New assortment

Royal Ruby is an older cultivar of coral bells, believed to have been developed by Alan Bloom of Bressingham Gardens (UK) around 1953. Bloom was a prominent British horticulturist who began developing the gardens at Bressingham Hall in Norfolk in 1953, specializing in perennials and pioneering the concept of “island beds.” Those were freestanding flower beds set in lawn, designed to be viewed from all sides and to create a sculptural, dynamic effect in the garden landscape. Over the course of his career, he bred more than 170 new perennial cultivars, including several heucheras. Royal Ruby is a hybrid of H. sanguinea × H. × brizoides, forming compact, usually evergreen clumps about 25–30 cm tall with striking ruby red foliage that is most intense in spring. From late spring to early summer, it produces tiny rose-red flowers on slender stems reaching 40–50 cm in height. Its foliage colour is exquisite and beautifully complements perennial borders – either as a red accent in a tone-on-tone composition or as a vivid contrast to differently coloured leaves or blooms.

Coral bells are hardy and mostly evergreen perennials, mainly used as ground covers, however, they are excellent companions to plants with other textures, especially when mass planted. They prefer lightly shaded locations and evenly moist, nutrient-rich soil—soil pH does not matter. With occasional watering, they can tolerate full sun, except for light-colored varieties, unless specifically bred for sun exposure. They can even grow in shade, though their colors will be less vivid. In early spring, simply trim all leaves, allowing fresh new foliage to emerge. Fertilization is not required but significantly enhances their appearance and vigour. They are hardy to approximately -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and can be grown in outdoor containers as well.

Last update 22-08-2025

MOOODZ® JEALOUSY is a compact coneflower with large, 8-10 cm across, unusual blooms blending apple green ray florets with a prominent golden, domed centre. The petals have elegantly rounded, almost spoon-shaped tips; they are lighter near the centre, darkening toward the edges. Plants grow to about half a meter tall, bloom from early summer, and attract bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbird moths. Thanks to its unusual colouring, it looks both exotic and modern – perfect for stylish planters in hypermodern, minimalist designs. It also plays its part beautifully in a mixed perennial border, nestled among plants whose colours complement it. The leaves are deciduous, broadly lance-shaped, dark green, and rise upward along the stems. The variety was launched at the FlowerTrials exhibition in the Netherlands in 2021.

Coneflowers are beautiful, low-maintenance perennials that bloom from the first half of summer until autumn. The central discs hide nectar eagerly sought by butterflies and bumblebees. Regular deadheading, along with occasional feeding with liquid fertilizers, will extend the flowering season. Their stems are very sturdy, withstanding heavy rain and wind. They will grow in almost any well-drained, non-waterlogged soil in full sun, but dislike overly acidic conditions. Although native to the prairies, experience shows that hybrid types in particular dislike prolonged drought and appreciate extra watering during the driest parts of the year. In spring, watch out for slug invasions, which can consume much of the fresh growth – offering them beer traps is a great and effective way to lure them to a boozy demise while protecting your plants. Hardy to at least -29 °C (USDA zone 5), possibly lower, and requiring no winter protection.

Last update 20-08-2025

Double Scoop™ is an American breeding series of double-flowered coneflowers from the program of PanAmerican Seed (Illinois, USA), created by plant breeder Jianping Ren, originally from China. Cultivars in this series are characterized by large, richly coloured blooms with a distinctive pompon-like central cone surrounded by a ring of ray florets, giving them an exceptionally lush and decorative appearance. Plants are compact, sturdy, and well-branched, with a long flowering season from early summer through to autumn.

DOUBLE SCOOP™ CRANBERRY is a double-flowered coneflower from the American Double Scoop™ series, which features cultivars with exuberant blooms reminiscent of a winter beanie 😊. At first, the flowers are flat and appear single, but soon they begin to rise and form a dense, tightly packed bloom with a prominent pompon-like centre encircled by miniature ray florets — a true “bobble” on an imaginary hat. The flower colour starts coral-orange and matures to a rich cranberry pink. Plants reach 50–60 cm in height, are compact, well-branched, and sturdy, bred for lasting performance in both garden beds and containers. They excel in colour stability, high ornamental value, and attractiveness to pollinators. Introduced to the market in 2014, this cultivar is protected by U.S. Plant Patent PP24,769 and European Plant Breeders’ Rights EU PBR 37709.

Coneflowers are beautiful, low-maintenance perennials that bloom from the first half of summer until autumn. The central discs hide nectar eagerly sought by butterflies and bumblebees. Regular deadheading, along with occasional feeding with liquid fertilizers, will extend the flowering season. Their stems are very sturdy, withstanding heavy rain and wind. They will grow in almost any well-drained, non-waterlogged soil in full sun, but dislike overly acidic conditions. Although native to the prairies, experience shows that hybrid types in particular dislike prolonged drought and appreciate extra watering during the driest parts of the year. In spring, watch out for slug invasions, which can consume much of the fresh growth – offering them beer traps is a great and effective way to lure them to a boozy demise while protecting your plants. Hardy to at least -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and requiring no winter protection.

Last update 20-08-2025

If you have known hardy hibiscus for many years and think nothing could surprise you, lo and behold — before you stands this beauty. The special Walberton’s® Lunar® series looks as if it had slipped out of a tropical glasshouse into an ordinary European garden — and yet, for all its exotic air, it is reliably hardy to our Central European climate and winters. It was created as a bold interspecific cross between Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus paramutabilis, combining vigour and toughness with elegance, large blooms, and colours that seem almost unreal. Behind this discovery stands David Tristram, a respected British breeder who began his ambitious programme of targeted hybridisation back in the 1980s. He is also the founder of Walberton Nursery (1973), a nursery renowned for its innovations and botanical curiosities. In our region, their double-flowered azaleas are especially well known. New varieties are bred by Eva Erhart.

WALBERTON’S® LUNAR® RHAPSODY is an extravagant hybrid hardy hibiscus with extra-large flower 15-16 cm across. They are rich magenta with a small ruby red eye and a few dwarf sepals in the centre, casually layered around a less conspicuous, pale cream column of styles and stamens – typical of the mallow family (such as malva or hollyhock) – adds a dramatic focal point to the bloom. Growth is moderate (20–30 cm annually), reaching around 2 m in height, and occasionally more under exceptionally good conditions. The shrub has a somewhat open, “untidy” habit – an easy flaw to forgive given the splendour of its flowers. The variety is protected by US plant patent No. PP36,541 from 2025.

It has very decorative leaves that are unique. They are shallowly lobed, palmate, mid to dark green and coarsely toothed. If they turn yellow in summer the plant manifests too much water at the roots. They are either overwatered or planted in too heavy soil where it has not established yet. 

