New assortment

This natural dolomitic product is made by granulating magnesium-rich dust and milling limestone, resulting in uniform granules with high reactivity. It contains a minimum of 42.5 % calcium carbonate and 29 % magnesium carbonate, two essential minerals that work together in the soil: calcium strengthens cell walls and supports proper leaf and fruit formation, while magnesium � the central atom of chlorophyll � boosts photosynthesis and directly contributes to sweeter, better‑flavoured fruits.

With a moisture content of only 3.5 % (� 2 %), the product reacts quickly and breaks down within roughly two months, making it particularly suitable for autumn application. Magnesium also helps maintain a crumbly, well‑aerated soil structure, prevents surface sealing during heavy rain, improves water infiltration and acts as a natural soil detoxifier.

Suitable for:

• lettuce, strawberries, apples, cherries, melons and other sweet‑fruited crops
• increasing fruit sweetness thanks to high magnesium content
• strengthening plant tissues and preventing calcium‑related disorders
• improving soil structure and resistance to compaction
• fast intervention and preventive care due to high reactivity

Not suitable for:

• acid‑loving plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons and azaleas
• situations requiring an immediate, strong pH increase using alkaline lime products

Application rates per 100 m²:

• 3�4 kg for slightly acidic soils
• 4�5 kg for moderately acidic soils
• 5�6 kg for strongly acidic soils

Example:  
Approximately 90 tomato plants can be treated with 1.5 kg of the product.

Correct levels of available calcium and magnesium improve photosynthesis efficiency, support proper leaf and fruit shape, increase resistance to fungal diseases and significantly enhance yield across plant types and cultivars.

This natural calcium product is made from genuine chalk and offers a reactivity of at least 95 %, ensuring rapid action after application. With a moisture content of only 4�8 % and a granule size of 3�6 mm, it spreads evenly and works efficiently in both garden beds and larger plantings. The bulk density of 1.25 kg/dm³ (�5 %) corresponds to high‑quality chalk‑based soil conditioners.

It decomposes within roughly two months, making it ideal for spring and autumn use. By increasing the level of available calcium, it supports proper leaf and fruit formation, strengthens plant tissues, improves photosynthesis efficiency and enhances resistance to fungal diseases. It is suitable for vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and brassicas, as well as for fruit trees including cherries and apples, and for strawberries.

Suitable for:

• raising the level of plant‑available calcium
• stabilising soil pH in acidic soils
• strengthening plant tissues and preventing physiological disorders
• rapid intervention thanks to high reactivity

Not suitable for:

• acid‑loving plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons and azaleas
• situations requiring an immediate, strong increase in pH using alkaline lime products

Application rates per 100 m²:

• 3�4 kg for slightly acidic soils
• 4�5 kg for moderately acidic soils
• 5�6 kg for strongly acidic soils

Practical example:  
Approximately 90 tomato plants can be treated with 1.5 kg of the product.

Correct calcium levels improve photosynthesis, support proper leaf and fruit shape, increase resistance to fungal diseases and ultimately enhance yield across plant types and cultivars.

Introduced in 2026, the coneflower MOOODZ� FLIRTY leaves me wondering which of its qualities stands out the most � its colour or its fragrance, because both are remarkably strong. Let us begin with the colour: the deep ruby‑red blooms look as if they were cut from royal velvet, inspiring a sense of almost reverent admiration. They are single, 6�8 cm across, and carry an intensely strong, sweet honey scent. Unlike most other coneflowers, which stop releasing fragrance after mid‑afternoon, MOOODZ� FLIRTY continues to perfume the air well into the early evening, offering its heady aroma even when you come home tired from work and long for a moment in another dimension. It reaches 40�50 cm in height, flowers from early summer, and attracts bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbird hawk‑moths. Thanks to its unusual colouring it feels both exotic and modern, making it an excellent choice for stylish containers of hyper‑modern, minimalist design. Yet it performs just as well in a mixed perennial border, placed among plants whose colours will complement it. The leaves are deciduous, broadly lanceolate, dark green and arranged upwards along the stems.

Echinacea MOOODZ� is a modern series from the Dutch company HilverdaFlorist and breeder Diony de Bont, created for rapid flowering, compact growth, and a long, colourful blooming season. These plants stand out for their abundant branching, strong stems, large flower heads (8�10 cm), and an attractive palette ranging from white, yellow, pink, and purple to unusual green tones. The series was developed to produce plants that bloom without the need for vernalization, ready for sale and planting much earlier than other cultivars, ensuring fully flowering plants at the very start of the summer season.

Last update 26-07-2026

You know that moment when you are quietly getting on with something and someone suddenly calls out with urgency in their voice, �come here, hurry, you have to see this�? And not everything they want to show you truly deserves the rush. But this time it does � have a look at this beauty. BOLERO PINK coneflower genuinely earns the excitement and will take your breath away. If you are fond of coneflowers, you will certainly know the 2018 megahit SUNSEEKERS SALMON, the first semi‑double coneflower with blooms reminiscent of gerberas. Introduced in 2025, the BOLERO series is even fuller, with slightly narrower and gently cupped petals that give the flower a sculpted look � almost like a small dahlia. The blooms measure 7�9 cm across and carry a soft, sweet fragrance reminiscent of roses. The cultivar BOLERO PINK bears rich pink flowers that are almost white towards the centre when freshly opened, making the whole bloom shine like a neon light. Flowering begins in July and continues into September. The leaves are firm, slightly downy, mid‑green and matte.

Last update 26-07-2026

Watzmann is another attractive selection of the alpine star (edelweiss), valued for its remarkably faithful resemblance to the true wild species. Its flowers are slightly smaller than those of the well‑known cultivars �Matterhorn� and �Mont Blanc�, giving it a more natural, less �garden‑bred� appearance. It forms low, firm cushions about 15 to 20 cm tall, which in summer become covered with white, densely felted bracts and small flower heads measuring roughly 3 to 5 cm across. The leaves are narrow, silvery white to grey‑green, strongly hairy and provide a gentle contrast to the brighter star‑shaped blooms. According to long‑term observations by growers, it flowers for a shorter period than �Matterhorn� and �Mont Blanc�, yet definitely longer and more generously than the botanical species. It is also more stable in garden soil and copes better with summer moisture. The name refers to the Watzmann massif in the Berchtesgaden Alps, whose sharp triple summit has become a symbol of the rugged but beautiful alpine landscape.

Thanks to its compact habit it is ideal for rock gardens, alpine plantings or as a symbolic feature in high‑mountain themed borders. Its silvery surface gives it a subtle, almost magical quality that stands out especially in full sun. When the light catches it, the fine hairs create a soft, velvety sheen that feels like a piece of natural sculpture. It combines beautifully with Gentiana acaulis, Dryas octopetala or Saxifraga paniculata, which share similar requirements and add contrasting colour. The name of the cultivar gains an extra layer of meaning here � just as the Watzmann massif represents a pure, rugged alpine aesthetic, this edelweiss brings exactly that gentle yet striking mountain atmosphere into temperate gardens, the kind one remembers from high‑altitude hikes.

