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Blazing Sun is a red flower with a yellow rim and is an excellent option if you want a showy plant for a warm weather sunny garden. Easy to grow in containers in full sun or in sunny gardens. Good drainage is key. Perennial

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aka Butterfly flower

An early flowering Gaura that flowers all season long. Excellent with heat and drought tolerance conditions. It is compact but with good branching, Pink Bouquet comes in attractive shades of pink, light pink and blush. It looks stunning in the garden or used as a feature specimen in a pot. Evergreen.

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Pure white butterfly shaped flowers smother the stems, a delight in both vase and garden from late spring through to winter. Gaura So White has both a clean, disease free foliage and a compact habit. Attracts butterflies. A very easy-care, rewarding perennial which grows easily in sunny situations.

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A gorgeous compact, free flowering perennial that is hardy and easy to grow. With it pretty pink flowers on tall stems from Spring right through and into Autumn. Likes the sun, good drainage and fairly light soil. Cut back after flowering.

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A gorgeous compact, free flowering perennial that is hardy and easy to grow. With its Dark Rose flowers on tall stems from Spring right through and into Autumn. Plant in a well drained, sunny spot for best results. Perennial

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A gorgeous compact, free flowering perennial that is hardy and easy to grow. With it large deep pink flowers on tall stems from Spring right through and into Autumn. Needs a free-draining warm sunny spot in the garden. Cut back after flowering. Perennial

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A gorgeous compact, free flowering perennial that is hardy and easy to grow. The leaves are variegated adding a fresh touch of yellow and green with the pretty pink flowers on tall stems from Spring right through and into Autumn. Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny position. Perennial

aka Summer Gentian

Low mound of deep green leaves with royal blue trumpet flowers in mid to late Summer. In hot climates they grow best in partial shade. Need a well drained soil that is irrigated during dry spells. Great plant for rock gardens, edging borders or mixed containers.

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aka Transvaal Daisy

The 'Garvinea' Gerbera range has been bred for compact habit, abundant flowering and tolerance to winter cold. Perfect for the summer garden or fabulous in containers, the drop dead gorgeous pink daisy flowers are borne on strong stems perfect for picking. Perennial.

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aka Babys Breath

A popular perennial with florists because of the sprays of double white fragrant flowers held above the foliage on wiry stems. Does well in a sunny well drained spot. Cut back the first flush of flowers to encourage re-bloom. Doesn't like being moved so choose your planting spot well.

Though Gypsophila is hardy it is seldom very long lived - good drainage and deep alkaline soil that is not too heavy will help it thrive. Calcium and magnesium help keep the pH high and a side dressing of a little Lime wouldn't hurt either.

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aka Golden Japanese forest grass

Japanese forest grass. This grass is a stand out for it's brightly variegated golden foliage made distinctive by it's edge of green near the leaf margins. Tolerant of sun or shade but too much shade will bring more green than gold to the leaves. Perennial

Gorgeous colour compliment for a shady area in your garden, on your path edge or through a woodland.

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aka Strawflower

Strawflower. An interesting ground-cover plant that forms an attractive silver mat of foliage. Yellow 'everlasting' papery flowers appear in summer and can be used for dried arrangements. Thrives in a warm sunny spot with good drainage. Protect from harsh frost. Evergreen.

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aka Strawflower

This NZ native hybrid has beautiful silver foliage on lax stems that root where they touch the ground i.e. it is an excellent ground-cover. In spring-summer papery cream flowers sit above the foliage. This plant is cold tolerant but must have open soil and good drainage to do well. Evergreen.

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aka Strawflower

The silver-grey leaves of this South African perennial will combine well with other foliage colours. Forms a nice mat and in spring pretty 'papery' white flowers stand above the leaves. Loves the warmth and good drainage. Tolerates light frost only. Evergreen.

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aka Alum Root or Coral Bells

Provide a fabulous foliage effect in shady corners with this outstanding Heuchella. Maple shaped leaves in tones of coppery gold with red that darken towards winter. Stems of little white flowers in summer. Hardy and easy to grow. Perennial.

