The Auricula is an old fashioned Primrose.

Height and Spread – 6″

Snails don’t like them.

Helleborus orientalis Oriental Hellebore, Lenten Rose       Type: Perennial Height: 18″ (45cm) Flowering Time: Winter/Spring Flower Colour: Green, white, pink, purple Classification: Class: Angiospermae (Angiosperms) Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons) Superorder: Magnoliidae (Magnolia Superorder) Order: Ranunculares (Buttercup Order) Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family) Genus: Helleborus (Hellebore) Species: orientalis (oriental)

Helleborus orientalis hybrids are clump forming perennial plants, flowering in late winter or very early in spring. They have large, coarse, deeply lobed and toothed leaves, which are semi-evergreen. The flower stems emerge before the new leaves, bearing saucer-shaped flowers which are really five large sepals with inconspicuous petals and many stamens, rather like a large buttercup. Colours are usually greenish pinks and purples, rarely clean white, often with maroon spots. After flowering, the sepals fade to duller colours, and the new leaves emerge, reaching a height of 12-18″.

Helleborus orientalis prefers shaded conditions, preferably in soil which does not dry out, so is an ideal plant for a woodland garden or a north-facing border.

It often self-seeds, although seedlings are usually of variable colours, and it is easily grown from seed, although germination may take several months.

This Plant is POISONOUS

The plant of the Month for September is: Sedum Spectabile

These succulent perennials will grow almost anywhere as long as there is good drainage they are practically maintenance free. Sedum spectabile Brilliant blooms with clusters of vivid red broccolli-like flowers on grey green fleshy stems. A striking plant for the summer border or for growing in large planters on your patio or decking, it’s long lasting blooms will attract lots butterflies and bees.

• Cutflowers from August until October
• Hardy
• Easy to grow
• Full grown size 30 – 45 cm

Polygonatum

Common Name: Common Solomon’s seal
Genus: Polygonatum
Species: x hybridum
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Moist
Height: 125cm
Spread: 30cm
Time to divide plants: March to April

Solomon’s seal is an old cottage garden plant that appears early in spring, producing graceful, arching stems with precisely paired, oval leaves along their length. These are quickly joined by dangling, green-tipped, white bells that persist throughout late spring and early summer. Plants enjoy woodland conditions, and associate well in a cool, shady, humus-rich border with spring flowers such as corydalis and dicentra. Stems and foliage remain eye-catching even after the flowers are over. Solomon’s seal also looks superb with hardy ferns to create a combination that lasts all summer. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

Looks good with:

Corydalis flexuosa
Dicentra spectabilis

There are two plants of the month for APRIL

(1)

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Castlewellan’

also known as Prunus laurocerasus ‘Marbled White’ – Variegated cherry laurel, Variegated common laurel

Dense evergreen with large, green leathery leaves with conspicuous white markings, giving them an unusual and very attractive marbled appearance. The variegation is held well in the shade. Makes an excellent thick hedge, or it can be used as a specimen shrub. In spring it produces spikes of fragrant white flowers.
HEDGE Prune with secateurs March, April or August. For hedges 4ft (120cm) upwards. Plant 18-24ins (45-60cm) apart.
SHRUB 15ft x 15ft (4.6m x 4.6m)

hardiness

fully hardy

conditions

It is very useful for flower arranging as it is easy to condition, looks well in churches.

(2)

 

Hedera colchia “Sulphur Heart”

 

The large leaved variegated ivy ‘Sulphur Heart’ has bright gold and lime green variegations that are invaluable for bringing splashes of light to a dark shady wall. In light shade, mingle it with winter jasmine and Cotoneaster horizontalis for a plant association with even greater variety and all year round interest. ‘Sulphur Heart’ clings to brick walls and similar textured surfaces so long as its aerial roots can get a grip. Splash walls with water to help new plants start clinging, but don’t grow where the mortar is unsound or the roots may cause damage. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Common Name: Persian Ivy
Genus: Hedera
Species: colchica
Cultivar: ‘Sulphur Heart’
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun, Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Acidic,Chalky/alkaline, Moist
Height: 300cm
Spread: 180cm 

The Plant of the Month for MARCH is Arum Italicum.
The leaves are excellent when arranged with Daffodils or Tulips in Spring. The leaves die back in Summer.

Common Name: Lords and ladies
Genus: Arum
Species: italicum
Cultivar: subsp. italicum ‘Marmoratum’
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Clay/heavy
Height: 30cm
Spread: 20cm
Time to divide plants: May to June

Also known as ‘Pictum’, this is an attractive plant with large, arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves that are heavily marbled with cream and, in time, make a dense carpet that covers the ground from late autumn till mid spring. In spring the pale green spathes grow well above the leaves, followed in autumn by a display of vivid red berries. The plants grow particularly well in moist shade under trees and shrubs. Within a few years they build up to form large clumps, and, once mature plants start flowering and fruiting, self sown seedlings may appear. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).