Last update 16-07-2026

Dark Chocolate is a Baptisia variety from the Decadence� series bred by the American perennial guru Hans Hansen. It is an improved version of the earlier cultivar Dutch Chocolate and offers exceptionally dark inflorescences around 30-35 cm long, composed of pea‑like flowers that open from deeply purplish‑brown buds as rich as the moment you break a bar of good dark chocolate � with a little imagination, of course. Once open, the colour lightens only slightly into a deep brownish‑purple tone, given contrast and a touch of playfulness by a hint of yellow along the lower part of the raceme. Because the flowers sit close together, they create the impression of a single, dark chocolate‑coloured candle. Dark Chocolate flowers in June and the blooms last for a long time, often up to three weeks. After flowering it produces conspicuous pods whose ripe seeds rattle like a child�s toy, giving rise to its American folk name rattleweed. The plant forms a firm, almost shrub‑like habit around 1.2 to 1.4 metres tall and slightly less wide, creating a compact and perfectly balanced clump. The leaves have the classic Baptisia shape of an oversized clover: trifoliate, broadly elliptic to obovate, with a matte, bluish‑green surface. The cultivar is protected by US patent PP30959 from 2019.

Chocolate is a concept in itself. Its intoxicating flavour and effects were first experienced by Europeans, more precisely by Columbus�s men, when they tasted the bitter, frothy cacao drink during their voyages along the coasts of present‑day Honduras and Nicaragua at the very end of the fifteenth century. But it was not until the Dutch, specifically Coenraad Johannes van Houten in 1828 who invented a special press that removed most of the cocoa butter from the cacao mass and allowed its  alkalization. This created so‑called Dutch cocoa, dark, smooth and in the form of an easily dissolvable powder far better suited as a raw material for countless delicacies. Cocoa became not only a valuable commodity but also an icon of flavour and colour. It is no wonder that the name of its most famous product, chocolate, still appears in many marketing names � including the name of this Baptisia. Most likely to make you just a little more tempted to get the product bearing its name 😊.

Last update 12-07-2026

Pink Truffles baptisia is a member of the Decadence� series bred by the American hybridiser Hans Hansen. It offers surprisingly long inflorescences, twenty‑five to thirty‑five centimetres in length, composed of pea‑like flowers that open from lilac‑pink buds as vivid as over‑applied rouge and then unfold into a soft powdery pink reminiscent of a young girl�s cheeks. A light yellow‑green flush on the lower part brings a touch of life to its dreamy appearance. Because the flowers sit close together, they create the impression of a single pastel pink candle. Pink Truffles flowers in May and early June, slightly earlier than B. australis, and the flowers last for a long time, often up to three weeks. After flowering it produces conspicuous pods whose ripe seeds rattle like a child�s toy, giving rise to its American folk name rattleweed. The plant forms a firm, almost shrub‑like habit around 1.1 to 1.3 metres tall and slightly less wide, creating a compact and well‑balanced clump. The leaves have the classic Baptisia shape of an oversized clover: trifoliate, broadly elliptic to obovate, with a matte, bluish‑green surface that in morning light resembles a thin film of dust on old glass. Compared with the species it is more compact, more delicately coloured and has stronger stems that do not collapse even after heavy rain. The cultivar is protected by US patent PP26588 from 2016.

�Pink Truffles� baptisia has a slightly mysterious presence in the garden. Although its buds offer a saturated colour before flowering, the open blooms are gentle and invite two distinct planting styles. You can choose a tone‑on‑tone combination with perennials in similar lilac and pink shades that flower at the same time, such as meadow clary, pink forms of woodland sage, later forms of steppe sage, cranesbills, scabious, knautia, fleabane, early asters or even red valerian. Or you can try a more enigmatic planting with attractively shaped perennials and shrubs that flower sparsely or unobtrusively; when the pink spires of this Baptisia suddenly rise among them, the effect is a quiet surprise rather than a shout. For such a composition you might include large‑leaved hostas in green and bluish tones that tolerate sun, pale pink or even green‑flowered forms of taller coneflowers, low evergreen Hebe or Daphne in the foreground, Mexican mock orange with palmately divided leaves beside or behind, and certainly some taller sun‑tolerant ferns such as ostrich fern or male fern.

Last update 12-07-2026

Even in the vast sea of lavender cultivars, where new introductions with glossy patents dominate the market, there are still old treasures you might never have heard of simply because modern varieties overshadow them. One of them is Dwarf Blue, documented as early as 1911, still available today and still preferred by gardeners and landscape designers who value character over marketing. 

Its name is simple and to the point � Dwarf Blue. And it is almost true. Almost, because this lavender can reach between 40 and 50 centimetres in height and slightly more in width, which makes it only relatively dwarf compared with some of the newer compact forms. Yet it remains a superb plant. Although compact, it is less uniform and a little more relaxed, which suits its light lavender‑violet flowers rather than the dark puple-blue tones of many modern cultivars. It starts blooming noticeably later than most other lavenders, often not until the first decade or even the middle of July and stays attractive for around six weeks. Then it sporadically produces a few flowers by late summer. The flower spikes measure 5 to 7 centimetres and their stems are slightly splayed, giving the plant an airy look without flopping. The evergreen leaves are narrow, grey‑green, with a distinct silvery pubescence, and carry the typical sweet fragrance of true lavender. 

Dwarf Blue is reliably hardy to at least �27 �C (USDA zone 5), and older cultivation records mention short periods of survival down to �30 �C. The origin of the cultivar and the name of its breeder are not preserved in any available authoritative source, placing Dwarf Blue among the historical selected forms of English lavender that have endured thanks to reliability and charm rather than promotion.

Last update 10-07-2026

Alba is one of the oldest white forms of blazing star, appearing in European gardens since the early twentieth century. Unlike modern cultivars, it did not arise through targeted breeding but as a natural botanical variant that gardeners simply selected from prairie populations. White forms occur only rarely in the wild, which is why �Alba� was long regarded as a small rarity � elegant, yet not always entirely stable. The plant typically reaches 80�100 cm, the same height as the botanical species, but its habit is somewhat looser and less disciplined than that of modern white cultivars. The inflorescences form long, slender spikes composed of small white heads that open from the top downwards. The flower colour is pure white, often with a gentle creamy or slightly greenish undertone that shifts with light and the age of the bloom. The leaves are light to mid‑green, narrow and grass‑like, forming a firm basal tuft, but the overall appearance of the plant is slightly �softer� than that of newer selections. Flowering is reliable, beginning in July and continuing into September, though individual spikes may be somewhat shorter and less dense than those of modern cultivars. Compared with �Floristan White�, it is a touch taller, with thinner stems and paler foliage.

�Alba� is valued above all for its naturalness, simplicity and botanical character. In prairie plantings it appears gentler than modern white cultivars, yet precisely because of this it can create a natural, lightly wild effect. It is ideal for gardens that wish to preserve the botanical look of the species while still desiring white flowers. In a perennial border it pairs beautifully with delphiniums, tall salvias, Argentine vervain and even Cephalaria gigantea.

Last revision 15‑06‑2008; 06‑07‑2026.

The blue globe thistle wins over anyone who delights in true blue tones and plants with an unusual, sculptural charm. Its perfectly spherical flower heads resemble tiny metallic hedgehogs floating above firm stems lined with striking foliage. The plant forms a compact, naturally symmetrical habit, usually around one metre tall, with leaves deeply cut into sharp lobes. Their upper surface is dark green, while the underside shows a pronounced silvery sheen. Each flower head is made up of dozens of tiny florets, whose blue colouring is one of the most reliable traits of the species � it is this pure, cool blue that distinguishes ritro from the more massive E. sphaerocephalus, whose heads tend to be paler and whose overall growth is more robust. 

