Other Varieties

Photinia 'Little Fenna' is an attractive evergreen shrub, renowned for its vibrant foliage and compact growth habit. It boasts glossy, oval leaves that emerge a striking red in spring, gradually maturing to a deep, rich green. This bi-colour effect creates a striking visual appeal, adding a burst of colour to the garden. In autumn, the older leaves can take on shades of bronze and burgundy, providing additional seasonal interest. The new growth's red hue is particularly vivid in sunny positions, making it a fantastic feature in borders, hedges, or as a standalone specimen.

Reaching a height and spread of approximately 1.5 metres, 'Little Fenna' is more compact than other Photinia varieties, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as a container plant. Its dense growth habit also makes it an excellent choice for creating a low hedge or privacy screen. Additionally, this shrub is known for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.

In late spring, 'Little Fenna' produces clusters of small white flowers, which are followed by red berries in the summer if pollinated, attracting birds and beneficial insects to the garden. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage the vibrant new growth that defines this variety.

Photinia 'Little Fenna' is also fairly resistant to common pests and diseases, although it is advisable to keep an eye out for leaf spot. Overall, its stunning foliage, manageable size, and ease of care make 'Little Fenna' an excellent addition to any UK garden.

Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as rock cotoneaster or wall spray, is a species of flowering plant in the Rosaceae family. Native to parts of western China, it has become a popular choice in gardens and landscapes due to its hardiness and distinctive appearance.

This deciduous shrub grows in a herringbone pattern, with branches that spread horizontally, forming a low, dense, and attractive ground cover. Typically reaching heights of 0.5-1 metre and spreading up to 2 metres, Cotoneaster horizontalis is well-suited for rockeries, slopes, and as a ground cover for larger garden areas.

Note: Due to vigorous growth of the plant in the first year, its size may vary from 15 cm to 50 cm in width, depending on the season (it generally reaches around 50 cm towards autumn).

The small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves of Cotoneaster horizontalis turn a striking red or purple in the autumn, adding vibrant colour to the garden. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces tiny pinkish-white flowers. Though not particularly showy, these flowers are a valuable source of nectar for pollinators such as bees. By late summer to autumn, the flowers give way to small, bright red berries that persist into winter. These berries are not only visually appealing but also provide food for birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Cotoneaster horizontalis is known for its adaptability and resilience. It can thrive in various soil types, including poor, dry, and alkaline soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Additionally, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning. However, it is advisable to trim back any excessively long or untidy branches to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

One concern with Cotoneaster horizontalis is its potential invasiveness. In some regions, it can spread beyond garden boundaries, particularly in areas with mild climates. As a result, gardeners should monitor its growth and manage its spread to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

Overall, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a versatile and attractive plant, offering year-round interest with its foliage, flowers, and berries. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and colour to their landscapes.

The Hosta Sun Mouse is a charming and compact perennial plant, ideal for adding a touch of elegance to shaded gardens. Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, this miniature hosta variety is known for its delightful foliage and easy maintenance, making it a favourite among gardeners.

Sun Mouse is characterised by its small, heart-shaped leaves that measure about 2-3 inches in length. The foliage boasts a vibrant, lime-green hue, often with a slight yellow tinge, particularly when exposed to a bit more sunlight. This distinctive colour adds a splash of brightness to darker garden corners.

In terms of growth habit, the Hosta Sun Mouse forms a dense, low-growing mound, typically reaching only 6-8 inches in height and spreading about 12-16 inches wide. Its compact size makes it perfect for border edges, rock gardens, or as a delightful ground cover. Despite its diminutive stature, Sun Mouse is quite resilient.

During the summer months, this hosta variety produces small, lavender-coloured flowers on slender stems that rise above the foliage. While not as showy as the leaves, these blooms add a subtle touch of beauty and attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

The Hosta Sun Mouse prefers partial to full shade and thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. Gardeners should watch for common pests like slugs and snails, which can occasionally mar the leaves.

Overall, the Hosta Sun Mouse is a delightful addition to any garden, offering vibrant foliage, a neat growth habit, and ease of care. Its compact size and striking colour make it a versatile choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

The Hosta 'Patriot' is a striking perennial plant that is widely admired for its bold, variegated foliage. As part of the Hosta genus, this cultivar thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas, making it a popular choice for UK gardens where it can brighten up even the darkest corners.

Hosta 'Patriot' is best known for its broad, heart-shaped leaves, which feature a distinctive contrast between dark green centres and bright, creamy-white margins. These vivid white edges add a sense of elegance and visual interest, making the plant stand out in garden borders or as a feature in shaded beds. The leaves have a slightly corrugated texture, giving them a lush and rich appearance.

In midsummer, Hosta 'Patriot' produces tall, slender flower stalks that rise above the foliage, adorned with delicate lavender-coloured blooms. Although the flowers are attractive, the plant is primarily grown for its ornamental leaves. It grows to an average height of around 50cm and can spread up to 90cm, creating a dense, eye-catching mound of foliage.

This variety of Hosta is fairly easy to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. It prefers well-drained, moist soil and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Slug control is also recommended, as Hostas can be prone to damage from these pests.

Ideal for planting in woodland gardens, under trees, or as ground cover, Hosta 'Patriot' provides year-round interest, with its vibrant leaves retaining their beauty from spring until the first frost. It is also a versatile companion to other shade-loving plants like ferns and astilbes, enhancing the overall texture and colour palette of the garden.

