English Ivy – Hedera helix

ivy - hedera helix

Hedera helix Common name : English Ivy Family : Aralicaeae Hedera helix is a vigorous self clinging climber or ground cover with 3-5 lobed triangular, glossy leaves 4-6cm long. There a hundreds of cultivars, with almost infinite variations in leaf colour and shape but most with some form of variegation. H. helix may be contrasted …

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How to Grow Narcissus: Daffodil Plant Notes

A field of yellow daffodils

Narcissus spp. Common name : Daffodil Family : Amaryllidaceae A bulbous soft wooded perennial with around 50 species and countless cultivars, the Narcissus, like the tulip, is the archetypal spring flower in cool climate gardens. With a sheath of mid-green strap shaped or cylindrical leaves, these plants are most notable for their distinctive flowers. These …

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How to grow dahlias: the complete guide to raising beautiful dahlias

how to grow dahlias: red ball dahlia

Before we think about how to grow dahlias, we might ask ourselves why should we grow dahlias?’ In other words, do dahlias repay the attention that we are required to give to them? According to the late Christopher Lloyd, whose Great Dixter garden featured multiple dahlia cultivars, dahlias are best in in late summer, when …

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Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’: Japanese Garden Star

Acer Palmatum Bloodgood

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’Common name : Japanese Maple Family Aceraceae Plant Type Small to medium sized tree. Soil Type Moist, fertile, well drained. read more on soil type here → Aspect Sun or partial shade. Eventual Size Height: up to 8 m (26ft). Width: up to 5m (16ft). hardiness Hardy down to -10°C to -15°C (14°F …

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Acanthus mollis: For foliage and flowers, sun and shade

Acanthus mollis foliage

Acanthus mollis is also known as the Oyster Plant or Bear’s Breeches. It is a plant I very often incorporate into my gardens. Acanthus mollis is a striking perennial with large, deeply lobed leaves and tall flower spikes. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. They are white or pinkish with purple bracts …

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How to deadhead dahlias: the trick to deadheading dahlias correctly

Dahlias Step by Step

What is deadheading and why should you deadhead dahlias? Taking care of dahlias involves the usual necessities of feeding, watering and mulching. But another question you may ask yourself is do you deadhead dahlias as well? The answer to that question is am emphatic yes! To get prolonged and repeat flowing, you definitely need to …

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