Aeonium Arboreum

Names
Scientific name:	Aeonium Arboreum
Common Names:	Tree Houseleek
Genus:	Aeonium
Family:	Crassulaceae
Related Plants:	Sedum

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.

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

Aquilegia – Columbine – Granny’s Bonnet

Aquilegia, commonly referred to as Columbine or Granny’s Bonnet, is a quintessential element of any cottage garden, woodland garden, or border display. Its medium height and striking appearance allow it to harmonise beautifully with neighbouring plants. With a stunning variety of colours and unique forms, it captures the eye and offers endless pleasure to those who take the time to observe its intricate beauty. This plant not only enhances garden aesthetics but also plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by attracting a diverse range of pollinators.

Granny’s Bonnet: A Colorful Addition to Your Garden

Known for its unique flower heads, this plant gets its common names, Columbine and Granny’s Bonnet, from the distinctive shape reminiscent of a dove’s head or a traditional bonnet. The name Columbine comes from the Latin word columba, meaning ‘dove,’ while Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word aquila, meaning ‘eagle,’ reflecting the spurred petals that resemble talons. These striking flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an interesting diversion from the big bold blooms.

This fascinating genus within the family Ranunculaceae includes Buttercups. It is easy to see the similarities, but the intricate forms of this flower provide a much more interesting specimen. There are about 130 different species that explore different colours and nuances of petal shape, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. From the delicate blue and white varieties to vibrant reds and yellows, the options are nearly endless.

Modern hybrids are particularly captivating, often featuring two layers of petals in contrasting colours, creating a visually stunning effect. The spurred petals that extend behind the flower head add to the unique aesthetic of the plant, making it a favourite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. The colour palette is extensive, including shades of purple, red, pink, white, yellow, and blue. This diversity allows for creative combinations in garden designs where they will complement similar plants.

Rank

Genus

Names
Scientific name:	Aquilegia
Common Names:	Columbine, Granny’s Bonnet
Genus:	Aquilegia
Family:	Ranunculaceae
Related Plants:	Buttercup, Clematis

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy
Soil pH:	acid, neutral, alkaline
Moisture:	moist, well drained

Native to various regions, especially the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, Granny’s Bonnet thrives in diverse climates and conditions. Its ability to self-seed makes it an excellent choice for wild gardens, as it promotes natural growth and attracts pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. In favourable climates, the presence of this plant can significantly enhance the biodiversity of a garden, benefiting both the plants and the wildlife that depend on them.

The height of these plants can vary, ranging from 1 to 3 feet depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. Their slim profile allows them to occupy minimal ground space, making them ideal for borders or mixed plantings. While they prefer a little shade from intense sunlight, they can tolerate full sun in cooler regions. A temperate climate with adequate moisture is essential for optimal growth, as they thrive in well-drained soil that is neither too wet nor too dry.

Another important aspect to consider is the companion planting of this species. It pairs well with a variety of other flowers and greenery, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the garden. For example, planting alongside Foxgloves and Delphiniums can create a beautiful layered effect, with each plant contributing its unique shapes and colours. Moreover, these companion plants often have similar care requirements, making garden maintenance more manageable.

In conclusion, this remarkable plant offers not only beauty but also ecological benefits. By understanding its unique characteristics and care requirements, gardeners can create stunning displays that contribute to the health of their local environments. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced horticulturist, incorporating this species into your garden can lead to a more vibrant, diverse, and sustainable landscape.

Acacia dealbata – Silver or Blue Wattle – Mimosa

Acacia dealbata is a evergreen shrub or tree that will flower early in the growing season in warm and temperate climates.

Plant Family – Part of the Fabaceae family or Legume family that includes peas and beans.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to southeastern Australia.
Common Names – include Silver wattle, blue wattle or mimosa.
Flowers – The flowers are bright acid-yellow that grow in clusters of small round balls.
Foliage – The foliage is fern-like and green with a blue or silvery grey hue.
Height and Spread – these tree/shrubs can grow quickly to a height of 30 metres, or 100ft tall with an equally wide spread.
Position – These plants thrive in full sun with a well drained soil, more on the acidic side, but neutral is fine. This makes them ideal in a sunny but sheltered location with a southern aspect and a reasonably mild climate.

Overall, a striking plant that will look attractive all year round with a splash of colour in the early seasons.

