With so much growing here on the nursery at Coblands, it is challenging to whittle down to the top 10 plants, the list could be endless. However, a selection of plants has been put together and this Top 10 selection is a mixture of shrubs and herbaceous perennials that are coming into their own for the time of year and some that have proven to be the most popular to date this year.

So, here we are, the countdown for the Coblands Top 10 Landscape Plants.

At Number 10…

10. Viburnum opulus

Known also as guelder rose, Viburnum opulus is a large, deciduous shrub grown for its flowers and berries. Plant in a large border or as a specimen plant on its own, with white, fluffy balls of flowers emerging in early spring followed by of small, bright red berries in mid-summer. This ornamental shrub is great for wildlife, reaching a height of 4-5m. For smaller borders, opt for V.opulus ‘Compactum’ which produces the same flowers and fruit and reaches a height of 1.5m.

9. Rudbeckia ‘Little Gold Star’

For a swathe of bold colour in a border, ‘Little Gold Star’ will not disappoint with a mass display of yellow daisy-like flowers and a long flowering period. Ideal for the front of the border, this plant is easy to grow and tolerates most conditions.

8. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’

This bushy lavender has to be one of the most well-liked lavenders of them all. If not just planting for the scent alone in a border, lavenders also provide good groundcover with a sea of flower spikes ranging in colour of the pale pink flowers of Lavandula angustifolia ‘Rosea to the violet/purples of Lavendula a. ‘Munstead & Lavandula a. ‘Hidcote’.

7. Crocosmia Lucifer

'Lucifer' is a herbaceous perennial with narrow, upright leaves with pillar-box red flowers on arching stems. The flowers are smaller than other Crocosmia varieties. This is another great plant for offering structure to a border which reaches just over 1m in height.

6. Stipa gigantea

Known as ‘Giant Feather Grass’, this tall stemmed, ornamental grass grows up to 2.5m in height and is a must for any large border. A great architectural plant for a sunny area and offers a feathered backdrop to other tall stemmed plants such as Alliums and Crocosmias.

5. Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’

Great as specimen plants or part of a planting scheme, Hydrangeas provide an abundance of flowers in blues, pinks and white. ‘Annabelle’ is a white flowering Hydrangea which produces huge flowering shaped balls.

4. Geranium macrorrhizum. Ingwersen's Variety

Geranium’s are a choice plant for providing extensive, long flowering groundcover. We grow a large variety of Geraniums on the nursery. A couple we recommend are Geranium macrorrhizum. Ingwersen's Variety and Geranium x cantabrigiense St Ola. Geraniums survive the toughest conditions and are low maintenance and are a popular amenity plant.

3. Agapanthus ‘White Heaven’

No border or garden should be without an Agapanthus. Here at Coblands, we grow a wide range of Agapanthus, ranging from hues of deep blues to the pure white, striking flower heads of Agapanthus ‘White Heaven’. These architectural plants offer structure and interest to any border and grow exceptionally well in containers. We have added for 2013, five new varieties of Agapanthus to our already large selection.

2. Cotinus ‘Grace’

Cotinus ‘Grace’ is a statement plant for any planting scheme. The pale beige stems contrast beautifully with the rich red /purple leaves. Cotinus Grace has excellent form and with purple/pink flowers in early summer that cluster like hazes of smoke over the foliage. For deeper coloured purple foliage opt for Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'.

1. Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’

The number 1 Cobland’s plant undoubtedly is this year’s 2013 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year winner, the fabulous Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis ‘Soft Caress’. We have supplied this elegant, fine foliage plant to a number of planting schemes since the end of 2012 and it is proving to be hugely popular in landscape design schemes. This compact, evergreen shrub provides all year round interest, particularly softening borders in the harsh winter months with its delicate form. This plant is a must for any landscape design.

We're now into the final weeks of preparing plants ready for the SeeAbility Show Garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.  

