Perennials - Varieties

Alyssum: Height 20cm (8 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; Perennial Alyssums are useful for ground cover in sunny positions, provide a gritty, well-drained soil. Trim lightly after blooming to maintain neat growth.; Flowers early summer.
Anemone: Height 30-120cm (12-48 inches); Plant 30-45cm (12-18 inches) apart; Border Anemones are available in a range of species with different habits and colours. Japanese Anemones in particular are easy to grow, even in poor soils, and multiply readily, producing late summer blooms in pink or white. For all Anemones, provide a site in full sun or partial shade and a moist, fertile, well-drained soil.; Flowers summer.
Anthemis: Height 45-70cm (18-28 inches); Plant 90cm (36 inches) apart; A very easy, clump-forming, free-flowering perennial with bright daisy flowers. Grow in any well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun. Cut back plants after flowering to encourage fresh growth and further flowering.; Flowers summer.
Aster alpinus (Alpine Aster): Height 25cm (10 inches); Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart; A spreading plant for the front of the border or rockery, with many violet-purple blooms with yellow daisy centres. Grow in a well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun.; Flowers early to mid summer.
Aster novae-belgii (Michaelmas Daisy/New York Aster): Height up to 1.2m (48 inches); Plant 90cm (36 inches) apart; A clump forming perennial with slender branched stems and stalkless lance-shaped mid-green leaves between 5-10cm (2-4 inches) long. Flowers from late summer to mid autumn with daisy like flowers in a variety of cheerful colours. Will grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, although you will achieve best results in slightly alkaline soils.
Aubrieta: Height 5cm (2 inches); Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart; Perfect for ground cover in a sunny rockery, or for cascading over walls. Easy to grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained neutral to alkaline (chalky) soil. Cut back after flowering to keep plants neat.; Flowers spring.
Auricula: Height 20cm ( 8 inches); Plant 25cm (10 inches) apart; An exquisite little gem ideal for bedding or patio containers, producing rosettes of foliage and fancy, colourful blooms. For planting out in the open ground, you should choose a site that is in full sun or partial shade. The soil should be fertile and moist, but never waterlogged in winter. Avoid wetting of the foliage, especially the central rosette, during the winter months. You can also grow in pots of soil-based potting mix with added grit, in a cold frame or greenhouse where the blooms can be appreciated fully and grown as prize specimens.; Flowers spring. Hardy Alpine.
Bergenia: Height 45cm (18 inches); Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart; A useful ground cover in full sun or partial shade, and prefers a humus-rich, moist and well-drained soil, although will tolerate some exposure and poor soils, which actually enhances leaf colouring. Evergreen although some species die back in winter.; Flowers late winter to spring.
Brunnera: Height 45cm (18 inches); Plant 45-60cm (18-24 inches) apart; A choice plant for the shady border, with forget-me-not blue flowers and attractive foliage. Provide a moist, humus-rich, fertile soil in either sun or partial shade, and a cool environment. Makes good ground cover.; Flowers mid to late spring.
Cardiocrinum (Yunnan Lily): Height 1.5-4m (5-12 feet); Plant 1.2m (4 feet) apart; An imposing beauty for the back of the border, can be grown outdoors, 45cm (18 inches) apart, in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water freely during dry periods, although do not allow to become waterlogged, Cardiocrinums do not enjoy hot and dry conditions either. Apply a balanced fertiliser every month when in growth in order to develop the offsets. Top dress annually and provide a leaf mulch for the winter months. Bulbs may take a few years until they bloom, and after flowering strong offsets will take over in growth.; Flowers summer.
Centaurea: Height 1.5m (5 feet); Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart; A robust perennial for the border, with divided foliage and deep yellow cornflower heads. Needs a moist, well-drained soil in either sun or part shade.; Flowers summer.
Cerastium: Height 8cm (3 inches); Plant 23-30cm (9-12 inches) apart; Easy, quick ground cover for a sunny border or rockery. Grows in any well-drained soil, especially useful for poor soils and dry, sunny banks.; Flowers late spring to summer.
