The Best Plant Of Your Garden

Perennials with Purple, Red, or Bronze Foliage

LILYTURF

Ideal for ground cover, the low, evergreen tufts of narrow, leathery, blackish purple leaves form patches in time. It has slender purple-white flower sprays in summer.

NEW ZEALAND FLAX

This flax has stout clumps of evergreen, arching, strap-shaped, leathery leaves, impressively striped red, orange, and pink on a bronze-purple background.

LESSER CELANDINE

The small rosettes or patches of long- stalked, heart-shaped, glossy, chocolate- brown leaves are an ideal backing for the shining, golden yellow flowers in spring.

RODGERSIA

Bronze-red when young, the large clumps of long-stalked, deeply divided and lobed leaves color red again in autumn. White flower plumes are borne in summer. 

ICE PLANT

From late summer into autumn, flattened heads of starry pink flowers rise on stout, fleshy, purple-red stems above the robust clumps of fleshy, bloomy purple leaves.

ICE PLANT

One-of the best of the low-growing purple' sedums, it has fleshy, trailing or lax stems, bloomy foliage, and flattened pink flower- heads in late summer and autumn.

Perfect Plant For Perfect Place

Perennials with Deep-cut or jagged Leaves

THE NUMBER OF PERENNIALS with bold, entire leaves has led to an increase in demand for plants that have deeply cut, divided, or jaggedly cut foliage to use with them as a contrast. Fortunately, their number and variety are great, and many of them also have the added advantage of attractive flowers.

RODGERSIA

All rodgersias sport handsome foliage, but this one is particularly desirable. It has large, horse-chestnut-like leaves, and pink or white flower plumes in summer.

ASTILBE

One of the smallest and daintiest astilbes, forming hummocks of ferny, glossy, dark green leaves, and neat little plumes of pinkish red flowers in late summer.  

INCARVILLEA

Already attractive with its clump of bold, deeply divided, dark green leaves, this plant really catches the eye in summer when its rose-pink trumpet-flowers open.

BUGBANE

The loose clumps of large, much-divided, dark green to purplish leaves are topped during autumn by long, cylindrical, dark- stemmed racemes of tiny white flowers.

LIGULARIA

Easily recognized, this robust perennial develops large clumps of rounded, sharply divided, deep-cut leaves. Dark-stemmed spires of yellow flowers open in summer. 

CHINESE RAGWORT

The creeping rootstock produces stout, dark stems clothed in jaggedly cut leaves. In autumn, substantial, conical heads of yellow flowers emerge. It can be invasive.

Gardening With More Plants

Perennials with a Long Flowering Season

GIVEN THAT MOST GARDEN PERENNIALS, especially during spring, flower for a relatively limited period, it is natural that those with a more extended flowering season should be eagerly sought after by gardeners. These perennials usually bloom throughout summer or from summer into autumn, and will bring an element of continuity to the garden.

MASTERWORT

Clusters of tiny flowers, surrounded by large, jagged, green-tipped white bracts, open on branching stems in summer. The deeply cut leaves form bold clumps.     

       

DICENTRA

A creeping perennial forming clumps of divided, fern-like, blue-grey leaves. Sprays of locket-shaped, pendent, deep pink flowers emerge from spring to summer.

MAIDEN PINK

This reliable pink bears dark-eyed, white, pink, or red flowers throughout summer, above mats of slender, narrow-leaved stems. Thrives on well-drained soil.  

     

EPILOBIUM

During summer, the clumps of arching stems, densely clothed in semi-evergreen leaves, bear creamy white or pink-tinted flowers. Prefers a site in cool, damp shade.

'Russell Prichard'

Ideal for ground cover, this low-grower has trailing stems clothed in neatly lobed, sharp-toothed, grey-green leaves. Deep magenta flowers appear in summer.          

GEUM

Flowering freely throughout summer, this perennial produces semi-double, brilliant scarlet flowers on branched stems, above clumps of softly-hairy, fresh green foliage.

All The Basics About Perennial Plants

LOW-ALLERGEN PERENNIALS

`Duchesse de Nemours'

The large, fragrant, double white flowers of this strong-growing peony have yellow- based inner petals. Flushed green in bud, the blooms open in early summer.

