Make Your Garden Colorful With Flowers

 ASTRANTIA

This genus of about 10 species of perennials I is mainly European, though it also occurs westwards to Asia, favoring alpine meadows or woodlands. Its most distinguishing feature is its sprays of flowers, which appear above the clump-forming hand-shaped foliage. The small pastel-toned flowers are borne on neat dome- shaped flower heads and are surrounded by a ring of papery bracts, which are often more showy than the true flowers inside. This genus is variously referred to as masterwort or pincushion flower. The name Astrantia probably comes from the Latin aster, meaning star, referring to the star-shaped flower heads. These plants are best grown in informal garden situations. They also make excellent dried flowers.

CULTIVATION

Apart from an intolerance of prolonged dry conditions, Astrantia plants grow freely in any cool-temperate garden with moderately fertile free-draining soil. The foliage may be more lush in the shade, which is of particular consideration with the variegated cultivars, but they usually flower best with at least half-sun. Propagate by division when dormant or from seed, which needs stratification.

BELOW: - Astrantia major bears clusters of delicate white or pink flower heads that resemble daisies. This species originates from central and eastern Europe.

LEFT: - Astrantia carniolica is a native of the Southern Alps. It has white flowers with pinkish tints.

Top Tip

Astrantia plants can be grown in cottage gardens, woodland gardens, or herbaceous borders. They make great cut flowers because of their straight wiry stems.

 

BAN KSIA

This genus is easy to recognize, with its bold Flowering spikes, attractive foliage, and interesting fruiting cones. All but one of the approximately 75 species are endemic to Australia. Species range from woody low-growing shrubs to low-branching trees, though they all feature the large cylindrical or globular- shaped flower spikes made up of hundreds of densely packed small flowers in colors of pale orange and burnished gold to rosy pink and deep scarlet. As the flowers die they develop into large, woody, fruiting cones. The thick leathery leaves are usually long and narrow with toothed edges. The genus name comes from Sir Joseph Banks, the renowned English botanist who first documented the plants on his travels to Australia with Captain Cook.

CULTIVATION

Most species prefer an open sunny position and well-drained sandy soil. Some banksias are moderately frost tolerant and once established will withstand dry conditions. Taking cut flowers will encourage flower production and thicken up the foliage. Propagate from seed in early spring or autumn.

(BELOW: - The hairpin banksia, Banksia spinulosa, is found on hillsides along the east coast of Australia, and is popular with gardeners. It has yellow flower spikes with orange to red styles.

LEFT: - Proving extremely tolerant of coastal conditions, Banksia integrifolia is an ideal plant for seaside gardens. The colorful display of nectar-rich flowers, produced over a long flowering season, will also attract birdlife to the garden.)