Garden Flowers And Floral designs

Hardy Hybrids

'Riccartonii', a very free-flowering plant with scarlet tube and sepals and dark purple corolla, is sometimes listed as a variety of magellanica, but is now considered to be a hybrid. Two other old and very popular hardy hybrids are 'Madame Cornelissen' with crimson tube and sepals, crimson corolla, semi-double flowers, and 'Mrs Popple' with scarlet tube and sepals, deep purple corolla, single flowers.

Bedding Hybrids

Most fuchsias can be used in the garden for the summer, and brought in before the first frost. A good fuchsia catalogue will indicate the type of growth habit and whether they make good bedding fuchsias.

Some of the triphylla hybrids, such as `Gartenmeister Bonstedt', with its orange flowers, dark, reddish foliage, are very effective with other summer bedding plants. This type of fuchsia is distinctive, with longs tubes and short sepals, and a small single corolla.

Home And Greenhouse

Fuchsias flower well in a greenhouse, some will perform even better than if planted out-doors, but they are best regarded as short- term houseplants. The poor light and warm, dry atmosphere does not suit them and they generally deteriorate rapidly indoors. They do, however, make attractive conservatory plants where light and humidity are better.

For The Rock Garden

There are a few really dwarf frost-tolerant varieties suitable for the rock garden and even for window boxes. 'Tom Thumb' has red sepals with a mauve corolla and 'Lady Thumb' has carmine pink sepals, and a white corolla veined pink. Both are popular varieties that grow to about 45cm (1/2ft).

Tube - The tubular part of the flower between the flower stalk and the usually reflexed petal-like sepals.

{ Large plants are worth keeping from year to year, pruning as new growth starts M spring. Pinching out the tips of young shoots to entourage bushy growth should be started soon after the cuttings root. They benefit from regular feeding in spring and summer.}

Choosing And Growing Successful Plants

Annual Perennials

A perennial that can be treated like an annual sounds a contradiction in terms, but many tender perennials are treated as annuals.

More uncommon are hardy perennials that sill flower in the first year if sown early enough under glass. You can have the best of both worlds with these plants.

Hardy perennials that will flower in the first year if started early enough are usually grown in the herbaceous border, but some can also be used in annual beds.

Plants to try include the following, but note that the variety can be important: some varieties have been specially bred to flower quickly from seed. Those particularly useful for summer bedding schemes include achillea, coreopsis, lobelia, and osteospermum. The others are best used as gap fillers.

Achillea 'Summer Pastels'

Coreopsis 'Early Sunrise'

Delphinium 'Dwarf Magic Fountains

Mixture', 'Pacific Giants Mixed'

Eccremocarpus 'Tresco Hybrids'

Leucanthemum x superbum (formerly Chrysanthermum maximum) `Snow Lady'

Eriophyllum `Sunkiss'

Lobelia 'Cinnabar Rose', 'Compliment Mixed', Tan Scarlet', 'Orchid Rose'

Michaelmas daisy 'Composition Mixed' Osteospermum hyoseroides

Platycodon grandiflorum 'Blue Pygmy'

 Polemonium caeruleum 'Blue Pearl'

Salvia Farinacea

Unlike the popular red salvia, with blue flower spikes, this forms a useful contrast to other plants. Good in containers or in a mixed bedding scheme. Height: 30-45cm (1-11/2ft).

Varieties To Look For

'Victoria' has dark blue flowers. 'Strata' has blue flowers on greyish spikes.

Soil And Site

Well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade.

Propagation

Sow seed in warmth under glass between mid-winter and early spring.

Tagetes Erecta

African marigold, American marigold

The colors and flower size are bold and brassy: large double blooms in shades of orange and yellow (occasionally white). The foliage has a pungent smell, but only when handled or crushed. Older varieties were often tall, but there are dwarf varieties shorter than 30cm (1 ft) and compact enough for containers. Dead-head regularly to improve the appearance and prolong flowering.

Height: 30-90cm (1-3ft).

Varieties To Look For

The Inca series (available as separate colors or as a 42 Above: Coreopsis 'Early Sunrise is easy to flower, and can be treated as an annual. If deadheaded often, it will flower from early summer to the first frost, from a late winter sowing. That's performance for a perennial.

