Tag Archives: List 3

Lavandula pedunculata (Lamiaceae)

Posted on by under Lamiaceae

lavandula-rhs.org.ukIMG_3899

(rhs.org.uk)

Common name: Spanish/butterfly lavender, often sold as Lavandula stoichus

Size, form, texture:  small aromatic evergreen shrub, bushy, height 0.5-1 m, spread 0.5-1 m.

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: good for use in zeroscape garden, can tolerate significant drought with no irrigation, need good drainage or they die, good on gravelly slopes, associates well with english lavender. H 3, South, west or east facing slope.

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics: more fuchsia purple, distinct prominent bracts, more attractive then english lavender, works well with green and grey colour combinations,

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape: good in containers, on slope, terraced garden, needs sheltered spot in sun, low water use, however grey mould can be a problem. Attracts pollinators.

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Poaceae)

Posted on by under Poaceae

IMG_3367IMG_3900

Common name: Blue oat grass

Size, form, texture: height 2-3 ft, spread 2-2.5 ft, ornamental grass,

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: Native to central and southwestern Europe, Z 4-8, prefers full sun, well drained soil, minimal watering, dry to medium water requirements,

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics: spiky blue leaf blades, flower blooms in June, rises above leaf clump and matures to golden wheat colour, showy, attractive contrast of foliage and mature stem.

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape: Some maintenance after mature bloom turns colour, previous years grasses may need to be removed from clump which requires delicate maintenance, good in borders, can be good in a pot, or attractive in mass or in sun garden. Good accent plant or subtle contrast with other blue or purple blooming perennials. Similar to blue sedge but larger. Perhaps would be interesting with some herbs such as rosemary or other shrubs.

 

Cistus laurifolius (Cistaceae)

Posted on by under Cistaceae

laurel leaved rock roseIMG_3901

(google images)

Common name: Laurel-leaved rock rose

Size, form, texture: medium shrub, height 1-1.2 m, spread 40- 60 cm, slightly sticky, nice clean leaves and stems, distinctive texture.

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: one of longest living Cistus’, semi evergreen, needs regular irrigation, sheltered location with full sun, half-hardy, likes well drained rich soil. Native to Spain, portugal and morocco.

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics: Distinct papery crumpled looking white flower with yellow centre blooms in June to August, looks like crepe paper, strong aroma particularly in warmer weather, dark green narrow foliage, venation arrangement, white hairs on back of leaves.

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape: Requires protection in cold weather/winter, requires irrigation, good in flower borders, attractive to pollinators, nice contrast of delicate looking flower against strong dark green foliage.

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