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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 080
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Acer griseum AGM
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Paper Bark Maple
A small to medium sized ornamental tree which lends interest to the garden at all times of year. Small, yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by fresh green foliage in spring and summer, then spectacular orange, red and pink autumn foliage in autumn. At all times of year the chestnut-red… |
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 756
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Actaea simplex 'Black Negligee' | |
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Baneberry, Bugbane
Formerly known as Cimicifuga racemosa, this tall, dynamic plant produces bold cut foliage of a deep burgundy colour - almost black. Racemes of tiny, white or pinkish flowers appear on tall, arching stems in summer. Highly recommended. |
NCG 639
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Agrostemma githago Syn. nicaeense
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Corncockle, Bastard nigella, Corn pink. Joy of love
This delightful annual wildflower has pink, five-petalled flowers surrounding by elongated calyxes, on strong, upright stems with narrow leaves. Should happily self-seed but unwanted plants are not difficult to remove. |
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 097
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Alkekengi officinarum Syn. Physalis alkekengi
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Chinese Lanterns
Familiar to many as an ingredient in dried flower arrangements, with its rich orange lanterns, many do not know that the small red fruit contained in within the husks is edible and has a higher concentration of vitamin C than lemons! However, the rest of the plant is poisonous, so… |
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 215
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Allium Syn. Nectaroscordum siculum
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Mediterranean Bells, Sicilian Honey Lily, Ornamental Onion, Sicilian Garlic
A fascinating plant! Clusters of waxy, bell-shaped flowers in shades of cream, pink and green appear in early summer, dangling on tall, slender stems. As the seed pods develop the flowers turn upwards. In some European countries the plant is more likely to be found in the vegetable plot than… |
NCG 451
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Alonsoa warscewiczii syn. meridionalis | |
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Mask flower
A native of Peru, this is one of my favourite discoveries! The stems of this tender perennial are strong and wiry and the small leaves are a rich green. The flowers, which are about an inch across and rich vermillion-red, opening from sweet little pouch-like buds, are produced in profusion… |
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 462
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Alstroemeria pulchella Syn. psittacina 'Mona Lisa' | |
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Lily of the Incas, Peruvian Lily, Parrot lily
Unlike many other Peruvian lilies, 'Mona Lisa' is known to come true from seed. It makes a wonderful cut flower (if you can bear to remove it from the garden!), with large heads of dark-red, speckled flowers with tinges of green on strong, straight stems with glossy foliage. Prefers soil… |
NCG 749
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Anemanthele lessoniana | |
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Pheasant's tail grass
Syn. Stipa arundinacea - full description soon. |
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 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 714
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Anemone Syn. Eriocapitella x hybrida Ex. 'Pretty Lady Emily' | |
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Japanese anemone Ex. 'Pretty Lady Emily'
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. 'Pretty Lady Emily' produces very pale-pink, double flowers with a rich yellow centre. NOTE: Seeds, when… |
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 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 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 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 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 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 011
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Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Marmoratum' AGM
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Italian arum 'Marmoratum', Variegated Cuckoopint, Lords-and-Ladies
The boldly marbled, arrow-shaped leaves appear in autumn and last right through most of the year. Seedlings may look unpromising at first, but as the plants grow the leaves develop their beautiful markings. Plant under trees to light up dark areas. When plants are on offer they are usually self… |
NCG 400
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Asparagus officinalis
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Garden asparagus
Growing this delicious and exceedingly healthy vegetable from seed might seem a strange idea, since there is a long wait before even crowns can be harvested. Seed-grown asparagus means another year's wait, but the plants will tend to be stronger and healthier than those from bare-rooted crowns that may have… |
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 826
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Astrantia major 'Roma'
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Masterwort 'Roma'
A lovely mid-pink variety of the traditional cottage garden plant. Astrantias are happy in shade and are said to repel slugs, so try planting near hostas. They are, though, tolerant of sun if kept well watered. They make a very good cut flower which lasts well and also can usually… |
NCG 176
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Astrantia major 'Ruby Wedding'
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Masterwort 'Ruby Wedding'
An exquisite, deep-red variety of the traditional cottage garden plant. NOTE: Seeds, when offered, have been collected exclusively from this variety, but since there are other astrantia in the garden there is the possibility of some cross-pollination. |