Rank

Species

Names
Scientific name:	Acacia dealbata
Common Names:	Silver Wattle, Blue Wattle, Mimosa
Genus:	Acacia
Family:	Fabaceae
Related Plants:	Legumes, peas and beans

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy
Soil pH:	acid, neutral
Moisture:	well drained

Acer palmatum – Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum or Japanese Maple provide excellent colour and structure to the garden. Green, yellow, orange to dark red, they help to break up a sea of greenery. Colours changing through the season and bare skeletons in the late autumn and winter months.

Here in our focus image, we have two similar but distinct varieties. The name palmatum comes from the similarity to the human hand or palm with leaves spread out like fingers. These fingers can be dissected as in the far Acer or doubly dissected as in the near Acer. The double dissection making the leaves like feathers.

There are also two basic structures here. The far Japanese Maple is an upright Acer, whilst the near is more of a weeping Acer. The weeping structure provides a pleasing dome shape to the plant.

Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple - two varieties

Rank

Species

Names
Scientific name:	Acer palmatum
Common Names:	Japanese Maple
Genus:	Acer
Family:	Sapindaceae
Related Plants:	Acer, Maple, Sycamore

Growing Conditions
Position:	partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy, chalky, peaty
Soil pH:	weak-acid, neutral
Moisture:	damp, well drained

Callistemon or Red Bottlebrush Plant

Callistemon is a genus of exotic flowering plant from the Myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Commonly called the bottlebrush plant for obvious reasons.

Currently, there is a debate as to what plants should be specified as Callistemon and those that are a closely related genus, Melaleuca. It appears that on DNA evidence alone most Callistemons are in fact Melaleucas. This is disputed due to differences in physical make-up of the flowers. This has been going on for over 150 years so still a work in progress.

What is the difference between Melaleuca and Callistemon?

The two genus both belong to the Myrtaceae family but historically have been kept separate because of certain characteristics of the flower. In both cases they can look like a ‘bottlebrush’, ie. A brush for cleaning bottles with. The stamens growing in clumps from the central woody branch with just a small petal array at the base of each clump.

The melaleuca was defined by the difference that these multi-stamen flowers had stamen that are fused into small groups at the base, whilst Callistemon doesn’t. That isn’t a valid difference in every case. For instance Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush) has stamen that are also fused into small groups at the base.

Recent use of DNA testing has shown that these two genera are more closely connected than was originally assumed. Most botanists will take one side or the other, follow the DNA or stick with the visible characteristics and keep the two genera separate. Where I live, if they look like a bottlebrush, they will be referred to as Bottlebrush for a long time to come.

Rank

Genus

Names
Scientific name:	Callistemon
Common Names:	Bottlebrush
Genus:	Callistemon
Family:	Myrtaceae
Related Plants:	Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Myrtus (Myrtle), Pimenta (Allspice), Psidium (Guava), Syzygium (Clove)

Growing Conditions
Position:	full sun, partial shade
Soil Type:	sandy, loamy
Soil pH:	weak-acid, neutral, weak-alkaline
Moisture:	moist, well drained

Pieris Japonica – Andromeda

Pieris japonica is a hardy evergreen flowering shrub that has distinctive new red leaves early in the season. These new red leaves turn yellow then green as they mature. Certain cultivars can have very dark red leaves.

Plant Family – Part of the Ericaceae family or heath family, same as rhododendron, heathers, cranberry and blueberry, and my favourite bilberries.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to China, Taiwan and Japan, especially in the mountainous regions.
Common Names – It is often called the Andromeda.
Flowers – The flowers are small and bell shaped, similar to lily-of-the-valley. Colours ranging from reddish pink to white.
Foliage – The leaves usually start red when they first emerge, fading to yellow, light green and through to dark green as they mature. Being evergreen the leaves are glossy and leathery in form.
Height and Spread – Typically a slow growing shrub that can stay within 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, although they can develop into a more straggly, woody tree up to about 12 feet.
Position – These plants thrive in a shaded or partially shaded location with a well drained soil, acidic side. This makes them ideal in a woodland garden, or any moist, shaded and cool position. Too much sun or frost can scorch the leaves and turn them brown. They need regular water in dry conditions but don’t like soggy wet conditions.

Overall, in the right position they can be a trouble free, easy to maintain plant that gives a splendid splash of colour in the spring and maintain its foliage all year round. Just remember it is an acid loving plant and if you have neutral or alkaline soil it will require specific acidic feed to keep it going.