Cimicifuga: Height 60-90cm (24-36 inches); Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart; A fantastic plant for border contrast, Cimicifuga are statuesque feature plants with deep foliage and often white flowers. Provide a moist soil with plenty of well-rotted compost in partial shade. Provide some means of support such as twigs, which give a more natural appearance.; Flowers autumn.
Corydalis: Height 25cm (10 inches); Plant 20cm (8 inches) apart; Small perennials for the slightly shaded border, with pretty blooms in a range of colours. Provide a cool position and a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade.; Flowers spring.
Dactylorhiza: Height 60cm (24 inches); Plant 15cm (6 inches) apart; An easy to grow orchid for woodland, rock garden or meadow planting. Grow in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of humus, planting the root a few inches below the surface of the soil. Provide mulch of leaf mould to give protection over the winter months.; Flowers spring to early summer.
Dicentra: Height 30-120cm (12-48 inches); Plant 30-45cm (12-18 inches) apart; Dicentra are useful plants for late spring colour in the shady border, producing flowers in pink or white. Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial shade, although Dicentra spectabilis will tolerate more sun. Soil should be neutral or slightly alkaline if possible. Plants are hardy, although take care that early spring growth is not exposed to high winds or sharp frosts. Some Dicentra will die down in the summer months.; Flowers late spring to early summer.
Dictamnus: Height 90cm (36 inches); Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart; A clump-forming perennial with lemon-scented, divided foliage, and spikes of detailed blooms in pink or white during summer. The volatile oil of the bloom can ignite in hot weather. Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and avoid disturbing plants as this can delay establishment.; Flowers early summer.
Dierama (Angels Fishing Rod): Height 1.5m (5 feet); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; Evergreen perennials with grass-like foliage, accompanied by bell-shaped blooms on graceful, arching stems. Grow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun.; Flowers summer.
Doronicum: Height 60cm (24 inches); Plant 90cm (36 inches) apart; A spreading perennial for borders, giving lanced foliage and golden-yellow flowerheads up to 5cm (2 inches) across. Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained and preferably sandy soil in partial shade. Plants do not tolerate drought, and will go dormant in summer with little growth.; Flowers mid to late spring.
Echinops: Height 90cm (36 inches); Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart; This beautiful clump-forming perennial produces flower-heads several times during the summer. It performs best in poor, well-drained soil in full sun, but will also grow in most other soils or in partial shade.; Flowers mid to late summer.
Epimedium: Height 30-40cm (12-16 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; These slow-spreading, evergreen perennials are perfect for woodland borders. Provide a fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, with shelter from cold, dry winds. Once established, but back the leaves in late winter, so that the spring flowers can be seen to their full glory.; Flowers late spring to early summer.
Gaillardia: Height 75cm (30 inches); Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart; A spreading perennial with colourful flowerheads. Easy to grow in any fertile, well-drained soil, will also tolerate poor soils. Grow in full sun, and deadhead regularly. Cut back plants to 15cm (6 inches) during late summer to stimulate new, winter hardy growth.; Flowers summer to autumn.
Gentiana sino-ornata & Gentiana verna: Height 5-8cm (2-3 inches); Spread 15-30cm (6-12 inches); Provide a light, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil for your Gentians. G. sino-ornata enjoys a more neutral to acidic soil, while G. verna var angulosa is happy in neutral soil. Both require a position where they will experience either cool, damp summer conditions or if in warm, dry conditions, at least some shade from hot sun.
Gypsophila: Height 90cm (36 inches); Plant 90cm (36 inches) apart; Perfect for the flower arranger, producing large flowers. Grow in light, sharply drained soil, preferably alkaline and avoid excess winter moisture.; Flowers mid to late summer.
Helenium: Height 1-1.2m (3-4 feet); Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart; A reliable perennial, which produces a mass of blooms in shades of yellow to orange. Grow in fertile but well-drained conditions in full sun, and provide support for plants. Tolerates dry soil. Deadhead to prolong flowering.; Flowers early summer.
Heliopsis: Height 90cm (36 inches); Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart; Clump-forming perennials with brightly coloured single or double flowers. Easy to grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun.; Flowers mid summer to early autumn.
