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

Salvia patens ‘Cambridge Blue’

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer to early autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 60cm

Eventual Spread: 45cm

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

Family: Lamiaceae

Salvia patens ‘Cambridge Blue’, commonly known as Gentian Sage, is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. The species, Salvia patens , is native to central Mexico. In its native habitat it grows in grasslands and south facing hedges and woodland edges. Its blue flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Salvia patens ‘Cambridge Blue’ may be used as part of a mixed herbaceous planting scheme or prairie type planting schemes located sunny locations. Spent flower spikes may be removed to prolong the flowering period. To keep a tidy appearance, old stems may be removed to near ground level in spring before the new growth starts.

Salvia patens ‘Cambridge Blue’ (08/09/12, Kew gardens, London)

Salvia patens ‘Cambridge Blue’ Flower (08/09/12, Kew gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture

Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’

Position: Partial shade to full shade

Flowering period: Late winter to Spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 30cm

Eventual Spread: 60cm

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

Family: Boraginaceae

Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’, commonly known as Lungwort, Bethlehem Sage or Jerusalem Sage, is a semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. The species, Pulmonaria saccharata, is native to France and Italy. In its native habitat it grows in woodlands and woodland edges. Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ has dark green leaves with silver blotches and their upper surface is hairy. Its pale purple to deep pink flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees. Its roots are rhizomes which aid its spread. Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ may be used as an effective ground cover perennial suitable for woodland or understory planting. It requires little maintenance and large clumps may be lifted and divided in autumn.

Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ (08/08/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ Leaf (08/08/12, Kew Gardens, London)

Landscape Architecture