#kaleyard

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 21 July 2021

The Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla 'Eva' (elder, 'Black Lace') is a deciduous shrub with very deeply dissected purplish-black foliage which is enhanced by the flat, pink-flushed flower heads. The flowers can be followed by purple-black berries the autumn. Pruning plants in winter can produce the strongest coloured foliage on new growth.

Plant of the Day

Tuesday 20 July 2021

Ideal for growing on a shady north-facing wall is the large self-clinging, deciduous climber, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (climbing hydrangea). In summer the flower heads are the attraction with small fertile flowers surrounded by showy white sterile ones, and in the autumn the leaves turn yellow and fall revealing the flaky barked stems.

Plant of the Day

Sunday 18 July 2021

The upright herbaceous perennial Lychnis chalcedonica (London pride, Maltese cross, fireball, scarlet lightning) is a striking addition to this border with small, bright red flowers in compact, domed heads. The ideal location for this plant is full sun with a moisture retentive soil. Prolonged flowering can be encouraged by deadheading (removing flowers that have finished blooming).

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 28 August 2019

In late summer and early autumn the Verbena bonariensis (purple top, Argentinian vervain, South American vervain, tall verbena) puts on a show. This tall, short-lived perennial has few leaves but is topped with clusters of small, purple flowers that bees and other pollinators value.