Heteropappus: Height 30cm (12 inches); Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart; A wonderful plant for adding a splash of colour to autumn displays. Easy to grow in any well-drained soil in either full sun or partial shade. Flowers late summer to late autumn. Will need winter protection in colder climates. Should your plants not flower in the year after purchase, then they will act as a biennial and produce strong plants that will flower late summer the following year.
Houttuynia: Height 30cm (12 inches); Plant 30-45cm (12-18 inches) apart; A spreading perennial for moist areas or the water's edge, also looks attractive in containers. Provide a fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in sun or part shade, although leaf colouring is best in sun. Mulch plants with loose, but deep winter mulch, especially when in wet soils.; Flowers summer.
Inula orientalis: Height 60-90cm (24-36 inches); Spread 60cm (24 inches); Herbaceous perennial. Perfect for the sunny border. Orange yellow daisy like flower heads up to 9cm across. Best grown in well drained soil in a sunny position.; Flowers summer.
Iris foetidissima/tectorum: Height 90cm (36 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; These Irises should be planted in a well-drained, light soil. They are very easy to grow, long lasting and trouble-free and will grow in dappled or even deep shade. Iris tectorum will enjoy slightly damper conditions.; Flowers summer.
Kirengeshoma palmata: Height 60-120cm (24-48 inches); Plant 75cm (30 inches) apart; Also known as Yellow Wax Bells, this unique perennial features maple-like foliage and nodding, tubular flowers. Grow in a moist, preferably acidic soil enriched with leaf mold, in partial shade with shelter from the wind.; Flowers late summer to early autumn.
Lewisia: Height 15cm (6 inches); Plant 15-20cm (6-8 inches) apart; A colourful mix of evergreen plants, ideal for rockeries or growing in the crevices of walls. Plant in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil, with sharp drainage and in full sun or light shade. Enjoys a gritty soil, so it may be useful to add some grit when planting. Protect from winter wet, either by covering with a cage or dried leaves, or by planting on a slope. Can also be grown in containers in the alpine house, using a potting mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould and sharp sand.; Flowers late spring to summer. Hardy Alpine.
Lithophragma parviflora: Height 15cm (6 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; This Woodland Star is perfect for the woodland or rock garden. It enjoys a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil with sharp drainage in full or partial shade.; Flowers late spring.
Lychnis: Height 90-120cm (36-48 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; An upright perennial with heads of star-shaped flowers in shades of red or pink. Prefers a slightly moist, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Plants may need support, deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding if this is not required.; Flowers early and midsummer.
Lythrum: Height 1.2-1.5m (4-5 feet); Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart; Vivid pink spikes of blooms are produced from mid summer into autumn. Prefers a moist soil in full sun. Remove faded flowers to prevent seeding and to encourage further flowering.; Flowers summer to autumn.
Melittis: Height 50cm (20 inches); Plant 50cm (20 inches) apart; A sweetly scented perennial for a shady border, producing beautiful mauve lipped flowers. Grow in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil in part shade, avoid excessively dry soil.; Flowers late spring to early summer.
Mertensia virginica: Height 45cm (18 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; Also known as the Virginia Cowslip, this perennial carries branching stems with sky-blue flowers. Enjoys a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in dappled shade.; Flowers mid to late spring.
Oenothera (Evening Primrose): Height 15cm (6 inches); Plant 50cm (20 inches) apart; A vigorous specimen with spreading red stems and lance shaped foliage, coupled with golden-yellow flowers that open in daytime. Grow in poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun.; Flowers late spring to autumn.
Origanum: Height 10cm (4 inches); Plant 20cm (8 inches) apart; The beautiful 'Kent Beauty' form of Origanum is a delightful semi-evergreen sprawling plant. Outdoors, grow in a sunny site and provide a moderately fertile, free draining soil, mixing some grit into the planting hole before planting will assist with drainage. Water well until established. Can also be grown in containers, using one plant per 20cm (8 inch) container. Provide a soil-based compost mix comprising of equal parts loam and sharp sand. Remove flowers as they fade to encourage a further flush of bloom later in the season.
Oxalis: Height 8cm (3 inches); Plant 10cm (4 inches) apart; Oxalis versicolor are most suitable for growing in containers in the alpine house, provide a potting mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould and grit. Water well in growth and apply a balanced fertiliser monthly. Keep barely moist when not in growth. Flowers from autumn to winter. Other forms of Oxalis are suitable for any well-drained soil in the garden. Provide a position in full sun or part shade.
Physalis (Chinese Lantern): Height 75cm (30 inches); Plant 90cm (36 inches) apart; A spreading perennial with triangular foliage with nodding, small cream flowers, followed by bright orange-scarlet berries enclosed in richly coloured papery cases. Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. For drying, cut stems as paper cases begin to colour.; Flowers mid summer.
Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal): Height 60-120cm (24-48 inches); Plant 45cm (45 inches) apart; Solomon's Seal is the ideal plant for moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Green arching stems produce pendulant creamy white and green tipped flowers in late spring. They are followed by blue-black fruits. All parts of the plant can cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
Pulmonaria: Height 23-30cm (9-12 inches); Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart; Pulmonaria are excellent in moist soil in shady borders and look particularly nice close to the house, where their late winter-early spring flowers will be best noticed. Plant firmly without damaging the roots. Remove dead foliage after flowering to tidy plants. Mulching the soil around the roots each spring will help keep the soil moist.
Pyrethrum: Height 75cm-90cm (30 inches-36 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; Provide a position in full sun or partial shade, and moist, fertile well-drained soil. Excellent in borders. Phlox have a long flowering season and are good for cutting.; Flowers mid summer. Hardy perennial.
Ranunculus: Height 5cm (2 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; Useful little plants for interest alongside spring bulbs. Provide a humus rich, moist but well drained soil in either deep or partial shade. A very easy to grow, and quick spreading perennial that can be lifted and divided every few years if desired.; Flowers spring.
Rehmannia: Height 1.5m (5 feet); Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart; Otherwise known as the Chinese Foxglove, this rosette-forming perennial carries branched stems of bright pink flowers. Grow in well drained, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with some shelter. Plants will not be reliably hardy if temperatures go below 7C (45F), in these cases lift the plants and give over winter protection indoors.; Flowers summer to autumn.
Sanguisorba: Height 60-90cm (24-36 inches); Plant 60cm (24 inches) apart; An unusual perennial with pinnate, often silvery foliage accompanied by bottle-brush like flowers. Easy to grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.; Flowers summer to autumn.
Saponaria: Height 75cm (30 inches); Plant 50cm (20 inches) apart; A spreading perennial with clusters of highly attractive, double pink blooms. Plant in well-drained neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun.; Flowers summer to autumn.
Saxifraga: Height 45cm (18 inches); Plant 30cm (12 inches) apart; Saxifraga 'Tumbling Waters' prefers a sunny position in gritty, sharply-drained soil. Protect the centre of the plant from winter wet by means of a small cloche over the winter months. Can also be grown in pots in a cool alpine house.; Flowers summer.
Sisyrinchium: Height 60cm (24 inches); Plant 15cm (6 inches) apart; A semi-evergreen perennial with grassy foliage and golden-eyed blue flowers, perfect for rockeries. Plants will multiply easily by self-seeding. Grow in poor to moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Protect plants from excess winter moisture.; Flowers summer.
Solidago 'Golden Baby' (Golden Rod): Height 60cm (24 inches); Plant 45cm (18 inches) apart; A compact, dwarf perennial with golden plumes. Grow in any poor to moderately fertile soil, preferably sandy and in full sun.; Flowers late summer.
Tanacetum: Height 60cm (24 inches); Plant 60-90cm (24-36 inches) apart; 'Jackpot' is a particularly strong-growing Tanacetum, which can produce over 1000 flowers at any one time during the summer. Plant in full sun and light, well-drained soil. They will grow in most soils but on heavier types dig in plenty of grit when planting. After flowering, cut back the dead flower stems to keep the plant tidy and encourage possible further blooms. Excellent for beds, borders and containers.; Flowers summer.
Tradescantia: Height 45-60cm (18-24 inches); Plant 30-45cm (12-18 inches) apart; Tradescantias produce mounds of attractive grassy foliage with triangular-petalled blooms during summer. Provide a position in full sun or partial shade and fertile and moist, well-drained soil. After flowering, cut back to avoid seeding and to encourage a second flush of bloom.; Flowers early summer to early autumn.