PLANT OF THE WEEK

IMPATIENS WALLERIANA

Blanca,’ finishing with the spectacular Lily ‘Muscadet.’ Remember that lilies are poisonous for cats, and after cutting remove the anthers covered in the orange pollen as this can stain fabrics. Unlike lilies which are hardy perennial bulbs, gladioli are tender corms and in most parts of Britain need to stay under cover until the worst of the weather is past.

They make magnificent specimens for floral arrangements – they are popular because of the showy flowers, strong vertical interest and a good vase life. Plant in well-drained sunny soil, scattering some fertiliser to encourage growth.

Tall varieties will need staking but you can also grow lovely dwarf varieties. has some very dainty collections which will commence flowering in early June and last for a long period, throwing up secondary spikes. Nanus Nymph has pure white flowers with prominent splashes of deep carmine pink and it grows a foot high (£5.90 for 10). If you used to plant busy Lizzies but gave up because of downy mildew, then you weren’t alone. The fungal disease caused havoc, but breeders have been creating disease-resistant varieties – and the busy Lizzie is now back in business.

It’s long been a favourite bedding plant for its bright profuse flowers and ability to thrive in sun or semi-shade, and now Thompson &Morgan are selling plug plants for despatch at the end of March of ‘Imara’, a mix of pink, white and red. It sells 24 plants for £11.99 and describes them as strong growing and resilient “with better disease resistance than we’ve ever seen”.