CHECKERBLOOM

During summer, the clumps of erect, leafy stems bear loose racemes of clear rose- pink mallow-flowers. The stem leaves are deeply lobed, the basal ones less so.

HORNED VIOLET

An excellent and reliable small perennial with a low-spreading, slightly bushy habit and lightly scented, lilac-blue to violet flowers in late spring and summer.  

         

ARMENIAN CRANESBILL

Fantastic in flower, this striking cranes bill sends up a mound of dense, leafy stems, which are covered throughout summer with bright magenta, black-eyed blooms.  

       

Andenken an Friedrich Hahn'

Also known as P 'Garnet', this is probably the most reliable perennial penstemon. Its deep red flowers are produced on strong, leafy stems from midsummer onwards. 

PLANTAIN  LILY

One of the most striking hostas, forming clumps of lance-shaped, strongly veined, blue-green leaves. It bears bell-shaped, lavender-blue flowers in summer.

SPIKED SPEEDWELL

The dense spikes of purple-blue flowers, borne throughout summer, are in striking contrast to the densely silver-hairy stems and mat of silvery foliage beneath.  

Gardening With Perennial Plants

 OTHER PERENNIALS FOR ROCK GARDENS AND SCREES

CRANESBILL

A neat little perennial, producing a loose hummock of small, grey-green leaves, and purplish red flowers with dark veins and eyes over a long period in summer. 

               

ALPINE OXALIS

The tuft of deeply divided, greyish green leaves is accompanied during spring by funnel-shaped, purplish pink flowers with pale centers and dark throats.

ROSCOEA

Appearing in late spring, this gorgeous perennial produces a small clump of erect, leafy stems, which bear loose spikes of large, pale yellow, orchid-like flowers. 

AUTUMN GENTIAN

One of the most famous and spectacular autumn-flowering gentians, with an over- wintering mat of trailing, leafy stems and upturned, deep blue trumpet flowers. 

ALPINE GYPSOPHILA

Also known as 'Pink Beauty', as the semi- evergreen mat of slender, bluish green stems and leaves is smothered for many weeks in summer by tiny pink flowers.

Tips And Ideas For Perennial Plants Gardening

BULBS FOR DRY SOIL IN SUN

TRITELIA

Like a white-flowered ornamental onion without the smell, this very attractive and reliable bulb produces umbels of starry flowers on slender stems in early summer.

TULIP

One of the most reliable and lovely small tulip species, producing a rosette of glossy, narrow leaves, and bearing star-shaped yellow, white-tipped flowers in spring.

WHISTLING JACKS

Reliable and easy to grow, this robust plant quickly forms a clump, then a patch, of leafy stems that sport bold spikes of vivid magenta flowers during summer. 

FOXTAIL LILY

Although not strictly a bulb, this perennial has a divided, fleshy crown that produces a cluster of strap-like leaves, and tall spires of starry yellow flowers in summer.    

     

WIDOW IRI

This sombre but charming iris relative has narrow, grassy leaves, which are joined by green or greenish yellow flowers in spring. The outer petals have blackish brown tips.

SCILLA

The basal rosettes of broad, strap-shaped, fleshy green leaves are topped, during late spring, by striking, large, conical heads of small, star-shaped blue flowers.

LADY TULIP

A beautiful tulip of slender, elegant poise. It produces narrow grey leaves and white spring flowers with dark crimson eyes and pinkish crimson backs to the outer petals.

Useful Information About Perennial Plants Gardening

Medium to Tall Perennials for Heavy Clay Soil

MANY OF THE MORE ROBUST perennials are tolerant of heavy clay soils. Some have densely fibrous rootstocks, others are deep-rooted, allowing them to survive so long as their site is not waterlogged. The following perennials, all 1-2m (3—oft) tall, will do even better in these conditions if drainage can be improved by adding coarse grit and compost.

GOATSBEARD

An impressive perennial forming a bold clump of large, much-divided, fern-like leaves, with equally attractive plumes of frothy, creamy white summer flowers. 