Coblands have 1000's of perennial plants 'set aside' in tunnels at our Tonbridge site nurturing them through this cold winter of 2013.  But with only week's to go till the plants travel to the Chelsea Flower Show site, Alan Young (Coblands Sales Executive for Garden Designers) is hoping that the sun will start to shine."This has been a hard year producing plants for Chelsea Flower Show" Alan says.  "I've been working on Chelsea gardens for the last 10 year's, and  I can't remember such a lack of sunshine during March & April, we've had cold winter's in the last 5 years, but they have been accompanied by 'crisp, sunny days'.  We are desperate for the sun to come out for  the plants to start actively growing,  flowers will be a bonus - expect Chelsea to be quite green this year."

Both the Garden Designer, Darren Hawkes and the Alan agree though,  "all the other designers and nurseries are in the same position with such a lack of sunshine this year, nowhere else in the country has seen any more sunny days elsewhere,  than we have in Kent.  It's likely though that some last - minute plant substitutions may have to be made to the original design".  Next week, Darren Hawkes is visiting Coblands again for a pre - Chelsea visit, we'll be assessing the growth on the plants and deciding on any necessary substitutions which need to be made.As ever Alan says "The Show Must Go On...."  the camaraderie at Chelsea Flower Show is unique, if anybody can helpyou out they will.  Alan never regrets working on Chelsea Flower Show, "you've either got the Chelsea Bug or you haven't - it all comes together for the opening day"!!!!

Keep visiting the blog for future updates as we head towards the Build - Up.

Here's Hoping for Sunshine!!!!

There's always a buzz around new plants and few more than plants that help to make the dull winter months move faster!  Hellebores do this better than most plants though, so new varieties are always in demand.

As you may have read in previous blog posts, or seen on the website sales pages, we have a range of Helleborus from a specialist plant hunter and breeder from Belgium.  Following a visit to his nursery earlier in the month, we were lucky enough to see this plant, which will be introduced to our range in 2014.

I'm almost sorry to have tempted you so early with this fantastically coloured Helleborus x hybridus selection, but as plants people, you'll no doubt want to know what you should be looking for in a years time to fill that shady corner of the garden.  A new colour as far as we are concerned to Hellebores generally and being tentitively named with the descriptive name of 'Fuchsia with Yellow Heart', this is definitely one to watch.

As soon as they are available for sale, we'll let you know, but in the meantime, please do look at the range on the website already.  They're selling fast and some varieties have already gone for this year, but a good selection of excellent varieties are still available.

I hope that you'll enjoy these as much as we have been on the nursery.

Happy Gardening,

This simple title sums up modern garden design. I have been known to say that there is not a great deal in garden design that in same way shape or form has not been done before; be it 3000 years ago or within the last few hundred years. The case in point is the pyramid constructed by Diarmuid Gavin for Chelsea this year.

Yes the pyramid uses less space on the ground so can be used in urban areas, and it would encourage communities to work together to produce food but what was not discussed was the pyramids role in garden design in ancient Egypt.

The pyramid was symbolic of a sacred mound, the land emerging out of the water and would have had a garden in front of it containing date trees and plants providing shade. 

The photograph shows the pyramid at Chelsea this year which could be seen from the south bank of the Thames. 

This modern pyramid idea is a space saving community development idea.   

Another historical garden theme inspired Thomas Hoblyn at Chelsea this year. He took his inspiration from the Italian renaissance for his garden, or did he? In the interpretation material produced it is stated that Villa Lante and Villa d’Este were the inspiration, but these gardens were really baroque in style and had moved on from the original renaissance concept.

His garden it was explained had moved away from the ‘’flamboyance and decadence’’ of the renaissance, which really was not a part of the first Medici renaissance gardens but was certainly part of the baroque period in Italy and in France.

That being said, again we see the emergence of old historical styles proving that they still have relevance in modern garden design, which can only be good for garden historians. 

Thomas Hoblyns garden at Chelsea this year showing that old historical themes still have relevance in modern garden design.

