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Category: Tips for Growing Series

Help with growing popular and interesting flowers and plants. Simple, easy guidelines for growing good plants.

Growing Ghosts – Eryngium giganteum

Growing Ghosts – Eryngium giganteum

Mrs Willmott a formidable gardener is said to have secretly sown seeds in other peoples garden, an idea that appeals to me as a guerrilla gardener. Growing Eryngiums that look spooky in the moonlight is how they got the name Mrs Willmott’s ghost plants.

Growing Tips

  • Sea Holly or Eryngium giganteum is an odd looking perennial with prickly, silvery-grey bracts under steel-blue cones.
  • Wonderful for dried arrangements, especially at Christmas.
  • Happy in sandy dry soils this draught tolerant plant has spikey growth can deter unwanted visitors! I have a few scars this year to prove it. Suitable for exposed coastal planting
  • An architectural plant that attracts wildlife to feed or nest.
  • Suitable for container growing; – ideal as a ‘stand out’ plant.

Raising Plants

  • Surface sow and just cover with vermiculite. Do not exclude light. Germination can be slow.
  • Sow in February to get a bit of frost or place in a refrigerator (not freezer) for 3-6 weeks.
  • Transplant to a cold frame then grow on in full sun
  • Prefers a rich, light, well drained soil.

Chiltern Seeds have 18 different varieties of seed or try Eryingyum from Thompson & Morgan

Honesty seed heads look a bit ghostly once the seeds have gone and the coin shaped, white paper disc is left to reflect low winter light. If you want a ‘ghost of Christmas past’ combine these two in a dry flower arrangement.

Read Plants for dry gardens

Growing Hydrangea

Growing Hydrangea

Hydrangea at Sunset
Hydrangea at Sunset

Hydrangea is a great plant that offers a long flowering season on a nicely shaped bush. Books suggest sun / partial shade. But, our experience is that it can thrive in full sun, but heavy shade will leave it stunted. It is relatively pest free which is a real boon. It is also fairly resistant to frosts, though new blooms may get damaged in a heavy frost. It is a heavy feeder, especially when in bloom. Give a good feed in spring with a general plant fertiliser.

Flowers come from new shoots, so you can prune back the old shoots in Autumn. But, we like to just dead head to encourage more flowers.

Getting More Flower Heads

  • Feed with phosphorous rich fertliser like bone meal.
  • Water well from early spring to encourage growth but remember Hydrangeas flower on old wood.
  • Prune with care I repeat ‘remember Hydrangeas flower on old wood.’
  • Blooms come from buds set in the autumn at the tips of stems.
  • Reduce the number of stems on the plant in early autumn.

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Grow Acanthus Varieties

Grow Acanthus Varieties

A large clump of Acanthus can produce many flowers on the 2-3 foot stems and you get the architectural leaves thrown in as an extra. The sturdy stems carry a whorl of 30 or so flowers, each producing a shiny, rich-brown, elliptical seed capsule.
Acanthus common name Bears Breeches is a genus of flowering plant named from Greek Akanthos, thorn plant.They were brought to the UK by Romans. An old herbal credits the following treatments which a Roman soldier may have needed:

“The leaves, being bruised or rather boiled and applied like a poultice are excellent good to unite broken bones and strengthen joints that have been put out. The decoction of either leaves or roots being drank, and the decoction of leaves applied to the place, is good for the king’s evil that is broken and runs; for by the influence of the moon, it revives the ends of the veins which are relaxed.”

“There is scarce a better remedy to be applied to such places are burnt with fire that this is, for it fetches out the fire, and heals it without a scar.”

Why are they named Bears Breeches or the Oyster plant?

In the 17th century, these were called Brank-ursine, meaning bear’s claws, which referred, possibly, to the shape of the flowers. They contain mucilage and tannin, which makes or rather made them useful in traditional medicine systems in Europe.

Acanthus in Cultivation

  • Acanthus grow in well drained soils, they don’t like to sit in water especially during winter.
  • The herbaceous species are native to dry rocky hills and make striking border plants. They thrive equally well in both sun and dense shade, although they tend to be more compact and flower more prolifically in sun producing more leaves in shade.
  • Acanthus have distinctive leaves at the base and some have fragrant flowers. The flower spikes are useful, when dried, for winter decoration.
  • Acanthus make excellent specimen plants in tubs and pots.
  • Slow to get a hold they can become hard to eradicate once they get going as they grow strongly from bits of root.

Acanthus Varieties

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Growing Ixora in the UK

Growing Ixora in the UK

Ixora 'Peter Rapsey'

This updates my earlier post on Ixora with a new photograph from Kew Garden of the variety Peter Rapsey. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

I liked the look of the Ixora ‘Super King’ (below) although I am unlikely to be able to grow a flowering specimen with my limited heat. That photo was taken at Kew Garden in March 2011.

