Rudbeckia fulgida has several common names; Black-eyed Susan, Orange Coneflower, Brilliant Coneflower and Eastern Coneflower. It bears large, yellow, daisy-like flowers with a black-brown centre cone from August through to October and they can grow up to 5in (12cm) across. During late spring and summer, its dark green foliage provides an effective backdrop for earlier flowering plants.

This is a plant that is naturally at home in moist, though well-drained meadows. The flowers will last longer if the soil retains moisture, so add some organic matter to soils that have a tendency to dry out in the summer. For the best production of flowers, grow in a sunny position, although light shade will be tolerated.

The orange coneflower is fully hardy, but prefers a sheltered spot in gardens exposed to the wind, where a shorter variety could be grown or the plants staked. A lightweight mulch of heather or bracken can be used in periods of prolonged cold over the winter.

The flowers are long lasting when cut. After flowering, remove the dead heads, unless you are going to collect the seed. Plants should be divided every four to five years. Rudbeckia fulgida can become invasive when grown in good soil, so root pruning in spring is recommended to keep it in check.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Rudbeckia fulgida will thrive in any type of soil but well-rotted organic matter should be added to the site before planting.

Size
Plants will grow to around 3ft (1m) high and spread about 2ft (60cm) depending on which cultivar is chosen.
Propagation
The plants may be propagated by division in spring. but can also be grown from seed. Sow the seed into a prepared seedbed during March/April. An early sowing should produce flowers in the first year.

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Rudbeckia

Festuca Glauca is a fabulous dwarf grass, and very popular in modern garden design, that exhibits one of the best blues of all grasses and grows in dense, rounded tussocks. It has stiff, ribbon-like leaves with flower spikes that appear in summer.

Blue fescue can be grown for foliage interest in amongst rock garden plants, as a container plant or as ground cover in the front of a well-drained border. If several plants are put close together they can be mown and used as a lawn. The plants will complement a wide variety of colours, but looks especially good with purple-leaved plants.

Like most grasses, Festuca glauca prefers full sun. If grown in the shade, it will lose its lovely blue colour and revert to green. This plant should need no watering, except when first planting out, as it can tolerate lengthy dry spells. Blue fescue should be planted out in the spring. Groups of plants should be set about 9in (23cm) apart.

This is a hardy plant and needs no protection during the winter. It is not so happy under wetter conditions and could well die out if not divided regularly or given a free draining or drier situation.

Cut back the foliage in early spring to 4in (10cm) to tidy up the plants and to encourage new leaf growth, which will be the bluest. The clumps have a tendency to die out in the centre and will need to be divided and replanted or replaced every two to three years.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Festuca glauca will grow in most types of soil, but it does best on light, sandier ones. It has a tendency to be short-lived when grown on heavier soils.

Size
Blue fescue will grow to around 10in (25cm) high and spread about 8in (20cm).

Propagation
The easiest method of propagation is by dividing well-established clumps in spring, but plants may also be grown from seed.

Family: Poaceae
Genus: Festuca

This plant comes with a warning – only plant it if you really like it and have enough room to cope with its speed of growth. Russian vine must be one of the fastest growing garden plants, ever, and its alternative name of the Mile a Minute plant is given with good reason. The shoots will often grow 15ft (4.5m) or more in a single season and, given the chance, can smother the tallest of trees.

Russian vine is quite a sight when it is in flower. It is an ideal plant for covering an eyesore building quickly and it can transform an unattractive fence into a ‘hedge’. It is not a self-clinging plant, but the shoots have a twining effect that gives them sufficient support where there is something to grasp. When grown against a smooth surface, wires or a trellis must be added to form the required supports.

The plant is covered in light green, heart-shaped leaves for most of their growing season. During the autumn, they change to a golden brown. Just before autumn begins, the whole plant will erupt in a froth of white flowers that give off a sweet scent.

Russian vine can be planted out any time between autumn and spring, as long as the weather and ground are not too cold or wet. If planting against a wall, place it at least 12in (30cm) away from the base. Plants will grow well in full sun or light shade though those grown in full sun will produce the most flowers. It is a completely hardy plant and does not require any protection during the winter.

Fallopia baldshuanica needs no pruning other than that to keep it within bounds. It may need tying in if you want to keep it tidy and, as it has a tendency to catch the wind, any supports used should be strong and firm.

Growing Requirements

Soil
This climber will grow in any type of garden soil, but will do best in soils that have been improved with organic material.

Size
Russian vine can rapidly grow to 60ft (18m) in all directions. You have been warned!

Propagation
Fallopia baldshuanica is best propagated by taking cuttings during the summer.

Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Fallopia

Edelweiss is one of the most loved of all mountain plants. Unfortunately, it is so admired that it gets dug up and taken home as a reminder of alpine holidays. Sadly, most of these collected plants die before the journey home is completed, while the mountains are slowly becoming denuded of this marvellous plant.

The plant that is most commonly grown is the alpine edelweiss, Leontopodium alpinum. It forms a compact cushion of green leaves, covered in small white hairs, and white flowering heads. The most commonly cultivated variety is ‘Mignon’, which is one of the best at keeping its compact shape.

These plants should be grown on the top of a rock garden, where they will enjoy the best drainage. Species other than Leontopodium alpinum are probably best treated as alpine-house plants and grown in pots, where they can be protected from the wet. As far as the cold is concerned, these are completely hardy plants, but in wet areas, it is a good idea to cover them with a sheet of glass during the winter to deflect the rain. However, don’t cover them completely as it is important that there is a flow of air around the plants.

Plant out new plants in the spring but don’t plant them too deeply and place some grit or gravel under the cushion to protect the leaves from damp soil. These plants must have as much light as possible and in the main, require no watering, pruning or training.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Leontopodium alpinum need a very lean, sparse soil. Any richness in it will cause the plant to become drawn, loose and prone to attack by disease. A gritty, well-drained soil is essential to keep the plant’s compact shape, like those seen in the mountains.

Size
Edelweiss will grow to a height and width of 8in (20cm).

Propagation
Plants can be increased in the spring either by sowing seed or by dividing them.

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Leontopodium

This European plant has a long history of garden use, first appearing in texts of the sixth century. Its other common names are bladder cherry, Japanese lantern and winter cherry. It is often grown for its autumn fruits, which are much used by flower arrangers.

Physalis alkekengi has, for most of the year, a fairly uninteresting appearance. From August onwards however, the calyces, which surround the fruit and give the appearance of lanterns, start to take on their stunning red-orange colour and grow up to 2in (5cm) long. Cutting for flower arranging should be done as the colour of the calyces changes but if left on the plant they can become skeletonized.

Physalis can be sown under glass, in early spring, and used as an annual, being discarded after the lanterns are cut. When grown as a perennial, plants will die down after the first frost, and emerge early the following summer. The plant tends to have weak stems and can benefit from a few support stakes.

The Chinese lantern will grow in sun or shade, but the best crop of lanterns is obtained on plants in full sun, where the fruits will have formed early. Restrict the spread of this plant by cutting back any roots, which have spread further than 12 in (30cm) from the main plant. Cut deep into the soil with a sharp spade, then dig up and burn the roots.

Growing Requirements

Soil
This plant really will grow in any soil, but grow Physalis in a free draining soil, rich in organic matter for best results. Although established root systems will survive in the driest of conditions, growth is most rampant in moist soil.

Size
Physalis alkekengi can reach a height of 18in (45cm) with a spread of 2ft (60cm).

Propagation
The easiest method of propagation is to lift and replant a handful of roots in the spring or autumn. Chinese lanterns may also be grown from seed sown in the spring.

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Physalis

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