Blue flowering shrubs

Loropetalum Federale, commonly known as Chinese fringe flower, is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the witch-hazel family. It is native to Japan, China, and the Himalayas. The shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide with a dense and spreading growth habit. The leaves of Loropetalum Fede are oval-shaped, leathery, and dark green with a glossy finish. In the fall, the leaves may turn shades of yellow, orange, and red.

The main attraction of this shrub is its stunning flowers. The blooms appear in the early spring and last for several weeks. The flowers are deep pink, red, or white, depending on the cultivar. They are spidery in shape with long, narrow petals that resemble fringe, hence the common name "fringe flower." The blooms have a sweet, spicy fragrance that is especially noticeable in the evenings.

Loropetalum Fede is a low-maintenance shrub that prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is drought-tolerant once established. The shrub requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size, and it can be pruned after flowering to promote bushier growth and more flowers the following year. This shrub is a great choice for a variety of landscape settings, including borders, hedges, and mass plantings.

Loropetalum Federale, commonly known as Chinese fringe flower, is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the witch-hazel family. It is native to Japan, China, and the Himalayas. The shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide with a dense and spreading growth habit. The leaves of Loropetalum Fede are oval-shaped, leathery, and dark green with a glossy finish. In the fall, the leaves may turn shades of yellow, orange, and red.

The main attraction of this shrub is its stunning flowers. The blooms appear in the early spring and last for several weeks. The flowers are deep pink, red, or white, depending on the cultivar. They are spidery in shape with long, narrow petals that resemble fringe, hence the common name "fringe flower." The blooms have a sweet, spicy fragrance that is especially noticeable in the evenings.

Loropetalum Fede is a low-maintenance shrub that prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is drought-tolerant once established. The shrub requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size, and it can be pruned after flowering to promote bushier growth and more flowers the following year. This shrub is a great choice for a variety of landscape settings, including borders, hedges, and mass plantings.

Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta' is a stunning, evergreen tree known for its elegant, columnar growth habit and year-round beauty. It typically reaches a height of 6 to 8 meters with a narrow spread of 2 to 3 meters, making it perfect for small gardens, tight spaces, or as a formal screen or hedge. The tree features glossy, dark green leaves with a rich, coppery underside, adding texture and color throughout the year. During the summer months, 'Alta' produces large, creamy-white, cup-shaped flowers with a delightful citrus fragrance, attracting pollinators and enhancing its ornamental appeal. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, demonstrating good tolerance to heat and humidity. Its low-maintenance nature and elegant form make it a versatile choice for various landscape designs.

Mahonia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese mahonia, is a striking evergreen shrub appreciated for its ornamental value and adaptability. This robust plant, native to East Asia, is well-suited to the UK climate and can often be found gracing gardens and landscapes with its distinctive features.

Characterised by its bold, architectural form, Mahonia japonica typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 3 metres, with an upright, spreading habit. The shrub's foliage is a notable feature: its pinnate leaves are composed of up to 19 leaflets, each with a spiny, holly-like edge, lending the plant a somewhat dramatic appearance. These glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

In late autumn to early winter, Mahonia japonica produces striking racemes of bright yellow flowers. These blooms, which can appear even in the coldest months, emit a sweet fragrance that can attract pollinators such as bees. The flower clusters are not only visually appealing but also provide a vital source of nectar during a time when few other plants are in bloom.

Following the flowering period, the shrub produces small, blue-black berries that resemble grapes. These berries are edible but are generally more popular with birds than with humans. They add a further layer of seasonal interest and can contribute to the biodiversity of a garden by attracting wildlife.

Mahonia japonica thrives in partial to full shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning—typically just to remove any dead or damaged growth. Its ability to tolerate a range of conditions, from drought to deep shade, makes it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots.

Overall, Mahonia japonica is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers year-round interest and is particularly valuable for its winter blooms and hardy nature. Its combination of striking foliage, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries make it a standout plant in any landscape.

Mahonia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese mahonia, is a striking evergreen shrub appreciated for its ornamental value and adaptability. This robust plant, native to East Asia, is well-suited to the UK climate and can often be found gracing gardens and landscapes with its distinctive features.

Characterised by its bold, architectural form, Mahonia japonica typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 3 metres, with an upright, spreading habit. The shrub's foliage is a notable feature: its pinnate leaves are composed of up to 19 leaflets, each with a spiny, holly-like edge, lending the plant a somewhat dramatic appearance. These glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to any garden.

In late autumn to early winter, Mahonia japonica produces striking racemes of bright yellow flowers. These blooms, which can appear even in the coldest months, emit a sweet fragrance that can attract pollinators such as bees. The flower clusters are not only visually appealing but also provide a vital source of nectar during a time when few other plants are in bloom.

Following the flowering period, the shrub produces small, blue-black berries that resemble grapes. These berries are edible but are generally more popular with birds than with humans. They add a further layer of seasonal interest and can contribute to the biodiversity of a garden by attracting wildlife.

Mahonia japonica thrives in partial to full shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning—typically just to remove any dead or damaged growth. Its ability to tolerate a range of conditions, from drought to deep shade, makes it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots.

Overall, Mahonia japonica is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers year-round interest and is particularly valuable for its winter blooms and hardy nature. Its combination of striking foliage, fragrant flowers, and attractive berries make it a standout plant in any landscape.

Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly known as the ostrich or shuttlecock fern, is a striking perennial fern native to temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere. This plant is renowned for its large, graceful fronds that bear a resemblance to the elegant feathers of an ostrich or shuttlecock, hence the name. 

This fern typically grows in moist, well-drained soils and thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal plant for woodland gardens or shaded borders. It can reach a height of up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) and spreads through underground rhizomes, forming dense colonies over time. The plant's fronds are of two types: the sterile fronds, which are the showy, arching fronds that give the fern its name, and the fertile fronds, which are shorter, erect, and appear in the centre of the plant.

In spring, the young fronds, known as fiddleheads, emerge as tightly coiled spirals. These fiddleheads are not only a visual delight but are also edible. In some cultures, they are harvested and consumed as a delicacy, often compared to asparagus in flavour. However, care should be taken to properly identify and prepare them, as not all fern species are safe to eat.

Matteuccia struthiopteris is relatively low-maintenance once established. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -20°C, making it suitable for various climates across the UK. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, and mulching to retain soil moisture are recommended to keep the plant thriving. Pruning is generally not necessary, though old fronds can be removed to maintain a tidy appearance.

Overall, this fern is a versatile and attractive plant that adds a lush, tropical feel to gardens. Its majestic fronds and adaptability make it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers alike.