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  • Crinodendron – Lantern Tree of Chile

    Crinodendron is a genus of evergreen shrub or small tree native to the forests of Chile. They have crimson or pink lantern-shaped flowers that, unusually, hang under the branches. These are partly hardy plants that will tolerate a minor frost but do best in part shade in well-drained, humus-rich acid soil.

    Crinodendron Lantern Tree of Chile 4

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Crinodendron

    Common Names:

    Lantern Tree

    Genus:

    Crinodendron

    Family:

    Elaeocarpaceae

    Related Plants:

    Elaeocarpus

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    loamy, peaty

    Soil pH:

    acid

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Aeonium Arboreum – Tree Houseleek – Succulent Plant with Large Colourful Rosettes

    Aeonium arboreum or Tree Houseleek is a subtropical succulent plant native of the Canary Islands and Madeira but has spread to the Iberian Peninsula and North African coast. They make good houseplants and can be grown in patio pots in a sunny position. They should be covered or brought indoors when temperatures fall.

    Aeonium Arboreum Tree Houseleek 1

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Aeonium Arboreum

    Common Names:

    Tree Houseleek

    Genus:

    Aeonium

    Family:

    Crassulaceae

    Related Plants:

    Sedum

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral, alkaline

    Moisture:

    well drained, semi-arid

  • Calceolaria or Slipper Flower

    Calceolaria are a genus flowering plant from the family, Calceolariaceae. Commonly called the Slipper Flower, Lady’s Purse and Slipperwort, due to unusual flowers that resemble slippers or purses and calceolaria being from the Latin for shoe. Currently, there are only 3 genera in its family, although others may soon follow as modern dna analysis is re-classifying plants into their families. There are over 388 species of Calceolaria and that covers a wide range of different plants

    Natively, these plants are found mainly in the Andes Mountains but also anywhere from Southern Patagonia to Central Mexico. Many modern hybrids can be found to brighten up garden pots and hanging baskets.

    Calceolaria Slipper flower acid yellow close up 1

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Calceolaria

    Common Names:

    Slipper Flower, Lady’s Purse, Slipperwort

    Genus:

    Calceolaria

    Family:

    Calceolariaceae

    Related Plants:

    Porodittia, Jovellana

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade, sheltered

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy, clay

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral

    Moisture:

    moist

  • Anemone – Japanese Anemone – Easy to Grow Tall Perennial

    Japanese Anemone are perennials that are characterised by tall stalks and flat wide single flowers in an array of different colours. They are simple to grow but in heavy shade tend to get leggy and require support. This is especially true for the Japanese Anemone but there are varieties such as the ‘wood anemone’ that grow closer to the ground and ideal for more shady areas.

    Popular hybrids like the ‘Richard Ahrens’ can grow up to 1 metre tall and has flowers of 7-8cm across. The contrasting pale pink with dark pink edge and vivid yellow stamens make a pleasing contrast with lush green surroundings. They are easy to grow and will spread if not restrained.

    In the winter they will recede back to the tuberous roots and re-appear in the spring provided the roots have not been waterlogged.

    Due to their height and little need for attention they are a good option for mid flower border or informal cottage garden and will attract insects and other wildlife to add to the an overall healthy ecology.

    Anemone Japanese 1

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Anemone x hybrida

    Common Names:

    Japanese Anemone

    Genus:

    Anemone

    Family:

    Ranunculaceae

    Related Plants:

    Buttercup, Clematis, Aquilegia

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy, chalky, clay

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral, alkaline

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained

  • Gazania or African Daisy – Vibrant Hot Colours

    Gazania or African Daisies are bold, bright flowers with hot colours that are suited to sunny, dry climates. Although being in the same family, they are a different genus to Osteospermum plants that are also commonly referred to as African Daisies. These plants are drought tolerant and like to have full sun to be at their best. Being in the shade will make the flowers close and may then grow thin taller stems unable to support the large flower head.

    Gazania African Daisy 12

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Gazania

    Common Names:

    African Daisy, Treasure Flower

    Genus:

    Gazania

    Family:

    Asteraceae

    Related Plants:

    Aster, Daisy, Sunflower

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun

    Soil Type:

    sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    weak-acid, neutral, weak-alkaline

    Moisture:

    dry, well drained

  • Convolvulus arvensis – A Pain In The Grass

    Convolvulus arvensis, commonly known as field bindweed, makes a pretty show in the local wildlife meadow. However, if it’s allowed the space to prosper, it can be a real pain to subdue. If it invades farm crops then it can be hard to eradicate and cause loss of production.

    It is one of many species in the family Convolvulaceae or bindweed family. In the garden we mainly see its bigger brother, the giant bindweed (Calystegia silvatica), that grows higher and further than the field variety. 

    Field bindweed has smaller pink and white flowers, less trumpet like, and smaller arrow-shaped leaves. It grows close to the ground and in a meadow situation has many more vigorous plants to compete against. Still, makes an attractive plant in the right situation.

    Convolvulus arvensis - field bindweed

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Convolvulus arvensis

    Common Names:

    Field Bindweed

    Genus:

    Convolvulus

    Family:

    Convolvulaceae

    Related Plants:

    Calystegia, Morning Glory, Moonflower

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    chalky, clay, sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    weak-acid, neutral, alkaline

    Moisture:

    moist, well drained