The Hart’s Tongue fern is a quite distinct form of fern, in that it has broad, strap-like fronds, quite unlike the delicately cut types of more familiar varieties. They have a short stem and can grow to any length from 4 to 24in (10 to 60cm) depending on where you plant them. The shorter ones are usually found growing in walls or crevices. They are also known under the name Phyllitis scolopendrium.

The leather-like, bright green fronds make this a good foliage plant. It is a woodland plant and will always look good in a shady position, especially on banks, walls, or fallen trees. It is a British native plant and can often be seen growing under hedges or outcrops of rock. There are several varieties that have either wavy or crimped edges to their fronds, while others have a crested tuft at the top of the blade.

In spring, young plants can be planted out and if you want to plant them as a group, set them about 12in (30cm) apart. When the fronds first unfurl, they are covered with glistening white scales. These will turn brown and disappear as the fronds age. These are extremely hardy ferns and will grow in most climatic conditions, except where it is very hot and dry. They need very little attention apart from the tidying up of any dead leaves.

Growing Requirements

Soil
These plants are very accommodating and they will grow in either acid or chalky soils and will tolerate fairly dry conditions, but they are most at home in a moist, humus-rich, woodland type of soil.

Size
Asplenium scolopendrium can reach a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 12in (30cm).

Propagation
The easiest method of increasing these ferns is by division in the spring. Sowing from spores in the autumn is possible, but it is a slow and complex method.

Family: Aspleniaceae
Genus: Asplenium

Common Box is a vigorous, evergreen, bushy, upright shrub or small tree and in many ways, is very uninspiring, producing green leaves and insignificant flowers, yet it is a very popular, widespread plant. The reason that it is so popular is that it makes excellent hedges, especially dwarf ones, and is superb for creating topiary specimens.

As a free growing bush or tree, Buxus Sempervirens will not need pruning, but if used as a hedge or topiary shape, it will need trimming once or twice a year. The slowness and evenness of growth means that the shape of the plant is maintained for a long time without any maintenance.

Bare-rooted specimens can be planted out during the winter, as long as the weather is not too extreme. Container grown plants can be planted out at any time, but will need to be kept watered in hot weather. Once plants become established, there is no need for any extra watering. Box will grow well in sun or partial shade but can become drawn if there is too much shade.

As well as the main species, there are a large number of varieties. The main one of interest is Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’, which is a dwarf form that is ideal for creating low hedges, which is excellent for outlining paths or beds. A lot of the others are variations in leaf colour, including variegated and golden ones, which can be useful for winter interest. The wood from Box is extremely hard and is sought after for making artists’ tools and for wood engraving.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Common Box will grow in most types of soil, including chalky ones, but will do best where the soil has had plenty of well-rotted organic matter added. It is quite a hungry plant and will need regular, annual mulches of compost or organic material to keep it healthy and vigorous.

Size
Plants, if left unclipped, can eventually reach a height of 12ft (3.5m) and spread up to 10ft (3m).

Propagation
To increase the number of plants, take semi-ripe cuttings in the summer and root them in a propagator or cold frame.

Family: Buxaceae
Genus: Buxus

Mahonia japonica is one of the most popular winter-flowering evergreen shrubs and originates in semi-woodland regions of China and Japan. It is closely related to berberis, but has larger, bolder leaves.

This evergreen Asian shrub has architecturally strong, angular leaves that are slightly spiny with the top surface a deep glossy green with a paler underside. Mahonia japonica will flower intermittently from late autumn through to early spring, providing 12in (30cm) long trails of blossom, which look splendid in floral arrangements. Once the worst of the winter weather has passed, its flower stems of primrose yellow blooms will continue to open, sending their strong scent into the air. It takes no more than one or two stems to fill a room with perfume. The blooms are followed by a display of blue-black fruits. It tolerates dappled sunshine, and even full sun in a north facing garden. In an area where summers are hot, plant out of the full sun.

Plant well rooted specimens at any time of the year, but not when in very dry, wet or frosty. While fully frost tolerant, Mahonia japonica should be planted in a sheltered spot out of the wind. The flowers are tough, but liable to be damaged if exposed to strong winds and the leaves will become scorched.

Pruning can help stop Mahonia from getting leggy and developing a less erect habit. Remove any thin and straggly growth in spring. When buying a new plant, select one with plenty of bud breaks from the base.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Grow on slightly acidic to neutral soil and include some well-rotted organic matter and some horticultural grit on heavier soils. The plants will tolerate chalky soils. Moist soil conditions, but not overly wet in winter, will provide this shrub with the best growing conditions.

