Perennials

Ajania is a genus of about 30 low mound-forming perennials from central and eastern Asia. They have lobed leaves often white-woolly below and attractive dense terminal heads of yellow button flowers. They are best grown in a sunny position in free-draining soil and require only moderate amounts of water. They are fully frost hardy. Ajania pacifica (formerly Chrysanthemum pacificum) is from coastal Japan. Like the related genus Chrysanthemum, it sends up strong stems during summer and autumn which terminate in the attractive flower heads. The leaves are also attractive, dark green and edged with the white woolly covering found below the leaf. An excellent perennial or shrub for use in flower arranging, as a feature, in mixed plantings or as an informal hedge. Cut back hard in late winter to remove spent stems.

Alternanthera is a genus of about 100 species in the Amaranthaceae, and is found throughout the warmer parts of the world. many species are grown for their colorful leaves, the flowers being insignificant and borne in clusters of chaff-like bracts. They are best grown in full sun to develop their full color, and in free-draining soil kept moist during summer. They are not suitable for frost-prone areas. A. dentata Ruby is my personal favorite, with leaves up to 10 cm long that are maroon above and a brilliant ruby below. It is an easy-care plant and quite tough once established. It shoots out vigorously in summer and autumn to form a low soft shrub to 50 cm high and up to 1 m wide. In late autumn and winter the stems terminate in small white papery flower heads and many of the larger leaves are shed as the weather cools. The stems can be trimmed back at this point or just left to re-shoot next season. a great splash of color for warmer sunny parts of the garden (leaves do not develop their full color in the shade), or for use as an informal edging or infill for a large area.

The genus Anemone has over 100 species occurring widely in the northern hemisphere but with the majority in temperate Asia. Species include a wide range of woodland types as well as the more common florist''s anemone. Woodland species are very frost hardy and do well in rich moist yet well- drained soil. Anemone x hybrida encompasses a popular woodland series of color forms arising from crosses between A. hupehensis and A. vitifolia. This cultivar has single soft pink flowers and robust stems up to 1.2 m tall. Protect leaves from strong direct sunlight or they will burn.

Native to Europe and western Asia this species has a number of forms that are very useful in a mixed planting. They grow best in enriched soil in a sunny aspect and are frost tolerant. Plants need to be keep moist during establishment but are then quite drought tolerant. The cultivar 'Susannah Mitchell' is distinguied by pale butter yellow flowers which compliment many landscapes, even if yellow is not normally a color of chioce.With finely divided grey-green leaves and ascending stems to 30cm bearing cream daisy flowers 3cms across, a beautiful choice for the front of the border.

Artemisia is a large genus of perennials and shrubs from temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Many are from arid conditions making them most suitable for the waterwise garden. They are grown primarily for their interesting and frequently scented foliage. Artemisia vulgaris Oriental Limelight grows to 60 to 80 cm in height and will spread several meters if given the room. The new foliage of this variety is most attractive, and plants can be cut back at any time to encourage new growth. Pale creamy yellow sprays of small daisy flowers are produced in late spring, A frost tolerant variety that can be grown in full sun or light shade.

The genus Campanula contains about 250 species native to temperate parts of the northern hemisphere. Most are perennial but there are also a few biennial or annual varieties. Their flowers are generally bell-shaped and very showy, coming in shades of pink purple and white, and are very good for cutting. They are best grown in sun or light shade away from drying winds, and in reasonably rich, moist, well drained soil. Campanula punctata has single flowers ranging from creamy white to pink. It is native to Japan and spreads by a creeping rhizome to form a carpet of heart-shaped leaves up to 15 cm long. The variety 'Pantaloons' is particularly ornamental and is tolerant of a range of soils and conditions, including heavy frosts.

Cytanthus or Fire Lilies are represented by about 50 species from Africa, with most of the cultivated species coming from Southern Africa. They can be easily established in the garden and will rapidly multiply up into a dense clump; they can also be grown in a pot. Formerly classified as Vallotta, the Scarborough Lily is from the western Cape Province, and differs from the other Cyrtanthus species in having rather broad leaves and large bright scarlet flowers that are held in an upright position. It is best grown in a sunny part of the garden in enriched, moist, free draining soil. Plants will tolerate only light frosts, but considerable dryness once established. Plant the bulbs with their neck at ground level, and leave undisturbed for a number of years, dividing only when the clump becomes over-crowded.

