Four completely unrelated plants, though all catching my eye yesterday and each of considerable merit. Clematis alpina Diamond Anniversary, with creamy white tepals backed with a gentle webbed shading of pale purple. Early flowering, growing to 2m.
A mediterranean spurge, Euphorbia Black Pearl, a compact form of Euphorbia characias, with black nectaries giving the plant its perfectly descriptive name.
Another image of the alpine viola, Molly Sanderson, with the deepest liquorish-purple flowers and contrasting eye. A diminutive plant demanding close attention.
Finally, the plant formerly known as Dicentra, Lamprocapnos Gold Heart, with zingy fresh gold/green leaves which really work against the arching spray of flowers. In dappled shade, a lovely alternative to the green leaf species.
So many new plants coming into Syon, especially perennial/herbaceous. Of particular beauty, Geraneum pratense ‘Splish Splash’ with randomly bi-colour flowers in white and blue/lavender and another brilliantly gold-leafed cultivar, this time of the orange flowered Geum, called Eon.
And the West Country lupins have arrived, promising sturdy, inches-thick flower stalks and a dazzling mix of colours. Masterpiece, Persian Slipper, Beefeater.. Along with one of my favourite David Austin roses, the deep plum-red Munstead Wood, Masterpiece was featured in the floral displays on the Royal Barge in the Jubilee celebrations last summer. For a full catalogue of these superb plants, look out http://www.westcountrylupins.co.uk
Leaving off now, heading into central London to see the RSC production of Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’, later this evening. Music and lyrics by the multi-talented Tim Minchin.
Nothing at all horticultural you understand – all work and no play…
The Teddington Gardener 