Hosta Sum and Substance is a popular variety of Hosta, known for its impressive size and striking foliage. This herbaceous perennial is often chosen for its large, heart-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 60cm in length. The leaves are a vibrant chartreuse or golden green, depending on the light conditions, with a slightly glossy finish that adds to their appeal. As the plant matures, the foliage can form an imposing mound that can reach over 1 metre in diameter, making it an ideal focal point in shaded gardens.

This hosta hrives in partial to full shade, though it can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, which can bring out a more golden hue in the leaves. However, too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will keep the plant looking its best.

In mid to late summer it produces tall flower spikes, often up to 1 metre in height, bearing lavender, funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms are attractive to pollinators such as bees and can provide additional interest in the garden, though the foliage remains the primary attraction.

Relatively low-maintenance, this Hosta is hardy in the UK climate, tolerating temperatures as low as -15°C. It's also resistant to pests like slugs and snails, which often plague other Hosta varieties. Due to its size it works well as a specimen plant or as a backdrop in larger garden borders. Its bold foliage contrasts well with finer-textured plants, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any shaded garden.

Hosta Wilde Brim is a medium-sized, clump-forming, variegated, deciduous perennial with dome-shaped mound and wide-oval, blue-tinged, dark green leaves with irregular creamy white to yellow margins. The funnel-shaped, pale lavender flowers rise on flower scapes above the foliage in late summer. Hosta Wide Brim thrives in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade. It likes some morning sun and consistent moisture. Once established, it can withstand dry shade. It needs to be sheltered from cold, dry winds. Low maintenance plant. Slugs and snails may damage the foliage. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Hosta Wide Brim is a beautiful, variegated variety perfect for brightening shady areas of the garden or as an accent plant among darker foliage plants. Great as a background plant, a groundcover, for mixed beds and borders, under the shrubs and trees, or for growing in containers. Suitable for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens.

Hebe 'Bronze Baby' is a charming and compact evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest with its distinctive bronze-tinged green foliage. This versatile plant forms a neat, rounded mound, making it an excellent choice for borders, rockeries, and container displays. The foliage takes on a warm bronze hue, especially in cooler months, adding seasonal interest and depth to garden designs. In summer, 'Bronze Baby' produces clusters of delicate white flowers, providing a beautiful contrast against the rich foliage and attracting pollinators to the garden. Thriving in well-drained soil and enjoying full sun to partial shade, this low-maintenance shrub is perfect for adding texture, color, and structure to gardens. Its hardy nature and compact form make it a standout choice for both modern and traditional landscapes.

Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is a striking and popular variety of the Hosta plant, cherished for its bold and contrasting foliage. This perennial is known for its eye-catching, heart-shaped leaves, which feature a vibrant white centre bordered by dark green edges. The crisp contrast between the bright white and rich green gives the plant its distinctive look, making it a standout feature in any garden.

'Fire and Ice' typically grows to around 30-45 cm in height and can spread up to 60 cm, making it a compact choice for shaded areas of the garden or in containers. Its clump-forming habit makes it an excellent ground cover, especially in borders or woodland settings, where its unique colouring adds brightness to otherwise darker, shaded areas.

This variety of Hosta thrives in partial to full shade, preferring moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, making it a favourite among gardeners looking for a dependable and visually appealing addition to their landscape. The plant is also quite hardy, tolerating cold UK winters well, though it's important to provide some protection against slugs and snails, which are known to target Hostas.

In the summer, Hosta 'Fire and Ice' produces delicate lavender flowers on tall, slender stems, adding another dimension of interest to this already attractive plant. The flowers, while understated, complement the bold foliage and attract pollinators such as bees.

Overall, Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to introduce a dramatic yet elegant plant to their shaded garden spaces. Its striking foliage, combined with its ease of care, ensures it remains a popular choice for gardeners across the UK.

Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’ is a compact, fast-growing, clump-forming, evergreen perennial with a dense mounded habit of scalloped, shiny, deep-black leaves, purple underneath, and masses of small, white flowers with pink calyces on upright stems blooming in summer. It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’ can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade, in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils, but can adapt to almost any well-drained soil. Once established, it can thrive in dry shade. Easy to grow and low maintenance plant. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Very resilient, tolerant of heat, humidity, and salt.

Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’ is one of the darkest Heuchera varieties with beautiful, dramatic foliage that can be used in various garden combinations. Perfect as a groundcover, edger along paths, under the trees or shrubs, for shrub borders, or grown in containers. Suitable for informal, cottage, urban, and coastal gardens.

Heuchera 'Fire Alarm' is a striking perennial plant, renowned for its vibrant foliage and year-round interest. Its leaves are a vivid, fiery red that intensifies in colour during cooler months, creating a stunning display in any garden. In spring and summer, the plant produces delicate, white to pale pink flowers on tall, slender stems, adding an additional layer of charm.

This hardy plant is evergreen in milder climates and thrives in partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if kept well-watered. 'Fire Alarm' prefers well-drained, fertile soil and is relatively low-maintenance, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Its compact, mounding habit makes it perfect for borders, containers, and ground cover, providing a bold splash of colour throughout the year. Resistant to pests and diseases, Heuchera 'Fire Alarm' is a versatile and reliable choice for adding dramatic foliage to any garden setting.

Perfect as a groundcover, edger along paths, in shady shrub borders, under the trees and shrubs, or in pots and containers. Suitable for informal, cottage, woodland, and urban gardens.