The intensely blue, spiky spheres that appear first are in fact unopened buds: come a little closer and you will see how the tubular florets open one by one, as if pushed out from each spine of our little hedgehog, unfolding into pale lavender stars with five narrow petals. From their centre protrude conspicuous, almost anthracite-grey anthers at the tips of the stamens, giving the flower head its characteristic star-like appearance. Compared with its relative E. bannaticus, ritro is lower, more compact, and less prone to splaying. The name ritro comes from a Latinised term used in medieval herbals for plants with spherical flower heads, reflecting a long history during which the species earned a reputation as a resilient, undemanding companion of dry steppes and human settlements.

Although native to steppe habitats, the blue globe thistle thrives surprisingly well in an ordinary garden border, provided the soil is not permanently wet or heavy. It loves sun and lighter soils, yet grows reliably even in standard garden loam if given a little space. It combines beautifully with yellow coreopsis, silver‑leaved helichrysum or santolina, with rudbeckias, gypsophila, and makes an excellent underplanting with thymes or low sedums. Let its structure stand out � the plant is at its best when the leaves and the whole shape are visible, not only the blue spheres at the top. In crowded English‑style borders it often disappears among other perennials, where each stem competes for light and one perceives mainly a mixture of flower heads rather than the whole plant. In simpler, airier plantings it shows its beauty fully: firm stems, clear blue colour, attractive foliage and that particular dry‑loving elegance which feels natural and unforced.

Last revised 05‑07‑2026

Almost every series of flowering plants includes a white version, and the same is true here, within the BUTTERFLY CANDY� butterfly bush series, where it carries the simple name LITTLE WHITE. This dwarf buddleja forms dense, well‑branched shrubs with smaller, broadly pyramidal flower clusters of white blooms which, thanks to their pale orange tone in the throat as well on the outer side of the flower tube, do not appear cold or snow‑white but instead offer a pleasantly sandy, beige undertone. The flowers are pleasantly scented, though not strongly. Individual blooms remain open for around five days, while the whole inflorescence continues flowering for up to two weeks. Meanwhile, further buds are formed, allowing the shrub to flower from late June until the first cold days of autumn. The habit is exemplary: compact, upright, and able to hold its shape even in the height of summer. Plants reach around 60�80 cm in height and width without losing density or structural firmness. Strong, four‑angled shoots create a solid framework that does not collapse even after heavy rain.

The deciduous leaves are narrow and elliptic, approximately 9 � 3 cm, light to mid‑green, matte, finely pubescent, with a slightly serrated margin. To the touch they feel drought‑adapted, which reflects their function � helping the plant cope with heat and dry conditions. �Little White� appears to be sterile and does not produce seed, which reduces invasive potential and at the same time supports prolonged flowering. In the United States it is sold under the trade name BUTTERFLY CANDY� Li�l Coconut�, in line with the other cultivars in the series, all of which carry fruit‑themed names. The cultivar is protected in Europe under PBR number 67040 (2024).

The entire BUTTERFLY CANDY� series captivated me back in 2019, when its creator, Johannes Adrianus Maria Koot of the Dutch company Botanic Experience (part of Van Son & Koot), presented the very first introduction, �Little Purple�, at the Plantarium trade fair. Cameras clicked, visitors leaned in with curiosity and gardeners placed eager orders. It was immediately clear that this was not just another �pleasant novelty�, but a collection shaped by thoughtful breeding work and a clear aim: to create �truly urban buddlejas� � low, dense, stable and suitable even for small containers. Koot worked with selected dwarf lines of Buddleja davidii and hybrid material with reduced seed production, selecting under demanding conditions to ensure the plants would withstand heat and drought. The result is a group of compact shrubs with short shoots that hold their shape and flower from June to autumn in a wide palette of colours from white to deep ruby. The series has received numerous awards � Bronze Medal at Plantarium 2021, Silver Medal at Plantarium 2022, the New Plant award at IPM Essen 2023 and recognition in the RHS New Plants Showcase. The latter was particularly significant for Van Son & Koot: BUTTERFLY CANDY� is one of the first major successes of their own hybrid breeding programme, and recognition from IPM and the RHS confirmed that this is not merely another attractive cultivar but a genuine innovation that has stood up to international competition and opened the door for their breeding work on the global stage.

Last update 05-07-2026

Amethyst Summer is a remarkable cultivar of clasping knotweed, selected by the Belgian plantsman Chris Ghyselen, who traditionally releases his selections through the Dutch nursery De Hessenhof. The cultivar stands out for its unusually intense flower colour: instead of the usual pink or red typical of clasping knotweed, it bears spikes in shades of raspberry�amethyst with a violet undertone, recalling in late summer the vivid cyclamen‑purple of Geranium psilostemon. The plant forms firm, medium‑tall clumps that appear stately but never heavy; the leaves are large, soft and dark green, with the uppermost ones always showing a reddish‑purple flush that adds an appealing contrast and invites imaginative combinations. The inflorescences are narrow, about 10�12 cm long, densely packed with small flowers that open gradually from the base upwards, so the plant flowers continuously from July to October. Compared with the botanical species, Amethyst Summer is more intensely coloured, more compact and visually softer.

Chris Ghyselen has long focused on selecting perennials for naturalistic plantings, especially species with fine structure and a long season, such as knotweeds, geraniums, burnets and grasses, which introduce attractive movement into the garden. Amethyst Summer thrives precisely in this context: its exceptional raspberry to cyclamen‑crimson colour creates slender late‑summer beacons that combine beautifully with perennials in shades of pink, purple or warm red. It works superbly with Geranium psilostemon, and pairs equally well with burnets (Sanguisorba officinalis and S. �Tanna�), whose delicate flowerheads lend lightness to the planting. Among grasses, lower cultivars of Molinia caerulea are ideal, forming a translucent veil that allows the knotweed�s inflorescences to stand out. In partial shade, combinations with geraniums (Geranium �Rozanne�, G. �Patricia�) and with the fine late‑summer asters (Aster divaricatus, A. ageratoides) are particularly effective, extending the season into October. For a more exuberant display, rudbeckias or goldenrods can be added. Thanks to its compact habit and the absence of creeping rhizomes that make some knotweeds weedy, Amethyst Summer is suitable even for smaller gardens, where it can provide a striking colour accent.

Last update 02-07-2026

Which colour shines in a garden like a beacon? Red, of course. It is no coincidence that it was chosen as a signal colour to attract attention of every kind. And here it calls for attention outright. Colrain Red monarda carries flowers in such a rich and glowing shade of warm red that it appears like a small burst of flame in a border. It is not purple, nor raspberry, but truly red. The plant maintains a firm, upright habit without the typical midsummer �collapse� often seen in monardas. The leaves are dark green, slightly glossy, with a pronounced citrus�spicy scent that appears even with a light touch; the flower whorls are full and dense and form along the entire stem, so the plant blooms in a continuous wave and looks far fuller than ordinary garden forms. Compared with the species, �Colrain Red� is taller, more compact and has a cleaner, more even shade of red without an orange undertone, which is why it works so well in compositions with dark foliage or blue�purple perennials. The foliage shows excellent resistance to summer powdery mildew. Some growers claim it sheds its lower leaves early, but this is common in taller cultivars and can be prevented with proper feeding.