BUGBANE

A handsome perennial with tall, branched spikes of tiny white flowers that rise over the large, bold clumps of deeply divided,  fern-like leaves during autumn.

DELPHINIUM

No perennial border on clay soil should be without a delphinium. This one produces neat, semi-double, light violet flowers, with fawn-colored eyes, in summer.

MONKSHOOD

This stout perennial has deeply divided, sharply toothed; dark green leaves and bears branched heads of helmet-shaped, blue and white flowers during summer. 

CENTAUREA

Throughout summer, large, chunky heads of golden yellow cornflowers, with shiny brown bracts, top the erect, leafy stems of this striking, clump-forming perennial.

Atropurpureum

The domed heads of pink-purple flowers, loved by butterflies and bees, are borne by stout, erect clumps of purplish, tall, leafy stems in summer and autumn. 

Design Your Home With Arrangement Of Flowers

Flowers

Charlotte Rose pink Renata Rose Plumosa fern Vogue rose 'White calycina charlotte Rose million Star gypsophila Million Star gypsophila Vogue Rose

Facing Page

Here, plumosa fern creates a shadowing waterfall effect over the roses.

Left

Create fanciful topiaries from roses by wiring the stems for strength and standing them very closely together in a container filled with floral foam. Finish with a blooming garland at the base.

Express sympathy with a cluster of warm pink roses tucked into a silver sugar bowl. Give dark pink roses to a thoughtful friend to show your gratitude. Or place a pale pink bud lovingly on her pillow to express the joy your heart feels, just because she is your daughter.

What if you slept? find what if, in your sleep you dreamed? find what if, in your dream, you went to heaven and there plucked a [moon colored] flower? find what if, when you awoke, you had the flower in your hand?

—Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Left

Continue the woven pattern of the charming white basket with short- stemmed roses and sweet violets placed in tight, alternating rows.

Facing Page

Create a romantic mood with topiary trees embellished with rose blooms and potted African violets. Soften the spheres and create a Victorian look with sheer flowing ribbons and gypsophila.

                            Flowers

Charlotte Rose                                                    million Star gypsophila

Pink Renata rose                                                  rink Renata Rose

Potted mini African Violet                               Potted African Violet

Ravel Rose                                                            Potted Ivy Topiary Pant

Let The Beautiful Arrangement Of Flowers

Left

These calla lilies, a celebration of purity and grace, need no other embellishment than a battenburg lace handkerchief tied with a gossamer ribbon or piece of natural twine.

Facing Page

Any tall, cylindrical container, bottle, or vase would be perfect for the linear, strong- stemmed calla lily. Just take care that any pattern or design on the container does not compete with the drama of the lilies. The addition of the foliage softens the look of the display.

God gave angels wings, and humans flowers. These calla lilies, a celebration of beauty, purity of heart, and all things heavenly, would make even angels envy these humans.

Can you imagine a more glorious "welcome home" than these calla lilies waiting in your friend's entry?

People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy... to have such things about us.

The V-shaped vase draws the eye upward to an armful of white and red roses and salal. The rose stems are reinforced with wire• and green floral tape, maintaining the strength of the rose and the shape of the arrangement.

The red rose whispers of passion, Avid the white rose breathes of love; 0, the red rose is a falcon, And the white rose is a dove.

. . . and the vibrant combination of white and red together in a rose signifies unity.

Hybrid Delphinium Italian Ruscus pink Oriental Lily pink Snapdragon

Such a wide combination of flowers in such varied shapes, heights, and textures could seem disorderly. However, in this layered arrangement the delicate, subtle shades of blue, purple, and pink set atop unadorned dark green foliage blend to create a pleasing bouquet that looks just-picked from an English garden. Any assortment of flowers in hues of the same color will look harmonious and polished.

Tips And Ideas For Flower Gardening

MAGNOLIA

A member of the Magnoliaeceae family, this large and varied genus consists of around 100 species of deciduous and evergreen trees as well as countless cultivars, and occurs naturally throughout Asia and North America. The leaves are usually large, oval, and smooth edged. The handsome flowers are generally large, fragrant, and solitary and vary in shape from almost flat and saucer-like to a narrow goblet shape. They occur in shades of white, yellow, pink, or purple. The flowers are primitive, pollinated largely by beetles, and their simplicity, often seen to advantage on bare limbs before the foliage appears, contributes to their appeal. The fruits that follow are often pink or red, conelike, showy clusters, with colorful seeds. Magnolia takes its name from the French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638-1715).

