Featured variety - plicata Iris 'Rustler'

A plicata Iris is a variety of Flag/Bearded Iris germanica, in which the falls or standards are characteristically peppered and 'sprayed' which a different colour to the ground colour. This can lead to a very striking effect, as seen here on this choice 1987 raised cultivar which remains seldom seen in British gardens. It was raised in America and is a robust triploid variety which blooms mid-late season. The flower stems are well branched and these lavishly ruffled blooms featured a rich sienna-mahogany patterning which works very well in a border. Teamed with deep yellows or blues it combines spectacularly.
In common with other germanica Iris [the latin term for a Flag or Bearded Iris] this variety prefers a full sun position in any reasonably drained or ordinary soil. When planting make sure the rhizome is partly visible above soil so it gets baked by the sun. This encourages free flowering. These Iris do not like being shaded by other perennials so make sure it has enough space and isn't crowded. Provide a small bamboo stake whilst in flower so that the plant does not 'rock' in windy weather.

Cutting Back and tidying up perennial plants

CUTTING BACK PERENNIALS
As winter begins to dig deep and all around the perennial garden is bare, maybe your thoughts turn to tidying up and clearing away. Now would be a good time to cut back your herbaceous perennials, right?
Certainly you can do it over the coming weeks, if you can’t stand the sight of bare stems and brown stalks in your garden? But there are arguments for leaving it until the very end of winter, or early spring.
Firstly it is more wild-life friendly to leave old growth around. It harbours insects and seeds that provide valuable food for birds during winter, and also cover and protection. The second important consideration is plant hardiness. If you are looking at plants like some of the newer Coreopsis and Penstemons, that maybe aren’t that hardy overwinter if we get a very severe spell then the old growth provides valuable added protection and will help them come through the worst unscathed.
You might also be cultivating plants that have some benefit even whilst ‘dead’ The architectural, striking stems of Cynara cardunculus, some grasses, Rudbeckia, Phlomis, Monarda’s, Achillea and Iris foetidissima seed heads, to name but a few, have definite value in the winter garden. Would you really want to part with them so soon?
So really it’s up to you – clear away and tidy up now if you wish but consider the other side of the story too.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Some Perennials have very brittle stems that will come away cleanly and easily without too much of a struggle. However Daylilies, [Hemerocallis] Kniphofia, Agapanthus and some other perennials may cling on to the parent clump rather. If you tug too much you can loosen mart of the clump from the soil, or even tear it away completely. Be prepared to cut such stems manually with a sharp pair of secateurs. The stems should be removed cleanly as close to the base of the plant as possible. Make sure at the same time as clearing old and dead growth that you remove all old leav and leafmould/detritus as it may harbour diseases.
If you are cutting back slightly less hardy perennials now, as discussed above, then if you can provide a mulch around the crown of the plant then this will help replace the insulating effect of the growth you have just taken away.

ACANTHUS – AN INTRODUCTION TO….

This family of herbaceous perennials has been prominent in gardens and borders for over 200 years. Popularly known as ‘Bears Breeches’ the origins of the Acanthus family lie in the Asiatic countries.
SPACE REQUIRED
Acanthus make fairly robust clumps so be prepared to afford them the space to show off. Space plants 24” apart if planting in a clump, allow 36” between them and nearby plants, at least.
USES IN THE GARDEN
I prefer to use them not so much in combination with other plants, but to highlight and provide a good leafy focal point. Although not evergreen, I have found the foliage tends to last longer and deeper into the Autumn than neighbouring perennials, and the satisfying size, deeply indented outline and shiny, glossy rich green makes them worth growing for their foliage alone. The towering spires of hooded lipped flowers appear during Summers second half. The flowers are lilac-purple and white. There is also a pure white form.
SOIL
Not too dry. A good, hearty moisture retentive soil achieves the most luxurious clumps. Sun or part shade is fine and these are normally entirely hardy perennials that will last for years.
SPECIES & CULTIVARS
Acanthus mollis Is the most familiar species and a good easy grower.
Acanthus spinosus Distinguished by it’s rather spiny [but quite dramatic and effective] leaves.
Acanthus mollis albus Has pure white flowers.
Acanthus White Water A recent introduction with foliage marbled and variegated in white, frequently pink when young. An extremely striking cultivar but not as strong and best sited in filtered shade.
GOOD GARDEN COMPANIONS
Similarly robust perennials with contrasting foliage style work well with Acanthus. I like to use Hosta’s such as Zounds, Bluer Mammoth, Krossa Regal and Sum and Substance. Daylilies in the larger category work well too, especially those in the white or purple-lilac shades. Look for Arctic Snow, Snowy Apparition, Prairie Blue Eyes, Purple Waters or Hyperion. Delphiniums work well as a counterpunch behind a good clump of Acanthus, any of the taller strains will look fabulous. Agapanthus is another ideal choice, again the larger growing hybrids will have the ability to compete and complement the Acanthus.

