Kitabı oku: «Plant Solutions», sayfa 2
New gardeners sometimes become so anxious about getting everything right that they forget to take pleasure in what they are doing. Experienced gardeners, however, are constantly learning. They make frequent mistakes and will enjoy a lifetime of adjusting, re-planting, devising new projects, trying out new plants and just generally messing about in their gardens. In fact the only serious, damaging and lasting mistake you can ever make, with your garden, is to think that you have finished.
Flowers come in a rush, through spring and summer, and mid-winter plants are always sought-after. Too few of us, however, remember to plan for the ‘forgotten season’ – the autumn. This border of asters, chrysanthemums and other short-day flowers shows what superb colour autumn can bring.
annuals
Annuals for exposed sites
Annuals for sheltered sites
Annuals for extra poor soil
Annuals for gap filling in mixed border
Annuals for exposed sites
Agrostemma githago
Corn Cockle Annual
Cornfield annual with long, thin, somewhat lax stems, narrow, slightly hairy leaves and a long summer succession of large, rosy purple flowers, each with dotted lines leading to the centre. Support is necessary, either from other plants or with stakes or sticks. Selections include ‘Ocean Pearl’ – white with silver lines – and the pale ‘Pink Pearl’.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 1m plus (3ft plus)
Companion plants: Excellent annual for the border back, especially if it can lean against shrubs or come up among perennials with better standing qualities. Also fine in a naturalistic annual border with other cornfield annuals such as cornflower and larkspur.
Adonis annua
Pheasant’s Eye Annual
A cornfield annual with emerald green, feathery or filigree foliage on narrowly branched stems. From early summer, a succession of small, intensely blood red buttercup-like flowers nestle among the soft foliage, creating a strong contrast. Autumn sown plants grow larger and flower more profusely and for longer than those which germinate in spring.
Soil preference: Any, not too dry
Aspect: Sun, part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 15cm (18in × 6in)
Companion plants: A wild species with modest beauty, but effective when dotted among perennials in a mixed border or growing in gravel where it will take over from such late spring bulbs as fritillaries or late tulips.
Malcolmia maritima
Virginian Stock Annual
Almost every child’s first plant from seed, since it will flower a few weeks after sowing. Narrow foliage and slender stems produce a short but intense succession of brightly coloured, four-petalled flowers. Good seed series include flowers in shades of pink, white, cream, purple or near red, but these plants need to grow in bold drifts to create a strong effect.
Soil preference: Sandy, free-draining but not too dry
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 20cm × 10cm (8in × 4in)
Companion plants: Best sown in patches at a border front, with taller perennials behind, or among cottage garden flowers in an informal planting. These are often blended with night scented stock, Matthiola bicornis, for evening fragrance.
Papaver rhoeas ‘Shirley Series’
Shirley Poppy Annual
Garden World Images
Developed in the 19th Century by the rector of Shirley, Rev. Wilkes, from the showiest of cornfield weeds, this series has flowers ranging from lemon through pink to red, some with picotee edges in pale pink or white. The pollen is always golden, in contrast with wild field poppies, whose pollen is dark grey. More annual poppies on pages ref 1 and ref 2.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30–60cm (1–2ft) × 20–40cm (10in–1ft 4in)
Companion plants: Other annual poppies work beautifully with Shirley seedlings, especially if allowed to naturalize in a gravel garden or sown at random in an annual border with such annuals as marigolds, clarkias, larkspurs and cornflowers.
Nigella damascena
Love-in-a-mist Annual
Lacy, filamentous foliage makes a soft and alluring background for the flowers, whose distinctive blue petals nestle among the feathery leaves. Garden series such as ‘Persian Jewels’ have purple and white flowers, as well as those in various shades of blue. The large, inflated, lantern-like seed capsules are almost as decorative as the flowers and last until autumn.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: 30–45cm (1ft–1ft 6in) tall
Companion plants: A lovely annual to naturalize among roses, especially the older varieties. Also effective for gap-filling, in a mixed border or for lining a lavender hedge.
