garden plants - A Selection

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 12+ Maureen is one of our favourite single tulips, so we are thrilled to introduce this double form. It shares many of its parents fine qualities; ie. beautiful colouring, good resistance to bad weather and a long flowering period, but this is has many more petals. Taller than many of the other double lates too, it is incredibly elegant and mixes well

Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: February and March Hardiness: fully hardy Delightful, deep yellow flowers appear in late winter and early spring, each infused with a subtle greenish-yellow flush. These pretty dwarf reticulata irises are perfect for a well-drained, sunny site and also help make up a cheerful potted arrangement. Garden care: Plant 10cm (4in) deep in naturalistic drifts

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb Size: 12/14 Ruffled and irregularly cut, creamy petals are infused with rich pink towards their tips and flushed with green at their base. They form big, blowsy flowers, which look wonderful in both the garden and the vase. Garden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively,

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb Size: 11/12 This spectacular tulip has pure white double blooms, that are heavily striped with crimson and can grow up to 10cm across. The flowers are long lasting and contrast nicely with the variegated leaves which have an ivory edge. Due to the many good features of this plant, it has been given the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural

Position: full sun Soil: gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: February and March Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 7/8 Producing a showy display in late winter and early spring, the large, goblet-shaped blooms have white petals, which are stained with purple. Garden care: Plant bulbs in naturalistic drifts 10cm (4in) deep in September or October.

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: late April and May Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb Size: 11/12 The pinky-peach petals of this Darwinh hybrid tulip fade to yellow at their edges creating a softly glowing effect. This is a mutation from Worlds Favourite, which is a strong and vigorous grower. The flowers are held on sturdy stems, and it can hold its own in poor weather conditions. Garden care: In September to December

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 12+ When the sun comes out, the petals of this ruby-red tulip really look like they are glowing. The beautiful lily-flowered shape is another bonus as these always look particularly elegant. Garden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After

Position: full sun Soil: gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: February and March Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb Size: 7/8 There is a silvery sheen to the outside of the petals, which adds another dimension to the soft puple of the blooms. Inside, golden-orange stamens produce a vibrant shot of contrasting colour. Plant these in clusters at the front of a border, cram them into pots for the patio, or use them to line the

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 12+ Rich red flowers with a metallic plum flush, and a lightly ruffled and fringed edge to each petal, top tall stems in early summer. Mix it with deep purples and near blacks for a bold statement, or tone it down with softer lilacs. The flowers are quite long lasting and are good for adding to cut arrangements. Garden care: In September to December

Position: full sun Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral or alkaline soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May to June Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb Size: 6/7 Bump up the spring border display with this gorgeous Dutch iris. The large flowers are a delicious blend of burgundy-brown and golden yellow with distinctive patterning on the lower petals. Dutch iris are great for cutting and they are also useful for bridging the gap between spring and early summer

Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June to October Hardiness: fully hardy Winner of the RHS Plant of the Centenary at Chelsea Flower Show in 2013 Each lavender-blue, saucer-shaped flower grows up to 5cm across, and has a white eye with purple veining. A spreading form, it looks wonderful in naturalised planting schemes, where it provides fast-growing ground cover, and will flower from early summer

Position: full sun Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: January to March Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 5/- One of the earliest bulbs into bloom each year, the reticulata iris make fine additions to alpine beds, pots, windowboxes, and front of border positions. This is a relatively new form. It's delicate appearance belies the fact that it is in fact pretty tough, often having to push its way up

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: April to May Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 11/12 Softly ruffled golden-orange petals, which are infused with green and hints of sunset-pink, form impressive flowers that start appearing towards the end of April. These are relatively long-lasting and look great when cut for the vase. Their colouring makes them very easy to mix with oranges and reds. Garden care: From September to

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: late April Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 12+ One of the deepest red-flowering tulips, which sit on darkly stained stems. This mid season tulip with its dramatic colouring is a very striking addition to the garden. Plant it in clumps at the front of a border or straight into pots where they can be moved around when they are in flower. Garden care: In September to December plant

Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 12+ Viridiflora tulips are great, as the green flames that shoot through the petals makes them really easy to mix with bolder colours without becoming too garish. This, coupled with the fact that the flowers last well after being cut, also puts them in big demand with florists. Fill your beds with this pinkish purple variety where it will put on a