Plant partners
Pairings in perfect harmony
1 Saxifraga x arendsii and Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglow’
Two similar flowers snuggled up together as contentedly as a married couple sharing a box of chocolates and a good film. The plants are different sizes, the pinks aren’t identical, and the flowers are different shapes – but together they liven up a corner. Saxifraga x arendsii
Care Best kept cool so provide some shade. Trim after flowering to remove fading stems. Good in pots.
HxS 20cm x 25cm Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winterglow’
Care A good ground-cover plant, especially for slopes and dry shade. Mulch well in autumn. Divide plants after flowering.
HxS 35cm x 45cm
Viola sororia and Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’
Good old ivy: as reliable as the sunrise and as rugged as a rhinoceros rump. It is so good in so many situations, be it as ground cover under trees or as a screening climber. Here, the chirpy little viola provides a bit of delicacy and sophistication.
Viola sororia
Care Beautifully scented and easy to grow, sow seed in late winter and deadhead to prolong flowering.
HxS 25cm x 25cm
Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’
Care A small-leaved variegated variety, so not as thuggy as some of its larger cousins. Good for growing in the ground, in a container or climbing up a wall.
HxS 3m x 3m
Hosta ‘Barbara Ann’ and Ajuga reptans ‘Braunherz’
Although this picture shows the hosta doing an admirable job of protecting that ajuga from the elements, it really need not have bothered as ajuga is one of the most bomb-proof plants I know. Great for a tough spot in sun or shade.
Hosta ‘Barbara Ann’
Care Large, bluish leaves with slight variegation to the edge. White flowers in midsummer. You don’t need me to tell you, but watch out for slugs!
HxS 50cm x 70cm
Ajuga reptans ‘Braunherz’
Care Spreads rapidly, so makes good ground cover. Glossy, purplish-green leaves. Easy to divide in spring or early autumn.
HxS 20cm x 100cm