spring /summer 2014 · (when the frosts are over). pinch out the tips of the main shoots as they...

planting instructionsSpring /Summer 2014

BOOK 1

sarahraven.comSR SPRING growing guide 2014 - BOOK 1.indd 1 20/02/2014 10:39

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herbaceous perennials

Herbaceous perennial plants When you have chosen the best planting site for your plants, mark out the position with a plant label or empty pot – to make sure you space them correctly. Remove plants from their pot or wrapper and soak them in a sink or wheelbarrow full of water for twenty minutes if they are dry. Dig planting holes deep and wide enough so that the roots are covered. Firm the soil down around each plant and water well.Acanthus Soil and Site Sun or partial shade, deep fertile, well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 70cm apart. Once established it is very difficult to move plants so correct positioning is vital. Division 3-4 years. Special requirements Dead head after flowering. a June- September H.120cm S.80cm

Aconitum napellus Monkshood Soil and site Sun or partial shade. It grows best in cool, fertile, well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Plant in deep hole with lots of organic matter and do not allow to dry out between waterings. All parts are toxic if eaten and may cause skin reaction so wear gloves when handling. Division Every 2-3 years a June-July. H.75cm S.50cm.

Agapanthus Blue African Lily Soil and Site Likes rich, moist soil in a sunny site. You can also plant these in large tubs/containers. Spacing Plant 30cm apart Special requirements Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly from spring until flowering. Keep them watered if dry. If you are far north, we recommend growing these in pots so that you bring them out of the frosts for winter. Protect against slugs and snails. Division Every 3-4 years Extra notes Excellent cut flowers and lovely seed pods too a July-September. H.90cm S.30cm.

Anchusa azurea Bugloss Soil and site Any well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Deadhead to prolong flowering. Do not move once established. Division 3-4 years. Extra notes Flowers are good for cutting and are edible. a May-July H.90cms S.45cm.

contents2 Herbaceous

perennials Acanthus – Veronica

7 Roses

8 Climbers Clematis Lathyrus latifolius Lonicera Honeysuckle Solanum crispum Wisteria

8 Shrubs Elaeagnus Hydrangea Philadelphus Syringa Viburnum

9 Tender perennials Alstroemeria Chrysanthemums Dahlias in pots Pelargoniums

12 Conservatory plants

Jasmine Passiflora Scleranthus Angelonia

SR SPRING growing guide 2014 - BOOK 1.indd 2 20/02/2014 10:39

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herbaceous perennials A-C

Anemone x Hybrida Windflower Japanese anemone Soil and site In full sun or part shade in well-drained soil. Add a small amount of organic fertilizer to the planting hole. Spacing Plant 30cm apart Special requirements Cut old stems back to the ground in late spring Division Every 2-3 years Extra notes Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 8cm of organic compost in spring. Water well when the weather is very dry. a August-October. H.75cm S.30cm.

Angelica archangelica Soil and Site Moist well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Works well at the back of a herbaceous border. Spacing Plant 1m apart. Special requirements Mulch deeply in dry conditions. To prevent it from self-seeding, deadhead after flowering, or leave to self-sow. May need staking. a June-September H.1.50-2m S.1m.

Angelica gigas Purple Angelica Soil and site Moist, but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter added. Thrives in sun or partial shade. Spacing Plant 60cm apart Special requirements This is a dampland plant, so give plenty of water in a drought. Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division It is a short-lived perennial but will self-sow so you will have plants every year Extra notes Good for the back of a border. a from June-August, but excellent seed pods after that. H.150cm S.60cm.

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ Cow parsley Soil and site Well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade. Spacing Plant 30cm apart Special requirements Cut off flower stalks to prolong foliage vigor and reduce possible over self-seeding. Protect from slugs/snails Division Doesn’t normally require it Extra notes Choose only the darkest purple plants to self seed, plants without the distinctive colour will not mature true to the cultivar. a May-July. H.80-100cm S.30cm.

Aquilegia Granny’s Bonnet, Columbine Soil and site Plant in a moist, but well-drained soil in full sun or shade. Ideal for east or north-facing bed. Spacing Plant 30cms apart Special requirements These may be short-lived, but should self sow. Division Don’t normally require it. a February-May. H.90cm.

Aster Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 40cm apart Special requirements Allow good spacing between plants to aid air circulation and help prevent mildew. Division Every 2-3 years a July-October. H.50cm S.40cm.

