IN THE GARDEN
This vibrant upright Astilbe with divided, mid-green leaves and purplish-red flowers in dense vertical plumes is perfect for the late summer and early autumn garden. For a real burst of colour in a shady, damp area, this is a great choice. Height 1.2m (3’11”), Spread 40cm (1’4”).
By August, the stems of this evergreen sea holly are topped with cone-shaped, greenish-white flowers surrounded by spiny bracts on top of rosettes of sharply toothed, glossy deep green leaves, often called the agave-leaved sea holly. In a colder garden, these will appreciate full sun and a sheltered corner. It does surprisingly well in our exposed nursery gardens. H 1.5m (4’11”), S 60cm (2’0”).
This dwarf version of Euonymus alatus has a dense bushy habit, with dark green leaves and curious winged bark. The plant does not look anything special in summer but is simply outstanding in autumn when the whole plant turns brilliant scarlet before leaf fall. Plant in any well drained soil in full sun or light shade. H 1.2m (3’11”).
If you are looking for a vigorous climber, then Humulus lupulus, with its rough green leaves and pale green hops from late summer into autumn is the perfect choice. The twining plant grows vigorously in one season before dying away completely in winter only to reappear the following spring. An invaluable garden plant for scrambling up through mature shrubs and over fences, it requires sun or light shade, and shelter.
You can dry the hops for decoration indoors in dried flower arrangements or to embellish wreaths, or if you have enough, you could try your hand at making beer! H 6m (19’8”).
This perennial coneflower has striking, intense golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers with a black centre, perfect for late summer and autumn colour. It is a tough plant which will thrive in well-drained soil that does not dry out. The persistent dark seedheads look amazing against a background of autumn and winter interest grasses. H 70cm (2’4”), S 45cm (1’6”).
An old, established cultivar with lovely stems of pale-pink, frilled flowers on a bushy plant which is reminiscent of a dwarf hollyhock. This prairie mallow is a classic cottage garden plant that enjoys full sun and moist soil. Plant it amongst darker blues and purples to make it really stand out. H 90cm (2’11”), S 30cm (1’0”).
Plants at Quercus Garden Plants are propagated and grown, peat-free, at 850 feet (259m) and stay outdoors all year, so are tough and acclimatised to Scottish growing conditions. Most of them can be seen growing in wildlife and environmentally friendly, inspiring demonstration gardens.
Quercus Garden Plants is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm from March until the end of October at Whitmuir Farm, Lamancha, EH46 7BB.
