Plant Library

A commanding perennial with a substantial mound of foliage at the base and tall, leafless stems that rise far above it. Pale yellow flowers are carried on a branching framework that gives the plant a light, transparent quality despite its height. Flowering in early summer, the skeletal structure remains visually engaging well beyond bloom, making it effective in both borders and meadow-style plantings where space allows.

A clump-forming thistle with upright stems carrying rich purple, button-like flowers over a long season from late spring into summer. Despite the name, the flowers read clearly as purple rather than blue. Sterile seed and a tidy habit keep the plant contained, while cutting back spent stems after the first flush encourages continued flowering. Best grown in full sun with moisture-retentive soil, where it remains robust without becoming unruly.

A compact, herbaceous clematis forming a tidy clump of upright stems. Nodding, indigo-blue flowers appear in early to mid-summer and are followed by decorative seed plumes that extend its interest beyond bloom. Like other members of the integrifolia group, it dies back completely in winter and re-emerges in spring, making it easy to use among perennials without the need for support.

A tall, herbaceous clematis valued as much for its darkly flushed foliage as for its airy summer flowers. Slender stems rise through neighbouring plants or light supports, carrying broad panicles of small, white, lightly scented flowers in mid to late summer. The rich stem and leaf colour persists longer than usual for this form, and cutting back spent panicles can prompt a second, lighter flush. Best placed where its height and open habit can be supported naturally.

A herbaceous clematis with an unusually dense, rounded habit that reads more like a small shrub than a climber. Stems are woody at the base and clothed in healthy foliage from top to bottom. In late summer, clusters of tubular, softly scented blue flowers appear at the stem tips, followed by decorative seedheads in autumn. Offered as a strictly clump-forming selection, it integrates easily into borders without support.

A compact, ground-hugging selection of Clematis tubulosa grown for its dark foliage and deep purple-blue flowers in late summer. Stems are flushed with a rich mahogany tone, setting off both leaves and blooms. Over time, the plant knits into a dense, low cover that suppresses weeds, reading more as a groundcover than a climber. Best allowed a few seasons to fully establish and show its character.

A refined, slow-growing selection of Clematis tubulosa developed at Free Spirit Nursery. Slender, narrow bells in a deep purple-blue are arranged in tiered whorls along upright stems, giving the plant a composed, architectural quality in late summer. After flowering, the stems carry silvery-grey seed whorls that extend its presence well into autumn. Best appreciated where its restrained habit and detail can be observed up close.

A compact, finely textured coreopsis forming a neat mound at the front of the border. Pale yellow flowers are produced continuously from early summer into autumn, giving it a long and reliable season of interest. The plant remains contained and well shaped, making it easy to place among other perennials without concern for spread.