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A useful, long-flowering, semi-evergreen shrub for a mixed border. This abelia has attractive, glossy, deep green leaves which it hangs on to for most of the year. From June, it produces masses of small, fragrant, pink-flushed, trumpet-like flowers on arching branches that go on all summer. As it’s slightly tender, it’s best grown in the shelter of a wall, towards the back of a border. Ideal for a cottage-style garden.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: fast-growingFlowering period: June to OctoberHardiness: borderline hardySold in a 3 litre pot.
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Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' is a lovely Japanese Maple that has elegant deeply lobed, purple foliage throughout the spring and summer. In the autumn, the foliage turns vivid crimson red, creating a wonderful seasonal canvas. Unusually, 'Atropurpureum' will show differences in leaf size and shape from plant to plant.Providing vibrant colour for most of the year, Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' is a fantastic choice and does best when planted in a sheltered position avoiding heavy, waterlogged soils. An approximate height and spread of 4 x 4 metres in 20 years can be expected from this bushy Japanese Maple.This acer is in a 3 litre pot.
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The lobed grey-green leaves, each of which has a slender white and shrimp-pink margin, are the main reason that this upright Japanese maple is so highly prized. It makes a great stand-alone specimen, and because it doesn't get too big, it also does really well on the patio. Do try to grow it in partial shade however, as the variegated foliage can get scorched in hot afternoon sun.Position: partial shadeSoil: fertile, moist, well-drained neutral to acid soilRate of growth: slow-growingFlowering period: April to MayFlower colour: purple-redOther features: red winged fruit in late summerHardiness: fully hardySold in a 3 litre pot.