Perennials - A, buy online

Perennials - A

Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: June to September. Hardiness: Frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas) A popular, spreading perennial, with cheerful, open daisies of palest lilac or white with purple centres. The back of each petal are a darker smoky lilac, and as the flower opens and closes with the sun, this contrast adds to the plant's charm. This is one of the hardiest oste. Ospermums, and it keeps on producing an uplifting display of flowers from early summer through. to autumn. It looks lovely planted en masse in containers on a sunny terrace, or in a wide, herbaceous border. Garden care: Protect plants in frost-prone areas and lift and divide congested clumps in autumn or spring.

African Lily £6.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September. Hardiness: fully hardy. Globes of intensely deep blue or pure white trumpet-shaped flowers appear in July and August on straight stems above clumps of strap-shaped, mid-green leaves. These beautiful African blue lilies are perfect for the middle of a sunny, moist but well-drained border or a large patio pot. Although. hardier than other varieties in cold, exposed areas container grown specimens will benefit from a deep, dry winter mulch. Garden care: Keep well-watered during the growing season, applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month from spring until the plant flowers. In cold, exposed areas protect the crown of the plant with a deep, dry winter mulch.

African Lily £6.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September. Hardiness: half hardy. A wonderful white form of African lily, with globes of trumpet-shaped flowers from July to September. This bold perennial provides a perfect focal point for a sunny, well-drained border or in a patio container. Where temperatures fall below zero, container-grown specimens should be overwintered in a frost-free place. Garden care: Keepwell-watered during the growing season, applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month from spring until the plant flowers. Overwinter container-grown specimens in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, watering sparingly.

African Lily £5.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September. Hardiness: hardy (borderline) Showy globes of trumpet-shaped flowers ranging in colour from deep blue, pale blue to white appear from July to September on straight stems above clumps of strap-shaped, mid-green leaves. Headbourne Hybrids are a particularly fine variety of African lilies, ideal for a sunny well-drained border or a large patio pot. Garden care: Keep well-watered during the growing season, applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month from spring until the plant flowers. In cold, exposed areas protect the crown of the plant with a deep, dry winter mulch.

African Lily £9.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: July to September. Hardiness: half hardy. Globes of of trumpet-shaped, deep blue flowers appear from July to September on straight stems above bold clumps of strap-like, mid-green leaves. These beautiful African lilies provide valuable late summer interest in a sunny, well-drained border, or large patio pot. Where temperatures fall below zero, container-grown specimens should be overwintered in a frost free place. Garden care: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring until flowering. Divide congested plants in spring, but be aware that they may not flower again the next summer.

African Lily £6.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: July to September. Hardiness: half hardy. This is a new variety, with huge globes of trumpet-shaped, bright blue flowers with dark stripes on each petal that appear from July to September. The flowers are held on straight stems above bold clumps of evergreen, strap-like, mid-green leaves. These beautiful African lilies provide valuable late summer interest in a sunny, well-drained border or large patio pot. Garden care: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring until flowering. In cold areas, protect the crown of the plant with a deep, dry mulch. Divide plants in spring.

African Lily £9.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 3 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September. Hardiness: fully hardy (borderline)A short variety that originates from New Zealand. It produces loose clusters of light blue, trumpet-shaped flowers that gently flare towards the ends. These appear above the glossy, strap-shaped foliage in July and August. Garden care: Keep well-watered during the growing season, applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month from spring until the plant flowers. In cold, exposed areas protect the crown of the plant with a deep, dry winter mulch, and avoid too much winter wet.

Agapanthus £6.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or John Innes no. 2 compost for containers) Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September. Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protectionThis is a stunning new variety of African lily, with large globes of intense blue flowers from July to September on dark, almost black stems. As as the flowers fade they are followed by black seedheads that look dramatic and architectural. You can even cut and dry them for flower arrangements. Ideal for a sunny well-drained border. Garden care: Keep well-watered during the growing season, applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month from spring until the plant flowers. In cold, exposed areas protect the crown of the plant with a deep, dry winter mulch.

Alkanet £5.45

Position: full sunSoil: moist, fertile, well-drained. Rate of growth: vigorous. Flowering period: June. Hardiness: fully hardy. Sturdy stems of deep blue summer flowers, turning blue-purple with age, appear in early summer above rosettes of mid-green leaves. This large blue alkanet makes a striking and long-lasting statement in a sunny border and does not need staking. The flowers are attractive to bees, too. Garden care: Anchusas don't like wet soil. Deadhead after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers. In early autumn cut the stems back down to the ground.

