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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 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.

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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.

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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 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 Ice Plant

Commonly known as the 'Ice Plant' this tough little perennial has fat succulent like leaves and a trailing habit. In spring and summer the foliage is smothered with creamy white shaggy daisy like flowers with a yellow centre and a touch of pink. Trim lightly after flowering. Loves the sun and well drained soil. Evergreen.

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aka Ice Plant

Mes-em-bree-anth-e-um - does that make it easier? Well it is definitely an easy plant to grow in hot dry spots where the soil is well drained and light. Little succulent like leaves in a blue-green tone and in summer masses of crimson pink blooms to brighten up your day. Protect from frost. Evergreen.

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aka Ice plant

Commonly known as the 'Ice Plant' this tough little perennial has fat succulent like leaves and a trailing habit. In spring and summer the foliage is smothered with shaggy light pink daisy like flowers. Trim lightly after flowering. Loves the sun and well drained soil. Evergreen.

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aka Ice Plant

Mes-em-bree-anth-e-um - does that make it easier? Well it is definitely an easy plant to grow in hot dry spots where the soil is well drained and light. Little succulent like leaves in a blue-green tone and in summer masses of orange blooms to brighten up your day. Protect from frost. Evergreen.

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aka Ice plant

Commonly known as the 'Ice Plant' this tough little perennial has fat succulent like leaves and a trailing habit. In spring and summer the foliage is smothered with shaggy yellow daisy like flowers. Trim lightly after flowering. Loves the sun and well drained soil. Evergreen.

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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 Nemesia

A perennial Nemesia with dainty stems of deep maroon fragrant flowers set amongst the mid green foliage. Likes a morning sun or part shade position and will be at its best in early spring. Nice for container planting too. Trim off spent flower heads to encourage re-bloom. Evergreen.

Trim back spent flowers to encourage more flower spikes.

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aka Nemesia

A perennial Nemesia with dainty stems of white to pale pink with a bright golden eye in the centre. Fragrant flowers set amongst the mid green foliage. Likes a morning sun or part shade position and will be at its best in early spring. Nice for container planting too. Trim off spent flower heads to encourage re-bloom. Evergreen. PVR.

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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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aka Veronica

Native. A pretty free flowering little shrub with dainty evergreen foliage and myriads of little white blooms with a hint of lavender in the centre. Flowers from spring to summer. Plant in a sunny spot with humus rich soil that doesn't completely dry out. Protect from harsh frost. Evergreen. PVR

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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.

Peanuts take around four months to grow; harvest by lifting the whole plant with a fork and leave plants with peanuts attached for 2 weeks to dry (on the ground, or hung up outside).

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Its impossible to miss the unique colour collaboration of zesty lime green, deep purple and white, particularly with the accented veining and dark purple center. This petunia really is like no other with its vivid tropical hues and dramatic presence in hanging baskets and containers. Prefers full sun.

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Pink Hearts Petunia. You will fall in love with these boldly coloured flowers that all display 5 distinctive hearts around each large bloom. Bred in Israel, Amore petunias feature large blooms on robust plants with a semi trailing habit. Stunning and bold for hanging baskets, garden highlights or patio containers. Perennial.

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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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An absolutely stunning new release Petunia with super eye catching blooms featuring sunset orange tones with a dark eye. Plant for a bold and bright statement in the garden or in pots on the patio. A strong plant that has an exceptionally compact and tidy habit and is bred to withstand some wet conditions. Prefers full sun. Use slug bait.

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Another stunning new comer featuring fluorescent pink blooms with a warm yellow eye. Extra large blooms in a bright pink are always eye catchers and Fantasy Hot Pink is no exception. Brilliant as a pot filler on the patio or as a bold statement in the garden. Prefers full sun. Perennial. Slug bait.

To encourage repeat flowering clip back once first flush finished.

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A real wow plant that only comes along once in a while. Stunning eye catching red blooms with a dark shaped iridescent contrast stripe makes it a flower you see from across the garden, on a plant that has a trailing habit . Bred for improved disease resistance, Wonderful in pots on the patio or hanging baskets or in the garden. Prefers full sun. Use slug bait.

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A fabulous new Petunia in a completely unique color. Orange and Yellow shades is not typical for Petunia and Indian Summer creates a stunning splash of color, perfect for the pot on the patio.

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New Picotee-type petunia called 'Moonlight Bay'. Still experimental, but huge potential. The rim is actually a Cream/Chartreuse colour. This will absolutely add some summer wow to containers and baskets. Will flower for months if dead-headed regularly. Loves the sun and well drained soil. Perennial.

