Garden And Gardener

Everything for the Gardener and their Garden

New products at Crocus

by Sarah - October 23rd, 2010.
Filed under: Crocus, New Products.

New items added today at Crocus

common walnut
common walnut £19.99
Position: full sunSoil: deep, fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: fast-growingFlowering period: May to JuneFlower colour: greenish yellow male catkins and inconspicuous female flowers Other features: best planted in a sheltered spot so that spring frosts won’t damage the emerging foliageHardiness: fully hardyA fine, deciduous tree with large pinnate leaves that give off an acrid aroma when crushed. In late spring and early summer, inconspicuous flowers are produced which are followed in autumn by one of the most valuable nuts grown in Britain – walnuts. A good specimen tree for a large garden or a park.Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late summer to early winter prevent bleeding. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly.

stewartia
stewartia £14.99
Position: full sun or light dappled shadeSoil: moist but well drained, fertile, neutral to acidic soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: July Flower colour: whiteOther features: attractive, peeling barkHardiness: fully hardyA beautiful, summer flowering, deciduous tree that also produces a fiery autumnal display. It is related to the Camellias, and this is perhaps most noticeable when the plant is in flower. The single white petals, which surround a prominent boss of pale yellow stamens, initially form a cup shape, but gradually open out fully to form a generous sized (up to 7cm wide) plate-like bloom. The lightly-toothed, green foliage colours up well in autumn before it falls, and even in the middle of winter, the pinky-brown, peeling bark remains an attractive feature. An impressive specimen in both a garden or woodland setting.Garden care: Try to settle it in quickly as they resent transplanting and offer protection from strong winds. Top-dress annually with a generous layer of mulch in spring or autumn.
clematis (group 2)
clematis (group 2) £14.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, well-drained, neutral soilRate of growth: average to fast growingFlowering period: June to SeptemberFlower colour: vibrant redHardiness: fully hardyBred by Raymond Evison and previewed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2008, this glorious clematis has only recently become available on the market – and we think it will quickly become a top-seller. The large flowers are a rich red, (which is very rare in the Clematis world), and they have a wispy boss of creamy-yellow stamens at their centre. They first appear in a profuse burst of colour in late spring or early summer, but then will continue to flower intermittently throughout the rest of the summer and into early autumn. They look spectacular when teamed with deep purple.Garden care: Remove dead and damaged stems before growth begins in early spring, cutting all remaining stems back to where strong buds are visible. Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser and a mulch of of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant in early spring.
Lilac
Lilac £14.99
Position: full sunSoil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soilRate of Growth: averageFlowering period: May and JuneFlowers: pinkOther features: oval, dark green leavesHardiness: fully hardyAbundant panicles of fragrant pink flowers open from red buds from early to midsummer, creating a vibrant blast of colour. This is a very pretty but compact lilac that is perfect for a smaller garden, or for those where space is at a premium. Its’ diminutive habit also makes it a good option for a large pot on a sunny patio – otherwise find a prominent spot for it in a shrub or mixed border. Garden care: In mid summer remove the faded flower heads carefully using secateurs to avoid damaging the young shoots. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in early spring
pink-flowered indigo
pink-flowered indigo £11.99
Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April to MayHardiness: fully hardyThe slightly arching branches of this small, deciduous shrub are covered in attractively divided, mid green foliage. In late spring and early summer, these branches are also laden with short, upright clusters of small, pea-like, pinkish-purple blooms. It will thrive in a sunny spot, although heavy soils should be avoided, especially those that hold water for any length of time in winter. If in doubt, pot it up into a container and place it on a sunny patio. Garden care: Remove dead or damaged stems in late winter, or in colder areas, cut back to a low framework as the buds begind to expand in early spring.
flowering currant
flowering currant £9.99
Position: full sunSoil: moderately fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average to fast-growing Flowering period: April Flower colour: whiteOther features: bright green leavesHardiness: fully hardyA recently introduced and still quite rare variety, that produces very showy, pendent clusters of pure white flowers in spring. After these have faded, rounded, blue-black fruits form, creating further interest. This deciduous shrub has thornless stems, and can be used as an informal, flowering hedge, as well as adding interest to the shrub border early in the year. The rich green leaves have a hairy, white reverse and are slightly aromatic.Garden care: In late summer remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches to maintain a healthy, open framework and reduce the flowered shoots to a strong, lower bud. Prune specimens grown as hedges immediately after flowering. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant.
evergreen azalea
evergreen azalea £9.99
Position: partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil or ericaceous compostRate of growth: slow to averageFlowering period: May and JuneFlower colour: magenta-redOther features: evergreen foliage colours up in winterHardiness: fully hardyBred in Germany, this tough, low-growing, evergreen shrub is smothered in bright red flowers in early summer. The normally rich green leaves, often take on a bronze tint and this becomes more pronounced in colder weather, when the foliage can turn dark red. An ornamental addition to the front of a shrub border, it will also flourish in a pot fill with ericaceous compost, provided it is kept well watered.Garden care: Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of leaf mould around the base of the plant each spring.
Rock Rose
Rock Rose £9.99
Position: full sunSoil: moderately-fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: average Flowering period: June and July Flower colour: whiteHardiness: borderline hardy (may need winter protection in colder areas)This low-growing, evergreen shrub forms a dense mound of dark green foliage, which is topped with a flurry of yellow-centered, white flowers throughout summer. Its’ dainty appearance belies its’ tough nature as it will take poor soils and coastal conditions in its stride, and will even become tolerant of drought once established. Perfectly suited to Mediterranean-style planting schemes and containers where it gets lots of sun, this recently introduced rock rose is a beauty.Garden care: After flowering pinch back young plant to encourage a bushy habit. Lightly trim or cut back any stems that spoil the symmetry of the plant.
fuchsia
fuchsia £7.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June to OctoberHardiness: fully hardy (borderline)A newly introduced, hardy Fuchsia, that produces large, white and violet-blue flowers, which seem to drip from the branches for a long period throughout summer and autumn. Wonderful for adding lashings of colour to a mixed border, it will also flourish in a gererously-sized pot and can be under-planted with seasonal bedding.Garden care: To encourage growth, pinch out the growing tips of young plants after the sixth or seventh pair of leaves. During the growing season water regularly, applying a balanced liquid fertiliser each month. Cut back to the permanent framework in early spring.