Plant Library

A European laserwort with finely divided foliage forming attractive mounds. White umbel flowers appear on tall stems in early to midsummer. The ferny foliage texture and umbellifer flowers bring naturalistic character to borders.

Thrives in well-drained soil with full sun. Underused genus deserving wider recognition. The fine foliage texture contrasts well with bolder-leaved perennials. Combines effectively with grasses and other umbellifers. European alpine native suggesting good drainage preferences.

Forms thick fleshy taproot sprouting few but pretty pinnate gray-green leaves with coarser, more rounded leaflets than other species. Leaves and flowers grow on same sturdy stalks that branch sparingly at top, forming large dinner-plate-sized lacy white umbels with slight pink flush when opening.

Native to northern Europe in open meadows. Produces plenty of seed without colonizing garden, extending ornamental value deep into summer. Does not develop multiple flower stems as it matures like other species. The large umbels and substantial scale suit middle to back border positions.

Medium to finely textured glaucous-green foliage forms lush dense mounds in early spring. Multiple flower stems rise above leaves forming few side stems and displaying white umbels fifteen to twenty centimetres across, sometimes with pinkish tinge.

An underused umbellifer bringing natural character to plantings. The glaucous foliage and substantial umbels create architectural interest. Thrives in sun with regular well-drained soil. Combines well with grasses, alliums, and other perennials. The early dense foliage provides excellent texture before flowering.

A lavender selection suitable for sun-drenched locations with well-draining soil. Tolerant of lean and meager soils where it maintains more compact growth. The aromatic foliage and flower spikes are characteristic of the genus. Forms neat mounds of gray-green foliage.

Excellent drainage essential for winter survival. The compact habit and aromatic qualities make it valuable for borders, herb gardens, and containers. Deer-resistant like other lavenders. Good for drying. Introduction from New Zealand.

An old cultivar with short dense spikes in beautiful deep purple-blue colour. Great for drying. Taller with larger flowers and deeper colour than many selections, plus purplish-blushed flower stems. Quite distinct and elegant.

Requires well-draining soil and sun-drenched location. Tolerant of lean soils where it remains more compact. RHS Award of Garden Merit. Excellent for borders, herb gardens, and cutting.

A very aromatic form with classic pale lavender-blue colour. Features slightly more compact and evenly rounded outline with longer, more open spikes. Tough as nails and resistant to hard cutting back even at wrong times.

Requires well-drained soil and full sun. The compact rounded habit and classic colour make it popular for borders and herb gardens. The extreme toughness and ability to recover from improper pruning make it forgiving for novice gardeners. Excellent aromatic qualities.

A tree mallow from Kashmir regions with pink to mauve flowers resembling small hollyhocks. Forms bushy growth with soft-wooded stems. The flowers appear through summer on vigorous plants that can reach substantial size in one season.

Requires full sun and well-drained soil. May behave as short-lived perennial or subshrub depending on winter conditions. The Kashmir origin suggests preference for areas with distinct seasons. The hollyhock-like flowers provide cottage garden character. May need winter protection in colder areas.

A gayfeather quite similar to other species but notably more drought-tolerant. Often displays flowers into late September and October, extending the season. The flower buds are somewhat more loosely arranged than densely packed L. spicata.

Native prairie plant excellent for dry sites and naturalistic plantings. The extended late-season flowering provides valuable nectar when many plants have finished. Combines well with prairie grasses and late perennials. The drought tolerance makes it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.