STAFF PICKS OF THE WEEK

As it feels like we are well into Autumn by this point, this week’s staff picks consist of mainly purples, burgundy and browns to bring you some inspiration.

Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’
Skimmia ‘Rubella’ is a year-rounder plant, as it is evergreen, attractive, and grows in shade. It also has fragrant flowers and is wildlife friendly. They are particularly suited for winter, making them perfect additions to your winter containers and baskets. Skimmias prefer growing in partial shade/sun and will flower from April-May.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Red Chief’
This one is perfect for autumn – with red and bronze colours at this time of year. It is deciduous and tolerates most conditions but will thrive in full sun. The maroon flowers turn silvery-grey by winter, making it a great addition for winter also. It can be planted in beds/borders and containers and can be used in cottage and prairie designs.

Berberis ‘Rose Glow’
Berberis ‘Rose Glow’ is an attractive plant perfect for autumn, with its deep burgundy stems and eye-catching foliage of deep rose-red leaves with pink and white mottling. An abundance of bright red berries appear in autumn, which are attractive to wildlife such as birds. Although it is deciduous, the berries often remain on the spiny stems after the leaves have fallen… extending the season of interest which this plant falls into. It thrives in full sun or part-shade and can even be used as a hedge.

Phormium ‘Bronze Baby’
Phormium ‘Bronze Baby’ is a striking ‘everbronze’ plant with sword-shaped leaves which arch, displaying its beautiful bronze colours making it a perfect autumn plant. It can be planted in containers or in borders and thrive in full sun and tolerate part shade. Its eventual height and spread is around 1.5 metres, and it is a perfect addition to exotic themed gardens.

By Nadia Hallwood