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A clump forming perennial that is mainly grow for the striking foliage. Happy Hour Lime provides incredibly healthy true lime green foliage with no yellowing or veining. Vigorous and quick to establish and non invasive. Prefers Part or full shade in moist, humus rich soil. Take care not to bury the crown when planting. Easy care, Hardy.

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aka Foamy Bells

A clump forming perennial that is mainly grow for the striking foliage. The leaves are a deep crimson and outlined in lime green. Likes semi-shade and well drained humus rich soil. PVR.

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This cold hardy, perennial form of candytuft, is a little charmer with pretty evergreen foliage which is covered in a blanket of white flowers from mid to late spring. Excellent for the border and in containers or as an effective groundcover. Perennial.

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aka Candytuff

This cold hardy, perennial form of candytuft, is a little charmer with pretty evergreen foliage which is covered in a blanket of large clusters of snow white flowers from mid to late spring. Excellent for the border and in containers or as an effective groundcover. Perennial.

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aka Candytuft

This cold hardy, perennial form of candytuft, is a little charmer with pretty evergreen foliage which is covered in a blanket of large clusters of snow white flowers from mid to late spring. Excellent for the border and in containers or as an effective groundcover. Perennial.

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aka Blue Star Creeper, Pratia pedunculata

A versatile, weed inhibiting, creeping plant which forms a thick mat and produces many small bright blue, star-like flowers all through spring into autumn. This Native creeper grows in very damp to quite dry places, in sun or shade. Great as a groundcover, over a rockwall or in a hanging basket. Evergreen

aka Ice Plant

Cocktail Explosion ice plants produce a mass display of vibrant pink flowers. Need some watering to establish and then are very tolerant of full sun, dry and coastal conditions. This ground cover plant requires free drainage and protect from frost. Evergreen

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aka Ice Plant

Coral Explosion ice plants produce a mass display of soft coral pink flowers. Need some watering to establish and then are very tolerant of full sun, dry and costal conditions. This ground cover plant requires free drainage and protect from frost. Evergreen

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aka Ice Plant

Raspberry Explosion ice plants produce a mass display of striking raspberry pink flowers. Need some watering to establish and then are very tolerant of full sun, dry and costal conditions. This ground cover plant requires free drainage and protect from frost. Evergreen

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aka Gay Feather

Gay Feather. This will tickle your fancy - tufts of grassy foliage and flower spikes of violet that resemble a small 'feather duster'. They are unusual in that they open from the top downwards. Flowers from mid Summer. Excellent cut flower. Prefers full sun, well drained soils. Perennial.

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aka Gay Feather

Gay Feather. This will tickle your fancy - tufts of grassy foliage and summer flower spikes that are a soft purple shade and resemble a small 'feather duster'. They are unusual in that they open from the top downwards. Butterflies and bees love them. Plant in the sun in well drained soil Perennial.

This perennial has quite a hard thickened corm-like root stock which will form a clump and eventually can be divided.

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aka Chilian Iris or Snowy Mermaid

This is a hardy clump forming perennial with narrow flax-like dark green leaves. Tall spikes of white Iris-like flowers in spring. Likes sun or dappled light in well drained soil. Looks great planted en mass, as a border or amongst shrubs and perennials. Evergreen

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aka Ligularia

When I first saw this plant a few years ago it was a definite have to have. The deep maroon, large luscious round leaves have a hint of the erotic about them. Bright orange/yellow flowers appear in summer but are insignificant compared to the foliage. Yum.

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A variegated form of the The ‘Tractor Seat’, this is a good addition to any shady garden. Foliage is deep green with creamy white, almost yellow variegation. In mid summer tall bright orange/yellow flowers will appear. Hardy plant.

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aka Elephant Ears

This is a bold specimen perennial that needs a moist location. It forms a mound of large, rounded dark, shiny purple-black leaves. Taller stems appear in mid summer bearing clusters of bright golden-orange daisy flowers. Superb for the back of the border, or at the waterside. Perennial.

