January Pin-Up

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida' – Witch Hazel

Hamamelis are deciduous shrubs with broadly ovate or rounded leaves, sometimes colouring well in autumn, and fragrant yellow to red flowers with 4 narrow petals, borne on the leafless branches in late winter and early spring. It is a real treat to see the luminous yellow flowers in late winter/early spring when all else is looking a bit worse for wear.

Ultimate Height: 4m
Ultimate Spread: 4m
Time to ultimate height: 10-20 year(s)
Pest: Generally pest free.
Diseases: Coral spot may be a problem.
pH Level: Acid or Neutral.
Moisture level: Moist but well-drained or well-drained.
Soil Type: Clay, Loam or Sand.
Aspect: All aspects.
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered.
Propagation: Propagate by grafting
Flowers: Pale Yellow in Winter.
Foliage: Yellow in Autumn.
Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous.
Fragrance: Flower.
Suggested Plant Uses: Cottage/Informal Garden, Flowers Beds or Low Maintenance gardens

February Pin-Up

Mahonia x media 'Buckland' - Oregon grape 'Buckland'

Mahonia is a large evergreen shrub with leathery spiny pinnate leaves and clustered racemes of fragrant yellow flowers with spreading clustered racemes in late autumn and winter, followed by blue-black berries. The foliage colours red in the autumn and in the spring, the fragrance of the flowers is a great bonus.

Ultimate Height: 4m
Ultimate Spread: 4m
Time to ultimate height: 10-20 year(s)
Pest: Generally pest free.
Diseases: Rust or Mildew may be a problem
pH Level: Acid, Alkaline or Neutral.
Moisture level: Moist but well-drained or well-drained.
Soil Type: Chalk, Clay, Loam or Sand.
Aspect: All aspects.
Exposure: Exposed and Sheltered
Propagation: Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
Flowers: Yellow in Autumn and Winter.
Foliage: Dark Green.
Fruits: Black and Blue/Glaucous in Winter.
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen.
Fragrance: Flower.
Suggested Plant Uses: Architectural, Banks and Slopes, Low Maintenance or Wildlife Gardens.

March Pin-Up

Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' – Silk Tassel Bush

Garrya is a vigorous evergreen shrub with simple leathery leaves and small greenish flowers in pendent catkin-like racemes in late winter and early spring, which can be up to 20cm in length. Can be trained against a wall and because it thrives in semi-shade, it can brighten up a north facing wall when the days are short.

Ultimate Height: 4m
Ultimate Spread: 4m
Time to ultimate height: 10-20 year(s)
Pest: Generally pest free.
Diseases: May be affected by a leaf spot.
pH Level: Acid, Alkaline or Neutral.
Moisture level: Well-drained.
Soil Type: Chalk, Clay, Loam or Sand.
Aspect: All aspects.
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered.
Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Flowers: Green and Grey/Silver in Spring and Winter.
Foliage: Dark Green.
Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen.
Suggested Plant Uses: Architectural, Low Maintenance or Wall-side Borders.