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This unique selection is loved for its unusual combination of velvet like blooms that start out pale yellow and change colour to a gentle rose with a dark, almost black center. Great as an accent plant and makes a fantastic display in pots. Prefers full sun. To encourage repeat flowering clip back after flowers have finished. Slug bait regularly.

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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.

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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 with deep purple highlights, 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.

Most Polemoniums prefer afternoon shade, 'Heaven Scent' seems to be able to take a bit more sun as long as a good supply of moisture is available.

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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 bright 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 drained soil. Perennial.

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Quick growing Portulaca have a continuous display of big purple 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 Panakenake, 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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A useful and very pretty little ground-cover with fresh green dainty foliage and even daintier star shaped flowers of white. 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

A 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. Perennial

The plant is called pasque flower because it blooms at Easter.

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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 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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aka Black eyed susan

Rudbeckias are also known as ‘Black Eyed Susans’. A wonderful perennial to give vibrant and cheerful colour from late summer right through approximately 3 months of flowering into late Autumn/Winter. Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ is a new variety bred for an absolute abundance of gold flowers with a dark black central seed cone, on a neatly compact habit. Perennial

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aka Cotton Lavender

Commonly know as 'Cotton Lavender' this little Mediterranean shrub has aromatic silver grey foliage and stems of bright yellow flowers that appear in summer. Grow in a well drained sunny position and give the plant a trim after flowering. Evergreen.

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aka Cotton Lavender

Commonly know as 'Cotton Lavender' this little Mediterranean shrub has aromatic yellow green foliage and stems of bright lemon flowers that appear in summer. Grow in a well drained sunny position and give the plant a trim after flowering. Evergreen.

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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 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 Lambs Ears

Senecio Bella Grigio.... such a fancy name for Lambs ears but this is not just any lambs ear but a gorgeous lambs ear. Slim, tapered silvery leaves to about 50 cm tall culminating in spires covered in pink florets. Put this one on your must have list, we have. Perennial

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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.

aka Yellow Birds of Paradise

Also known as Yellow Birds of Paradise as it produces stunning yellow flowers throughout Spring and Summer. With large, lush dark green foliage it gives a nice tropical feel to any garden or large pot in a warm sheltered position. Can be grown inside in high light. Evergreen. Frost tender.

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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 3.5m

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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 perennial 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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aka Creeping germanda

Low growing, evergreen with dark green foliage. It's small leaves have serrated edges and in late spring to summer spikes of pink flowers rise above the foliage. Likes full sun in most soils. Trim in winter to keep compact and tidy. Great as a hedging plant or for the border edge. Subshrub.

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aka Wishbone Flowers

A pretty evergreen perennial with masses of multi toned flowers on a compact plant. Blue Moon features pale and deep blue contrasting flowers with a trailing form perfect for pots, planters or hanging baskets. This great new addition will flower from start of spring until the first frosts.

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aka Wishbone flowers

A pretty evergreen perennial with masses of multi toned flowers on a compact plant. Pink Moon features pink and amber contrasting flowers with a trailing form perfect for pots, planters or hanging baskets. This great new addition will flower from start of spring until the first frosts

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aka Wishbone flowers

A pretty evergreen perennial with masses of multi toned flowers on a compact plant. Purple Moon features rich velvety purple and pale lavender contrasting flowers with a trailing form perfect for pots, planters or hanging baskets. This great new addition will flower from start of spring until the first frosts

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aka Wishbone flowers

A pretty evergreen perennial with masses of multi toned flowers on a compact plant. White Moon features fresh white flowers with a contrasting yellow spot with a trailing form perfect for pots, planters or hanging baskets. This great new addition will flower from start of spring until the first frosts.

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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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aka Winter Red Hot Poker

Veltheimia is a Bulb that produces Very attractive glossy, dark green foliage and long spikes of beautiful dark pink flowers. It grows in filtered light, thrives in sandy soil and does well in pots. Keep container grown plants well watered throughout summer.

They are very similar to red hot poker flowers only they flower in Winter.

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aka WinterRed Hot Poker

Veltheimia is a bulb that produces very attractive green glossy strappy foliage and long spikes of off yellow-lime green flowers that are very similar to the red hot poker. Thrives in filtered light and sandy soils. Needs to be kept well watered throught the hot dry months.

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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

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 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 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.