Good shade perennials - illustrated

Primula Vulgaris.



Helleborosu argutifolius/corsicus


Double Aquilegia


Aquilegia 'Magpie'


Omphalodes verna


Astrantia 'Roma'


Astilbe White Wings

Perennial plants for shade [3]

PERENNIALS FOR SHADE [2]
Following on from my first article on super-useful garden plants for those shady areas we all have, I kept thinking of more beauties that should have been included ….. so here’s another 10.
1] AQUILEGIA
In variety. Grannys Bonnets can be grown in many colours and forms, singles, tight pompom doubles, gracegul species, dwarf and taller ones. Colours take in white, pink, inky blue, purple, near black, red and yellow. Although often seen growing quite happily in the sunny borderr their natural home is at woodlands edge so they will thrive happily in any partly shaded area.
2] AJUGA REPTANS
Commonly known as Bugle, this is a supreme little carpeter that is just ideal for a close-cropped ground cover – in shade. It can happily meander between larger trees and shrubs and it’s short stubby spikes of blue flower are a magnet to bees. There are also some really good coloured-leaved forms such as Tricolour and Burgundy Glow. Ajuga is an evergreen so you get it’s benefit all year round. Flowers most prolifically in Spring but sporadic blooms appear for several weeks. It’s also very good for use in planters.
3] UVULARIA GRANDIFLORA
An elegant and little known perennial from North America that lights up dappled shade in late spring with it’s dangling narrow tubular bells of soft yellow. The oval leaves clasp willowy stems which grow to about 100cm’s. Sheer class and very underrated.
4] BERGENIA’S
Or Elephants Ears as they used to be called years ago. The big evergreen leaves give great year round cover, especially as some varieties take on rich beetroot purple shades during colder weather. The bold panicles of flower appear early, often from February. Bergenia’s enjoy a cast iron constitution and are unlikely to fail. They really thrive in shade and are long lived great-value perennial plants.
5] PRIMULA VULGARIS & VERIS
Or – our native Primrose and Cowslip. Beautiful woodlanders for anyt not-too dry soil, the delicately scented flowers appear from March-May.Will naturalise and self seed.
6] ASTRANTIA MAJOR
And it’s many varieties, ‘Masterwort’ has been a cottage garden favourite for many years. It’s delicate pincushion like flowers can appear all summer long. Great for cutting, there are some bold newer varieties in shocking blood red shades which are really causing a stir. However, for shady areas I recommend the ‘original’ colour scheme of pearlescent grey-white and soft pink enjoyed by the species and varieties such as Shaggy.
7] HELLEBORES
What woodland garden could be complete without Lenten Roses and Christmas Roses? Such floral value during late winters dullest darkest days provide a feature for cutting too. The flowers last for weeks, months even and can now be had in all manner of shades. White, soft pink, rose, near red, slate-blue, yellow even and there are doubles too. The foliage is evergreen and should be cut back soon after flowering has finished. All Hellebores thrive in shade, be it niger, orientalis, foetidus or argutifolius. [Pictued]
8] OMPAHLODES
‘Blue Eyed Mary’ A charming little plant scarcely 10” tall with fortget-me-not like brilliant blue flowers in April and May. Ideal for the edge of trees or foot of a hedge. Enchanting, looks delicate but is pretty tough.
9] ASTILBES
You might at first find it strange to find Astilbe’s listed here but actually they are far more at home with a bit of shade than in full sun where they are often featured. They like some protection from hot weather and, provided the soil isn’t too dry, the feathery plumes of flower reach new heights of grandeur. White Wings, Peach Blossom and Professor van der Weilen are particular favourites and their plumes shine with luminosity in light shade.
10] TIARELLA
Two main species – wherryi and cordifolia are known as Foamflower. Heuchera relatives with similar Maple-like leaves, there is now a host of new varieties with interesting colour hues and patternings. The upright frothy flower heads are worth having too. Evergreen and tolerant of dry shade once established.

