Award-winning landscape designer Jinny Blom set up her studio in 2000 and has since designed many beautiful, thoughtful gardens, both large and small, around the world. An accomplished plantswoman,
she has also designed five show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, including gardens for King Charles and Prince Harry, and written two books. Having formerly worked as a psychologist, she takes a special interest in the benefits of gardens and plants.
Here, she reveals the 50 plants she loves most.
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50 brilliant plants and flowers for the garden
First loves
These are the plants I discovered at an early age, and which first got me excited about gardens and gardening.
Alcea ficifolia
When I was small, I spent a lot of time in Suffolk where my cousins lived, and would marvel at the hollyhocks growing unrestricted down the streets of the little villages. I loved the generosity of sharing flowers in this way, and I love this cottage-garden favourite; none more so than the fig-leaf hollyhock with its single flowers in shades of copper, pink and pale lemon. It’s also known by the common name of the Antwerp hollyhock and I like to imagine its seeds arriving on these shores stuck to cargo carried on Flemish merchant ships. Height (H) 1.2m. Spread (S) 60cm. Plant type (PT) Herbaceous perennial. Conditions (C) Well-drained but moist soils; full sun. Season of interest (SI) July – September. Hardiness rating (HR) RHS H5, USDA 2a-10b†.
Here's how to grow alcea
Antirrhinum braun-blanquetii
This is another plant linked to memories of childhood holidays. The wild snapdragon is a Mediterranean native, and I would see it growing in the wild garrigue around the home of my aunt and uncle in the South of France. It has many spikes of lemon-yellow dragons, and its colour always shone out of the dry landscape, which was magnetic. H 60cm. S 60cm. PT Short-lived perennial. C All soil types; full or part shade. SI April – October. HR RHS H3, USDA 5a-7b.
Campanula rotundifolia
Nothing is more beautiful than the sight of the common harebell growing in sheep-grazed grasslands; their bewitching, little blue bells summon the eye from far away. I have an early memory of seeing them grow on the slopes of Maiden Castle in Dorset. I loved them then, and I love them still. H 30cm. S 20cm. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Dry or sandy soils; full sun. SI July – September. HR RHS H7, USDA 3a-6b.
More on growing campanula
Eschscholzia californica
Probably one of my formative garden plant experiences was watching a Californian poppy shed its bud and open into a flame of orange. I still love them as much to this day, especially when they pop up unannounced all over the place. H 45cm. S 30cm. PT Annual. C Well-drained soils; full sun or part shade. SI Spring and summer. HR RHS H3, USDA 6a-10b.
Ficus carica
My life has always been split between France and the UK. As a child my summer holidays in the Midi, southern France, always ended about ten days before the figs ripened, which was exasperating. The smell of a warm fig leaf has no equal, and the taste of a truly sun-ripened fig is a gift from the gods. And the tree is entirely garden worthy. H 4.5m. S 3m. PT Deciduous shrub or tree. C Organically rich, moist and well-drained soils; full sun in a sheltered position. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b.
Fritillaria meleagris
I could scarcely believe my eyes when I first saw a snake’s head fritillary. The elegant little stem and anonymous bud gives no indication of the wonder to come. The geometry of the maroon, chequerboard petals, neatly formed and drooping downwards on tall stalks, is enchanting in an English meadow. It is a ‘doubtful native’ here, but is nevertheless naturalised throughout Britain. AGM*. H 30cm. S 8cm. PT Bulbous perennial. C Broad tolerance to most soils but prefers moist conditions; full sun. SI April – May. HR RHS H5, USDA 3a-8b.
Kniphofia ‘Nobilis’
When I first encountered this massive ‘poker’, I was possibly less than a third of its height. I didn’t believe my aunt when I asked her what it was called, and she told me: “It’s a red hot poker.” (An initial disbelief that incidentally set me on an early path towards learning the botanical names of plants.) I loved its confident stature, the grassy leaves and magnificent range of hot colours. I am never without a poker now. AGM. H 2m. S 1m. PT Evergreen perennial. C Rich fertile soils; full sun. Can cope with exposed conditions. SI August – October. HR RHS H5, USDA 5a-9b.
