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Allium nutans

29 Aug

Allium nutans (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Allium nutans (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Soil: Moist, well drained

Flowering period: Summer

Eventual Height: 60cm

Eventual Spread:  20cm

Hardiness: 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Sub Family: Alliaceae

Allium nutans is a variable evergreen bulb with a clump forming habit.  Its dark green are linear, up to 40cm long and 1cm broad. Its purple/ pink/ white hermaphrodite flowers are terminal umbels of bell-shaped flowers, these emerge from a papery bract in summer. This plant then produces seed in late summer.

Allium nutans, commonly known as Siberian Chives, Siberian Garlic Chives or Blue Chives, is native to central Asia to Siberia. In its native habitat it grows in meadows and damp places. As the common name suggests this species of Allium is an edible form of Chives.

The etymological root of the binomial name Allium was the ancient Latin term for garlic. Nutans is derived from the Latin nutus meaning ‘nodding’.

Allium nutans may be useful to the landscape architect in community garden or school projects. It may also be useful as an edging to hard surfaces.

Ecologically, Allium nutans flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Allium nutans Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Allium nutans Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Allium nutans prefers moist, rich, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Allium nutans requires little maintenance. It may be cut after flowering if it becomes unsightly, and will respond well to a hard pruning. Clumps of this plant may be divided in spring or autumn.

Davis Landscape Architecture

Phlomis samia

25 Aug

Phlomis samia (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Phlomis samia (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to dappled shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family:  Lamiaceae

Phlomis samia Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Phlomis samia Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Phlomis samia is a small evergreen herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its grey green leaves are cordate, up to 12cm long, aromatic and the undersides are covered with fine hairs. Its pink flowers are up to 3cm long, hooded and appear in whorls in the upper leaf axils in clusters on upright stems. Its fruit is a four to three sided nutlet.

Phlomis samia, commonly known as the Greek Jerusalem Sage, is native to south east Europe and south west Asia. In it native habitat it grows in Pine and Cedar forests.

The etymological root of the binomial name Phlomis is from the Greek word for mullein (Verbascum), due to the similarity of the leaves. Samia named after the Greek island Samos.

Phlomis samia Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Phlomis samia Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Phlomis samia useful as a low maintenance perennial suitable for dryer soils. Once established this plant is drought tolerant. It is unappealing to deer or rabbits.

Ecologically, Phlomis samia flowers are attractive to nectar loving insects. The larvae of some moths and butterflies find its foliage appealing.

Phlomis samia prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Phlomis samia requires little maintenance. Stems may be cut to ground level to promote a tidy appearance.

Agapanthus campanulatus

23 Aug

Agapanthus campanulatus (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Agapanthus campanulatus (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Agapanthus campanulatus is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are strap like, are variable and appear in groups of up to 12 per plant. Its blue flowers are umbellata and appear on a stalk above the leaves. Its fruit are a three sided capsule which contain black shiny seeds which readily germinate. Its roots are fleshy rhizomes.

Agapanthus campanulatus, commonly known as the Bell Agapanthus, African Bluebell or African Blue Lily, is native to South Africa. In its native habitat it grows on moist grassland and slope.

The etymological root of the binomial name Agapanthus is derived from the Greek agap meaning ‘love’ and anthos meaning ‘flower’. Campanulatus is derived from the Latin is campana meaning ‘bell’, in reference to its flower.

The landscape architect may find Agapanthus campanulatus useful as part of a herbaceous or prairie type planting scheme, particularly in maritime locations. It looks fantastic when planted en mass. Care should be taken when locating this plant due to its potentially toxic nature.

Ecologically, Agapanthus campanulatus flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Agapanthus campanulatus Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Agapanthus campanulatus Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

The Royal Horticultural Society has given the variety Agapanthus campanulatus subsp. patens their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Agapanthus campanulatus prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate poor soils. It requires moist soil during the summer months and dislikes winter wet.

Agapanthus campanulatus requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided every six years, in spring before active growth begins.

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