Campanula lactifolia Milky bellflower Soil and site Ideally chalky, loamy soil, moist but well-drained in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered site Spacing Plant 60cm apart. Special requirements Cut back after flowering to prevent self-seeding and to encourage a second flush of flowers. Division Every 2-3 years a May-October H.75cm S.60cm.

Coreopsis Tickseed Soil and site Full sun, well-drained soil. Spacing Plants 35cm apart Special requirements Dead head to prolong flowering, do not cut back too hard in autumn to give crown protection during winter Division Every 3 years a June-September H.45-60cm S.38-45cm.

Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’ Plume thistle Soil and site Any fertile, well-drained slightly acidic soil in full sun. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements They take a while to get established but are then long-flowering and long-lived Division Every 2-3 years a June-September H.120cm S.50cm.

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herbaceous perennials C-E

Cosmos atrosanguineus ‘Chocolate’ Chocolate cosmos Plant into 9cm pots when you receive them. Keep them in a cool, frost-free place in full light. When the roots have filled the 9cm pot, pot them on into a 2 litre pot or plant them in their final position (when the frosts are over). Pinch out the tips of the main shoots as they grow, once they have reached 12-15cm. This will encourage bushy and strong growth. Soil and site Fertile soil with good moisture and drainage Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Scatter over some Fish, Blood and Bone Fertiliser on planting. If you garden in the north, conserve your plants for next year by digging them up in the autumn. Cut them down to 15cm and plant in pots to be stored frost free inside until next spring. If you don’t have very harsh frosts in your area, protect them from the frosts with a good mulch Division Every 2-3 years a July-October H.70cm S.30cm.

Crambe cordifolia Greater sea kale Soil and site Good for coastal location. Full Sun or part shade in fertile, well-drained soil Spacing Plant 1m apart. Special requirements Deep rooted, it is very drought tolerant, but plants dislike being moved so plant out in final position. Cut back the plant to ground level in autumn and apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant in spring. Division Every 3 years a June-July H.80-130cm S.130cm.

Delphinium Soil and site Full sun or dappled shade, suitable for most soil types. Spacing Plant 60cm apart. Special requirements Allow good spacing between plants to help prevent mildew. Best in groups of 3 or more. Provide support to protect from wind and rain Division Every 2-3 years a May-June. H.170cm S.60cm.

Dianthus English Garden Pinks Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position, best on a neutral to alkaline soil. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Do not plant too close to other plants where air movement might be restricted. Feed regularly with rose or tomato fertiliser, and keep as moist as possible, although they do tolerate dry weather. Cut right back when the main stem has finished a June-August H.30cm S.40cm.

Digitalis Foxgloves Soil and site Best in acid, humus-rich moist but well-drained soil in semi shaded area (but will grow in most conditions – height may be affected). Spacing Plant 30-40cm apart. Special requirements Allow good spacing between plants to aid air circulation and help prevent mildew. Division Not applicable – sow new every year a May-June H.150cm S.60cm.

Echinops Soil and Site Sun or partial shade in any well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Division In early spring. Special requirements Cut down to the ground after flowering to prevent self-seeding. a August H.50-100cm S.50-100cm.

Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican fleabane Soil and site Can be grown in most well drained soils (or paths and walls) in full sun. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Very tolerant. Division Every 2-3 years a April-November H.30cm S.30cm.

Erysimum Wallflower Soil and site Rich, well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Mulch well in summer to prevent water loss Division Propagate from cuttings a April to August and ‘Winter Orchid’ almost all year H.40cm S.40cm.


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herbaceous perennials E–L

Eryngium giganteum ‘Silver Ghost’ Soil and site Full sun, well drained poor to moderately fertile soil. Spacing Plant 50cm apart Special requirements Must be grown in full sun. Flower stems can be left on over winter and used in floral arrangements. Division Every 2-3 years a May-June H.60-100cm S.30-50cm.

Euphorbia Milkweed or Spurge Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position, likes a moist soil and will take light shade. Spacing Plant 60cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Caution: Wear gloves when you plant this, the milky sap can irritate your skin. Division Every 2-3 years a May-July (depends on variety) H.75cm-1m S.60cm.

Geranium Soil and site Moist, but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Cut to the ground after they finish flowering, for hopefully a second flush of flowers Division Every 2-3 years a May-August H.45cm S.40cm.