Campanulas - an introduction

The Campanula family includes such well loved garden perennials as the Bellflower, Harebell and Canterbury Bell. The Campanulas offered here are all of the easiest cultivation. Campanula's of many species and varieties have been popular Cottage Garden perennials for countless years. Campanula plants establish easily and invariably flower with the utmost freedom.
Campanula's associate traditionally with the tall spiked flowers of Delphinium and also marry well with border Phlox, Oriental Poppies and Achillea, depending on the bloom season of the individual varieties concerned.
Campanulas in the garden There are about 300 known species of Campanula. A lot of them are tiny alpine species from the Mountains of Europe, which lovely 'though they are, do not concern us here. But there is more than a scattering of larger species which make excellentg garden and border plants. They bring a range of exquisite soft blue and lavender to the garden and there are also white and pink flowered forms. There is a wide ranging height variation according to species, from front of the border dwarfs through mid-range species and a few really tall big boys for the back of the border. The so called Chimney Bellflower - Campanula pyramidalis - can tower to 12' or more and is very spectacular; although entirely hardy it was once cultivated in the Greenhouse in Victorian times, in order to tease the greatest majesty from it for showing competition. In the garden Campanula's mix very well in the general flower border; a number are excellent for cutting and should be considered for the cutting garden. Plant compaions depends on the size of the species/variety concenred but the following general list are all to be recommended: Oriental Poppies - work well with mid-border Campanula's, as do Lupins, Peonies Oenothera [Evening Primrose] and Achillea. Shorter growing kinds marry well with Nepeta - Catmint, Viola's, hardy Geraniums, Tradescantia, and hardy Pinks.Plant the larger growing species 18" apart, the smaller foreground Campanulas about 10" apart.
Campanula - species and varieties
Campanula glomerata Cluster Flowered Bellflower.One of the most popular species and an excellent trouble-free mid border species. Very good for cutting, the rounded clusters of bell-flowers appear atop bristly 60cm tall stems June-July, over compact basal foliage clumps.
Campanula calycanthema - Canterbury Bell Such a famous plant over the Centuries, hardly needs description. Although often termed a biennial will behave as a perennial usually, especially if deadheaded before it seeds. The flowers are probably the largest of all the Campanula family, spectacular large saucer to bell shaped beauties thickly clustered up leafy stems; shades of blue, purple, pink and white. Height around 90cm's.
Glomerata superba is the most often grown form and has deep inky purple nazy bells.glomerata alba is pure white, the variety Schneekrone [Crown of Snow] is an improved white form. Glomerata Caroline is a pretty newer introduction with lilac pink bells.
Campanula lactiflora Milky Bellflower. An attractive mid-height Campanula with an effusive, billowing habit, the wide clusters bof flowers appearing from June to August. A very hardy species with narrow leaves, grows well in the sunny border or in part shade on most soils. Also ideal for the wild garden. Very bee friendly. Has naturalized in Scotland; good cultivars include Loddon Anna which is lilac pink, Pritchards Variety remaining the best deep blue of this species, lactiflora alba a white flowered form selected direct from the species and a useful dwarf kind of less than half the height of the natural speceis, good for the border-front and of very tidy mounding habit.
Campanula trachelium Is known as the Nettle leafed Bellflower, is, despite the name, a useful and undeniably attracti ve species, in a wild and natural kind of way. The diamond shaped bristly leaves do recall a Nettle [although thankfully without the sting!] and the branched flower stems carry countless star shaped lavender purple flowers during July. Soundly perennial, hardy and a good plant for the wild garden or woodland glade.
Campanula latifolia The Great Bellflower of Europe. A superb species with relatively large deep violet blue flowers up leafy stems in June and July. Rough, hairy foliage; 120cm's or more in height, Excels in the informal or wild garden or amongst larger shrub roses. Latifolia macrantha has even larger flowers.
persicifolia The Peach Leafed Bellflower. Common in gardens for over a century and still one of the loveliest of Campanulas. Tidy shiny foliage provides a nice backdrop for the eruption of wiry straight flower stems that emerge in June. These support large waxy perfect fat bell-flowers.The original species is china blue. persicifolia alba is pure white. persicifolia Telham Beauty is a prized strain bearing especially large blue flowers. persicifolia La Belle is a reliable double blue cultivar. And finally persiciolia La Bello is double white and much sought after. All the Campanula persificolia varieties can be cultivated in an open-woodland setting as well as the mixed border and will naturalize if left undisturbed.
Campanula pyramidalis The Chimney Bellflower, a statuesque species originally from Italy and the Balkans. Its branched flower stems will reach from between 6-12' in height. The flower colour can be blue, lilac or white. The flower stems should be removed immediately after flowering to ensure longevity. A superb specimen for the back of the border, seems to prefer dryish soils.
Campanula poscharyskyana A familiar sprawling species of around 20cm's, much employed at the front of the border, on raised beds and over walls, covers iteslf in star-bell shaped soft light purple flowers June and July.
Campanula carpatica One of the most satisfactory of all dwarfing perennials. A low, compact mound forming plant with tidy shiny foliage, studded - often almost covered - with sizeable [proportionaly large] cup shaped flowers, the main flowering period is late Spring and early Summer but can flower almost perpetually. Ideal for smaller pots and planters, trough, border edging, rockery etc. Forms are available with both white and blue flowers. Plant 10" apart.
Campanula thrysoides A rare biennial or short lived perennial species of note for its sulphur yellow bell flowers. 60cm's; the only yellow flowered Campanula. A rarity but beautiful.
Campanula Hybrids
A number of excellent varieties have evolved recently and already rank amongst the most popular of all garden Campanula. With complex parentage, which seek to extend the boundaries of this important garden plant. These Campanulas triumph either with larger flowers, unusual colours, or a long flowering season - or all 3 qaulities! Definitely well worth evaluating for your garden.
Kent Belle Already achieving popularity; 80cm stems bedecked with large, fringed, glossy deep purple-blue flowers all summer long. Attractive heart shaped foliage. To be recommended.
Purple Sensation Deeply pigmented purple flowers that appear as large bells all over the compact 40cm stems in July and August. A tremendous performer.
Wine ' Rubies Large fringed bells of cream strongly speckled wine red. Stunning, flowers May to july; 50cm's tall.
Elizabeth Slightly spreading habit and wiry stems nodding with the weight of fat creamy bells which are patched with deep pink. Capable of flowering all summer long; popular.
Sarastro A newcomer that is impressing in trials. Dark blue-purple flowers, June to late August

