White is the second most useful colour in the garden after green. I am progressively increasing the number and variety of white and grey plants that I grow.

White Flowers

• Roses are a current favourite and there are white Species Roses that are worth seeking out. Rosa: arvensis, banksiae, fedtscenkoana, helenae, longcuspis and multiflora just as examples.
• The early flowers of Snowdrops and the Christmas Rose Heleboris niger start the flowering year.
• Camellia japonica Nobilissima and Tulip Purissima are pure spring whites .
• Personally I like Cistus Corbariensis and Malva moschata Alba to contrast with green leaves and pink stamen.

White Leaves

• Cineraria has grey white leaves that add contrast to other plants.
• Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’ act as low screens at the front of borders.
• Hostas grown for there leaves include the totally white ‘White Feather’ and the green edged Fire and Ice.

Other White Features

• Pampas grass Cortaderia has large white plumes in autumn.
• Frost on grass, stems and plants in winter can look very enticing from the warmth of your heated greenhouse or front window.
• White furniture is popular if you can keep it that way.
• I like the white boundary edges of a well maintained cricket field and I will try incorporate that idea into my garden.
• In the meantime I will await the early blossom on fruit and ornamental trees.