Helenium Helen’s flower, Sneezeweed Soil and site Fertile, moist, well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 60cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division Every 2-3 years in autumn or spring a July-September H.90cm S.60cm.

Hellebore Soil and site Well-drained soil in dappled shade. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Add organic matter when planting. Watch out for snails and aphids. Division Every 3-4 years a January-May H.40cm S.50cm.

Hesperis Dame’s rocket Soil and site Well-drained, light soil in full sun/partial shade. Spacing Plant 40cm apart Special requirements Deadhead to prolong flowering, but leave some seed heads to self seed and naturalise. Division Not required (biennial) a May-June H.90cm S.40cm.

Hollyhocks (Alcea) Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Hollyhocks do have a tendency to rust, Bordeaux mixture will keep this at bay. Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division Every 2-3 years a June-October H.2m S.50cm.

Lantana camara Yellow sage Soil and Site Plant in full sun in a sheltered site, moist but well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 70cm apart. Special requirements Feed fortnightly in growing season. Store in a frost-free shed or greenhouse over winter to flower again a March-August H.1m S.1m.

Lavandula Lavender Soil and site Very well-drained soil in sunny position. Lavender is also excellent for pots Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements Think Provence when you’re choosing the site, lavender likes a good baking. Division Propagate from cuttings a June-July H.60cm S.40cm.

Lupinus Lupin Soil and site Full sun, part shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil Spacing Plant 30cm apart Special requirements Dead head to prolong flowering. Watch out for aphids and protect from slugs and snails Division Every 3 years a June-July. H.80-100cm S.30cm.



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herbaceous perennials N-S

Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ Catmint Soil and site Full sun/partial shade in well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 40 cm apart Special requirements Cut it back lightly after flowering for second flush. Cut it back hard in autumn for vigorous new growth in spring. Division Every 2-3 years. a June-September H.50-100cm S.40-80cm.

Papaver orientale Oriental poppy Soil and site Moist, well-drained soil in full sun/part shade Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain, cut to ground after flowering and the leaves will quickly again to form a backdrop for other plants in the bed. Division Every 2-3 years a June-July H.75cm S.40cm.

Penstemon Soil and sie Full sun, partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Spacing Plant 45 cm apart Special requirements Dead head to prolong flowering. Leave old growth on over winter and prune in late spring when new shoots appear. Division Every 3-4 years in spring. a July-October H.50-70cm S.40cm.

Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 75cm apart. Special requirements Cut back in March and mulch well. Division Every 2-3 years a July-October H.75cm S.75cm.

Phlox Soil and site Moist soil in full sun or light shade. Spacing Plant 90cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division Every 2-3 years and propagate from basal cuttings a June-November H.80-90cm S.40cm.

Pimpinella Pink Greater burnet saxifrage Soil and site Well-drained soil in sun or shade Spacing Plant 50cm apart Special requirements Dislikes a wet site, will self seed Division Every 2-3 years a May-June H.1m S.60cm.

Primulas and Polyanthus Soil and site Grow these in pots or plant them in the garden in light shade and good drainage, and like to be protected from rain in the winter and full sun in the summer. Spacing Plant 20cm apart. Special requirements Re-pot after flowering into new well-drained gritty compost – 4 parts loam-based John Innes no 2, and 2 parts leaf mould, and 1 part grit. Top the pots off with grit. Division Every 2-3 years a March-June H.15-30cm S.20cm.

Pulmonaria Common lungwort Soil and site Moist soil in partial shade. Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements They do not like to dry out. The first sign that they are unhappy is mildewed leaves, so keep them watered. Deadhead after flowering and remove old leaves. Will self-seed. Division Every 2-3 years a April-June H.30cm S.30cm.

Salvia Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 50cm apart. Special requirements The taller ones will need support. Some are tender so need a sheltered spot Division Every 2-3 years a July-October H.50cm S.50cm.

Scabious Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Pick or dead-head to prolong flowering Division Every 2-3 years a June-October H.50cm S.40cm.


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herbaceous perennials S-V & roses

Sparmannia African hemp Soil and Site Well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter in full sun and sheltered, frost free position or under glass. Spacing Plant 2m apart. Special requirements Leaves are a minor skin irritant – wear gloves when handling. Water well in summer. a April-August H.90-100cm S.2.5m.

Verbascum mullein Soil and site Prefers poor, alkaline, well-drained soil in sunny position. Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements In a fertile soil the plants grow very tall and may need staking. Division Most will self sow a May-July H.1m S.40cm.

