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Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’

22 Jul

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1.5m

Eventual Spread: 75cm

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Poaceae

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is a deciduous perennial grass with an upright, clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are strap shaped and are up to 90cm long and 15mm across. Its pink/ purple flowers appear in the form of dense feathery spikes which are up to 35cm long. Its flowers are followed by light brown seeds which persist on the plant during the winter months. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ Flower (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Calamagrostis x acutiflora, commonly known as Feather Reed Grass, is a cross between Calamagrostis arundinacea and Calamagrostis epigejos.

The etymological root of the binomial name Calamagrostis is from the Greek Kalamos meaning ‘reed’ and agros meaning ‘field’. Acutiflora is derived from the Latin acutus meaning ‘cut to a point’ and flora in reference to the Roman Goddess of flowering plants.

The landscape architect may find Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ useful as part of a prairie type planting scheme. Due to its tollerance of dry and wet soils it is suitable for use in ‘rain gardens’.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ seeds are attractive to some birds during the winter months.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. This grass will tolerate wet soils.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.

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Categories Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster', deciduous, Feather Reed Grass, garden, Grass, Perennial, Plant of the Week, plants, Summer interest, Winter interest

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’

21 Jul

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to shade

Soil: Moist, well drained

Flowering period: Early summer

Eventual Height: 40cm

Eventual Spread: 60cm

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Geraniaceae

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ is a semi-evergreen perennial with a clump forming, spreading habit. Its mid green aromatic leaves are palmate with five lobes and serrate, up to 10cm long and 10cm across. Some of its leaves may turn red in autumn. Its pale pink to dark pink hermaphrodite flowers are up to 3cm across and appear above its leaves. It roots contain fleshy rhizomes which aids its spread.

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ Flower (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The species Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly known as Balkan Cranesbill, Bigroot Geranium or Rock Crane’s-Bill, is native to southern Europe. In its native habitat it grows at woodland margins and scrubby places.

The etymological root of the binomial name Geranium is derived from the Greek geranos, meaning ‘crane’, referring to the beak-like fruit. Macrorrhizum is derived from the Greek makros meaning ‘large’ and riza meaning ‘rooted’.

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ useful as an effective semi-evergreen ground cover perennial. Once established this plant is drought tollerant. This plant is not attractive to deer or rabbits.

Ecologically, Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ flowers are attractive to many pollinating insects, including bees.

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate dry soils

Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ requires little maintenance. Flowered shoots and old stems may be removed to encourage new growth. Large clumps may be divided in spring.

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Categories Balkan Cranesbill, Bigroot Geranium, Evergreen, garden, Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart', Herbaceous, Perennial, Plant of the Week, plants, Rock Crane's-Bill, Summer interest

Campanula trachelium

19 Jul

Campanula trachelium (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 90cm

Eventual Spread: 45cm

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Campanulaceae

Campanula trachelium is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its dark green leaves are ovate with wavy serrulate margins, up to 10cm long and 3cm broad. Its pale purple flowers are bell shaped, up to 5cm long and appear on a one sided spike in loose racemes.

Campanula trachelium Flower Bud (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Campanula trachelium, commonly known as Nettle Leaved Bellflower, Bats In The Belfry or Throatwort, is native to much of Europe (including the UK) and parts of north Africa. In its native habitat it grows at the margins of deciduous woodlands.

The etymological root of the binomial name Campanula is derived from the Latin campana meaning ‘bell’. Trachelium is derived from the Greek traxhlos meaning ‘throat’, in reference to its historic use as to treat sore throats.

Campanula trachelium Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Campanula trachelium useful as a native flowering perennial suitable for planting at the margins of woodlands and dappled shade locations in humus rich soils. This perennial will readily self seed.

Ecologically, Campanula trachelium flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Campanula trachelium prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Campanula trachelium requires little maintenance.

Landscape Architecture