NCG 539
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Astrantia major 'Sunningdale Variegated'
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Masterwort 'Sunningdale Variegated'
This lovely astrantia produces masses of the usual pincushion blooms, which are pink with green tinges. But it really comes into its own in early spring, when the young foliage has strong white and green variegation. The white changes to cream and then yellow as the season progresses, and eventually… |
NCG 827
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Astrantia major, deep pink
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Masterwort, deep pink
A lovely deep-pink variety of the traditional cottage garden plant. I don't know its name, unfortunately. |
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 381
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Belamcanda chinensis | |
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Leopard lily
This most attractive perennial, which bears vividly orange blooms with dark spots, is a member of the Iris family. A lovely addition to a sunny hot bed, where it thrives even in quite arid conditions, although it will also tolerate light shade. A plant that is very easy to grow… |
NCG 688
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Billbergia nutans | |
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Queen's tears, Friendship plant
A bromeliad native to South America, the Friendship plant is so called because it produces side shoots which can be removed and grown on give to friends and family. The flowers are a kaleidoscope of pink, green, purple and yellow. They are evergreen perennials, generally quite forgiving of cold -… |
NCG 746
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Billbergia x windii | |
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Angel's tears, Friendship plant
A bromeliad native to South America with flowers in a kaleidoscope of pink, green, purple and yellow. They are evergreen perennials, generally quite forgiving of cold - mine survive well over the winter in an insulated but unheated greenhouse, and spend the rest of the year outside in dappled sunshine,… |
NCG 618
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Bistorta officinalis 'Superba' | |
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Red bistort 'Superba'
Soft spikes of tiny pink flowers on straight stems from May and well into the summer, above broad, deeply veined, grey-green leaves. Makes good ground cover. Spreads rapidly by underground runners but these are not far beneath the surface, so are easily removed in open ground as required. (Synonym Persicaria… |
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 677
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Campsis radicans | |
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Trumpet vine
Sold out, but I can usually source young plants direct from the garden to order, so please contact me if you are interested in purchasing. |
NCG 626
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Capsicum annum, Ramiro
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Sweet Horn Pepper, Ramiro
Long fruits with a rich, sweet flavour. Fully ripe, red, fruits are sweeter than those that are still green. If it is necessary to harvest green peppers at the end of the season, they can be placed on a warm, sunny window sill to ripen. |
NCG 100
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Capsicum annuum
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Sweet Pepper, Bell Pepper
A blocky-shaped fruit with a mild, sweet flavour. Fully ripe, red, fruits are sweeter than those that are still green. If it is necessary to harvest green peppers at the end of the season, they can be placed on a warm, sunny window sill to ripen. |
NCG 101
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Capsicum frutescens - Bird Eye
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Bird Eye Chilli
A small, medium-hot chilli with a thin skin which dries easily, but for fresh chillies all year round, keep a a pot indoors by a warm, sunny window during the winter. Prune the plant in spring to encourage new, bushy growth. It is possible to keep chilli plants for a… |
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 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 423
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Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Mrs Jessie Cooper'
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Chrysanthemum 'Mrs Jessie Cooper'
Chrysanthemums have never been my favourite plants, but this one is an exception! A very hardy variety, this compact plant has dark-green, lobed foliage which contrasts well with the deep-pink, narrow-petalled flowers that appear from summer right through to late autumn. Chrysanthemums are good companion plants as they contain the… |
NCG 774
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Chrysanthemum x hortorum 'Mei-kyo' | |
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Winteraster 'Mei-kyo'
A beautiful late-autumn flowering spray chrysanthemum, with masses of dusky pink, double flowers above dark green foliage. |
NCG 665
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Cirsium japonicum 'Pink and Rose Beauty' | |
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Plumed thistles
This pretty thistle is a native of Japan. It produces small, fluffy, globe-like blooms in shades of pink above mid-green foliage from late summer to autumn. |
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 744
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Clivia miniata | |
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Bush lily, Natal lily
A dynamic flowering houseplant native to South Africa, Clivia miniata is a rewarding plant to grow. Equally attractive when in its dormant stage, with broad, arching, spear-shaped leaves, but coming into its own when the flowers, which last for weeks, put on a show! Highly recommended. |
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 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 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 342
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Cotinus coggygria | |