Verbena bonariensis Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position Spacing Plant 40cm apart. Special requirements Will self sow. Division Short-lived perennials so not applicable a July-November H.60cm-2m depending on variety S.40cm.

Veronica gentianoides Gentian speedwell Soil and site Well-drained soil in sunny position Spacing Plant 30cm apart. Special requirements Keep picking or dead-heading for longer flowering Division Every 2-3 years a June-October H.75cm S.30cm.

Veronicastrum Culver’s root Soil and site Moist, well-drained soil, especially loamy clay in full sun or part shade. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Provide support to protect from wind and rain. Division Every 2-3 years a June-August. H.1.2m S.45cm.

RosesSoil and Site Choose a site that gets at least 50% of the day in the sun. If you are replacing old roses with new roses remove as much of the old soil as possible and replace with soil that hasn’t grown roses before (the old soil will grow anything else apart from roses). Dig a hole big enough to accommodate the roots and place a handful of bone meal at the bottom of the hole, mixing in with the soil. Place the rose in the ground and backfill with topsoil that has been enriched with organic matter (garden compost, manure or a proprietary rose and shrub compost). Make sure the graft union (stumpy bit) is at, or slightly below soil level. Water well. Feed and mulch in spring.

Climbing roses As a general rule, use climbers on walls, fences, pillars and pergolas and ramblers will grow into hedges, trees over large arches and may also be used on pillars and pergolas. Train them to grow horizontally (fan out). Stretch wires out securely along the wall/fence, and bend the rose over, attaching it to the wire with string or raffia. The first wire should be around 60cm above soil level and further wires at 60cm intervals. After a time the stems trained horizontally will throw up vertical stems. Use the strongest verticals arising from the base and /or the middle of the plant to train along higher wires to create another tier if required. Prune the remaining vertical stems to one centimetre from the horizontal stem during September-October. By following this procedure you will avoid an unsightly tall plant with a few flowers at the top and nothing below. a June-October H.1-4m S.1-1.2m.



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climbers and shrubs

ClimbersClematis Soil and site Well-drained soil in full sun, or partial shade, (although the borderline tender Armandii needs full sun) with lots of organic matter added to the planting position. Try to shade the roots of clematis if possible. If planted on a wall, lean a tile over the base and roots. If planting in a border, shade the roots with other plants. The smaller growing clematis eg alpines and modern hybrids do well in large containers with at least 45cm depth and width. Special requirements Water well to settle in. All clematis will need support on a wall or in the border over which it can climb. a Depends on variety H and S. Depends on variety, see website Pruning Encourages strong growth and prolific flowering. If you leave them to their own devices they can become a tangled mess with bare stems at the base with flowers way up higher than you’d like them. Pruning Group 1: No need to prune them, tidy after flowering C. alpina, C. armandii, C. montana varieties and C. wilsonii Pruning Group 2: Prune in February and after first flowers in early summer C. ‘Prince Charles’. Pruning Group 3: Prune in February. Cut hard back to 75cm Modern Clematis Hybrids, C. tangutica and C. viticella varieties

Lathyrus latifolius Everlasting pea Soil and site Thrive in full sun and a rich soil. Trained over an archway, against trellis, fence or sunny wall. Plant 45cm apart. Perennial so will die back each winter. Special requirements Divide plants October-March a July-October H.2m S.2m.

Lonicera Honeysuckle Soil and site Rich, well-drained soil with roots in shade, but climbing up into sun. You can plant them on a north face of a wall. Add plenty of organic matter to planting hole. Special requirements Mulch every autumn or winter and keep the plant well watered in its first year. Will need support on a wall or in the border over which it can climb. a May-August H.3m (9ft).

Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’ Potato tree Soil and site Rich, well-drained soil with roots in sun or shade, Special requirements Will need support on a wall or in the border over which it can climb. a June-September H.4m S.3m.