Pruning is an issue that always gets me started here. Hard pruning leads to larger flowers, that's true, but also production of long, immature, flexible twigs. The only cut I recommend is such that rejuvenates old plans – prune it hard in early spring by 50-75 % and let it grow for another 10 years or so. Rose-of-Sharon is quite adaptable of soil type. It can take drought but does not look good if dry for too long. It loves moisture fully established plants thrive on occasional flooding in summer, but you cannot transplant it into standing water. Old plants dislike peat. Selective fertilizers enhancing flowering are convenient but not crucial. Place it in full sun only. Fully hardy to min. -25 °C (USDA zone 6) and not suitable for pots.

Last update 19-08-2025

If you have known hardy hibiscus for many years and think nothing could surprise you, lo and behold — before you stands this beauty. The special Walberton’s® Lunar® series looks as if it had slipped out of a tropical glasshouse into an ordinary European garden — and yet, for all its exotic air, it is reliably hardy to our Central European climate and winters. It was created as a bold interspecific cross between Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus paramutabilis, combining vigour and toughness with elegance, large blooms, and colours that seem almost unreal. Behind this discovery stands David Tristram, a respected British breeder who began his ambitious programme of targeted hybridisation back in the 1980s. He is also the founder of Walberton Nursery (1973), a nursery renowned for its innovations and botanical curiosities. In our region, their double-flowered azaleas are especially well known. New varieties are bred by Eva Erhart.

WALBERTON’S® LUNAR® FLARE is a hybrid hardy hibiscus with a flower of tropical allure measuring around 15 cm across. The flowers are snowy white with brilliant ruby red rays radiating from the center towards the edges of the petals. A less conspicuous, pale cream column of styles and stamens – typical of the mallow family (such as malva or hollyhock) – adds a dramatic focal point to the bloom. Growth is moderate (20–30 cm annually), reaching around 2 m in height, and occasionally more under exceptionally good conditions. The shrub has a somewhat open, “untidy” habit – an easy flaw to forgive given the splendour of its flowers. The variety is protected by US plant patent No. PP36,438 from 2025.

It has very decorative leaves that are unique. They are shallowly lobed, palmate, mid to dark green and coarsely toothed. If they turn yellow in summer the plant manifests too much water at the roots. They are either over-watered or planted in too heavy soil where it has not established yet. 

Pruning is an issue that always gets me started here. Hard pruning leads to larger flowers, that's true, but also production of long, immature, flexible twigs. The only cut I recommend is such that rejuvenates old plans – prune it hard in early spring by 50-75 % and let it grow for another 10 years or so. Rose-of-Sharon is quite adaptable of soil type. It can take drought but does not look good if dry for too long. It loves moisture fully established plants thrive on occasional flooding in summer, but you cannot transplant it into standing water. Old plants dislike peat. Selective fertilizers enhancing flowering are convenient but not crucial. Place it in full sun only. Fully hardy to min. -25 °C (USDA zone 6) and not suitable for pots.

Last update 19-08-2025

If you have known Rose-of-Sharon for many years and think nothing could surprise you, lo and behold — before you stands this beauty. The special Walberton’s® Lunar® series looks as if it had slipped out of a tropical glasshouse into an ordinary European garden — and yet, for all its exotic air, it is reliably hardy to our Central European climate and winters. It was created as a daring interspecific cross between Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus paramutabilis, combining vigour and toughness with elegance, large blooms, and colours that seem almost unreal. Behind this discovery stands David Tristram, a respected British breeder who began his ambitious programme of targeted hybridisation back in the 1980s. He is also the founder of Walberton Nursery (1973), a nursery renowned for its innovations and botanical curiosities. In our region, their double-flowered azaleas are especially well known.

WALBERTON’S® LUNAR® ECLIPSE is a hybrid hardy hibiscus with a flower of tropical allure measuring around 15 cm across. Deep magenta petals are marked with a dark ruby red eye that bleeds into two-thirds of their length. A prominent, pale cream column of styles and stamens – typical of the mallow family (such as malva or hollyhock) – adds a dramatic focal point to the bloom, reminiscent of a drawn rapier. Growth is moderate (20–30 cm annually), reaching around 2 m in height, and occasionally more under exceptionally good conditions. The shrub has a somewhat open, “untidy” habit – an easy flaw to forgive given the splendour of its flowers. The variety is protected by US plant patent No. PP36,618 from 2025.

It has very decorative leaves that are unique. They are shallowly lobed, palmate, mid to dark green and coarsely toothed. If they turn yellow in summer the plant manifests too much water at the roots. They are either over-watered or planted in too heavy soil where it has not established yet. 

Pruning is an issue that always gets me started here. Hard pruning leads to larger flowers, that's true, but also production of long, immature, flexible twigs. The only cut I recommend is such that rejuvenates old plans – prune it hard in early spring by 50-75 % and let it grow for another 10 years or so. Rose-of-Sharon is quite adaptable of soil type. It can take drought but does not look good if dry for too long. It loves moisture fully established plants thrive on occasional flooding in summer, but you cannot transplant it into standing water. Old plants dislike peat. Selective fertilizers enhancing flowering are convenient but not crucial. Place it in full sun only. Fully hardy to min. -25 °C (USDA zone 6) and not suitable for pots.

Last update 13-08-2025

Queen Victoria is a statuesque cultivar of cardinal flower that has long graced temperate-climate gardens. From mid-summer to early autumn, it produces tall, terminal flower spikes packed with large, vivid scarlet, tubular, two-lipped blooms that blaze against its dark foliage. Each sturdy, maroon-tinged stem bears clusters of flowers so closely spaced they resemble glowing red torches. Plants typically reach heights of 90–120 cm and are at their best in compact groups, where their upright form and saturated colouring create a dramatic vertical accent. The name pays tribute to Britain’s Queen Victoria, renowned for her passion for horticulture and her lasting influence as a symbol of Victorian elegance—a reference perhaps to the cultivar’s dignified, commanding presence.

Before flowering, Queen Victoria forms a low basal rosette of lance-shaped to ovate leaves, rich in beetroot tones ranging from deep purplish-red to bronze-brown, with a glossy surface and gently undulating margins. As flower stems elongate, the foliage on them becomes slenderer and longer, often shifting to deep green with a purplish sheen in shaded parts, while maintaining its wine-red coloration in full sun. The plant forms a compact, dense clump around 30–60 cm wide, sending up several parallel vertical stems that retain their architectural form even in full bloom, lending clarity and sculptural structure to planting schemes. Removing spent stems will encourage a second flush of shorter stems with flowers.

This lobelia thrives in consistently moist conditions and—despite contrary claims from some growers—can tolerate lightly waterlogged soils, often performing better in them. Trials revealed that winter losses were caused not by frost but by drought. Plants in clay-rich, damp, or saturated beds retained healthy foliage throughout winter and emerged in spring to produce clumps twice as large as the previous year. Grow in full sun or light partial shade; the latter may reduce plant longevity. It prefers fertile soil of any pH and benefits from periodic applications of organic fertilizer during the flowering season. The plant contains toxic compounds and exudes a milky sap when cut, which may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Slug attacks must be controlled as they are particularly fond of its stems and can cause extensive damage to the outer tissues right up to the flowering tips. This variety requires shelter from strong winds and is reliably hardy down to approximately –20 °C (USDA zone 6b), provided it does not dry out over winter.

