Plant Library

Those familiar with stamina of cut leaves of galax in flower arrangements will be equally impressed with lasting power of this evergreen native of Yunnan, China. The glossy, lightly marbled heart-shaped leaves grow from short rhizomes forming dense crown. Sparse starry white flowers appear along stiffly upright open spikes. On established plants these spikes appear throughout growing season.

Synonym of Beesia deltophylla. Only remove unsightly foliage at end of winter and there is little. Seems resistant to slugs and insects. The evergreen foliage lasts exceptionally well in arrangements. The heart-shaped leaves with light marbling provide attractive texture. Suitable for woodland gardens and shade borders.

Introduced by Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones from Crûg Farm in Wales brought back from plant hunting trips to Taiwan. Named after small island off Taiwan coast. Makes dense tidy clump with spiky but wide bright green foliage. In early to midsummer, short stiff stems rise above foliage to display dense spikes initially green but quickly ripening.

Native to Taiwan. The compact habit suits smaller gardens. Suitable for borders, containers, and small spaces. The bright green foliage is attractive. The short stiff stems maintain upright habit. More compact than typical feather reed grasses. Clumping and well-behaved. The dense spikes provide textural interest.

Full sun and breezy spot will bring the best out of this fine species which carries great quantities of dense silvery plumes above clumping mounds of finely textured foliage. Minor self-seeding occurs in borders. Synonym of Stipa brachytricha. Native to eastern Asia.

RHS Award of Garden Merit. The silvery plumes are particularly attractive. Suitable for borders, mass plantings, and with perennials. The late-season bloom extends grass interest. The finely textured foliage creates delicate appearance. Self-supporting on sturdy stems. Combines well with fall perennials. The silvery plumes catch light beautifully. Low maintenance requiring minimal care.

In open sunny borders, this can be the workhorse of planting schemes, emerging in late winter with bright green leaves forming dense upright columns that rush into bloom by very beginning of summer. The plumes start out reddish-brown and open up fully, fading to pinky-gray then bleaching to straw colour when feathered stems fold tightly back against stalks. Dense terminal straw-coloured spikes persist deep into winter except in wettest regions. Early maturing makes for excellent seasonal screen.

Great Plant Pick and Perennial Plant Association Plant of Year 2001. Less suitable for wet areas where rains lead to collapsed plants. The early bloom and persistent structure are exceptional. Suitable for borders, screening, and mass plantings. Self-supporting and upright. One of the most popular ornamental grasses. Low maintenance once established.

Similar qualities as other reed grass cultivars but the leaves are pleasantly striped lengthwise with creamy-yellow. First growth in early spring is often flushed with pink. This selection is considerably shorter and can better withstand part-sun situations without collapsing compared to others. Also seems better choice for challenging sites where provided full sun, the erect stems should stay upright remaining effective at least until rainy season starts.

Great Plant Pick and Perennial Plant Association Plant of Year 2001 for species. The variegation brightens darker positions. Suitable for borders, mass plantings, and screening. The pink spring flush is attractive. More adaptable to part sun than taller cultivars. The creamy-yellow stripes provide season-long interest. Self-supporting and upright. Low maintenance once established.

A compact, neatly rounded perennial flowering steadily from mid-summer into autumn with pale mauve-blue flowers. The aromatic foliage releases a mint-like scent when handled, while the plant itself remains well-behaved, neither running nor self-seeding. Particularly effective at the front of the border or planted in groups, where its long season and calm structure carry plantings through late summer.

A white-flowered form of calamint with a slightly looser, more open habit than the species. Flowering steadily from mid-summer into autumn, it maintains the same long season of bloom while tolerating a little shade. Light self-seeding can occur, but the plant remains easy to live with and effective at the front of the border or in mixed plantings.

A trailing bellflower producing small white flowers lightly flushed with blue from early summer into autumn. The flexible stems weave easily through neighbouring plants or spill over walls and edges, creating a soft, informal effect. Best used where its spreading habit can be accommodated and guided rather than constrained.