Dianthus is a large and varied genus of some 300 species mainly from Europe and Asia. Hybridizing has produced a number of groups specifically for garden or cut flowers. Dianthus 'Doris' is classed a a Modern Pink, a group that forms dense mounds of grey-green leaves to 25 x 60 cm and erect stems carrying 4 to 6 very fragrant single or fully double flowers in shades of white, pink or crimson. Doris is a scented pale pink double with a deeper pink centre, and is perfect for cutting. Plants are best cultivated in a sunny position in well drained, improved, slightly alkaline soil provided with moderate amounts of water.

Often referred to as Ligularia, this evergreen species and its relatives are native to temperate Asia. Ideal for moist shady spots with free draining soil it is fully frost hardy. The creamy leaf variegations add welcome highlights to shaded areas. In late summer and autumn clusters of yellow daisy flowers are produced on stems up to 1 m tall

Often referred to as Ligularia, this evergreen species and its relatives are native to temperate Asia. Ideal for moist shady spots with free draining soil, it is fully frost hardy. The golden yellow leaf spots add welcome highlights to shaded areas. If exposed to strong direct sun light the spots will discolor. In late summer and autumn clusters of yellow daisy flowers are produced on stems up to 1 m tall

The genus Gaillardia contains about 30 species of annuals and perennials from prairies and hillsides in North and South America. They produce basal rosettes of lobed leaves and then leafy stems bearing brightly colored flower heads in shades of red, orange and yellow. They grow best in well drained fertile soil but will also tolerate poor soil conditions. Dead head regularly to encourage flowering, and then cut them back to 10 cm in late autumn to encourage new basal shoots which usually over winter well. Gaillardia x grandiflora is a bushy often short-lived perennial with flower heads up to 10 cm across. The yellow ray florets are variously touched red towards the base. Mesa Yellow is a pure yellow form. Much around plants to prevent wilting on windy days.

The name Geranium is frequently misapplied to members of the genus Pelargonium. True geraniums are distinguished by their symmetrical flowers, simple seeds lacking awns or plumes and their often mounding growth habit. Pelargoniums on the other hand have flowers with two petals pointing up and three pointing downwards, are more often shrubby and have plumed seeds. True geraniums are a collector's delight and fit well into less structured gardens. Greanium traversii comes from coastal cliffs of the Chatham islands off the southern coast of New Zealand. The cultivar Seaspray has 15 mm pink flowers held above the silvery grey-green foliage, and is an easy to grow variety suited to hanging baskets, rockeries or under planting shrubs such as roses. It is best grown in moist improved soil in a shelters sunny position or in dappled light in hotter areas, and is tolerant of frosts.

There is only one species in this genus from eastern Asia. It is a creeping perennial dying back in winter and re-shooting in spring. Best grown in a sheltered sunny spot or in light shade in hotter areas, it prefers a moist somewhat boggy area and can even be grown in shallow water.Tthe leaf colours are best seen in sunny areas. Houttuynia produces flowers with four petals in summer. Can be invasive in very moist areas.

Lepechinia is a little-known genus from Chile with only two species in cultivation, Both are perennial and have large lance-shaped aromatic leaves and burgundy flowers in late summer and autumn. I have only grown L. salviae and have found that it does well in free draining soil in a sunny spot with moderate amounts of water. It will also tolerate light frosts once established. Plants first form a clump of leaves to 50 cm high and then in late summer stems up to 1.5 m tall are produced bearing whorls of burgundy colored flowers throughout autumn and well into winter. The flowers attract many bees and small birds, while the large developing seeds are a magnet for our local parrots (which probably explains why I don't manage to collect many). when the stems are no longer attractive they can be cut back hard to where new shoots should already be forming at the base. A tough plant once established but I find the seeds quite difficult to germinate and lose many of the cuttings taken. Splitting young rooted side shoots off a parent plant has been our most successful means of propagation..