Last update 10-08-2025

Liriodendron Snowbird® is a remarkable cultivar of this attractive tree, with origins linked to New Zealand. According to some sources, it was bred by James Palmer Rumbal, a long-time researcher at the renowned Duncan & Davies nursery, who specialized in selecting and propagating ornamental woody plants. For his contributions, Rumbal received the RNZIH Plant Raisers’ Award in 2012. Another account credits Elliot Groves of Stepping Stones Nursery in New Plymouth with selecting the cultivar, as noted in personal correspondence with dendrologist Neil Dunn in 2018. Whichever version holds true, Snowbird® began its slow but steady journey into the wider world in the early 21st century. In Europe, it first appeared in the catalogue of the British nursery Frank P. Matthews around 2010. That same year, it was introduced as a novelty by the aptly named Nothing Normal Nursery in the United States — and they’ve got a point: why sell boring plants? 😊

What makes Snowbird® so special? It’s a variegated cultivar whose snow-white margins stay bright throughout summer, unlike the older Aureomarginatum variety, which tends to fade with the first hot days of summer. The leaves glow beautifully on the tree until autumn, when they turn a rich buttery yellow before falling. They’re fairly large (15–20 cm long, 10–15 cm wide), saddle-shaped, and resemble a lyre. The tree has an upright growth habit with a pyramidal crown and reaches up to 20 meters in height and about 12 meters in width at full maturity (around 100 years). Older specimens produce tulip-shaped flowers in pale green with yellow to orange bases, blooming from late May to late June. Thanks to its narrower form, it’s suitable even for medium-sized gardens, where it stands out as a stunning specimen tree.

Pruning is generally unnecessary, as the tree naturally forms a dense, pyramidal shape with a handsome silhouette. However, if you need to reduce its size or shape it, always prune right after flowering — as a member of the magnolia family, it blooms at the tips of its branches, and spring pruning would remove the buds. You can grow it as a shrub with branches from the base, or as a single-trunk tree with a canopy above head height.

Plant your tulip tree in a sunny, open location with plenty of space. It tolerates windy sites if moisture is sufficient. It thrives best in rich, well-drained soil, ideally slightly acidic — adding peat can help. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, although once established, the tree can handle short-term flooding after heavy rains. In its native habitat, it grows in a mild, humid climate with high humidity, which is hard to imitate in dry, continental climate of Central Europe. If you can’t plant it near water, ensure occasional watering, especially during summer heat and drought. Young single-trunk trees should be staked to help them root well and grow straight. Tulip trees are resistant to pests and diseases, and mature wood can withstand frosts down to –30 °C (USDA zone 5). The root system is shallow, wide-spreading, and actively seeks water. For this reason, avoid planting it too close to buildings, walls, or underground utilities — a minimum distance of 5 meters is recommended to prevent structural or pipe damage 

Last update 08-08-2025

Flat nectarines are a gourmet treat among peaches and standard nectarines. They feature a flattened shape, smooth glossy skin that’s thin—meaning they can’t be stored long once ripe—and exceptionally sweet, juicy flesh. When fully ripe, the flavour evokes ripe mangoes. The pulp is very soft, either yellow or white, and clings tightly to the small pit. They typically ripen throughout August depending on the variety.

Cultivar names are often fictional and multilingual, which is why we prefer English descriptors based on fruit characteristics to distinguish individual trees more clearly: White Flesh (with white pulp) and Yellow Flesh (with yellow pulp).

They are so easy to grow, and we have noticed that they are healthier and more vigorous than classic peach trees. They show great resistance to leaf curl unless in a peach orchard with this infection. Should it appear on your tree try to stay away from a chemical treatment and feed the plant. It will help it make new leaves and ill, curled leaves will fall off (remove and burn them). We suggest planting peach trees in open spaces so they can feel cold, spring breeze which will delay flowering and prevent the flowers from frost damage should they open too early. They like slightly alkaline soil, moist but well-drained. Do not transplant bare-root trees in autumn, only in spring. We do not recommend pruning but it may be done after flowering. The best yield is always from an unpruned tree which grows naturally. Hardy to about -29 °C (USDA zone 5). 

Last update 02-12-2021; 02-08-2025

Apple Blossom yarrow, a literal translation of the original and preferred German name ‘Apfelblüte’, is a variety created by German breeder A. Kikillus. It features soft pink flowers in almost flat terminal corymbs made up of delicate flower heads. Flowering begins in June and continues through September if entire stems with spent blooms are regularly cut back to ground level. The foliage is fine, bright green, bipinnately to tripinnately divided, deciduous, and adds a fluffy texture to the plant. Mature specimens reach about 70 cm in height when in bloom.

Yarrow is a perennial suitable for standard garden beds, dry spots, and rockeries. With its summer bloom time, it’s ideal for planting schemes designed to peak during the holidays. You can pair it tone-on-tone with other similarly coloured perennials or use it as a contrasting accent among shrubs. It's helpful to remove spent stems as soon as the flowers begin to fade — the plant will keep producing new, shorter stems and flowers through autumn. For combinations, you can take the traditional meadow route, pairing it with daisies, bellflowers, or campions, or go modern with bold hues supported by drought-tolerant companions such as:

- Echinacea - Sunseekers series (e.g. Mineola, Coral, Hot Pink) 
- Buddleja - Butterfly Candy series (Cerise, Ruby, Purple)  
- Compact verbenas (V. canadensis, V. bonariensis Lollipop)  
- Smaller rudbeckias

Yarrow is low-maintenance and thrives best in full sun and well-drained, rather poor soil. It cannot tolerate prolonged waterlogging, making it well-suited to gravel beds or dry slopes. Fertilizing is usually not necessary, but cutting back after flowering and light feeding will encourage another flush of blooms without exhausting the plant. To maintain vitality and compact growth, older clumps should be divided every 3–5 years, ideally in spring or autumn — this rejuvenates the plant and prevents dieback in the centre. Yarrow copes well with weather fluctuations, is drought-tolerant, and fully hardy down to –40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 02-08-2025

BUTTERFLY CANDY™ LITTLE CERISE is a dwarf and compact buddleja introduced in 2024, producing vibrant purple-pink flowers — though let’s be honest, they’re quite a stretch from the warm, cherry-red shade that “cerise” was ever meant to represent. The inflorescence is conical, slim, only some 6-8 cm long, and composed of small, funnel-shaped flowers. They are moderately, sweetly fragrant and bloom from late June until late September. Deciduous leaves are lanceolate, hairy as they emerge, medium green and partly glossy above and silver on the reverse, without a significant autumn colour change. The plant makes an upright, very dense and bushy shrub. Deadheading is important to promote continuous flowering. This variety was awarded Bronze Medal at Plantarium Trade Fair in 2024 for unique colour and great habit.

