Spring flowering shrubs

Agapanthus Black Jack, better known as African Lily, is an attractive evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and deep purple trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in summer or early autumn on stiff, upright stalks. The florets open from black buds. The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Black Jack is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

Agapanthus Ever Couple of  the white and sapphire Ever series, better known as African Lily, is a semi-dwarf evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and larger than average trumpet-shaped flowers form in impressive clusters, each of which can last for up to 12 weeks from midsummer. Their distinctive sapphire and white flowers makes them particularly eye-catching - and they will also last well after being cut for the vase. A sun-loving perennial, it will flourish in pots that can be moved to a sheltered spot in winter . The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Fireworks is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

Agapanthus Midnight Sky, better known as African Lily, is an attractive evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and deep blue trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in summer or early autumn on stiff, upright short stalks. The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Midnight Sky is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

Agapanthus Firework, better known as African Lily, is an attractive evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and larger than average trumpet-shaped flowers form in impressive clusters, each of which can last for up to 12 weeks from midsummer. Their distinctive purple-blue and white colouring makes them particularly eye-catching - and they will also last well after being cut for the vase. A sun-loving perennial, it will flourish in pots that can be moved to a sheltered spot in winter . The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Fireworks is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

Agapanthus Poppin Star, better known as African Lily, is an attractive evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of mauve with dark purple stripes that appear in summer or early autumn on stiff, upright stalks. . The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Poppin Star is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

The Agapanthus 'Phantom' is a striking cultivar of the Agapanthus genus, renowned for its unique appearance and captivating allure. Native to South Africa, Agapanthus plants are commonly known as "Lily of the Nile" or "African lily," and they are cherished for their vibrant blooms and lush foliage. The 'Phantom' variety, in particular, stands out for its distinctive features, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers alike.

Characterized by its dark, almost black stems and rich, deep-green foliage, the Agapanthus 'Phantom' creates a dramatic contrast in any garden or landscape. However, what truly sets it apart are its enchanting flowers. The 'Phantom' produces large, spherical clusters of blossoms atop tall, sturdy stems, typically in shades of deep blue or violet. These blooms emerge in mid to late summer.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Agapanthus 'Phantom' is its adaptability to various growing conditions. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for a wide range of climates and environments across the United Kingdom. With proper care and maintenance, this cultivar can flourish in borders, containers, or even as a focal point in a mixed perennial bed.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Agapanthus 'Phantom' also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden. Additionally, its long-lasting blooms make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, bringing its beauty indoors.

While relatively low-maintenance, the 'Phantom' may benefit from occasional fertilization and division to encourage healthy growth and prolific flowering. Deadheading spent blooms can also prolong the blooming period and promote continuous flowering throughout the season.

The Agapanthus 'Summer Love Blue' is a striking herbaceous perennial, celebrated for its elegant structure and vivid floral display. Native to South Africa but well-suited to British gardens, this cultivar belongs to the lily family and is commonly known as African lily or lily of the Nile. It brings a touch of exotic charm with its lush, strappy foliage and upright, architectural form.

From mid to late summer, ‘Summer Love Blue’ produces masses of rounded flower heads, each consisting of numerous trumpet-shaped blooms in a rich, vibrant blue. These floral globes are borne on tall, slender stems that rise gracefully above the foliage, adding height and drama to borders, containers, or gravel gardens. The long-lasting flowers are not only visually appealing but also highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

This agapanthus is a relatively compact variety, making it ideal for smaller gardens or patio pots. It prefers a sunny position with well-drained soil and benefits from regular feeding during the growing season to encourage prolific flowering. While reasonably drought-tolerant once established, it thrives best with consistent moisture in summer.

‘Summer Love Blue’ is semi-evergreen in milder areas of the UK, where it may retain its foliage throughout winter. However, in colder regions, it’s advisable to provide some protection, such as mulching or moving potted specimens to a sheltered location. It’s generally low-maintenance, with deadheading and the occasional division every few years being the primary tasks.

Combining bold colour, long flowering periods, and excellent garden performance, Agapanthus 'Summer Love Blue' makes a superb addition to mixed borders, coastal gardens, or as a statement piece in a container. Its refined yet robust nature ensures it stands out in any garden setting, offering seasonal elegance with minimal effort.

Akebia quinata, commonly known as the chocolate vine, is a vigorous and ornamental climber ideal for covering walls, fences, arches, or pergolas. Its twining stems quickly establish to create dense foliage, making it useful for privacy screening or softening structures.

This semi-evergreen plant features attractive, five-lobed leaves that stay green in mild winters, and it produces fragrant, chocolate-scented purple flowers in spring, sometimes followed by unusual sausage-shaped fruits in hot summers.

It thrives best in a sunny to partially shaded position, though flowering is more prolific in full sun. Akebia quinata prefers moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of various soil types, including loam, clay, or sand, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is hardy and generally low-maintenance, though regular pruning can help control its rapid growth. Ideal for informal gardens, wildlife-friendly spaces, or cottage-style designs, it brings both beauty and versatility to the garden.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an attractive deciduous tree known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and striking, silky, pink flowers. Originating from Asia, this tree brings an exotic feel to gardens and landscapes, particularly appreciated for its light, airy appearance and graceful form. The 'Ombrella' variety is a popular choice, prized for its compact, umbrella-shaped canopy, which makes it an ideal focal point in smaller gardens or urban settings.

Reaching a mature height of around 5–6 metres, the Albizia julibrissin Ombrella offers a relatively modest growth habit compared to other trees, yet it spreads out widely, creating a dappled shade beneath its crown. Its leaves are bipinnate, folding in the evening or during cloudy weather, which adds an element of movement and interest to its appearance. In summer, the tree is adorned with fluffy, pom-pom-like flowers in shades of pink and white, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. These blossoms create a lovely contrast against the soft, green foliage.

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before falling, allowing the tree to reveal its architectural form during the winter months. This variety is reasonably hardy, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -10°C, making it suitable for much of the UK climate. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soils, showing some drought tolerance once established.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella is often used as a specimen tree, valued for its beauty, elegant shape, and pollinator-friendly attributes. It is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal pruning and care, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an ornamental tree that adds a touch of exoticism and charm to their outdoor spaces.