4 Pots of joy
Pelargonium ‘Paul Crampel’
While the name ‘Paul Crampel’ might not be so familiar, many would have admired this scarlet zonal pelargonium when it was used in the flower beds outside Buckingham Palace, before being replaced by ‘Smart Sienna Red’ some years ago. ‘Paul Crampel’ created a storm when it was introduced in 1896, with each plant said to have cost a guinea or a pound a piece. It can be relied on to flower throughout the summer.
Era: 1890s
Height: Up to 60cm (23.6in) Aspect: Full sun
Flowers: June to October
Viola ‘Maggie Mott’ AGM
With its silvery mauve flowers with a golden eye and gorgeous fragrance, ‘Maggie Mott’ has been delighting gardeners since the Victorian times. These pollinator-friendly compact plants produce an abundance of small blooms from spring to autumn.
Era: Victorian
Height: 50cm
Aspect: Full sun or partial shade Flowers: Spring to autumn
Primula auricula ‘Conservative’
Introduced in 1880, Primula auricula ‘Conservative’ is among the cultivars that would have delighted early collectors of these intriguing plants. It has a yellow tube ringed with white and then purple with a grey or white edge and is lightly scented. Auriculas are evergreens that require free-draining soil, shade from hot summer sun and protection from winter rain. Era: 1880s Height: Around 20cm Aspect: Display in good light but place in shade in summer Flowers: April
Tulipa ‘Helmar’ AGM
This vibrant Rembrant-style tulip has yellow and red-flamed flowers that sit on sturdy stems, helping them to cope well in exposed spots. This flower has been growing in our gardens since 1986.
Era: 1980s
Height: 45cm Aspect: Full sun Flowers: April and May