New products at Crocus
by Sarah - January 18th, 2015.Filed under: Crocus, New Products.
Crocus has these new items today
Basil Tree (grafted Greek basil tree) £19.99
Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Hardiness: tender (will need winter protection) This is a fantastic plant if you love to cook, as it has highly aromatic leaves that are useful for flavouring a wide range of dishes. Greek basil has a slightly sweeter and lighter flavour than its Italian cousin, and it also has a subtle hint of spice. This is a grafted plant, which means it is a stronger grower that has a greater tolerance to cold and diseases. It also looks great. Please note: The plant comes in a standard plastic pot. Garden care: It is important that the growing tips are pinched out regulary as this will promote new leafy growth as well as maintaining a nice shape. If kept outside during the summer, use beer traps or environmentally friendly pellets to minimise damage from slugs. Keep on a cool, bright windowsill inside the house during the colder months.
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris ‘Silver Lining’ (PBR) (climbing hydrangea) £11.99
Position:sun to partial shade Soil:fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth:slow at first, then medium Flowering period: midsummer Hardiness: fully hardy Pruning: none required A brand new cultivar that has only just been released onto the British market. It is very similar in most respects to the species, but instead of the normally deep green leaves, the foliage of this one has a very pretty variegation. Tolerant of some shade, it is ideal for lighting up a dark wall or corner, and the flowers when they appear in midsummerwill put on a wonderful display. Garden care: Plant in moist, fertile soil and do not allow the soil to dry out while the plant is getting established. This hydrangea flowers on the previous season’s wood, so if you need to prune it back, do so in late autumn or early spring, but be warned that this will restrict flowering the following year.
Stevia rebaudiana ‘Sugar Love’ (sweetleaf, sugarleaf) £9.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast-growing Hardiness: tender (will need winter protection) Highly prized in South America, Stevia has been grown there for centuries for its naturally sweet-tasting leaves. It is now used widely in food and drinks as a sugar supplement, however EU law has not approved it for human consumption. This cultivar is know for its branching habit, which creates a naturally bushy plant, and it will happily over-winter on a bright windowsill in a cool room. Please note: EU law has not approved Stevia for human consumption (although it is widely used in foods and drinks). Garden care: Pinch out the growing tips regulary to encourage new growth. It can be moved outside during the summer months, but as soon as the temperatures start to dip, bring it inside to a cool conseravtory or bright windowsill, well away from central heating radiators.
Anemone blanda (wood anemone) £5.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: well-drained, humus-rich soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: March to April Hardiness: fully hardy From March-April, intense blue daisy-like flowers appear, set above delicate ferny foliage. These gorgeous little wood anemones are perfect for naturalising in a mixed border, at the edge of a woodland area, or around the base of deciduous shrubs, where they shine out like jewels. For maximum impact plant in bold drifts. A stunning little plant that lifts the spirits in spring. Garden care: Leave undisturbed and they will spread to form large drifts. Avoide excessive winter wet and apply a generous layer of mulch in autumn.