Spring is well on its way, and gardeners everywhere are thinking about how to bring colour and interest into the garden this year.
For a really tropical look, there is a host of spectacular perennials that will flower in their first season. Sub-tropical gardens and courtyards are increasingly popular, and plants such as species Canna, the herbaceous Hibiscus coccineus (pictured above) and the multi-coloured Lantanas are among those that can easily be container grown and stood outside to brighten up even northern summers, then taken in under cover during the winter. Cannas are incredibly fast growing from seed, and the giants such as Canna tuerckheimii and Canna glauca will easily reach 8-9 feet by Autumn, given a good start and plenty of water and feeding.
Half-hardy trees and shrubs including Caesalpinia and Albizia are cheap and easy from seed, rapidly growing into attractive container plants with ferny leaves for patios and conservatories. Caesalpinia seeds sometimes germinate in 24 hours, and can flower in their second year. Among the bulbs and corms, Freesia and rainlilies (Habranthus and Zephyranthes) are amazingly quick to flower from seed, while the huge leaves of Amorphophallus add a fascinating architectural element to any tropical collection, even as young plants.
Such plants are wonderful for combining with palms, tree ferns and cordylines for creating an eyecatching effect, even in a relatively small space.
At ABC Bulbs and Seeds, we are celebrating Spring with reductions on many seeds and bulbs. What´s more, throughout March we are giving away a FREE tuber (1-2cm) of Amorphophallus konjac or Amorphophallus albus, while stocks last, with all UK and European orders, in addition to our regular free seeds.
There´s always room for another plant!
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