This guest blog was written by Stephen Harmer, Course Leader and Lecturer in Horticulture at Hadlow College, Kent.  Hadlow College has a long relationship with Coblands Nurseries and many of our staff, have studied Horticulture and Garden Design there.  Stephen's passion for garden history and considerable knowledge in this field have seen him become a popular writer and speaker.  He gives regular garden study tours and his relaxed style of presentation and adoration of his subject make him an instant hit!

We look forward to more blog posts from Stephen and we hope that you do too.

Did you receive a plant as a Christmas present this year? Are you wondering if it the right time to plant it?

The answer is...possibly!

This depends on a number of factors the first of which is the weather.  If your ground is soaking wet then do not plant, as you will destroy the structure of the soil, compacting it and reducing the valuable air content, subsequently destroying the comforting environment for roots to spread.

So how do you know if the ground is too wet? It could be as obvious as ‘standing water’ (Pictured below right)

If water comes out of the ground around your boots as you walk get off the ground and leave it be, you will be compacting the soil. If this is not the case, good, let’s start digging a planting hole. If the soil is sticking to your spade and your boots then it is still too wet.

While talking about planting holes there are a few points to bear in mind, first square holes these days are considered better than round ones, roots can penetrate the corners more easily than round sided holes, avoiding the roots spiralling round a circular hole.  'Is it imperative?' I hear you ask...well no, but it is considered to be the best approach for root establishment.

Don’t be tempted to put fresh manure in a planting hole as it can damage new roots due to the high concentration of nitrates and other compounds.  Garden compost and well-rotted manure mixed with the back fill soil will help tremendously. Remember the old adage ‘Dig a 5 guinea hole for a 1 guinea plant’, so giving the plant a good spacious well prepared hole to settle into. This extra effort in preparation represents the difference we might experience between living in a bedsit with a one ring baby belling, or a palace!

A second consideration before looking to plant would be to avoid extremes in temperature.  Just like in summer when it can be too hot and dry to plant, do not plant when the soil is frosted or frozen.  Frozen soil reincorporated into the planting hole will break the insulated seal that the top layer of soils forms, chilling the roots of your new plant. This can keep the root zone of the plant cold and if the temperature is kept below 6^o C then root growth will not continue and colder still, it may die.

So if the ground is not too cold and wet then you are good to plant.

‘Are there any other things I should consider?’, I here you cry.

One is fairly obvious do not plant out non hardy plants until the average temperature (especially at night) increases.  Generally, the third week in May is given as the safe time to plant bedding plants and tender plants outside, though it is often possible (with little risk) to do so earlier.  Do a little research to check that the plant you’ve been given  is actually a garden plant and not a house or conservatory plant otherwise it is like putting a tropical fish in a garden pond and being surprised when you next see it belly up on the surface!

Another consideration is the size of the plant.  If it is well-rooted and in a good sized pot plant away! Sometimes plants arrive that are on the small side (usually from a mail order company trying to cut costs) Planting these, this time of year is not advised as an inclement spell of weather can kill them as they don’t have the resources to survive, rather  like a mountaineer heading for a mountain in trainers, shorts and a t-shirt in the winter it is just asking for trouble!

Right, so you have looked at the planting situation and have decided that now is NOT the time to plant, what should you do with your plant? If you have a cold greenhouse or a cool, sheltered porch available that is an ideal environment to keep a young garden plant. Of course, not all of us are so lucky in which case a cool room will be fine. In both situations do remember to check on the moisture content of the pot as the compost will slowly dry out even if the plant is not growing, similarly, the emphasis is on ‘cool’ room, too much heat and you can cause considerable damage to your plant.

After the weather improves, or following positive responses to the considerations highlighted previously, we are ready to plant. We have mixed our compost with the planting soil, the plant is out of the pot (It has been known for people to neglect that step and then wonder why the plant has not grown!) Now, place the plant in the planting hole making sure that the top of plant’s rootball (compost level) is at the same level as the top of the planting hole.  If you plant too deep, you will kill most plants, especially trees and shrubs that can rot if the soil level is raised around the base of their stems.