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Smoke Bush
The plant from which these seeds were sourced has grey-green leaves with delicate, feathery flower spikes which turn from cream to a deep pink as the year progresses. |
NCG 363
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Crocosmia paniculata x fucata
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Crocosmia
I don't know where this variety of crocosmia came from... it seems to have appeared out of nowhere, but was probably given to me by my mother or one of her gardener friends. It has possibly been sitting there, sulking for years, but this year the hot bed has been… |
NCG 061
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Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Lucifer' AGM
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Montbretia, Crocosmia
A stunning plant with flame-red sprays of flowers which open sequentially and are borne on arching stems above long, strap-like foliage. Flowers are followed by attractive tapering seed heads. |
NCG 517
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Cyclamen hederifolium | |
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Hardy cyclamen, Ivy-leaved cyclamen
A delightful autumn-flowering woodland plant, with leaves shaped a little like ivy, though more tapered, strongly patterned with silver-green markings. The flowers are pink and sometimes delicately scented, usually appearing before the foliage. Looks wonderful naturalised under trees. |
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 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 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 432
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Dianthus barbatus Ex. nigrescens 'Sooty' | |
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Sweet William, black
These seeds were collected exclusively from this variety but it cannot be guaranteed that all will breed true, though they should produce a high proportion of dark-red to almost black blooms. Although strictly speaking a short-lived perennial, usually treated as a biennial. |
NCG 645
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Dianthus chinensis 'Chianti Double' | |
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Chinese pink
This pretty traditional cottage garden plant is long-flowering, producing masses of small, burgundy blooms with white edges. A good cut flower for posies. |
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 446
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Dierama species mixed | |
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Angel's Fishing Rod
Description coming later. |
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 664
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Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice'
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Foxglove 'Pam's Choice'
A two-toned foxglove, white with strongly contrasting, dark-maroon speckling in the throat. |
NCG 673
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Eccremocarpus syn. Calampelis scaber | |
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Chilean Glory Flower
A lovely climber with attractive, divided, mid-green foliage and masses of small, tubular blooms in shades from deep-red to orange from late spring and well into autumn. If grown in a sheltered position it will sometimes survive a mild winter in the UK, but is more usually grown as a… |
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 820
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Eschscholzia californica 'Apple Blossom' | |
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California poppy 'Apple Blossom'
Description coming soon. |
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 709
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Feioja Syn. Acca sellowiana | |
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Pineapple guava
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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… |
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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… |
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NCG 553
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Fragaria vesca
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Wild strawberry (single form)
Description coming soon. |
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NCG 554
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Fragaria vesca 'Flore Pleno'
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Wild strawberry 'Flore Pleno' (Double form)
Description coming soon. |
NCG 135
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Freesia (Lapeirousia/Anomatheca) laxa | |
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False freesia, Painted Petals
Originating from South Africa, this diminutive relative of the iris is an unusual and attractive addition at the front of borders. It thrives in poor, dry soil but will tolerate most situations that are not too moist. Spikes of bright pink blooms, about an inch across, with dark central blotches,… |
NCG 249
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Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra Maxima' AGM
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Crown Imperial
This majestic and very attractive plant produces a cluster of deep, brick-orange, down-pointing, bell-like flowers, above which is a top-knot of small leaves. The stems are thick, straight and clothed in bright green spear-shaped leaves. The plant has a foxy odour which is said to ward off vermin. Our fig… |
NCG 428
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Fritillaria meleagris | |
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Snakeshead fritillary
Description coming soon |
NCG 731
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Fuchsia triphylla 'Panique' | |
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A very unusual species Fuchsia, with masses of tiny pink flowers in summer and throughout the autumn. Has a rather lax habit, so best grown in a container where it can spill over the sides - or it can be supported with a light frame. Parentage: (Panache x F. splendens… |
NCG 559