Not a bamboo of course, but a multi-stemmed woody-based perennial from China and Japan. The clumps of thsi dwarf variety eventually may reach 50cm and have divided leaves in shades of deep green, bronze and red. White flowers occur in summer followed by red berries. Sun or light to quite heavy shade, tolerate light frosts. Best grown in fertile soil, it can be used as a feture in mixed plantings or as a low hedge.

Appleblossom Rosebud is a zonal type of Pelargonium and an old fashioned favourite. It is a shrubby type reaching up to 1 x 1 meter in a pot or in the garden. Pinch out the growing tips to keep plants bushy, or prune back stems if they become too leggy. Fertilise lightly withe a slow release fertiliser, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Rosebud Gem is a hybrid Ivy type of pelargonium and has a semi trailing growth form. It is ideal for use in pots, hanging baskets or to soften the edge of a retaining wall. Pinch out the growing tips to keep plants bushy, or prune back stems if they become too leggy. Fertilise lightly with a slow release fertiliser, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

A genus of 7 species from western Asia and the Himalayan region, they are well suited to our Mediterranean climate. They are deciduous perennials producing in spring grey-white stems and silvery grey green aromatic leaves which darken with age. In late summer and autumn they produce masses of tiny lavender-blue flowers in panicles borne on strong upright stems. Perovskia atriplicifolia produces stems to 1.2 m and has many uses in the garden: as an addition to a mixed planting of perennials and shrubs, as an informal border or as a hazy lavender blue feature when in flower. It is easily grown, requiring little more than a sunny position in well drained soil that is kept rather on the dry side (once established). It is also very frost tolerant

Plectranthus is a group of some 350 species of perennials and shrubs from Africa, Asia and Australia. They generally have rather succulent stems and most are frost tender. Plectranthus contains some of the most useful plants for relatively dry shade under the existing canopies of trees, where their best feature may then be their foliage colour, their flowers, or in some cases both. Plectranthus oertendahlii 'Emerald Lace' is a very useful ground cover for shaded areas where it will create a considerable highlight. It can also be used to great effect in a hanging basket or as an indoor plant in cold climates as it is not frost tolerant. Flowers are white or very pale pink in spikes occurring in autumn and winter. Plants can be cut back hard after flowering.

Pogonantherum comes from the rain forests of south east Asia, but requires only moderate amounts of water once established. it has graceful, arching much-branched stems bearing soft lime green leaves. it can be grown in a pot indoors in a well lit area, or in the garden where it is particularly suitable around pondscapes or in Japanese style gardens. A non-invasive species which forms a tight clump. ut back hard in early spring to promote fresh growth.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Salvia azurea grandifolora a beautiful variety to either mix with shrubs such as roses, where the stems will fall into the rose bushes as the salvia flowers emerge, or as a feature plant in the garden. Best in fertile well drained soil in a sunny position, it is tolerant of dry periods and is also frost tolerant. Cut to the ground after flowering.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Another species from Mexico, the glossy leaves of Salvia chiapensis highlight the bright pink flowers which occur in dense whorls along the long flower spikes. Best planted in fertile free draining soil in a moist sunny position, or light shade in very hot areas. Trim back by a third after flowering. This species will tolerate light frosts and some dryness once established.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Indigo spires is a fast growing hybrid variety that mixes well with informal plantings, and particularly with roses. The dark soft green leaves may wilt on hot days if the plant is not protected from strong winds. Best positioned in a sheltered sunny spot in fertile well drained soil, and with mulch applied in summer. Indigo Spires may be cut back hard after flowering to promote new growth. New growth may be affected by frost but the plant is frost tolerant.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. A form of S. involucrata from the highlands of central Mexico, S 'Bethellii' can reach 1.5 m in height and width, and is an excellent filler behind other shrubs. It can be grown either in full sun or light shade in moist well drained soil, and is dry-tolerant and frost tolerant once established.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Similar to S. involucrata Bethellii but smaller growing, both the foliage and flower color of Joan works well in a mixed planting. Best in fertile free draining soil in a sunny position, Joan will tolerate some dryness and light frosts once established. Prune back by a third to keep bushy, or to the ground to promote new growth after flowering.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Mulberry jam is a cultivar of S. involucrata. It can be rather brittle if grown in isolation, and for this reason is excellent for interplanting among other shubs. such as roses, as it does not overwhelm them. Prune back almost to the ground when flowering finishes