What is Ixora

  • Ixora are tropical evergreen trees and shrubs. There are said to be around 500 species.
  • Ixora can flower in red, orange and white with 4 petals but are arranged in a profuse ball shape to make a fine display
  • Other names for Ixora coccinea include Flame of the Woods, Needle flower, Jungle Flame, Jungle Geranium.
  • Red ixora flowers are used in Hindu worship as well as in Indian folk medicine.
  • More Photos of Ixora from Google
  • The variety photographed above was Ixora Super King but there are 3 species with this name Ixora casei ‘Super King’, Ixora duffii ‘Super King’ and Ixora macrothyrsa ‘Super King’ or ‘Malay’ so I am still in a quandary.
  • Ixoras do best in full sun in a moist, organic, well drained acid soil .

Ixora 'Super King'

Uses of Ixora

  • Ixora in the wild are often used as hedging and can endure some salt spray on the wind.
  • Ixora are available to grow as bonsai and flower when quite short.
  • As sun lovers Ixora need plenty of light and protection all year round so they only make exotic conservatory plants in the UK.
Dactylorhiza foliosa Orchids in your Garden

Dactylorhiza foliosa Orchids in your Garden

Dactylorhiza foliosa is a hardy Orchid that will grow and flower in a protected spot in your garden. Originally from Madiera the established plants will produce stunning displays of flower in your garden.

dactylorhiza foliosa

Growing Dactylorhiza foliosa

  • This Orchid in a tuberous perennial that will lose its leaves in winter.
  • The tuberous root is hardy but good drainage and some protection with an autumn mulch is recommended.
  • Dactylorhiza in the wild like damp slopes in woodland glades so it is best to try replicate these conditions.
  • Dactylorhiza hybridise easily but young plants take a long time to develop into flowering specimens.

Description of Dactylorhiza foliosa

    • This Orchid will flower during early summer and generally has purple or pink spikes.
    • The leaves are strap like and can be spotted.
    • Plants can grow 2 feet tall
    • Dactylorhiza foliosa is just one of a large number of species and varieties within the genus Dactylorhiza.

Growing Seaside Daisy Erigeron glaucus

Growing Seaside Daisy Erigeron glaucus

Erigeron glaucus is often called the Seaside Daisy as it loves the coastal conditions. Other common names for this wild daisy include seaside fleabane and beach aster. These pictures show cultivated varieties growing on a wall within yards of the sea in Cornwall.

St Just Truro Erigeron glaucus

Growing Erigeron glaucus

  • This is a herbaceous perennial that grows 12 inches high and spreads upto two feet in a clump.
  • There are varieties flowering in pinks and blues including Sea Breeze and Roseus.
  • The notable centre of the flower has golden yellow florets with an outer fringe of petals
  • The stems appear succulent and this helps the plants survive salt ladened drying wind that you get at the seaside. Leaves are lance shaped and designed to retain moisture.
  • Erigeron glaucus flowers best in full sun each one about 2″ across.
  • Propagated from stem cuttings.

St Just Truro Erigeron glaucus

Uses and Where to Grow Erigeron glaucus

  • Erigeron glaucus can be grown in many locations where there is good drainage but they flourish at the seaside.
  • Erigeron glaucus can be used for containers and pots.
  • I grow them in my rockery and with other Erigerons in an alpine area.
  • The spreading habit makes them suitable for embankments or on top of walls.

See other small Erigeron plant growing tips and photos.

Top Ten Miniature Daffodils and Narcissus

Top Ten Miniature Daffodils and Narcissus

canaliculatus
Miniature Daffodils and Narcissus are easy to grow with these simple tips that includes a top ten variety list.
Miniature daffodils grow from 4 inches to just short of a foot. Varieties Minnow, Toto and Canaliculatus have several flowers on the one stem and are particular favourites of mine. Try growing some in pots in the cold greenhouse or as welcome additions to your alpine plants.