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Fumaria officinalis
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Common fumitory
This delicate wildflower bears spikes of small, pink, tubular flowers above bright green divided foliage. Will happily self-seed. |
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 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. |
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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 576
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Geranium pratense 'Summer Skies'
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Description coming soon. |
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 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. |
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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 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 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 137
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Helichrysum bracteatum monstrosum Double Mixed | |
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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 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 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 213
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Hesperantha (syn. Schizostylis) coccinea 'Major' AGM
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Crimson flag lily 'Major', River lily
This lovely plant flowers for many months - even through the first frosts! Rich red, six-petalled, bowl-shaped blooms appear on straight stems above light-green, sword-shaped foliage from summer onwards. Although they do well in my relatively light soil, Hesperantha are probably happiest in moist, heavy soil as long as it… |
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. |
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NCG 348
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Heuchera micrantha 'Bressingham Hybrids' | |
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Coral bells
Sprays of coral-red, bell-shaped flowers appear in late spring on wiry stems above plump mounds of evergreen foliage. An excellent cut flower and very attractive to bees and other pollinators. Good ground cover. NOTE: Externally sourced seeds. |
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 767
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Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' | |
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Heart-leaved houttuynia 'Chameleon'
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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 073
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Indigofera heterantha Syn. gerardiana | |
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Himalayan indigo
An attractive, fast-growing shrub which is usually hardy and grows to a height of 1-2m. The smooth, slender branches produce small, light green, pinnate leaves, followed by spikes of pink pea-like flowers. |
NCG 199
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Ipomoea 'Venice Pink'
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Striped Morning Glory 'Venice Pink'
An abundance of the familiar Morning Glory flowers, but with bold stripes in deep pink and white, although it is possible that not all seeds will come true. Some of the seeds may be cream or light tan in colour; this is perfectly normal and will not result in different… |
NCG 197
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Ipomoea Ex. 'Crimson Rambler'
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Morning Glory 'Crimson Rambler'
An abundance of the familiar Morning Glory flowers, but in a vibrant crimson colour with a white eye, although it is possible that not all seeds will come true. Attracts butterflies and other pollinating insects. |
NCG 200
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Ipomoea quamoclit 'Red Feather'
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Cypress vine
A delightful and unusual climber for a sunny spot, with finely cut foliage and masses of bright-red, star-shaped flowers. NOTE: Externally sourced seeds. |
NCG 027
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Ipomoea syn. Mina lobata Syn. versicolor 'Exotic Love' | |
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Mina Lobata, Spanish Flag
Recently re-classified as a member of the Ipomoea genus (Ipomoea versicolor) and sometimes referred to as Quamoclit lobata, but still more widely recognised as Mina lobata... whatever you prefer to call it, this stunning half-hardy annual climbing plant is a must! Attractive foliage is followed by spikes of flowers that… |
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 532
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Iris germanica 'Rosy Wings' | |
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Bearded iris 'Rosy Wings'
A gorgeous, tall and robust bearded iris, 'Rosy Wings' is dusky-rose with deep magenta falls. It flowers profusely, the blooms rising on strong stems, contrasting well with the light-green, sword-shaped foliage. NOTE: Depending on season, plants, when available, may be trimmed back and/or barerooted for shipping. |
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 457
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Kniphofia caulescens | |
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Caulescent red-hot poker
Description coming soon. |
NCG 579
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Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver' | |
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Spotted dead nettle 'Beacon Silver'
This lovely, low-growing ground cover plant has a spreading habit, but is relatively easy to keep in check. The heavily marked foliage is delightful, and the plant has the added bonus of pink flowers. Best grown in shade or part-shade and will happily tolerate both dry and wet soils. |
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 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 504
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Lathyrus odoratus 'Painted Lady' | |
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Sweet Pea 'Painted Lady'