Pictured left is a recently planted shrub in my garden.  As you can see, the plant has just a smidgen of compost showing so it is at the correct level all it needs now is a little bark mulch around the base of the plant to keep the weeds at bay and keep in the moisture during any dry periods.  Though it might not be essential if planting at this time of the year, it is also worth reminding you that watering is critical to a plant's establishment and survival and no more important than during the first year in the ground.  Don't forget to water it regularly when it starts to grow, or even now if you have naturally dry soil.

A point to any one who can tell us the name of the plant (unfortunately, in this case points don’t mean prizes!)

If you need any advice don’t hesitate to call!

So keep warm and have fun in your garden.

Galanthus nivalis or our common Snowdrop has got to be one of the most iconic plants grown in the UK.  So long considered the harbinger of spring, the appearance of those brilliant-white flowers hanging atop blue-green foliage, can melt the heart of the most ardent ‘winterphobe’ and encourage them into their garden and the countryside as a whole despite the weather.

With Snowdrops experiencing a tremendous renaissance over the last 10 years (Galathomania), we should be mindful that our humble native (strictly naturalised) should not be overlooked in favour of the highly desirable named varieties currently commanding huge prices on the open market.

I must confess to being a bit of a Snowdrop collector (Galanthophile) and have amassed a collection of over 150 varieties over the last few years.  Though I have at times been described as suffering from some sort of mental illness in my pursuit of new cultivars, I feel that I have now done most of my crazed collecting and now prefer to experiment with the breeding of new and significantly different varieties and simply to appreciate these beautiful plants.  Their dainty charm and variability made them appealing to me as a Horticulturalist and plant addict, but more recently that I have reminded myself that, although less exclusive than plants I have paid more than a few pounds a bulb for, G. nivalis (Pictured Right) is a great garden plant!  Well worth growing in your garden and a sure fire bet to both flower well and bulk up quickly, G. nivalis is a cornerstone of the winter garden and a joy to behold.

Personally, I like to plant snowdrops in clumps of 5 – 10 bulbs where, with time, they will eventually form vast swathes as can be seen in the beds and borders, lawns and woodland of some great winter gardens like Anglesey Abbey and Renishaw Hall (Pictured Top Left).  RBG Kew Gardens, RHS Wisley and Hadlow College (Pictured Below Left) similarly have superb snowdrop collections and when a sea of white contrasts against the verdant lawns they’re grown in, perhaps with Winter Aconites (Eranthis) or early Crocus, they make for a picture perfect scene.  One of my very favourite gardens at any time of the year is the privately owned Cambo Estate Gardens in my home county of Fife in Scotland.  Lady Catherine Erskine holds an NCCPG National Plant Collection for Galanthus and both the gardens and the beautiful woodland are well worth a visit to see Snowdrops and other winter/spring delights as the season rolls on.

I could quite comfortably write about what must be my favourite bulb for page upon page, but I’ll refrain, instead encouraging you to venture out to woodland and some famed gardens across the country to see the snowdrops for yourself.  While the weather on snowdrop garden open days is often not what one would hope for, the delights on show make up for...well, most of the time!

Wrap up warm, charge your camera battery and prepare for wet knees (you have to kneel to get the best photos).

Happy gardening – or should that be collecting?

At Coblands, we pride ourselves on having the newest plant varieties and one of the biggest plant ranges in the UK.  With over 4000 different plants available (6000 if you count bulbs, aquatic plants and bedding plants) in a range of sizes, our plant offering far outweighs what we currently list on our website.   On this, our 50^th Anniversary year alone, we have added 238 new plants to our range so far, with more sure to follow.  Chances are, if there is something that you’re interested in, we grow it and so don’t ever feel that you can’t ask, just email us what you are interested in to info@coblands.co.uk and we will give you a price for it.

With that in mind, we sent a team to the world’s largest plant show IPM Essen, Germany last week to hunt for new introductions and other exciting plants.  We secured some great plants having spoken with growers and plant breeders from all over the world.  With a variety of deals in the pipeline, look out for new additions to the website over the coming weeks in the Recently Added section. 