Size
Plants can reach a height of 8ft (2.2m) and spread up to 10ft (3m).

Propagation
Mahonia japonica can be propagated by taking semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.

Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Mahonia

Nicotiana alata is also known as Winged Tobacco or Jasmine Tobacco. This South American plant, is actually a perennial, but it is treated as a half-hardy annual in northern Europe. In milder regions, the plants and roots may survive the winter successfully, and the following year’s growth should produce flowers from early July.

While the parent species provide the plants with the best fragrance, their big disadvantage is that the flowers do not open until the evening, but the white flowers of a single plant, growing to the rear of the border, can produce enough exquisite scent to fill the whole garden. Named varieties lack the full scent of Nicotiana alata, but Nicotiana alata ‘Dwarf White Bedder’ is perhaps the nearest of all to the species, with plants producing fragrant white blooms, which open both during the day and evening.

Winged tobacco has broad, spoon-shaped leaves and stems of funnel-shaped, white flowers. The named varieties come in many colours including red, purple and lime green. Plants prefer a sunny or partially shaded position. Plant out as soon as risk of frost has passed; this is not usually before the end of May. Pinch out the growing tips of seedlings to keep them bushy. Once the flowers have died, remove the dead heads.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Nicotiana alata will not thrive in dry conditions and likes a well-drained soil. Newly planted plants will need to be watered for the first month, if necessary. Before planting, well-rotted organic matter should be incorporated into the soil.

Size
A somewhat spindly plant that typically grows 3ft to 5ft (90cm to 1.5m) tall. The cultivars are usually shorter at around 2ft (60cm). Larger plants can spread up to 2ft (30cm).

Propagation
Nicotiana alata can be propagated by root cuttings, although the easiest way is to produce new plants by seed. Sow nicotiana seed at 21 to 24° C., under glass, from February to April.

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Nicotiana

Occasionally, you are brought up in your stride by the sight of a breathtaking, but unknown plant. One unusual tree, which certainly has the power to do this, is Embothrium coccineum. Commonly known as the Chilean Flame Bush, it seems to be alight with orange-red, flame-coloured flowers when in bloom.

The flowers are clusters of long tubes, which makes them show up all the more. A tree covered with flowers can give the impression that the branches are writhing flames. The leaves are a leathery dark green, which offsets the red flowers very well.

There is a problem in that the tree is not totally hardy, so it does best in mild areas near the coast, where winters are less severe. However, it is still worth trying to grow in sheltered positions further inland.

The best time for planting an Embothrium Coccineum is in the spring to give it a chance to become established before having to face a winter. In areas of milder climate, it can be planted any time between autumn and spring.

Keep the tree watered until it has become established and never allow the soil around it to dry out completely. No training or pruning is necessary, apart from removing any damaged or dead branches.

Growing Requirements

Position
This is a tree for a sunny position, although it will appreciate the protection of other trees around it. Despite coming from the border between Chile and Argentina, it is not totally hardy and should be given a sheltered position. Plant in deep, loamy, not too rich, well-drained soil and avoid animal manure.

Size
The Chilean Flame Bush can grow to a height of 50ft (16m) and spread around 20ft (6m).

Propagation
Plants are usually raised from seed. Although the plants often sucker, they rarely transplant successfully.

Family: Proteaceae
Genus: Embothrium

Gunnera manicata is one of the largest, most spectacular, architectural herbaceous plants grown in our gardens. Commonly known as ‘giant rhubarb’, this plant is not related to the rhubarbs at all, although it is not difficult to see how it got its common name.

The giant leaves can grow to 6ft (1.8m) or more across and are very similar in appearance to rhubarb leaves. They grow directly from the base of the plant and have strong, prickly stems. The leaves are very rough and they can make a rasping noise under windy conditions as they brush together. The flowers are hidden away among the foliage and appear in summer as green, conical spikes which turn brown when in seed.

This is not a plant for a small garden and it prefers to grow near water, so a pond or stream will provide an ideal setting. Gunnera manicata is not a completely hardy plant and needs some form of winter protection. The shoots at the centre of the plant are frost sensitive, so these should be covered with the dead leaves or a straw mulch when frost is expected.

It is important to provide a deep, rich soil for Gunnera. Add plenty of organic material to the soil and top dress every year, with more. Apart from mulching during the winter, no other attention is required.

Growing Requirements

Position
Gunnera manicata prefers an open position but it will accept a degree of light shade from tall trees. It is best grown next to water, so extra moisture should not be needed. If planted in any other location, ensure that the ground does not dry out.

Size
Giant rhubarb will grow to a height of 6ft (1.8m) with an 8ft (2.4m) spread.