Lagurus ovatus
Hare’s Tail Grass Annual grass
Mediterranean species with grassy foliage and silvery grey flowers which are broadly oval and furry to the touch, resembling the tail of a hare or rabbit. This grass grows taller on rich soil but thrives as a smaller plant in harsh conditions. A dwarf form, ‘Nanus’, may be more suitable for gardens with rich soil.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: 15–50cm (6in–1ft 8in) × 30cm (12in)
Companion plants: A worthy addition to a grass border, especially if planted with other annual grasses such as Briza maxima, but also lovely among flowering annuals. Scatter seed among pot marigolds, cornflowers or tagetes.
Annuals for sheltered sites
Anagallis monellii
Shrubby Pimpernel Perennial grown as a tender annual
A low, straggly plant with semi-trailing stems and small, triangular leaves grouped in threes along the stem. At each leaf joint, buds form which open as conspicuous, five-petalled flowers in the deepest, most intense blue. Similar, but larger in all its parts, to the wild blue pimpernel, Anagallis foemina.
Soil preference: Fertile, well-drained
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 20cm × 30cm (8in × 12in)
Companion plants: An excellent hanging basket or container plant which is especially effective when contrasted with bright yellow Bidens ferulifolia or harmonized with variegated trailing Plectranthus or with red pelargoniums.
Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’
Honeywort Annual
Cornfield annual from the Mediterranean with curious, glaucous foliage and, in early summer, metallic purple bracts which are remarkably luminous and which half conceal the strange brownish purple and yellow tubular flowers. The seeds are large and stone-hard. Although when established it will self-sow, the species is not hardy in sustained frost.
Soil preference: Any well-drained
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 50cm × 30cm (1ft 8in × 12in)
Companion plants: A distinctive plant for a Mediterranean garden among grey and silver-leaved herbs such as lavenders, Teucrium and sages. Excellent in gravel, too, among brown sedges such as Carex buchananii and also with Californian poppies.
Brachyscome hybrids
Swan River Daisy Annuals
The narrow, fresh, often lacy green leaves on these Australian native plants are almost hidden behind a generous covering of bright daisy flowers, in mauve, pink or white. A neat, but semi-trailing habit, coupled with summer-long flowering makes them ideal for container use. Good varieties include ‘Blue Haze’, the lilac coloured ‘City Lights’ and the purple-blue ‘Toucan Tango’. Tender.
Soil preference: Any, reasonably fertile
Aspect: Best in full sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 45cm (18in × 18in)
Companion plants: Yellow-flowered Bidens ferulifolia makes a good contrast, but the silver filigree leaves of Artemisia ‘Lambrook Silver’ or ‘Powis Castle’ also blend pleasingly.
Convolvulus tricolor
Annual
A non-climbing, but somewhat lax plant with small, oval leaves and saucer shaped flowers, similar to those of morning glories, but 5cm (2in) wide. The typical species has dark, royal blue petals, fading white or creamy yellow at the throat. Selected varieties include ‘Ensign Mixed’, with pink, maroon, blue and white shades, and the pale ‘Light Blue Flash’.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 50cm × 30cm (1ft 8in × 1ft)
Companion plants: Great for a mixed annual border or to dot in among such perennials as Mexican salvias, osteospermums or grasses.
Lavatera trimestris
Annual
Tall, bold, with thick, rigid stems and large, slightly hoary leaves, this native of the Mediterranean regions has large, saucer shaped flowers whose stamens and stigma fuse to form a central spike. Colours range from rich pink, in ‘Silver Cup’ and ‘Ruby Regis’, to a startling white in ‘Mont Blanc’. Each petal is veined with darker lines.
Soil preference: Well-drained, fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 60–90cm × 45cm (2–3ft × 18in)
Companion plants: Careful siting is necessary, with so conspicuous a plant. Excellent in bold groups on its own or among such large perennials as Galega, leucanthemums and Phlox paniculata, with perennial asters to follow.