How to grow kniphofia plus the best varieties
Myrtus communis
Just a beautiful shrub that does everything one could ever ask for. It flowers when others don’t. It fruits and looks beautiful smothered in dark, plum-purple beads. It is glossy, evergreen and smells delicious. Planted around a warm terrace it has no equal. AGM. H 3m. S 3m. PT Evergreen shrub. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun in a sheltered position. SI Year round. HR RHS H4, USDA 8a-10b.
Pinus sylvestris
The Scots pine is a wonderful tree that improves immeasurably with age, meaning if you plant one today you will never see its true character. We really are gifting it to future generations. Some of the best I’ve seen were in Glen Nevis behind Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands. There is something comforting in a Pinus sylvestris, and they smell so good. H 12m. S 8m. PT Evergreen tree/conifer. C Well-drained soils; full sun. Drought resistant and can cope with exposed conditions. SI Year round. HR RHS H7, USDA 3a-7b.
Prunus dulcis
Almonds are as important to me as figs. I grew up with a bitter almond tree. They flower very early on bare stems, which is a beautiful sight. The grey, felted carapace to the nuts is also decorative. The nuts themselves are delicious and resiny. A perfect garden tree. H 6m. S 6m. PT Deciduous tree. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun with sheltered conditions. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H5, USDA 7a-9b.
Unsung heroes
These are the great plants that I love but that aren’t as well known as they should be. All of them deserve to be grown more.
x Alcalthaea suffrutescens ‘Parkallee’
Piet Oudolf introduced me to this beautiful plant long ago in his own garden. The colour is so seductive that I was determined to track it down. It offers all the pleasures of a hollyhock but without the rust. It is very tall with smaller, bowl-shaped flowers and does tend to sprawl around a bit, but in the right place, this is an attractive characteristic. I don’t like staking it. H 2.5m. S 1.5m. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Well-drained soils (drought tolerant); full sun in a sheltered position. SI July – November. HR RHS H4, USDA 3a-9b.
Amsonia illustris
With its wonderful willowy foliage and slatey-grey-blue flowers, this Ozark bluestar is a gift to any garden. Recently, I’ve been working on a project in Missouri, one of its home states, which gave me the chance to see it in the wild and use it in our landscape in quantity. It performs very well and is trouble free. In addition, it offers great autumn colour. H 90cm. S 40cm. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun. SI May – June. HR RHS H5, USDA 5a-9b.
Bouteloua gracilis
Another American native, this is a useful and pretty clump-forming grass. It doesn’t get too big, which can be useful. The blue-grey colouration is a good foil for brighter things in summer and it has the added benefit of turning bright gold in autumn. The jaunty seedheads are fun. H 60cm. S 60cm. PT Ornamental grass. C Light, well-drained soils; full sun. SI June – September. HR RHS H6, USDA 3a-10b.
Crocosmia ‘Okavango’
At first glance you might not clock this as a montbretia, which of course it is. The colour is fabulous and unusual. A strong orangey peach. The flowers are much bigger with a broader, flared trumpet. I have a soft spot for sword-shaped leaves – they sit well within plant groupings. This is a must-have as far as I’m concerned. H 90cm. S 90cm. PT Cormous perennial. C Moist but well-drained soils; full sun to part shade in most conditions that aren’t extreme. SI July – October. HR RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b.
Eryngium planum ‘Blue Glitter’
The colour is just what you want from a stunning Eryngium; intense electric blue. The well-formed basal rosette of silver-veined leaves erupts with silvery stems topped with an abundance of thimble-sized flowers. And it’s tough: happy in poor soil and loves being hot and dry. H 80cm. S 50cm. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Well-drained soils; full sun. SI Spring – summer. HR RHS H5, USDA 5a-8b.
Gladiolus papilio
So winsome and pretty. Everything about this butterfly gladiolus is seductive. The colour is almost indescribable, a bruised mauvey-yellow brown with hints of cream and oddly blue anthers. For all its fragile looks, if happy where planted it will multiply. Likes a sunny spot in well-drained soil. H 90cm.
S 10cm. PT Cormous perennial. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun. SI July – September. HR RHS H4, USDA 8a-10b.
Helianthus salicifolius
Well, you do need some space for this narrow-leafed, willowy wonder. I planted a vast amount years ago in a bog garden with rheums and gunnera, and was astonished when I returned a few months later. It grows to tremendous heights, topped off with slightly silly, triffidy trusses of sunflowers. For it is, of course, a sunflower. H 2.4m. S 90cm. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Neutral or alkaline, moist, but well drained soils; full sun. SI August – October. HR RHS H5, USDA 4a-9b.
