A spectacular and diverse genus of South African plants, grown widely for their flowers and evergreen foliage. Otherwise known as ‘Red Hot Pokers’, kniphofias are available in a variety of colours from white to lime-green, yellow, orange and deep red. They are all easily cultivated in full sun on most soil types, and have recently risen in popularity for their drought hardiness. Companion plants could include agaves, yuccas, eryngiums, carex and miscanthus.

Miscanthus are used widely for their tall grassy foliage, which is popular both in perennial border plantings and formal designs. Most are virtually evergreen, however we find cutting back to ground level beneficial every few years .

Paeonies have long been treasured by florists for their sumptous colour and lasting qualities. The smaller herbaceous mediterranean species are very beautiful and ideally suit our dry summer climate. Generally speaking the herbaceous varieties prefer to be moist and cool in winter,then gradually dry off over Summer after flowering. Most like neutral to alkaline soils and medium drainage with some deeper clay underfoot to prevent completely drying out.

Oriental poppies are extremely rewarding and showy, flowering prolifically in early summer with impressive cupped blooms in a range of pinks, oranges, whites and reds. In cooler districts, established clumps will continue to flower well into winter if cut back hard after flowering in summer. We find these poppies easy to grow on both loam and clay soils, responding well to mulch and composted horse manure. Avoid acidic soil below pH 6.

An ornamental group of herbaceous and woody perennials from North America with colourful flowers; often red, blue or purple. Generally speaking, Penstemons are tough plants and will withstand dry summers, however prefer drained soil particularly in wet winter areas.

A long cultivated genus of mostly alpines, that requires some care and knowledge to grow sucessfully. Basically, many of the alpine species grow wild on limestone, so don’t last long in potting mix or acid soils. To overcome this add dolomite and potash to your soil or potting mix and dont overwater.