Galactites tomentosa
Annual
A thistle with spiky, divided white and green foliage, which emerges in autumn or early spring, forming an attractive rosette. In summer, the stem lengthens and branches, eventually bearing lilac-mauve, tufted thistle flowers. Seed is borne on thistledown. This native of the Canary islands and Mediterranean self-seeds freely, but young seedlings will not survive prolonged frost.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Spring, summer
Height and spread: 1m × 75cm (3ft 4in × 2ft 6in)
Companion plants: Attractive when allowed to colonize areas between shrubs – especially such Mediterranean species as rosemary, lavender, Santolina or Phlomis fruticosa, or to pop up at random in a mixed border.
Annuals for extra poor soil
Briza maxima
Greater Quaking Grass Annual
A free-seeding annual grass which performs best in hot, dry conditions, where the plants are less likely to become invasive. Mid-green, soft grass foliage emerges in autumn or spring. The flower stems are wiry and much branched, bearing cone-shaped flowers which shimmer and tremble in the slightest breeze. Superb for cutting and drying.
Soil preference: Dry, not too fertile
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 60cm × 45cm (2ft × 18in)
Companion plants: A beautiful foil for showy herbaceous plants such as scabious, cornflowers, Linum or Oenothera.
Eschscholzia californica
Californian Poppy Annual or shortlived perennial
A beautiful combination of blue-green, lacy foliage and bright, silky-textured flowers makes this American native a valuable plant, especially for a dry garden. The wild species has bright orange flowers, but seed selections come in a range of sunset hues from cream or primrose yellow, through peachy tones to burnt orange. Best in free-draining soil.
Soil preference: Dry, not too fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 30cm (1ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: The orange form makes a stirring companion to such bronze-tinted grasses as Stipa tenuissima or the sedge Carex buchananii. Also good in a gravel garden, where its misty foliage and silky petals will soften hard textures.
Geranium robertianum
Herb Robert Annual
An invasive annual with spreading habit, pungentsmelling, ferny foliage and a long run of tiny, pink, five-petalled flowers. The albino form, ‘Album’, is more distinctive. A thug in the wrong place, but charming when allowed to self-sow in drifts in gravel or along the edges of a path.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Height and spread: 20cm × 40cm (8in × 1ft 4in)
Companion plants: Naturalize this one with other gravel or paving crack plants such as Viola riviniana or Alchemilla.
Annuals for very rich soil
Consolida ajacis
Larkspur Annual
Classic cornfield annual which has been bred to improve height, standing power, and colour range. The leaves are finely divided and the tall, straight stems are furnished with spurred flowers in shades of pink or blue or white. Easy to raise from seed sown in autumn or spring, directly where they are expected to flower.
Soil preference: Fertile, well-drained
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Up to 1m × 30cm (3ft 4in × 1 ft)
Companion plants: Good as a cut flower and therefore effective grown among vegetables in a kitchen garden or in a mixed border. Attractive with roses, where the straight spikes make a strong contrast and where the blues and pinks of the flowers harmonize.
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower – large varieties Annual
Biggest of the hardy annuals and raised as food crops in Central America since prehistoric times. The stout stems are strong enough to carry the massive flowers and seed heads without support. Some ornamental varieties are sterile and bear no pollen. Field crop sunflowers are golden yellow, but cultivated forms include such colourful series as ‘Ring of Fire’, whose flowers have concentric ring patterns in hues of dusky red and yellow, or ‘Moonshadow’, whose flowers are cream.
Soil preference: Rich, fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Up to 3m × 1m (10ft by 3ft)
Companion plants: Useful plant to create a temporary screen, or to use as accent plants in a bedding scheme, cottage border or kitchen garden.
Linum grandiflorum
Flowering Flax Annual
Slender, almost wiry stems with narrow, pointed leaves bear a long succession of disc-shape flowers up to 4cm (1¾in) across. In the wild, these are rosy purple, but seed selections include ‘Bright Eyes’, whose flowers are white with conspicuous wine red centres, and ‘Rubrum’, whose petals are a deeper rose with dark crimson centres.
