amethyst meadow squill
A lovely little plant with intensely blue flower spikes from spring to early summer. The seeds on offer will, of course, need time to develop into bulbs of flowering size, but they can be left to their own devices and grow quite quickly. These are very useful bulbs for naturalising,… |
NCG 044
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Sisyrinchium bermudiana Syn. angustifolium | |
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Blue-eyed Grass
Dainty deep blue, star-shaped flowers with yellow throats on short, straight stems above stiff, grass-like foliage. Very pretty at the front of the border. |
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 359
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Syringa microphylla | |
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Littleleaf Lilac
A diminutive version of the familiar lilac, with small leaves and loose, sweetly-scented clusters of tiny, purple-pink flowers in spring. More often than not, flowers continue to appear throughout the summer and into early autumn. Although best sited in full sun, it will generally cope well with part shade. |
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 735
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Triteleia Syn. Brodiaea laxa | |
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Triplet lily, Ithuriel's spear, Grassnut
The delightful purple, star-shaped blooms of this bulbous plant, which is indigenous to the west coast of America, appear in profusion in late Spring. |
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 393
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Verbena hybrida Mix | |
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Verbena, Mixed
Strictly speaking a short-lived perennial, but not fully hardy, so best treated as a half-hardy annual. Flowers are in shades including bright red, blue, rich peach and purple with a white eye. Plant en masse at the front of the border or in hanging baskets. |
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 526
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Vinca major 'Variegata' | |
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Greater periwinkle 'Variegata'
A trailing vine, usually used as ground cover, with bold creamy-yellow and green variegation. Pretty purple flowers and inch or so across appear sporadically from spring right into autumn. The plant spreads by rooting along the stems where they lie on the ground and can become quite dense, but can… |
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 594
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Viola odorata | |
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Sweet violet
Description coming soon. |
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. |
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