ALL AFLUTTER
WORDS MATTHEW REESE I remember the first time I saw the flowers of the Stylomecon heterophylla (wind poppy) unfurling from a typical poppy bud; I was captivated by the unusual burnt-orange colour. The flowers are composed of thin, satin-textured petals, held well above brittle, blue-green foliage on slender stems. They are never still and always skittish. It only takes a whisper of wind and they’ll come alive, hence the common name. Also, somewhat surprisingly for such a showy flower, it’s mildly scented – reminiscent of lily of the valley. The poppies are planted randomly through the tank and I have woven Asperula orientalis (blue woodruff) between them.
How to achieve the look
I make sure I use the whole of the container and plant right to the lip, so the plants spill over and soften the edge. The tiny, sky-blue flowers and fresh, spring-green foliage of the blue woodruff are a good foil and contrast well against the larger poppy flowers. This attractive, little-used procumbent plant is well worth growing and is as useful as groundcover in the garden for weaving between perennials as it is in containers. Both of these plants shed their petals discreetly so no deadheading is necessary. They do, however, need support and I have provided this using a delicate skeleton of twigs – the tips of hazel or hornbeam are good. Add them in soon after planting, and they will quickly disappear as they are consumed by the foliage. This lead water tank had been loitering behind the glasshouse when I arrived at Malverleys. We put it next to the entrance of the walled garden on a pair of Yorkstone slabs. It makes the perfect host for plants; it looks good and is deep enough to hold a good amount of soil so watering is not a major concern. To encourage sharp drainage, I have filled the bottom third of the tank with broken pots, and then topped it up with John Innes No.2, lightened with peat at a ratio of 5:1.
Plants
1 Stylomecon heterophylla ‘Copper Queen’ A selection of a Californian annual that can be grown easily from seed. Autumn-sown plants flower in spring; spring-sown in the summer. I’ve used five plants here. 50cm. 2 Asperula orientalis Spreading annual with vivid green foliage and tiny, blue flowers. Sow in autumn under glass for early plants. I’ve used 11 plants here. 30cm.