Soil preference: Any, free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45cm × 30cm (1ft 6in × 1ft)
Companion plants: The waving stems and frail flowers look delightful among coloured grasses or sedges such as Carex comans or Molinia caerulea. Also lovely when naturalized among low-growing shrubs in a Mediterranean-style planting scheme.
Annuals for gap-filling in mixed borders
Cynoglossum amabile
Chinese Forget-me-not Annual
J. Swithinbank
Narrow, pointed leaves on branched stems are joined in early and mid-summer by clusters of small forget-me-not flowers in an intense blue. Pink and white flowered varieties are also available. The seeds are large and exceptionally hard.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 50cm × 30cm (20in × 12in)
Companion plants: Blue forms contrast sharply with the yellows of verbascums or, from later sowings, goldenrods and yellow daisies such as rudbeckias and heleniums. The intense blue would also relieve the monotony of a cool, silvery or white theme.
Datura inoxia
Downy Thorn Apple Annual
A large, much branched, characterful annual with big, oval leaves which are downy and slightly tacky to the touch. The huge trumpet flowers – 15cm (6in) or more long – are purple tinged when in bud, but open to a soft white. In the evening and at night they are heavily scented.
Soil preference: Any fertile soil
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: Up to 1m × 1m (3ft 3in × 3ft 3in)
Companion plants: One to grow on its own, but for a heady cocktail of night fragrance, plant with fragrant tobacco Nicotiana affinis and the vanilla scented heliotrope.
Malope trifida
Annual Mallow Annual
Similar to annual Lavetera trimestris, but slightly smaller with more downy, heart-shaped leaves that hang down as the plant matures. Big saucer shaped flowers appear in succession throughout summer and colours in the various seed selections range from dusky and rose pink to bright magenta, deep plum and white.
Soil preference: Fertile but well-drained
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 50–75cm × 45cm (1ft 8in–2ft 6in by 1ft 6in)
Companion plants: Better than lavatera for mixing with other such hardy annuals as cornflowers, clarkia, larkspurs, Convolvulus tricolor and corn cockle.
Zinnia elegans
Annual
The species has been used to develop a colourful range of tender annuals, with simple leaves, slightly rough to the touch, and flowers with attractive layered florets, often with dark ochre or yellowish fertile centres. Flower colours include white, yellow, pink, mauve, orange, red, maroon and even pale green with a variety of flower forms from single to pompon.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining but not too dry
Aspect: Sun, shelter
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: From 20cm × 30cm to 1m × 50cm (from 8in × 3ft to 3ft 3in × 1ft 8in)
Companion plants: As desirable for cutting as for garden use, Zinnias will benefit from softer, more diffuse shapes nearby. Goldenrods add extra summer yellow, with a contrasting texture. Pale mauve or blue varieties of perennial aster will tone down the zinnias’ jazz.
Borago officinalis
Borage Annual
Large, heart-shaped to oval puckered, hairy leaves and thick, fleshy, branched stems carry myriads of small, star shaped flowers which are intense sky blue, with pale centres and dark, spiky stamens. A rapid annual which self-seeds copiously.
Soil preference: Any
Aspect: Any
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: Up to 1m × 75cm (3ft 3in × 2ft 6in), usually smaller
Companion plants: Beautiful anywhere but easily pulled out if not welcome. Herbs such as lavenders, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, large grasses, roses and bedding plants all make great companions.
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Fiddleneck Annual
Handsome American species, often used as a ‘green manure’ crop. The compound leaves, reminiscent of Jacob’s Ladders, create a ferny effect as the branched stems develop and lengthen. Buds are carried on tightly curled scapes, like violin heads, which uncurl and straighten as the violet blue flowers open. A free seeder.
Soil preference: Any, not too wet
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Up to 1m × 60cm (up to 3ft 3in × 2ft)
Companion plants: Another charming annual to sow in drifts among grasses or naturalistically planted perennials. The soft lavender-blue haze they create is also pretty with creamy or sunset-hued achilleas or among blue cranesbills.