One of my favourite sweet peas... the highly-scented flowers are smallish, with dark-pink banners, pale pink (sometimes almost white) wings and a greenish-white keel. Very limited stock, unfortunately! |
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NCG 195
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Lathyrus odoratus 'Red Mix'
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Sweet Pea 'Red Mix'
A mixture of sweet peas collected from light, mid and dark-red flowered plants |
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. |
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. |
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NCG 383
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Lathyrus odoratus mixed | |
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NCG 538
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Lathyrus rotundifolius | |
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Persian Everlasting Pea
A lovely small perennial sweet pea with small, coral-red blooms and rounded foliage. Ideal for growing over small structures or permitted to climb through medium-sized shrubs. Just a few small plants available. The blooms are unscented, but very attractive. |
NCG 443
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Lathyrus sativus var. albus
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Indian Vetch, Chickling Pea, Grass Pea (White)
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… |
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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 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 558
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Ledebouria socialis | |
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Silver squill, Purple squill, South African Scilla, Leopard Lily
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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 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 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. |
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NCG 818
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Lychnis arkwrightii | |
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Lychnis Vesuvius
A dynamic plant that deserves to be better known! Red-orange flowers appear from June and continue flowering right through until early autumn, above beautiful bronze-green foliage. It has a bushy, dwarf habit, making it good plant for containers. If sown early, under cover, it should flower in the first year. |
NCG 584
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Lysimachia atropurpurea 'Beaujolais'
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Burgundy gooseneck loosestrife
This short-lived perennial is more usually grown as a biennial, and can be permitted to gently self-seed. The flower spikes are similar in shape to the more widely-known Lysimachia clethroides, but instead of white, the blooms are a rich burgundy colour, contrasting well with small, slightly crinkly, grey-green leaves. Attractive… |
NCG 299
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Maianthemum dilatatum
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False Lily-of-the-Valley
False Lily-of-the-Valley has beautiful, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves, which are shiny and textured with deep veins. Slender spikes bearing waxy, creamy-white blooms appear in Spring and early Summer, followed by green berries, which later turn translucent red. Prefers shade and nitrogen-rich soil, making this a good plant for underplanting in woodland… |
NCG 597
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Malvastrum Syn. Modiolastrum lateritium | |
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False mallow
This lovely plant deserves to be better known! Originating from South America, it is spectacular when given the right conditions. It is happiest growing in a hot, very sunny situation in well-drained soil, where it can be allowed either to creep over the ground or be trained up a brick… |
NCG 855
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Mirabilis jalapa
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Four o'clock flower, Marvel of Peru
Description coming soon. |
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 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 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 271
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Oenothera odorata 'Apricot Delight' | |
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Evening Primrose 'Apricot Delight'
The blooms of this (sometimes short-lived) perennial variety of evening primrose are scented in the evenings, the fragrance being reminiscent of a combination of lemons and lilies. It has a rather more lax, open habit than the more common Oenothera biennis. The flower buds are a soft creamy-yellow, darkening to… |
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 865
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Oxalis corniculata | |
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Creeping wood sorrel
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NCG 514
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Oxalis corniculata var. atropurpurea
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Bronze leaved yellow sorrel, Procumbent yellow sorrel
A low-growing plant with dark, bronze-red leaves and small yellow flowers followed by upright seed capsules, this variety of oxalis, which is perennial, can be invasive more due to self-seeding than its creeping habit, but if kept in check is a valuable addition to the garden. It grows well in… |
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 260
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Paeonia daurica subsp. mlokosewitschii AGM
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Peony 'Molly the Witch'
This gorgeous paeony, with its blue-green foliage and large, soft creamy-yellow flowers and rich golden stamens, followed by interesting seed pods that are crimson red inside with blue-black seeds, is a much recommended herbaceous perennial. Note: Seeds harvested August 2018. They will be supplied in damp compost or vermiculite to… |
NCG 779
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Papaver cambricum 'Frances Perry' | |
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Welsh poppy 'Frances Perry'
