Plant partners
Berries and blooms burst into life
Galanthus nivalis ‘Viridapice’ and Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’
Here’s another example of what I was saying on the previous page – a whole chorus ready to sing. Snowdrops are still in fine voice, as the mini-daffodils join the show. There’s cyclamen foliage in there too and a young foxglove waiting in the wings. Lots now, and plenty to look forward to…
Galanthus nivalis ‘Viridapice’
Care Prefers a shady spot. Divide large clumps after flowering and replant in new sites straight away.
HxS 10cm x 10cm
Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’
Care Plant bulbs in early autumn and they’ll soon form clumps. Great at the front of borders or in pots.
HxS 20cm x 10cm
Skimmia japonica reevesiana and Leucothoe ‘Zeblid’
There are two plants here, but the leucothoe is rather dominated by the vivid red skimmia berries. Don’t feel bad for the leucothoe – it too will have its moment of glory, as those evergreen red-tinged leaves are hard to ignore.
Skimmia japonica reevesiana
Care Plants have both male and female flowers, so will always produce berries. Propagate from cuttings during late summer.
HxS 100cm x 90cm
Leucothoe ‘Zeblid’
Care Plant in sun or partial shade. It fares best in acidic soil. Take semi-rip cuttings in summer.
HxS 1.5m x 2m
Primula ‘Stella Regal Red’ and Helleborus ‘Ice N’ Roses Red’
Where would we be without the humble polyanthus to cheer the darkest winter days? They come in many jewel colours, all as bright as buttons and chirpy as robins. Here it works well with a classic ruby hellebore (and the pinkish flowers of another skimmia – always a welcome gatecrasher).
Primula ‘Stella Regal Red’
Care Steadfast and reliable, polyanthus can be used as border edgings but I think they’re much better in troughs and containers. Deadhead regularly.
HxS 25cm x 20cm
Helleborus ‘Ice N’ Roses Red’
Care A strong variety that flowers over a long period. You can also team it with evergreen ferns and maybe some hostas for later in the season.
HxS 30cm x 30cm