The Best Plants For Your Garden

TIP TO TRY

Cut out the dead flowering stems when the first flush of flowers is over — you may be rewarded with a second flush in late summer.

Begonia Semperflorens

Fibrous-rooted begonia, wax begonia

Neat, compact plants ideal for an edging, containers, and formal bedding. Flowers come in various shades of white, pink, and red, in various permutations with green, bronze, and very dark foliage. A tender perennial, but flowers continuously until first frost.

Height: 10-20cm (4-8in) 

TIP TO TRY

Before the first frost, pot up a few plants to take indoors. If necessary trim off some of the longest shoots to make a compact plant. They should continue to bloom through the winter as a houseplant if given a light position.}

Varieties To Look For

The Olympia series in separate colors is among the best of the taller varieties at about 20cm (8in), 'Cocktail' is a pleasing compact mixture with bronze foliage at about 10-15cm (4-6in).

Soil and site

Under demanding regarding soil, but best in partial shade. Will also tolerate full sun.

Propagation

Sow seed in warmth under glass in mid- or late winter.

Bellis Perennis

Double daisy

Although a form of the same daisy that sometimes infests lawns as a weed, these highly bred varieties have double flowers, sometimes like small pompons. Colors are white, pink, and red. 

The Classification Of Roses

'MOZART'

ORNAMENTAL SHRUB ROSE

1937, GermanyThe tiny flowers of 'Mozart' never appear singly but always in giant clusters on arching canes from June to October. Small-blossomed and two-coloured roses, including those like 'Mozart' with a white eye, are winners in appearance because of the calm generosity of the space they occupy, as can be seen in the garden above. Planted between the uniform green of the hedge and the stone grey of the path, the urn and the pedestal, the little shrub rose radiates poise and conciseness; likewise the pelargonium in the urn, which is of the same colour, is the perfect rounding-out of the picture. This design does not do justice only to the rose, however; the two rose bushes also add a charming touch to the monochrome green and the horizontal bottom of the hedge, loosening and lightening it.

The same colour scheme can be seen in the flowers of 'Pink Meidiland®' (synonym: 'Pink Meillandecor'), an ADR-approved rose having the same height. Its blooms brighten from cherry-red edges to pale pink centres, giving this profusely flowering, long-lasting small shrub rose a beguiling charm that is both fresh and lively.

FLOWERING: Recurrent; single; 0 3 cm (11/2 in); pink with white eye; scentless

 

GROWTH: 0.8-1.2 m (3-4 ft) high; bushy, arching

 FEATURES: Healthy; tolerates heat; the blooms have the perfect shape for freezing in ice cubes; winter hardy 

PLANTING: In flowerbeds and borders; for semi-wild gardens; as a specimen and for pegging down; for hedges and containers 

INTRODUCED: Lambert,

`CENTENAIRE DE LOURDES®'

Synonyms: 'Mrs. Jones', `Delge' / ORNAMENTAL SHRUB ROSE

`Centenaire de Lourdes®' is not just a robust, profusely flowering, luminous rose, but also a brilliant all-rounder when it comes to garden design. As a recurrent bloomer, it can provide a colourful, long-lasting backdrop to beds and borders or provide a supple, vertical accent growing up pillars and obelisks. As a graceful separating element or hedge, it can divide gardens into areas with floral charm. Even in places with impossible soil it can triumph as a shrub or weeping standard growing in a container. `Centenaire de Lourdes®' has loose clusters of large pink blooms that have a subtle yet busy effect. While their outer petals fade, the inner petals at the centre of the blossom curve silkily over the stamens.

■ The large pink blooms of the spreading, 1.5 m (5 ft) shrub rose 'Erfurt' continue in full flush until autumn. Because the petals change colour on their underside to white or pale yellow, this fragrant rose has a two- colour effect.