A lovely variant of the familiar yellow wildflower, with orange to vermillion flowers - often with crinkled petals - and rich green foliage. Recently renamed from Meconopsis cambrica. |
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 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 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… |
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NCG 803
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Papaver somniferum, Ex. Pink, white centre
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Opium poppy, Ex. Pink, white centre
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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 263
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Pelargonium 'Ardens' | |
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Ardens geranium
This delicate species pelargonium/geranium, which is a hybrid between P. lobatum and P. fulgidum, is very difficult to propagate and is therefore always in short supply. It has small, bright green leaves and clusters of small, rich vermillion flowers with a darker, almost black, splash on each petal. Like most… |
NCG 262
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Pelargonium sidoides
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Kalwerbossie geranium, Silverleaf geranium
This very dainty species pelargonium/geranium, which originates from Africa, has circular, crinkled, silver-grey-green, aromatic leaves about an inch across and clusters of small, deep magenta - almost black - flowers on fine, long, wiry stems. Like most pelargoniums, it is frost tender, but it will sit happily on a sunny… |
NCG 621
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Penstemon digitalis 'Huskers Red' | |
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Spikes of pretty, pinkish-white blooms contras beautifully with maroon-tinted foliage. Flowering over many months, this is a lovely addition to the garden! |
NCG 498
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Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Lance Corporal'
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Virginia knotweed, Jumpseed 'Lance Corporal'
An interesting shrubby perennial with strong, v-shaped markings (looking rather like bats), which are dark brownish-red - sometimes almost black - on a bright green ground. In the autumn delicate spikes of bright-crimson flowers appear on thin, wiry stems. Although it is recommended to grow in part or full shade… |
NCG 640
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Phlox paniculata 'Pink Lady'
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Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox 'Pink Lady'
This lovely plant has tall, erect stems clothed in red-tinged, mid-green foliage at the top of which appear large, loose globes of pink, sweetly 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 en… |
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 616
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Phygelius Ex. rectus 'Salmon Leap' | |
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Cape fuchsia 'Salmon Leap'
Phygelius 'Salmon Leap' is a suckering plant with dark green leaves and attractive panicles of tubular, orange-red flowers in summer. |
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 698
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Potentilla thurberi 'Monarch's Velvet' | |
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Cinquefoil 'Monarch's Velvet'
This variety of cinquefoil produces rich, dark-red flowers from late spring and right through to the first frosts. Will usually gently self-seed. |
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 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 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 042
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Ricinus communis 'Impala'
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Castor oil plant
A stunning and exotic specimen plant with large palmate leaves, coloured from dark green to red-bronze. The creamy-yellow flower spikes, whilst attractive, are not as interesting as the spiky maroon-red seed pods. In warmer climates ricinus can grow to the size of a small tree up to 15ft high, but… |
NCG 373
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Rodgersia pinnata 'Superba' | |
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Featherleaf rodgersia
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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 436
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Rumex acetosa
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Common sorrel
Description coming soon |
NCG 542
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Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus
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Bloody dock, Red-veined dock, Red-veined sorrel
This most unusual and attractive foliage plant produces dense clumps of deep-green leaves with striking, beetroot-red veins. The colouring is usually more pronounced at cooler times of the year. The flower spikes have insignificant blooms and are best removed to encourage more foliage and to prevent self-seeding. |
NCG 869
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Salvia x jamensis Syn. greggii Syn. microphylla , Red | |
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Autumn sage, red
A lovely red perennial salvia, which is usually hardy, though winter protection is recommended in colder parts of the UK. |
NCG 587
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Salvia x jamensis Syn. microphylla 'Hot Lips' | |
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Woody sage 'Hot Lips'
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NCG 072
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Sanguisorba hakusanensis | |
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Korean Burnet
A plant with not only very attractive, feathery pink spikes of flowers in summer, but beautiful light-green, toothed foliage too. |
NCG 697
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Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Beaujolais Bonnets'
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Pincushion flower 'Beaujolais Bonnets'