Having met up with some of our favourite European plant hunters and breeders at the show, we discussed future plants that we have agreed to be UK distributors for some exciting new herbaceous perennials and shrubs, which will be appearing on our site over the next year and we will blog about them when they’re available for sale.  As very keen Horticulturalists, the production and sales teams are really excited about the prospect of some new additions to the UK plant palette.

Sorry to be so cagey with the details, but we don’t want to spoil the surprises when they come.  One plant that I can tell you about today won Best Fruit Plant at the show and is a new Cranberry called ‘Red Candy’.  Far more free fruiting than other Cranberry varieties, this new introduction is sure to be a hit as both an edible and an ornamental plant.  It will be available for sale through us shortly, so keep looking at the website and our Facebook and Twitter posts for its arrival.

Happy gardening,

This year we are moving house and I am very much looking forward to being creative in a brand new patch of earth.

My anticipation is palpable as I’m presented with an opportunity to daydream.

The new property is still to be decided, as we have not sold yet, but I am hoping to buy a house with a blank canvas, upon which I can plan a beautiful outdoor environment. Somewhere to relax in summer (that rather over used but nevertheless useful phrase “outdoor room” comes to mind), somewhere to potter about, and show off my prized plants to friends and neighbours. I don’t want its’ maintenance to be a chore with yards and yards of hedging to be trimmed or grass to be mowed, taking up my precious leisure time, but I do want to create my own horticultural oasis.

My current garden has been enjoyable and I have been able to make my mark on the area. However, it was a well-established garden with woodland and although I was able to make many improvements and energetically pull out the less interesting and duplicated overgrown shrubs, the structure was already there and the character was more or less set. I also found my design choice limited by what looks right with a 1930s semi detached house as a backdrop.

I’m really looking forward to trying something different although I will be including some old favourites such as Japanese Acers, ferns for shady spots, grape vines and honeysuckle for vertical interest.

In my experience there are several types of gardener who often don’t agree on anything.

Type 1  -  There are the “Slash and Burn Gardeners” who cannot bear to see things reach their natural shape and   maturity; they prefer wall to wall grass or paving slabs (actually gardener is probably the wrong term here.) 

Type 2  -  The “Addictive Propagator Gardener”, who is content reproducing seedlings and cuttings and get their thrill from this activity. They do not seem to mind if greenhouses and cold frames dominate the garden because it helps to further their end, which is replication on a grand scale.

There is an offshoot of this group (type 2B, if you will) who are the “Avid Collectors.” They must have the whole set and will tirelessly visit nurseries up and down the country to get the latest Hebe or Primula auricula sport. These additions will be crammed into patios and greenhouses, often to the detriment of any sense of style.

Type 3  -  The group that I would put myself in is the “Romantic Gardener.” I want to recreate the atmosphere and feel of pleasurable days spent at National Trust properties and holidays on Greek Islands.

Within that “Romantic Gardener” type there is a wide range of styles that I could choose from. Do I go for cottage garden, the formal garden, minimalist Japanese style, modern chic or prairie style?

I guess what the house looks like will be something of a starting point. Whatever the choice I am enjoying the anticipation and I will enjoy the creation of it, taking my time not rush into it, I will see what comes through and plan.

                                        Anyone want to buy a house?

It’s at this time of year, when I look out of the window into my garden and things are not looking quite as they were a few months ago, that I start to feel a bit down about winter. There are gaps in my planting where the fulsome, herbaceous plants once full of colour stood; no sign of the re-emergence of their spring promise which is still too far away in the distance to get excited about.

The wisteria and grape vine bordering my garden are full of bare and twisted branches, which only 4 months ago provided a soft, lush screen between mine and my neighbour’s gardens.  

Depressing time of year huh?

Well, it doesn’t have to be, with the stunning frost of late twinkling on the evergreen grasses and shrubs and by far the most delectable feature for this time of year, has to be the striking colours of some of our favourite winter stems. Cornus (Dogwoods) and Salix (Willows), are the finest examples of plants for winter stems.  There are others, but these sure fire bets are worth growing and sure to reward.  Willows can be a bit vigorous for most gardens, so let’s focus on some of the best Dogwoods here.

