I’m delighted to be stocking a few new varieties in our ‘Ornamentals’ range. For a while now we have been offering some unusual Primula varieties, including a number of Hose-in-Hose types. Thanks to the perseverence of Primula breeder and enthusiast Dr Margaret Webster, we are now introducing the first Hose-in-Hose Cowslip (Primula veris) to be available as a true breeding type from seed. From the product page: ‘The Hose in Hose Cowslip was first recorded by John Gerard in his herbal of 1597 and later illustrated by Parkinson in his ‘Paradisi in Sole’ in 1629. This exquisite and naturally occurring flower variant holds its blooms in a charming one-sided cluster in the same way as the usual cowslip. The Hose in Hose character causes the sepaloid tissue of the calyx to be transformed into petal tissue with the appearance of one flower inside the other. ‘ The Cowslip is a beautiful plant for the wild meadow and garden. The seeds are best sown in the autumn for flowers the following spring. You can buy seeds HERE.
You will also now find ‘Echinacea Sundress’ among our offerings.,This is a white petalled Echinacea selected for winter hardiness in South Holland, which will perform well in both borders and containers. (please see the image below). Echinacea is a member of the daisy family, and is native to North America where species such as E. purpurea and E.angustifolia have long been used medicinally as tonics for the immune system. Also known as ‘Cone Flower’, these stunning plants with their large and colourful flower heads have become popular garden ornamentals the world over. The seeds can be sown in autumn or spring for summer flowers. You can buy seeds HERE.
