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Late summer is thought to be the time that you can sit back & relax in your garden, enjoying the fruits of your labours with scarce more than a gentile walk up & down with the lawnmower with which to exert yourself. We true gardeners know that this is not the case, this is the time of decision. What can we change, what are we missing? Maybe a swift wander round the local garden centre for inspiration or to Wisley, Leonardslee, Sissinghurst, or one of the many other inspirational gardens that seem to be never more than a brown & white signpost away. (I would recommend Great Dixter more than any other but I don’t want it packed when I go, but if you feel you must….) So what is out there that is more than just a plant. What are the new stars of the garden that should be everywhere yet hide away unsung & unloved except by those plant ‘nuts’ that simply have to have it?
Cimicifuga simplex ‘Atropurprea’ is a perennial with a winning line in cut purple/green leaves & tall white flower spikes that reach up to 4ft. This dramatic, almost Gothic plant is superb in a semi shaded border & mixes well with Hellebores (sternii or argutifolius), periwinkle, or bronze Carex grasses. Look for the variety ‘Brunette’ as an alternative, as it looks a little more chocolate in colour. Daphne odora is the leading contender in the heady scent championship for flowering shrubs. This anonymous green shrub produces early season white flowers that have a stunning scent. Best in a sheltered corner such as a sunny courtyard, it can reward those of us who remember to feed it well, nip out the new shoots to increase the next seasons flower, & keep it watered during the summer with its amazing perfume. Variants include ‘Aureomarginata’ (yellow variegation), & rubra (reddish flower), both of which have sub-standard scent to the pure species. The only place I have found the species odora is a specialist nursery, but keep your eyes open because it can turn up anywhere. A very worthwhile purchase indeed. Big leaves are becoming popular, but one of the least well known of the large leaved perennials is Darmera peltata. Plate like leaves on 2ft stalks with whitish pink multi flower stems (cymes if you want me to be technical) are an accurate description of this beautifully sculpted plant. However it is at the end of the season that this perennial really comes into its own. Gradually the bright green leaves fade from the edges to a deep burgundy & finally brown. Without doubt the finest autumn colour at ground level in the garden. Only a few trees can compete when the Darmera is well into its traffic light phase. One of these is Amalanchier lamarckii. I must have mentioned this tree before, as it is one of the true ‘doers’ in the garden. Early white flowers, pinkish buds & new leaves & a simply fabulous autumn display make this an excellent medium sized tree. If you haven’t got one, get one. Magnolia grandiflora is a big, sumptuous shrub that has evergreen leaves & huge cup like flowers in the summer. It won’t like exposed places as it is not the hardiest of shrubs, but a sheltered glade with southern exposure or a south facing wall will show it in its best light. Don’t confuse it with the deciduous Magnolias, which have their place, because it is worth a punt if you find one. Those of you who read this column regularly (& it appears there are some of you who do) will know that I cannot leave an article on must-have plants without waxing lyrical about some ornamental grass or other. This time it is Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’. The Miscanthus species are all fabulous, but ‘Morning Light’ is especially good in a position where it catches the low morning or evening sun. Its’ silver variegation causes the grass to explode with light & is a worthwhile addition to any garden. |