Matthiola incana ‘Alba’
This powerfully scented stock is always called a short-lived perennial, yet I was given one by Great Dixter’s Christopher Lloyd years ago and it is still alive. His advice was to remove all the flower spikes religiously, which I do – and as a result it doesn’t set seed, and chugs on. Plant it near a door or window
if you can. H 70cm. S 60cm. PT Short-lived perennial. C Light, well-drained soils; full sun, in sheltered conditions. SI May – July. HR RHS H4, USDA 7a-10b.
Molopospermum peloponnesiacum
This large, perennial umbel is found in rich meadows from the Pyrenees to the Alps. It has strong and attractive basal leaves that erupt into a great green whorl, then producing umbels a bit reminiscent of Angelica and a similar yellowy green. It is a handsome plant that does well in bold, naturalistic planting. H 1.5m. S 1.5m. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Acid or neutral, well-drained soils; full sun or part shade. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b.
Pennisetum macrourum
I first discovered this African grass many years ago on a trip to New Zealand, where it has naturalised, and it is one of my favourite finds. In my dry soil, this is a beautiful grass. More upright and structural than the fluffier pennisetums, it grows well through gravel for me and is easily managed. Lovely long seedheads give it an arresting profile. AGM. H 1.5m. S 50cm. PT Ornamental grass. C Light, well-drained soils, drought tolerant; full sun. SI July – September. HR RHS H3, USDA 8a-10b.
Plants for impact
These are the feature and specimen plants that every garden needs. They are statement and focal point pieces that add structure and a real wow factor to any garden.
Arbutus X andrachnoides
This magnificent mahogany-barked arbutus is getting very hard to find and generally a small thing if and when you do. However, it grows like the clappers. I try to use it often. It is tough and adaptable and ultimately a tree of great beauty and character. Evergreen, with stunning bark, winter flowering and sweetly scented. H 4m. S 4m. PT Evergreen tree. C Well-drained soils; full sun or part shade, and can be in exposed or sheltered conditions. SI Year round. HR RHS H4, USDA 7a-11.
Cotinus obovatus
Without doubt, this smoke bush is the best species of Cotinus. It has a beautiful habit, is elegant and not too huge at maturity. Shrubbier smoke bushes can be a bit unwieldy, but this has none of those issues. Hard to find, but perseverance is rewarded. H 8m. S 8m. PT Deciduous shrub or small tree. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun or part shade. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b.
Everything you need to know about growing cotinus
Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’
Well, this is just fun. I tried it out as a replacement for box balls and never looked back. The texture of the little sausagey branches with soft needles is wonderful. It always makes me happy to see a Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’ in the garden and I frequently combine them with hybrid tea roses. AGM. H 1m. S 1m. PT Evergreen tree/conifer. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun or part shade in a sheltered position. SI Year round. HR RHS H6, USDA 6a-9b.
Fagus sylvatica
Thankfully, beech are still disease free – long may that last. What can’t you do with Fagus sylvatica? Beech topiary is always beautiful – I think my friend Arne Maynard has done the best job of showing that off. And beech trees are wonderful. We must keep planting them for future generations. H 12m. S 8m. PT Deciduous tree. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun or part shade. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-7b.
Hydrangea aspera subsp. sargentiana
No shady corner is complete without a Hydrangea aspera subsp. sargentiana with its huge furry leaves, unusual bark, well-shaped form and fantastic flowers. This is a sophisticated shrub. It adds maturity of attitude to a planting scheme. H 2.5m. S 2.5m. PT Deciduous shrub. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun or part shade in a variety of exposure conditions. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H5, USDA 6a-9b.
Kniphofia ‘Tawny King’
I just love pokers. I used Kniphofia ‘Tawny King’ in abundance in Scotland recently. It suits the soft, moist air and low light. This toffee-coloured one glows beautifully from among the bog myrtle and clethras. AGM. H 1.5m. S 1m. PT Perennial. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun or part shade, and can cope with exposed conditions. SI July – October. HR RHS H5, USDA 6a-9b.
