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New and interesting plants
The following new plants were on show at Hampton Court:
Images: Martin Mulchinock
Dibleys Nurseries of Denbighshire (01978 790677) has an amazing display of Streptocarpus, with their new cultivar Streptocarpus 'Katie' taking pride of place on the stand. S. 'Katie' is from Dibleys own breeding programme, led by Lynne Dibley. "It's extremely free flowering and it's not uncommon to find 13 or more heads on a single stem," says Lynne. The flowers start off a light purple and darken as they mature. Lynne advises removing the faded blooms regularly which should prolong flowering well into October.
Agapanthus 'Forma' is a new compact cultivar from Bressingham Gardens, shown by Blacksmith's Cottage Nursery of Norfolk (01379 740982). The pale blue blooms stand about 60cm (24in) above the thin, strapy foliage. It's one of the hardy forms, and is suitable for containers or borders.
Dahlia 'Art Noveau' is a bright red and yellow collarette dahlia from Harveys Garden Plants in Norfolk (01359 233363). Growing to about 60cm (2ft) it truly is a bright red colour and with the yellow centre, and would make a striking addition in any garden.
Ocimum basilicum 'Magic Mountain' would look great not just in the herb garden, but would also be at home in any ornamental border. This highly fragrant basil, from Foxgrove Plants in Berkshire (01635 40554), has a very loose growth habit, and reaches up to 45cm (18in) in height. The leaves are a purple-green and the flowers sit proud above the foliage and are 2.5cm to 5cm (1 to 2in) long.
New from Harts Nursery (01270 875658) are two heavily scented Oriental lilies, Lilium 'Cherbourg' (left) and Lilium 'Pico' (right). L. 'Cherbourg' is a rich vanilla/creamy colour with blooms an incredible 20 to 25cm (8-10in) in diameter.
L. 'Pico' is another beauty, reaching 15cm (6in) in diameter, with yellow anthers contrasting against the bright pink petals. Both grow to about 90cm (3ft).
Pelargonium fans are in for a real treat with Derek Lloyd Dean (020 88640899) exhibiting three new Angel pelargoniums from the breeder, Malcolm Harris. Mr Harris lives in Berkswell, West Midlands, and his pelargoniums are preceeded with 'Berkswell'. On show are: Pelargonium 'Berkswell Beacon' (left) a larger plant growing to about 38cm (15in) tall; P. 'Berkswell Bonanza' (middle), a dainty little plant with lovely feathery foliage, and P. 'Berkswell Nocturne', with much sought-after dark maroon flowers.