Azalea
How to Grow Azaleas in the UK Azaleas bring concentrated spring colour to borders and containers, from low evergreen cushions to taller deciduous shrubs. They belong to the genus Rhododendron, and their needs vary between groups. This guide covers outdoor garden azaleas. Choose a hardy named plant for your location, provide acidic growing conditions and […]
Alstroemeria
How to Grow Alstroemeria in the UK Alstroemeria brings generous summer colour to a sunny border and useful stems to the cutting garden. Often called Peruvian lilies, these plants are fleshy rooted perennials rather than true lilies. A sheltered position, soil that drains freely and sensible winter protection give them a better start than a […]
Banksia
How to Grow Banksia in the UK Banksias bring evergreen foliage, striking flower spikes and woody seed heads to a collection of unusual plants. In Britain, success starts with a realistic choice of species and winter shelter. A specimen thriving in a mild coastal garden is not proof that every banksia will survive an inland […]
Alyssum
How to Grow Sweet Alyssum in the UK Sweet alyssum makes a low cushion of small, fragrant flowers along path edges, beneath taller annuals and around the rim of a container. This guide covers Lobularia maritima and garden selections sold as sweet alyssum. It does not cover every plant carrying the name alyssum: yellow perennial […]
Beautyberry
How to Grow Beautyberry in the UK Beautyberry brings glossy purple berries to autumn borders, often holding its display after the leaves fall. This guide centres on Callicarpa bodinieri and its familiar cultivar Profusion, with related species compared below. Give the shrub light, room and a suitable pollination partner. The berries are ornamental and must […]
Anemone
How to Grow Anemones in the UK Anemones can bring flowers to a British garden from early spring into autumn, but they are not one interchangeable crop. Woodland anemones suit leafy shade, poppy anemones need a sunny position with excellent drainage, and Japanese anemones make much larger border plants. Choose the type first, then match […]
Begonia
How to Grow Begonias in the UK Begonias provide summer flowers, patterned indoor foliage and a few more cold tolerant border plants. Identify the group first: tuberous begonias rest as stored tubers, while fibrous bedding and rex foliage types need different winter care. Summer colour Containers and baskets Partial shade suits many Most types tender […]
Annual vinca
How to Grow Annual Vinca in the UK Annual vinca, Catharanthus roseus, brings glossy foliage and bright summer flowers to a warm, sheltered spot. Also called Madagascar periwinkle, it is a tender perennial usually grown for one season in Britain. It is different from the hardy, spreading Vinca major and Vinca minor used as ground […]
Bells of Ireland
How to Grow Bells of Ireland in the UK Bells of Ireland bring upright green spires to a summer border or cutting patch. The showy bells are leafy calyces surrounding tiny pale flowers, rather than large green petals. Moluccella laevis is an annual, so plan to sow fresh seed each year. Give it sunshine, shelter […]
Artichoke (Globe)
How to Grow Globe Artichokes in the UK Globe artichokes turn a permanent corner of the vegetable garden into a bold display of silver leaves and substantial flower buds. Those unopened buds are the crop. Leave some to develop and they become purple flowers. Give the plants sunshine, generous space and good drainage, then allow […]