Romneya coulteri
Romneya coulteri has a mind of its own, so be sure to bear that in mind before you decide to plant it. The Californian tree poppy is a runner and can throw its long arms up unexpectedly across the garden. I tend to use it in gravel gardens where that tendency is welcomed. A sun-loving show stopper. AGM. H 2m. S 2m. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Well-drained soils; full sun in a sheltered position. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H5, USDA 7a-10b.
Tetrapanax papyrifer
Another suckering anarchist. This fast-growing Taiwanese native always adds a touch of tropical drama to a garden. I like to plant it in groves as it’s so nice to sit beneath the huge lobed leaves in summer. It also mixes brilliantly with Pennisetum macrourum, which like Tetrapanax papyrifer, has naturalised in New Zealand. Some people can experience skin irritation after touching the fuzz on its stems. AGM. H 4m. S 2.5m. PT Shrub or small tree. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun or part shade in a sheltered position. SI Year round. HR RHS H3, USDA 7b-10b.
Vitis coignetiae
The quoted height of 12m is definitely a conservative estimate for this great beast of a vine. To do it justice you probably need to live in a stately home, but we would all benefit from the beauty and scale of the crimson glory vine and it would enhance our overbuilt towns and cities simultaneously. I think it should be compulsory to plant it on most large supermarkets. AGM. H 12m. S 4m. PT Deciduous woody climber. C Well-drained soils; full sun to part shade in sheltered conditions. SI Spring – autumn.
HR RHS H5, USDA 5a-9b.
Wisteria floribunda f. alba ‘Shiro-noda’
The Japanese floribunda wisterias are far superior to the Chinese W. sinensis varieties in my view. The flower trusses of floribundas are long and luscious. My favourite showstopper is ‘Shiro-noda’, sometimes sold as W. floribunda ‘Snow Showers’. It flowers as though there’s no tomorrow and the scent is delicious. Try growing it as a standard. Plants are easy to control with firm pruning. AGM. H 9m. S 5m. PT Deciduous woody climber. C Moist and well-drained soils; full sun. SI Summer. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b.
Endlessly useful plants
These are the reliable stalwarts that I couldn’t live without; plants that have more than one season of interest or that suit a range of different styles and situations.
Ampelodesmos mauritanicus
I first saw this spectacular grass in the wild and was instantly smitten. A tall, clump-forming species with long and attractively heavy panicles that sway seductively in the breeze. To my mind it is superior to Stipa gigantea as the form is stronger. Loves dry, sandy soil as you would expect from a North African native. AGM. H 2m. S 1.5m. PT Ornamental grass. C Light and well-drained soils; full sun. SI Spring – autumn. Evergreen. HR RHS H3, USDA 7a-10b.
Athamanta turbith
Known as the candy carrot, this umbellifer has endless charms. Its beautifully neat and finely cut feathery foliage is surmounted by well-ordered sparkling white umbels. A delicate, graceful and delightfully ornamental plant, and in light dry soil it is completely uncomplaining. Give it space, for it needs no competition. AGM. H 50cm. S 30cm. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Sandy and loam soils that must be well-drained; dry sun. SI Summer. HR RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b.
Catalpa X erubescens ‘Purpurea’
All catalpas are great garden trees, and none beats this one. If you need to inject a bit of moodiness into a garden, it does the job very well with its dusky, purple leaves. They emerge in late spring, a deep, dark purple. Gradually, as they grow into their vast summer mantle, they soften to grey-green with purply tinges, and then they flower in great abundance. AGM. H 12m. S 8m. PT Deciduous tree. C Can cope with most soils that are moist and well-drained; full sun in sheltered conditions. SI Spring – summer. HR RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b.
Crataegus X lavalleei ‘Carrierei’
Another must-have tree that doesn’t overpower a modest space. Beloved of bees and birds, it offers creamy-white flowers in great musky-smelling trusses in spring, followed by super-abundant autumn berries that are carried for ages. On top of this, it has fabulous fissured bark and forms extraordinary and arresting Gothic silhouettes in winter. Tough as old boots; just watch your eyes on the massive thorns. AGM. H 6m. S 5m. PT Deciduous tree. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun to part shade in exposed or sheltered conditions. SI Spring – summer. HR RHS H7, USDA 4a-7b.