�Colrain Red� has an origin passed on only among devoted gardeners: according to local accounts it was discovered in an old cemetery in Colrain, Massachusetts, by Wayne Winterrowd and Joe Eck, the legendary plantsmen of North Hill Garden in Vermont, renowned for finding exceptional plants in forgotten plantings and giving them new life. From them it reached Elsa Bakalar, the British�American gardener from nearby Heath, who not only grew plants but also named them after the places where they were found, so the name �Colrain� is likely her quiet signature. When this modest local selection, without a patent and without any marketing push, reached the Chicago Botanic Garden, it underwent their multi-year Plant Evaluation Programme, which assesses the durability, vigour, longevity and overall garden performance of perennials. It passed as an outstanding perennial, one of the best and most reliable cultivars for Midwestern conditions. These resemble Central Europe in their continental character of hot summers and cold winters, but they also bring markedly wetter, more thunderous summers and sharper rainfall fluctuations that provide monardas with exactly the kind of fresh prairie moisture to which they are genetically adapted.

Last revision 03�07�2026

Cappucino is a black‑eyed Susan cultivar with large blooms in a breathtaking range of deep shades � chocolate brown, mahogany wood, roasted coffee bean, translucent amber and the kind of gold you might imagine in a pirate�s treasure chest. What makes it especially charming is that each plant is slightly different, a result of the high natural variability of the species and its seed‑raised origin. The flowers span 10�12 cm and are made up of 13�19 ray florets, almost always an odd number, arranged around a dark brown centre that soon reveals a dusting of golden pollen at its tip. The stems are sturdy, 60�80 cm tall, each carrying a single bloom that is surprisingly long‑lasting � in our experience it remains attractive on the plant for a good 2 to 3 weeks. Cappucino flowers for a long time, from July to October, provided the spent stems are removed regularly.

The leaves are coarse, typical of this species: broadly lanceolate, 8 to 15 cm long, with a distinctly rough surface, densely bristly and almost sandy to the touch, mid‑green in colour. They grow mainly at the base, forming a low, dense rosette; leaves along the stems are scarce or insignificant. The origin of the cultivar is undocumented and given its appearance in European horticultural catalogues around the turn of the millennium, it is likely to have arisen as a selection from colour‑variable lines of Rudbeckia hirta, which were being bred at the time for a wider palette of shades.

The brown forms of this rudbeckia fascinated me even as a child. I knew all the usual bright and cheerful flower colours, but when I first saw a bloom that looked more like a bear crossed with the cap of a woodland mushroom, I was captivated. I explored the colour differences across a single bed, searching for where the brown deepened, where the gold shone, where the eye had crisp edges and where it blurred softly. At that moment it did not matter what else was flowering nearby, and I suppose what I am trying to say here is that if these tones enchant you, it may not matter to you either what you plant beside them. Simply enjoy this unusual colouring that evokes hot summer days and the summer break.

Last update 02-07-2026

The variety Chocolate of white snakeroot is not a common perennial, yet among perennial specialists it ranks among the most admired. Above all for its foliage colour: a deep chocolate brown with a burgundy tone that in partial shade hangs over the border like a soft haze. It is tall and beautifully structured, so it stands out from a distance in any composition, its dark foliage creating a contrast to ordinary green and a backdrop for the small, snow‑white flowers that hover above the plant like a fine veil. The habit is upright but not rigid, the stems move gently in the wind, and despite its height of around one metre the plant feels supple and light. The leaves are medium‑sized, broadly ovate to triangular with a clearly drawn tip, finely toothed, and marked by a strong wine‑coloured pigment that is most intense in spring and early summer; later the colour opens into warmer tones.

�Chocolate� belongs in large perennial borders, ideally in groups where it is not overshadowed by more vigorous neighbours but accompanied by contrasting species of similar height. Although it tolerates partial shade and grows even in shade, its darkest foliage colour develops in full sun, where it acts as a striking accent among late‑summer plants. It looks superb with heleniums in rich autumn shades, with relaxed daylilies whose broad, grass‑like leaves form a natural counterpoint to its upright habit, and the front of the border can be taken by hakonechloas or heucheras in tones that complement one another. For a full, luxurious look in taller perennial borders, delphiniums add attractive leaf shape and abundant flowering in many colours, while rudbeckias and persicarias extend the season into autumn, sharing similar requirements and low maintenance.

The cultivar differs from the species chiefly in its foliage colour, which is exceptional within the genus. It was selected by Dr Richard W. Lighty (1935�2021) at Mt Cuba Center, arising from seedlings found by Hal Bruce (Winterthur Gardens) in the 1970s; it was introduced in 1994 as the darkest‑leaved plant among all those tested. Mt Cuba Center is an American botanical institution dedicated to the study, evaluation and conservation of native plants of the eastern United States; its trial gardens are among the most respected in the world thanks to long‑term, carefully conducted comparative studies. Its contribution to international botany is significant: it is one of the few institutions to test North American perennials under real garden conditions, to introduce new cultivars based on scientifically led evaluations, and to provide data used by universities, botanical gardens and breeders worldwide.

Last update 01-07-2026

The almond cultivar Robijn originated in the Netherlands and is better adapted to the Central European climate. It is valued for its steady growth, good resilience and reliable fruiting. It grows moderately strongly, forms a spreading crown and reaches a height of about four metres, therefore less than the species almond. It flowers from late March to early April, which is later than Mediterranean varieties and significantly reduces the risk of damage from spring frosts. The flowers are white to pale pink, with gently reflective margins, and have the typical translucence characteristic of almonds. The nuts ripen from late August to early September, have a hard shell and a sweet, aromatic kernel without bitterness. The tree is self‑fertile, although the presence of other almonds increases the crop. �Robijn� forms a regular, light crown that supports the formation of flower buds, and thanks to its later flowering it is a suitable choice for gardens that wish to combine the ornamental value of the almond with the possibility of obtaining high‑quality sweet kernels. If given a warm, sheltered position, light soil and plenty of sun, it thrives excellently and produces a rich spring cloud of blossom and a regular harvest of sweet kernels every year.

Last revision: 29‑06‑2026

The pluot cultivar Dapple Dandy was given an irresistibly playful commercial name in the United States: Dinosaur Egg�. The marketing team clearly leaned into the idea that prehistoric eggs might once have been mottled and irregular, much like the fruit of this variety. Its skin looks as if someone had brushed it with watercolour and then borrowed the speckled pattern of a quail�s egg for good measure, creating a marbled surface unlike anything usually seen among stone fruits. The fruits are genuinely large, typically 55�60 mm and 100�150 g, firm to the touch and softening only slightly when fully ripe � the moment when their flavour opens completely. The flesh is pink to red, juicy and surprisingly bright: sweetness of around 17�18 �Brix meets a clear acidity, so the first bite recalls a blend of plum and raspberry with a faint citrus edge. When stored cold, the skin continues to redden, sometimes muting the characteristic dappled pattern, but the flavour remains stable and expressive. In temperate climates the fruits ripen from early to mid‑September, settling into a yellow‑green base colour dotted with red speckles.

