Helichrysum selago ‘Major’

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer to autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 30cm

Eventual Spread: 30cm

Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Asteraceae

Helichrysum selago ‘Major’ is an evergreen low growing shrub with a domed habit. The species, Helichrysum selago, is native to New Zealand’s south island. In its native habitat it grows on coastal cliffs. Its mid green/ grey leaves are scale like and lay flat around its stems. Its small cream/ yellow flowers appear as clusters at the tips of its stems. Helichrysum selago ‘Major’ may be used as part of a rock garden planting mix. Once established this plant is drought tolerant and should not be allowed to become waterlogged.

Helichrysum selago ‘Major’ (18/11/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Helichrysum selago ‘Major’ Detail (18/11/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture

Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer to early autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1.2m

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 9b, 10a, 10b, 11, 12, 13

Family: Asteraceae

Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’, commonly known as Mexican Sunflower or Red Sunflower, is an evergreen perennial with a upright habit. The species, Tithonia rotundifolia, is native to Central America, regions adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. In its native habitat it grows within scrubby vegetation. Its orange flowers are up to 9cm across and attractive to pollinating insects, including bees. Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ may be grown as an annual in cooler climates once the frost has passed, in a mixed border in a sunny location. Due to its height, this plant may require support as it matures. Removing old flowers will prolong the flowering season of this plant. Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ is drought tolerant once established.

Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ (08/09/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’ Flower (08/09/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture

Solidago ‘Ledsham’

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Mid to late summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 75m

Eventual Spread: 50m

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Asteraceae

Solidago ‘Ledsham’, commonly known as Goldenrod ‘Ledsham’ or Lemon Goldenrod, is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a bushy habit. Solidago ‘Ledsham’ is a cultivar of unknown origin. Its small pale yellow flowers appear en mass and are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees. Solidago ‘Ledsham’ may be used as part of a mixed herbaceous border, in sunny locations. Pruning should be carried out after flowering, in late autumn or winter. Plants may be lifted and divided every couple of years to help maintain their vigour.

Solidago ‘Ledsham’ (28/07/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Solidago ‘Ledsham’ Flower (28/07/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture