Perovskia 'Blue Spire'
Russian sage
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained, poor to moderately fertile
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: August and September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
With its aromatic leaves and upright spikes of violet-blue flowers, Russian sage makes a wonderful companion to all kinds of late-summer ornamental grasses and perennials. In August and September, tiny, violet-blue, tubular flowers appear on silver-grey spikes above the main framework of the plant, among deeply-cut and lobed, grey-green leaves. This deciduous sub-shrub makes a real impact planted en masse alongside a path, where the sage-like fragrance of its leaves can be appreciated, or try it alongside other silver-leaved plants, or in swathes in a sunny border. One of our recommended plants, it copes well with dry, chalky soil and salt-laden air. - Garden care: As this shrub has a tendancy to flop a little, in March cut back to the permanent framework of the shrub to promote bushier growth. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Achillea 'Terracotta'
yarrow
Long-lasting, rich terracotta flowers
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'
black-eyed susan
Large golden-yellow flowerheads
Anemone × hybrida 'Königin Charlotte'
Japanese anemone ( syn. Queen Charlotte )
Brings autumn colour to the garden
Sedum (Herbstfreude Group) 'Herbstfreude'
stonecrop (syn Autumn Joy)
Perfect filler plant
Echinacea purpurea
coneflower
Long lasting, rosy purple flowers.
Verbena bonariensis
verbena
Lilac-purple flowers
Penstemon 'Raven'
beard tongue
Dramatic, deep purple, foxglove-like flowers
How to get more flowers
Many flowering plants can be encouraged to produce better and longer-lasting displays with the minimum of effort. A plant produces flowers in order to reproduce and ensure the survival of the species. Once a plant has flowered and fertilisation has...
Read full articlePrairie
Indulge a passion for ornamental grasses by creating a prairie- or meadow-style garden. They can be richly planted with native wildflowers or a selection of complementary perennials and self-seeding annuals to create a naturalistic planting effect. Prairie gardens often...
Read full articleApril pruning of trees, shrubs and
climbers
Many shrubs, trees and climbers are showing signs of growth and so it is an ideal time to check them over for winter damage. If you feel they need a little care and attention, here are a few notes to...
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Incredibly attractive in a traditional or Mediterranean border; also ideal for naturalised gardens (insects love it) or coastal gardens
Lucy Summers - Greenfingers Guides