The autumn shedding of the leaves on the Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' (pictured above) make way for the warm, flame-coloured stems to stand alone as a signature plant.  Planted alongside the Cornus alba 'Sibirica' (pictured right) with it’s vivid, deep red stems creating a dazzling effect especially when planted on mass together, establishing a feeling of fiery warmth to any garden! On the other hand, Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' with its brightly coloured yellow stems creates a striking effect against the strong, dark hues of the especially choice Cornus alba 'Kesselringii'.

To ensure the brightest and strongest colours from Cornus alba and C. sericea types, prune back hard every spring, cutting the stems back to approximately 5-15cm from the ground. Cornus sanguinea types are better pruned every other or third year as they are less vigorous.  With such a tiny amount of effort on your part, you will guarantee the reward of a dazzling display of colour each winter.

Another winter gem to look out for this year is the highly desirable Betula utilis var. jacquemontii, commonly known as the Himalayan Birch.  The pure white, peeling bark of this elegant tree is striking in the bland winter months and will form stunning exclamation points when the sun breaks through the clouds. The white bark looks particularly spectacular when planted against a backdrop of the intense colours of the cornus stems.

Whatever your colour preference, there are a wealth of coloured stems, be it from trees, or shrubby Dogwoods and Willows.  With a bit of planning and very limited maintenance, you can get terrific displays – even in the smallest of garden spaces.

Happy Winter Days

Hellebores

As Christmas and the excitements of New Year festivities passes by leading us into another season you may be excused for having a little bit of winter blues; but don’t despair, the weather has been steadily improving and with it, spring marches inexorably forward, bringing with it some delightful garden plants.

It is at this time of the year that two groups of plant fanatics really start to getting excited; Snowdrop enthusiasts (Galanthophiles) and Hellebore lovers, (often said to be suffering from Helleboritis)! 

Winter provides a relatively short season of interest and one which is often affected by the weather, but as true ‘All Weather Gardeners’, these hardy, passionate plant people can be seen visiting gardens on the coldest days to enjoy the delights of these plants.  I must confess that I am a Snowdrop (Galanthus) collector and have been doing so for a few years, steadily building my collection.  Having formerly worked at Hadlow College lecturing in Horticulture and Garden Design, I have some considerable experience of working with and growing Hellebores too, holding, as they do, a NCCPG National Collection of Helleborus. H. x hybridus 'Yellow Double' (Main Picture)

Both plants have their merits and followers, but undeniably, both have BIG presence at this time of year.  With fewer flowering plants in mid-late winter than at other times of the year, showstoppers are a must for the garden and Hellebores provide that show stopping pizzazz better than any other perennial plant between January and March.

These early flowers provide more than colour though; they herald the spring and with it, provide a source of food for some early-bird insects like bumblebees and even the occasional butterfly that has woken from its winter slumber a little ahead of schedule.

Though poisonous to eat and having a potentially skin irritating sap, they have the advantage of requiring little or no maintenance and so rarely cause problems for the sensible gardener.

There are approximately 20 species of Hellebore, many of which make excellent garden plants, but for this week’s blog post, I will be discussing just 3 species, Helleborus x hybridus, H. foetidus and H. niger. 

Helleborus x hybridus (Formerly H. orientalis)

    H. x hybridus is better known to most gardeners as the Lenten Rose, an extremely variable plant offering by far the broadest range of flower colours, patterns and shapes available to the Hellebore grower, largely due to its mixed parentage.  An easy plant to grow tolerating a wide range of soil conditions and sunlight levels, this plant is a great value for money splash of winter colour.  Hundreds of named varieties and colour selections are available, with more being added every year.  We grow plants raised by an acclaimed Belgian Hellebore breeder as they have proven to be disease resistant and of good colour.  Though promiscuous and quick to set very fertile seed in your garden, be aware that seedlings are often not true to colour.  This can, of course, make for some amazing colour combinations and your seedling could be the next big thing!  Though there are a great many to choose from, my favourite (at the moment) is H. x hybridus ‘Black’ (Pictured), which has a great flower colour and a really well-shaped petal.  