The tree grows with moderate vigour, forming a broad, easily shaped crown reaching about 3.5�4.5 metres in height and width. It flowers early in spring with a profusion of white blossoms that are not self‑fertile yet respond very well to the presence of other plums or pluots, which markedly increase fruit set. It is most commonly grafted onto Citation, a rootstock that encourages early bearing and a more compact habit, while Myrobalan offers greater vigour in heavier soils. Dapple Dandy was bred by the Zaiger�s Genetics team led by Chris F. Zaiger (1926�2020) and introduced by Dave Wilson Nursery in the mid‑1990s. Patent PP9254 describes its origin precisely: a hybrid of the Japanese plum selection 58GA338 (Laroda � Queen Ann) crossed with a plumcot of unknown parentage.

Last update 28-06-2026

You recognise silver ragwort at first glance by its striking silvery‑grey leaves, coloured by the finest felt of hairs nature seems capable of producing. At their base they are dark green, though you can hardly tell, because the whole clump looks as if someone had lightly dusted it with flour. The common English name dusty miller is therefore perfectly apt � the plant truly appears �floured� from top to bottom, including the stems, which share the same silvery sheen. In summer it produces small yellow flower heads that rise above the silver mass of foliage like tiny sunlit dots; they are not the main attraction, but they lend the plant a gentle, unobtrusive movement. They are often cut off together with their stems so they do not disturb the silver expanse. The plant forms low, regular and firm clumps in a dense, ground‑hugging rosette and keeps its shape even in strong wind. The thick felt on the leaves protects it from intense sun and prolonged drought. In temperate climates it is evergreen and looks impressive even in winter � if you can spot it at all in a snowy border, as its silvery surface blends with the snow so naturally it seems part of the winter landscape itself.

Silver ragwort can create a dusting‑of‑snow effect in the border even during the fiercest summer heat. Its silvery foliage has a curious ability to soften surrounding colours without dulling them: beside rich pink phlox it feels like a cooling stone, with blue salvias it deepens their tone, and with yellow rudbeckias it forms a contrast as clean and precise as fine jewellery. In dense plantings it acts as a texture that threads through the whole composition like a carefully worked piece of lace � soft, matte, velvety � exactly the quality you need between glossy or dark leaves. It performs beautifully in containers too, where its silver makes the pot look as if it carries its own inner light. In dry parts of the garden it becomes a natural �cooling point� that calms even very warm colour schemes, and near rocks or gravel it behaves so naturally that it blends with the material like moss with a boulder. And when winter arrives, coastal ragwort loses none of its charm � its silver mass turns into a delicate winter drawing that holds the structure of the border even when every other colour has disappeared.

Last update 06-10-2023; 26-06-2026

You will fall in love with LIVING LITTLE LOVE, I can guarantee that � after all, the name itself suggests that. It belongs among the compact modern cultivars of panicle hydrangea and wins you over with its colours and the way they shift through the season. The flowers open in July in a very pale, almost translucent green, soon turn creamy white, and by mid‑August soft pastel pink shades begin to appear. In September the colour deepens into a warmer, almost carmine tone, yet the tips of the panicles keep a light, creamy‑beige hue, as if dusted with a touch of snow from Alpine peaks. The shrub reaches around 60 to 70 cm in height and width, forming a balanced, compact shape with firm stems that hold the flower heads even after heavy rain. The sterile florets are small, but together they create full, fairly large and regular panicles that keep their form throughout the season. The leaves are oval, mid‑green and healthy, and the stems have a deep wine‑red colour.

Plant LIVING LITTLE LOVE wherever you want to create a sense of softness � its warm pink tones unify gentle colour schemes and give the planting a soothing character. Because it forms a firm, compact shrub, it pairs beautifully with tall anemones in white or pink, with dark‑leaved Actaea, or with Eupatorium rugosum �Chocolate�, whose deep wine‑brown foliage and white flowers add depth and contrast. For the underplanting choose Heuchera in interesting shades to support the hydrangea�s colour changes, and in more cottage‑style borders weave it among large‑flowered daylilies in rich warm colours or simple whites. A romantic effect is easily achieved by combining it with small‑flowered floribunda roses in white, pink or purple, while a modern look comes naturally when paired with ornamental grasses. To emphasise depth in the planting, you can place a small tree with a half or three‑quarter stem behind it � for example Prunus laurocerasus �Sofia� with its evergreen, narrow, leathery leaves, Frangula alnus with its soft, delicate deciduous foliage, or ideally Chilopsis linearis, the desert willow, which flowers at the same time in a vivid pink and carries fresh green, narrow leaves. Position these small trees behind the hydrangea in the direction of the sun so they do not cast shade on it.

The premium Living Creations� series panicle hydrangeas is bred by the Dutch family-owned company Kolster BV, based in the renowned horticultural town of Boskoop. Leading the development of individual varieties is Alex Schoemaker, who continues a six-generation family legacy in floristry and ornamental plant cultivation. Under his guidance, the company focuses on creating hydrangeas with long lifespans, sturdy stems, and exceptional cold resistance. Breeding began around 2010, and each variety undergoes more than a decade of testing before being released. As of 2025, the collection includes over 20 registered varieties with various flower colours and plant sizes, suitable for both in-ground planting and containers. Several of these varieties have received prestigious awards from the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society (KVBC) � for instance, �Living Pinky Promise� was awarded a gold medal in 2021, while �Living Sugar Rush�, �Living Pink & Rose�, and �Little Blossom� earned silver. In 2024, the newcomer �Groundbreaker Blush� joined the ranks of gold medalists. Thanks to its focused breeding and striking aesthetic and horticultural qualities, the Living Creations� series has established itself as one of the most notable European projects in the field of panicle hydrangeas.

Last update 25-06-2025

This little apple, more precisely the panicle hydrangea cultivar LIVING LITTLE APPLE, is one of the results of modern breeding aimed at achieving colours beyond the usual pink and white. It forms a compact shrub whose flowers genuinely resemble the skin of certain apple varieties � the young ones are like Granny Smiths, a vivid pastel green, and as they mature the shade shifts towards the colour of summer apples, a light lime green with only the faintest pink flush. The plant remains small, reaching around 60 to 70 cm in height and width, and the flower heads are full, generous and surprisingly large for such a compact habit. The individual florets are sterile. Thanks to its firm stems and naturally tidy growth it keeps its shape even after heavy rain and looks neat without intervention. The deciduous leaves are oval to broadly ovate, mid‑green and healthy.

LIVING LITTLE APPLE acts in a border like a fresh green light, softening and brightening a planting without overwhelming its colours. Its compact habit makes it ideal among medium‑sized perennials and grasses, where its lime‑green flower heads serve as a natural link between warmer and cooler tones. It pairs beautifully with smaller Deschampsia, whose fine texture enhances the fullness of the hydrangea�s blooms, and with summer alliums, which add a contrasting leaf texture and rounded lilac‑pink flower heads. For stronger colour and contrast it can be planted alongside richly toned Helenium, whose orange and red shades make the hydrangea�s green flowers stand out even more. In modern plantings it works well in small groups, where its regular shape and firm stems create a calm rhythm � it can even be planted in rows or containers as a single‑species display � while in more naturalistic borders it links different textures and lends the composition a gentle yet confident structure.