Allium £5.45

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: June Hardiness: fully hardy. Dense, rich-purple globes held high on erect stems above strap-like, pale green leaves appear in early summer. They look spectacular grouped in a pot, or in a sunny border, dotted in groups among ornamental grasses, or as part of a Mediterranean scheme. Alliums look best planted between medium-sized herbaceous plants, which help to mask the strap-like leaves, which fade by the time the flowers appear. Garden care: Split and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Allium £5.45

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: June to July. Hardiness: fully hardy. Huge globes ofsmall, star-shaped, pinkish-purple flowers appear in summer above narrow, grey-green leaves. In bloom these fabulous globes - up to 20cm (8in) in diameter - have a metallic sheen. The faded flowerheads hold up well in the border and are useful for dried flower arrangements. Perfect for a sunny site, dotted in small groups among ornamental grasses, or as part of a Mediterranean scheme. Alliums look best planted between medium-sized herbaceous plants, which help to mask the strap-like leaves, which fade by the time the flowers appear. Garden care: Split and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Allium £4.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: June to July. Hardiness: fully hardy. Dense globes of small, star-shaped, lilac-pink summer flowers on towering stems appear in summer above , pale green leaves. This gorgeous ornamental onion - the tallest currently available - is perfect for providing vertical interest in a sunny border. Try it dotted in small groups among ornamental grasses, or as part of a Mediterranean scheme. Garden care: Split and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Allium £6.95

Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: July. Hardiness: fully hardy. Large spherical flowerheads made up of numerous star-shaped, deep violet flowers appear in summer. The enormous flowerheads, measuring from 15cm, look great in pots or borders where they can be seen in their full glory. They are also perfect for a sunny border, dotted in groups among ornamental grasses, or as part of a Mediterranean scheme. Alliums look best planted between medium-sized herbaceous plants, which help to mask the strap-like leaves, which fade by the time the flowers appear. Garden care: Split and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

Aloe £12.95

Position: full sunSoil: loam-based potting compost, such as John Innes No. 2 with added sharp sand or perlite. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: December. Hardiness: tender. Neat succulent that produces rosettes of fleshy, bluish-green leaves up to 45cm long that become red-flushed in poor soils. In winter, spikes of dusty, scarlet flowers are produced on tall, branched stems. An ideal plant for a container, to add a Mediterranean look to the garden, but it will need to be moved in to a frost-free place, such as a conservatory, in winter. Garden care: Keep in a cool, light and well ventilated room in the house. Plants can be moved outdoors during the summer months.

Amsonia £5.95

Position: full sunSoil: moist. but well-drained soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: May to July. Hardiness: fully hardy. Dense clusters of star-like, ice-blue flowers appear from late spring to midsummer on graceful, arching stems above long, dark green leaves. A lovely, clump-forming perennial that looks good in the middle of a sunny border. Garden care: Divide congested plants in spring.

Angelica £6.95

Position: full or partial shade. Soil: deep, moist, fertile, loamy soil. Rate of growth: average Flowering period: August and September. Hardiness: fully hardy. A stunning, architectural plant that adds height and drama to a border. Dome-shaped heads of plum-purple flowers appear on red-tinted stems in August and September and it has pretty, deeply cut leaves. Try it at the back of a sunny, herbaceous or mixed border, where the flowerheads will attract bees. It performs best in moist, fertile soil. This plant is monocarpic, so dies back after setting seed. Garden care: To prevent the plant from self-seeding, deadhead after flowering. Even if you leave the seedheads, it tends not to self seed as freely as other angelicas, so needs to be replaced regularly.

Angels Fishing Rod £6.95

Position: full sunSoil: humus-rich, well-drained soil. Rate of growth: slow-growing Flowering period: June to August. Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection) A distinctive-looking perennial with arching stems of bell-shaped, magenta flowers that hang above clumps of grass-like, mid to grey-green leaves, retained all year. The stems look delicate, but are actually very tough. and appear to tremble in the breeze. Angel's fishing rod is perfect for introducing movement to a well-drained border in a sunny, sheltered site, or for overhanging water. Initially slow to establish, it looks particularly good with early autumn-flowering ornamental grasses. Garden care: Water freely during the growing season. Lift and divide congested colonies in spring.

