New products at Crocus
by Sarah - August 30th, 2009.Filed under: Crocus, New Products.
New items today at Crocus
Chinese silver grass £6.99
Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: initially slow to establishFlowering period: September and OctoberHardiness: fully hardyThis is a star plant for any garden. Its compact, and doesnt take up too much space, but its also dramatic. Narrow, silvery leaves  have a white stripe down the centre, and masses of upright, feathery, reddish-brown plumes fade to silver in the autumn. When the flowers catch the evening sun, the plant appears to be sitting under a silvery halo. Garden care: Cut back in late winter before the new foliage appears.
germander sage £5.99
Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June to September Flower colour: deep blueOther features: useful early flowering formHardiness: fully hardyOriginating from rocky slopes in North Mexico and the Southern USA, this is a long-lived, woody groundcover, which if left undisturbed can form a sizeable clump up to 2m across. The creeping branches are clothed in softly hairy, pale grey leaves, which act as a lovely colour contrast for the deep blue, summer flowers. Thriving well drained soils (winter wet should be avoided), in a sunny spot, it will become drought tolerant once established.Garden care: To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. Divide over-large clumps in autumn or early spring.