We recommend rejuvenating buddleja every spring with strong pruning. The ideal time is late March to April, when the buds begin to swell but the risk of severe frost has passed. Up to 80% of last year's branches can be removed, keeping a basic framework approximately 30 cm above ground for dwarf varieties and up to 50 cm for standard cultivars. Properly pruned, the plant reliably regenerates and will bloom profusely throughout the season. Prolonged and abundant flowering can be supported by regular removal of spent flower spikes (deadheading) to prevent seed formation, followed by application of liquid fertilizer, though this is not essential.

Buddleja performs best in full sun, planted in moderately fertile, well-drained, and porous soil as excess moisture, especially during winter, may cause root rot or dieback. The plant is hardy to about –29 °C (USDA zone 5), though it typically thrives more vigorously in warmer areas. In colder regions, it is advisable to plant only well-established, older specimens with mature wood. Watering should be light rather than copious – buddleja is drought tolerant, but during growth and when in full bloom, light watering can enhance vitality and improve its ornamental appearance.

Last update 30-07-2025

DELGENIUS GLITZY larkspur stands out with its compact, almost shrubby habit, strong stems that require no staking, and lush inflorescences composed of semi-double flowers in shades of inky blue to bluish-purple, featuring a uniquely bicoloured white-and-black “bee” at the centre. Deciduous leaves are dark green, matte, palmately divided and distinctly incised. Flowering stems are 40-60 cm tall and the flowers open from the bottom upwards. The main blooming season starts in June and continues until early July. Then the plant spontaneously but scarcely reblooms until late summer, or you can cut it back to the ground after the main blooming phase and let it regrow, which will lead to a second, relatively strong flush of flowers in September and October. It is so beautiful to have a fresh new clump with vibrant flowers late in the season when other perennials have lost their charm and energy. Plant patent No. PP32993 was granted in 2021.

Grow larkspur in any moist but well-drained, humus-rich garden soil in full sun. It will benefit from mulching as it likes constant moisture. The plant contains toxin which may cause severe discomfort if ingested, or, to some, it may irritate skin. The plant belongs among medium-lived with a life span of 4-6 years, unless you dig out the clumps in the spring, divide them and plant back only the young and healthy ones, disposing of exhausted and old mother plant’s roots. Use a high phosphorus fertilizer every year for profuse flowering. Fully hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4), possibly more. 

Last update 28-07-2025

Husker Red is a beardtongue cultivar emerged as the result of targeted selection within a breeding programme at the University of Nebraska. Its creator, Dr. Dale Lindgren, originally a mathematician, later became a respected horticultural expert. In 1983, he discovered among P. digitalis seedlings an individual with distinctly dark purple foliage and, after eight years of selection, he introduced it to the market named Husker Red. The cultivar name pays tribute to the university’s sports team, the Cornhuskers, whose colours are reflected in the foliage’s burgundy hue.

Husker Red immediately captivates with its deep burgundy foliage, especially evident in young plants. It grows upright, reaching 80–120 cm in height, and as it grows taller, the burgundy colour travels upward – fading from lower leaves which turn to dark green and intensifying on higher ones, creating a perfect contrast with the pale flowers. These are nearly white with light purple calyces and vivid purple veins in the floral throat. The veining resembles runway guiding lines that help planes land precisely – similarly, these veins guide pollinators safely to their destination: nectar 😊. It blooms from late May to July, after which it should be cut back just above the ground, and within two weeks it will produce fresh, beautifully dark burgundy leaves that will adorn the garden until winter. In 1996, Husker Red was named Perennial Plant of the Year by the American Perennial Plant Association.

These beardtongues are notably drought-resistant, aligning with modern and ecological gardening practices – requiring little to no watering. They’re used in compositions with other drought-tolerant species in full sun, offering medium height and dark color accents. However, they can be somewhat short-lived without care, and seed propagation is unreliable. Therefore, occasional fertilization and some watering during prolonged drought are recommended. Plant them in full sun or light partial shade to prevent legginess, always in free-draining soil of any pH. They don’t suffer from pests or diseases and tolerate temperatures down to approximately –37 °C, even thriving in deep planters with excellent drainage (USDA zone 3).

Last update 27-07-2025

The SWEET SUMMER™ series now includes 14 stunning cultivars of garden phlox (as of 2025) in many colours and combinations. And which one always draws the most attention? It may surprise you – the pure white one. White as freshly fallen snow and as gorgeous as the most exquisite wedding gown. One such gown is worn by Lady Nevea, a mythical ruler from a high-mountain valley called Floriglacia, where snow-white flowers bloom. Her dress is made of white phlox petals that never wilt. Legend has it that wherever Lady Nevea sets her foot, white flowers bloom again – even after the first frost. So keep your eyes open in October – for you may catch a glimpse of her in the corner of your eye, a beautiful figure appearing only for a fleeting moment before vanishing into the hoary morning.

The SWEET SUMMER™ SNOW cultivar forms upright flower heads 15 to 25 cm tall and 10 to 15 cm wide, made up of pure white blossoms. Flowering begins in July and the first wave lasts at least a month. If you regularly deadhead and remove the entire finished inflorescence while feeding with liquid fertilizer, new clusters form from the lower stems and flowering can continue until September. The flowers offer a pleasant, softly sweet and spicy scent. The leaves are deciduous, broad-lanceolate, dark green, and like all cultivars in this series, highly resistant to powdery mildew and leaf spot — the most common phlox diseases. The stems are firm, reach 50 to 60 cm tall, and do not bend or break after rainfall. This variety was bred by Ellen van Sambeek from the Dutch company Ditoplant and is protected by European PBR No. 36940 from 2014.

Phlox is an extremely hardy perennial. It sprouts very early in spring with deep wine-red buds often visible right after the snow melts. It blooms from early summer until the end of August, and early autumn flowering can be encouraged by trimming back spent clusters after the main flush. It’s easy to grow, thrives in regular garden soil, and appreciates nutrients — though even without fertilizer, it will bloom profusely. If it does suffer from disease, it’s usually caused by extremes — too dry or overly wet roots. This perennial is long-lived and will stay in your garden until you decide to dig it up. It’s ideal for sunny borders but will also bloom in partial shade. Hardy down to about –34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 26-07-2025

Are you drawn to bold garden structure? They’re called “architectural features” for a reason. 😊 Night Embers stonecrop demands attention even from a distance – it stands like a dark sculpture among pastel-toned perennials. Its undeniable focal point is the foliage: plum-purple to almost black, fleshy, ovate to rounded leaves with striking metallic sheen – neither glossy nor matte. They grow along fleshy stems reaching 50–60 cm tall, topped by rounded clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that appear in late summer. They are dusty pink to light mauve which makes a stunning contrast against dark backgrounds, like flames glowing in twilight.

