Astilbe chinensis

Astilbe chinensis (18/07/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Family: Saxifragaceae

Astilbe chinensis is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its dark green basal leaves are ternately compound and up to 25cm long. Its leaflets are elliptic to ovate with serrate margins, up to 8cm long and 4cm broad. Its lilac/ pink flowers appear as slender terminal panicles, up to 37cm long and 4cm across. Its roots have fleshy rhizomes which aids its spread.

Astilbe chinensis Flower (18/07/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Astilbe chinensis, commonly known as False Goat’s Beard, is native to north east China and Mongolia. In its native habitat it grows in open broad leaf forests, riversides and meadows.

The etymological root of the binomial name Astilbe is derived from the Greek a meaning ‘without’ and stilbw meaning ‘glitter’. Chinensis is derived form the Latin meaning ‘from China’.

The landscape architect may find Astilbe chinensis useful as a large flowering perennial suitable for damp to wet locations. It is suitable for use within ‘rain gardens’ and bog gardens.

Astilbe chinensis Leaf (18/07/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Astilbe chinensis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies.

Astilbe chinensis prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained to wet soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.

Astilbe chinensis requires little maintenance. Faded flower stalks may be removed after flowering to keep a tidy appearance. Large clumps may be divided in late winter or early spring.



Landscape Architecture

Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’

Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 5cm

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Family: Myrsinaceae

Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ is a fast growing evergreen herbaceous perennial with a prostrate spreading habit. Its golden/ lime green leaves are ovate with entire margins, up to 15mm long and 10mm broad. Its yellow flowers are cup shaped and u to 2cm across. Its leaf nodes will root where they touch the soil.

The species Lysimachia nummularia , commonly known as Creeping Jenny, Moneywort or Herb Twopence, is native to most of Europe, including the UK. In its native habitat it grows in pastures and river banks. Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ is commonly known as Golden Creeping Jenny. This plant may be invasive given the right conditions.

The etymological root of the binomial name Lysimachia is derived from the Greek lusimaxos meaning ‘ending strife’ and is named after the Thracian king Lysimachus. Nummularia is from the Latin meaning ‘the changing of foreign currency’. Aurea is from the Latin meaning ‘golden’.

The landscape architect may find Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ useful as an effective ground cover plant suitable for damp soils including pond margins and rain gardens. Care should e taken when specifying this plant as it may spread aggressively given the right conditions.

Ecologically, Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ Leaf (17/08/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. This plant will tolerate wet soils and dislikes dry soils.

Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ requires little maintenance. Excess growth my be removed as necessary.

Equisetum hyemale

Equisetum hyemale (28/07/2014, Conservatoire botanique national de Brest, France)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: N/A

Soil: Consistently moist

Eventual Height: 90cm

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Equisetaceae

Equisetum hyemale is an evergreen/ deciduous (depending on minimum temperature) herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its very small very dark green leaves are joined together around the stem at each joint. Its reed like stems are dark green, circular in cross section, hollow and up to 8mm across. Equisetum hyemale produces spores and does not produce flowers or seeds. Its roots may achieve a depth of up to 1m and produce runners which enables its spread.

Equisetum hyemale Stem (28/07/2014, Conservatoire botanique national de Brest, France)

Equisetum hyemale, commonly known as Rough Horsetail, Scouring Rush, Scouring Rush Horestail and Snake Grass, is native to North America, Europe (including the UK) and northern Asia. In its native habitat it grows in wetlands, river banks moist forests and woodland openings.

The etymological root of the binomial name Equisetum is from the Latin equus meaning ‘horse’ and seta meaning ‘bristle’. Hyemale is derived from the Latin meaning ‘pertaining to winter’.

The landscape architect may find Equisetum hyemale useful as a native plant suitable for planting at the edge of water bodies. It may also be used as a rain garden plant. Care should be taken when using this plant due to its invasive nature. Root barriers or containers may be used to prevent its uncontrolled spread.

Ecologically, Equisetum hyemale may provide cover for some birds and mammals.

Equisetum hyemale Spore Bud (28/07/2014, Conservatoire botanique national de Brest, France)

Equisetum hyemale prefers consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, sandy/ gravely soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils. It will tolerate seasonal flooding. It will tolerate a planting in water to a depth of 10cm.

Equisetum hyemale requires little maintenance. It may be necessary on a periodic basis to remove the excessive spread of this plant.