As a strong structual element in the garden, this upright Chinese Juniper with its steely blue, prickly foliage is a real winner. Its evergreen foliage provides all-year interest, and it bears small and distinctive violet-brown fruits. What's more, it needs virtually no maintenance. Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Alps' has aromatic foliage which smells a little like gin. A few sprigs thrown on the bonfire or used to light the barbeque, create a wonderfully rich and spicy scent. Height: 4m (12?). Spread: 3m (10?).
Lavender-like purple-blue flowers are borne on silvery stems from late summer, above narrow, aromatic, silvery-green foliage. Russian Sage is a robust shrub which can thrive in poor and chalky soils in exposed areas, looking especially great planted en masse. Perovskia ?Lacey Blue? is British bred and has a neat habit, making it ideal for containers and borders. The foliage is aromatic and makes a good choice for planting down driveways. Height: 50cm (20?). Spread: 60cm (24?).
Magnolia x soulangeana ?Alba Superba? has retained its popular status in the market, due to its excellent shapely upright form with large, fragrant, pure white flowers on bare branches from mid spring, when the large dark-green leaves start to appear. This deciduous shrub is often seen growing in front gardens where it can be admired by neighbours and passers-by, creating an easy talking point. Height: 7m (22?). Spread: 5m (15?).
British breeding. Spreading but compact plant, height to 25cm. Masses of hot, fruity and fragrant green to bright red bullet fruits for Asian cuisine.
With their unusual hat-like appearance, these Bishops Crown Chilli Peppers will make a real talking point. Although sometimes slow to mature, these chilli plants will set plenty of peppers throughout the growing season. The red fruits are 7cm (2.8) wide and 3cm (1.2) deep with an intriguing three-cornered shape. The flavour is spicy but fruity with a comfortable level of heat. Height: 75cm (30). Spread: 50cm (20).
A continuous crop of quality, succulent leaves ideal for autumn and winter cropping. Hardly ever runs to seed in the first season and therefore good on dry ground. Full of nutrients and goodness.
Four colour mix of cayenne peppers. Long pointed fruits are produced on compact upright plants.
The foliage of Juniperus chinensis (also known as Juniperus x pfitzeriana) 'Blaauw' has an unusual blue-grey tone. Its colouring makes this dwarf conifer stand out in rockeries and other sunny or partially shady parts of the garden. Alternatively, the Chinese Juniper can be grown as a specimen plant or tree. Like most Sabinas, it is slow-growing, but requires little maintenance once mature. The plant is therefore a useful and long-lasting hardy shrub. Height: 1.2m (3'11). Spread: 1m (3'3).