RHS module R2112 has me needing to memorise all kinds of plants to suit different situations. It’s really tough to process. So I’m going to write about it, in the hope more of it will stick in my memory.
Climbing shrub anyone? Ah yes, that’ll be a Hydrangea anomala susp. petiolans, sir. It’s a climbing hydrangea – it can reach up to 15 metres tall, for heaven’s sake. Deciduous, its leaves turn yellow in autumn. The flower heads are 20cm wide. They’re domed corymbs and are white. You grow it in partial shade. OK that’s one. Hy-drangea ano-mala susp. pet-iolans. Phwwww.
Amongst the many things my studies in horticulture have taught me this past 16 months is that it’s best to put the right plant in the right place. Find a door handle that is the pusher plate, in horticulture terms.
Of course my brain runs off in all directions and starts spotting other things, and I’m also mindful that I’m visiting my parents in Spain again for the first time since the pandemic in March – and they want help with their small garden. Clearly I need to get into mediterranean planting, because this will allow me to help the gazillion friends I’ve made over the years to tend their lovely exotic gardens in warm climates around the world – ahem.
Here’s my seed shopping list for Spring 2023
Tender annual climbers
Ipomoea lobata (Spanish Flag)
This is a fast growing annual climber, with cascades of flowers that are an unusual mix of red, fading to cream. Suitable for a sunny border or in a container display. It needs full sun and deadheading will prolong its flowering. In a border, it’s best suited to the middle or back.
Sarah Raven is offering these at £1.37 for 20 seeds. I think it will be really lovely to grow from seed in two places this Spring – in my parent’s garden in Spain, on Amanda’s terrace in Hampstead and in my spot at the back of Abby’s allotment in Claughton. Sow it March to May, plant out (or direct sow outside) May-June, and then enjoy it flowering July to October
It’s toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
So my plan is:
Take some seeds to Spain and plant out in mum and dad’s front garden in a container, or a bed.
Sow at Amanda’s at Easter under glass as one of the things in her new coldframe and then plant out in May in a container.
Sow in Birkenhead in March and grow on in the greenhouse and then to my wall plot. Consider transplanting to various client gardens but try as a feature on the back stone wall.
