Similar Posts

  • 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

  • Meconopsis – Himalayan Poppy

    Meconopsis is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Papaveraceae or Poppy family. These plants are often known for their beautiful blue petals, but they also come in a variety of purple, white and yellow. Commonly referred to as Himalayan Poppy as they are found natively in the Himalayan Mountains. Given their natural habitat, these plants are fairly hardy, but remain difficult to because being monocarpic they only flower and set seed only once.

    Meconopsis Taxonomy

    The name comes from the Greek for ‘poppy like’, and so other Poppy type flowers were Meconopsis genus. Most Poppies are listed in their own Papaver genus, Papaver being Latin for Poppy, but the Meconopsis genus is kept separate for these Himalayan flowers. All poppies belong to the Order Ranunculales, or Buttercups.

    Meconopsis Strathspey Himalayan Poppy single

    Rank

    Genus

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Meconopsis

    Common Names:

    Himalayan Poppy

    Genus:

    Meconopsis

    Family:

    Papavercaceae

    Related Plants:

    Poppy, Buttercup

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    partial shade, sheltered

    Soil Type:

    clay, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral

    Moisture:

    moist, 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

  • Camassia quamash

    Camassia quamash is a herbaceous perennial that resembles Bluebells and Hyacinth. That’s because it belongs to the same family Asparagaceae. Native of North America they are hardy in non-extreme climates. They readily spread if not contained to fill up any welcoming environment.

    Camassia quamash

    Rank

    Species

    Names

    Scientific name:

    Camassia quamash

    Common Names:

    camash

    Genus:

    Camassia

    Family:

    Asparagaceae

    Related Plants:

    Bluebells, Hyacinth

    Growing Conditions

    Position:

    full sun, partial shade

    Soil Type:

    chalky, sandy, loamy

    Soil pH:

    acid, neutral, alkaline

    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

  • 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.

    Acacia dealbata - flowering

    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