Very few shrubs are able to boast such rich, almost black foliage, but this recently introduced Elder does just that. The striking, fine cut leaves are an intense shade of dark purple, changing to a vibrant red in autumn. In summer, large clusters of small fragrant pink flowers are borne, which are later replaced by glossy black berries, especially attractive to birds, but can be left to ripen to make a wonderful wine. Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ?Black Lace? is an easy to grow, hardy, deciduous shrub and grows best in full sun. Adapts well to most soil conditions and very easy to maintain, making an attractive addition to borders, woodlands and wildlife gardens. Height: 3m (10?). Spread: 2m (6?).
Acer palmatum 'Butterfly', with its dense, upright habit, forms an attractive small tree or specimen plant in a patio container. The attractive foliage of this hardy deciduous Japanese Maple features variegated mid green leaves with delicate cream and pink serrated margins. A really spectacular plant to add to your garden, no matter where it is planted.
Grown for their wonderful coloured foliage and vibrant winter stem colours, Japanese maples make stunning feature plants for sheltered parts of the garden. Acer 'Going Green' has amazing yet simple bright green leaves that give a lush feeling to your border or patio and will slowly turn to autumn shades later in the year to give another spectacular display.
Compact, bushy plants produce hundreds of deep blue flowers upon bronze foliage, throughout summer and into autumn. Ideal for bedding, pots and rockeries. Height: 10cm (4). Spread: 15cm (6).
Colourful deep pink flowers with contrasting orange cones are displayed above bushy plants. Highly attractive to butterflies. Ideal in full sun borders. Height: 120cm (47). Spread: 60cm (24).
With beetroot purple centres, and lime green petals, Echinacea 'Green Twister' is a striking plant, that is a great addition to any herbaceous border, in a range of styles, including, priarie, cottage, and informal.
This plant frame has been designed to support peonies and other perennials, with large heavy flowers.
Acer palmatum ?Bi hoo? is perfect for adding an extra dimension of interest and colour to your garden. The amazing acer will have leaves that appear in spring with a salmon pink flush to them, as the seasons progress they will turn shades of yellow and orange before falling to the ground in autumn to reveal brightly coloured yellow/orange stems!
Great in sunny or partial shade borders where masses of bright cerise-red blooms, which attract polinating insects, will appear from mid summer to early autumn. Aromatic foliage adds to the appeal of this superb garden perennial. Height 90cm, spread 50cm. Supplied in 1 litre pots.
Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold' is an appealing choice if you?re looking for a plant with interesting and light-coloured foliage to fill a gap in a large garden border. The European Red Elder has bright yellow-green, feathery leaves, contrasting wonderfully with shrubs with dark green foliage. Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold' grows well in all types of soil, but is happiest in a spot that is both well-drained and moist. Conical heads of creamy white flowers are produced in late summer, followed by elderberries. Height and spread: 2.5m (8.2').
Native to North America and part of the Sunflower family of plants, Echinacea purpurea 'Rubinstern' has bold, pink giant daisy type flowers that look fantastic planted in mixed garden borders or priarie style meadow areas. Coneflowers are also great at attracting bees and butterflies to gardens. They flower in August, at the height of summer and are best grown in full sun, in well drained soil. Height: 90cm (36). Spread 50cm (20).
For an unusual house plant that will certainly draw attention, look no further than Sarracenia leucophylla. Commonly known as the Pitcher plant, this carnivorous plant produces slender, deeply veined pitchers that colour to crimson red at their open mouths.