Team Chatto's favourite plants - part 3

Emily – Show Manager and Propagation Expert

Argranthemum 'Jamaica Primrose' 

“When I was asked to write about one of my favourite plants Jamaica Primrose immediately came to mind – it’s a plant tied with such fond memories of making pot displays with Beth.

Argyranthemum ‘Jamaica Primrose’ has beautiful with primrose-yellow daisy flowers. Beth loved using this plant in a large container, grouping three plants together for impact and pairing them with Helichrysum petiolare so that the grey heart-shaped, woolly leaves would weave their way through the argyranthemum and trail gently over the front of the pot.

Both plants are tender, so cuttings should be taken in late summer, or the plants can be overwintered in a heated greenhouse. With regular deadheading A. ‘Jamaican Primrose’ will flower right through summer, producing a wonderful display of large, single daisy-like flowers. It grows around 1m tall and wide, and the best surprise is that it continues flowering until November. This plant is burst of sunshine – perfect for a sunny garden or patio - and for me, it will forever be tied to the joy of planting with Beth.”

Pete – Dispatch Team Leader

“One of my absolute favourite plants is Erigeron karvinskianus. This wonderful plant has the ability to seed itself in the smallest of cracks and crevices. I've seen it growing alongside paths and even cascading down outside staircases, giving the impression that nature is growing in harmony with the architecture. With its delightful white and yellow daisy flower and trailing foliage, erigeron, to me, can bring to life parts of the garden otherwise out of reach to other plants."

Erigeron karviskianus mingling with creeping thyme.

Debbie – Propagation Expert

"Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis', Westen mugworth, a plant with a history almost as long as mine at Beth Chatto's.

I have taken cuttings from the same mother plant since it was planted in our Gravel Garden back in 1992. Without fail, it comes up strongly, every year, regardless of drought or deluge.

The plant has a terrific tendency to grow up throughout surrounding planting, which can create much aesthetic interest, with its silver foliage delivering stunning contrast. It creeps, but gently so, meaning it can be very useful in effect, whilst remaining easily managed.

The plant in our garden here at Beth's was gifted by Valerie Finnis herself and has thrived in the full sun and well-drained soil. From which, tens of thousands of plants have begun their own journey. A true legacy."

A. 'Valerie Finnis' with Pilosella aurantica.

 

 

Jo – Managing Director

Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ‘Eva’ (syn. Sambucus ‘Black Lace’)

“I love this plant for its natural vigorous growth. It gives interest in the early spring, summer and the autumn too.

Each tiny star-like flower erupts from creamy buds into a breath of blushing pink, set against a backdrop of finely cut, almost midnight-black foliage.

A must for any garden in my book.”