Plant Library

A refined buttercup relative with deep green, three to five-lobed leaves forming loose mounds in early spring. Tall, sparsely-leaved stems branch extensively with each tip bearing a pristine white saucer-shaped flower centred with yellow stamens. Mature specimens create an ethereal white cloud effect.

Tolerates substantial shade and grows readily in regular garden soil enriched with compost. Goes dormant relatively early in summer, so best positioned where later-developing neighbours can fill the gap. Natural companions include ferns, molinias, and hostas. The profuse branching creates a remarkable floral display in late spring.

An upright to spreading deciduous shrub with slender stems armed with numerous small spines. The leaves are maple-like with three to five lobes and toothed edges. Small, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of red to maroon appear in drooping racemes in spring, followed by purple-black berries covered with glandular bristles.

Plants thrive in moist, cool sites with part to full shade, often found along streams and in mountain forests. The berries are edible but bristly and generally not palatable. Suitable for shaded woodland gardens and naturalistic plantings where the spiny habit can be accommodated. Provides cover for wildlife and the berries are consumed by birds. Native from Alaska to California and across northern North America.

A Chinese species distinguished by its pinnate or feathered leaves that can grow fifty to sixty centimetres long and forty-five centimetres wide. White flowers appear in substantial panicles on tall stems. The divided foliage creates elegant texture in shade gardens.

Spreads by short rhizomes, gradually expanding its territory. Occasionally pale pink flowering forms occur. The carmine-coloured seeds provide extended interest into late autumn. Requires consistent moisture and shade or dappled light. Great Plant Pick selection. Takes time to establish but becomes impressive with age.

Translating as 'the proud one', this cultivar features glossy green pinnate leaves with wide, flattened flower trusses. The feathered foliage can reach impressive dimensions, creating substantial mounds. Pink flowers are held in broad panicles that stand prominently above the leaf canopy.

Requires shade or dappled light with soil that holds moisture reliably through summer. The glossy leaf finish distinguishes it from many other rodgersias. Spreads slowly by short rhizomes, forming expanding clumps over time. Excellent architectural plant for shade borders and woodland gardens. European selection.

A striking cultivar valued for its young foliage which emerges in dramatic chocolate tones. The large palmately divided leaves can reach fifty centimetres across, creating bold architectural presence. Light pink flower plumes appear on tall stems in summer, held well above the substantial foliage.

Performs best in dappled shade or shady positions with consistently moist, humus-rich soil. The chocolate leaf colour is most intense on emergence and gradually transitions to green through summer. Makes effective combinations with spring bulbs and moisture-loving perennials. Origin uncertain but garden-proven. Spreads moderately by rhizomes.

A robust cultivar forming rapidly expanding clumps of roughly textured, dull green foliage. Displays profuse golden-yellow daisies with prominent blackish-brown central cones on sturdy, branched stems. The abundant flowering creates sheets of bright colour through summer and into autumn.

A foundational plant for naturalistic prairie-style gardens, combining effectively with numerous ornamental grasses including panicums, calamagrostis, and molinias. The branching framework and central cones provide structure that remains effective through fall and winter. Recognized with multiple awards including Perennial Plant of the Year 1999. Native to eastern and central North America.

A dramatic coneflower with smooth, leathery, blue-gray basal leaves up to thirty centimetres long forming substantial clumps. Tall, sparsely-leaved stalks soar upward ending in enormous elongated cones up to eight centimetres long. The slightly drooping dark lemon-yellow petals can reach five centimetres in length.

Provides architectural drama and striking contrast in mid to late summer borders. Young spring foliage needs protection from slugs. Requires soil that drains well as standing water is not tolerated. Plants perform better with direct sun warming the low basal foliage. The exceptional height and glaucous foliage make this a standout specimen.