Garden And Gardener

Everything for the Gardener and their Garden

New products at Crocus

by Sarah - May 29th, 2009.
Filed under: Crocus, New Products.

New lines today at Crocus

rootgrow-general-purpose-rootfood-mycorrhizal-fungi
rootgrow-general-purpose-rootfood-mycorrhizal-fungi £10.99
Rootgrow rootfood is a natural fertiliser based on humates. Humates are recognized by soil scientists and agronomists as the most important component of a natural healthy fertile soil. They result from the breakdown of organic matter, which has been forming and reforming on our planet over millions of years They are a form of concentrated super compost and essential to life in the soil. Many gardens can be deficient in these natural humates and this can lead to poor plant growth and establishment, poor soil water-retention, and a depletion of beneficial micro- organisms such as friendly mycorrhizal fungi (rootgrow). Humates work at much lower rates of application than traditional fertilisers so are better for the environment and far less likely to leach away, unlike chemical fertilisers. Ideal for ALL plants with only one execption, Ericacious plants (such as Ericas and Rhododendrons)How do mycorrhizal fungi benefit plants? In its simplest sense mycorrhizal fungi do everything plants roots do just better. When new plants are planted with rootgrow it takes only 2-4 weeks under normal conditions for these fungi to start benefiting plants. In that time they attach themselves to the plant's root system and grow out rapidly into the soil, searching for nutrients and water. They essentially become part of the plant's own root system. The benefits to plants are; Better nutrient uptake These fungi are so much thinner and finer than the plant's plant's own roots they can therefore find nutrients in the soil far more efficiently that the plant's own course roots. They are especially good at finding nutrients responsible for flowering and fruiting such as Phosphorous and Potassium. As they can explore a much greater amount of soil than the plant's own roots they are also far more likely Drought tolerance Mycorrhizal fungi are an essential part of a plants ability to combat drought. Leaves and stems have developed mechanisms to combat drought such as silver leaves, waxy leaves and hairy leaves but these adaptations on their own aren't enough if the plant doesn't have its friendly fungal partner on its roots. Mycorrhizal fungi hold onto water in soils like a sponge. Establishment in difficult soils Mycorrhizal fungi will enable plants to establish and and thrive even in difficult soils. In poor sandy soils the mycorrhizal fungi will be able to find scarce nutrients and hold onto water In clay soils these fungi will be able to unlock nutrients nutrients from the soil acting like a clay breaker.

beard tongue
beard tongue £6.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June to OctoberHardiness: fully hardy (borderline)Elegant spikes of small, tubular, foxglove-like flowers appear from July to October among lance-shaped, bright green leaves. This easy-to-grow perennial will quickly form large, leafy clumps and is perfect for adding a splash of colour to the middle of a sunny, well-drained border. If you deadhead regularly, the flowers will persist until the first frosts. The rich, deep purple flowers of this variety contrast particularly well with purples and acid greens.Garden care: Remove the faded blooms regularly to prolong flowering. Apply a dry mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from frost damage and cut back in spring when new shoots appear low down on the stem. Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.
Chocolate Cosmos
Chocolate Cosmos £6.99
Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering Flowering period: June to SeptemberHardiness: half hardyA beautiful perennial, with sumptuous, velvety, bronze flowers produced above lance-shaped, blue-green foliage from June to September. The aroma of this new variety is even more chocolatey than Cosmos atrosanguineus and it's more compact too, so may not need staking. Great for growing in a sunny border and looks lovely when planted with other hot colours. To minimise frost damage, protect the tuberous roots with a cloche or overwinter in a frost-free environment.Garden care: In autumn after the foliage has died back reduce the stems to within 5cm (2in) of the roots. Lay in a tray of soil or compost and over-winter in a frost-free environment until early spring.
masterwort
masterwort £6.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, preferably humus-rich soilRate of growth: average to fast-growingFlowering period: June to AugustHardiness: fully hardySultry, dark red button flowers, surrounded by a ruff of near-black bracts are produced from June to August above deeply lobed, dark green leaves with almost imperceptible black margins. This stunning, dark red astrantia works equally well in contemporary and cottage-style plantings. For best colour, plant it in fertile, moist soil in full sun.Astrantias have been cultivated in Britain since the 16th century and have numerous common names, such as melancholy gentleman, Hatties pincushion and the more well-known masterwort.Garden care: Astrantias do not like dry soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting and water well in dry weather, especially newly established plants. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring and apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant. Divided specimens may take some time to establish since they dont like having their roots disturbed.
lungwort
lungwort £4.99
Position: partial shadeSoil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: March to MayFlower colour: blue-violetOther features: dark green, unspotted leavesHardiness: fully hardy Delightful, large blue-violet flowers borne in spring above unspotted, dark green foliage. An excellent groundcover plant for a shady spot. Choose a place where the soil retains moisture over the summer and where the bright flowers can be fully appreciated. Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps every three to five years after flowering or in autumn. Cut back plants affected by mildew to the ground, water and feed – the plant will regenerate and produce new leaves later in the year.
bloody cranesbill
bloody cranesbill £3.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast growingFlowering period: May to JuneHardiness: fully hardyThis pretty cranesbill is smothered with pure white, cup shaped flowers from May though to June. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, it quickly forms loose hummocks of deeply cut, dark green leaves, valuable for suppressing weeds at the front of the border. Try it as part of a cottage garden scheme or towards the front of a mixed border. Garden care: In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.