The plant grows upright, forming a narrow vase-shaped clump about 50–60 cm wide when mature and maintains a tidy form without flopping. The foliage is highly resistant to powdery mildew, so spraying is rarely necessary. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and provide vital forage at the start of autumn. They bloom for roughly six weeks before the flower heads begin to dry. If you don’t mind their faded look and the stems remain firm, leave them on the plant—they decorate autumn beds beautifully when covered in hoar.

This cultivar was bred by American perennial guru Hans A. Hansen from Walters Gardens in Michigan and is protected under patent no. PP29211 from 2018. Night Embers loves full sun, where its colours shine brightest, and thrives with minimal watering, making it an excellent partner for drought-loving plants. For maximum effect, use bold contrast – think silver foliage like Santolina, Helichrysum or Artemisia. Garden classics such as brightly coloured Echinacea or compact rockery friends like Delosperma, Dianthus, or low-growing Gypsophila are great matches. You can also play with texture by adding smaller drought-tolerant grasses like steel-blue, beige, or fresh green Festuca.

It needs very well-drained soil and doesn’t tolerate excess moisture – heavy soil or constantly wet spots may cause root and stem rot. Beyond that, care is minimal: no fertilizing, pruning, or winter protection required. In spring, remove old stems by cutting them close to the ground and allow fresh growth to emerge from below. Don't snap the stems off—use pruning shears to avoid damaging new buds forming at the base, often already present from the previous autumn. Watch out for slugs and act promptly if they appear. Night Embers is hardy down to approx. –40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 25-07-2025

The Mauvette hydrangea was introduced shortly after Limetta’s success in 2018 as another member of the BellaRagazza® series of strong and vividly colored smooth hydrangeas. Its name is inspired by the rich pinkish-purple shade of the flowers, which varies depending on light and blooming stage. The inflorescences are semi-spherical (almost mop-head) and strikingly large, typically measuring 14–16 cm in diameter. This variety stands out not only aesthetically but also technically: it has very sturdy stems, 70-90 cm tall, which hold the flowers even after heavy rain and additionally blooms for a long time, from early summer through autumn. If pruned hard immediately after flowering, it will flower again in late summer. The deciduous leaves are ovate, medium to dark green (depending on soil quality), rather matte. Smooth hydrangea is a fast grower. 

Thanks to its beauty as well as its low maintenance and versatile use, it quickly wins the hearts of growers and gardeners worldwide. You can plant it almost anywhere except for deep shade. It will look great as a small specimen shrub or nicely incorporated among taller shrubs or conifers, enriching them with flower colour and long blooming time. It also looks great in perennial beds with taller species such as blue or white delphinium, yellow ligularia, warmly coloured helenium, purple joe-pye weed, or swamp hibiscus. As it prefers moist conditions, you can plant smaller to medium-tall perennials with similar needs in the foreground, such as lobelia, bellflowers (campanula), daisies (leucanthemum), and definitely variously colored daylilies (hemerocallis), which offer a relaxed structure thanks to their arching foliage.

You can grow it in almost any well-drained and moist soil, preferably fertile, although fertilizing is not necessary. In hot months and dry soil, it will appreciate extra watering. It tolerates any cardinal direction and soil pH. Annual spring pruning — about two-thirds the length of last season’s branches — ensures compact, strong plants with large flowers for the upcoming season. It is fully hardy to at least -40 °C (USDA zone 3) and also grows well in containers, where regular watering is required.

Last update 24-07-2025

SUNSEEKERS CLEMENTINE coneflower brings a vividly vibrant orange hue to garden beds – a shade reminiscent of ripe mandarins. Its flowers are exceptionally large: 9-11 cm across, with richly coloured petals that, as the bloom matures, develop a noticeable purplish tint around the centre, eventually flushing through the entire ray floret before fading. The central discs are domed, orange-brown, and offer plentiful nectar for butterflies, bumblebees, and honeybees. Each bloom lasts about 2–3 weeks. The plant itself grows to around 50 cm, with sturdy stems and a compact habit that lends a polished, modern appearance even within dynamic planting schemes. Leaves are healthy, deep green, slightly rough in texture, and lanceolate in shape. The cultivar was bred by Glenn Spil and introduced in 2023.

Coneflowers of this type are so structurally strong and well-formed that they can easily complement smaller shrubs or robust (semi)woody perennials like hybrid hypericums, which offer colorful fruits from midsummer onwards. They look stunning alongside airy indigo bushes or the finely textured Mexican orange blossom. I’ve even seen them used by fans of dwarf conifers, who previously brushed away any ideas of perennials – and suddenly, here’s a jewel of colour and soft foliage among their beloved needles, and it works beautifully!

After flowering, simply deadhead spent flowers or cut back the top of the stem to the first or second leaf. Leave the stem grow as new buds emerge along it and continue flowering tirelessly until summer’s end. To encourage budding, regular feeding with a flowering plant fertilizer every two weeks is ideal. Watch out for slugs in early spring: they may damage new growth, which appears later than other perennials – just when these uninvited guests are at full destructive strength.

Echinacea will thrive in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. It’s a prairie plant that loves heat and sun, doesn’t wait for rain, and copes well with dry spells. However, in the first year make sure to water it carefully until established, and especially before the first winter and don’t let it dry out completely. Ideal for en masse plantings, or as a lively accent among low shrubs, and it also looks excellent in dense container plantings, where its flower colour truly shines. Mulching with fine bark or decorative gravel adds compositional clarity. Hardy to about -34 °C. (USDA zone 4).

Last update 22-07-2025

Purple Rain is a little taller cultivar of Chinese false spiraea, growing to around 60 cm with a compact, upright habit. Its slender, conical flower plumes appear in summer in a vivid, unmistakable shade of magenta-purple, rising above dark green, glossy leaves with delicately serrated margins. The cultivar was bred in the Netherlands by Hans van der Meer, who selected it for its abundant flowering, structural stability, ornamental foliage, and sun tolerance.

Try pairing it in a moist garden bed alongside large-leaved hostas, variegated heucheras, and dark-leaved ligularias, whose robust foliage offers a striking contrast to astilbe’s finely textured leaves. To extend the bed’s seasonal interest, add spring-blooming perennials such as brunneras and pulmonarias. They attract attention early in the season and then gracefully yield the spotlight to Astilbe in midsummer while continuing to enrich the planting with their lower stature and contrasting foliage. Purple Rain is protected by U.S. Plant Patent PP21877 granted in 2011.

If the plant blooms profusely in its first flush and is growing in nutrient-mediocre or even poor soil, the foliage may appear exhausted after flowering. In that case, it's worth cutting the plant back to the ground, feeding with a liquid fertilizer, which will encourage it to regrow; the fresh foliage will remain decorative until the end of the season. Regular feeding also promotes reblooming throughout the summer holidays.