Wisteria Soil and site Full sun or light dappled shade in fertile, moist well-drained soil. When planting select a position that has the roots in a shaded spot, but the top growth in the sun against a wall or fence. Dig a large hole and fork the base, incorporating large amounts of organic matter. Top dress & feed the plant’s base in the spring. Special requirements Wisterias flower from flowering spurs that form on the stems. To encourage the development of the spurs train your wisteria so that the side shoots and branches are horizontal eg onto a wire secured to a wall or fence. Naturally as they grow wisteria stems turn clockwise in a circling motion resulting in a coiling to secure its new position. This fact is worth remembering when training your plant to a new wire as twisting the stems in a anti-clockwise direction will cause the plant to waste a great deal of energy and time untwisting and re-twisting itself. Wisteria needs pruning twice a year to keep it in its allocated space and to encourage flowers. Summer pruning (July or August) Cut back the whippy green shoots of the current year’s growth to five or six leaves after flowering. Winter pruning (January or February) Cut back the same growths to two or three bud to ensure the flowers will not be obscured by leaves. a June-September H.9m S.5m.

ShrubsBuddleja Soil and Site Well-drained soil, with plenty of organic matter in full sun and shelter. Spacing Plant 45cm apart. Special requirements Prune back hard in early spring a July-September H.45-60cm S.60cm.


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shrubs and tender perennials

Elaeagnus ‘Quicksilver’ Oleaster Soil and site Fertile well-drained soil, sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. Special requirements Plants are fast-growing and best left to develop. Can tolerate hard pruning if outgrows its space.

Hydrangea Soil and site Non-alkaline, moist, fertile soil. Plant in a cool, semi-shady part of the garden, avoid exposed east-facing sites, where cold winds may damage young spring growth, and also avoid dry, sunny spots. Work plenty of organic matter into the soil prior to planting, On lighter, sandier soils, feed in early spring with a flowering shrub fertiliser. This should be enough for the season, but should not be necessary on richer soils. Too much feeding can encourage excessive soft, leafy growth, with plants less likely to develop flower buds and more at risk from frost in colder winters. Hydrangea paniculata Special requirements Remove dead wood in spring, however, this species flower more prolifically when hard pruned. Each spring, cut back last year’s stems to the lowest pair of healthy buds, creating a low framework of branches. This usually results in a pruned framework of no more than 25cm high but, if more height is required, cut to about 60cm tall. a July-September H.2.5m S.2.5m.

Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ Mock orange Soil and site Well-drained, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Will tolerate any reasonably fertile well drained soil, including chalk. Special requirements Prune out flower stems after flowering, remove older wood to base in winter. a June-July H.1m S.1.5m.

Viburnum Soil and site Will tolerate most soils other than very wet soils, being well suited to chalk soils. Avoid planting in extremely dry conditions or exposed, cold areas. Special requirements. Pruning is not always necessary in the first few years. In many cases, pruning just after flowering but before the setting of seedpods is sufficient. If frost is imminent in your area, you should put off pruning so as not to damage new growth. Typically, once established Viburnum shrubs should be trimmed back about a third of their size each year. Most pruning is done for shaping purposes only. a May-June. H.3-4m S.4m.

Tender PerennialsAlstroemeria Peruvian Lily When you receive your plants, pot them on into a 9cm or larger pot and keep protected from any late frosts. Only plant out when the frosts are over in your area. Soil and site Any well-drained soil in sun or part shade in a sheltered place. Add plenty of organic matter at their roots. Spacing Plant 60cm apart Special requirements Stake these plants so they don’t collapse in the wind or rain, and keep picking the flowers or dead-heading. The best way is to pull them rather than cutting. This will leave plenty of room for the next generation and give you a more productive plant. Mulch well over winter. Division Every 2 years Extra notes If you have a greenhouse, it is well worth growing alstroes inside too. Pot them up into generous 5 litre pots, and keep them frost free. Once they start to shoot in spring, feed and water well and they’ll give you an almost continual flower harvest. Pull from the root and they will continue to flower for months. Arrange them with a drop of bleach in their flower water – they’ll last 3 weeks in a vase (with new water every 4-5 days). a June-November. H.70-100cm S.60cms.

Chrysanthemums Our chrysanthemums are sent out in sets of 6 rooted cuttings, to pot on and plant out. Outdoor varieties are happiest grown in full sun and shelter, in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter added. Indoor varieties can be grown in the garden in 2 litre pots, sunk in the ground and lifted to bring into the greenhouse, conservatory or sunny porch when the weather gets cold.



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chrysanthemums

Indoor only varieties:C. Anastasia Green’ C.‘Froggy’ C.‘Porto Purple’ All other varieties can be planted indoors or outdoors

INDOOR CHRYSANTHEMUMThese chrysanthemum varieties should ideally be grown indoors – a greenhouse or protected growing space of some kind – and will then flower from the middle to the end of November until Christmas.