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Salvia Magenta Magic is a lovely Australian hybrid with a form similar to Salvia Waverly, but with magenta pink flowers. Flowering occurs throughout the warmer months with strong flushes in spring and autumn. Cut back lightly in autumn to promote bushy growth.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Salvia Cyclamen grows as a multi-stemmed shrub-like perennial, and can be cut to the ground to promote new growth and more flowers. The brilliant pink flowers are a good foil for the darker colored foliage of Burgundy Pennisetum or Tradescantia pallida purpurea. It is dry tolerant and frost tolerant once established.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Salvia nemorosa occurs in central Europe and western Asia, and there are many forms of it in cultivation. Caradonna is a particularly fine deep blue cultivar. It is best grown in a sunny position in free draining, moist soil and is frrost tolerant. The flowering stems should be cut to the ground when finished to encourage another flush of flowers. The plants are dormant in winter.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Salvia nipponica 'Crug's Cream' is a creamy yellow form of the deeper yellow flowered S. nipponica from Taiwan.it grows as an attractive mound of deep green lance shaped leaves to 30 cm high, then in late summer and autumn produces stems to 50cm tall bearing creamy yellow flowers. It is best suited to lightly shaded conditions and moderate amounts of water, and is frost tolerant. An excellent choice for salvia lovers with a shady garden.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Silke's Dream is very useful variety either in mixed plantings or when used to soften the edge of retaining walls. It is best grown in a sunny position in fertile free draining soil, and is dry tolerant and frost tolerant once established. It can be cut back hard after flowering to promote new growth and more flowers.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Timboon is thought to be a cross between S. involucrata and S karwinski. It is best grown in either a sunny or a lightly shaded position in fertile free draining soil. It will tolerate moderate frosts and periods of dryness once established. Prune back hard after flowering.

There are about 900 salvias distributed through most part of the world, making it the largest genus in the mint family. Hundreds of varieties are also now in cultivation as ornamental, culinary herbs, or as both (the name salvia derives from the Latin salve meaning to heal, as the aromatic leaves of many species have long been used for medicinal purposes). Salvia flowers are two-lipped and have among their representatives some of the best blues, purples and most intense reds to be found among garden plants. They are also generally hardy and free flowering, and attract either bees or birds to the garden. A truly versatile group. Most are best grown in a sunny position in free draining soil with moderate soil moisture. The shrubby species generally tolerate only light frosts while perennial species are often more frost hardy. Wendy's wish is a chance hybrid discovered in Victoria and now protected by Plant Breeder Rights (thus the higher unit price). It flowers throughout the warmer months, the colourful calyx adding to teh display. Cut back by one third in spring and apply a slow release fertilizer at the same time. It is best grown in full sun to light shade in moist free draining soils, but dry-tolerant once established. It tolerates only light frosts.

Native to the southeastern states of the USA Stokesia is a genus of only one species. The evergreen rosettes of leaves reach about 30 cm in height while the stems of either blue or white flowers can reach 50 cm. Individual flower heads may be up to 8 cm across. Stokesia is best grown in full sun in fertile soil, and should mulched well in summer to retain moisture. It is fully frost hardy.

A genus of some 250 species from Europe and America, Verbena is represented by many varieties in cultivation. They are generally marginally frost hardy and do best in well drained soil in full sun. Verbena bonariensis is a great addition to any mixed planting where its slender stems add height without bulk, so that the flowers seem to float above the garden. It self-seeds readily and survives with minimal water even in dry areas.

The genus Viola contains some 500 species of annual biennial and perennial species. It includes the garden pansy as well as a range of interesting and very different species. Most will tolerate light frosts, and prefer a fertile well drained soil with some protection from the sun in warmer areas. Viola labradorica is native to North America and in ideal conditions will spread indefinitely in a woodland garden. a charming ground cover with masses of flowers in spring, but regrettably it is not scented