Plants A-C

A genus of mostly evergreen species from warmer countries, particularly South America. Best known for the varieties with pendulous lantern-like flowers normally pollinated by hummingbirds, and much loved by honey eaters in my own garden. Abutilons flower profusely from late winter through until autumn, prefering enriched soil and a warm aspect in full sun or part shade. Once established they will tolerate light frosts and require only moderat water if also kept mulched, Cut back or tip prune in late winter to promote bushiness.

A genus of mostly evergreen species from warmer countries, particularly South America. Best known for the varieties with pendulous lantern-like flowers normally pollinated by hummingbirds, and much loved by honey eaters in my own garden. Abutilons flower profusely from late winter through until autumn, prefering enriched soil and a warm aspect in full sun or part shade. Once established they will tolerate light frosts and require only moderat water if also kept mulched, Cut back or tip prune in late winter to promote bushiness.

Aeonium contains about 40 species native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa. Most are shrubby succulents with the leaves clustered in terminal rosette. The lower growing forms make hardy garden borders of potted specimens white taller varieties are excellent feature plants. Flowers occur in dense pyramidal sprays usually in spring. Best grown in full sun or light shade in light well drainign soil. They will tolerate very dry conditions and are all frost sensitive. Aeonium Tricolor can reach 60 cm in height and a meter in width. The color of its foliage varies throughout the year from cream and green to tri colored. .

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. A native of western North America and Mexico, Artemisia 'Valerie Finnis' produces new growth in spring from rhizomatous underground stems. it is an ideal addition to the tough country (or city) garden, and its sprawling stems of silver leaves will enhance any mixed planting. It is fully frost hardy.

Bocconia is a genus of about 10 species in the poppy family. B. arborea is from South America and Mexico where it grows on quite exposed hill slopes. In my garden it is very hardy requiring minimal water or attention, and it provides a fantastic structural backdrop for other planting. It can be grown in full sun or light shade, and is probably not frost tolerant.

A variable genus from both tropical and temperate regions, the species are particularly valued for their very attractive fruit. Their growth is cane-like with arching stems. In the deciduous varieties tiny flowers are followed by dense clusters of fruit which may persist on the bare branches and then make excellent indoor decorations. Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii is an arching shrub from central China with light green downy leaves. In my garden the beautiful berries are often consumed by birds before I can cut some branches ot enjoy them inside. Best grown in moist enriched soil in morning sun or light shade. It is very frost hardy.

A genus of annuals and perennials fron the Mediterranean region and western Asia, they grow in a range of soil types including alkaline ones, and in full sun to lightly shaded positions. Flowers are produced from spring until autumn and are excellent butterfly attractants. Centanthus ruber is a great addition to the less formal garden, and to dry rockeries and gravel gardens. Although it can self seed freely, any unwanted plants are easily removed. Particularly beautiful in plantings with larger rose varieties.

A genus of annuals and perennials fron the Mediterranean region and western Asia, they grow in a range of soil types including alkaline ones, and in full sun to lightly shaded positions. Flowers are produced from spring until autumn and are excellent butterfly attractants. Centanthus ruber alba is a great addition to the less formal garden, and to dry rockeries and gravel gardens. Although it can self seed freely, any unwanted plants are easily removed. Particularly beautiful in plantings with larger rose varieties.

There are 60 or so species of Cerastium in temperate parts of the world, and a number of the perennial varieties are now widely used as ground covers or rockery plants. All are frost tolerant and do best in an airy position in full sun. Like most low silver leafed plants it is best to avoid overhead watering as the foliage may become mildewed. Cerastium tomentosum is a particularly useful perennial for well drained banks or rockeries, growing to about 12 cm in height it will spread indefinitely.

A genus of many-stemmed highly ornamental deciduous shrubs from China and Japan they are very frost hardy and tolerate a wide range of soils. They can be grown in full sun or light shade, and benefit from the occasional removal of some of the older stems. The stems of these shrubs are also somewhat thorny making them good barrier hedges. Falconnet Charlet is a colorful and particularly beautiful addition to the late winter garden,

A genus of many-stemmed highly ornamental deciduous shrubs from China and Japan they are very frost hardy and tolerate a wide range of soils. They can be grown in full sun or light shade, and benefit from the occasional removal of some of the older stems. The stems of these shrubs are also somewhat thorny making them good barrier hedges. Winter Cheer is a colorful and cheerful addition to the late winter garden,

A genus of many-stemmed highly ornamental deciduous shrubs from China and Japan they are very frost hardy and tolerate a wide range of soils. They can be grown in full sun or light shade, and benefit from the occasional removal of some of the older stems. The stems of these shrubs are also somewhat thorny making them good barrier hedges. The white-flowering nivalis is a very free flowering and beautiful addition to the late winter garden.

Cistus are drought tolerant evergreen shrubs from the Mediterranean region. They have saucer-shaped flowers which can resembling single roses. Best grown in full sun in free draining relatively dry soil, and tolerant of all but the heaviest frosts. They are excellent low maintenace shrubs for a mixed plantin and can be lightly pruned to shape if desired. Cistus Silver Pink is one of the smaller growing varieties, and is an excellent choice for the front ot a shrub border or as a feature in a gravel garden.

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.