Category: Plants in containers

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the wonderful, free-flowering shrub of Exochorda in containers. Exochordas are flowering shrubs in the Rosaceae (the Rose) family. Exochorda consists of 7 species and is natively found growing in China and Turkestan. It has been found that the species described are based on their appearance and where they grow, and have a common root from a single species. The single species that at one time was widely distributed throughout the world is known as Exochorda racemosa.

Exochordas are small to large, deciduous shrubs growing up to 4m high. The long leaves …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the popular shrub of Escallonia in containers. Escallonia is a genus of flowering shrubs that are made up of 130 species divided into 7 genera. Escallonia is one of these 7 genera, where they can grow up to 3m in height. It is a popular plant used for hedging but that does not mean it cannot be used as a specimen plant in containers.

At first, the branches will grow upright but soon the branches will start to arch downwards. Each stem will be clothed with small, oval glossy green leaves. …

In this article, we will be discussing how to grow the half-hardy annual climbing plant Cobaea in containers. Cobaea is a genus of flowering climbers that tend to grow rapidly. It is found to grow naturally in South American countries from Mexico to Peru. It is named after the Spanish Jesuit priest and naturalist Father Barnabe Coba. They can grow up to 3m in one season, where the alternate lobed, green leaves that occur in pairs are produced.  Along the stems, tendrils are produced that support the plants as it grows upwards.

From summer to early autumn, 7.5cm large, ball-shaped …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the unusual perennial of Chelone in containers. Chelone is a herbaceous perennial that is native to North America, where four species are known to exist. It gets its common name of turtlehead because the 2.5cm large flowers that look like turtleheads but, in fact, resemble more snapdragons are produced. Although the flower may look like snapdragons, it is more related to Penstemon rather than Antirrhinum.

The plant produces two-lipped, turtle head flowers that can be red, pink, or white and are produced over a mound of dark green leaves. The coarsely …

In this article, we will be discussing how to grow Lobularia in containers. This is a firm old favourite hardy annual that produces wonderful honey-scented, white flowers. It tends to be low maintenance, trouble-free and produces a profusion of flowers that mingle well with other bedding plants, either in containers or cascading over in hanging baskets.

It has the common name of Sweet Alyssum as the flowers have the most delightful scent. One of the beauty or annoyance of Lobularia is that it self-seeds easily, where it will even grow in cracks in the pavement. Great for those who want …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the large genus of Dianthus in containers. It has the common name of pinks or carnation, depending on what species and variety are grown. Dianthus is a large and varied species that include evergreen perennials, biennials and annuals. The common name of ‘Garden Pink’ arises because the scented flowers are all pink but because the flowers are serrated on the edges as if they have been trimmed with pinking shears.

The beloved cottage garden plant has been grown in gardens for centuries. The hardy perennial has pointed, evergreen grey-green leaves that …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the imposing, yet beautiful bulb of Cardiocrinum in Containers. Cardiocrinum is a bulbous plant belonging to the Liliaceae (the Lily) family and was first described in 1846. It is found growing in woodlands on the soil surface in china, Far East Russia, the Himalayas and Japan.  Once you see one in flower, you will not forget, especially if you grow the giant version.  In total, 3 species are known but the giant one is usually grown in the UK gardens.

Cardiocrinum giganteum is the main species. It can grow to 4m …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the border perennial Brunnera in containers. Brunnera is the only species of Brunnera that belongs to the genus of Boraginaceae (the Borage or forget-me-not family).

It is a rhizomatous perennial that is native to the woodlands of Eastern Europe and West Asia.

It has the reputation of being easy to grow, thriving in any conditions as long as it is not too dry. If you look at them they look at first glance like a giant forget-me-not -a Myopsis and hence its common name. No matter what, it is a great …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the perennial Catananche in containers. Catananche is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Asteraceae family (the Aster Family), where 5 species are known to exist. The only species of Catananche that is grown in the UK is Catananche caerulea, whereas the other 4 are not readily seen. It has the common name of cupid’s dart and the leaves are grey-green in colour.

It is grown for its bright blue, white or white/blue cornflower-like blooms that appear from early to late summer. Each flower has silvery buds and is …

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the tall elegant perennial of Asphodelus in containers. It is a tuberous perennial that belongs to its own family of Asphodelaceae- the Asphodel family, where 17 species are known to exist. It used to belong to the lily family but now it is moved to its own family as stated earlier. Asphodelus is native to Europe, especially around the Mediterranean area, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

They have also been introduced and naturalised in New Zealand, Australia, Mexico and parts of the United States.

In Greek mythology, Asphodelus …