Propagation
Increase plants either from seed or by splitting off a part of the plant with a spade. Plant out in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed, so that plants can become established before the onset of winter.

Family: Gunneraceae
Genus: Gunnera

Despite having an almost completely unpronounceable name, Campanula poscharskyana is a very attractive and valuable plant for the rock garden. It is a vigorous, low-growing plant with long, trailing stems bearing finely toothed, rounded or heart-shaped leaves. The plants do have a tendency to become rampant, but, fortunately, they are not too difficult to cut back.

This species of campanula makes a very good ground cover plant, especially in areas where it can spread at will. If planted among low growing shrubs, it is likely to clamber up through the lower branches. It can be grown in a rock garden, but it will need checking to make sure that it does not smother its neighbours.

Plant out in the autumn, or in spring, whenever the weather allows. These plants spread rapidly and there is rarely any need for more than one plant, unless you are using them for ground cover when you should plant them about 2ft (60cm) apart. These plants are completely hardy and will survive the winter without any problems.

This species is sometimes confused with another campanula with an unpronounceable name, Campanula portenschlagiana, which has a very similar appearance, but is less invasive and has darker, less star-like flowers.

Growing Requirements

Position
This campanula is will grow in either full sun or moderate shade and in any type of garden soil. They do best in well-drained soils and in rich soils they are quite likely to become rampant. There should be no need to water them unless there is a drought.

Size
Plants will grow to a height of 10in (25cm) and spread indefinitely!

Propagation
It is usually easy to find a few rooted stems that can be potted up to produce new plants. This is best done in spring, but can be done at any other time of the year. Campanula poscharskyana is also easy to divide.

Family: Campanulaceae
Genus: Campanula

Hops are normally associated with commercial growing for beer making but they are also grown in many gardens as attractive climbing plants. The most popular is the golden hop, Humulus lupulus aureus that has attractive golden-green leaves.

Humulus lupulus is an easy-to-grow, hardy, native climber with lobed leaves that bear clusters of fragrant, green female flowers from July to September. Make sure you buy a female plant, as male and females grow on separate plants. The leaves on the main stem are around 4 to 5in (10-15cm) long.

Plant out in spring to the same depth as it was in its pot. It may be a bit slow to get started, taking two or more years to reach its full potential. Once settled, it will set out from the ground each spring, and by midsummer will have put on 15ft (4.5m) or more of leafy growth. These plants prefer a deep, well-fed soil and don’t like to become too dry. Keep them watered in excessively dry periods.

Hops have very rough stems and leaves, which can cause painful weals, so avoid pushing through or against the plant unless your skin is covered.

Growing Requirements

Position
Although hops will accept a little light shade, they’re best to grown in full sun, especially the golden variety, as the golden colour of the foliage will turn green. They can be planted in various positions; against walls, draped over a fence or through an old shrub or tree. A tripod of poles makes an ideal support in a border setting.

Size
Hops will grow to around 20ft (6m) and spread 13ft (4m).

Propagation
Hops can be increased by taking runners that arise from the crown just below the soil surface or by dividing the roots in the spring.

Family: Cannabaceae
Genus: Humulus

Buddleja davidii is a favourite, fast-growing shrub from China. They not only make beautiful shrubs, but they also attract large quantities of butterflies to their nectar-rich flowers, which is how they derive their common name.

The fragrant flowers are borne in long spires in the late summer and early autumn, after most other shrubs have finished flowering. The most typical colour of the flowers is lilac, but there are lots of shades, varying from white to pink to deep purple. The flowers can look a little unsightly once they begin to fade and turn brown.

Buddleja are best planted out in spring, although container-grown plants can be planted out at any time, as long as the weather is not too hot or too dry. They are relatively hardy plants and will withstand most winters, although an occasional harsh one may cut them back.

Butterfly bushes must be pruned regularly, otherwise the flowers will decrease in size and the plant will tire and die. Each spring, cut back the previous year’s growth to within 3 to 4in (7.5 to 10cm) of where it started. This may seem rather drastic, but the bush will soon recover and start sprouting new growth.

Growing Requirements

Soil
The butterfly bush is an undemanding plant and will grow on a wide range of soils, including quite dry ones, as long as it is planted in a sunny position, though a little light shade will be tolerated.

Size
Buddleja will grow to a height of 13ft (4m) and spread to a similar size.

Propagation
Buddleja will self-seed and the resulting seedlings can be transplanted and used as new plants. To propagate favourite colour forms, it is essential to take cuttings from existing plants. These are best taken as hard wood cuttings in the early winter months but summer cuttings from soft, new growth can also be used.

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Buddleja