In their natural habitat, astilbes thrive in mountain ravines and damp forests, where they appreciate shade and moist soil. Thanks to their tolerance for both shade and moisture, they have become popular perennials for planting around ponds and in woodland gardens. They are not difficult to grow as long as they have proper conditions: rich, moisture-retentive soil and a preference for partial shade over full sun. However, given regular watering or a naturally damp site, they will also perform well in full sun. Good fertilization enhances both the size and quality of the blooms. Avoid overly alkaline soils and compacted clays that dry out in summer — they are not suitable. For optimal performance, divide and rejuvenate clumps every four years, removing old and dying rhizomes. Do this in early spring before new growth starts. Old foliage and flower stalks should also be cut back in early spring. Fully hardy to approximately –34 °C (USDA zone 4). Perfect for large planters, too.

Last update 21-07-2025

The Rudy series of rudbeckias was developed by the Dutch breeding company Florensis, with the goal of creating early flowering cultivars with good performance even under less-than-ideal care. These varieties offer a profusion of blooms roughly from the same period as echinaceas. 

Rudy Mini Yellow Black is a compact, low-growing cultivar from 2022 with a very dense habit and abundant flowering. Its daisy-shaped blossoms are surprisingly large – measuring 8–10 cm across, with semi-double petals that are two-thirds dark brown, resembling bear fur (perhaps a nod to the common name “hairy”? 😊) and glowing golden-yellow tips. The flower centers are deep, rich brown like dark chocolate. Each flower lasts for an impressive two weeks or more, much like echinaceas. It begins to flower around mid-July and keeps going until the last sunny and warm days of autumn.

The foliage is narrowly oval, slightly hairy, in shades of light to mid green, and notably healthy. Stems are upright, well-branched, and reach a modest 40 cm height. Since this plant loves sun and near-to-dry conditions, it pairs beautifully with other prairie-style perennials and drought-tolerant companions. It creates a striking contrast with silvery foliage plants such as Helichrysum and Artemisia, low ornamental grasses like Festuca, and airy companions such as Gypsophila. It works beautifully as a low-growing foreground accent in front of Perovskia or compact cultivars of butterfly bush (Buddleja). It can also be used as a floral centerpiece among small shrubs and conifers, and of course, it looks stunning when planted in mass in containers on patios and balconies.

Gloriosa daisy does not tolerate heavy clay or wet, boggy soil. It requires good drainage while maintaining adequate moisture during the growing season. Plant it in full sun only. Deadheading prolongs the flowering period and encourages the formation of new buds, as does occasional fertilizing. It is considered a short-lived perennial, and for best results should be grown in open beds without mulch sheets to allow self-seeding. Seedlings typically bloom in their first year. Under ideal conditions, it is fully hardy to around −34 °C (USDA zone 4). Just beware of slugs, which can damage all of the newly emerging leaves in spring, leaving the plant so weakened that it may die.

Last update 20-07-2025

The UPTICK™ series of perennial tickseed originates from Ball Horticultural Company in Santa Paula, California, where it is bred by Blair Winner. With over four decades of experience in the ornamental plant industry, Winner has contributed to the development of dozens of popular cultivars — from geraniums and gazanias to tickseeds — for renowned companies such as Bodger Seed, PanAmerican Seed, and Ball Horticultural. Beyond ornamental breeding, he has also worked on nutrition-related projects, including marigold varieties with high levels of zeaxanthin used in dietary supplements that support eye health. His work has shaped modern horticulture across continents, and the UPTICK™ series reflects his pursuit of compact, floriferous, and disease-resistant plants with vibrant flower colours.

UPTICK™ RED showcases rich, dark red flowers that shift in appearance over the season — the initial flush is nearly solid red, while later blooms feature golden-yellow petal tips. The daisy-like flowers have smooth, slightly rounded petals and appear from early summer until the first frost. Upright stems reach 30–35 cm in height and form compact, dense clumps. The foliage is narrow, medium green, three-lobed, and highly resistant to powdery mildew and common diseases. Thanks to its intense coloration and exceptionally long blooming period, UPTICK™ RED reliably fills the role of annuals that fade after a single season. The variety is protected under U.S. Plant Patent PP33866, granted in 2022.

Tickseed will grow in nearly any free-draining soil, and as it withstands drought it is popular for rockeries. Making it a glowing feature in your perennial garden bed is the reasonable and expected way of using it. But placing it among small shrubs with different foliage and flowers will mean an honour for this easy and affordable beauty. Deadheading will make the plant nicer and bring forward formation of new flower buds but is not necessary. Fully hardy to about -29 °C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 18-07-2025

Dark Towers beardtongue was developed as a continuation of Dr. Dale Lindgren’s breeding work at the University of Nebraska. After the success of Husker Red, Lindgren aimed to create a hybrid that would enhance its deep burgundy foliage and combine it with more striking flowers. He achieved this in 1995 by crossing Husker Red with the cultivar Prairie Splendor (a hybrid of P. cobaea × P. triflorus). After nearly a decade, he selected the most promising seedling in 2004 and named the selection Dark Towers. The name refers to the tall, dark flowering stems that rise above the garden greenery like towers.

Dark Towers beardtongue boasts distinctly deep burgundy to purplish foliage, maintaining its colour closer to the ground even during summer months, unlike Husker Red whose leaves fade in hot weather. The plant reaches a height of 90–120 cm and has an upright, compact habit. Its flowers are pale pink with a soft purplish tint, arranged in loose racemes atop sturdy stems and resemble those of abelias. The inside of the flowers is decorated with delicate veining that serves as a visual guide for pollinators – especially bumblebees and hummingbirds, which are drawn to this cultivar. It blooms from June to August, and after flowering, the plant can be trimmed to encourage a new wave of growth and denser foliage.

Dark Towers is a sterile cultivar, i.e., it doesn’t self-seed in the garden. This helps preserve its compact shape, making it ideal for perennial borders, urban plantings, and natural-style gardens. It is tolerant of drought, heat, and frost, its stems do not require support, and its dark leaves contrast beautifully with the lighter flowers of surrounding plants. It is protected under patent no. PP20014 from 2007.

These beardtongues are notably drought-resistant, aligning with modern and ecological gardening practices – requiring little to no watering. They’re used in compositions with other drought-tolerant species in full sun, offering medium height and dark color accents. However, they can be somewhat short-lived without care, and seed propagation is unreliable. Therefore, occasional fertilization and some watering during prolonged drought are recommended. Plant them in full sun or light partial shade to prevent legginess, always in free-draining soil of any pH. They don’t suffer from pests or diseases and tolerate temperatures down to approximately –37 °C, even thriving in deep planters with excellent drainage (USDA zone 3).

