Herbaceous Perennials to Cherish by Martin Horne
| Published: 24th June 2008 08:19 |
My love of herbaceous perennials knows no bounds and I derive endless pleasure from propagating, growing and proudly showing the various plants. I am asked which plants I love the most, and, to be honest, the choice changes from day to day.
Here are a few of my special favourites, however, (more to follow!) with tips on propagation and growing.
Lychnis coronaria (pictured above) is one of the most accommodating plants in the garden. It will settle in any soil and merge comfortably into the smallest of borders. Flowering in pink, white or red, Lychnis coronaria commences flowering in early to midsummer and, with regular dead-heading, may continue flowering until autumn. Propagation is from seed in autumn or spring (it sets seed freely) or by division in autumn or spring. Occasionally, it is also possible to propagate from root cuttings in winter.
Echinacea purpurea - the purple cone flower
There is something quite remarkable about this flower grown in the border. It is sturdy, withstanding almost everything that nature sends its way. It is very attractive to bees and butterflies, so sit back on a balmy evening and watch the activity. In its early, seedling stages, however, watch out for slugs and snails, as they find it very tasty. Propagation is by seed in early spring or division in spring or autumn.
Echinacea has been used successfully as a deterrent against colds and flu and may be purchased as a tea or in a tablet form.
Verbena bonariensis
This plant is very adaptable and can grow to 6ft. (2m) in height. It tolerates a dry situation but is equally at home in damp conditions. It is very attractive to bees and butterflies and is a wonderfully architectural plant. Verbena bonariensis flowers from midsummer to early autumn and is available in blue, red, pink or purple, although the blue variety is the most popular. Propagate verbena bonariensis by seed in autumn or spring and divide in autumn or spring.
Heuchera Sanguinea (sanguinea = blood red) - the coral flower.
The glorious red foliage, complemented by pink flowers in midsummer make this plant stand out in the border. It only grows to about 2ft. (60cm) but is the perfect plant for the front of the border. Propagate from seed in spring or divide in spring or autumn. Heuchera sanguinea prefers full sun but will tolerate dappled shade.
*Topical tip:
Some border plants will have suffered from being beaten down by the recent heavy rain and winds, despite our best efforts to hold them up. As a result, the beaten stems will have developed a kink as they have been forced down. Cut these stems away from the main plant and treat them as cut flowers. The flower display will win no prizes but the stems will be preserved for a few days.
When taking any stems for cut flowers, always cut the stem diagonally, thus allowing the stem to take up water in the vase. A spoonful of bicarbonate of soda will preserve cut stems for longer.
Martin Horne
