Mahonias are much loved members of our gardens in winter. This American species is a small shrub (three by five foot) that is ideal for using as an under-planting, in sun or partial shade. Its polished, spiny leaves turn a rich, reddish purple in winter. Clusters of bright yellow flowers appear in early spring, later followed by ornamental blue black berries. Mahonias will grow in any moderately fertile, humus rich, but well drained soil. Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo' grows vigorously making a dense, low growing, spreading bush.
Propagation: Sow seed outdoors in a seedbed in autumn, or as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe or leaf bud cuttings from late summer to autumn. |
Clematises that start flowering early in the year when there is a dearth of climbers in flower are particularly attractive. This one is a great favourite, with its delicate fern like foliage and heavenly, two inch, open, cup shaped, creamy pink flowers speckled with red, just like freckles. It is fully hardy, but not an overpowering grower, seldom growing taller than about twelve feet, and it shouldn't need to be pruned. Like all clematises, it should be grown in fertile, humus rich, but well draining, soil in sun or partial shade, but with its roots and base kept in shade to keep them cool.
Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in early summer. Layer in late winter or early spring. |
Phillyreas are related to olives and this member of the family is an understated handsome evergreen, with dense glossy foliage that makes it a perfect plant for giving structure to a garden in winter. Coming from southern Europe and Asia Minor, it needs a sheltered position in full sun for its masses of glossy, dark green, oval leaves to be in tip top condition through the year. It's a shrub grown for its foliage, as its tiny, greenish white flowers are not showy. At maturity, Phillyrea latifolia will be about 25 feet by 25 feet, provided it is grown in fertile, well drained soil and sheltered from cold winds. It looks splendid as a dipped specimen in a formal garden.
Propagation: Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. |