Daffodil selection

Top Ten Selection

  1. Little Beauty 5″ with white perianth and yellow corona
  2. Rip Van Winkle
  3. Sun Disc a consistent bulb with round disc shaped yellow flower.
  4. Hawera with reflex bachward pointing petals
  5. Petrel has several ivory-white hanging flowers per stem.
  6. Segovia -with a white perianth contrasted by a neat lemon cup
  7. Snipe A classic 5″ tall white cyclamineus type with a green tinge.
  8. Baby Moon late flowering and scented jonquilla type.
  9. Baby Doll with pink cups and a nice scent.
  10. La Belle with yellow flowers and shallow coronas in orange-yellow with a distinct reddish-orange rim

Daffodils are organised into groups and classes called divisions. Read more about Daffodil divisions that encompass miniature daffodils and narcissus varieties.

miniature daffodil

Tips on Miniature Daffodil and Narcissus

  • Look in spring for successful varieties that you may want to buy for planting this Autumn.
  • Buy pots in bloom this spring so you know what you are getting. Deadhead before the seedheads start to develop and feed the bulbs with a high phosphate feed.
  • One of the smaller varieties is Bulbocodium Conspicuous, yellow hooped petticoat at 4 inches tall with golden yellow flowers.
  • The scented Jonquilla has a couple of varieties that are low growing including Jonquil Single, Sugarbush and the ivory white flowered apricot cup of Waterperry.
  • Cyclamineus varieties tend to be low growing. One of the most popular is the Tete-a-Tete with fluted golden trumpets which bulks up quite well year on year.
  • For something different try the double Rip Van Winkle or the pinky yellow Nanus.
  • Place your order from a reputable bulb supplier during summer so that you get the varieties you want before the best bulbs are sold out. The best time to plant miniature daffodils is from September until mid October. They like to make long roots before flowering and fully produce their leaves first. .

Try growing Narcissus bulbocodium ‘Golden Bells’ commonly called the Hoop Petticoat Daffodil! Bulbs from Thompson & Morgan

Cyclamineus – Div 6 are eye-catching daffodils with reflex petals.
Triandrus Daffodils – Div 5 are a result of breeding from the species N.triandrus. There are mid flowering height and usually 2 to 5 delightful hanging flowers per stem. Available from the Miniature Bulb Co
The Daffodil Society has a list of other bulb suppliers

Growing Bellis perennis Pom Pom Daisies

Growing Bellis perennis Pom Pom Daisies

Bellis perennis

Cultivation and Growing Tips for Pompom Daisies

  • Bellis perennis is the name of the small common daisy found in great profusion growing in lawns. Pom Pom Daisy is the cultivated double daisy that makes a good spring flowering ornamental plant.
  • Grow from seed sown in late spring/early summer outdoors in a sheltered, shady site in a well prepared seed bed about ¼in deep.
  • Germination usually takes 14-21 days.
  • Thin seedlings out to 4-6in apart when they are large enough to handle and finally transplant to flowering site in autumn in sun or part shade for flowering the following spring.
  • Bellis perenis Pom Poms are great for small beds, edging, windowboxes etc.
  • Greenfly love to eat the tender leaves so keep an eye open in case you need to treat the plants

Bellis perennis

Common Names and Varieties of Pom Poms to Consider

  • Pompom daisies are available in red, pink and white. You can buy them as self colours or in mixed packets of seed
  • ‘Tasso Mixed’ is one of the best pomponette bellis ever introduced! Flowers are larger than normal pom – pom types, on compact, short, strong flower stems. The bright colours of rose, deep rose, red and white, will all give excellent results
  • ‘Petite Pom Pom’ and ‘Pomponette’ have rosettes of mid-green leaves with narrow stems topped with pink, dark pink and white pompons from early spring to autumn.

Old & Odd Tips From Gardeners Tips

  • Pom Pom daisies look good in containers, rockeries and paired with Tulips.
  • Deadheading will prolong flowering or leave to seed and collect for next season.
  • Will grow in some shade and withstand an open windy position
  • You can often obtain seeds or plants from our mail order company of choice Thompson & Morgan

    • Lincoln 119
    Credits

    Buy more varieties of Daisies at Thompson & Morgan

    Tips for Growing Forget-Me-Nots

    Tips for Growing Forget-Me-Nots

    Lincoln 120

    Forget-me-not Cultivation and Growing Tips

    • These plants are very easy to grow from seed. Sow one year and they flower the next because most varieties are biennials.
    • Forget-me-nots are usually blue but are also found in pink and white and shades of blue.
    • Forget-me-nots are dwarf, compact plants upto a foot tall! A fantastic addition to spring beds and borders.
    • The plants complement golden Daffodils yellow Wallflowers and Primulas.
    • Sow May -June and thin out. Plants self sow all over my garden so clear out any invaders.
    • Plants can also be purchase to avoid the problems of sowing your own.
    • Naturalised flowers become less spectacular – renew with seed every few years. Try a stronger strain.

    forget-me-nots

    Forget-me-not Common Names and Varieties to Consider

    • Myosotis is the Latin name for Forget-me-nots. It is a family of 50 species. See main varieties at the foot of this page
    • Historically it got the name ‘mouse ears’ due to the shape of its leaves.
    • Varieties to look out for include Ultramarine and Blue ball or for Alpine Forget-me-nots ‘Ruth Fisher’.

