Alexandra Uren

The Sedums form a diverse group of nearly 500 species and many have been developed to produce hardy and undemanding

Astilbes are a gorgeous plant to bring colour and texture to darker areas of the garden as they are one

Many people grow cyclamen as houseplants, but there are hardy varieties of these plants that look wonderful in the garden.

The Alstroemeria, or Peruvian lily, is a long-lived, free-flowering perennial that originates from South America. They grow from tubers, and

Weigela is a late spring flowering shrub that has abundant trumpet-shaped flowers. This delightful old-fashioned favourite has been enjoying something

The cut chrysanthemum is a familiar flower in supermarkets and florists, and is grown commercially in huge quantities.  It is

It is easy to see how pyracantha got its common name, Firethorn. This shrub blazes with fiery berries in autumn

The passion flower belongs to a group of approximately 450 species of predominantly evergreen, woody climbers that grow in tropical

Achillea is a summer-flowering herbaceous perennial that forms short-lived but colourful clumps in the border. A member of the daisy

The common names black-eyed Susan and coneflower echo the contrast between Rudbeckia’s colourful, generally yellow petals and the prominent dark

Choisya ternata, which is commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, originated in Mexico and was introduced to Europe in 1826. 

English lavender is a short-lived perennial herb that is as popular for its wonderful fragrance as for its colourful flowers.

The genus Escallonia includes approximately 40 species of flowering shrubs from South America. Several types are grown as garden shrubs

Hydrangeas are deciduous plants known for their large heads of long-lasting blooms. Perhaps most of us are most familiar with

For many people, the vibrancy of this evergreen climber tumbling from gateways, walls, balconies and roadside trees brings back memories

Heavenly bamboos are slow-growing perennials with upright or gently arching stems that give the plants a similar appearance to bamboo.

Penstemon is a tall, spired perennial, that will give you plenty of bell-shaped blooms from June right up until the

Mahonias are evergreen shrubs with leathery and often spiny, dark green leaves. In the autumn and winter they produce long-stalked

This shrub comes in many varieties and is largely grown for its foliage. The cultivar ‘fortunei’ is an evergreen variety

Hypericum, also known as Rose of Sharon or St John’s Wort, is grown for its profusion of golden- yellow flowers

Ceanothus is a shrub with abundant, flowers that are similar to those of lilac. They are mainly blue but vary

The delightful bell-shaped flowers of campanula make a lovely addition to flower borders. These plants come in cool shades of

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular garden shrub with shiny, evergreen leaves. Provided it is not pruned the previous autumn,

Philadelphus gets its common name, Mock Orange because its flowers and scent are similar to an orange tree in blossom.

The climbing hydrangea is a deciduous vine from the woodlands of Japan, Korea and Siberia, where it grows up trees

With its abundant spires of honey-scented flowers, this plant is a must-have for the wildlife garden. Although it is not

Aquilegia is an elegant flower that is easy to grow. It reaches around 60cms in height making it ideal for

Honeysuckles are a much-loved garden plant valued for their pretty, sweet-scented flowers. The climbing varieties are useful for covering fences,

Crocosmia is a stunning plant that adds striking shape and a splash of hot colour to the garden. It has

Verbena Bonariensis is a perennial plant that flowers in late summer to mid-autumn. It has tall, architectural stems with sparse

Pieris is a useful shrub to have in the garden as it adds year-round interest. The new, brightly coloured growth

This hardy evergreen is a great addition to the garden, adding a lovely tropical vibe. It can survive in the

Cordyline is an easy-to-grow plant that adds a tropical feel to the garden. It looks equally good in city or

The colourful daisy-like flowers of Osteospermum brighten up borders and patios. They have cheerful blooms that open with the sun

Lavatera is an easy-to-grow, upright shrubby plant with attractive green foliage. It has large flowers that range in colour from

Agapanthus (the African lily) is an architectural, summer-flowering perennial with glossy, strap-like leaves and tall umbels of showy, funnel-shaped blooms

Viburnum is a shrub that provides plenty of colour and interest in the garden. It has attractive foliage, delicate flowers,

Pelargoniums, or storksbills, are popular bedding and pot plants because they are very easy to grow and give abundant colour

The dahlia was first brought to Europe from Aztec Mexico by the Spanish in 1789, not for the beauty of

The delphinium has been a very popular cottage garden perennial for over a century, having been brought to the UK

Wisterias are twining climbers that have large, drooping clusters of scented flowers. The flowers come in shades of white, blue,

Daylilies are clump forming, herbaceous perennials with exotic-looking, trumpet-shaped flowers.  Hemerocallis means ‘beautiful for a day’, a name that describes

Clematis is one of the most popular climbers for the garden. There are many types to choose from and they

Rhododendrons are usually grown for their spectacular springtime blooms. There are many varies available, from large shrubs suitable for a

The hellebore or Christmas rose family consists of approximately 20 species of herbaceous or evergreen woodland perennials, many of which

The glossy, strap-shaped leaves and striking trumpet flowers of Amaryllis bring welcome colour and brightness to the home in the

Bamboo is grown for its striking architectural stems and foliage. These plants are members of the grass family and most

In 1802, the English poet William Wordsworth was ‘wandering as lonely as a cloud’ when he came across a sight

The witch hazel is an unusual deciduous shrub or small tree.  Although not closely related to the true hazels, there

Lily of the Valley is grown for its delicate, white flowers and delicious scent. These lovely plants come up year

Roses are one of the most popular plants in the garden. They are beloved for their beautiful flowers and intoxicating

While not to everybody’s taste, Begonias are nevertheless popular and colourful bedding plants that find their way into many window

Peonies are popular perennials that take pride of place in many traditional English country cottage gardens and mixed herbaceous borders.

Mistletoe is an ancient plant that has intrigued us for centuries. It was often thought to have magical properties and

Alchemilla mollis, or lady’s mantle, is a herbaceous perennial that forms attractive, pale green clumps of leaves that are shaped

Camellias are one of the most popular evergreen early flowering garden shrubs, providing a short-lived but often intense splash of

Poinsettia has become the archetypal Christmas house plant. Its cheery red flowers are a common festive season sight in homes,

The Phlox genus encompasses nearly 70 species, and includes annuals, perennials and shrubs. Most of the perennial varieties are upright,

Hyacinths are a delightful plant to grow for a burst of spring colour and fragrance. They can be grown in

It may seem surprising that every Zodiac sign has a perfect plant to help you find happiness, peace, tranquility, love,

Whether you’ve decided to transform your living room into a tropical paradise or you’re going for something a little more

A statement-making houseplant, the Polka Dot Begonia makes a unique addition to any home. These beautiful plants can be grown

One of the most beautiful and versatile bulb flowers, an Arum lily deserves a spot in any home or garden.

Producing large layered flowers and a delightfully sweet fragrance, it’s no wonder peony plants have been a firm favourite in

Grown indoors and out, Calla lilies bring an unrivalled elegance to any space. Native to South Africa, Calla Lilies are

Characterised by their exuberant and highly fragrant flowers, Hyacinths are loved in gardens all over the UK. These beautiful flowers

The rose is one of the world’s loveliest flowers, often used to mark special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, an

Producing stunning flowers in vibrant colours, tulips can be grown in borders, beds, rock gardens and containers for a show