Last update 27-07-2025

The Quick Fire® series of panicle hydrangeas was launched in 2005 with the goal of extending the flowering season and offering cultivars with exceptionally early blooms. Developed by American breeder Tim Wood of Spring Meadow Nursery, the series aimed to combine sturdy stems, changing flower colouration, and reliable growth. Over time, additional size variations emerged – Little Quick Fire® in 2012, Tiny Quick Fire® in 2020 – all sharing the distinctive traits of the collection. The current flagship is Quick Fire Fab®, introduced in 2021 by breeder Megan Mathey. It features spherical mophead blooms with striking X-shaped florets and intense color transformation. The series quickly gained popularity for its adaptability, visual appeal, and ease of care. It provides gardeners with continuous blooms from early summer into fall – without compromise. Quick Fire® cultivars are also part of the Proven Winners® brand, known for high-performance plants suitable even for amateur growers.

QUICK FIRE FAB® is a medium-sized panicle hydrangea with a strong, upright growth habit, reaching about 150–180 cm in height and approximately 120 cm in width. From early summer well into autumn, it produces rich mophead-style inflorescences composed entirely of sterile florets with distinctive X-shaped petals. The flowers change color dramatically throughout the season – from lime green and snowy white to soft pink and deep red – creating a bold explosion of colour in any garden. Thanks to this transformation and its prominent floral architecture, Quick Fire Fab® makes an almost iconic statement, adding depth and dimension to the landscape. Its rigid stems do not bend after rain and maintain shape without staking, making it a dependable choice even in exposed settings.

Its deciduous leaves are broadly ovate, healthy, and medium green, turning yellow and burgundy in autumn. The stems display a soft purplish hue that complements the colorful blooms. As Quick Fire Fab® flowers on new wood, it benefits from annual pruning in early spring – leaving about 10–20 cm of previous year‘s branches. Its size makes it ideal as a standout specimen or for mid-level structure in mixed borders. It pairs beautifully with tall, boldly colored perennials with similar site requirements, such as delphiniums or foxgloves. For underplanting, richly toned heucheras work wonderfully, while medium-sized ornamental grasses like fountain grass add softness without obscuring its form. If you’re seeking a hydrangea that opens the season with elegance and finishes it with fire, Quick Fire Fab® is the perfect choice. The cultivar is protected under U.S. patent PP32513, granted in 2020.

Panicle hydrangeas grow best in full sun, though they can tolerate light partial shade. They are not particularly fussy about soil type but thrive in rich, well-drained conditions. Once established, they cope well with brief summer droughts, though consistent moisture helps keep them healthier. They respond well to fertilization, producing larger blooms and bushier plants. They adapt to any exposure and soil pH. Hardy down to –34 °C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for outdoor planters where they’ll simply need more frequent watering.

Last update 17-07-2025

Prime Time is a standout among Russian sages, bred by perennial specialist Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens in the United States. Compared to other cultivars, it impresses with early flowering, a compact habit, and exceptionally dense inflorescences. The flowers resemble tiny slippers in rich violet-blue tones, opening from strikingly violet, softly fuzzy buds. Thanks to these buds, the plant offers vibrant colour as early as June, even though the actual blooms appear from July and continue through October. The inflorescences are well-branched and tightly packed, with the tiers of lateral flowering branches spaced closely beneath one another — creating the effect of a vertical violet veil. Each year, the plant grows stronger and blooms more profusely, forming a radiant violet cloud in midsummer.

The leaves are deciduous, finely lobed along the margins, oval to elliptical in shape, with a lightly hairy surface that gives them a silvery to grey-green hue in youth. As the season progresses, the colour shifts to a pale green. The stems are sturdy, distinctly silvery, and carry an aromatic essential oil reminiscent of culinary sage. The plant reaches about 1 meter in height and similar width.

The cultivar is protected by US plant patent PP34304, granted in 2022. Although it is officially registered as a selection of Perovskia atriplicifolia, it stands apart from older cultivars of the same species — such as Blue Spire, Little Spire, and Lacey Blue. For instance, Blue Spire has a taller, more open habit (120–150 cm), Little Spire is also compact but blooms later and less densely, and Lacey Blue features deeply dissected foliage and while keeping compact, makes a more open structure. In contrast, Prime Time combines early flowering with dense, upright spikes and vivid calyces — making it a true visual anchor in summer borders.

In 2023, Prime Time was awarded the bronze medal by KVBC at the Plantarium trade fair — one of Europe’s most prestigious honours for new cultivars. And this isn’t just a ribbon on paper: the jury evaluates not only appearance, but also garden performance, resilience, and design value. To stand out among hundreds of new introductions means Prime Time truly delivers — and has caught the eye of top horticultural experts.
Perovskia is easy to grow. It tolerates almost any soil — preferably lean and well-drained — as overly moist conditions in winter can cause root rot. Once well established, it copes superbly with drought. For strong growth and abundant flowering, prune it back in early spring by one third to one quarter of the previous year’s branches. If the plant is weak, it can be cut down to around 5 cm, which promotes new shoots and thus more blooms. It is fully hardy to approximately –30 °C (USDA zone 5), with some sources claiming tolerance down to –34 °C. It’s well suited to year-round cultivation in outdoor planters, just ensure excellent drainage as excessive moisture can cause yellowing (chlorosis) and leaf drop.

Last update 16-07-2025

Golden Falls® eastern redbud from 2020 simply continues a successful line of these trees with attractive foliage.

It was developed by Werner by crossing the weeping ‘Lavender Twist’® with the golden-leaved ‘Hearts of Gold’. The result is an elegant tree with a narrow, cascading habit and radiant yellow foliage that resembles a stream of sunlight. In spring, the leaves emerge in a bright yellow; by early summer, the new growth turns a rich golden to light orange, while the maturing inner leaves shift to chartreuse. In autumn, the green fades entirely and warm shades of yellow and gold return. They are deciduous, broadly heart-shaped, and typically 7–10 cm wide. In early spring, before any foliage emerges, small, bright pink, pea-like flowers appear directly on the bare branches. The cultivar was granted U.S. Plant Patent no. PP31,658.

Since Golden Falls® is a weeping form, its final height depends largely on how it's trained. It is often sold either already grafted at 125–200 cm or as a low-grafted plant trained upward along a bamboo stake or other support. Without further tying and guidance, it will naturally begin to arch downward forming a shimmering cascade of yellow foliage. Without additional training, it will stop gaining height and gracefully weep from the point where the last tie was placed. This habit lends itself beautifully to brightening up darker garden corners or contrasting with richly colored shrubs and taller perennials. It also makes a striking focal point in small front gardens — especially when paired with a decorative stone and mulched with premium dark brown bark, such as pine mulch, for added texture and visual depth.

Weeping redbuds are slow-growing and require little pruning. Still, you may trim and shape them while their branches are young and flexible — older, thicker wood doesn’t respond well to pruning and is more susceptible to disease. Cercis canadensis is not demanding when it comes to soil, but thrives in moist, well-drained ground. It prefers full sun, though young plants benefit from protection against intense spring sunlight and drying winter winds. It dislikes being transplanted. Fully hardy to about −29 °C (USDA zone 5), though even greater resilience is expected. In recent years, we’ve observed that variegated redbud cultivars sometimes suffer from sun scorch on their young leaves due to elevated UV radiation during periods when the Czech Republic lies beneath the thinnest part of the ozone layer. The cause is a lack of protective chlorophyll — the green pigment in leaves that functions much like sunscreen with a high UV factor. Affected leaves tend to wilt, dry up, and fall off, but they are quickly replaced by fresh new growth. No intervention is usually necessary — perhaps just light feeding with liquid fertilizer and a bit of patience 😊.