To grow the healthiest and most floriferous plants, I would recommend improving soil texture through the incorporation of well-rotted leaf mould, horse manure or composted bark.  These allow roots to get that little deeper and plants to get bigger. 

TOP TIP – Remove all foliage from the plant in late October, taking care not to damage any flower shoots that may be poking their heads up from underground.  By doing this, you are sure to see the flowers in all their glory.  Don’t compost the cut foliage as it doesn’t degrade well and is a common way of spreading fungal diseases that Hellebores are susceptible too -  far better to bag them and bin them.

Helleborus foetidus

Rather unkindly called the Stinking Hellebore, this superb garden plant proves time and time again that it is one of the most versatile Hellebores available and a great garden plant.  Typically displaying the longest flowering season of any Hellebore with flowers reliably produced from late autumn to late spring.  The smell, from which it gets its common name is reminiscent of the foliage of Elder (Sambucus) trees, but was once, most favourably described to me as smelling of ‘Green’.  Of course, that is to say, that the smell isn’t really very strong, pungent or even particularly unpleasant.  

I am a huge fan of green flowered plants; so confident of their beauty that they don’t feel the need to stand out against their foliage!  Most people when selecting plants for their garden ignore the value of green as a colour taking it for granted as the common background hue that binds the various horticultural delights of the planted space together.  Green flowers are cool – in the colour sense as well as in their desirability and charismatic charm.  Unlike H. x hybridus types, H. foetidus flowers are produced on top of the foliage, so it is not a good idea to prune these before flowering.  You can prune them after seed has been set in order to encourage them to produce more stems, though this is not essential.

There are a number of named forms available with recent developments coming in  the form of yellow foliage varieties.       The selected form we sell at Coblands is called H. foetidus ‘Yellow Wilgenbroek’ (Pictured), which has proven itself to be a good grower and a beautiful plant.

By far the greatest strength of H. foetidus is its ability to grow nearly anywhere.  At     its best providing a green carpet under the shade of trees and large shrubs, though   it also grows well in full sun.  Though it can take wetter soils than other Hellebores,     it does prefer decent drainage.

TOP TIP – let this plant seed!  Though seedlings will be slightly variable, they are generally quite similar to parents and a good swathe of them is a terrific sight to behold.

Helleborus niger

The Christmas Rose – Perhaps another misnomer as I’m yet to see it flowering in gardens at Christmas, typically getting started in late January and flowering through until early March.  Pure white flowers are held on short stems that range in colour between a rich red and a creamy green.  This is another plant that benefits the viewer by having its foliage removed, though this is less important than it is on H. x hybridus as the foliage is less dense. 

A classic winter garden plant and understandably common fodder for Christmas cards, this is a great symbol of purity and an elegant, refined, yet cheery and optimistic beauty that has long delighted UK gardeners.

In recent times, a few named varieties have added to the species and one of particular note is H. niger ‘Double Fashion’ (Pictured).  I’m not generally a big fan of double flowered plants, but try to take everything on its individual merits and this has proven to be a plant that I really rate.  A fairly regular double that is not overly blousy, still embodying the qualities that I mentioned previously, only adding the addition of a bit more in the way of ‘white’ to each flower.

A desirable clone and one that is not widely available, but well worth growing lacking nothing in vigour or floriferous and like all H. niger types relatively uncomplicated in its approach to life.  It will grow in a wide variety of soils and sites, preferring ‘woodsy’ soils rich in well-rotted organic matter in a slightly shady spot where it will stand out like a beacon when flowering.

TOP TIP – plant with Pulmonaria varieties for a foliage and flower contrast.

We have a great range of Hellebores for sale and we're always adding to the range.  Click here to see and buy

Happy gardening,