1. If you have soil beds in your greenhouse, the rooted cuttings can be planted direct at spacing of 30-40cm and watered in well or grow them in large pots, about 35-40cm in diameter.

2. Fill pots with John Innes No 2 compost and plant one cutting per pot. Water in well. Insert a stake at their side which you will need to tie them into as they grow.

3. Place these pots outside in a sunny, sheltered spot (after the frost has finished).4. Stop the plants (by pinching the top off) 10-14 days after planting, down to 3 or 4 leaves up from the

base of the plant. To encourage side branches, which will form the flowering stems. 5. Water freely during the summer and give them a balanced feed every two weeks from midsummer till

the flower buds start to appear.6. Then bring inside again in September before the autumn gales arrive. 7. Pick the flowers from there. 8. Cut the plants back when they finish flowering and store frost free. (see below for propagation of more

plants for next year.)

OUTDOOR CHRYSANTHEMUMS1. When you receive your rooted cuttings, pot them up into 7 or 9cm pots (any soil-less compost will do)

and grow them anywhere light and frost-free – a cold frame, conservatory or greenhouse – until the roots have filled this pot.

2. Then plant them outside in their flowering positions, spaced 30 cm apart. They love a sunny, sheltered site with protection from strong winds, in a well drained but fertile soil which has had some organic matter dug in.

3. After planting, water generously for 1-2 weeks so the plants get well established.4. Stop the plants (pinch the top off) 10-14 days after planting, down to three or four leaves up from the

base of the plant. This encourages side branches, which will form the flowering stems. You can use this as a cutting (see propagating).

5. Stake every plant securely with their own stake.6. They will also benefit from a general fertilizer feed once a month. 7. At Perch Hill, newly grown cuttings grow and flower better rather than the 2nd year plants, so

propagate new plants every year and discard the old. 8. Once the plants have flowered, either dig them up and bring the whole root inside to propagate from

in the early spring, as they shoot, or mulch them deeply to get them through the winter and take new cuttings from your plants in the garden. Note: You can grow any of these varieties under cover too. With protection from wind and rain, you will then get a longer harvest of flowers than you do outside.

Propagating Chrysanthemum cuttings could not be easier to do. When the root starts to shoot in spring, remove a few of the burgeoning stems – 8-10cm long – with a sharp knife from as near the base of the plant as you can. Push them into a gritty mix of compost – 4 or 5 to a medium sized pot, around the outside - and if possible put them in a propagator with a bit of bottom heat. Keep the compost moist and they should root in 3-4 weeks. Pot them up individually when you see roots at the bottom of the pot. And then start at the top of these instructions again.


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dahlias and pelargoniums

Dahlias in PotsSoil and site Well-drained, moist, fertile soil in full sun. To plant them, dig a hole at least 30cm square and 30cm deep for each one, spacing them 75cm apart. Cover the base of the hole with compost, or manure and give it a good dousing with a full watering can and then plant the dahlia. You will need a stout stake, not just a bamboo cane, to support each plant and it is a good idea to knock this in first and then place the plant by its side. Feeding and watering After about a week in the ground, scatter a couple of trowel fulls of ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ around the clump and give them another good soaking. Feed them with a liquid balanced feed like ‘Liquinure’. In a drought, it’s a good idea to water them once a week, with a good flood not a gentle sprinkle for each plant. Staking With the stake in place at planting, tie them in every couple of weeks. Dahlias grow very quickly once they get going and can easily break off right at the base in wind or rain if they are not securely staked. Dead-heading If you don’t pick every flower for the house, it’s a good idea to have an occasional blitz of dead-heading. This will make them look much better and will prolong flowering. Cut heads off, removing the whole dead flowering stem. Digging them up To conserve your plants for next year, dig them up after the tops have been frosted once or twice in the autumn. Cut them down to 15cm before you do so. Knock off the surplus soil and with a small piece of stick, scoop out the loose soil between the tubers – but leave enough to hold them in place. Do not clean the tubers under a tap. To get water on a tuber at this time of year often spells disaster. Let them dry, hanging upside down from a dried stalk, leaving them there for a couple of weeks. Dust them with yellow sulphur to discourage mould and mildew and pack them away in a storage box in moist peat or sand. This prevents the tubers drying out. Store them in a cool, frost-free place. A cellar is perfect. In recent years, our winters in the South of England have been so mild, dahlias left in the ground, mulched deeply to protect them from the frost have re-emerged fine, bulking up and flowering well before the other plants grown on in pots. You could opt for this low maintenance regime, but you risk losing your plants if we are hit by a hard winter. Pests and diseases Earwigs can be a problem with dahlias, eating the flowers and the leaves. The organic way of control is to position pots filled with straw upside down raised on canes dotted throughout your dahlias. The earwigs crawl into the straw in the heat of the day. At the end of the day you can bag them, burn them or release them somewhere else far from your dahlias. Slugs also love dahlias, especially when they first shoot, so protect them from the word go.

