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Two new colours have recently joined the Australian-bred Armeria Dreameria Collection. The fuss-free plants produce globe-shaped blooms on short stems, flowering mostly from winter to late spring but sometimes throughout the year. Armeria ‘Dream Weaver’ (left) has mulberry-purple flowers, while ‘Dream Clouds’ (below) is a pure white form. These and the others in the series are dry-tolerant plants that suit rockeries and coastal areas. Their compact form (50cm tall and 20–30cm wide) makes them good for containers, and the rigid stems provide long-lasting cut flowers. Grow in semi-shade or full sun and remove spent flower heads to encourage further displays. Fertilise in late winter for optimum results. pma.com.au

Double flowers with primrose-yellow petals and a scattering of maroon spots in winter and spring make Hellebore ‘Princess Buttercup’ stand out. Known as winter roses, hellebores grow 30–45cm high and wide, and suit dappled light. They are often grown beneath deciduous trees. tesselaar.net.au This evening primrose, Oenothera speciosa ‘Twilight’, has long-lasting pale pink spring flowers, with the added attraction of new, plum-coloured, foliage. As the season progresses, leaves turn to a mid-green and are followed by a prolific display of big, bowl-shaped flowers with pale yellow centres. The compact plants, growing to 30cm tall and 1m wide, flower through the warmer months and are tolerant to cold and drought. Plants suit well-drained soil and are ideal for sunny banks and slopes. lambley.com.au With vibrant and colourful flowers up to 10cm across, Argyranthemum ‘Grandessa Sunset’ has the biggest flowers of any marguerite daisy. This heat-tolerant daisy has an attractive contrasting eye, and an abundance of flowers that range in colour from bright red to light orange as they age, which gives the appearance of multicoloured flowers growing on the same plant. Bred in Australia, it suits pots and garden beds in a sunny spot, and grows 45–60cm tall and 30–60cm wide. oasishorticulture.com.au Crystal white Alstroemeria ‘Lauren’ is a recent addition to the Alstroemeria Princess Lilies range. With their neat, compact, rounded habit, and about nine months of flower production per year, plants in this range are a popular choice for pots and low border plantings. Pretty, lily-like flowers cover the entire plant from top to bottom, which grows 30cm high and 40cm wide. It does best in a sunny spot, but protect potted plants from hot afternoon sun and keep well-watered during warm months. Trim lightly to remove spent flowers. ramm.com.au