An unusual centerpiece for a tub or large container. Both the flowers and leaves are great for cutting.

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aka Tractor Seat Ligularia

If you are looking for fabulous foliage then the leaves of the 'Tractor Seat' Ligularia are hard to beat. Large, glossy, green and textured, the leaves put on an outstanding display in a shady spot. Stems of yellow flowers in autumn-winter. Evergreen.

This plant is commonly known as Ligularia but is more correctly called Farfugium japonicum var giganteum

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Rukuhia Beauty is the perfect, shade loving, groundcover for smaller gardens with its lush foliage of dark green. Likes moist earth and a dressing of slow release fert to support its growth periods. Low maintenance plant with high return, looks great planted enmasse. Perennial

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aka Leopard Plant

Outstanding foliage plant with large lush rounded leaves decorated with yellow spots. The yellow daisy like flowers appear in summer but are not the main feature compared to the leaves. Will grow in sun or semi-shade, prefers soil that does not dry out too much in summer. Evergreen.

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A clump forming striking perennial with big yellow spotted green leaves. This plants grows in sun or partially shade. Forms a great highlight in woodland areas. The yellow daisy like flowers appear in summer but are not the main feature compared to the leaves. Prefers not to dry out in summer.

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aka Statice

A perennial Statice that has a rosette of large leathery leaves topped off in summer with stems of dainty deep mauve flowers. Lovely to pick and excellent for drying. Happiest in a sunny well drained spot. Perfect for coastal gardens.

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aka AKA Lithospermum

Lovely to spill over a wall or a bank this spreading groundcover has beautiful medium blue flowers in spring and summer. The dark green leaves are somewhat 'hairy' on trailing stems. Likes a well drained, warm spot but can cope with afternoon shade. Cut back after flowering. Evergreen.

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aka AKA Lithospermum

A great little spreading groundcover for those of you who love bright blue. Hairy green leaves on trailing stems are covered with masses of deep blue flowers in spring and summer. Likes a well drained, warm spot but can cope with afternoon shade. Cut back after flowering. Evergreen.

It is important to note that Lithodora resent root disturbance so take care when weeding to treat it tenderly.

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aka AKA Lithospermum

A great little groundcover to sprawl over a hot dry bank or in the rock garden. Darkest green foliage and brightest blue flowers from late spring through to summer. Trim regularly to keep tidy. Protect from harsh frost and avoid lime. Evergreen.

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aka Lithodora

Low growing carpet of fine green needle like leaves with intense blue flowers in spring. Great for covering a sunny or semi shaded spot in well drained soil. Great for rockeries and on edges. Attractive to bees. European native. Frost hardy. -

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aka Cardinal Flower

Gorgeous rosettes of bronze red foliage are topped off with tall stems of vivid red flowers in summer through to autumn. The flowers are loved by birds and butterflies. Happy in the sun in soil that does not dry out in summer. Tolerates light frost. Perennial.

This perennial will add a real punch of colour to the border or around the pond/stream margins. It is very important that it does not dry out in summer so keep an eye on it especially the first season after planting. Will cope with quite boggy conditions.

A gorgeous perennial Lobelia which forms neat rosettes of vibrant green foliage topped with spears of bright, clean white blooms. A fantastic way to add some light to the garden and ideal on pond or stream edges. Deciduous.

aka Blue cardinal flower

A gorgeous perennial Lobelia which forms neat upright spikes of vibrant green foliage topped with spears of bright, blue blooms. Lovely used as borders, wild gardens, cottage gardens or near ponds and streams. Butterflies and bees will come. Deciduous.

Deadhead after flowering to encourage more flowers and to keep compact. Divide clumps in Spring if desired.