PelargoniumsSoil and site Our pelargoniums can be planted straight out into your gardens or conservatories or pot them up into larger pots. Pelargoniums, commonly but incorrectly known as geraniums, are very versatile plants. They can be grown as bedding outside during the summer months, or in containers, but they must be brought inside before the onset of frost. They also make ideal houseplants and are fantastic decorating a conservatory. For maximum effect, plant scented-leaved pelargoniums in places where you will brush against them or along the edge of a path.In containers Grow in loamless potting compost or in John Innes No 2 in full light, but with shade from hot sun, and good ventilation. Water sparingly during the growing season and feed with a high potash feed such as tomarite every fortnight. Water even more sparingly during the winter. If kept at 7-10°c plants may flower over winter. Otherwise cut them back by two thirds and keep them almost dry.Outdoors Plant in fertile moist soil after all risk of frost has passed. Most cultivars prefer full sun but regal pelargoniums (P. Lord Bute) prefer part shade. Lift bedding plants before the frost, cutting top growth by one third. Pot on in late winter as growth resumes. Deadhead all pelargoniums regularly. Please be aware that contact with the foliage may occasionally aggravate skin allergies.



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conservatory plants

Conservatory PlantsJasmine Soil and site Hardy enough to be grown outside on a sheltered wall as well as indoors. Sun, part shade but best scent in full sun in moist well-drained soil. Special requirements Jasmines are also sensitive to the dryness created by central heating. The best way to increase the humidity around your plants is to set plants in trays filled with pebbles or gravel. Add water to a level just below the tops of the pebbles (if the potting mix in the pots comes in contact with the water, the mix will draw water into the pot, which will cause the mix to become saturated, eventually leading to rot). Refill trays frequently to replace water lost through evaporation. Water only when the top half inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch; Jasmine won’t tolerate soggy potting mix. a June-October, flowers will open and last longer with cooler home temperatures. After flowering, give your plant at least 6 hours of direct sun and normal room temperatures. Feed every 2 weeks with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Don’t fertilize in spring after the flowers fade, while the plant is resting. H 3m S.3m.

Passiflora caerula Passion flower Soil and site Plant out in moderately fertile, well-drained but reliably moist soils. Full sun or dappled shade is best, with shelter from cold, drying winds. A south, south-west or west-facing wall is ideal. If growing passion flower in a south-facing glasshouse or conservatory, shade from direct sunlight may be needed to prevent the leaves from scorching. Passion flower can also be grown in a container. Use either John Innes No 3 potting compost, or good quality multipurpose or peat-free compost. Special requirements Water freely during the growing season (especially container grown specimens) to ensure that they don’t dry out. Water them more sparingly during the winter, allowing the compost surface of container grown specimens to begin to dry out between waterings. Top dress with general feed in spring. It is a self-clinging tendril climber, but benefits from fan-training, which produces a more attractive plant than if left alone to scramble. Carry out pruning just after flowering by shortening flowered tips and side shoots to a couple of buds from the main fan framework. a July-October. Hardiness: Half-hardy may need protection. H.10m S.1.5-2m.

Scleranthus uniflorus Knawel Cushion Soil and site Prefers a well drained soil and a sunny position. A hardy, cushion-forming perennial with small, tightly packed, pale olive-brown foliage. Special requirements Water regularly but do not overwater, requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between watering. a Insignificant, the charm of the plant is its moss-like foliage. It is suited to pots as well as outside in a rock garden. H.7cm S.25cm.

Angelonia ‘Serena White’ Soil and site Full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Special requirements Thrives in extreme heat, humidity and drought. a June-September H.30cm S.30cm.

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spring /summer 2014 · (when the frosts are over). pinch out the tips of the main shoots as they...

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