FLOWERING: Recurrent; half filled; 0 10 cm (4 in); pink; intense fragrance GROWTH: 1-1.4 m (3-41/2 ft) high; upright, arching

FEATURES: Climber; healthy; tolerates heat; rain resistant; suits half shade; needs winter protection in colder regions

PLANTING: In flowerbeds and borders; as a specimen and in groups; for containers and hedges; as a pillar rose and weeping standard 

INTRODUCED: Delbard- Chabert, 1958, France

Useful Roses Gardening Information

'JACQUES CARTIER'          

PORTLAND ROSE / Synonym: 'Marquise de Boccella'        

FLOWERING: Recurrent;

 densely filled, quartered, large blossoms; 09 cm (31/2 in); pink, fading to the edge; intense fragrance

GROWTH: About 1-1.2 Hi

(3 ft) high; arching. Can be pruned to grow upright and compact

FEATURES: Robust climber; winter hardy; tolerates half shade and poorer soil 

PLANTING: Ideal for town gardens, beds, hedges. Easy to grow in containers 

INTRODUCED: Moreau-Robert, 1868, France

The close relationship between Portland and Damask roses can be clearly seen in the damask bud of the blossoms of 'Jacques Cartier', where the inner petals of the densely filled flowers reflex. 'Jacques Cartier' has other persuasive qualities, though. It has little susceptibility to fungal diseases and flowers twice a year. The first flowering takes place in June, dense clusters emerging from tight, red buds, the second, a little weaker, toward the end of August. Another characteristic of Portland roses is the way the flowers stand on short stems just above the dense foliage. If you want a compact, upright bush, then simply cut the canes back by a third early in the year.

• 'The Portland Rose' (synonyms: 'Duchess of Portland', `Paestana', Portlandica') is the ancestor of all the Portland roses and is also remontant, flowering in the autumn. The bush, only 90 cm (36 in) tall, with its bright red flowers, was first grown in Italy in about 1790.

'MME BOLL'

Synonym: 'Madame Boll' / PORTLAND ROSE

Without doubt the best Portland rose, 'Madame Boll', sometimes wrongly confused with 'Comte de Chambord', can look back on a long, successful story. The flowers, which lie directly above the foliage, bloom in all their glory from June to July. Usually, they have a second flush that lasts from the end of August until first frost. The only problem affecting this easy-to-care-for decorative bush is a tendency for its buds not to open if it rains a lot during first flush, but instead for them to ball. The remedy, however, is easy: all the gardener needs to do is remove the stuck outer petals. Should such obstetric assistance not be forthcoming, the blooms will rot unopened on the bush, giving rise to the so-called mummy formation.

FLOWERING: Recurrent; very densely filled, quartered, flat; 0 8 cm (31/2 in); bright pink, lightening to the edge; intense musky fragrance

GROWTH: About 1.2 m (4 ft) high; strong; upright; compact

FEATURES: Robust climber; very winter hardy; well suited to half shade; tolerates poorer soil

PLANTING: Beds, borders, hedges and containers 

INTRODUCED: First grown 1843 by Daniel Boll in the USA, sold in Europe by Boyau as 'Madame Boll' 

since 1859

All The Basics About Roses

'DUFTWOLKE®'

HYBRID TEA! Synonyms: 'Fragrant Cloud', `Nuage Parfurne'

This rose is famous worldwide for its wonderful fragrance. It begins to bloom in early June. The flowers usually come in clusters and open from typically pointed oval buds. The initial orange-red of the blooms gradually turns to a lighter crimson shade on fading. Throughout the bloom period the scent is absolutely captivating. These flowers should be enjoyed close-up — in seating areas, on terraces, as cut flowers or even in rose punch. Despite its leathery foliage, it can be susceptible to black spot and, if it is not planted cleverly when used in combinations, it may have a rather ungainly effect due to the size of its blooms. 'Duftwolke®' may also suffer in midday heat and prolonged rain.

'Holsteinperle®' (synonyms: 'Heidi Kabel', 'Testa Rossa') is a real eye-catcher with gorgeous rosette blooms in coral red. It has no scent; however, it does very well in poor weather and keeps well in a vase.