    Unusual Facts about Forget-me-nots

    • Newfoundland in Canada used the Forget-me-not as a symbol of remembrance of that nation’s war dead.
    • Germans and Freemasons use forget-me-nots as a symbol not to forget the poor and desperate. (Germany may need a good crop with the economy in such a state.)

    Old & Odd Tips From Gardeners Tips on Forget-me-nots

    • Plant in drifts around the edge of ponds.
    • Pull up and compost plants as they finish flowering – you will still get lots of seedlings.
    • Use forget-me-nots as a cut flower when in bud to prolong vase life.

    Dandelion and Forget-me-nots (1)

    Horticultural Sources and Advice on Forget-me-not

    • You can often obtain seeds or plants from our mail order company of choice Thompson & Morgan
    • Powdery mildew can be a problem in dry soil. Pull up and destroy infected plants.
    • Species include; Myosotis alpestris – Alpine Forget-me-not
      Myosotis arvensis – Field Forget-me-not
      Myosotis asiatica – Asiatic Forget-me-not
      Myosotis azorica – Azores Forget-me-not
      Myosotis caespitosa – Tufted Forget-me-not
      Myosotis discolor – Changing Forget-me-not
      Myosotis latifolia – Broadleaf Forget-me-not
      Myosotis laxa – Tufted Forget-me-not, Bay Forget-me-not
      Myosotis scorpioides – True Forget-me-not
      Myosotis secunda – Creeping Forget-me-not
      Myosotis sicula – Jersey Forget-me-not
      Myosotis sylvatica – Wood Forget-me-not
      Myosotis verna – Spring Forget-me-not

    Flowers from my granny's garden
    Credits
    forget-me-nots by Mags CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
    Dandelion and Forget-me-nots (1) by Purrrpl_Haze CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
    Flowers from my granny’s garden by sermoa CC BY-SA 2.0

    Tips Growing Globeflower

    Tips Growing Globeflower

    Trollius europaeus 'Superbus' Globeflower

    Description, Cultivation and Growing Tips for Globeflower

    • Globeflower is a herbaceous perennial plant that generally flowers yellow in spring or early summer.
    • They are another meadowland plant closely related to the buttercup but flower 1-3 feet tall depending on variety.
    • Globeflowers are easy to grow, disease resistant and good for cutting.
    • Keep the soil moist, they like a boggy soil that isn’t too wet in winter.
    • Mulch with an organic compost in winter to protect the roots.
    • Plants will grow and flower in partial shade.

    Trollblumen

    Common Names and Varieties of Globeflower

    • Globeflower is the common name for Trollius which is a family of around 20 species and many hybrids and cultivars.
    • The petals of Trollius europaeus are curved over the top of the flower to appear like a ball or spherical globe giving the plant its common name.
    • Many of the other species such as Trollius chinensis have more open, flatter flowers. Golden Queen is a variety with prominent stamens that form a crown on the head of each flower. It grows taller than most varieties and the flowers can be 2-3 inches across.
    • Trollius europeaeus ‘Superbus’ has an AGM and is readily available.
    • Lemon Queen, Fireglobe and Canary bird are descriptive varieties for growing.

    Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen' Globeflower

    Unusual Facts about Globeflower

    • All Globeflowers and Trollius species are poisonous to cattle and other livestock but not butterflies which thrive on the leaves.
    • The globe is formed by the inward curve of the sepals and there are no true petals.
    • Pale yellow flowering Alabaster tones well with Lobelia cardinalis which also enjoys a wet soil

    Old & Odd Tips From Gardeners Tips – Globeflower

    • Collect the seed from your own plants and sow immediately whilst the seed is fresh.
    • In our experience the plants do not transplant easily. Sow seed where you want them to flower.

    Globe Flower, Die Trollblume, Trollius europaeus

    Horticultural Sources and Advice

    • Globeflower are slow clump formers with a mass of fibrous roots.
    • You can often obtain seeds or plants from our mail order company of choice Thompson & Morgan
    • Hybrids of Globeflowers are labeled Trollius x cultorum and are probably crosses between three species: Trollius europaeus, Trollius asiaticus and Trollius chinensis.

    Maj 2005
    Credits
    Trollius europaeus ‘Superbus’ Globeflower and Trollius chinensis ‘Golden Queen’ Globeflower by KingsbraeGarden CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
    Trollblumen by vasile23 CC BY 2.0
    Globe Flower, Die Trollblume, Trollius europaeus by Dandelion And Burdock CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
    Maj 2005 by Isfugl,CC BY-NC-SA 2.0