So many people who visit the garden are intrigued by this easily grown annual. Growing up to 140cm tall it carries 80cm long dangling green flowers tassels from early summer until autumn. It is much sought after by flower arrangers.
Dwarf plant growing to 60cm tall carrying soft green upright flower spikes from mid-summer until late autumn. Makes an excellent cut flower and a long blooming border plant. Read more about Amaranthus cruentus 'Green Thumb'
A new and exciting variety with strongly architectural spikes of orange-bronze flowers on a 100-120cm tall plant. Excellent cut flower as well as a terrific garden subject. Easily grown from seed sown in situ during spring. Read more about Amaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'
Dwarf plant growing to 60cm tall carrying deep burgundy upright flower spikes from mid-summer until late autumn. Makes an excellent cut flower and a long blooming border plant. Read more about Amaranthus cruentus 'Pygmy Torch'
This Egyptian wildflower makes a fine addition to the garden and to a vase. 15cm diameter white lacy flower heads are produced on a strong 50-60cm tall, self-supporting plant. Sow seeds from mid-autumn until early spring.
A fine cut flower and garden plant this native of Egypt produces beautiful 15cm lacy heads of soft greeny white flowers. Last well in a vase and makes an exciting addition to a mixed border.
This dark purple variety could well have been growing in our garden here for a hundred years. It is very like the wild form of this species. Free flowering and self sowing it will grow 60cm tall by 40 cm across. Happy in sun or light shade.
Beautiful peach-pink flowers are held on sturdy stems. A fine strain first introduced in Germany 20 years ago. Height 45cm spread 40cm. happy in sun or light shade.
Last summer and autumn this was the most enquired about annual in the garden. It produces dark purple flowers, reminiscent of a bat's face, in abundance. Needs a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Sow seeds in situ or into individual pots during spring. Read more about Bat Faced Cuphea (Cuphea lanceolata) 'Purple Passion'
This easily grown annual has long been a star in the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s garden at Cruden Farm. Clear blue flowers each with a cream eye are carried for most of summer and autumn on 60cm tall stems. Read more about Browallia americana ‘Blue Lady’
Seed planted straight into the garden during late summer and autumn will produce a bright, happy display of long stemmed flowers which will last well in a winter or early spring vase. Plants grow 40 to 60cm tall.
This Fleuroselect winner is a beautiful new double cream flowered strain. It was stunning last year in our garden flowering for most of spring and summer. Sow seeds from autumn until spring.
From English seed house Thompson and Morgan comes this terrific new California poppy with double cherry red golden eyed flowers for many months during spring and summer. Sow seeds in situ autumn to spring.
Red Chief’ is perhaps the best red flowered Californian poppy with brilliant glossy fiery red flowers for many months during spring and summer. Sprinkle seed on the surface of the garden.
Another from English seed house Thompson and Morgan comes this beautifully coloured new California poppy. With semi-double, pink flowers, each with frilled outer petals and a creamy golden eye. Flowers for many months during spring and summer. Read more about California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) ‘Rose Chiffon’
A new addition from the marvellous Thompson and Morgan breeding program, 'Gold Swirl' has rich yellow double to semi-double flowers for months on end. DIrect sow seed from autumn until spring.
A good single blue-coloured 'Canterbury Bells'. Canterbury Bells are the classic cottage plant grown as a biennial: Sow in the first half of autumn for flowering the next year. Plant seed in situ from early March until the end of April. 100cm x 80cm. Read more about Canterbury Bells 'Single Blue' (Campanula medium)
A good single rose-coloured 'Canterbury Bells'. Canterbury Bells are the classic cottage plant grown as a biennial: Sow in the first half of autumn for flowering the next year. Plant seed in situ from early March until the end of April. 100cm x 80cm. Read more about Canterbury Bells 'Single Rose' (Campanula medium)
An old cottage garden strain of with very large flowers on a pyramid shaped plant. This strain has mostly the traditional “cup and saucer” shaped flowers with a large trumpet shaped bell sitting on a flat base. Read more about Canterbury Bells Double Mix (Campanula medium)