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aka Blue Lobelia

Gorgeous upright flower spikes in a vivid blue-purple color in summer time through to autumn. The flowers are loved by birds and butterflies. Happy in the sun in soil that does not dry out in summer. Tolerates light frost. RHS AGM. Perennial.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland

Gorgeous upright flower spikes in a pink color in summer time through to autumn. The flowers are loved by birds and butterflies. Happy in the sun in soil that does not dry out in summer. Tolerates light frost. Perennial.

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aka Creeping Jenny

Excellent green creeper plant perfect to cover ponds edges. Yellow flowers are produced in summer time. Prefers moist soils but can tolerate fully submerged spot.

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aka Creeping Jenny

Excellent yellow-green creeper plant. Perfect to cover ponds edges or sprawl along as a groundcover. Yellow flowers are produced in summer time. Prefers moist soils but can tolerate fully submerged spot.

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aka Japanese Silver Grass

A showy ornamental grass. Foliage has a distinctive bronze autumn color. Tassel-like flowers which mature to silver appear in autumn, rising 30-50cm above the foliage. Dies down in winter, trim back before spring so new growth comes through nice and fresh. Deciduous. Hardy.

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aka Ornamental Grass

This ornamental grass is a compact perennial with narrow leaves, finely edged with white and pink-tinged tassels of flowers in autumn. Cut down old foliage in winter so new, fresh leaves will shoot in Spring.

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aka Chatham Island Forget-me-not

The Chatham Island forget-me-not is a stunning perennial with large, glossy ribbed foliage topped off with bold clusters of brightest blue flowers in summer and spring. Grow in a sheltered shady spot. Must have protection from afternoon sun. If happy will form a large clump. Evergreen.

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aka Catmint

Dwarf Catmint. Go on make the cat happy and plant at least one of this easy care and pretty perennial. Aromatic grey-green foliage topped off with blue flowers that appear off and on from spring to autumn. Tidy with a quick trim and fresh foliage soon appears. Likes the sun and good drainage. Evergreen.

Catmint looks good as a low edging for borders or as a link plant amongst groups of perennials. Cats do love this plant so be prepared to have at least some of it rolled on, licked and generally loved by your cat. This will induce feverish activity followed by deep slumber!

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aka Catmint

A useful and attractive perennial with grey/green foliage and pretty sprays of mauve blue flowers that appear from spring right through to autumn. Useful as an edging for flower beds. Loves a sunny position and a good haircut every now and then. Hardy, evergreen and yes cats love it!

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This is a hardy hot and dry tolerant plant. Aromatic foliage spreads and trails, deep plum coloured bracts intensify in colour from late spring to autumn. The colourful display of these lovely ground cover plants will retain their showy display into Autumn. Low maintenance plant. Perennial

Origanum ‘Bellissimo’ is extremely tolerant of hot and dry situations therefore lending itself well to ground cover use or in pots or as a showy weeping enhancement to trail over walls and embankments

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aka Japanese Spurge

A selected form of this hardy ground-cover which grows particularly well in shade. Glossy green foliage with a 'serrated' edge on fleshy stems. Little white fragrant flowers in spring. Most attractive when allowed to form a thick mat of foliage. Hardy and evergreen.

Pachysandra will grow in sun but will need to be keep moist to do well. As it is an invaluable plant for shaded spots with is where it does best.

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aka Japanses Spurge

An invaluable plant for covering difficult shady spots in the garden. One of our favourites. The leathery dark green foliage with 'serrated' edges always looks good and is clustered on short stems. Tiny white flowers in summer. Plant in semi-shade for best results. Spreads easily, evergreen.

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The peanut or groundnut is a species in the legume or "bean" family. The peanut was probably first domesticated and cultivated in the valleys of Paraguay. It is an annual herbaceous plant growing 30 to 50 cm tall.

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Now this is a stunner with its Cerise pink flowers that are highlighted with yellow stripes. A semi-trailing habit they will spread across the ground or trail over the sides of a hanging basket or pot. Graet for adding a splash of colour to to any garden.

Clip back spent flowers to encourage continuous flowering.