 FLOWERING: Repeat bloomer; double; 0 10-12 cm (4-5 in), coral red; delicious scent

GROWTH: 50-70 cm (20-28 in) high; upright; bushy

FEATURES: World's Favorite Rose 1981; ADR rating 1964; scent and cut flower; very hardy

PLANTING: For flowerbeds, scented beds and borders; as a standard

INTRODUCED: Tantau, 1963, Germany

'TROPICANA'

Synonyms: 'Super Star'', `Tanorstar' / HYBRID TEA

When 'Tropicana' was introduced, it caused a sensation with its pure salmon-pink tones, which last right through the bloom period, coupled with the classical beauty of its high bloom form. It is no surprise that it has won the highest accolades worldwide. Another plus point is that it blooms with great abundance and happily produces more blooms after deadheading. It also emits a lovely, fruity fragrance and the blooms stand up well in rain. This rose should be planted out of the midday sun, as the blooms may pale if exposed to extreme heat and sun. It is also important to plant it in an airy open spot, not too close to other plants, as it is susceptible to mildew.

'Caribia®' (synonyms: 'Harry', 'Harry Wheatcroft') is a similarly brightly coloured rose; however, it is two- toned — the inside of the petals striped red and yellow, the reverses golden yellow.

FLOWERING: Repeat bloomer; double; 0 8-10 cm (3-4 in); salmon pink; powerful scent

GROWTH: 60-80 cm (24-32 in) high; strong; very upright; bushy FEATURES: Susceptible to mildew; great for cutting; hardy

PLANTING: For scented beds and flowerbeds and borders; makes a delightful standard

INTRODUCED: Tantau, 1960, Germany

Designs Your Garden With Flowers

‘BARONNE EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD'

HYBRID TEA / Synonym: `Grimpant Baronne de Rothschild'

`Baronne Edmond de Rothschild®' is an excellent, sweet-smelling rose full of desirable characteristics. Large, attractive blooms are generally borne singly on powerful stems and keep particularly well when cut for the vase and displays. This rose will happily repeat bloom after pruning. It is easy to maintain and very healthy, its very glossy, tough foliage being astonishingly resistant to fungal diseases. `Baronne Edmond de Rothschild®' will not disappoint, even in harsher zones, where some hybrid Teas are best avoided. When using in combination with other plants, set 35 cm (14 in) apart. If planting an entire perfumed bed of this hybrid Tea, use seven per square metre (square yard).

FLOWERING: Repeat bloomer; fully double; 0 12 cm (5 in); insides deep pink with silvery reverses; glorious, strong fragrance

GROWTH: 80-100 cm (32-39 in) high; vigorous; tightly upright

FEATURES: ADR rating 1971; lovely scent and cutting quality; good in rain; hardy

PLANTING: For flowerbeds, scented beds and borders

 INTRODUCED: Meilland, 1968, France

'HIDALGO'

Synonym: 'Michel Hidalgo' / HYBRID TEA

This dark red hybrid Tea is more often used for bouquets and declarations of love than in the garden. However, for those who enjoy a garden with rich red blooms and sweet fragrances, hybrid Teas are hard to beat. 'Hidalgo'', a classic example, can be combined well with other scented plants to make a lovely fragrant planting on a terrace. Plant 30 cm (1 ft) apart or, for more extensive planting, use nine plants per square metre (square yard). For those who are not so interested in the classics and lay more store by ease of maintenance and health, look for more recent hybrid Tea varieties that combine these latter characteristics with a lovely scent, such as Liebeszauber®' (synonyms: 'Crimson Spire', 'Love's Magic'), bred by Kordes, 1991.

`Burgund '81®' (synonyms: `Kordes' Rose Burgund', 'Loving Memory', 'Red Cedar', 'The Macarthur Rose') has delightful velvety red blooms that flower all summer, but it is only lightly scented. This rose looks lovely as a standard in a pot on the patio.

FLOWERING: Repeat bloomer; double; 0 10-12 cm (4-5 in velvety dark red; powerful scent

GROWTH: 80-100 cm (32-39 in) high; very upright

FEATURES: Robust; great scent; lovely cut rose; hardy

PLANTING: For flowerbeds, scented beds and borders 

INTRODUCED: Meilland, 1979, France