Author: Kirsty Wilson

Wisteria is a large vine plant species which captures the imagination of many people. It is known for its attractive pendulous flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer depending on the location and environmental factors. Its leafy foliage is also very attractive throughout the growing season. The plant typically develops one main trunk with multiple side branches.It differs from other climbers as it does not have the ability to cling to surfaces. Instead it would typically ramble along the ground without any support. Once established Wisteria has deep penetrating roots and can become a heavy structure. This highlights the importance of using proper supports to make sure the plant is securely anchored. The beautiful white or purple blooms hang in large clusters and are sweetly fragrant. They can be successfully trained into trees, up walls, pergolas, as standards and many other structures. If buying a new Wisteria always make sure it has been grown as a graft or cutting. Seed raised Wisteria are typically less reliable and take longer to flower. Yearly pruning consists of shortening new growth firstly in August then again in February. Pruning helps flowering display by helping bud formation.

Check out the RHS guide to pruning of Wisteria

Trilliums are a beautiful ephemeral flower.  They emerge in spring and flower in the sunlight which hits the forest floor before deciduous leaves begin to grow on the trees above. They die down soon after the leaves block the sunlight above them. The name Trillium derives from ‘tri’ meaning three and it describes their defining characteristics of three petals, three sepals and three leaves. The colour range is from pure white to yellow and maroon and some petals curl back on themselves. The foliage of some species can be described as ‘toadshade’ due to the marking on the leaves. A rhizome which is very long lived and it can take up to seven years for many of them to flower from seed. They are unique in the floral world for emitting a range of smells ranging from delicately sweet to foul smelling. This scent helps the plant attract flies and insects or beetles as their pollinators. Grow them in your own garden if like a challenge and can provide the environment they thrive in. The ideal location is in a shady, evenly moist part of your garden with loose soil. Once established clumps can be lifted and divided once the foliage begins to die back. They can also be propagated by seed but the seed must be sown straight away. Trilliums have a double dormancy which means they will germinate in their first year but only produce a root. It is not until the next year that a leaf shoot will emerge which is followed by the characteristic three leaves in the years that follow.

Trillium Collection UK 

Visit Mt Cuba USA to view an impressive collection of Trilliums on display during spring.

The alluring Hepatica flowers from February to March and is the perfect spring jewel for any garden. Often found in the wild emerging through snow Hepaticas are part of the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) family. For this reason they look similar to wood anemone with the characteristic three lobed leaves. The attractive small flowers are native to woodlands in Central and North Europe, Asia and North America.

The subtle flowers come in shades of white, purple, crimson, and blue. In Japan new double forms are being developed for cultivation. The European native species typically grow in dappled woodland and work well in your garden under trees and shrubs. H.americana and H.acutiloba were commonly used for medicinal purposes and were referred to as liverwort due to their leaf appearance.  Try mixing them with other spring bulbs as companions and extending seasonal interest in your garden. They do not do well in highly competitive areas but good companions are hellebores, scilla, wood anemones and trilliums.

Ashwood Nurseries is a UK based plant nursery that specialises in this genus. They supply fresh seed and have won an impressive collection of RHS Gold Medals.

“The Himalayan Blue Poppy is at the top of every plant lover’s list.”   Vita Sackville West.

The heavenly blue Himalayan poppy may be considered a superstar of the plant world. Collected from the mountainous Himalayas it has captured the attention of all who encounter it. It was first discovered in 1922 by the mountaineer George Leigh Mallory and a group of British explorers in the East Rongbuk Valley in Tibet. Then later collected by famous plant hunters like Frank Kingdom Ward,  Ernest Henry Wilson and others. Including blue there are a variety of colours within the genus of Meconopsis such as red, yellow, white and purple.   The name is derived from the Greek word mekon (poppy) and opsis (like) meaning poppy like.

This rare coloured plant has been described as temperamental and has proved challenging to grow by even the most highly skilled. In many cases people have viewed the plant as unattainable as it is a crowning achievement if you can successfully grow this plant in your garden.  It will refuse to grow in hot climates with warm summers and low rainfall.   In the Himalayas summers are wet and winters cold and dry. If you live in the North of England or Scotland where summers can be short and at times drizzly the poppy will thrive in these climatic conditions which are reminiscent of its home.

When growing from seed use fresh and properly stored seed. Place in a cool room or fridge for a few months to mimic a winter in the Himalayas to help trigger germination. It is best to sow the seed in Dec-Feb. Surface sow and only very lightly cover. They can then be left outside or in a greenhouse but remember to water from the base. Germination can take two weeks to several months. If you have a greenhouse with a heated bench the optimum temperature is ideally 15⁰C. The key fact to remember if to never allow the surface to dry out. Once germination has occurred delicately prick out the small seedlings into individual pots and grow on. They like a nutrient rich soil and when mulching take extra care not to cover the crowns of the plants. If a hot summer occurs use overhead irrigation to ensure survival. Meconopsis thrive in dappled sunlight. Too much sun and they will get scorched leaves. This plant is challenging to master but with patience and the right climate you too can raise these tantalizing plants.

For more advice on which species to grow and further information:

The Meconopsis Group’s advice for first time growers

Blue Himalayan Poppies at Longwood Gardens

Early spring is when one plant in particular, the Hellebore, becomes the star of the show. More commonly known as the Lenten Rose hellebores are perennial which means the plant will come up year after year.  They belong in the Ranunculaceae family with 15 species within the genus. Most of the modern new hybrids are crosses from Hellebore orientalis and John Massey of Ashwood Nurseries in the Midlands has created a number of award winning cultivars.  They provide a splash of colour in the garden when everything else is waiting for warmer weather to return. Always trim the foliage down to the ground in the Autumn to avoid black spot and other diseases being carried in the leaves. They thrive in neutral or slightly alkaline soil especially when organic matter is incorporated into the soil. Position them in a shaded or partially shaded area where they will seed freely or multiple through division. Seed can be collected in June and sown fresh in seed trays which will start a new generation of hellebores for your garden. The petals are actually sepals (modified leaves) which means they stay on the plant for about two months providing a lasting display. To admire the detail of the inner sepal  markings collect a few flowers and float them in a bowl of water indoors for everyone to enjoy.