RHS Journals
The Garden
April 2008
Plant Forum
New plant introductions and all the latest plant news
Said to excel in a container or border, and good for cutting, is Dianthus ‘Passion’. This evergreen, hardy, perennial ‘pink’ has grey-green foliage and sweetly scented flowers produced from May to August (and beyond, if conditions are favourable). Preferring a sunny, well-drained spot, it can tolerate dry conditions, grows to 30cm and is resistant to slugs and rabbits. Available from selected garden centres at £5.99 for a 1.5-litre pot and £9.99 for a 5-litre pot.
Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist (‘Covey’) is perhaps the first weeping Judas tree to be available to UK gardeners. A compact habit makes it well suited to small gardens. Pink flowers clothe bare stems in spring, followed by heart-shaped leaves, with winter interest from the twisted, weeping stems. It retails at £49.99 and will be displayed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show by Notcutts. For stockists, telephone 01728 745158.
Read more about Cercis
Mr Fothergill’s Seeds has eight new salad leaf crops. The most unusual is watercress ‘Aqua’, which does not require running water or waterlogged soil. The company says plants will produce leaves with a peppery flavour as long as they do not dry out. Also new are endive ‘Frisée Frenzy’, with finely-cut, curled leaves, and lamb’s lettuce ‘Valentin’ with glossy, spoon-shaped leaves. Available from garden centres or mail order from Mr Fothergill’s , tel: 0845 166 2522.
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