Growing Cobaea in Containers- Growing Cup and Saucer Plant or Canterbury Bells

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 …

Growing Chelone in Containers- Growing Turtlehead or Twisted Shellflower

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 …

Growing Lobularia in Containers- Growing Sweet Alyssum

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 …

How to Grow Dianthus in Containers-Growing Pinks and Carnations

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 …

Growing Callicarpa in Containers- Growing Beauty Berry

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the wonderful colourful berry plant of Callicarpa in containers. Callicarpa or beautyberry to give its common name (you will see why) are small trees or shrubs of the Lamiaceae (the Sage) family.  Callicarpa is native to parts of Asia, Australia, Madagascar, and North and South America. It is a compact bush only growing up to 2m in height. There are 3 species that are often found growing in a UK garden.

When in full leaf in summer the plant is nothing to write home about, as they are serrated and oval …

Growing Abeliophyllum in Containers- Growing White Forsythia

In this article, we will discover how to grow the not so often seen Abeliophyllum in containers. It is not popular because it is often said to be an untidy plant, which is only sparsely covered with leaves. This is not a valid reason in my eyes and it will make a great change to the Forsythia often seen in gardens everywhere.

Abeliophyllum has the common name of miseonnamu, Korean Abeliophyllum, White Forsythia, or Korean abelialeaf. It is a member of the Oleaceae, the Olive family.

It has Korean in its common name should give a clue to where it …

Growing Aquilegia in Containers-Growing Columbines or Granny’s Bonnet

In this article, we will discover how to grow the old-fashion but a firm favourite of Aquilegia in containers. As you can imagine this colourful cottage garden favourite makes an ideal plant to grow in containers, where it has the common name of either Granny’s Bonnet or Columbine. In general, they are easy to grow and naturalise as part of a container display.

The nectar-rich flowers are attractive to wildlife and so worth growing. It is a dainty perennial with grey-green ferny-like leaves and on top of these short-spurred flowers appear that come in shades of blue, white, yellow, purple …

Growing Celosia in Containers Outside- Growing Prince of Wales Feathers, Woolflowers or Cockscomb

In this article, we will discover how to grow Celosia in containers. Celosia is a small genus of ornamental and edible plants that belong to the Amaranthaceae (the Amaranth) family. The name comes about from the Greek word ‘Kafsi’ meaning ‘burning’ describing the appearance of the flower heads. The two most commonly seen in the garden are the plume variety, Celosia argentea or Celosia argentea var. cristata, whose crescent-shaped flowers are normally called the Cockscombs.

They are grown for the colourful and vivid flowers for colour indoors or as part of your summer container display. Although it is a tender …

Growing Cardiocrinum in Containers- Growing Giant Himalayan Lily

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 …

Growing Centranthus in Containers- Growing Red Valerian, Spur Valerian, Kiss-me-quick, Fox’s brush, Devil’s Beard or Jupiter’s Beard

In this article, we will discuss how to grow the wonderful perennial wildflower called Centranthus in containers. Centranthus is a flowering perennial or sub-shrub that is native to South Europe. It is a member of the Caprifoliaceae family, the honeysuckle family. It does not look like honeysuckle but it is part of the family.

Twelve species are known to exist, where Centranthus ruber is the most known. If you look at the British countryside, you will find the plant growing on old walls and gravel paths.

The flowers are small and are borne in large clusters above the lance-shaped, green …