The premium Living Creations� series panicle hydrangeas is bred by the Dutch family-owned company Kolster BV, based in the renowned horticultural town of Boskoop. Leading the development of individual varieties is Alex Schoemaker, who continues a six-generation family legacy in floristry and ornamental plant cultivation. Under his guidance, the company focuses on creating hydrangeas with long lifespans, sturdy stems, and exceptional cold resistance. Breeding began around 2010, and each variety undergoes more than a decade of testing before being released. As of 2025, the collection includes over 20 registered varieties with various flower colours and plant sizes, suitable for both in-ground planting and containers. Several of these varieties have received prestigious awards from the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society (KVBC) � for instance, �Living Pinky Promise� was awarded a gold medal in 2021, while �Living Sugar Rush�, �Living Pink & Rose�, and �Little Blossom� earned silver. In 2024, the newcomer �Groundbreaker Blush� joined the ranks of gold medalists. Thanks to its focused breeding and striking aesthetic and horticultural qualities, the Living Creations� series has established itself as one of the most notable European projects in the field of panicle hydrangeas.

Last update 25-06-2025

ROMANTIC SILUETTA in its standard (stem) form is a delicately flowering rose from the Siluetta series, grafted onto a tall stem where it forms a compact, richly blooming crown filled with fully double, pastel‑pink flowers about 4 cm across. The blooms appear in large, abundant clusters and create a soft, romantic cascading effect. The foliage is small, fresh green and very healthy, which enhances the overall elegance of this tree‑form rose. The crown is naturally compact, with thin, flexible shoots that arch slightly and hold their shape well. This makes the standard form ideal for containers, terraces, entrances, front gardens and formal plantings, where it serves as a refined vertical accent.

Fragrance � ★★★☆☆ moderate, pleasant
Disease resistance � ★★★★☆ very good resistance to diseases
Care � apart from regular dead‑heading and feeding, it requires a firm support for the stem and winter protection of the graft
Flowering � repeat‑flowering; main flush June�July, followed by smaller waves into autumn
Hardiness � approximately �20 to �23 �C (winter protection of the graft is essential)
Pruning � remove entire spent clusters after flowering; in spring, light maintenance pruning of the crown
Dimensions of the standard form � stem height depending on type (usually 60�90 cm) + crown approx. 60�80 cm
Breeder � Kordes, Germany, 2020

Standard roses bring a touch of aristocratic elegance to the garden and serve as a clear sign of care, attention and a cultivated gardening style. Their richly flowering crowns, raised on a slender stem, create an airy layer of blooms above the planting, combining beautifully with perennials, lower shrubs and modern architectural elements. They excel in containers on terraces and at entrances, in front gardens, along paths and in formal compositions, where they help establish rhythm, height and clean lines. They require a little more care: in addition to regular dead‑heading and feeding, they need a firm yet as discreet as possible support to keep the stem stable in the wind without spoiling the appearance. In harsh winters, both the crown and the graft union must be protected � before winter, the branches are shortened by roughly half and the entire crown is wrapped in two layers of white fleece, tightened just below the graft. In spring, the fleece is removed and the branches are pruned back to 3�5 buds.

Last update 21-06-2026

GUIRLANDE D�AMOUR is a small‑flowered climbing rose with a light, airy habit and long, flexible shoots carrying abundant clusters of small, pure‑white, semi‑double to fully double flowers measuring 3�4 cm across. The flowers are borne in large trusses and, when fully open, create the effect of a delicate white garland. The foliage is small, fresh green and healthy, enhancing the overall elegance of the plant.

� Fragrance ★★☆☆☆ gentle, lightly sweet, with tones of white blossoms; low to medium intensity
� Disease resistance ★★★★☆ very good against black spot and powdery mildew
� Care no special requirements; can be vigorous, benefits from training and tying in
� Flowering repeat‑flowering; main flush June�July, followed by smaller waves into autumn
� Hardiness approximately �20 to �23 �C (typical for Lens�s small‑flowered climbers)
� Pruning remove entire spent trusses back to the first five‑leaflet leaf; in spring only light maintenance pruning and removal of weak or damaged shoots
� Breeder Louis Lens, Belgium, 1993

Climbing roses are ideal for pergolas, arches, trellises, pillars and walls where a vertical element and a generous flowering surface are needed. They flower best when their long shoots are trained at an angle or horizontally, which encourages the formation of lateral branches with blooms. They require a firm support and regular tying‑in to prevent breakage and to keep the plant tidy. They suit even smaller gardens, as they take little ground space and flower mainly �in the air�. When grown against walls, it is advisable to leave a 20�30 cm gap for air circulation. They are especially effective near paths or seating areas, where the flowers are carried at eye level. In favourable conditions, climbing roses become long‑lived woody plants that gain beauty and character with age.

Last update 21-06-2026

SPINTOP MANGO is another beautiful blanket flower variety from the SpinTop� series and one of those cultivars that draw attention in almost any planting. Its blooms have the brightest shade of gold with soft orange tones, just like ripe mango, and look almost good enough to bite into. With a diameter of 6 to 8 cm, they appear surprisingly large on such a low plant and flower tirelessly from June until the last warm days of early autumn. The tips of the ray florets are often slightly frayed, giving the flowers the lively spinning top expression typical of the whole series. The clump is perfectly compact and low, usually 20 to 30 cm, as if the plant itself knew that its strength lies in density and uniformity. The stems are firm, straight and well branched, carrying narrow, grey green, distinctly hairy leaves with the rough texture typical of dry prairie species. Thanks to its low stature it does not collapse in wind or rain and all these qualities make it one of the most reliable low blanket flowers for modern plantings where strong colour, clean lines and minimal maintenance are required.

The SpinTop� series was introduced by the breeding company D�mmen Orange in 2015 as a line of compact, early flowering blanket flowers with uniform habit, firm stems and striking bicolour combinations that hold their colour even in summer heat. Behind its development stands the Dutch breeder Ellen van Sambeek, an internationally recognised specialist in prairie perennials who by 2026 has around one hundred patented cultivars to her name. SPINTOP MANGO was introduced in 2023 at the Plantarium trade fair in Boskoop in the Netherlands and in the same year received US plant patent PP35273, followed by European protection PBR 65983 in 2024. Thanks to its rich colour, early flowering and perfectly compact habit it quickly became one of the most sought-after modern blanket flowers in current production. The breeder states that the cultivar can withstand temperatures down to an impressive minus 40 �C (USDA zone 3) under suitable conditions.

I often say, half in jest, that if there is a perennial heaven, blanket flowers must surely bloom there (and I actually mean it), because they are the plants that bring light, joy, intensity, beauty and a long flowering season to any border, all in all � a divine flower. Low growing cultivars are ideal for the front of beds and combine beautifully with other low drought tolerant perennials, especially those with contrasting texture and habit such as Gypsophila, Nepeta, Centranthus or fine leaved Stipa species. Behind them you can use shorter cultivars of Calamagrostis or Deschampsia, which add a gentle vertical rhythm, while dark leaved stem Sedums provide contrasting foliage colour. Blanket flowers act as bright points of colour that hold a border together from early summer to autumn while remaining undemanding, reliable and always cheerful.