Cu LT I VAT ION

Generally fast growing, magnolias prefer light shade and sheltered spots in the garden away from the wind and late frosts. Although some species are lime tolerant, most prefer well-drained acid soils that are rich in humus. Propagate from cuttings in summer, by sowing seed in autumn, or by grafting in winter.

LEFT:-Magnolia x loebneri is a prolifically flowering deciduous small tree or large shrub, adaptable to a wide range of soils.

 BELOW :-The state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi, the magnificent blooms of Magnolia grandiflora are large, creamy white, saucer- shaped, fragrant, and appear in early summer.

MALUS

The apples and crabapples comprise a large genus of 35 species of deciduous flowering and fruiting trees. They belong to the rose family and are widely cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world. The leaves are soft "apple" green and are generally simple and tooth-edged. The flowers grow in clusters that vary in color from white to deep rose pink and bold reddish purple. The cultivated apple is one of the most widely grown of all edible fruits and historical evidence shows that the Egyptians grew them as early as 1300 B.C. While not all crabapples are edible—some being too bitter—the species and cultivars are greatly, appreciated as ornamental trees.

CULTIVATION

Very frost hardy, Malus trees prefer a cool moist climate and full sun, protection from strong winds, and fertile, well-drained, loamy soil. Cultivated apples need pruning in winter and regular spraying to protect against a variety of pests and diseases. Propagation is by budding in summer or grafting in winter.

BELOW LEFT: - An ornamental crabapple, Malus 'Indian Summer' is a deserved favorite with its rosy pink flowers, persistent red fruit, and good disease resistance.

BELOW:-The edible apple, Malus x domestica features a range of forms, flowers, and fruits. 'Shakespeare', below, bear’s pink-flushed blooms that are paler inside.

Choosing The Right Plant Of Your Garden

ERYSIMUM

 Formerly listed under Cheiranthus, this genus i consists of 80 or so annuals, perennials, and subshrubs. Erysimum species are found mainly in Europe, western Asia, and western North America, and are popularly known as wallflowers. They have simple narrow leaves, are mainly evergreen, and range from rockery dwarfs to medium-sized shrubs. Flower stems, tall in the larger species, appear mainly over spring and summer, and also in winter in mild. Climates. The heads carry dense clusters of small 4-petalled blooms that are often richly fragrant. The petals are usually yellow but may also be orange, red, or mauve. The old genus name, Cheiranthus, meaning "hand-flower," refers to the custom dating to the middle Ages when the sweetly scented flowers were often carried in the hand at festivals and events.

CULTIVATION

Wallflowers like cool summers and mild winters. Plant in a sunny open position in moist well-drained soil. If perennials become woody they should be cut back hard. Annuals are raised from seed; perennials are propagated from cuttings of non-flowering stems.

ABOVE LEFT:-Low-growing Erysimum kotschyanum is native to Turkey. Throughout the flowering season, bright golden yellow flowers appear among the densely clustered dull green leaves.

ABOVE: - In favorable climates, Erysimum 'Bowles' Mauve' can flower throughout the year. Appearing among the gray-green leaves, the dark purple-black buds open to reveal bright mauve flowers.

ESCHSCHOLZIA

Native to western North America and now widely naturalized, this poppy family (Papaveraceae) genus is made up of around 8 annuals and short-lived perennials. Commonly known as California poppies, they have fine feathery foliage, which is often a rather grayish green, and in summer produce masses of bright, golden yellow, 4- to 8-petalled blooms that only open on sunny days. Modern seed strains flower in a wide color range. Long seed capsules follow. The genus was named in 1820 after Johann Friedrich Eschscholz (1793-1831), leader of the Russian expedition on which it was first collected in 1816. The seeds were among the many taken to England by the Scottish botanist David Douglas.