Dryopteris wallichiana
Just a fabulous huge Dryopteris with a beautiful form that presents very architecturally for most of the year. Strong, greeny-yellow spring fronds unfurl with their marvellous orangutany-orange hairy spines. It is a captivating plant adding structure, texture and size in areas where it’s often much needed. It’s a bit of a diva, so give it space to perform. H 90cm. S 75cm. PT Fern. C Moist, but well-drained soils; part shade. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H5, USDA 6a-9b.
Euphorbia santamariae
I love this tree-like euphorbia, a native of the Azores, more than its close cousin Euphorbia mellifera. They share many characteristics, but this one is less gigantic, more concentrated in both form and colour while still giving you that intoxicating honey scent. It literally drips with nectar, making it quite a popular filling station for bees. H 2m. S 1.5m. PT Evergreen sub-shrub. C Well-drained soils; full sun. SI Year round. HR RHS H6, USDA 8a-10b.
Genista aetnensis
Crunching over jet-black volcanic pumice on the slopes of Mount Etna, you often find the sulphurous breeze interrupted by the most sublime scent; sweet, strong, jasmine-like, yet fresher. You may wonder where it is coming from. The answer is Genista aetnensis, which is, without hesitation, my favourite small garden tree. Evergreen, sculptural and stunning, in summer it is smothered with deliciously scented, bright-golden pea flowers. AGM. H 8m. S 8m. PT Shrub or small tree. C Well-drained soils; full sun. SI July – August. HR RHS H5, USDA 7a-8b.
Morus nigra
Happiness is a gnarly old mulberry tree with propped up branches. I have two youths in my garden, but these are characterful trees that tend to look best when they arrive at around the 200-year mark, so it’s future generations who will really reap the benefits of any tree you plant. But even in the short term, they offer interesting leaf shape, autumn colour, sumptuous fruit and an unpredictable growing habit that should be allowed freedom of expression. H 12m. S 8m. PT Deciduous tree. C Well-drained soils; full sun in a sheltered environment. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H6, USDA 5a-9b.
Rosa ‘Mermaid’
You don’t need to look far to find the bracteata origins of this ferociously thorny rose. However, ‘Mermaid’ compensates for her thuggish behaviour with a near constant supply of impossibly charming single yellow flowers and near evergreen glossy foliage. It is tough, beautiful, healthy and deliciously scented, and thankfully, only needs tying in, not pruning. I was hooked – literally – at first sight. AGM. H 8m. S 4m. PT Climbing rose. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun or part shade. SI Summer – autumn. HR RHS H5, USDA 7a-10b.
Taxus baccata
A dendrologist once told me that yew has no reason to die, and there are some trees that are thought to be more than 2,000 years old. For this reason, yew is known in folklore as ‘life everlasting’. It is a marvellous and adaptable tree that we really must treasure in these times of terrible diseases among trees. Where I live, it is native to the local woodland, where it is a joy to see doing its natural thing. A national treasure. H 12m. S 8m. PT Evergreen shrub or tree. C Well-drained soils and can cope with sheltered or exposed settings; full sun to full shade. SI Year round. HR RHS H7, USDA 5a-8b.
Perfect plants for pots
I love playing with pots, as they’re perfect for mixing things up, are a great way to introduce a few tender exotics and are invaluable when your outdoor space is limited.
Aeonium ‘Velour’
I lost all my aeoniums last winter in the evil snap freeze that caught us unawares. They are just so fabulous that I’ll start again. I usually have huge pots of them on the front steps. The biggest I had was 1m and then descending down in age and size. They’re spectacular. While the very dark Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ is undoubtedly stunning, I enjoy Aeonium ‘Velour’ with its larger rosettes, green heart and pinky edges. There are many to choose from, so mix and enjoy. H 1m. S 50cm. PT Succulent perennial or sub-shrub. C Well-drained soils, drought tolerant; full sun. SI Year round. HR RHS H1C, USDA 10a-11.
Agapanthus ‘Indigo Dreams’
An extremely seductive dark-blue agapanthus with narrow, fresh-green leaves that lift its dark flower colour a bit. These dark colours are certainly very sexy but need to be set off against a lighter background or lifted with something else so they show up. This cultivar is quite a delicate agapanthus in terms of scale so it suits pots as a solo event. H 70cm. S 1m. PT Herbaceous perennial. C Moist, but well drained soils; full sun and sheltered conditions. SI Spring – autumn. HR RHS H4, USDA 7a-10b.