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aka Phlomis

This fabulous perennial from Syria deserves to be planted more. Large, fresh green, felted foliage that forms a robust spreading ground-cover, topped off in summer with stout stems of soft yellow flowers that form whorls around the stem. Plant in the sun in well drained soil. Evergreen.

aka Creeping Phlox

A beautiful groundcover that forms a dense mat of foliage that spreads indefinitely. It blooms in spring with a showy display of lavender blue flowers. Plant it in partial shade. It is attractive to butterflies. Used in a pot/hanging basket it will cascade over the sides.

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aka Creep Phlox

A beautiful groundcover with brightly pink flowers that cover this neat spreading easy care perennial in spring and early summer. Excellent rockery or border plant. Will cascade over the sides of a pot or hanging basket.

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aka Cape fuchsia

Attractive hardy perennial, almost shrub like, with delightful tubular red flowers. Stems are red when they first emerge but become green when mature. Cut flowers keep well in a vase. Prefers a sunny disposition. Trim regularly to keep tidy, hardy.

Tolerates frost down to approx. -10 degrees celcius

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aka Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's Ladder. 'Ladders' of fern like foliage in attractive shades of green and cream quickly emerge in spring and form a robust clump. Pretty light blue flowers stand above the foliage in summer. Any easy to grow and delightful perennial that will light up a shady corner. Hardy.

The attractive foliage will have little flushes of pink as autumn approaches.

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Quick growing Portulaca have a continuous display of big bright fuschsia pink flowers in the garden. Ideal for a sunny border, pot or hanging basket they will add a striking accent to your decor. Full sun. Well drain soil.

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Quick growing Portulaca have a continuous display of big bright yellow flowers in the garden. Ideal for a sunny border, pot or hanging basket they will add a striking accent to your decor. Full sun. Well drain soil.

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Quick growing Portulaca have a continuous display of big red flowers in the garden. Ideal for a sunny border, pot or hanging basket they will add a striking accent to your decor. Full sun. Well drain soil.

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Quick growing Portulaca have a continuous display of bright orange flowers in the garden. Ideal for a sunny border, pot or hanging basket they will add a striking accent to your decor. Full sun. Well drain soil.

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Quick growing Portulaca have a continuous display of bright orange flowers in the garden. Ideal for a sunny border, pot or hanging basket they will add a striking accent to your decor. Full sun. Well drain soil.

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Quick growing Portulaca have a continuous display of bright orange flowers in the garden. Ideal for a sunny border, pot or hanging basket they will add a striking accent to your decor. Full sun. Well drain soil.

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Quick growing Portulaca have a continuous display of bright orange flowers in the garden. Ideal for a sunny border, pot or hanging basket they will add a striking accent to your decor. Full sun. Well drain soil.

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aka Pratia or Panakenake or Lobelia

Native. Dainty deep green leaves that quickly form a low mat of tight foliage. In spring and summer myriads of starry shaped white flowers dance above the foliage, followed by fleshy red berries. Plant in sun or part shade in well drained soil that does not completely dry out in summer. Evergreen.

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aka Pratia or Lobelia

A dainty little mat forming ground-cover with tiny green leaves that get smothered with bright blue, star shaped flowers all summer long. Easy to grow and quite hardy but it is important that it does not completely dry out in summer. Sun or part shade. Evergreen.

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aka Pratia

Native. A dainty ground-cover with fleshy green leaves and a myriad of white, star shaped blooms with a sweet honey fragrance. Flowers appear from spring to autumn and are followed by little berries. Plant in sun or shade in well drained soil that does not completely dry out in summer. Evergreen.

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A useful and very pretty little ground-cover with fresh green dainty foliage and even daintier star shaped flowers of pale blue. These appear from spring through to summer and are followed by small berries. Can be grown in sun or part shade in open soil that does not completely dry out. Evergreen.

