Peter Seabrook: there are some great plants to try now, says Peter
There are some great new plants to try, says Peter
“This introduction promises to be a good-value plant”
WE all have eyes for our own children, it is said – and the same goes for authors and plant breeders. Scribes get a boost when seeing someone reading their words and, even better, witness the purchase of their book. It is much the same with plant breeders, and I hope you will excuse my lack of modesty by enjoying a picture of Verbena ‘Seabrook’s Lavender’ (above), flowering profusely at Hyde Hall.
Going to check out this group, growing along the edge of a brick raised bed, the plants had overwintered well, obviously enjoying the warm, sunny, free-draining conditions. Seeing is believing, and wherever possible, it is advisable to grow new plant introductions to see if they measure up to the glowing reports from their producers.
Lifting plants of Ranunculus Rococo Series, which had grown vigorously and produced attractive flowers on 18in/45cm stems after a February planting direct into the open soil, it was noted how quickly they multiply. One clawlike tuber went in, and four-six came out. This introduction promises to be a good-value plant. Trialling Pansy ‘Cool Wave’, ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Premier’, it was found that regular deadheading and feeding extended their flowering life tremendously. Indeed, at the time of writing in mid-June, they are still in full bloom with good-sized flowers, in spite of really hot weather through May.
Feeding is the key to getting the best out of recent plant novelties, Xerochrysum Granvia Gold is a good example and an excellent introduction, flowering pretty well non-stop from last June to this June. It is a hungry beast and needs watering in dry weather, plus regular feeding, to develop its full potential.