Last update 29-08-2023

Gloria Purpurea is a historic cultivar of false spiraea bred by Georg Adalbert Arends around 1920, at the peak of his hybridizing work. Its pedigree includes all the species he used in his breeding: A. chinensis (for dense inflorescences and drought tolerance), A. japonica (for early flowering and a compact habit), A. thunbergii (for height and airy grace), and A. davidii (for robust growth and long flower spikes). Together, these qualities gave rise to a plant of striking elegance — a cultivar whose reputation still endures, as it remains one of the most sought-after selections today.

Gloria Purpurea is a relatively tall variety, with vivid pink to purplish flower panicles that stand erect and full. It begins blooming in early July and, under ideal conditions, can flower continuously into late August. Its leaves are deciduous, glossy, deep green, and finely divided, with a bronzy tint that becomes more prominent in autumn. The plant grows to a height of 60–70 cm and is generally untroubled by pests or diseases. Try pairing it in a moist border with bold-leaved hostas, bold-coloured Heuchera cultivars, and dark-leaved Ligularia — their broad foliage offers a powerful contrast to the finely textured leaves of the astilbe. And for a longer season of interest, add early-blooming perennials such as Brunnera and Pulmonaria, which shine in springtime and then quietly recede, allowing the astilbes to take centre stage in high summer — while their lower stature and distinctly textured foliage still provide valuable contrast.

If the plant blooms profusely in its first flush and is growing in nutrient-mediocre or even poor soil, the foliage may appear exhausted after flowering. In that case, it's worth cutting the plant back to the ground, feeding with a liquid fertilizer, which will encourage it to regrow; the fresh foliage will remain decorative until the end of the season. Regular feeding also promotes reblooming throughout the summer holidays.

In their natural habitat, astilbes thrive in mountain ravines and damp forests, where they appreciate shade and moist soil. Thanks to their tolerance for both shade and moisture, they have become popular perennials for planting around ponds and in woodland gardens. They are not difficult to grow as long as they have proper conditions: rich, moisture-retentive soil and a preference for partial shade over full sun. However, given regular watering or a naturally damp site, they will also perform well in full sun. Good fertilization enhances both the size and quality of the blooms. Avoid overly alkaline soils and compacted clays that dry out in summer — they are not suitable. For optimal performance, divide and rejuvenate clumps every four years, removing old and dying rhizomes. Do this in early spring before new growth starts. Old foliage and flower stalks should also be cut back in early spring. Fully hardy to approximately –34 °C (USDA zone 4). Perfect for large planters, too, where it will require more frequent watering and feeding.

Last update 29-06-2025

I'm not a huge fan of multi-coloured combinations — I admit that. But when I visited the Plantarium trade fair in 2023 and saw the exhibition by the Dutch company Florensis, showcasing their rising star — a modern yarrow series called Milly Rock, planted in mixed containers with three to five shades at once — I suddenly wanted all the colours! Just like when I was a child, begging my parents for a set of crayons with as many shades as possible. And so you won’t have to do the begging, we’re offering you all the colours at once — carefully blended in a mix called MixMasters®. Each container includes several plants of different shades, chosen to harmonize naturally. The current selection includes these varieties:

• Pink
• Cherry
• Rose
• Red
• Yellow Terracotta

The overall effect is delightful, with the colours blending softly into one another to create a pastel palette of summer tones. All of this rises above a lush cushion of fresh green, fern-like foliage. The stems stay low, reaching about 40 cm, and the plants are compact and dense. The Milly Rock series is bred in Germany by Tobias Braeunig.

Yarrow is a perennial suitable for standard garden beds, dry spots, and rockeries. With its summer bloom time, it’s ideal for planting schemes designed to peak during the holidays. You can pair it tone-on-tone with other similarly coloured perennials or use it as a contrasting accent among shrubs. It's helpful to remove spent stems as soon as the flowers begin to fade — the plant will keep producing new, shorter stems and flowers through autumn. For combinations, you can take the traditional meadow route, pairing it with daisies, bellflowers, or campions, or go modern with bold hues supported by drought-tolerant companions such as:

• Echinacea - Sunseekers series (e.g. Mineola, Coral, Hot Pink)  
• Buddleja - Butterfly Candy series (Cerise, Ruby, Purple)  
• Compact verbenas (V. canadensis, V. bonariensis Lollipop)  
• Smaller rudbeckias

Yarrow isn’t demanding in terms of nutrients or soil type, it only cannot stand it waterlogged ground or compacted, clay soil. Full sun is ideal. It doesn’t need regular feeding, but if you trim it after flowering and give it some fertilizer, it will quickly set new buds without exhausting itself. It’s drought-tolerant, weather-resistant, and fully hardy down to around –40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 26-06-2025

LIVING SUGAR RUSH is a compact panicle hydrangea variety with a dense, symmetrical habit, growing to just under a meter in both height and width. From mid-summer through autumn, it produces medium-sized, conical flower heads composed of pure white sterile florets that retain their snowy colour throughout the season, with only a faint blush of pink appearing at its very end. This slight shift does nothing to diminish its elegant whiteness, which resembles sugar icing atop a cake. No wonder it was named Sugar Rush — once it begins to bloom, it feels like a sweet burst of energy, a fresh explosion of blossoms that lights up even the dullest corner of the garden. With its firm stems and compact growth, it maintains its shape even after rainfall and looks refined without needing any intervention.

The deciduous leaves are oval to ovate, healthy, and medium green, while the stems display a deep maroon hue that accentuates the shrub’s overall color impression. For the most impressive display of sturdy branches and generous flowers, prune the shrub hard each spring before budbreak (around March), cutting the previous year’s growth down to approximately 10 cm. It blooms on new wood. LIVING SUGAR RUSH is compact enough to mix beautifully among mid-to-tall perennials with similar preferences — think sunshine and moisture. It pairs elegantly with the cut foliage of bugbanes (Actaea), the vivid vertical accents of blue, rose or red delphiniums, or the airy touch of purple loosestrife (Lythrum). What will you pair it with?

Panicle hydrangeas grow best in full sun, though they can tolerate light partial shade. They are not particularly fussy about soil type but thrive in rich, well-drained conditions. Once established, they cope well with brief summer droughts, though consistent moisture helps keep them healthier. They respond well to fertilization, producing larger blooms and bushier plants. They adapt to any exposure and soil pH. Hardy down to –34 °C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for outdoor planters where they’ll simply need more frequent watering.

Last update 25-06-2025