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

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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.

Rank

Species

Names
Scientific name:	Pieris japonica
Common Names:	Andromeda
Genus:	Pieris
Family:	Ericaceae
Related Plants:	Rhododendron, Heathers, Cranberry and Blueberry

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

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.

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

Allium – Ornamental Onion – Bold Architectural Blooms

The Allium is a tall pompom flowing plant of the Garlic-Onion family. Predominantly purple or white with a globe head of fine star-shaped flowers. They are easy to grow but like the sun and good drainage as the bulbs can rot in heavy wet soil. They do stand out when isolated in a border but also look very good when planted in large swathes. The name Allium is Latin for Garlic and is thought to derive from the Greek word meaning avoid.

Rank

Genus

Names
Scientific name:	Allium
Common Names:	Ornamental Onion
Genus:	Allium
Family:	Amaryllidaceae
Related Plants:	Garlic, Amaryllis, Narcissus

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

Saxifraga cotyledon

Saxifraga cotyledon is a beautiful arctic-alpine flowering plant that grows in Iceland, Scandinavia the Alps and Pyrenees. The flowering stem comes from a rosette of furry succulent leaves in May or June, whilst other side rosettes await their turn. The red accented, white petals give a striking display in a sunny, well drained rocky environment.

Rank

Species

Names
Scientific name:	Saxifraga cotyledon
Common Names:	Saxifraga ‘Southside Seedling’
Genus:	Saxifraga
Family:	Saxifragaceae
Related Plants:	Astilbe

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

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

Armeria maritima – Sea Thrift

Armeria maritima is a hardy perennial plant that grows in clumps and flowers from spring to summer with shades of pink that are best seen en masse.

Plant Family – Part of the Plumbaginaceae family or leadwort family.
Native to – These flowering plants are native to the coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Common Names – It is often called Sea Thrift or Sea Pink. The word thrift evidently comes from an Old Norse word meaning to thrive. Very apt for this plant as it makes the very best of rather poor ground to produce a display that will lift the spirits.
Flowers – The flower heads are formed in a round cluster on top of a thin but sturdy stem. The small flowers are various shades of pink. They remain upright on the thin stems to maintain a fine display.
Foliage – The dark green, glossy needle-like leaves form a clump or carpet from which the flower stalks grow to form a canopy.
Height and Spread – These are a low growing, ground cover plant that grow to a height of up to 18 inches, mostly shorter than that. They tend to spread over time into a cluster and form a carpet that accentuates their beauty.
Position – These plants thrive in full sun location with a well drained soil, from acidic to alkaline. This makes them ideal for a rock garden, coastal gardens, but can also fit into any well-drained border or even a living roof.