June sees an influx of perennial plants. As the weather heats up perennial plants such as Canna lilies, Crocosmias, Agapanthus and many other tropical looking plants become available and most of which are hardy and will come back each year.
Summer bedding plants and Vegetables are proving very difficult to get now as everyone is gardening. Our growers can only supply so much of them. When they are gone, they are gone. But fear not, we now see an influx of more interesting perennial plants which can be planted in the border or in containers. You may have noticed that we are using a new grower of perennials and shrubs. They are based in Darby and supply us with a fantastic selection which often contains varieties we have never seen before. So hopefully you will find some new and interesting perennial plants in June.
Calocasia ‘Matalicca’- Grown for its large velvety leaves, this elephant ear plants loves to grow in damp soil in semi- shade. Not winter hardy but a must for any tropical planting scheme. The Corms can be lifted in the autumn and stored until the spring just like you do with Dahlias. Check out Gardeners world for more care info – https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-colocasia-taro-or-elephant-ears/
Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’- A must have in every garden. A hardy perennial which can grow in any light aspect and any soil condition. Dark green foliage which turns bright green in the autumn. Slate blue flowers from June.
Canna Lilies – We have a good selection of different canna lilies now available. Purple leaves, Grean leaves, Pin striped leaves, red flowers, orange, pink and yellow. Some grow tall and others stay small. Best grown in pots as many people lost theirs last year to the cold. Most will survive down to -2c. Move pots into a sheltered spot or into a greenhouse or garage.
Brugmansia / Angels trumpet – A tender shrub which bears large trumpet shaped flowers throughout the summer. Toxic, so keep away from children, pets and untrusted adults. Can be grown in pots on a sunny patio or by the front door. Must be protected in the winter months.
Bulbine frutescens ‘Avera Orange sunset’- A garden succulent with fleshy strap like leaves. Produces spikes of tiny orange flowers. Grows best in full sun with very free draining soil. Grow in pots or in an alpine border. Hardy down to -2c. Treat as a houseplant in the winter months or move into a green house. The sap within the leaves are said to be as beneficial as Aloe vera.