Annuals for containers
Antirrhinum pulverulentum
Trailing Snapdragon Half hardy perennial, grown as an Annual
A compact, but trailing plant with oval, dull-green leaves and a long succession of ‘snapdragon’ flowers whose lips gape when gently pinched. Hybrids include the series ‘Pendula Lampion’ with pale pink, white or purplish flowers and pale yellow markings. Antirrhinum hispanicum subsp. hispanicum has silvery grey leaves and purplish pink blooms.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer and autumn
Height and spread: 15cm trailing 30cm (6in trailing 1ft)
Companion plants: Equally effective in hanging baskets, window boxes or alpine troughs. Their pastel hues blend gently with the grey-green foliage of Helichrysum petiolare or with white-variegated Glechoma hederacea ‘Variegata’.
Celosia argentea
Cockscomb or Wool Flower Tender annual or shortlived perennial
Vigorous, soft-textured plants with pointed leaves and successions of bold, highly coloured plume-like flowers in vivid shades including red, orange, yellow and purple. ‘Fresh Look Red’ has scarlet flowers. The mixed ‘Look Eternal Flames’ has either bright yellow or burning red flowers, accompanied by foliage which is green or deep purple-bronze.
Soil preference: Free-draining but moist and fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: from 30cm × 30cm (from 1ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Their sub-tropical looks and strong flower colour make these plants good companions for Solenostemon (Coleus). Also try cooling with deep blue bedding lobelias.
Nemesia strumosa
Nemesia Tender Annual
J. Swithinbank
A South African member of the foxglove family, whose main features are the massed flowers in bright sunny colours which include orange, red, white, pink and yellow. ‘Nebula Mixed’ has hot, single colours whereas ‘KLM’ is a blue and white bicolour. The series ‘Sundrops’ has a remarkably long flowering period.
Soil preference: Any moisture retentive and fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Variable to 30cm × 15cm (1ft by 6in)
Companion plants: The hot colours benefit from the cooling effect of blue-flowered bedding lobelia or a blue variety of Laurentia.
Phlox drummondii
Annual Phlox Tender Annual
Delicate plants, with rather weedy growth and nondescript simple leaves produce large heads of brightly coloured, disc-shaped flowers, often with contrasting centres. Superb when in full bloom but the flowering season can be brief. ‘Phlox of Sheep’ is an excellent series, with flowers in sunset hues; ‘Silver Blossom’ has mauve, dusky pink and even beige suffusions; and the petals of ‘Twinkle Stars’ are white-edged picotee types.
Soil preference: Free-draining but fertile
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Variable to 30cm × 30cm (1ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Best when backed up by the strong characterful foliage of Plectranthus or when planted with such annual grasses as Briza maxima and Lagurus ovatus.
Sanvitalia procumbens
Creeping Zinnia Tender Annual
Trailing stems with simple, deep-green leaves and a summer-long succession of abundant small daisy flowers with broad, orange or yellow sterile ray florets and deep green or dark centres. The variety ‘Irish Eyes’ is golden yellow with glowing green flower centres. ‘Orange Sprite’ is dwarfer, with bright orange semi-double flowers whose centres are dark.
Soil preference: Any fertile and free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 15cm (6in), spreading 30cm (1ft)
Companion plants: Good in a bold colour scheme with perhaps compact varieties of nasturtiums and purple-leaved basil. Excellent contrast with dark blue trailing lobelia.
Dorotheanthus bellidiformis
Livingstone Daisy Tender Annual
A South African member of the ice plant family with small, fleshy leaves, mealy in texture, and a long succession of bright, daisy-like flowers in day-glow colours. ‘Apricot Tutu’ has pinkish sunset-hued flowers, but ‘Sparkles’ has a wider range including pale cream, purplish pink and orange, many flowers being bicoloured. The flowers will only open in full, direct sunlight.
Soil preference: Free-draining, not rich
Aspect: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: To 15cm × 25cm (6in × 10in)
Companion plants: Good on their own in a hot, dry container in the sun or to add colour to such succulents as echeverias, sedums or sempervivums.
