Postage : Seeds only $4 / Plants $20
A vigorous and reliable species for the garden, producing large clumps of blue green, sword-like foliage and bearing tall spikes of pale red and yellow, trumpet shaped flowers in summer and often again in autumn. Dies down in winter to return ever more vigorously the following year.
Found throughout the summer rainfall regions of southern and tropical Africa and very easy in the garden with regular watering in all but the heaviest of soils and making a lovely companion for Daylilies, Montbretias and Lily of the nile.
Excellent for cutting as a Gladdy is expected to be.
A charming small perennial Sage, found amongst limestone in Cedar forest, in Texas, Arizona and into Mexico. The shrubby mounds of softy haired, toothed, heart shaped, grey-green leaves, bear short, rigid stalks of bright red, hooded, two lipped, tubular flowers, endlessly throughout the warmer months. Generally dies down to a tuft of basal leaves over winter.
Trim of the spent flower stalks to promote flowering and cut down to the point of new growth once flowering has finished in winter.
Relatively short lived, 3-4 years, but should readily self seed in well drained soil.
Great for naturalizing in light shade under trees where it will perform well once established, even with considerable dryness over summer.
A small Leguminous (Nitrogen fixing) groundcover, widespread from Iceland to Northern Africa. This scarlet form profusely bears its clusters of pea-like flowers over a flat, dense mat of dull green, pinnate leaves that is supported by a deep central tap root.
Charming amongst rocks, tucked into paving cracks or as a companion for diminutive bulbs, Crocus, Sternbergia etc.
Apart from being demanding of excellent drainage it is otherwise easily grown in any soil, although it is most at home in those that are poor and calcareous (alkaline), and is tolerant of lengthy dry periods once established.
Relatively short lived, 3-4 years, but a few volunteer seedlings can be expected as replacements.
A soft, grey, sub-shrub from the South West United States, where, as here, it is exceptional for flowering during the heat and drought of summer and autumn. When tubular, scarlet flowers adorn the plant profusely and are much loved by hummingbirds, or honey-eaters in our case.
Good drainage is preferred, though heavy soils may be tolerated briefly. An occasional drink over summer will encourage flowering but is not necessary, too much and you will permanently prevent flowering and life. Probably a strictly west cost plant, it may be worth trying in the eastern states with impeccable drainage, full exposure and no irrigation, though I suspect success would be only temporary.
Cut back to ground level during winter when new growth is seen at the base otherwise it tends to become untidy by flowering time.
Given bare soil seedlings can appear and transplant readily. Seedlings may differ from their parents with leaves that can be silver to sage green and with flowers varying in their depth of colour. These variations can be seen in the nursery and all are lovely, in time separate clones may be selected based on arbitrary and distinct qualities.
A tuberous rooted, winter dormant perennial. Sturdy rod-like stems emerge in mid-spring to be sparsely clothed with large, deeply lobed, maple-like leaves and carry branches of giant, 18cm, widely open, 5 petalled, scarlet flowers.
Can be grown in shallow water, 5cm deep, as an unusual and spectacular pond plant, or in any sunny position that stays constantly moist.
Cut to the ground in winter or leave the corky stems and accompanying seed pods as a seasonal sculpture.
An exotic looking, yet remarkably easy to grow plant, that those who like giant perennials, can never get enough of.
A lovely Unique forming low dense mounds of hairy, deeply dissected, fresh green foliage bejewelled with clusters of medium sized, scarlet flowers from mid winter onwards. An attractive countenance coupled with its enthusiasm for poor sandy soil and dry summers make this an enduring garden staple.
A small to medium, dense, evergreen shrub. Small, dark green leaves are produced in pairs on square, red and white striped stems. In winter, and to a lesser extent throughout the year, masses of bright scarlet, tubular hooded flowers are produced, which nectar feeding birds adore. Prune as desired after flowering in spring.