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aka Bog Primula

Whorls of unusual shaped elegant flowers. The tall stems rise up from a rosette of basal leaves and carry the flowers in a tiered arrangement hence the name, Candelabra. This hardy perennial originates from China and thrives in bright, moist environments hence it's common name of Bog Primula. Perennial

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aka Primula Mixed

A mix of double Primulas give great winter colour and are ideal for decorative containers or mass planting in the garden. These easy to grow perennials perform best in full sun or part shade, in moist well drained soil. Remove finished flowers to encourage further bloom.

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aka Pasque flower or Danes Blood

Sometimes known as Pasque flower or Dane's Blood as legend has it that these sprang up in places soaked by the blood of Romans or Danes because the plants appeared on barrows and boundary banks. Bell shaped flowers appear in early spring followed by silky seed heads which will persist for many months.

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aka Pasque flower, Danes Blood

Pulsatilla, perennial herb with long-stalked leaves covered at first with silky hairs and divided into long, thin segments topped with weeping bell like blue flowers. It grows in limestone pastures in central and northern Europe and parts of Russia and in southern England. The plant is called pasque flower because it blooms at Easter. Perennial

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Sometimes known as Pasque flower or Dane's Blood as legend has it that these sprang up in places soaked by the blood of Romans or Danes because the plants appeared on barrows and boundary banks. Bell shaped flowers appear in early spring followed by silky seed heads which will persist for many months.

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NZ Native. An excellent plant for wetlands and aquatic growing areas. Deep green foliage that looks like Parsley. Has delicate yellow flowers. Prefers shaded ares in moist soil and can grow totally sub-merged. Great for spawning fish.

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aka Water Buttercup

A sub-mergable/ Margin plant known as the `Water Buttercup`. Growing lush green leaves on long stems the flowers are bright golden yellow. Can grow in the water from the edge and as it grows , it will float. Goldfish can eat the vegetation. Relatively Winter hardy.

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aka Paper Daisy or Rhodanthe

This is a delightful little plant that will bring a fresh cheerful look to your garden or favourite container. Attractive blue green foliage and masses of papery white flowers that open from bright pink buds from spring onwards. Easy to grow in a sunny well drained soil. Perennial.

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aka Rose Grass

This dainty and delightful tuberous perennial is an ideal container plant. It will multiply happily and provide a mass of dainty star like deep pink flowers throughout the summer months. Likes the sun, good drainage and fertile soil. Tolerant of winter cold as long as the soil isn't too wet.

Rhodohypoxis can be grown in the garden too but make sure you mark where you planted them as these tiny little treasures may disappear on you.

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aka Rose Grass

This dainty and delightful tuberous perennial is an ideal container plant. It will multiply happily and provide a mass of dainty star like pink flowers throughout the summer months. Likes the sun, good drainage and fertile soil. Tolerant of winter cold as long as the soil isn't too wet.

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aka Rose Grass

This dainty and delightful tuberous perennial is an ideal container plant. It will multiply happily and provide a mass of dainty star like red flowers throughout the summer months. Likes the sun, good drainage and fertile soil. Tolerant of winter cold as long as the soil isn't too wet.

Rhodohypoxis can be grown in the garden too but make sure you mark where you planted them as these tiny little treasures may disappear on you.

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aka Rose Grass

This dainty and delightful tuberous perennial is an ideal container plant. It will multiply happily and provide a mass of dainty star like white flowers throughout the summer months. Likes the sun, good drainage and fertile soil. Tolerant of winter cold as long as the soil isn't too wet.

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Crystal White is a mossy type, bearing white flowers on short stems above a neat cushion of green foliage. There are no drawbacks to growing Saxifraga - they are easy to grow, and most are hardy. The only problem they really have is that they can make the plants they are next to look dull. Enjoys a position in full sun with good drainage. Evergreen.

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A great little perennial plant which forms a tight mound of green foliage. From late winter until spring it is smothered with bright pink star like flowers. Enjoys a position in full sun with good drainage. An excellent little plant for rockeries, can also be grown in containers. Evergreen.