Annuals good for cut flowers
Rudbeckia hirta
Half hardy perennials grown as annuals
Dwarf, intermediate and tall hybrids of this North American genus have dark stems and simple leaves, lightly covered with short hairs. The daisy flowers, with their conspicuous ray florets and dark central cones, come in warm tones from yellow through to mahogany. Good cutting varieties include the double-flowered ‘Cherokee Sunset’, spidery-bloomed ‘Chim-chimenee’, and the green and golden ‘Irish Eyes’.
Soil preference: Fertile, moisture-retentive and heavy but drained
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer, autumn
Height and spread: 15–60cm × 30cm (6in–2ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Use these plants to extend summer displays and blend with late flowering blue and purple salvias and perennial asters. They are also bewitching with soft, flowing grasses or sedges such as bronze leaved Carex and Stipa arundinacea.
Antirrhinum majus tall varieties
Half hardy to hardy perennial, usually grown as an annual
Familiar snapdragons such as ‘Axiom Series’ which have been bred to grow as tall plants, each with a straight, single stem ending in a long spike bearing the flowers in a broad colour range, including red, pink, yellow and bicolours. Plant in a sheltered spot or raise under glass.
Soil preference: Fertile, well-drained
Aspect: Sun, often raised under glass
Season of interest: Constant, depending when planted
Height and spread: To 75cm (30in)
Companion plants: Pretty plants for a summer kitchen garden, along with such cutting flowers as marigolds, larkspurs, dahlias and Gladiolus.
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower – pollen-free varieties Hardy annual
Single or branched stems may grow from a single seed, furnished with broad, slightly hoary, simple leaves and massive flowerheads with bright yellow, orange or maroon ray florets. Selections for cutting include pollen-free ‘Bees Knees’, whose flower colours include orange, lemon yellow, rich gold and deep reddish brown and orange, as well as the powderpuff-like ‘Double Shine’.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: Variable to 2m × 30cm (6ft × 1ft)
Companion plants: Too dominant to harmonize with other annuals, but very effective when planted as short-term screens or along walls or hedges. Pollen-free varieties are NOT GOOD for wildlife.
Dianthus barbatus ‘Summer Sundae’
Annual Sweet William Hardy annual or biennial
An annual form of the familiar sweet William described here. Although spring-sown seed will produce flowers the same season, autumn-sown plants will grow a little larger and flower for longer. A valuable variety, though, for speedy cut flowers. The multi-headed flowers are sweetly fragrant and last well in water.
Soil preference: Any free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 45–60cm × 20cm (18in–2ft × 8in)
Companion plants: All sweet Williams make excellent border plants, as they are at home with most perennials. Particularly effective with such flowery summer annuals as cornflowers, larkspurs, marigolds and poppies.
Callistephus hybrids
Bedding Asters Half hardy annual
Popular both as bedding or for cut flowers, these daisy relatives have showy ray florets in pink, purple, white, cream and wine red. Many different forms are widely available. Good cutting kinds, with long lasting qualities, include ‘Truffaunt’s Peony Mixed’, whose petals are incurved, and ‘Super Chinensis’, which has single flowers with bold, yellow centres.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun or part shade
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 30cm × 20cm (1ft × 8in)
Companion plants: If varieties are chosen with gentle colours, asters make great companion plants for red, pink or white bedded roses. Also fine in rows in a kitchen garden.
Molucella laevis
Bells of Ireland Half hardy annual
A member of the deadnettle family whose main features are the large, pale green, bell-shaped bracts which surround the tiny, off-white flowers, and which persist for the whole growing season. The foliage is unremarkable. Stems with the bracts are as effective when used dried as when they are fresh.
Soil preference: Fertile, free-draining
Aspect: Sun
Season of interest: Summer
Height and spread: 60cm × 25cm (2ft × 10in)
Companion plants: Normally grown for cutting though Molucella can look attractive among white flowers or with silvery foliage plants such as Artemisia ludoviciana or Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria’.
An informal grouping of Campanula lactiflora with a red flowered opium poppy.
Planting Schemes Using Annuals
