New products at Crocus
by Sarah - October 22nd, 2009.Filed under: Crocus, New Products.
Crocus has these new items today
tree peony / tree paeony £29.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April to MayFlower colour: white flushed with pale pinkOther features: bright green leavesHardiness: fully hardyUntil recently, this beautiful cultivar was rarely seen as it was considered too difficult to propagate, but fortunately things have moved on and it is now more widely available. It is a beautiful form, with large, single white flowers that are often flushed with pink, and each petal has a purple stain at their base. The grey-green dissected foliage of this evergreen shrub is dramatic enough to provide architectural interest towards the back of a mixed border even when the flowers have faded.Garden care: Protect from cold winds and early morning sun. Support the branches of young shrubs with canes to prevent the massive flowerheads from being battered by rain. Tree peonies are hungry feeders, so ensure that container-grown specimens receive a top-dressing of a slow-release fertiliser in spring. In the border apply a top-dressing of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser around the base of the plant in early spring and mulch with well-rotted garden compost or manure. If the plant shows signs of collapse or the leaves become spotty, this may be a symptom of peony botrytis. Remove affected leaves immediately. In the autumn, cut off all of the foliage and dispose of it to avoid reinfection the following spring. The older stems of tree peonies have a tendency to become brittle and snap, so cut these back to the ground in autumn every two or three years.
Solomon’s seal £9.99
Position: partial shadeSoil: fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fastFlowering period: April to MayHardiness: fully hardyIn early spring, strongly arching stems emerge bearing deep green, glossy leaves. Later in spring, small clusters of green-tipped, white flowers appear and dangle like elongated pearls where the leaves join the stems. These are followed by bluish-black berries. It is a variable plant, that is ideal in a woodland setting nestled amongst ferns, epimediums and hostas. Generally undemanding and easy to grow, it prefers a spot with dappled shade, however it will cope with more sun in cooler climates. Garden care: Cut the plant down to the ground in autumn. Lift and divide large colonies in early spring, taking care not to damage the young shoots. Apply a mulch of well-rotted leafmould or garden compost in spring.
lungwort £7.99
Position: partial shadeSoil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: March to MayFlower colour: bright blueOther features: flowers are attractive to beesHardiness: fully hardyWith its slightly sprawling habit, this rhizomatous, semi-evergreen perennial makes ideal groundcover for a partially shaded spot. In early spring, clear blue flowers open from pinkish-purple buds above the heavily spotted, dark green leaves. After it has finished flowering, new foliage emerges, which shows the variegations off at their best. Grow in woodland settings, or to soften the front edge of a shady bed in a mixed border. The flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees early in the year. 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.
rock rose £7.99
Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained neutral to alkaline soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April to JulyFlower colour: pink with a yellow tinted centreHardiness: fully hardyOften sold as H. ‘Wisley Pink’ this pretty, sprawling shrub looks great tumbling over the edges of a stone wall or terracotta pot. It thrives in hot, sunny spots and becomes drought tolerant once established, so will thrive in difficult to fill positions. The pink flowers are infused with yellow at their centre and look very pretty against the grey-green foliage. Each flower will only last for one day, but in the right conditions it can produce so many flowers that the plant is covered in them for many weeks.Garden Care: Prune in mid to late summer after flowering, cutting back any straggly stems.
white Himalayan poppy £7.99
Position: partial shadeSoil: humus rich, reliably moist but well drained, neutral to slightly acid soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June and JulyFlower colour: pure whiteOther features: toothed, hairy, bluish green leavesHardiness: fully hardyA much – coveted white Himalayan poppy, which produces cup – shaped flowers in summer, that open out to resemble 8 – 10cm (3-4″) saucers. They appear on bristly stems that rise from amongst rosettes of toothed bluish – green, deciduous foliage. It looks lovely growing in a partially shaded, woodland setting. Often short-lived, it can die after flowering, so it is advisable to let it develop several crowns before it is allowed to flower, as this will help encourage perennial growth. Garden care: Stake with bamboo canes or brushwood before the flowers appear. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of bark chippings, well-rotted leaf mould or composted pine needles around the base of the plant in spring.
rock rose £7.99
Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained neutral to alkaline soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April to JulyFlower colour: white with a yellow eyeHardiness: fully hardyThe big, papery, white flowers, which appear from late spring, are flushed with yellow at their centre and look great against the grey-green foliage of this tough little evergreen shrub. Once established it becomes drought tolerant and it thrives in hot, sunny spots where little else will grow. It also copes well with salt laden wind so is a good choice for coastal gardens. In more favourable conditions, it is a very pretty, low-growing shrub, that works well as edging or filling a beautiful pot on the terrace.Garden Care: Prune in mid to late summer after flowering, cutting back any straggly stems.
sweet woodruff £6.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: tolerates most but prefers moist, humus-rich soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: April to July Flower colour: whiteOther features: widely used in herbal medicine during the Middle AgesHardiness: fully hardyMany Galiums have a bad reputation for being invasive, but this is a good garden plant, which is quite well behaved. Once established it will spread by underground rhizomes to make large clumps that provide very pretty groundcover in woodland or naturalised planting schemes. From late spring, small clusters of star-like, white flowers appear above the attractive, emerald green foliage. These flowers have a delicious scent and will attract lots of local bees looking for a treat. It will thrive in sun or dappled shade, however the foliage may become scorched in strong sun, especially if the soils are dry. After it has had a chance to settle in it will develop some tolerance to drought.Garden care: Lift and divide large clumps in autumn or early spring.