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aka Pin Cushion Flower

This magical plant will dazzle you year round with myriads of fragrant, purple pin cushion flowers. These are loved by Red Admiral Butterflies. Perfect for mass planting in the perennial border. Happy in sun or partial shade. Remove dead flower heads to encourage repeat flowering. Perennial.

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aka Pin Cushion Flower

This magical plant will dazzle you year round with myriads of fragrant, purple pin cushion flowers. These are loved by Red Admiral Butterflies. Perfect for mass planting in the perennial border. Happy in sun or partial shade. Remove dead flower heads to encourage repeat flowering. Perennial.

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aka Spanish shawl

A prostrate ground hugging perennial with a dense mat of green leaves that in summer becomes smothered by bright cerise pink flowers. Quite a show off really and easy to grow in a sunny well drained spot. Needs protection from frost. Evergreen.

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aka Knawel

Native. The little crowded leaves of this moss-like plant pack together to form undulating mounds of foliage that gradually spread. Looks superb in shingle or gravel gardens set amongst larger rocks. Happiest in morning sun and must have good drainage. Evergreen.

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aka Aarbeibossie

Multi branching low spreading shrub that will cover itself in panicles of gorgeous purple florets from spring. Evergreen

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A striking perennial with silky, silvery white foliage puts on a show all-year-round. Yellow flowers in Summer. With its different texture, in a pot or as a border or mass planting it will add a touch of colour to the garden. Can be grown indoors. Drought and salt tolerant once established. Evergreen.

Trim to shape in early Spring.

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aka Satin Flower

Makes a nice grassy foliage clump which is smothered in mauve-blue flowers in spring and into Summer. An easy and robust edging plant for a sunny well drained spot. Suitable for planting between pavers, or in rockeries or containers. Evergreen and hardy.

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aka Sisyrinchium Angustifolia

A dainty member of the iris family with blue green grass like foliage. The small clear white single blooms appear in late spring and summer. This perennial is clump forming and is widely used in landscaping. Plant in a sunny well drained position away from harsh frost.

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aka Satin Flower

Create a fabulous foliage effect by group planting this striking member of the Iris family. Lime green sword like leaves edged in butter yellow are topped off with dainty soft yellow blooms which appear on spikes in late spring. Plant in a sunny well drained position. Remove spent flower stalks.

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aka Lambs Ear

Stachys lanata is better known as Lamb's Ear, this silver, woolly leaved plant makes great ground cover. Furry spikes carrying small purple flowers are produced in the middle of summer. Well drained soil reduces rotting of hairy leaves, and loves full sun or some shade.

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aka Stachys Discolour

This close relative of 'Lambs Ear' grows in a similar way in that it forms a dense mat of foliage. The leaves in this instance are a woolly dark green. Whorled stems of white flowers appear in summer. Loves the sun and good drainage and is generally quite hardy. A good doer. Perennial.

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aka Giant White Bird

Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the Giant White Bird of Paradise or Wild Banana are banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m

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aka Bird of Paradise

Elegant and exotic, clump forming perennial with the most unusual, tall spikes of orange and blue blooms that resemble a bird's head. Large, wide swords of blue-grey foliage. Quite easy to grow in a sunny, well drained position with protection from frost. Evergreen.

Strelitzia are quite frost tender when young but do become a little more hardy as the clump matures. They take a few years to flower but it you like a sense of drama in the garden it will be well worth the wait.

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aka Goldfussia

Evergreen shrub with glossy purple-black foliage, lanceolate leaves and purplish stems. Flowers are tubular, in a light purple tones on clusters along the stem. Flowering from spring through to autumn. Prefers full sun to part shade in free draining soil. Frost tender.
Suitable for warmer areas including Auckland/Northland

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A fast growing, clumping perennial with fine grass like green foliage. This long flowering plant will bloom masses of pink star shaped flowers from spring to late summer. This is an extremely low maintenance and hardy plant and can be used as a border or in the garden. Evergreen.

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A fast growing, clumping perennial with fine grass like green foliage. This long flowering plant will bloom masses of pale pink star shaped flowers from spring to late summer. This is an extremely low maintenance and hardy plant and can be used as a border or in the garden. Evergreen.