Convolvulus sabatius
Just the most useful and beautiful pot filler for trailing over edges. The sky-blue bindweed flower is so pretty and never seems to run out of steam. Not always easy to find, so pounce when you see it, or ask for it to be ordered in. I love it with petunias or agapanthus or pelargoniums, or Fuchsia ‘Thalia’ or… whatever else you enjoy. AGM. H 50cm. S 50cm. PT Tender trailing perennial. C Well-drained soils; full sun in sheltered position. SI Summer – autumn. HR RHS H3, USDA 7a-11.
Fuchsia ‘Thalia’
Not a summer has gone by these past 20 years or so without my placing pots full of Fuchsia ‘Thalia’ in the garden. I’ve been without a greenhouse for a while now, so I have to start afresh each year, but if you are lucky enough to have somewhere to overwinter your plants you will be graced with a tremendous fountain of rich-orange flowers from late spring to autumn. AGM. H 1m. S 50cm. PT Tender shrub. C Well-drained loam; full sun or part shade. SI June – September. HR RHS H1C, USDA 8a-10b.
Lophospermum erubescens
A wonderful summer climber that scales well to a hazel wigwam in a big pot. The flowers are very attractive and look a little like a foxglove. They come in gentle shades of shell pink to a richer deep pink and there is a pure-white cultivar, Lophospermum erubescens ‘Album’, too. Well worth growing and very easy and uncomplaining, which is a massive bonus. AGM. H 2.5m. S 1.5m. PT Tender climbing perennial. C Moist, but well-drained soils; full sun. SI Summer – autumn. HR RHS H2, USDA 9a-11.
Narcissus ‘Elka’
In spring, there is nothing more appealing than beautiful old terracotta pots with collections of exquisite bulbs neatly topped with grit. I have them on a table outside the back door so they can be appreciated at close range. An absolute favourite is Narcissus ‘Elka’, with her long, pale, lemony trumpet that turns white as she ages. A delicate and sophisticated beauty. AGM. H 20cm. S 10cm. PT Bulbous perennial. C Moist, but well-drained soils; part shade. SI Late February – early April. HR RHS H6, USDA 4a-9b.
Nemesia ‘Lady Ruby’
A newish Cape snapdragon with lovely rich colouring. Nemesias are to a pot planting scheme what tonic is to a cocktail: indispensable. They have the necessary generosity of form and spirit to allow plants to blend together into a harmonious muddle. Some of the plants I’ve chosen here are soloists, but nemesias are definitely part of the choir. H 30cm. S 30cm. PT Tender perennial. C Well-drained soils of varying pH; full sun and sheltered. SI May – October. HR RHS H3, USDA 9a-10b.
Pelargonium tomentosum
Another indispensable choice, especially for bigger arrangements. I used it this summer to great effect along with Salvia confertiflora, Tropaeolum majus ‘Empress of India’ and amaranthus in vast pots. Pelargonium tomentosum can compete with these giants and give its soft, velvety and scented best. A brilliant plant inside the house, in a greenhouse or outside until it gets cold. H 1m. S 1m. PT Tender sub-shrub. C Well-drained alkaline or neutral soils; full sun and sheltered. SI Year round. HR RHS H1C, USDA 8a-11.
Petunia Black Velvet (= ‘Balpevac’)
I love petunias and often plant the old-fashioned stripy ones. But the chicest have to be the silky, rich, dark, almost-black ones that shimmer in the sun. This cultivar is compact and quite bushy and I use it almost as a groundcover beneath larger potted standards, such as Wisteria floribunda f. alba ‘Shiro-noda’. H 50cm. S 50cm. PT Annual. C Well-drained soils; full sun in sheltered conditions. SI Summer – autumn. HR RHS H2, USDA 10a-11.
Salvia ‘Phyllis’ Fancy’
I first bought this salvia at Wollerton Old Hall Garden in Shropshire after a stimulating garden visit, an I’ve had it ever since. It is a vast plant with a wonderful shape, so allow it space to perform in a tall vase-shaped pot to complement its fountain-like grace. It gets quite hungry so feed well and repot every year. And take cuttings to pass on – your friends will love you ever more. H 1.4m. S 90cm. PT Borderline hardy sub-shrub. C Moist and well-drained soils; full sun and sheltered. SI Year round. HR RHS H3, USDA 7a-10b.
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