Arum Lily £6.95

Position: full sun or partial shade. Soil: humus-rich, moist soil. Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May to June Flower colour: pure white. Other features: all parts may cause stomach ache if eaten and the sap can irritate the skin. Hardiness: full hardy (borderline) Unusual, pure white hood-shaped flowers that are up to 10-15cm (4-6in) long are produced from late spring to mid-summer. It makes a striking architectural clump with lovely arrow-shaped, glossy dark green leaves. It looks great grown beside water as a marginal plant and can be left outside in most frost-prone areas if it is given a deep winter mulch. Garden care: Grow in moist soil or as a marginal plant in a basket with heavy loam soil in water 30cm (12in) deep. Mulch plants well in winter

Aster £5.95

Position: full sunSoil: well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: August to October. Hardiness: fully hardy. Masses of large, light blue, daisy-like flowers with yellow centres appear from August through. to October above lanced-shaped, mid-green leaves. A pretty aster that looks lovely at the front or middle of a mixed or herbaceous border in full sun. It is resistant to mildew and like all asters, is great for adding a splash of late summer colour to the garden. Garden care: Water regularly during dry spells and deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering cut the flowered stems to the ground and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.

Aster £5.95

Position: partial shade. Soil: moist, moderately fertile soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: August to October. Hardiness: fully hardy. Masses of small, cheerful, violet-blue daisies with bright yellow centres appear from late summer to mid-autumn on soft stems. A pretty aster that has been given the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.It loves some shade and will add a splash of colour to a late summer border. Garden care: After flowering cut the flowered stems to the ground and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.

Aster £5.95

Position: full sunSoil: well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: July to October. Hardiness: fully hardy. Masses of pink centred, small white daisies are produced from midsummer through. to mid-autumn above deep purple foliage. A stunning aster that will extend the season in the garden and looks lovely at in the middle of a mixed or herbaceous border in full sun. The flowers are also attractive to butterflies. Garden care: Water regularly during dry spells and deadhead to prolong flowering. After flowering, cut the flowered stems to the ground and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.

Avens £5.95

Position: full sun or partial shade. Soil: fertile, well-drained soil. Rate of growth: fast. Flowering period: May to July. Hardiness: fully hardy. Semi-double, vivid yellow flowers appear on arching stems from June to August above rosettes of hairy, scalloped, fresh green leaves. This cheerful perennial brightens up a sunny garden border, especially one based on 'hot' colours. Deadheading the spent blooms should ensure a second flush of flowers in late summer. Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps every year in early spring or late autumn.

Avens £5.45

Position: full sun or partial shade. Soil: fertile, well drained soil. Rate of growth: fast. Flowering period: June to August. Hardiness: fully hardy. A popular variety, with a long flowering season and semi-double, vivid scarlet flowers that appear from June to August among rosettes of puckered, scalloped fresh green leaves. This easy-to-grow geum looks best among other 'hot' coloured flowers towards the front of a sunny border. Garden care: To prolong flowering, deadhead regularly. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring or late autumn.

Flat-topped Aster £5.95

Position: full sun or light shade. Soil: most well drained soils. Rate of growth: average. Flowering period: August to October. Hardiness: fully hardy. Pretty white flowers, tinged purple, with yellow centres appear from the end of summer to autumn. The flowers are produced in flattish clusters, hence the common name 'flat-topped aster'. They are one of the earliest asters into flower and each individual flower has petals which tend to curve downwards. A great plant that produces clumps of mildew resistant foliage and easy-to-pick flowers. Butterflies love them too. Garden care: Stake with brushwood in early spring to support tall growth. Leave flower heads to dessicate through. the winter when they will present an attractive garden silhouette. Also a rich source of food for some or our native birds. Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant in spring to encourage new growth.

Wood Anemone £2.99

Position: full sun or partial shade. Soil: well-drained, humus-rich soil. Rate of growth: fast-growing. Flowering period: March to April. Hardiness: fully hardy. From March-April, intense blue daisy-like flowers appear, set above delicate ferny foliage. These gorgeous little wood anemones are perfect for naturalising in a mixed border, at the edge of a woodland area, or around the base of deciduous shrubs, where they shine out like jewels. For maximum impact plant in bold drifts. A stunning little plant that lifts the spirits in spring. Garden care: Plant in naturalistic drifts 5-8cm (2-3in) deep in well-drained, humus-rich soil in autumn. Goes well with: Sambucus racemosa Plumosa Aurea, Galanthus nivalis, Narcissus February Gold, Lonicera periclymenum Graham Thomas, Kerria japonica, Pulmonaria officinalis Sissing. Hurst White

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