Last revised 15-06-2026

Everest is a Japanese sedge cultivar that first drew significant attention to the emerging EverColor� breeding line in 2009. Unlike the older �Evergold�, it offers a cooler, more refined variegation: the leaves have a deep green centre and broad, clean white margins that create a sharp contrast and remain fresh even in winter. The habit is compact and gracefully arching, yet firmer than in finer forms, so the clump holds its shape even under more demanding conditions. The inflorescences are short, upright and unobtrusive, formed by narrow male and female spikelets in shades of light to yellowish brown; they appear in spring and play only a minor ornamental role. The variegation is stable throughout the year and does not lose intensity even in partial shade, one of the qualities FitzGerald prioritised during selection. The cultivar differs from the species mainly in its striking bicoloured foliage and firmer habit, while its ecological requirements remain the same as those of Carex oshimensis. Thanks to its reliability, �Everest� has become one of the most widely used cultivars of the series and often serves as a reference form for modern variegated Japanese sedges. It is protected by European PBR No. 30625 granted in 2011.

�Everest� is an excellent choice for plantings that need brightening, whether in shaded areas beneath shrubs, modern urban borders or compositions with dark-leaved perennials. Its white leaf margins keep it fresh even in deeper shade, where other variegated plants tend to lose contrast. It combines beautifully with dark-leaved perennials and ferns, or with low evergreen shrubs, where it introduces a contrasting texture. In sunnier plantings it complements fine-leaved shrubs such as Japanese hollies or low box cultivars, adding softness to their structure. In containers it works as a year-round anchor that supports seasonal additions, and thanks to its evergreen nature it holds the composition even in winter. In larger plantings, �Everest� can be used to create pale ribbons or waves that unify the scheme and add visual depth.

Last update: 14-06-2026

Hameln Gold is an old variety of Chinese fountain grass which draws attention in the very first weeks of spring, when its young leaves unfold in a clean yellow shade that feels like a call to celebration in an otherwise still‑sleepy garden. The clumps are compact, regular and slightly lower than those of the classic �Hameln�, usually around 50 cm, with gently arching leaves that retain a light yellow‑green tone throughout the season without fading or scorching in full sun. The inflorescences appear reliably from mid‑summer and have the typical cylindrical shape with fine, silvery bristles that create an elegant contrast to the warm colour of the foliage.

The cultivar originated as a European selection building on the popularity of the original �Hameln�, but with a deliberate emphasis on stable yellow foliage and a more compact habit; neither the exact year of origin nor the breeder is recorded in international databases, which is common for older yellow‑leaved lines of this species. It is hardy to approximately �29 �C.

�Hameln Gold� is ideal wherever a planting needs light and gentle contrast without aggressive colour � its yellow leaves feel natural and unobtrusive. It combines beautifully with perennials in cooler tones, such as Amsonia hubrichtii, Perovskia atriplicifolia or Kalimeris incisa, which enhance its warm hue. It also works excellently alongside dark‑leaved shrubs, for example Physocarpus opulifolius �Diabolo� or Sambucus nigra �Black Lace�, where it creates a clean, graphic contrast.

Last revision: 13�06�2026

Norman Hadden is a Japanese dogwood that looks a little like a fashion trend from the 2020s � oversized. When it comes into bloom, it feels as if the tree has slipped into a set of ceremonial robes one size too large. Its bracts are unusually big, reaching 10 to 15 centimetres, placing it among the largest within the Japanese dogwoods. They resemble four white sheets of paper, their tips lifting ever so slightly as if they might take flight. And as the weeks pass, the white slowly softens into a gentle pink, subtle but with a kind of old‑world elegance. The white display is not made up of true flowers but of coloured bracts surrounding a small spherical head composed of tiny, real blossoms. The bracts act like a runway for pollinating insects, guiding them towards the nectar. After pollination, the sphere develops into an attractive, rich pink fruit that ripens from late summer into early autumn. The fruits are larger than those of the typical species, mildly sweet, slightly mealy and full of seeds, with a skin that carries a faint bitterness. They are not the kind of fruit you would gather for preserves, but they work beautifully as a small treat � a curiosity to taste while walking through the garden, and you soon realise they have their own charm.

It is a deciduous tree with a firm, upright habit, its branches spreading into a broad, funnel‑shaped crown that feels steady, calm and, with age, almost majestic, as though aware of its own importance. It grows around 20�30 centimetres a year, so patience is required, but the reward is worth it. The leaves are oval with a pronounced tip, finely veined and always slightly drooping like those of a pear tree, deep green in summer and turning red and purple in autumn, reminiscent of Japanese maples.

�Norman Hadden� belongs among the large‑flowered dogwoods and is often compared with giants such as �Venus�. Its bracts are slightly smaller, but in return it offers a soft pink flush and a denser habit that �Venus� cannot match. It is named after the Irish gardener Norman Hadden (1900�1980), who discovered it in his Somerset garden in the late 1940s. It was not a planned selection or the result of a breeding programme, but rather a fortunate find � a seedling that stood out from the surrounding dogwoods with its unusually large bracts and overall vigour. It was later confirmed not to be a pure Cornus kousa but a natural hybrid between Cornus kousa and Cornus capitata, which explains its stronger growth, larger fruit and gentle pink tinting of the bracts. Hadden kept the plant, observed it over many years and eventually introduced it to the wider horticultural world without patenting it, where it quickly gained a reputation as one of the most impressive large‑flowered dogwoods. Its hardiness is just a touch lower than that of the Japanese dogwood, but still perfectly adequate for our conditions (around �26 �C: USDA zone 5b).

Like other Japanese dogwoods, �Norman Hadden� is at its best as a specimen tree, with enough space to show off its broad, funnel‑shaped form and large bracts that can be appreciated even from a distance. It works beautifully beside a terrace or in a front garden, where it can be viewed up close and where its soft pink flush and autumn colours are most striking. In naturalistic plantings it provides year‑round interest � spring bracts, summer fruit and autumn colour keep the composition coherent even in quieter periods. It pairs well with a lower understorey, either dense evergreen shrubs that maintain structure after leaf‑fall, or eye‑catching perennials that brighten the space when the dogwood is already setting fruit. Thanks to its spreading crown, it can also serve as a light screen, offering gentle, dappled shade for plants that need protection from the midday sun without darkening the area.

GLORIOUS RED clematis belongs to the viticella type and shows off a rich, velvety red colour. Despite its depth, the flower never feels heavy, because its five or six petals are thinner, fairly luminous, and gently curl downwards when fully open, giving the bloom spatial depth rather than a flat look. The flower diameter of around eight centimetres is surprisingly generous for a viticella, and the yellow‑green anthers in the centre add a point of light that enhances the red even further. The plant flowers from June to September, and because each bloom lasts up to two weeks and cleans itself, it maintains a neat appearance for a long time without intervention.

The leaves are either simple or trifoliate, both with a smooth, slightly glossy surface and a softly undulating margin. Their colour is medium to dark green, with no summer yellowing, and the underside is noticeably shinier. The stems are thin, firm and flexible, with fine pubescence typical of young viticellas. In the garden it reaches up to 2.5 metres, yet retains a light, airy look thanks to longer internodes and a naturally open habit. The cultivar was bred by Jan van Zoest in the Netherlands and is protected by US Plant Patent PP36525 (2025). Hardy to about -34 �C (USDA zone 4).