CULTIVATION

Very easily grown in any sunny position in light, gritty, well-drained soil, Eschscholzia species often self-sow and naturalize, especially in gravel riverbeds. Most are very frost hardy and tolerate poor soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Raise from seed in spring, which is best sown directly where the plants are to grow as they do not transplant well.

 

ABOVE: - The lovely clear yellow flowers of Eschscholzia lobbii are followed by fruit with rough seeds. These charming flowers close up in overcast weather.

RIGHT:-A brilliant scarlet when they first bloom, the open single flowers of Eschscholzia californica 'Single Red' gradually turn a vibrant orange-red.

Top Tip

Undemanding annuals, these plants are ideal for filling large areas of ground with color. They require little care and reward with colorful blooms.

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.)

The Encyclopedia Of Garden Flowers

THE COLORFUL GARDEN

FLOWERING GROUND COVERS

Ground covers are low-growing plants, grown en masse to eliminate lawn maintenance, help retain steep banks, suppress weeds, and create swathes of color. Many perennials, grasses, climbers, shrubs, and bulbs are suitable to use as ground covers. Densely planting an area can create the effect of a ground cover, whether the same plant is used throughout or a tapestry of species is chosen. Ground covers can be totally prostrate or can reach up to 4 ft (1.2 m) in height—any taller, and they are simply massed perennial or shrub beds. Properly chosen ground covers are often a practical alternative to lawn grass, as they don't require much maintenance and, once established are self-mulching and rarely need trimming. On steep banks, narrow strips between paths and buildings and in areas underneath trees where grass struggles, many ground covers will thrive. Best of all, there are many beautiful flowering ground covers that will serve the purpose.

When landscaping with ground-cover plants, care should be taken that the plants chosen are suitable for the site and the amount of care available. Factors to consider include the plant's cold and heat tolerance; moisture, light, drainage, and soil-quality requirements; ultimate dimensions; rate of growth; plus leaf and flower size and color. It is also worth considering whether an evergreen or deciduous ground cover is desired.

If weed suppression is the aim, then the ground cover you choose should grow quickly and create a thick mat of growth that effectively chokes out weeds. Some plants are better at this than others, but in any case, weeds should be completely removed prior to planting.

Many people overlook native ground covers, but these are well adapted to the local climate and, once established, can thrive with minimal effort on the part of the gardener. Flowering plants are also sometimes overlooked as ground covers, but except in the most difficult situations, there is no reason to stick with plain green foliage plants unless a uniform green color is sought.

Wide-spreading flowering shrubs abound, and make good ground covers by providing rapid horizontal coverage. The wide-spreading prostrate wattle Acacia pravissima 'Golden Carpet', with profuse, bright yellow, honey-scented flowers, and the creeping Ceanothus griseus 'Yankee Point', with fluffy heads of medium-blue flowers, are suitable for sheltered gardens in milder climates. These evergreen shrubs have a low spreading habit, appreciate sun, and are tolerant of drought and heat.

 

In colder areas, numerous low-flowering shrubs can be used, including bluebeard (Caiyopteris x clandonensis), covered in blue flowers in summer and reaching 2 x 2 ft (0.6 x 0.6 m), and the wide spreading Nikko slender deutzia (Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko'), with arching stems to 2 ft (0.6 m) clothed in small pure white flowers. Low-growing heaths and heathers (Erica and Calluna species) provide swathes of purple, pink, or white blooms and their dense evergreen foliage successfully suppresses most weeds.

Many flowering perennials, planted en masse, make excellent ground covers. These include Bergenia species, lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), candytuft (Iberis species), and speedwell (Veronica species). Perennials with fibrous roots and a thick growth habit are also especially valuable for use as ground covers.

In mild areas the fibrous-rooted Agapanthus species can make fine ground covers with their strappy elegant leaves and bright showy flowers and includes several hardier species that can be grown in cooler climates. The evergreen species make especially nice ground covers. They do best in full sun and the crowns need to be protected with mulch in the winter Flowering climbers such as jasmine (Jasminum species), honeysuckle (Lonicera species), and climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) can be used to 'cover banks and bare areas of ground, providing thick foliage and flower cover.