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aka Society Garlic

Smart South African clump forming, semi-evergreen, perennial with narrow variegated cream and green foliage topped with fragrant lilac flowers from mid summer. Ideal for drift planting in the garden or trouble free mass landscape plants.

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aka Society Garlic

Smart South African clump forming, semi evergreen, perennial with narrow green foliage topped with fragrant lilac flowers from mid summer. Ideal for drift planting in the garden or trouble free mass landscape plants.

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aka Speedwell

This is a wonderful little ground-cover mainly because of the colour it provides in late winter. The shiny green foliage with bronze tones forms a tight mat and starting from about August smothers itself in bright blue flowers and carries on doing so for months. Easy care, trim after flowering.

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aka Periwinkle

Commonly known as Periwinkle this little ground-cover has nice glossy green foliage and a quick creeping habit. In spring and summer pretty starry flowers of warm mauve appear en masse. Likes a semi-shaded position and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen. RHS AGM.

I grow my Periwinkle in a tall narrow container where is drapes attractively over the sides. While this plant is quite easy to grow it will do better in soil that does not completely dry out in summer.

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aka Periwinkle

Periwinkle. A vigorous little ground-cover with glossy green and cream, narrow foliage topped off with small starry blue flowers in spring and summer. Will cover the ground quite quickly and can easily be trimmed back if it gets too carried away. Likes semi-shade and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.

Periwinkle is very easy to grow but does not like soil that completely drys out in summer.

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aka Periwinkle

Periwinkle. A vigorous little ground-cover with glossy green, narrow foliage topped off with small white starry flowers in spring and summer. Will cover the ground quite quickly and can easily be trimmed back if it gets too carried away. Likes semi-shade and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.

Periwinkle is very easy to grow but does not like soil that completely drys out in summer.

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aka Periwinkle

Periwinkle. A vigorous little ground-cover with glossy golden leaves edged with gold, small blue starry flowers in spring and summer. Great for lighting up a shady corner. Grows quickly and can be trimmed back if it gets too carried away. Likes semi-shade and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.

Periwinkle is very easy to grow but does not like soil that completely drys out in summer.

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aka Periwinkle

Commonly known as Periwinkle this useful little ground-cover has glossy green foliage and little lilac blue flowers in spring and summer. Good for planting under trees or in woodland areas as it likes a little shade and protection from harsh frost. Can be trimmed if it gets too carried away. Evergreen.

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aka Sweet Violet

Sweet Violet. This old-fashioned favourite is a great plant for shady spots in the garden where it will quickly cover ground with its heart-shaped dark green foliage. Dainty stems of fragrant purple flowers winter to spring. Easy to grow and quite hardy. Perennial. Charming.

Did you know that the Violet flower contains a compound known as ionone which temporarily desensitizes the 'smell' receptors in your nose? After the first delicious sniff the violet fragrance will seem elusive. Don't worry after a few minutes your nose will recover to 'smell' another day.

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aka Poor Knights Lily

Poor Knights Lily is a stunning plant and well worth growing. A very slow growing plant with fans of flax-like leaves up to 1m high. Its striking red flowers occur on tall stems in Spring but it takes up to 7 years to flower. When root-bound it will flower more quickly and prolifically.

On the islands, the plants are fed with seabird droppings, which are high in nitrogen and phosphorous. You can simulate this with bird guano, which is sold at some garden shops, or online. Or you may use any slow-release fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen and phosphorous.

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aka Zantedeschia Calla Lily

Elegant marginal plant, will add a touch of class to any planting scheme. The large glossy leaves complement the funnel shaped bright white blooms. Happy in sun or light shade in the garden or a container .

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aka Autumn Crocus, Rain Lily

Autumn Crocus with delightful white crocus like flowers in the autumn. Attractive grass like glossy green foliage, not dissimilar to tall mondo grass. They are excellent in rockeries or borders. H.30cm.