It belongs to pruning group 2, which flowers on both old and new wood: the first flush forms on the lateral shoots of last year�s stems, the second on the tips of new growth. In early spring remove all dead, weak or damaged stems, and shorten strong old stems to the first pair of well-developed buds to create a solid framework for early summer flowering. After the first flush, lightly trim the spent parts to encourage new growth for late-summer flowering.

Last update 03-06-2026

GLORIOUS CLOUD clematis, bred by J. van Zoest from the Netherlands, belongs to the viticella group and carries a distinctive, almost ethereal expression: four plump tepals that narrow noticeably towards the tips, gently arched and forming a light, airy star. This four‑tepal structure is unusual among viticellas and gives the plant a character that stands apart from typical cultivars of this group. The colouring is two‑toned � a nearly white centre that gradually shifts into inky blue‑violet edges, creating the impression of a luminous transition between shade and sunlight. In full sun this contrast becomes even more pronounced, and the flower resembles a delicate cloud whose edges deepen into saturated colour.

It flowers from June into September, producing a steady succession of blooms that maintain the plant�s soft, cloud‑like presence throughout the season. The stamens are pale yellow‑green, adding a subtle yet precise accent to the centre. The plant has a vigorous growth habit, reaching around three metres, while retaining the lightness typical of viticellas. The leaves are mid‑green, smooth and softly glossy, forming a natural backdrop that allows the bicoloured flowers to stand out. Another characteristic feature is the abundant production of buds, giving the plant the appearance of a continuous, softly tinted veil. A significant advantage is its high resistance to wilt and its reliable hardiness to approximately �34 �C (USDA zone 4).

It belongs to pruning group 2, which flowers on both old and new wood: the first flush forms on the lateral shoots of last year�s stems, the second on the tips of new growth. In early spring remove all dead, weak or damaged stems, and shorten strong old stems to the first pair of well-developed buds to create a solid framework for early summer flowering. After the first flush, lightly trim the spent parts to encourage new growth for late-summer flowering.

Last update 03-06-2026

Shiro‑nakafu is a remarkable cultivar of creeping broad‑leaf sedge whose broad, soft leaves look as if someone had brushed them with a wide stroke of cream. The variegation is irregular and the leaves always contain more white than green, which appears only as thin streaks along the margins. Contrary to the sharpness suggested by the genus name, the leaves are soft, almost silky, and invite touch. The plant forms low, slowly spreading clumps that create a soothing, carpet‑like effect in partial shade. It spreads reliably but not aggressively, and its broad leaves give it a stronger presence than most sedges. Compared with the species, �Shiro‑nakafu� is lighter, more striking and less robust because the variegated parts of the leaves contain less chlorophyll. This slows growth but gives the plant a delicacy that the green form lacks.

The origin of the cultivar is not fully documented, but all evidence suggests that it arose in Japan, where Carex siderosticta has been cultivated for centuries and where the tradition of variegated plants runs deep. Japanese horticulture has long valued subtle colour nuances and the play of light on foliage, and many variegated sedges emerged there before spreading to Europe and North America. The name �Shiro‑nakafu� (シロナカフ) is Japanese and means white centre, perfectly describing the appearance of the leaves. It appears in European sources from the second half of the 20th century, when it began to circulate among collectors of ornamental grasses and shade‑loving perennials.

In the garden, �Shiro‑nakafu� is best used in partial shade as a soft, bright contrast to taller and more rigid ferns, green‑leaved brunneras or pulmonarias. It can also break up the monotony of larger areas planted with a single groundcover species such as Vinca or Sedum, adding a gentle rhythm of light. In planting compositions it acts as a subtle but noticeable accent that calms and brightens the space at the same time.

Last revised 01‑06‑2026

Let�s be perfectly honest from the start: Melton Pastels is not a superhero Macedonian scabious cultivar of breathtaking size or colour � it is a mixture. Yes, you heard correctly: an English colour mix that someone found so charming they gave it a simple name. And after all the years we�ve been selling it, I completely understand why it is so successful and why almost everyone creating a meadow‑style border reaches for it. Picture this: a young perennial with unopened buds walks through a painter�s studio filled with watercolour shades from pink to purple, and returns like a model on a catwalk, now clad in several colours at the same time while the audience applauds.

Dozens of light, button‑shaped flowerheads in shades of raspberry, pink, soft carmine, pale and deep purple sway in the slightest breeze on thin stems 60 to 80 cm tall, and the colours blend so naturally it feels as if they had been part of the world since its very beginning. The first flowers appear in June and continue into September or even October if early autumn is warm and sunny. The leaves are most attractive at the start of the season before the flowering stems rise � narrow, grey‑green, slightly rough and distinctly lobed along the edges. Plants under stress may show powdery mildew in early summer, so avoid both overwatering and prolonged drought. Melton Pastels is not a clone or a registered cultivar but a horticultural mixture developed in England and named after the Melton area, where it was first selected and introduced at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Macedonian scabious can instantly lighten and animate a perennial border. Its thin stems and pastel flowers create a delicate constellation of coloured dots above the foliage, trembling in the wind like a piece of meadow lace. It performs best in meadow‑style plantings, where it can weave freely among other perennials without strict boundaries. Like tiny, pastel-coloured satellites, it floats above salvias, pennisetums, poppies, columbines and yarrows, and intertwines beautifully with taller gauras, verbenas and perovskias, with which it maintains a lively rhythm of colour until the end of summer. Thanks to its long flowering period, it is also excellent for cutting, adding lightness and movement to arrangements without overpowering the other flowers.

Last update 31-05-2026

�Chop chop, come on, girls: en pointe, arabesque, relev� and pli�!� What else would a young dancer hear from her demanding ballet teacher? Except that this beauty is a sage that only carries the name Ballerina. Yet its colour, lightness, delicacy and grace� that really is a ballerina in full form, isn�t it? Ballerina Pink meadow clary steps into a border like a dancer onto a stage � with large, soft pink flowers that look fuller and more expressive than those of ordinary hybrids. The flower spikes are dense, firm, well-branched and hold their shape even in heat, so the plant stays fresh-looking throughout its flowering period. The foliage forms a compact, dark green mound that doesn�t flop and keeps the plant in an elegant, upright posture. It flowers in May and offers repeat bloom only occasionally. The cultivar was bred by Hans A. Hansen at Walters Gardens, USA, and was granted patent no. PP29957 in 2018.

All meadow-sage hybrids are classic �stage plants�: they need space where their brightly coloured flowers can really shine. They perform best at the front or middle of a border, where you can easily appreciate their upright, compact habit and firm spikes. Their pastel shades combine beautifully with other perennials of the same season, and it is wise to plant species with different flowering times nearby so the border changes gradually through the year. Thanks to their disciplined height they are ideal for smaller gardens, where they never overwhelm the space. I like to pair them with hardy hibiscus, which are only just emerging when the sages are in full flower, and later naturally take over the space once the sages are cut back. They also work wonderfully with grasses, which emphasise their lightness � calamagrostis, deschampsia or low-growing molinia fill the border after the sages finish in a similar, airy way. And the whole composition works surprisingly effortlessly � the border has something to offer all year and behaves completely naturally.

Last update 29-05-2026