Leucothoe 'Scarletta' is an attractive shrub, loved for its vibrant glossy foliage that turns maroon red in autumn. It grows well in shaded areas with acidic soil and is fully hardy. Where soils are not naturally acidic, grow Leucothoe in patio containers using an ericaceous compost mix. It is a good shrub for a medium sized garden and is great for groundcover to suppress unwanted weed growth. Height: 1.5m (4'.9). Spread: 2m (6'.5)
Hypericum 'Hidcote', more commonly known as St John's Wort, a plant used traditionally to lift mild depression, has bright yellow flowers, with orange anthers in the centre, from summer through to autumn. Its evergreen foliage provides greenery all year round. It's a nice shrub for small and medium sized gardens and makes a colourful low hedge if planted in a line. It can be planted in all types of soil and prefers a sunny or partial shade position. Height: 1.2m (3.9'). Spread: 1.5m (5').
See this shrub in in its wispy flowering finery, or its fiery autumn colours, and you'll understand why it is loved by so many gardeners. Even when it's not putting on a special display, Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is a beautiful sight with its neat form and rounded rich purple leaves. It's the feathery, smoke-like flowers, pink in summer and turning tan in autumn, which give the plant its popular name of the Smoke Bush. This large, deciduous shrub is easy to grow in almost any soil and thrives in sun or shade. It can be allowed to grow unchecked, or alternatively can be pruned hard every few years to keep it as a smaller shrub with larger leaves. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Height and spread: 5m (16').
Huge flowers up to 15cm (6) across add an exotic flavour to patio pots. The flamboyant blooms of Begonia Giant Picotee Mixed boast layers of elaborate, ruffled petals with a picotee edge. Supplied as a mixture of sumptuous bicolours, that looks simply spectacular set against lush serrated foliage in containers, beds, and window boxes. Height and spread: 30cm (12).Useful links:How to grow bulbs, corms and tubers Culinary note: Add the bright coloured petals to sandwiches or salads for a light lemon taste and crisp texture. For more details about edible flowers click here.
With its simple lines the Biscotti patio pot will bring elegance to any garden style. This square planter is finished with a silver paint effect that gives the appearance of brushed-metal.
Description for Berberis x lologensis 'Apricot Queen' not available
Butternut Squash 'Butterscotch' is a compact variety which can be grown in borders, beds, or patio pots.
Dark, heart-shaped foliage makes an elegant background for the masses of pale peach, fully double flowers. Begonia elata 'Solenia Apricot' is a particularly pretty variety with a mounding habit that will fill baskets and containers, spilling gently over the sides in a cascade of colour.
The soft peachy shades of Tulip 'Apricot Beauty' are a breath of fresh air in spring. Their summery shades hint of warmer days to come!