This attractive perennial is bushy plant growing to a height of around 24 inches/60 cm. It has intricately divided foliage and produces masses of small flowers with deep-burgundy centres surrounded by paler petals, borne on wiry stems. Attractive to butterflies and other pollinating insects and makes a good cut flower. |
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 259
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Silene hookeri | |
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Hooker's campion
Not just any campion! Low-growing hummocks of furry leaves from which starry flowers in shades of pink raise their heads. Needs some TLC, but much recommended. |
NCG 650
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Silene latifolia x dioica | |
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Pink campion
A hybrid of white and red campion. Syn. Silene x hampeana |
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 051
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Silene syn. Lychnis coronaria atrosanguinea
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Rose Campion
Contrasting strongly with the soft, grey-green, downy leaves, the mass of vibrant magenta blooms on this popular cottage garden plant will really hit you between the eyes! I have found that if stems are cut right back after the first flush of flowers in spring, the plants will bloom again… |
NCG 486
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Solanum lycopersicum 'Brandywine Black' (Organic)
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Tomato 'Brandywine Black' (Heirloom)
Like other beefsteak tomatoes, this heirloom variety produces large, frequently irregular-shaped fruits, but is unusual in that it has potato-leaved foliage. The tomatoes can vary somewhat in colour, usually a rosy hue, sometimes green-shouldered, but they are renowned for their exceptional flavour. NOTE: These are externally sourced, organic… |
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NCG 866
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Solanum lycopersicum 'Gardener's Delight' (Organic) | |
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Tomato 'Gardener's Delight' (Organic)
These bite-sized fruits are sweet, tangy and full of flavour - no wonder they are the reliable go-to for so many tomato-lovers! NOTE: These are externally sourced, organic seeds. |
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NCG 878
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Solanum lycopersicum 'Il San Marzano Lungo' | |
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Plum Tomato 'Il San Marzano Lungo'
Traditional Italian plum tomatoes - perfect for pasta sauces.NOTE: Externally sourced seeds. |
NCG 103
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Solanum lycopersicum 'Marmande'
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Tomato 'Marmande'
Medium-sized beefsteak-type tomatoes growing on sturdy vines. A wonderful, full flavour... an essential ingredient for authentic Mediterranean-style recipes and salads! |
NCG 106
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Solanum lycopersicum 'Sun Gold'
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Tomato 'Sun Gold'
The small, golden yellow fruits are sweet and juicy. It's just as well that they fruit prolifically, because it is difficult to pass by the greeenhouse in summer without snacking! |
NCG 614
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Sparaxis tricolor, mixed | |
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Harlequin flower, mixed
Originating from South Africa, the harlequin flower is a very showy choice for containers in late Spring. All the flowers, which are not long-lived but appear in succession to provide a long flowering period, have a dark halo around a yellow centre, but the colour of the outside of the… |
NCG 414
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Stachys byzantina syn. lanata
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Lamb's-ear, Woolly hedgenettle
Description coming soon. NOTE: Depending on season, plants, when available, may be trimmed back and/or barerooted for shipping. In this case they will look untidy, but will soon produce fresh foliage. |
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 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 615
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Thalictrum aquilegifolium | |
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French meadow rue, Greater meadow rue
This lovely plant has sprays of nodding, fluffy, pinkish-purple flowers with long stamens above intricately divided foliage, followed by attractive seed heads. A good cut flower. |
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 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 631
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Trifolium rubens
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Red feather clover, Ruddy clover
This ornamental clover is not only much loved by bees but makes a good cut flower. The flower spikes are soft to the touch and dusky-pink in colour. The foliage is interesting, in that it resembles that of peanut plants. |
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 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 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 594
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Viola odorata | |
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Sweet violet
Description coming soon. |
NCG 500
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Withania somnifera
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Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha
Although native to India, the Middle East and North Africa, this tender, drought-tolerant perennial can be grown successfully in the UK as an annual, but needs to be started early, under glass, to ensure a long growing season. The roots and seeds have been used for centuries to remedy many… |
NCG 908
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Zaluzianskya capensis | |
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Night Phlox
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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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