Top perennials for shade [2]

TOP 10 PERENNIAL PLANTS FOR SHADE - THE TOP 5!
Nearly all gardens have a shady area yet too often it is regarded as a ‘problem’ area or one that is difficult to plant interstingly. An area beneath trees or at the foot of a tall hedge, maybe an area by a North wall or overshadowed by a building or shed – we all have these pieces of ground. Yes the reality is there are a great number of plants that will actually thank you for being planted there! Many of those I am about to recommend would either shrivel up and die if planted in full sun, or at least fail to display their lustrous potential. These are all plants that will revel in a dim or shady spot and I don’t know why it is, but they seem imbued with a natural lush and understated elegance that can’t be found in true sun-lovers…. So here’s my top recommendations for plans that prefer life in the shade.
1] EPIMEDIUMS
Utterly charming and surprisingly little known outside of keen plant lover circles, these demure yet compulsively lovely little perennials top my list with a number of virtues. I love the natural grace and elegance of the slender twiggy stems, the way the shapely heart shaped leaves droop ever so slightly…. The arching sprays of lily like flowers are tiny but well worth closer inspection. Best of all the leaves are usually evergreen and tinted.
Epimediums grow no more than 12” in hgith andf form nice neat clumps. The flowers can be white, lilac, orange or yellow and they bloom in late Spring. Absolutely invaluable year round interest and – sheer class!
2] HOSTA’S In variety. Ask anyone to name a plant that likes shade and likely as not it will be a Hosta that is mentioned first. This is a large family big on variety, that has something for everyone, and a variety for every aspect. Whether you want somethiong taller or architectural such as ‘Krossa Regal’ a small miniature for edging – Blue Mouse Ears, Gold Edger, Minuteman – or wide, satisfying big leafed rounded clumps – Patriot, Zounds, udulata variegata, Blue Wedgewood etc – Hosta’s are simply always effective in perfection.
3] HARDY FERNS Quintesentially shade loving of course. The texture and intricate shape of the leaves means they can create endlessly satisfying plant associations with other shade loving perennials. As long as the soil isn’t dry then the hardy fern family will embellish your shady spot with a sense of understated lush elegance almost indefinitely and will last for many years. There are taller upright species such as the Ostrich Plume fern [Matteuccia struthiopteris] as well as smaller more dainty growers such as the Aspleniums. If you have a shady Patio then these Hardy ferns can also be cultivated in pots.
4] PULMONARIA ‘SISSINGHURST WHITE’ Pulomonaria’s [Liverwort, Lungwort] will simply shrivel up or at last go into early summer dormancy if they get too much sun. But plant them in light shade and they attain new heights of demure splendour. There are many varieties, in blue, white or deep pink, but I feel Sissinghurst White shows the best in their natuiral environment. It’s the biggest grower [although still no more than 15” high] with the biggest leaves and the pure white flowers show really well. Whats more the leaves are densely dappled with silver.
5] VIOLA ODORATA Sweet Violet, a small native perennial although seldom found in the wild now, makes a beautiful demure carpeter for beneath trees or a North facing aspect. The lavender purple flowers create a carpet of colour from March onward, and the scent is absolutely divine! A posy brought indoors is a delight. Available also in white and pink flowered forms. You can also try the purple leaved Viola labradorica purpurea.