Plant Guide

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Exposed

tropaeolum-majus

Tropaeolum majus

nasturtium, garden nasturtium, Indian cress

Annual trailing plant, native to South America. Rounded to kidney-shaped, light to mid green leaves with wavy margins and long petioles attached to the middle of the leaf blades. Flowering throughout summer with bright yellow, red, orange, or bi-colored, 4-6 cm wide flowers, produced in the leaf axils. Flower corolla with three large and two smaller petals, and a 2-4 cm long spur at the base. The edible flowers, leaves and seeds have a peppery taste. Although Tropaeolum majus is not difficult to keep under control in garden situations, in the wild it has become invasive in several parts of the world.

Prefers a position in partial shade or full sun with some afternoon shade. Flowering is best in soils with a low to moderate fertility. Very easy to grow from seed, planted after the last frost in spring. Spreads by self-seeding. Stems tend to trail along the ground, but when they reach other plants or a structure of some sort, they will happily climb upwards. Leaves are frost-sensitive.

Nasturtium is a lovely, happy, and versatile plant to have in your garden, and very useful in the kitchen. Use the flowers to brighten up a salad, add them to a sandwich, or fill them with cream cheese, guacamole, or feta. You can do the same with the leaves; roll them up and tie the stem around the rolls. Nasturtium does well in containers or hanging baskets, and loves to climb with a bit of help. Great to plant in combination with winter-early spring flowering bulbs, hiding unsightly bulb leaves from spring onwards with lush green foliage and brilliant flower colours in summer.

viburnum-tinus-eve-price

Viburnum tinus 'Eve Price'

Bushy evergreen shrub with dark red branches and leathery oval, dark green leaves to 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. Flattened clusters to about 8 cm wide of dark pink and white buds open to small, 0.7 cm across, lightly fragrant, white and pink flowers, mainly during winter and spring. Flowers are followed by dark metallic blue berries.

Prefers a position in full sun or partial shade, but copes with full shade. Happy in most well-draining soils. If required, carry out pruning in spring after flowering so that new buds have time to develop before the next flowering season. If growing conditions are not ideal, Viburnum 'Eve Price' can become susceptible to pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale, and fungal spots. Thrips can do serious damage by feeding on the leaves, causing them to develop a dull, silvery sheen (and eventually drop off).